BQEYZ is a relatively new start-up from Guangdong, ready to sink their hands into an already-expansive earphone market saturated with a multitude of all things porta-audio. Despite being “relatively” green, BQEYZ’s latest IEM, the Spring 1, has established its own loyal fanbase, as demonstrated by its glowing reviews on Head-fi.

Featuring a 3-driver structure, using a single piezo-electric driver, alongside a single dynamic driver and balanced armature on each side, the BQEYZ’s design utilizes all the drivers that are currently implemented in traditional IEM engineering; a showcase of the big three. The adoption of an assemblage of distinct drivers splits the entire audible spectrum amongst them, allowing the Spring 1 to accurately recreate music, just like how the artist intended for it to sound (In theory, at least).

But how does the Spring 1 fare against stiff competition? Available at Shenzhen Audio.

PROS	CONS
●      Well-machined aluminium shells, with zero blemishes ●     Soft and supple, 8-core braided cable ●     Smooth and musical sound ●      Lush Lower-mids ●      Fun bass response	●     Highs experience significant roll-off early on ●      Scooped out upper-mids

●       Triple Hybrid Driver- 13mm Dynamic driver, 1 Balanced Armature (ba) driver, 1   Piezoelectric driver

●        Frequency: 7-40kHz

●        Impedance: 43 ohms

●        Cable Length: 1.2m

●        Pin Type: 0.78mm 2-pin

●        Pluge Type: 3.5mm

Onkyo DP-X1 | Sony NW-A105 | Aune X1S | Periodic Audio Nickel (Ni) | 

While it doesn’t stray too far from a conventional package, the items provided in the box covers all the standard bases that we’ve come to expect from similarly priced offerings. Overall, a well-equipped offering by BQEYZ. 

The Spring 1 is notoriously difficult to drive, no thanks to its piezo-electric driver which requires ample power for it to reveal its full potential. However, the Spring 1 sounds pleasant with most sources. The Spring 1 starts to open up, with a tauter bass response and cleaner midrange when driven by a powerful source, such as the Aune X1s.

On digital sources, such as the Sony Walkman NWZ-A15, I found myself increasing the volume substantially, at around 30+ extra steps to reach listenable levels. However, the bass sounds looser and more cavernous on weaker sources. Its dynamic range is limited by a lack of amplification.

Take note. The Spring 1 is a difficult earphone to drive. But when paired properly, this earphone a powerhouse.

It is also worth noting that I tested the Spring 1’s with the assortment of eartips provided in the package. The “Atmosphere” or “Reference” tips do little to change the sound-signature to my ears. But your mileage may vary.

The Spring 1 is shaped like a leaf or tear drop. Despite its odd form factor, the aluminium shells sit well on my outer ear canal, with shallow to medium insertion depth. It is light weight and rests easy on the ears for long listening sessions. The satin-finish on the shells are uniform, with zero sharp-edges or noticeable blemishes.

The 8-braid cable is surprisingly supple and malleable, with little to no memory. It bends freely and is incredibly flexible, conforming well to the outer earlobe when worn.  

Unfortunately, the Spring 1 does not seal well, failing to block out unwanted environmental noise in the surrounding area. The three pinhole-sized vents near the nozzle contravenes on its ability to passively isolate ambient noise. The constant hum emanating from a train engine easily overpowers the Spring 1.

If you’re looking for an earphone that shuts out the modern world, these are not well-suited for use in the outside world. Ambient noise is its downfall.

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Tyler the Creator- Earfquake

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Natalia Lafourcade- Soledad Y El Mar

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Dry the River- Shaker Hymns (Acoustic) 

There isn't much to be said here, but if the Spring 1 wants to stand out further from the competition, it needs to have more headroom and space between instruments. However, the Spring 1 still displays great staging properties. 

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

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Conclusion

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*All ratings are accurate as of date of publication. Changes in price, newer models may affect Project A3's views on the performance and value of the reviewed product.