BQEYZ FROST Pretty Shell! Nice Sound?-DestinoAzell

Pretty Shell! Nice Sound?

Pros :

-Well-balanced tuning.
- Mid-bass biased bassline.
- Lush and rich vocals.
- Anti-shout.
- Sufficient top-end reach.
- Good atmospheric ambience.
- Beautiful metal construction.
- Suitable for long listening sessions.

Cons:

• Falls short in micro dynamics.
  - Sub-bass roll-off.
  - Potential mid-bass bloat.
  - A hint of micro-grain on vocal transient.
  - Average technicalities.
  
  [MY PERSONAL HEAD-FI GRADING]
  1 ★ - Appalling! please avoid this!
  2 ★★ Subpar offering, there are better options out there!
  3 ★★★ Decent with some caveats! Not a bad pick!
  4 ★★★★ Not perfect but solid choice ! This should be in your shortlist. A nice addition to your collection.
  5 ★★★★★ One the best in class! You should go right ahead & buy one! A must have!
  

BQEYZ FROST 3½★★★★

-SOUND IMPRESSIONS-

SOUND-SIGNATURE 

The Frost provides a slightly warm, neutral tuning that delivers a laid-back and smooth sound. The emphasis on the mid-bass subtly boosts the low-end presence, while the top end offers sufficient extension for a more balanced presentation. The mid-range and vocals are far from recessed. The colouration from both ends gives the vocals a smooth yet natural quality in their delivery.

BASS/LOW-ENDSOUND 

- The bassline is tuned intentionally with a mid-bass-biased in mind.

On sub-bass heavy tracks, the sub-bass roll-off is noticeable but not severely lacking. While rumble, drone, and hum sensation are present, they may not deliver the strong, sustained vibration or impactful boom one might expect.

- Having a greater mid-bass presence concentrated in the lows, the sound is fuller, thicker, and somewhat slower compared to the sub-bass. However, in terms of attack, it’s not the most expansive, lacking some depth on transient. Regardless, it still delivers a decent kick and punch to keep listeners engaged. The drum strikes have ample slam, and the bass guitar focused more on fundamental presence. Thankfully kick-drums and tombs offer a more satisfying thud. Bass drop is kept clean and smooth while ghetto bass replay has decent bounciness and dispersion to them. Bass distortion elements however could use with better definition.

- The mid-bass spill, coupled with its somewhat sluggish nature, can sometimes cause a bloated sensation on faster bass tracks, making it less ideal for j-pop and ACG music.

- Overall, the bass performance is just average. While the dynamics and layering could be improved, it’s perfectly suitable for a more laid-back, relaxed listening experience.

MID-RANGE /VOCAL 

-The vocals are more forward, though not overly intimate.

- The added warmth from the lows contributes to a richer, fuller reproduction of both vocals and instruments. Male and female vocals are equally well-performed, without one overpowering the other in duets. While vocal and instrument separation is seamless, it’s not quite at the highest level.

- However, it’s not without its flaws. There’s a slight lack of vocal transparency. While the vocal fundamentals are clearly laid out, subtle details in vocal phrasing, such as breath sounds and vocal fry, are less prominent. The smoother approach tends to downplay these nuances in vocal texture.

- Additionally, there’s a faint trace of micro-grain in the vocal transients, which is less than ideal.

- Another minor drawback is the lack of emotional depth in the vocal expression. The natural rise and fall in vocal intonation feels somewhat suppressed, and subtle overtones or reverb at the trailing end of the voice are absent. These same traits carry over to instruments like guitar, piano, violin, strings, and flute, causing each note to lose a bit of its expressive character.

- On the plus side, vocals are always smooth and controlled, especially when handling high-pitched, shouty, or screechy voices. Despite these minor issues, the vocals and instruments never come across to sound unnatural, which is a positive sign.

TREBLE/HIGHS 

-The treble takes a more neutral, balanced approach, avoiding extremes of being too dark or too bright. It extends reasonably well, reaching into the mid-treble region, with air extension that’s adequate but not overly expansive. While it doesn't offer the openness and airiness often found in a brighter set, it provides just enough treble brilliance to cut through it's bassline and allow vocals and higher harmonic instruments to stand out.

- There are no unwanted resonances, such as harsh peaks or glare, and sibilance is well-controlled.

- Cymbals and hi-hats have a more backseat presence on stage. Though, have natural decay, the sizzling-end of note is less distinct. While, glockenspiel instrument have a nice bell-like dings to them.

- Electronic sounds like zings, rings, and e-guitar notes are clear, but they lack the sharpness that would make them more distinct.

- Overall, the treble lacks a bit of bite, reducing its overall definition, and there’s a consistent layer of haziness in the treble that slightly dulls its clarity.

- The upside is that it’s well-suited for treble-sensitive listeners and long listening sessions, focusing on subtle presence and ease of listening. It strikes a good balance between smoothness and crispness.

- In other words, it’s not designed for treble-heads seeking intense sparkle but rather caters to the majority of audiophiles who prefer a more balanced approach.

✧ ════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE/ASPECT• ════ ✧

- The STAGE-DIMENSION is rather solid. It sounds wide and spacious with acceptable perceived depth to the stage.

- IMAGING performance is on par with most of its rival. It’s very good capturing the dynamic ambience of the recorded revenue. As for instrument and vocals, they're placed accurately between two channels but doesn't give off that pin-point sharp image definition.

- For a hybrid setup of 2 drivers, the SEPARATION level is mostly average. The separated elements don’t have the clearest of cut where each of them have a clear distinct spot in the mix. However, it managed to maintain each border of sound more consistently than not, preventing from busy tracks to sound overly congest or compress.

- When it comes to DETAIL HANDLING, it is not class leading but it is not terrible either. It is acceptable for the price even by today's standard.

- DYNAMICALLY it doesn't have alot to offer. As mentioned, having a safer tuning can sometimes sacrifice the musicality of one's music. It is not a set you sing and dance along with. The vocals just don’t sound as soulful meanwhile instrument replay lacks expressions. And eventually, one will get bored of it.

- Regarding its TONE and TIMBRE, despite, it's compressed micro-dynamics, it still sounds fairly natural thanks to its well balance tonal temperature.

- When it comes to VOLUME SCALING. It performs quite well from low to mid volume. In fact, it is best at mid-volume listening. Any higher, the mid-bass will start to lose control while the uneven response of the treble will start to show up. Listening it too low will dampened its dynamics to a flatter degree.

- The DRIVER is not the most capable I've heard. On certain occasion it started to show its limit. Driver coherency is good but not excellent. On a demanding track, the bass can sound slower while the mid-range and treble have faster decay and lighter on note-weight. Thankfully, there is no driver-flex or pressure built up issue through out the test.

◤FINAL THOUGHTS◢
My final assessment with the BQEYZ FROST had left me with a mixed feeling. There are parts of it that is good but there are also parts of it that is turning me off. It is not a set that will impresses you on 1st minute and it is not a set you would want to keep listening either. With a 179$ price-tag, it is not easy to recommend when considering its overall sound quality. Preference aside, the Frost then is still a decent product if you’re looking for a laid-back, warmish, neutral signature but only if you can get it on a discount.

========================================================================
【SOURCE & GEARS】
● Native FLAC Files [44.1Khz 16bits-96Khz 24bits]
● Foobar2000 [ROG Strix G814JVR (2024)] [USB C Thunderbolt]
● Samsung S24 Ultra [as my DAP phone][ App- Foobar2000]
● Tanchjim SPACE/LUNA Asano Tanch/ xDuoo Link2BAL.
● INNTAK HIFI OTG Type C to Type C
● Eartips : Spinfit CP100 (M)
● Stock Cable 3.5MM Single Ended.
==============================================================

【PLAYLIST／TEST-TRACKS】

1977 Fleetwood Mac - Dreams ★
1982 Chicago – Hard to say I'm sorry. ★
2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi ★
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2012 Imagine Dragons – Night Visions - Demons ★
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now. ★
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye ★
2015 KOKIA – I Found You ★
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Berry Goodman – Zutto (ずっと) ★
2017 SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki – ViEW
2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!! ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At ★
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD ★
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”／Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 ／Sanmon Shosetsu ★
2021 OWV – Fifth Season ★
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで ★
2021 Aoi Teshima – ただいま★
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.- ★
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine ★
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP ★
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière – Sweet Dreams ★
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし★
2023 UMAMUSUME PRETTY DERBY - Hat on your Head!
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
2024 Dungeon Meshi OP – BUMP OF CHICKEN – Sleep Walking Orchestra
2024 Ernie Zakri, Ade Govinda - Masing Masing ★
2024 Paradox Live THE ANIMATION OST – 25 幻影武雷管 - Trauma ★
2024 Bartender Kami no Glass OP – Takaya Kawasaki – Stardust Memory ★
2024 Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf ED – Sayaka Yamamoto – Blue Star
2024 Spice and Wolf Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf OP – Hana Hope – Tabi no Yukue/ Destination of the journey
2024 Tonari no Youkai-san ED – Aoi Kubo – Iro no Naka (風媒花)
2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei OP – LUN8 – Together Forever
2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei ED – EverdreaM – 君と見た景色
2024 Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi ED – Toshiki Kondo – こまりわらい (Komariwarai)
2024 Hololive FLOW GLOW – FG ROADSTER ★
2025 Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte ED – The Gospellers – will be fine feat. Anly ★
2025 A-Rank Party wo Ridatsu shita Ore wa OP – L.E.I. – Enter ★
2025 Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou S3 ED2 – iScream – Metamorphosis
2025 Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon S2 OP – Riria. – Shiawase na Yakusoku. ★

★ Main-Test-Tracks/ A glimpse of what listen to 90% of the of time.


Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!

Disclaimer:
- This unit is sent to me by my friend Edmund (Facebook AudioMaster)(Malaysia). Thank you so much for making this review possible.
If you like me to review your gears, please do send me a message! I'll try to respond ASAP!


EXTRA PHOTOS