Audiosense AQ4: Phenomenal and Smashingly Hypnotic

Hello there mates, Iend me your eyes to read and checkout my new content for the latest IEM review article. And what we have here is the current offering from one of my favourite “Chi-Fi” audio company out there, AUDIOSENSE. As some of you are already aware that I’ve done a lot of reviews on their products (No, they aren’t free as I still paid them in a reasonable discount) and most of their products are aesthetically eye pleasing and has this well-thought mature tuning that I give them a consistent  high mark rating in both Head-Fi and also in my own blog.

You can check my other reviews on AUDIOSENSE products if you are interested:

·        AUDIOSENSE DT100

·        AUDIOSENSE DT200

·        AUDIOSENSE DT300

·        AUDIOSENSE DT600

·        AUDIOSENSE AQ0

·        AUDIOSENSE T800

 

It really takes a tad longer to release the newest product from their AQ series and a suitable replacement for their AQ3 which is quite a bummer in my part as I didn’t have a chance to test and review them. As I’m quite chuffed about on these new sets, I almost forgot to mention that AUDIOSENSE currently has two (2) series on their product line-up, The DT series which are a single or multiple all-balanced armature set-up and a replacement of their previous T series line-up and the AQ series which are more of hybrid set-up consist of dynamic driver and balance armature driver(s) with exception of AUDIOSENSE AQ0 which only single DD set-up.

Here it is, their latest offering and a much awaited product for AUDIOSENSE fans out there, The AUDIOSENSE AQ4. The AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is an IEM with hybrid driver set-up like its predecessor, AQ3 with another added driver. Its drivers’ set-up comprised of one (1) 10mm dynamic driver and three (3) balanced armatures. As we all know that AUDIOSENSE only uses a more premium and proven balanced armatures on their product line-up which is Knowles drivers that they have a strong relationship with the Knowles Corp.

 The inner components are encapsulated in a high quality medical grade 3D-moulded resin shell. Within its cavity base, each drivers has its own sound tubes that will give a more separation and clarity on specified part of frequency range for less distortion and cleaner output. It has also a single vent hole that gives a better performance on its 10mm dynamic driver as it releases some excess of air pressure to deliver a more faster, dynamic sounding bass registry. For aesthetic sakes, AQ4 is similar to DT200 and T800 which has carbon fibre-like finish on its faceplate albeit with different colour scheme which is silvery. Like all AUDIOSENSE IEMs, AQ4 still uses a MMCX cable for flexibility and adjustability for their preferred connection knowing that their MMCX socket are proven to be of a high quality.

 

The dimensions of each shells are on average-size as it properly snug well into my lug holes without any discomfort and not even a hint of soreness in the tragus and cochlea part due to a well-thought ergonomically shell design. Due to its good sealing, it really gives a good isolation against external noises from outer surroundings.

 

One of the slight changes of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 was its packaging box and its included accessories. The packaging box is leaner and tad smaller compare to the previous AUDIOSENSE products with more bulkier packaging.

Here are the following contents inside of the packaging box:

·        A pair of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 shells.

·        A light copper 8 strands, 19 core OFC  cable with an L-shape 3.5mm termination plug in a MMCX connector.

·        MMCX removing clip

·        Three (3) pairs of AUDIOSENSE S400 eartips of different standard sizes.

·        Three (3) pairs of  AUDIOSENSE GT40S eartips of different standard sizes.

·        Three (3) pairs of AUDIOSENSE AT400 foam tips.

·        An instruction manual

·        A zippered hard-bound faux leather IEM case ( which is identical to Campfire  Audio's leather case.)

·         A cleaning tool with ear wax remover and brush.

 To be honest, I still prefer the previous Pelican-like IEM container case that was included in previous AUDIOSENSE products as it is really proven and tough enough to protect your precious IEMs from accidental falls and scratches.

 

As for drivability, AUDIOSENSE AQ4 really scales up even to a decent source like its prior  cousins. It is easy to power up due to its low resistance/impedance and good sensitivity rating as all AUDIOSENSE products are known for that position. This particular set only need an ample amplification to sound it fuller and dynamic at decent volume level but if you plug it on better sources like dedicated DAPs, desktop DAC/Amp and some LG phones with Quad DACs, It definitely shines and has better dynamics and more cleaner output.

 When it comes to its tonality and sound profiling, AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is tuned to be more of a “balanced-neutral” sound signature with more boosted on bass region and a neutral midrange and treble. Some will probably perceived it as a mild U-shape sounding but in my hearing perception, it is more of a L-shape sounding.

 

Here are some sound characteristics that I can describe based on my meticulous observation from each part of audio frequency range spectrum.

 

LOWS/BASS: Superb Tactility

As I said that bass of AQ4 is the most prominent in the overall frequency range spectrum. It is unequivocally elevated but it was done splendidly. It has very dynamic sounding, a slam that really resonates and a very detailed one too. I still wondering on how did AUDIOSENSE manage to deliver it such a very tactile and haptic bass response on AQ4.

Sub bass performs very well on how it extends and have a good reach depth that I discerning that reverberation and rumbling from sub bass-laden tracks especially on synth-pop genre. Electronic bass instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers really presented in a very detailed manner that I can pinpoint out each distinct timbre.

When it comes on the facet of mid bass , this is where I really paying attention as most of my favourite bass instruments and vocal type are usually situated on this part of bass region on how they really correlate on general audio spectrum in both quality and quality aspect. It has a very well-textured definition that it really gives a good dense note and depth especially on bass kicks, bass guitars, bass-baritone vocals and even bass trumpets in some orchestral tracks. Bass kick have this very authoritative and sustaining sounding that I really want especially on classic rocks (John Bonham's bass kicks should be sound authoritative and very haptic in my ears), a weighty and earthy sound of a bass guitar that it gives a more growl and resonance, bass baritone characteristics has that gravelly and detailed  voice (Barry White should sound like Barry White) and lastly, fuller and somber sound of a bass trumpet.

Despite of that bass emphasis, it remains to sound very clean as it doesn’t have even a hint of bass bleeds that might affect the overall presentation. I’m very attentive on this one as I really want my mids to be very clean and segmented from other frequency range, free from bass smudges that AQ4 delivers it properly and well-controlled in that manner. Is this one recommended to bass heads? No doubt that they will appreciate this one.

 

MIDRANGE: That Intoxicating Profuse Vocals

 Another strength of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 was the quality of its mids on how it was well-presented across the frequency range spectrum. Some of you were already aware on my preference as I really want a very well-textured, clean and detail mids for I am a self-professed midcentric bloke.

The midrange quality is neutral, a bit linear with just a tad of warmth, almost pristine and well-detailed for its given value that is very compelling and offers competitive pricing. To all the qualitative aspects on its midrange, it really gives a better effect in both vocals and instruments.

As for vocals, both males and females really benefited on a well-done mids for more lush and sufficient clarity due to that capable full range Knowles BA drivers. Male vocals of all types has a more power, guttural, agile and power, that a tenor and falsetto voice really sound very natural and leaves a powerful impression to its listeners. Female vocals are equally presented in such a grand manner as they sound energetic, more open, lively and vivid and yet they remain to euphonic, pleasant and sweet to listen. From Edie Brickell to Mariah Carey, the vocal quality was indeed captivating and admirable. There are only few IEMs in the same price range and category that really delivers a smashingly good vocal quality and AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is one of them.

 

As for instruments, percussive like having some vibrant sounding shakes from maracas, a snappy and clacking sound of the castanets (I also listen to some Flamenco tracks too) and sustaining hit from snare drums sounds organic and intrinsic as a dynamic sounding of maracas and castanets on how they were shaken and rattling  by clicking has this accented airy sound which are very precise in my ears and a well-treated thudding and pounding snare strikes that gives a sustaining upbeat that dwells on my listening experience. Strings like acoustic guitars and violins has crisp and lively sound that it has delicate and precise on how plucking of each strings give a distinct note in a guitar, on the other hand, a presentation of a vibrant and lustrous sounding of a violin. Brass instruments like saxophone, trombones and trumpets has a very organic bright, intense and powerful brassy sound along with a more ponderous sound characteristic of a horn. Pianos sound more rich and sensuously resonating on articulate manner every press on a piano note key.

Overall, if I'll ever rate the qualitative and quantifying aspect of the mids on this set, I definitely give it a high score.

 

HIGHS/TREBLE: Smooth, Relaxing and Soothing

Due to its more neutral approach on tuning the treble aspect, It has a clean, smoother delivery with a satisfactory sparkle and an average to above average airy extension. At least that treble quality doesn’t sound dull and dark and  subsequently as upper mid peaks are seems to be controlled and it doesn’t sound that it was forcefully tuned that might ruin the quality of harmonics.

Upper mids are tastefully well-done as I don’t encounter any sibilance nor strident that treble sensitives will find it as unpleasant and annoying on their listening experience. Even in some sibilance-laden tracks, I really surprised on how the AQ4 did manage to brought it under control by minimizing the hissing sound.

In regards of resolution and resolving capabilities, it has a very competent detail retrieval that it captures an amount of information in every ounce of details from tones, notes and harmonics. Macro-details retrieval is also a commendable as you will feel more on its physical and solid dynamic presentation with the audio frequency spectrum.

Since that cymbals has a suffice amount of shimmer and gleam with just moderate part of air on it. That airiness on how it was presented actually gives me a little concern that I perceive it as insufficient given that it has a high Performance Knowles BA drivers that handles the presence and brilliance treble but it still manage to sound more logically. Both Lo and Hi-hats sounds has a superb timbre on how it really capture that shorted snap and “chicky” sound.

Despite of a slightly perceived imperfection on treble extension as it only barely pass on my standard. It still delivers a veritable and estimable treble trait that you won’t even mind that specific dearth.

 

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES: Enveloping 3D-feeling

As I tested a lot of hybrid driver set-up IEMs out there, technical aspect is one of the most important criteria that I’m looking for and AUDIOSENSE AQ4 really pass on my standard in flying colours. Dimensions of soundstage are properly proportional as it has an above average width on its perceived sound field, with a good immersive depth along with a good height reach as of you feel that you are in medium-size movie theater hall.

In regards of imaging aspect, I can accurately pinpoint to locate the exact placement instruments and singer as I can even give some estimate the distances on how farther or closer the positioning on such certain thing it is (Hotel Califonia live version, mate!). It has good separation as I can really hear and differentiate that distinction of timbre from each instruments and layering of instruments was also commendable for it has an adequate sense of spacing and gaps on each instruments and proper stacking and placement of each row that it won’t be an issue on congestion and feels constricted  especially on a complex multi-instrumental track . It is more of 3D-like sense on spatial field as it is really enveloping and undergo in some sort of surround feeling my perceived head stage.

Coherency of its hybrid-driver set up performs impressively given that to make a cohesive and compatible performance on such typical hybrid setup is a hit or miss affair. It really delivers a fast transient response and a more consolidating and solid resolve on its attack bite and decay. On a timbre quality, it is very natural and balanced sounding with just minimal warmth added that I can tell that it has an exact tone colour.

Peer Comparisons:

See Audio Yume:

·        It has better bass response than Yume, Yume is more of a sub bass focus while AQ4 is has equal emphasis on sub bass and mid bass. AQ4 has a more dynamic and better bass in both quantity and quality.

·        Both have good mids, Yume is a cleaner and more transparent that it gives more rendition in female vocals while AQ4 is more versatile as both male and female have well-textured that a gives a more robust weight note.

·        Trebles are similar, both have less extended which are both inadequate.

·        Technicalities goes to AQ4, wider soundstage, a tad better separation on layering and imaging accuracy.

 

See Audio Yume Midnight:

·        Both have similar characteristics on bass quality but AQ4 has more elevation.

·        Mids are quite comparable and complemented on each other as they have that a bit of warmth but I give it Yume Midnight due to more resolution capability

·        Treble is better on Midnight, even that they have both sufficient shimmer and smooth response but Midnight has better treble extension.

·        Technicalities has similarities, but Midnight has bit wider stage, AQ4 is no slouch here as has better depth and layering.

 

TRI Starsea:

·        Starsea is way cheaper and affordable than AQ4 as it has only half of its price.

·        Starsea has a switches for tuning versatility.

·        Starsea is more of U-shape sound while AQ4 is more of a neutral bass boost approach. Tonality is superior on AQ4, well-textured, better resolution and solid, Starsea is a bit leaner in my liking and has sub par resolution quality due a less emphasis on mids which were scooped.

·        Technicalities are better on AQ4 in overall, soundstage, imaging and coherency, you name it. Starsea is only average in all aspects.

 

 

Before I do a forgone conclusion of this review, AUDIOSENSE once again able to release a very smashing product that has a potential to be a disruptive one or somewhat a dark horse in a very competitive midrange segment in a ever growing  state of  current portable audio market. Why it is compelling to buy the AUDIOSENSE AQ4? It has an aesthetically eye pleasing shell design…check, A very classy presentation on its packaging…check, AUDIOSENSE is very generous on including a lot of fine quality accessories out of the box…check and lastly, it is well-tuned and very mature sounding for an IEM that has competitive and affordable price tag for its performance comparable to a more expensive ones… big check!

AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is one of the few IEMs in the price range segment has this faithfully tonally accurate tuning with a very competent technicalities. Not a bat of eyelid, I will instantly recommend this product to everyone.

 

AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is now available in most e-commerce stores and its current price value is US$179/£137.

 

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: AUDIOSENSE AQ4

IMPEDANCE: 10Ω

SENSITIVITY: 101dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:  20Hz - 22KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: MMCX CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNITS: (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER & (3) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS.

PROS:

·        A matured and well-tuned balanced-neutral sound signature that will be easy to be absorb for those listener who want to treat their lug holes with more refined and yet pleasant tuning.

·        A very tactile bass.

·        Beautiful and well-rendered vocal quality on both male and female.

·        An eye-pleasing beautifully crafted IEM shells

·        Knowing AUDIOSENSE that they are one of the most generous audio companies out there when it comes on inclusions of accessories.

·        Very comfortable to wear it for a long listening session due to its lightness and ergonomically contours of the IEM shells.

·        Clean and smoothing treble registry.

 

CONS:

 

·        Wishing for more airiness on the brilliance region

·        Not for neutralheads who wants a more flatter and almost unadulterated neutral tonality.

·        A “downgrade” included IEM case (more of a subjective matter, as previous Pelican-like IEM case is way better but a clone Campfire Audio IEM faux-leather case is also good but its up to your preference.)

 

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

 

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

Lucretia my Reflection – The Sisters of Mercy **

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Milli Vanilli – Girl You Know It’s True**

 

P.S.

I am not affliated to AUDIOSENSE nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

 

 Once again, I would like to thank Ms. Elaine Wong for this providing this review unit, I truly appreciate on her generosity towards me and other reviewers.

 

If you are interested this IEM product from AUDIOSENSE, Just check their FB Page and E-commerce sites links below:

 

FB: https://m.facebook.com/AudiosenseIEMs/

 

Official Site:

http://www.audiosense.cn/

 

Aliexpress:

AUDIOSENSE Official Store

https://m.aliexpress.com/store/v3/home.html

 

Shopee (ASEAN Market):

https://shopee.ph/audiosense.ph