In this article, I review the EPZ P50 tribrid IEMs. The P50 features a 1DD+2BA+2PLANAR driver configuration, intricate CNC crafted faceplates and 3D-printed resin shells. It’s priced at 205 USD.

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

EPZ P50

Specifications

Driver: 1DD+2BA+2Planar
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 106dB
Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
Plug: 3.5mm/4.4mm

In the Box

• EPZ P50 IEMs
• Detachable OCC + SPC 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• Carrying case
• 6x pairs of silicone eartips

Design

The EPZ P50 has glossy black 3D-printed shells with a pseudo-custom shape. Its alloy faceplates are matte silver with gold highlights and a futuristic, industrial style. The metallic surface, combined with its perforated details, gives it a mechanical and engineered look (that I think looks great). But it’s not just about the looks – those vents you see under those concentric circles reduce the pressure on the ears and reduce fatigue.

The 2-pin sockets sit flush with the surface of the IEMs and the nozzles hold the eartips on securely, despite not having any lip. When it comes to comfort, the P50 feels great in my ears and I can wear these IEMs for hours at a time. However, passive noise isolation is below average due to the semi-open faceplates, resulting in some noise leakage.

The P50 includes a braided 6N OCC silver-plated modular cable, accompanied by both 3.5mm and 4.4mm stainless steel plugs. While it has an attractive appearance, the cable is a bit stiff. On the plus side, it exhibits no noticeable microphonics and comes with a chin slider.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the iBasso DX180, SMSL RAW-MDA1 and FiiO KA17. Despite its modest specifications, I found the P50 performs better with proper amplification, so I recommend using at least a dongle DAC with sufficient output power.

The EPZ P50 tuning appears to be based on the new meta IEM target with a little bass reduction. As a result, it falls just slightly on the warmer side of neutral and delivers a clear and balanced sound.

Bass

One of the first things I noticed about P50’s bass is its excellent extension; while there might not be a lot of it in terms of quantity, there’s loads of authority and a satisfying depth, especially when it comes to sub-bass notes. The mid-bass has a similar level of power but again, it’s fairly restrained in quantity, just slightly north of neutral. There’s a great mix of tactile attack and natural decay that creates an engaging but tight bass response. While the quality of the bass is undoubtedly outstanding, diehard bassheads who prioritize sheer quantity in the mix might find themselves craving a bit more presence.

Midrange

The midrange on the P50 is clean and balanced, offering a nicely forward vocal presentation that distinctly cuts through the mix without ever sounding shouty or honky. It’s a coherent midrange with impressively clean transients and a natural sense of note weight. The P50 presents mids with a spacious and detailed character, revealing ample texture while maintaining a smooth listen, thanks to a subtle touch of warmth that lends naturalness.

Treble

The treble on the EZP P50 IEMs strikes a really nice balance, sitting neutrally alongside the bass and midrange. It offers a pleasant sense of airiness and good extension up top without ever venturing into sizzle or tizzle territory. This is a smooth treble presentation – it’s undeniably crisp and detailed, yet manages to remain non-fatiguing even during longer listening sessions.

Clarity and resolution are definitely strong suits here, allowing for a good amount of nuance to shine through. You’ll find the treble to be both crisp and agile, responding quickly to changes in the music. Importantly, sibilance is kept firmly in check. The P50’s treble also proves to be reasonably forgiving, which is a welcome trait, especially when listening to less-than-perfectly recorded tracks.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The EPZ P50 delivers an impressively wide, open soundstage with good depth and layering, giving the music a spacious feel and a nice sense of height. Vocals, on the other hand, have a more intimate, engaging presence. Imaging is sharp, with accurate positional cues and solid instrument separation. While detail retrieval is strong, the dynamics feel a bit compressed at times.

Comparisons

Kiwi Ears KE4 (199 USD)

The Kiwi Ears KE4 has a 2DD+2BA configuration. It also has a ‘new meta’ tuning but with more focus on the lows. This gives the KE4 a slightly warmer tonality with more fullness in the mid-bass and lower midrange. The upper treble is more prominent on the KE4 to counterbalance its extra bass, giving it a more dynamic sound, whereas the P50 sounds slightly more compressed.

Simgot EA1000

The Simgot EA1000 Fermat is a single DD IEM with all-metal shells. It graphs fairly closely to the P50 in the bass and midrange, although it has slightly less sub-bass quantity and tighter mid-bass. It has a boosted upper midrange and lower treble which, combined with its leaner bass, gives it a brighter tonality. The Simgot has a little more height in its soundstage but less depth than the P50. Detail retrieval is similar in both of these models. The EA1000 has more dynamic range whereas the P50 is a bit more compressed.

Verdict

In my opinion, the EPZ P50 truly represents a high point for the brand. They’ve confidently navigated the move into entry-level hybrid IEMs, and the P50 is a testament to that progress. Its modern design is appealing and it was genuinely comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions. The tuning, which leans into that ‘new meta’ sweet spot with a touch of warmth, makes for a really enjoyable and engaging musical experience, yet it still delivers impressive detail and a nicely expansive soundstage. It’s clear to me that EPZ is really hitting their stride, demonstrating their ability to tune excellent and affordable IEMs at various price points, and the P50 is undoubtedly their best effort yet.