Intro
Audiosense is no stranger to the IEM scene when it comes to producing high quality IEM. Their critically acclaimed T800 is no stranger to anyone i believe. I’ve not heard of that model so I can't comment much on that, but the T800 did receive a lot of positive praise among reviewers. Let us find out if AQ0 is able to keep up with the pack!
Specifications
Driver: 9.2mm Graphene Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Frequency Reponse: 20Hz - 22Khz
Impedance: 32ohms
Sensitivity: 101 3dB
Cable Length: 1.25m OFC Cable
Packaging and Build Quality
It came with a fairly simple packaging. A plain box with a hard carrying case and two packs of eartips. I like the hard case and the quality feels pretty good and it’s able to protect the IEM stored inside. The cable’s quality is pretty solid for stock cable at this price point.
The build quality of the earphone doesn’t look cheap at all despite being a 3D printed resin housing. I’d say it looks as good as SeeAudio’s Yume which is priced much higher.
Source
Cayin N3 Pro(Tube Mode - Triode) -> AudioSense AQ0
Tidal (MQA/HiFI) -> VE’s Oddysey HD Type C Dongle -> AudioSense AQ0
Sound
Prior to writing this review, AQ0 has gone through at least 40 hours of burn in hours and also i’ve been using them extensively for at least a week averaging at 2-3 hours a day. I am using stock cable but for ear tips I am using JVC’s spiral dots. Upon first listen to AQ0, I am already very much in love with its tuning compared to Moondrop’s Aria. It gives a more engaging sound and much more dynamic presentation compared to Aria.
Bass
The sub bass and mid bass is definitely being emphasized here, but, in a very controlled manner and also high in quality, it will make its presence when it’s called for. In tracks like Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious, at minute 03:27 onwards, there are no instruments playing but only the bass, you can clearly hear the sub bass’s rumble and it doesn’t even distort nor sound bloated. Whereas on Moondrop’s Aria, it doesn’t feel like the sub bass extends that much compared to AQ0. The bass in AQ0 is done right and if you even feel like you need more bass, just use the stock tips and it will give you even more oomph, but having said that, this is definitely not a basshead’s IEM. It gives the right amount at the right time when it’s called for.
Mids
The mids are smooth and clean and it feels pretty intimate. Female vocal however, sounded very full and thick compared to male’s. Take Diana Krall’s Like Someone In Love for example, Diana’s voice sounded very full and thick whereas Andrea Bocelli’s Hallelujah, his vocal isn’t that full and thick but the overall experience is still very good.
Treble
The treble is smooth and treble sensitive people will not have an issue here. It is not sibilant and very controlled. I can comfortably listen to it for a long period. Overall, very good extension to my ears.
Soundstage/Imaging
The moment i hit play on my DAP and Hans Zimmer’s Molossus started to play, i am greeted with a very detailed presentation and also soundstage that is above average. It doesn’t feel as constricted as Aria’s. Bloodborne’s OST by Suzuki Nobuyoshi namely Ludwig,the Holy Blade,gives me the feeling that I am within the hall where the artist is performing. Imaging is above average as well, instruments can be pinpointed clearly at where they are coming from and they doesn’t overlap with others. This capability is very well demonstrated in tracks like Kitaro’s Silk Road Fantasy. Very immersive
Final Thoughts
I am not sure why AQ0 is not popular here in Malaysia or somewhere else as I can hardly find any reviews about it. AQ0 is a true hidden gem. At it’s price point, the closest competitor to it is Moondrop’s Starfield, I have not heard of it so I can't really compare them, but for it’s sibling which is Aria, I would definitely pick AQ0 over Aria anytime. AQ0 is a versatile IEM which is suitable for a wide range of music, it handled most of the tracks i threw at it pretty well, of course not without flaws for sure. Soundstage is a little lacking in terms of depth and height but not so much that it compromises the overall experience. If anybody asks me about this AQ0, I will recommend it to them without any hesitation. Just give it a try. I am sure it will give you much more fun compared to Aria.
*This unit is provided to me at subsidised price by Audiosense in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
If you are interested in purchasing the unit, you may head to their shopee store to grab it at the link below:
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