EPZ Q1 Pro

Solid Gaming Performance in a Competitive Price Range

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a budget-friendly IEM typically priced at $35, though it can occasionally be found on sale for even less. Available in multiple versions including 3.5mm, inline microphone, and USB-C variants, the Q1 Pro positions itself as a gaming-focused IEM that emphasizes accurate imaging and decent tonality for competitive gaming scenarios.

After using the Q1-pro for a few weeks it represents a fine offering for $35, especially for gamers who prioritize accurate imaging and spatial positioning. However, it faces incredibly tough competition in this price range and doesn’t do quite enough to distinguish itself from the crowded field of budget IEMs.

The Q1 Pro is essentially a competent, no-frills IEM that delivers on its basic promises without breaking new ground. For gamers seeking accurate positional audio at a budget price point, it offers solid value, though audiophiles may find more compelling options elsewhere in this competitive segment.

Unboxing and Build Quality

The EPZ Q1 Pro arrives in straightforward packaging though is probably one of the most hard to read design I have seen:

The back of the box provides basic specifications and features but again is very hard to read:

Opening the box reveals the Q1 Pro in a simple but functional presentation:

And underneath this reveals the cable:

And there is a “storage box” with the eartips and manuals:

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• EPZ Q1 Pro IEMs
• Detachable cable with chin splitter
• Multiple sets of ear tips (though selection is somewhat limited)
• soft carry case
• Documentation

Build Quality and Design

The Q1 Pro features a practical build quality that’s appropriate for its price point. The IEM shells have a nice shape and comfortable design:

The shell design is ergonomic and well-thought-out for extended gaming sessions:

The nozzle design is a good size for most ears and will support most third party eartips designs easily with the ’lip’ of the nozzle:

Cable and Accessories

The included cable features a chin splitter design that’s practical for gaming use:

The cable quality is reasonable at this price point:

The ear tip selection is nice but somewhat limited compared to higher-end offerings:

The build quality is solid for the price point, though it doesn’t feel as premium as EPZ’s higher-end models. The materials are adequate and should withstand regular use, but the overall construction reflects the budget positioning.

Fit and Comfort

The Q1 Pro offers good comfort for extended gaming sessions, which is crucial for its target audience. The shell design is ergonomic and sits well in most ears without causing fatigue during long gaming sessions.

The lightweight construction and smooth shell finish contribute to the comfortable fit, while the included ear tips provide adequate sealing for most ear shapes. The cable design with chin splitter is practical for gaming use, helping to manage cable positioning during extended play.

While the comfort is good for the price point, it doesn’t quite match the exceptional comfort of EPZ’s higher-end models like the P50.

Sound Impressions

The EPZ Q1 Pro delivers a sound signature that’s clearly tuned with gaming in mind, emphasizing accurate imaging and spatial positioning over pure audiophile refinement.

Bass

The bass response is controlled and well-behaved, providing enough impact for gaming sound effects without overwhelming the critical midrange frequencies where most game audio information resides. The bass doesn’t extend as deep as some other models so this is not an IEM for bass-heads, but it’s very good for gaming scenarios where precise positioning is more important than deep sub-bass impact.

The bass tuning strikes a reasonable balance between providing some musical enjoyment while maintaining the clarity needed for competitive gaming.

Midrange

The midrange is where the Q1 Pro shows its gaming focus most clearly. Voices and important game audio cues are presented with good clarity and positioning accuracy. The tuning emphasizes the frequencies that are crucial for hearing footsteps, voice communications, and other important gaming audio elements.

Jennifer Warnes’ “Way Down Deep” demonstrates how the Q1 Pro’s enhanced vocal tuning brings voices forward in the mix, making dialogue and team communications exceptionally clear and present. This vocal emphasis is particularly beneficial for gaming scenarios where clear voice chat is crucial for team coordination.

While the midrange lacks the refinement and natural timbre of more expensive IEMs, it serves its intended purpose well for gaming applications.

Treble

The treble presentation provides adequate detail retrieval for gaming scenarios without becoming harsh or fatiguing during extended sessions. The treble tuning helps with spatial positioning and detail retrieval, which are important for competitive gaming.

Steely Dan’s “Aja” reveals the Q1 Pro’s treble clarity particularly well, with the track’s crisp hi-hats and subtle percussion details coming through cleanly. This level of treble detail retrieval is exactly what gamers need to hear subtle audio cues like distant footsteps, weapon reloads, or environmental sounds that can provide competitive advantages.

The treble extension is reasonable for the price point, though it lacks the refinement and air of higher-end models, so it is not an IEM for those chasing “technicalities.”

Soundstage & Imaging

This is where the Q1 Pro truly shines for its intended gaming audience. The imaging is accurate and precise, making it easy to pinpoint the location of sounds in games. The soundstage presentation is well-suited for gaming scenarios, providing good spatial awareness without being overly wide or diffuse.

For competitive gaming where accurate positional audio is crucial, the Q1 Pro delivers solid performance that justifies its gaming focus.

Technical Specifications and Measurements

The EPZ Q1 Pro offers straightforward specifications appropriate for its price range:

The single dynamic driver configuration keeps things simple and cost-effective while still delivering the imaging performance that gamers require. The availability of multiple versions (including USB-C and inline microphone options) adds versatility for different use cases.

Measurements

These measurements were taken with my 711 clone couplers and are available on my measurement DB here

The Frequency response reveals the Q1 Pro’s is a very competently tuned IEM with excellent channel matching:

My only comment on this otherwise excellent FR is the slightly vocal forward nature (1) above, the bass and the treble are excellent if slightly unremarkable. However, this feature together with the excellent channel matching will be very beneficial in games and will sound very nice with most genres of music bring the vocals slightly to the front of the imaging.

A brief comparison with some other similar priced budget IEMs shows that the Q1-Pro has nicely restrained bass and a very nice midrange and overall I think it competes very well with any of these IEMs:

Distortion Analysis

The distortion characteristics are very well-controlled for the price range, making gaming EQ very simple to apply:

The distortion percentage remains reasonable across the frequency range even when listening at over 100 dbSPL (which you should definitely not do for long periods) :

These measurements confirm that the Q1 Pro delivers clean performance appropriate for its price point, with distortion levels that won’t interfere with gaming performance or general listening enjoyment.

Gaming Performance

The Q1 Pro excels in its intended gaming applications, providing:

• Accurate Imaging: Precise positional audio for competitive gaming
• Clear Voice Communication: Good midrange clarity for team communications
• Fatigue-Free Extended Use: Comfortable for long gaming sessions
• Versatile Connectivity: Multiple versions available for different setups

For gamers who prioritize accurate spatial positioning over pure audiophile “technicalities”, the Q1 Pro delivers solid value at its $35 price point.

Rating

The EPZ Q1 Pro earns a 4-star Pragmatic Rating due to its solid gaming performance and competitive pricing, though it faces tough competition in this very crowded price segment.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Solid construction appropriate for the price point)
• Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good gaming-focused tuning with accurate imaging)
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Multiple versions available, practical gaming features)
• Measurements: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Clean performance with controlled distortion)
• Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Competitive pricing at $35, especially when on sale)

The Q1 Pro is ideal for:

• Gamers seeking accurate positional audio on a budget
• Users who prioritize imaging over pure sound quality
• Those needing a reliable, comfortable IEM for extended gaming sessions
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for solid all-around performance

Conclusion

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a competent, if unremarkable, entry in the crowded $35 IEM market. It delivers on its core promise of providing accurate imaging and decent tonality for gaming applications, making it a solid choice for its intended audience.

What works in the Q1 Pro’s favor is its focus on gaming performance and competitive pricing. The imaging accuracy is genuinely useful for competitive gaming, and the comfort level supports extended gaming sessions. The availability of multiple versions (3.5mm, inline mic, USB-C) adds practical versatility.

However, the Q1 Pro doesn’t offer enough distinctive features or performance advantages to clearly stand out in this incredibly competitive price segment. While it’s a fine offering, there are numerous alternatives that might appeal to different preferences or offer better value propositions.

The tough competition at $35 means that buyers have many excellent options to choose from, and the Q1 Pro, while competent, doesn’t provide a compelling reason to choose it over established alternatives unless you specifically value EPZ’s approach to gaming-focused tuning.

For gamers on a tight budget who prioritize accurate imaging over pure audiophile sound quality, the Q1 Pro represents solid value. However, those seeking the best possible sound quality or most distinctive features in this price range might find more compelling options elsewhere in the market.

At $35 (and especially when on sale), the EPZ Q1 Pro is a reasonable choice that won’t disappoint, but it’s unlikely to surprise or delight in the way that truly standout budget IEMs can. It’s a safe, competent option in a market segment that rewards bold choices and exceptional value propositions.