Hi there fam. Today we’re checking out another IEM, the Yinyoo EP1 single dynamic driver earphone. This earphone has good build quality, a nice detachable cable and affordable price.
- Detachable cable
- Clarity and detail
- Value for money
- Minimal accessories
- Oval-shaped nozzles limit tip rolling choices
Buy on:
Specifications
- Driver:12mm dynamic
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Headphone sensitivity: 102dB
- Frequency range: 12-40000 Hz
- Interface: 3.5mm
- Colour: Black, Silver
- Cable: Detachable Upgraded Silver plated copper cable
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.
Package and Accessories
Like we’ve seen with several Yinyoo and other budget models recently, minimal is the order of the day when it comes to packaging. The EP1 arrives in a small, black box embossed with gold-coloured Yinyoo branding.
Inside we find a small zipper case seated in a black foam insert and the earphones and all the accessories are (obviously) in the case. So, what you get is the Yinyoo EP1 earphones, a detachable MMCX cable and 3 pairs of silicone eartips. It’s very basic but has everything you need and we love to see the inclusion of a zipper case too.

Build Quality and Design
Sporting a hybrid earbud/IEM cross design, the Yinyoo EP1 is made from a combination of metal and plastic. The outer half of the shell is polished metal, while the inner part is a matte plastic.
It’s available in 2 colours: black and silver. The overall shape is like that of an earbud but the EP1 has an angled nozzle that fits in the ears like an in-ear monitor.
On the inner side of the shell there are 4 ports running vertically just beside the Left and Right markings. The nozzles are oval shaped which I’m not a big fan of as it can make tip rolling more restricted but the supplied eartips fit on them just fine.
There’s a very solid ridge on the end of the nozzle to securely hold eartips in place. As usual, the end of the nozzle is covered by a protective metal grill to keep out ear wax and detritus.
Cable
The supplied cable looks to be identical to the one that comes with the Yinyoo V2 (review here), except this time, it has MMCX connectors instead of the 2-pin variant.
It’s a 4-strand twisted SPC (Silver-plated copper) type and is white in colour. The black MMCX connectors are metal and clearly marked Left and Right. A small, cylindrical, metal Y-split with Yinyoo branding sits further down and there is no chin slider present.
The cable terminates in a straight metal 3.5 mm plug. Overall I quite like this cable because it’s comfortable and has minimal microphonics.
Comfort and Noise Isolation
I find the EP1 to be very comfortable but some with smaller ears might feel some discomfort on the antitragus if the straight edge happens to press on it. The housings are lightweight and the angled nozzles help to provide a natural and comfortable fit.
Noise isolation a little below average but should be fine for most normal scenarios. You shouldn’t need to worry about disturbing others with your music though because noise leak is fairly minimal.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes my Android smartphone connected to the Radsone Earstudio ES100 and Acoustic Research AR-M20 for portable use. Powering the EP1 on the desktop was a Windows 10 PC running JRiver Media Center and the Topping DX7 DAC.
The Yinyoo EP1 has a mild V-shaped sound signature with ample clarity and a touch of warmth. It has a powerful low end and energetic highs. It’s very easy to drive and can be driven easily by a smartphone or portable player.

Bass
The EP1’s large 12mm driver puts down some tidy bass that is surprisingly good for something at this price. Mid-bass is fast and punchy but not too prominent.
The sub-bass has some really impressive reach but just like the
Bass extension is good too – there’s no noticeable roll-off or unsettling humps and the change from sub-bass to mid-bass is quite linear.
Mids
The EP1’s midrange is smooth and has good clarity and articulation. Male vocals are just a bit subdued and further back in the mix. Female vocals are more forward and have extra presence.
There’s a subtle warmth throughout the midrange courtesy of the healthy bass foundation and minimal bass bleed that leaves the mids feeling spacious and open.
An emphasis on the upper midrange gives the sound solidity and a satisfying attack on percussion instruments and it’s not fatiguing or overdone.
Treble
The treble is crisp and energetic and adds plenty of lightness without being too bright. It has some sparkle and cymbals sound good with a nice sheen and decay. The only issue with the treble is the peak at 7kHz which can be a little strident on occasion.
Detail retrieval is very good and the treble sounds airy and light. If not for that 7kHz peak (which can be attenuated with a simple EQ) the treble quality is very good.
Soundstage
The Yinyoo EP1 sounds quite open and has a larger than average stage for something in this price range. Vocals are front and centre, as if you are a few rows away from the performer. There’s more width than depth, although that is not to say that the depth is lacking.
Imaging is competent too – listening to “Hideaway” by Jacob Collier, the various elements are easy to place within a reasonably stable stage.
Comparisons
Yinyoo EP1 vs RevoNext RX8 ($26 USD)
The EP1 feels more solidly built than the RX8 (review here) which is constructed from plastic. Both have a really solid and satisfying sub-bass but the RX8 has more in quantity.
The RX8 midrange is more recessed in comparison and has a smoother presentation of instruments and vocals. The EP1 has more clarity and upper midrange presence which makes female vocals more vibrant. Instrument separation is superior on the RX8.
When it comes to treble, the RX8 has an Achilles heel in the form of some serious sibilance. The EP1 has more energy and sparkle but only rarely shows sibilance and then it is not as severe as the RX8. Yinyoo’s EP1 is brighter and more energetic and the RX8 is warmer with and more bass impact.
Yinyoo EP1 vs DEAT HiFi Small ($29 USD)
The DEAT HiFi Small (review here) has a large mid-bass hump that adds colour to the lower midrange while the EP1 has a much more linear and balanced bass response.
Sub-bass has a sharp roll-off on the Small and the EP1 is more linear and extended. Male vocals are richer and more coloured on the Small and female vocals have less presence and vibrancy than the EP1.
The EP1’s upper midrange emphasis and more prominent lower treble give it more clarity and a brighter overall signature than the Small. The EP1 is brighter and has a more energetic and crisp treble.

Conclusion
The Yinyoo EP1 is another solid model from this emerging Chinese brand. People looking for a quality earphone with excellent clarity and powerful but balanced bass response will appreciate the EP1.