BQEYZ WINTER II: Evolution For Refinement

BQEYZ  is one of the well-respected audio companies and definitely one of my personal favourites as they have a good reputation in the audio community with the quality of their products. Their Season series line-up were known for their innovative features and a matured sound quality and the Winter was part of this series as it truly defines the BQEYZ’s prowess on tuning their product with some new breed of driver technology.

But until recently, BQEYZ decided to bring back the Season series with some new and upgraded features that makes the new generation of models of this particular series. And what I have here and the star of this review article is the revamp variant of the WINTER model, The WINTER II.

The WINTER II is actually a third variant model after the Winter and the Winter Ultra. While it follows the dual hybrid driver configuration and the design language of the Winter model, it has some noticeable differences especially on the shell sizes and some improvements on its driver technologies that BQEYZ did some intricate revisions on its material composition and structural design of its drivers.

Like its previous reiterations, this set's dual driver set-up arrayed a large dynamic driver and a bone conduction driver (or more of a cartilage conduction driver type in a technical sense).  The dynamic driver is a custom 12mm in a dual cavity structure with a built-in imported voice coil source from Daikokusen and high-grade neodymium magnet components that yields high magnetic flux offers a consistent and well-optimised airflow for a more responsive motion on its diaphragm with less distortion, faster transient response and power efficiency that can deliver for tighter and deep bass and then  a clear and detailed vocals and instruments on the mids and high frequencies. The bone conduction driver that was featured here was a piezoelectric type one that were also used by previous Winter models and it has a diameter size of 11.6mm, but the difference of this new generation driver compared to its previous generations that it implements a silver-palladium alloy paste on its piezoelectric ceramic plates as its enhances conductivity for better sensitivity and improves clarity and brilliance on its overall sound quality as this transducer handles the midrange and treble region that serves as a midrange and at the same time, a tweeter driver.

The drivers were then encased in solid yet lightweight shell chassis made of CNC-milled aerospace-grade aluminium alloy that still follows the D-shaped design profile. Its aluminium alloy faceplate has a swerving pattern with a trimmed thin rose gold rim on its sides which is a usual design language of the Winter models. On its cavity base, it has a less protruding ear fin wing which was noticeably reduced compared to its previous Winter models but still offers a stable and secure fitting on my concha. It seems the surface of its shell underwent  anodising and sand blasting process to achieve that burnish and matte-like texture for less fingerprint mark and also some resistance from light scratches and nicks. Like all of BQEYZ sets, it utilises a 0.78mm bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for its detachable cable.

In terms of fitting and comfort, the WINTER II seems to be an improvement over its predecessor as its leaner profile and a bit longer nozzle will assure a secured fitting inside to my lugholes despite its less protruding stabilising fin. The passive noise isolation of this one is also quite good on how it was able to block unwanted noises from the outside surroundings.

The stock cable that was included here is of a high quality that all models in this series have this feature since the Spring model. The cable is made of a monocrystalline copper-plated silver copper in a 4-core layout that were braided for durability and like most current flagship IEMs, it has a modular termination in which we can easily swap according to the paired sources, either its a standard 3.5mm single ended or 4.4mm balanced. BQEYZ also offers a USB type-C connector for modern devices with no analogue output jack like most modern smartphones and tablets.

When it comes to product packaging, as expected from a flagship set, it offers a lot of accessories inside of its rectangular box. The accessories are well-organised inside and among them are the new storage case which is comparatively larger to the previous storage case, and a newer stock cable.

The following contents inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of BQEYZ WINTER II transducer pieces.
• Modular stock cable
• 3.5mm single-ended plug adapter
• 4.4mm balanced plug adapter
• Carrying case
• Metal eartips rack
• Three (3) pairs of “Atmosphere” silicone eartips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of “Reference” silicone eartips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of balanced bore silicone eartips  in different standard sizes.
• Paperwork like instruction manuals for IEM and modular cable, warranty card adapters

Regarding its power requirement and driveability, this set is relatively sensitive that it can be driven by sources with a standard gain mode, although this one pairs well with stronger power output as I have some devices with good quality DAC chip and amplifier. With proper amplification, this IEM will sound fuller and dynamic.

When it comes to tonal profile, the WINTER II seems to follow the sound profile of the previous WINTER models that were usually aligned from balanced-neutral up to the neutral-bright sound signature, but the WINTER II is more on the balanced-neutral side of tuning in which is quite a refinement over its predecessor in terms of tonal balance.

LOWS/BASS:

The bass quality of this set is relatively well-balanced on how it presents on both sub bass and mid bass section as it shows some presence on the ultra-lows while the mid bass have enough texture to deliver an ample body and impact although it's not as bassy as bassheads’ would expect. Overall, the bass characteristics of this one is rumbly, precise and punchy with a cleaner bass response.

On the sub bass section, there's some deep reverberating and rumbling presence that were usually produced by instruments like synthesisers, drum machines and low-tuned bass guitars and double basses. The mid bass section as I mentioned a while ago has an adequate texture to deliver that punch and enough warmth to bass-clef instruments and deep male vocals. Bass guitars have a sustaining and rasping sound, while the double-basses sound more mellow and resonant, and then the bass kick drum delivers a thudding and resonant sound albeit a bit of soft tone on every stroke. Meanwhile on male vocals, both bass and bass-baritones have some resonance presence on their voices; it doesn't have enough vocal texture to convey a denser, woolly and darker timbre that these types of vocals should sound like.

MIDRANGE:

It seems that the midrange quality on this one is the strongest feature of the WINTER II. The midrange presentation on this one is quite neutral and well-balanced with some enough warmth and a bit energetic on its overall tuning that will somehow deliver a clean, natural and almost life-like tonal colour for instruments and vocals. The adequate warmth on its tuning will contribute some vocal texture on male vocals and some female vocal types like contraltos, while the glistening quality will add more clarity, airiness and shimmer on some female vocals and instruments, particularly on woodwinds and strings.

On the male vocals, baritones have smooth and velvety voices while tenors have clear and dazzling sound, and then the countertenors sound tender and light from their falsettos. When it comes to female vocals, contraltos with their chesty vocals, they sound smoky and rich although they are a bit lacking of that deep and dark timbre. Mezzo-soprano vocals sound glowing and ethereal, and the sopranos have a gleaming, silky and silvery sound from their vocal registry.

When it comes to instruments, on the string ones, guitars sound crisp and lingering, while the violins sound sensuous and sweet, and then cellos sound cantabile and lustrous as this instrument is known for their wide harmonic range. The woodwinds instruments like the concert flutes, piccolos, clarinets and saxophones; an airy yet somewhat mellow sound on concert flutes,  an ethereal and clear sound on piccolos, a melodic and lively sound on clarinets, and the last one are the saxophones as they sound sonorous and pale. On the brasses, trumpets sound full and brilliant, while trombones have a mellow and dramatic sound and then the horns sound velvety and resounding. About the percussion instruments, snare hits a precise and hard sound, tom-toms produce some resonance with some warmth on them, field drums sound sonorous, and the kettledrums sound rounded and resonant. Meanwhile, the pianos sound rich, full and crisp with their harmonics and complexity on every pressing on their keys.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

It seems that WINTER II is leaning towards a bright tuning in my first impression but I noticed later that one of the main DAPs that I've used for testing was set on high gain output in which I redo my test all over again. In my latest testing, it's more balanced sounding as it still has some brightness on its overall tuning but it doesn't sound offensive nor harsh as it has some lustre and smoothness with a good amount of air on it. And so, a mild accentuated somewhere between upper-mids and presence treble sections will highlight the clarity and definition on both vocal articulation and attack on instruments. I don't encounter any harshness nor sibilance from this IEM that some treble-sensitive folk might somehow be able to tolerate its treble quality for a long listening session compared to the previous WINTER models.

With its piezoelectric-type bone conduction driver, it ensures a well-extended treble air with a substantial sparkle on it. In regards to treble-noted instruments, cymbals have a glistening sound while glockenspiels sound shimmering and lustrous, and then the celestas produce an ethereal and silvery sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Like all BQEYZ units that I've tested since the KC2, technical performance was one of its strongest assets; this set has it from a spacious head stage up to its clear and detailed resolution capabilities. On its perceived sound/speaker stage size, it has wide lateral span, excellent height reach and good depth distance from front to rear with a stereo imaging that presents a holographic, well-layered soundscape with excellent separation of vocals and instruments within its sonic canvas.

The cohesive performance of its hybrid driver is pretty consistent with a homogeneity execution on its overall sound as the dynamic driver delivers a fast transient speed on its bass response and clear and full sounding vocals and instruments while the piezoelectric bone conduction driver conveys a shimmering and detailed treble response. The resolution capabilities of this one is definitely well-defined, clear and very detailed that it shows the varying degree of volume level on its macro-dynamics from quietest to loudness level on both instrumental passages and chorale lines, and also a reasonably sharp definition on extracting on fine details, subtleties and nuances on its micro-dynamics like notational attack, vocal ends and reverb tails.

PEER COMPARISONS:

BQEYZ WINTER

• The very first model of the WINTER and like its current generation, it also has a hybrid driver configuration.
• It also uses a large 12mm dynamic with PAR diaphragm for lows and mid frequencies and piezoelectric-type bone conduction driver for high frequency.
• Like all BQEYZ models, it is fully-packed with accessories, although while its stock cable is of high quality, it doesn't have a modular termination feature.
• This one has a balanced-neutral sound profile, a sufficient punchy bass, a neutral and a balanced midrange presentation as it has an ample warmth and energy and a bit bright treble response with sufficient amount of airy extension.
• As expected from BQEYZ models, this one has a strong technical performance as it has a wide atmospheric headstage, excellent layering and separation with clear and detailed resolution capabilities.
• This one somehow requires a bit of power output or increasing a volume level compared to the WINTER II but it is still more power efficient compared to tIEMs with planar magnetics or ceramic-type dynamic drivers.

BQEYZ WINTER ULTRA

• The second model of the WINTER and this one is more of a collaboration with AngelEars and it follows the hybrid driver set-up from its predecessor.
• It also uses the same large 12mm dynamic with PAR diaphragm that will handle lows and mid frequencies, and  then a piezoelectric-type bone conduction driver for high frequency.
• As expected for BQEYZ models, it is fully-packed with accessories and it features a premium cable with modular termination.
• This one has a neutralish bright sound profile, as it has tighter yet incisive bass response, a neutral and transparent midrange presentation as it has an enough warmth but it has more energetic tuning that gives more gleam crisper  and openness on female vocals and instruments like woodwinds and strings, and it has a brighter treble response with an airy extension.
• As expected from BQEYZ models, this one has a strong technical performance as it has a wide atmospheric headstage, excellent layering and separation with clear and detailed resolution capabilities albeit it has a sharper definition compared to the original WINTER.
• Like the regular WINTER, this one still requires a bit of power output or increasing a volume level but it is still more power efficient compared to tIEMs with planar magnetics or ceramic-type dynamic drivers.

PULA AUDIO ANVIL 112

• A hybrid driver model from PULA AUDIO and it also has a bone conduction driver inside of its shell structure.
• The hybrid driver configuration inside of its UIEM-type resin shell structure consists of dynamic driver, balanced armature drivers and a contact-type bone conduction.
• Its packaging box is fully-packed with accessories like more choices of ear tips, a large storage case and a premium quality cable with modular termination features.
• This set has a U-shaped sound signature as it has a punchy and impactful bass response, a bit recessed but warm and rich midrange presentation that makes male vocals sound plush and smooth, and balanced treble response with less airy presentation.
• On its technical performance, it has moderately roomy headstage size, an atmospheric stereo imaging with a well-layered soundscape and good resolution capabilities.
• This one is easy to drive too like the WINTER II as both medium volume level and a standard gain mode would be sufficient to power this set.

As I conclude this product review, BQEYZ shows its capabilities as a competent audio company to further improve its already solid and proven model series. The WINTER II is truly of an evolution and refinement of all of its preceding models as on how it was tuned and also some improvements on its driver technology and slight modification on its shell structure that makes it more distinctive from its previous WINTER models. It also maintains its neutral tuning profile philosophy with some slight variations and still follows the design language of WINTER. And If you are a neutral head and also want excellent technicalities, this set is specifically designed and tuned for your preferences.

BQEYZ WINTER II is now available on BQEYZ official sites, if you are interested about this model, check out the non-affiliated link that I have provided below.

LINK:

https://bqeyz.net/products/bqeyz-winter2-wired-earphones

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: BQEYZ WINTER II

IMPEDANCE: 40Ω

SENSITIVITY: 113dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 4.4mm, 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  1 DYNAMIC DRIVER, 1 PIEZOELECTRIC BONE CONDUCTION DRIVER

PROS:

● Still solidly built yet it is now a bit lighter compared to the previous variants of WINTER models.

● While its faceplate and overall form factor were a bit re-design, it still retains the design language of the WINTER we love.

● Those revamp improvements of its transducers did really work as it became more sensitive that it is more easier to drive compared to the previous WINTER models and its sound quality is more defined.

● A new storage case and a stock cable with modular features inside of its packaging box.

● Balanced-neutral sound profile in which the BQEYZ models are known for.

● It has a punchier and impactful bass response among the WINTER models.

● Still fairly balanced midrange presentation as it has sufficient warmth of texture and enough energy of its overall tuning with clean, well-textured and detailed sound.

● Can be considered as vocal versatile as on how it rendered the male vocals’ sound quality a smooth, plush and rich manner, while the female vocals sound more expressive, velvety and silvery.

● Crisp and vibrant sound on guitars and violins, delicate and brilliant sound on flutes, piccolos and saxophones. 

● Smooth with just enough liveliness on its treble response tuning.

● It has strong technical capabilities just like the previous WINTER models although a bit more refined particularly on layering and separation.

● Clear and detailed presentation from both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics.

CONS:

● A bit more pricey compared to the previous WINTER model.

● Not a very coloured sounding one if you are a type of listener who wants a fun and engaging tuning to listen to your favourite tracks.

● Still not for bassheads due its neutral sound profile, so don't expect a vigorous and more physical bass response.

● If you like the first WINTER and WINTER ULTRA due their bright treble response, this set might disappoint as it sounds a bit smoother and even sounding.

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 *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to BQEYZ AUDIO 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 send my gratitude to Ms. Elle Zhou for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.