BQEYZ Spring 2 Tri-Brid Earphone Review

BQEYZ Spring 2 review featured
TESTED AT $169
WHERE TO BUY

BQEYZ is a Chinese earphone manufacturer based in Guangdong. For several years they were an OEM manufacturer until fairly recently when they started producing IEMs under their own brand name. In this review, I’m checking out the new BQEYZ Spring 2. The Spring 2 is priced at $169 and has an interesting tribrid driver configuration consisting of 1 dynamic driver, 1 balanced armature driver and 1 piezoelectric driver.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

BQEYZ Spring 2

Pros
  • Handsome appearance
  • Solid build quality
  • High-quality detachable cable
  • Great accessory bundle
  • Clarity and tonal balance

Cons
  • Bass is quite thick with moderate definition

Package and Accessories

The Spring 2 comes in an attractive little box with an outer sleeve. On the front of the sleeve is the model name and on the back is a list of specifications. The actual box has a textured black finish with the BQEYZ branding embossed in silver at the top left.

Inside, the earphones are seated in a soft foam insert and there’s an additional box containing the accessories. I like this packaging a lot and I appreciate how BQEYZ were able to keep it small while still including a nice carrying case inside. Here’s what you get in the box:

  • BQEYZ Spring 2 earphones
  • 4-strand single crystal copper wire cable
  • 3 pairs of ‘Atmosphere’ silicone eartips
  • 3 pairs of ‘Referece’ silicone eartips
  • 1 pair of foam eartips
  • Cleaning brush
  • Clamshell zipper carrying case

As far as accessories go, I think BQEYZ really nailed it with the Spring 2. Everything you need is included and the eartips selection is excellent. However, I do question the necessity of the cleaning brush. Still, you know what they say: “Too much is better than not enough”.

Design, Comfort and Noise Isolation

BQEYZ Spring 2 faceplates and 2-pin sockets

The BQEYZ Spring 2 shells are CNC crafted aluminium with an anodized, matte finish. Around the edge of the faceplates is a metallic red ring which adds visual interest and in my opinion, looks quite striking. On the right faceplate BQEYZ is printed in small, white text and the left has Spring 2.

There are 3 small vents on the inner side of the shell and a metal nozzle with protective mesh covering the opening. The shells are reasonably lightweight and like previous BQEYZ models have excellent build quality without any visible flaws.

BQEYZ Spring 2 shells with matte finish

In terms of comfort, I find the Spring 2 to have much better ergonomics than some of their earlier products which could be challenging to get a secure fit. A smooth, curved surface ensures there are no sharp edges and I can easily wear these for hours without any hotspots or discomfort.

Sound isolation is quite good and with music playing at fairly low levels, I’m not hearing much of anything in my immediate surroundings. These are a good choice for noisy environments such as public transport and shopping malls.

Gorgeous stock OFC cable
Cable

I was surprised to see the tasty cable that comes included with the Spring 2. Unlike the generic cables that come with the lower-priced models, this 4-core single crystal copper cable looks and feels a whole lot more premium. It’s quite thick, uniformly braided and comes with quality components. In fact, it looks like something you get from a boutique cable brand.

The cable is available with 3 different terminations: 3.5mm single-ended, 2.5mm balanced and 4.4mm balanced.

At the top are aluminium 2-pin connector housings with clear L and R markers indicating the left and right sides respectively. There are some supple heat-shrink ear guides and a clear plastic chin slider. The matching aluminium Y-split and straight plug both have subtle BQEYZ branding in black print. Overall, this is a gorgeous cable that handles really well and has minimal microphonics.

Sound

Sources used for testing:

The Spring 2 is quite efficient but I found the bass response tighter when using a more powerful source. Its general sound signature is balanced and reasonably linear but with a slight boost in the treble. Spring 2 has a dynamic sound with good end to end extension. Clarity is good and the sound is quite detailed considering its somewhat warm tonality.

BQEYZ Spring 2 frequency response graph
Bass

In a world where IEMs with accented bass are often looked down upon by snooty audiophiles, it’s refreshing to hear something with a meaty low end. Loaded with a large 13mm dynamic woofer, the Spring 2 has a thumpy bass that lends body and warmth to its tonality.

It’s not the fastest bass and the leading edge of notes is a bit soft but the Spring 2 delivers it with gusto. There is some mid-bass bleed but I found that a more powerful source/extra amplification helps to tighten things up considerably. Still, if you’re listening to tracks like Carbon Based Lifeforms’ “Accede”, you’d better strap in for some heavy skull-massaging.

Mids

Spring 2’s midrange has a an organic quality with accurate tone. There is significant warmth carried over from the mid bass but the midrange doesn’t get smeared in the process. It remains clear with good instrument separation and articulation. The resolution here is good too and the Spring 2 lays out each instrument or voice clearly on a black background.

Vocals and instruments sit slightly behind the low-end on bassy tracks but are otherwise presented in a forward manner and rendered smoothly. I found string instruments to sound particularly good on these earphones. The violin and cello in Ludovico Einaudi’s “Indaco”, sound rich and vibrant without overt warmth. The piano which can sound shrill in parts on certain IEMs is very tolerable on the Spring 2.

Treble

The Spring 2’s piezoelectric tweeter is exceptionally fast and can produce frequencies well beyond the normal range of human hearing. A slight dip in the lower treble keeps things sounding smooth but the 8kHz peak brings some notes to the forefront.

Despite the forwardness of the treble, it has an evenness but it can be strident. I find the treble timbre to be slightly off-kilter and metallic. At the same time, Spring 2 is not particularly forgiving on inherently sibilant tracks like Utada Hikaru’s “Traveling”, where the shakers and verbal esses standout as plain as a pikestaff.

Soundstage

The soundstage dimensions are wider than deep, reaching to the edge of the headspace to the sides but not projecting far forward. Overall resolution and instrument separation are good but layering is somewhat limited. Despite the airiness of the treble, the stage feels more intimate than expansive.

BQEYZ Spring 2 nozzle and case

Comparisons

Tin Hifi P1 ($169)

The Tin Hifi P1 (review here) has a 10mm planar magnetic driver enclosed in a stainless steel shell. It has a darker tonality with less bass and a more relaxed treble compared to the Spring 2. Right off the bat, the P1 requires a heck of a lot more driving power: it’s notorious for being very demanding in terms of output power from the source.

One of the biggest criticisms for the P1 was its lack of bass impact which is in stark contrast to the Spring 2’s punchy and impactful low end. Both IEMs have a blunted bass attack but it’s slightly softer on the Spring 2. However, in terms of quantity, the Spring 2 has it in spades while the P1’s bass is relatively light.

Both earphones are resolving but the P1’s midrange resolution is simply outstanding thanks to the speed and control of its planar driver, along with having less bass to contend with. P1 has a relaxed treble and a smaller soundstage while the Spring 2 has a forward, crisp treble and larger stage dimensions. However, the P1 is very adept at layering within its soundstage giving it a more 3D presentation despite occupying a smaller space.

BQEYZ Spring 2 with carrying case

Conclusion

Being a fan of BQEYZ’s budget models, I was curious to hear what the more expensive BQEYZ Spring 2 would bring to the table. Overall, I’m very impressed with it. It has the same level of build quality I’ve come to expect from the brand albeit with improved ergonomics and a stellar cable upgrade. The bundled accessories are great too, including a practical carrying case and three different types of eartips.

Spring 2 has a pleasant, warm but detailed tonality with meaty bass, some nice top-end sparkle, overall resolution and instrument separation. The only thing I would criticize is the softness of the bass which could use more texture and speed. However, if you prefer something with a bit more thump than thwack, this is something that should put a smile on your face.

Specifications
  • Impedance: 32Ω ±15%
  • Sensitivity: 110±3dB
  • Frequency range: 7-40kHz
  • Plug type: 2.5/3.5/4.4mm
  • Cable Length: 1.2m
  • Connector: 2Pin 0.78mm
  • Colour: Black/Green
  • Driver: 13mm Coaxial dynamic driver +9 Layers piezo electric+Balanced armature

Stay in the Loop with the Latest News and Updates!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Founder of Prime Audio
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the Loop with the Latest News and Updates!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.