The EPZ P50 in-ear monitors (IEMs) represent a significant leap forward for EPZ, offering a compelling audio experience that challenges expectations at its price point. This review delves into the P50's performance, examining its design, build quality, sound signature, and overall value. We'll compare its sonic characteristics to competitors like the Kiwi Ears K4 and Binary Chopan, highlighting key differences and helping you determine if the P50 is the right fit for your listening preferences.From its unassuming packaging to its swappable cable termination, the P50 offers a surprising level of refinement. We'll explore the pros and cons of its design and fit, including considerations for ear shape and the impact of different ear tip choices. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the EPZ P50's strengths and weaknesses, guiding potential buyers towards an informed decision.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent sound quality, considered the best-sounding IM from EPZ.
- Well-controlled bass, sub-bass focused with a bouncy characteristic.
- Clear distinction between sounds, good stereo separation and staging.
- Swappable termination (3.5mm and balanced connectors).
- Nice looking cable with braid and threading.
- Small and comfortable fit for many users (though nozzle length may require shorter ear tips).
- Cable is a bit stiff and kink-prone.
- Ear tip selection is generic and may not fit all ears optimally.
- The 'open back' design doesn't provide increased external sound awareness.
- Some users may find the sound too contrasty, potentially overpowering micro-details in textured vocals.
- Bass can be slightly too prominent for some seeking a purely neutral sound.
Read more: 7Hz Timeless II Review: A Detailed Look at This Planar IEM
Unboxing and Accessories
The EPZ P50 arrives in simple, unassuming packaging. Inside, you'll find the essentials: the IEMs themselves, a compact carry case, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and multiple sets of silicone ear tips. The carry case is well-built and features a soft interior, offering decent protection for your investment. The inclusion of a quality microfiber cloth and extra ear tips is a thoughtful touch, exceeding expectations at this price point.
The cable features a swappable termination, allowing for use with both 3.5mm and balanced connectors. This is a highly convenient feature, catering to diverse user preferences. The cable itself is nicely braided and aesthetically pleasing, but its thinness contributes to some stiffness and kink-proneness.
Build Quality, Fit, and Comfort
The EPZ P50 boasts an interesting design; its aesthetic is somewhat divisive, with some finding it modern and stylish, while others deem it somewhat cheap-looking. The build quality is generally good, although the cable's thinness makes it prone to kinks. The earpieces themselves are a bit small (medium-small size), and the nozzle is notably long.
The earpiece shape is somewhat opinionated, and may not be suitable for all ear shapes. The included silicone ear tips may need to be swapped for better fit, and I found the use of shorter ear tips, such as the NF Audio MS42, improved the comfort and fit significantly. The overall fit and stability, once properly fitted with suitable ear tips, was quite good.
Sound Quality and Comparisons
The EPZ P50's sound signature represents a departure from EPZ's previous V-shaped tunings. It employs a more neutral and natural sound profile with a tilted diffuse field, aiming for a target response that’s fairly accurate. There's a noticeable sub-bass boost, less pronounced than in competitors like the Kiwi Ears K4.
The P50's sound is relatively clear and detailed, with good stereo separation, thanks to its good contrast. However, this emphasis on macro-contrast might slightly diminish some of the micro-details and textural nuances, particularly in complex tracks or vocal performances. The treble is well-controlled and shouldn't cause listener fatigue, although high-frequency percussion may lack some weight.
Comparisons with Kiwi Ears K4 and Binary Chopan
Compared to the Kiwi Ears K4, the EPZ P50 offers a more macro-contrasty sound with better imaging and clarity, especially in busy tracks. The K4, however, might provide a slightly better vocal presentation and a smoother treble response. The bass response is a key differentiator; the P50's sub-bass emphasis is more controlled and less bloated than the K4's early-stage base boost.
The Binary Chopan, on the other hand, delivers a warmer, fuller sound with a more pronounced mid-bass emphasis compared to both the P50 and K4. While not as neutral or precise as the P50, the Chopan offers a more satisfying and analog-like presentation with strong bass impact, potentially being more enjoyable to some listeners.
Conclusion
The EPZ P50 receives a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a significant step forward for EPZ in terms of sound quality, offering a compelling, well-executed tilted diffuse field sound signature. The build quality is good, although the cable’s thinness is a slight drawback, and the fit might be restrictive for some.
While the P50 excels in clarity, imaging, and a balanced, somewhat neutral presentation, its macro-contrast can slightly overshadow micro-details. Compared to other IEMs in its price range, like the Kiwi Ears K4 and Binary Chopan, the P50 offers a unique sonic profile. The choice will ultimately depend on individual preferences in terms of sound signature and fit.