Today we have the Shozy & Neo BG5, a midrange entry that uses a 5 Balanced Armature per side configuration that Shozy promises to deliver detail retrieval, natural sound presentation, and high-frequency extension in a high-quality shell. We will see if they managed to deliver this promise. The BG5 retails for $279.

• 5 Balanced Armature Drivers (1 Knowles 22955 for Bass, 1 Ultra High-Frequency Super Tweeter) with a Passive Crossover
• 22 Ohm Impedance
• 110dB SPL/mW 
• 20Hz-20,000KHz

The BG5 comes in what is already standard for Shozy at this point, a compact box, some accessories, and a zipper case, that while feeling fine for the Form at the more budget price class, leaves me feeling wanting. Inching towards the $300 price bracket, I was hoping for a more premium package. But the range of tips are plenty, if generic, and the cable feels very good, definitely much better than some others so that makes up for it a little bit.

Being a fully Balanced Armature configuration, the BG5 unsurprisingly takes very little to power to get it loud enough for listening. However, this also means poorly built sources will lead to immediate audible hissing. So while power is of very little concern, a high-quality source would still be something you'd want and at the price it sells for is a reasonable expectation of Shozy to have towards the consumers.

One of the highlights of the BG5 is the exceptional fit. The shell is compact, well molded, and the finishing is very smooth leading to a very comfortable wearing experience. Lack of noticeable heft also means that even over longer periods of time it does not begin to feel uncomfortable. While the nozzle is short insertion depth is moderate and isolation is very good and as far as aesthetics is concerned the glossy black finish with gold flake accents toe the line of eye-catching without being too loud pretty well.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Tyler, The Creator - EARFQUAKE

The synth bass notes, as well as the rolling bassline on the song, just feel hollow on the BG5. Then again it's not unexpected given the configuration. It's articulate and performs admirably in recreating the different notes, but the sense of impact is definitely not there.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
RADWIMPS - なんでもないや(Nandemonaiya)

In a slow-building composition, the strengths of the BG5 are especially highlighted with the delicate vocals, string, and percussion work being held in the spotlight, and yet the BG5 never gets overwhelmed once the chorus hits full swing and the cacophony of instruments and still delivering a full and natural and enjoyable listen.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
DAOKO - Cinderella Step

The BG5 delivers in the treble region as well. The introductory resonance of symbals are clear, while the synthesizer sounds are well defined, and there is a good sense of air and space, without being overwhelming in harsh tones.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Diana Krall - Desperado 

The BG5 presents the stage in a large, particularly wide room setting. Everything is centrally placed and while sometimes tightly recorded songs start to feel weird. Overall the soundstage of the Shozy is very good.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Ryu Fukui - Scenery

Instrumental tracks do a great job in highlighting the strength of the BG5 because the truly great tracks tend to be greater than the sum of their parts and without the vocals to serve as the usual focal points, the ability of the BG5 to discern and reproduce is on full display.

Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Marian Hill - Breath Into Me

This slower song covers for the BG5s lack of engagement and instead highlights its strengths. Deliberate musical beats mean that each and every nuance that the revealing tuning delivers really hits the listener and there isn't an aspect of dullness when you have something more upbeat and dynamic seemingly falling flat.

The BG5 is an interesting model. It's has a very specific direction, a concrete goal. To deliver lots of resolving capability. The BG5 excels at this aspect, in fact at this price there really isn't much that's out there like it. It fits a particular set of customers in mind, and it's for those really looking for what it offers. I'm hard-pressed to recommend it as a general-purpose IEM unless you're really into laid back and relaxed tunings. But if you're looking for something along this price that gives you details and heaps of it? Then look no further, the BG5 delivers that performance, a comfortable shell, a gorgeous cable that frankly is a pretty good deal.

*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.