Epz K9 VS Final A5000

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Epz K9 and Final A5000 use 1DD+8BA and 1DD driver setups respectively. Epz K9 costs $299 while Final A5000 costs $279. Epz K9 is $20 more expensive. Epz K9 holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 6.4). Epz K9 has significantly better bass with a 2.1-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Epz K9 has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge and Epz K9 has better imaging with a 0.9-point edge.

Insights

Metric Epz K9 Final A5000
Bass 8.1 6
Mids 7 4
Treble 6.9 6.5
Details 7.6 7.5
Soundstage 7.6 7.5
Imaging 7.4 6.5
Dynamics 7.7 6.4
Tonality 7.7 5.5
Technicalities 7.4 7.2
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Final A5000 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Epz K9 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Fox Told Me So Jaytiss Jays Audio Head-Fi.org Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

7.7

Strongly Favorable


Final A5000 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Audionotions Shuwa-T

Average Reviewer Score:

6.4

Mixed to Positive


Reviews Comparison

Epz K9 (more reviews)

Epz K9 reviewed by Fox Told Me So

2025-10-11
Fox Told Me So 7.8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A Tech
EPZ K9 follows a confident W-shaped tuning that strikes a fine balance between energy and smoothness.

Sub-bass reaches good depth—elastic and bouncy rather than thunderous—giving just enough physicality without overloading the mix. The bass isn’t heavy-handed; quantity is moderate, punch on the softer side, yet always clearly outlined with clean texture and tight control.

Mids tilt slightly toward female vocals, made airier by a 500Hz dip that trims warmth and opens the space. Vocals sit forward, sweet, and expressive, aided by a mild lift between 600Hz and 1 kHz. A 6kHz rise sharpens edges and adds clarity to cymbals and hi-hats, but a smooth roll-off past 5–8kHz keeps sibilance comfortably restrained.

Treble is bright but polished, extending easily with a gentle 13kHz rise that introduces a touch of air without excess sparkle. The stage impresses with width and layering, offering a lively yet well-controlled image.

Verdict: EPZ K9 isn’t about brute force—it’s about coherence. Smooth highs, open mids, articulate bass, and a wide stage make it an elegant, finely balanced hybrid that performs far beyond expectation.

Fox Told Me So original ranking

Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Bass: A Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: A Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A-
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Epz K9 reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-09-21
Jaytiss 7.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
A little bit too much lower trebble, but it's still a good balanced set.
Youtube Video Summary

EPZ K9 brings a flashy spec sheet and premium feel: a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) dressed in a world-class shell that fits securely, vents properly, and looks gorgeous with its blue-white case. The stock cable offers swappable 3.5↔4.4 termination and a steady chin slider, though the fabric sheathing and barely visible L/R markers are quirks. Originally teased near $300 and now closer to $400, the package screams polish more than compromise.

Sonically, this is a V-shaped tuning with rich bass, thick lower mids, and extra energy in the 3–6 kHz band that can make stick hits and sibilants feel a touch sharp. The midrange clarity is only decent and the upper-air/treble extension is just okay, but staging comes across pleasantly open. Graph comparisons paint the picture: versus EPZ’s own P50 (safer, flatter upper mids) and the more majestic, warm-lean V of the EPZ 530, K9 pushes that presence region a few dB higher. Sets like Afu Dawn X flatten that band while extending air; Softears Volume offers a very similar profile but even more 5–6 kHz energy; and options around this price—Magic Top Pro, Yu9 Chua—show alternate takes with either dipped presence or stronger bass/1 kHz support.

In practice, K9 aims for excitement: weighty bass, a forward upper-mid/low-treble bite, and a lively stage. Listeners craving a crisp, energetic V will find plenty to enjoy, while those sensitive to brightness or seeking mid clarity and airy refinement may prefer the P50, 530, or similarly priced competitors. Stunning build and respectable performance, but the tuning choices make it a taste-dependent recommendation rather than a universal pick.

Mids: B Treble: B Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A-

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Epz K9 reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
All-rounder with slight v-shape tonality. EW300 upgrade. Natural and sweet vocals, nice mid-bass slam, treble is nicely extended, well-balanced with a mix of smoothness and contrast, and great packaging and design.
Youtube Video Summary

EPZ K9 lands as a sweet, balanced all-rounder with a tasteful, slightly V-shaped tilt. Bass is snappy and well-controlled, with a mid-bass fill that adds natural note weight to vocals and drums without muddying the mids. Treble extends cleanly with a hint of air, steering clear of both dullness and sharpness, while imaging is a touch sharper than entry peers. Think EM6L’s vibe but less shouty up top, a bit more resolving, and a clear upgrade path from sets like the Clean/EW300.

Against rivals, K9 takes a more vocal-centric approach: fuller mid-bass, smoother presence, and better slam/body on drums. Astral counters with stronger sub-bass texture, extra air, and a tamer upper-mid for high-energy genres; both trade blows on detail with K9 edging imaging. Versus Odyssey, K9 offers cleaner treble extension and forward vocals, while Odyssey is bassier, with deeper sub-bass texture and louder-volume scaling. Overall technicals sit around Pilgrim/Dusk level, which is solid for the price, especially with the nicer cable, case, and a black color option.

Usability is largely easygoing—tip-rolling is flexible and the stock clears keep things smooth—though the shell edge can feel uncomfortable over long sessions. Best at mid-volume listening (around 60–65 dB); push higher and upper mids/treble can get lively on K-pop/EDM, while R&B/indie scales sweetly up to ~75 dB. Compared with bass-tilted sets (Tea Pro/Hype 4/Estrella/Punch/Martello), K9 is cleaner, tighter, and more mid-range focused; versus neutral leaners (Pilgrim/Dusk/Canon Pro/“5+2”), it has a more complete upper-mid for vocals. Not a market-breaker in pure price/perf, but as a refined, musical package with balanced tonality and comfort-adjacent caveats, K9 is a very solid all-rounder.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Epz K9 reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.9 * score rescaled + normalized
5 community members have rated the EPZ K9 at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Epz K9 reviewed by Web Search

2025-09-21
uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7.6 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A Tech

The EPZ K9 is a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) with a 3-way acoustic/electronic crossover, rated at 14 Ω and 108 dB sensitivity; it also ships with interchangeable 3.5 mm/4.4 mm plugs, making it easy to pair with portable sources. Retail pricing varies by region—seen around $299 at some retailers and into the low-$400s elsewhere—so value will depend on where it’s purchased.

Tonally, K9 presents a warm W-shaped balance with substantive mid-bass and a restrained but present upper-mid/treble rise, aiming for smoothness over bite. Frequency-response sets published by community sources also show insertion-depth sensitivity (deep vs shallow), which helps explain reports of “calmer” treble and broader perceived width with deeper seals.

Technical performance is competent for the segment: macro-dynamics and bass slam are a noted strength, while resolution and imaging sit a touch below the class leaders; stage is more wide than deep, but cohesive for a multi-BA hybrid. Multiple long-form impressions describe it as clean and open yet non-fatiguing, which aligns with a safe-tilt treble and fuller lower mids.


Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

Final A5000 (more reviews)

Final A5000 reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 6.5 Reviewer Score
Much improved over the A4000, which actually gave me a headache. Bass is fun and decently textured. Good punch and slam with good tactility. Mids are decent - the delayed pinna gain or recessed mids (however you want to call it) detracts from timbre a bit but there is a good amount of clarity. Treble is decent - while it can sometimes teeter on being a bit shouty, it's never too much - could use a bit more extension. I don't hear the "immense stage and amazing imaging" that some folks say they hear in the Final A series of IEMs but stage and imaging are slightly above average for IEMs. I think these would actually be pretty competitive if they were priced better - it's not a bad IEM. Unfortunately, at $280 these are a hard sell given the state of the market these days. If you can find a set for closer to $200, they become much more compelling. Great alternative to the Harman/neutral with bass boost bandwagons.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Final A5000 reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.3 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B Mids: C- Treble: B+ Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: B+

Epz K9 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

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Final A5000 User Review Score

Average User Scores

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Epz K9 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.5

Gaming Grade

A

Final A5000 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.7

Gaming Grade

B+

Epz K9 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Bass A+
Expect a gripping low-end presence that marries clarity with visceral impact. Dynamic swings land with thrilling force.
Mids A-
It delivers an excellent midrange that feels vibrant and true to life. It balances clarity with natural smoothness.
Treble B+
Highs sound lively and extended while remaining controlled. Detail retrieval keeps shimmer intact.
Dynamics A
Expect excellent punch and micro-detail that render rhythmic shifts effortlessly. It keeps up with complex rhythmic swings.
Soundstage A
All dimensions bloom together, producing an expansive venue that feels carefully rendered. You can map the ensemble easily.
Details A
Excellent detail retrieval that resolves intricacies without tipping into clinical territory. Tiny nuances jump out effortlessly.
Imaging A-
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
Gaming A
Clear spatial presentation handles directional cues effectively. Distinguishes key gameplay sounds while maintaining decent immersion. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Final A5000 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • A competent technical showing keeps separation intact while delivering modest staging. It feels tidy even when recordings stack layers.
Bass B
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids C-
The region is listenable but lacks the finesse and clarity of better tuning. A touch of EQ can smooth things out.
Treble B+
Treble is articulate and clean, adding excitement without harshness. It adds sparkle without harshness.
Soundstage A
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Details A
Textural subtleties glow, giving each recording a beautifully illuminated character. It exposes mix decisions with precision.
Imaging B+
Depth cues step forward, giving performances a dimensional presence. Front-to-back cues become more immersive.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Epz K9 User Reviews

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