SenyorC

100+ Head-Fier
Not my flavour
Pros: Plenty of bass (could be a negative if you share my tastes)
Cons: Plenty of bass (could be a positive if your tastes are different to mine).
This review is also available in Spanish on my blog here and on YouTube here.

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The Reecho SG03 have been loaned to me by @cqtek from hiendportable.com, allowing me to try them out and post this review. If you would like to see his review of them, please check it out here: https://hiendportable.com/reecho-sg-03-english-review/

Intro…

A while back, a subscriber of Acho Reviews on YouTube asked me about the SG03 and if I could review them. I remembered seeing a review of them on hiendportable so I reached out to CqTek asking to borrow them and give them a listen.

His first reply was “Sure, I’ll send them you but I’m not sure they will be your flavour”. I guess he knows my tastes fairly well because he was totally correct, they are not a set of IEMs that I am overly delighted by.

However, that does not make them any less eligible for review, nor does it mean that, as they are not my cup of tea, that they won’t be perfect for others, so I’ll try and give my impressions on how I hear the Reecho SG03 without being pessimistic 😉

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Presentation…

As these were sent to me by CqTek, who probably has even more IEMs than me, it is understandable that he doesn’t keep the packing and accessories around for most of them. In this case, the Reecho were shipped to me in a transport case along with an aftermarket cable, therefore I cannot comment on presentation of the product.

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Build and aesthetics…

The IEM shells are metal and on the large side, with a fair bit of weight that comes along with that combination. They are not the heaviest IEMs that I have had in my ears but they aren’t really a lightweight either.

The faceplate use a design that combines shapes and gives them a look that is different from the majority of IEMs on the market. Although the faceplate does use strange shapes and angles, the interior or the shell is smooth and well contoured. resulting in a farily comfortable set of IEMs to wear.

The also seem like a sturdy build, due to the full metal shells, but the edges of the faceplate are starting to show a little sign of wear in the paint. Of course, this is something that is not really fair in comparison to other IEMs I review as these have been used (not sure for how long) whereas the IEMs I usually review are new, with approximately a week of use, but I thought I would mention it anyway.

As I mentioned, the cable I received is not the stock cable, therefore it isn’t relevant to this review, however, I will say that it is the thickest IEM cable I have ever used. I think this cable is a perfect EDC carry for a prepper, as it can be used as a rope if necessary 😛

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Sound…

I already said in the intro that these IEMs are not for me, I am not going to go further into that as I think I have made my preferences clear in previous reviews, so I will just focus on the Reecho SG03 as I hear them.

In the subbass category, there is plenty. In fact, there is more than plenty. Using “Chameleon” which has become my default test track for subbass, the SG03 provide a wall of it. At a low listening level, the subbass is very present, give it some power and it just becomes a huge low end monster.

Chameleon” is an exaggerated track, one that pushes the low end to an extreme, but even with tracks that are not quite as subbass focused, such as “No Sanctuary Here” by Marian Herzog feat Chris Jones, the low end is nothing short of brutal. The thing is, the SG03 actually manage to pull off this amount low end without it getting too out of control. I mean, there are times when “Chameleon” does sound dirty in the low end, or even “No Sanctuary Here” can feel a bit out of control when pushed, but the exaggerated bass doesn’t really have a negative affect on the remaining frequencies, or at least not to the extent that I would have expected.

Although this is a very V shaped tuning and there is certainly some bleed into the lower mids, this bleed is actually a lot less prominent than I would have thought by listening to the bass these IEMs put out. That is not to say that the transition from the bass to the mids is clean and articulate, but it is cleaner and more articulated than one would expect.

The mids are recessed in comparison to the lower registries. Depending on the choice of music, voices can go from being present enough to actually struggling, depending on the amount of bass and information happening in those lower registers. As an example, “Breezeblocks” by alt-J is acceptable while it is in a tranquil part of the track, but once the bass kicks in, the vocals disappear behind a mass of rumble.

As we move up towards the higher registers, there is presence in the 2kHz to 4kHz which manages to not be harsh but is also not quite enough to bring the presence of vocals back through the rumble. To be fair, they haven’t done a terrible job as I can understand that it is very difficult to make voices cut through the elevated bass rumble without them being overly harsh in quieter and more tamed passages.

That doesn’t mean that they sound great with vocals in simpler and quieter tracks, they still have a harshness to them that I am not fond of, but it is certainly not as bad as it would have been if they had continued to try and cut through.

In the higher regions, there isn’t a great sensation of air or extension. This is partly due to a roll off in the higher frequencies but also due to the tuning itself. I feel that the higher regions are similar to the higher mids in regards to having to counteract the bass without becoming unbearable in parts of tracks where there isn’t a huge amount of bass.

The soundstage is also not very large, although it doesn’t come across as claustrophobic, it just seems to hit a “do not pass” line off to the sides. For example, when listening to “Letter”, the pencil moves across the center but once off to the side, it seems to sit there for quite a long time. Saying this, the SG03 does manage to separate things fairly well inside the soundstage it has to work with. You can still pick out details in the higher mids and lower treble, even in the center of the mids to some extent, just don’t try to focus on bass details when there is a lot going on.


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Conclusion…

I have said it already but I’ll repeat it, the SG03 are not for me. They don’t suit my tastes and don’t really make anything that I listen to sound better than I would expect. There have been a few moments of “wow” when listening to certain genres or tracks, like the first time I played “Chameleon” through them, but those weren’t really “wow, I’m impressed” moments, it was more “wow, that's not what I expected” moments.

That doesn’t mean that they are bad IEMs, I am sure that there will be plenty of people who love these IEMs. Maybe for those who like to listen to deep throbbing Dubstep (which I do on occasions also) will find these perfect for their taste, they just don’t suit mine.

I don’t think I have mentioned the price yet, these sell for around 75€, which is not terribly expensive but is not ultra budget either. I suppose I would need to take into consideration whatever is included as far as accessories etc. before saying these are expensive, but based solely on how they sound, I feel they could be cheaper.

In fact, if these were a set of IEMs that fell into the ultra-budget category, like some of the offerings around 30€, then I would probably be interested in a set just to have in my collection of IEMs, as the bass really is… well… bassy. But as I wouldn’t use them regularly to listen to music, I wouldn’t pay the current price.

Again, this is all personal preference, as with all my reviews, they are personal opinions and are only relevant to my own taste in music and how it is reproduced. If you feel that these may suit your tastes, then give them a whirl!
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Reactions: cqtek
K
Krucoz
Some Burn in time, a bit of eq to lower the bass (better resolution, texture, dynamic) and to rise up the trebles, azla xelastec, ans they sound really good. They just need some time and adjustments
K
Krucoz
And mids are definitly not recessed!

536129

Head-Fier
A better FD3
Pros: Great thumpy sub bass
clean clear mids and highs
awesome shell
price
Cons: stock cable?
meh accessories
Sg03 Reecho



Easily driven but scales with power ( sounds good on a phone but even better with an amp )


Warm low end, tight punchy fast bass


GREAT IMPACT ( caps on purpose )


Excellent sub bass, musical


Sound signature is a W profile with boosted sub bass


Energetic sound, natural tone and good dynamics


Clean clear mids


Good vocals


Sparkle and air in treble


Not harsh or sibilant


Good seperation and details


Good micro nuances


Average width in soundstage but tall and deep


Good imaging


Good fit and isolation


Comfy


Awesome build and shell


Looks really cool


Improves with stock cable, I prefer pure silver


Stock cable is meh, slightly better than kz etc


Not a huge selection of tips or accessories


Totally worth 69$ holds its own with any sub 100$ iem ( I prefer way over the new FiiO FD3 )

Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Hi There , how Is this Reecho SG-03 compared to Tin T4 or FD1 ?
J
jmwant
A good replacement for the Fiio FH3?

Dsnuts

Headphoneus Supremus
Reecho Star Gate-03. 02. 01 Ready for take off!
Pros: Perhaps the best bassy sub $100 earphone in existence. Bassy don't mean it doesn't have mids and a detailed treble. Titanium plated dynamic is surprisingly resolving and technical. Beefy sub bass focus. One of the best value dynamic earphones in the market with a solid all metal build, decent isolation, Excellent price to performance ratio. Very ergonomic in design with a comfortable fit. The look on a neutral guys face when listening to the SG-03.
Cons: Minimum accessories package but does have a usable zip up case. Standard cable is standard but works well on the SG-02. SG marking on the shells might turn color or rub off it looks like after some use.
Reecho SG-03
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Once in a while there are surprises in this hobby. You can probably remember the first time you heard your first hybrid or an all BA earphone with way more detail than you were used to. You can probably remember the first time you heard a higher end can or speakers at a show. For me it was during high school and my buddy who was one of them rich guys. You know the type. Young man who works full time and his family owns a lot. Guy ended up with a red BMW M3 and if that wasn’t enough he ended up completely revamping his stereo. I mean your ride is not the ride when you have the stock stereo in the ride if you know what I mean. Guy had to go full Alpine system complete with video player and such with no less than 4 12 inch subs 2 in the trunk and 2 in the rear seats with too many speakers integrated to the body panels inside the cabin to count. Guy was proud of his stereo almost more than the car.
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Bass was unreal in the ride; it was one of those you hear it before you see it rides. As soon as you heard the thumping you knew who was arriving.

How does any of this have to do with the new Reecho SG-03? It is a party in your ears and yes these earphones remind me of a sound that was emanating from my friends car. Sure we are talking about completely different mediums to which we are getting this sound, after all the SG-03 could be considered a budget level earphone something the ride was far from. However the sound is how you say. Not what you would expect.

Before I start I would like to thank Penon audio for the review sample. If you feel the need to get a party going on with your earphones you can purchase the SG-03 here. These here are my thoughts about Reecho's newest earphones, the SG-03.
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First impressions
Taking the earphones out of the box, the semi custom formed aeronautical grade aluminum alloy metal shells has some substance. All metal shells are a bit unique in this price range. Most earphones at this price use a lot of plastic. I noticed the nozzles of the shells have a slight uplift in trajectory which makes them fit nicely snug in my ears. I would imagine if I ever tred the custom waters they would fit me a bit like how the SG-03 fit my ears. Not only a snug fit but the comfort is outstanding for a universal design. Isolation was actually pretty good here as well simply due to the thicker metal shell these earphones are using. It is inside the shells that make the SG-03 what is it. A highly rigid titanium plated 10mm diaphragm using a strong N50 magnet.
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Titanium plated dynamics are nothing new or exotic but I have always had an affinity for titanium plated dynamics. If folks remember Dunu Titan 1 that was also using similar dynamics. And much like the Titan 1 the strengths lies in the excellent dynamic overtones with a strong bass foundation. Never heard a titanium plated diaphragm with neutral bass. Again going off of the bass foundation of the SG-03 if you're looking for something neutral in tuning. The SG-03 is not it. But if you want something you can be proud to say has some outstanding bass presence and you take more of a liking toward the low end of the sound spectrum. Read on my fellow bass fans.
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The accessories package comes with your standard set of silicone tips a zip up case and a thin 4N Oxygen free copper cable in single ended termination. The cable does the job but is average among throw in cables here so nothing worth noting on them. Upgraded cables is highly recommended for better performance on the SG-03. Preferably something with a bit of silver in it to help balance the abilities more toward the treble and detailed aspect of the sound tuning.

Sound analysis was done using my DAPs. Fiio M15,Shanling M6 pro, M5s, M3s, Ibasso DX160, Cayin N5ii, Fiio X3ii on a E12A amp, IFI Black label, and Ibasso PB3 amp.

Overall the sound balancing has an upper mid enhancement with a stronger sub bass lift and enough treble to balance out the tonality of the SG-03. It does have sloping W shaped frequency with the strongest point of the sound design being the sub bass which rises up toward the sub 20hz frequency. Rises upDSC08060.JPG here meaning it probably can go as low as 10hz without a drop off. This strong sub bass presence does influence the tonality to shift toward a natural warmth. Not enough to sound veiled or burly, there is enough clarity on the upper mid pinna gain to counter that warm bass end quite well. While having enough treble presence and extension to complete the sound balancing. It is most definitely a colored sound but hey I clearly told you that these are not neutral so be aware you're gonna get some stupendous sub bass performance. In fact, I have only heard a few earphones in the price range that reach the depths of bassdom quite like what is on the SG-03. The DM-480 by Dunu and the Reecho SG-03 but the real surprise here happens to be the rest of the sonic signature of the SG-03.

These are clearly made for folks that want that bass in their tuning. Be it some hard hitting rock, metal to EDM, Pop, RnB and hiphop. These earphones are right up your alley. This being said I do appreciate some semblance of mids and a detailed treble end to counter that beefy subbass and that is what you're getting with the SG-03. Truth be told there are not too many sub $100 earphones that are what I consider good bassy earphones. Either they are all about the bass and nothing else or tonality is muddy AKA 1 More quads. I forgot the quads sell for over $100 but in all seriousness. Not too many good to great sounding bass earphones. SG-03 is the exception.

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Titanium coating makes all the difference, speed punch dynamism with natural tone is all there. Lower treble has the most treble energy and is fairly even to the mid treble which sees the main focus of the high notes with an anti sibilance dip at around 6-7Khz. This ensures your vocals are smoother and musical vs sharp and sibilant. Upper treble gradually a slope in presence to 16khz with a drop off from there. You can say there is a bit of a roll off in the treble ranges but sounds surprisingly complete at the same time. Overall treble lacks a touch of air but has good presence to balance out the sound and is surprisingly well detailed with no obvious peaks that will fatigue or sound out of line.

Clarity for the mids come from the upper mids region which makes up a big portion of the mid band presence and while the lower mids sees a regression in comparison, it is not as lopsided as you would imagine especially when heard. Infact genres that require vocals to be front and center due to that ample pinna gain your gonna hear vocals front and center. Lower mids sees a dip before the bass does a steady rise toward the abyss which gives a cleaner separation for that brawny bass end but for most genres the sound is surprisingly balanced and spacious. Mids has good clarity in performance and is detailed enough for acoustic tracks. While not forward in the overall mix is not missing much in the process. Male vocals could have used a bit more lower mids presence but the SG-03 tuning is all about compromises for that bass to have a cleaner presence.
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Bass is the star of the show here and when adding an ample treble and mid range with a good technical foundation to complement that burly low end. It is not too common to have your cake and be able to eat it too. Your tracks require an ample low end being the foundation for your music. Be prepared to be impressed. Bass end of the SG-03 takes your bass notes to a different level for earphones at this price range. In fact I am going to doubt your gonna find anything better bass wise for the price.

Good bass earphones require stage, you can't have bassy and narrow stage at the same time or that would be tragic. I have heard numerous cheaper sets that try to do bass to appease the young and your non knowing enthusiast which ends up sounding muddy and too warm. This is due to bass overlap and non control. Never have I heard a proper bassy earphone with a small stage. The SG-03 follows suit. Not only does the SG-03 have some proper stage but sounds surprisingly spacious at the same time. A distinct sideways oval shaped sound stage wider than tall or deep. Bass focus is more sub bass than mid bass though there is plenty of mid bass the sub bass is even stronger and if you're a true quality bass fan isn't that what we want? It is the very definition of audiophile bass in a sub $100 price point. Intrigued? You should be as bassy phones this good at this price simply does not exist. I am gonna go out on a limb here, well my fellow reviewer @cqteck here seems to agree. These might set the bar for such earphones in the sub $100 earphone range for bass. But the real surprise is that they have proficient mids and treble too which ultimately makes them sound much more versatile than any bass phone has a right to be.
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In the end the Reecho SG-03 is clearly a statement piece. As far as I know these guys have only 4 models under the Reecho name including the SG-03. Offering such a compelling product for way under $100 spot the SG-03 is not an obvious downgrade from their previous higher end Insects Awaken which cost 3X more. In fact I would say I can see how some might actually prefer the SG-03 over the Insects Awaken at not even a 1/3rd the price, especially if you're a dynamic bass fan. The SG-03 gets my pick for value phone of the year thus far as it is punching way above what they are asking for a set. And if you're in the market for a compelling dynamic bassy phone with some balance, technically proficient, spacious, with surprisingly good imaging in an all metal solid build. No question an SG-03 will compliment anyone's collection.
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This isn’t your garden variety single dynamic earphone my friends. Don’t mistake the price point with the SQ you're gonna get from owning a SG-03. These are amazing performers. If you're gonna get an earphone bass massage make it one that has a good quality tuning to go with that bass. This is what you get with the Reecho SG-03. Happy listening folks and you will be glad you picked one up.
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Dsnuts
Dsnuts
P
PKTK
Dees, would be quite expected to see some new version of the SG-03 after SG-01 OVA i suppose.
Dsnuts
Dsnuts
Dont know. OVA is worth getting if you dont have them yet thats for certain. Thought the SG-03 I felt was more unique as it has some of the brawniest sub bass I have yet to hear on any single dynamic. I hope they make an upgraded one like the OVA version of the DSG-01. Keep tabs on the discovery thread or the Penon sales pages. You never know.

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
The Many Faces of Power
Pros: Sub-bass quality and quantity.
- Close mid-range for its profile.
- Separation, amount of detail and micro nuances.
- Great design and construction.
- Good tuning for good timbre and tone.
- Ergonomics.
- Could be a reference in its class.
Cons: Somewhat heavy weight of the capsules.
- Although the cable is OK, the sound could be improved with a better cable.
- Few tips, only one set.
Introduction

Reecho is a relatively new headphone brand. It surprised with the standard of its Spring and Summer models and then moved into a higher product in the price range, such as the Insects Awaken. For the new model, they've lowered the price bar, but without reducing the quality. This time, they have opted for a single dynamic driver, instead of the previous multidrivers: Spring (2BA+1DDD), Summer (2DD) and Insects Awaken (4BA). Another striking thing that has changed is the resin of their colourful bodies, for the metal and uniform colour of the SG-03s. The capsules are made of aircraft-grade aluminium alloy. Their ergonomic design is based on collaborations with world-renowned hearing aid companies to take advantage of large databases of human hearing measurements. In this way, these IEMS are able to adapt faithfully and effectively to our ears, also increasing the level of isolation. Internally, the SG-03s use a dynamic driver with NdFeB N50 magnets and a high-rigidity titanium-plated diaphragm. With a frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz, these new SG-03s comply with the Hi-Res standard, proposed and defined by Sony and developed by the JAS (Japan Audio Association) and the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association).
In the following review we will take an in-depth look at all these details, as well as an analysis of their sound.

Reecho SG-03 01_r.jpgReecho SG-03 02_r.jpg

Disclaimer

Penon Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.

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Specifications

  • Driver Type: Dynamic 10mm N50 with titanium plated diaphragm.
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 40kHz
  • Sensitivity: 106 ± 2.5dB / 1mW @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 16Ω
  • T.H.D: <2% (@ 1kHz/1mW)
  • Jack connector: 3.5mm SE gold plated
  • Cable length: 120cm ± 0.1m
  • Cable core material and weaving method: 4 strands of high purity oxygen free copper
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2 Pin 0.78


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Packaging

The Reecho SG-03 comes in a blue rectangular box, dimensions 157x124x51mm. In the centre, large SG letters stand out, in white ink. Below them, you can read "STAR GATE", in a much smaller font. At the bottom right is the Hi-Res Audio stamp and at the left, also at the bottom, a white oval with the model name inside. Underneath, the text "In-Ear Monitor". At the top left, "Reecho" appears in a white box with rounded corners. The rear face shows, at the top, an exploded view of the inside of a capsule. Underneath are all the specifications and descriptions of the product, in Chinese and English. Removing the cardboard box reveals an all-black rigid box. In the centre of its front face is the model name, in silver letters, in a medium-sized font, but much smaller than that of the outer box. Lifting the lid is a black cardboard envelope, in the centre of which, this time, is the brand name, also in silver letters. Underneath is a foam mould which holds a clear grey zipped pouch with white brand lettering, and at the top, the two capsules. In the envelope are various instruction and warranty cards. Inside the sleeve is the cable and a set of black silicone tips. The gold-plated 3.5mm SE connector is protected by a plastic sleeve. In summary, the complete contents are:

  • The two capsules.
  • The 4-strand high purity oxygen-free copper cable.
  • 3 pairs of black silicone tips.
  • A hard case for storage.
  • 3 warranty/instruction cards.

The packaging is of medium size. The case is also medium sized, of a shape, size and quality that is becoming common in other models. Personally, I like it a lot. The set of tips is the minimum necessary, I would have preferred a different set and some silicone tips.
Overall, both the presentation and the contents are discreet and acceptable, without much more to say.

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Construction and Design

The construction of the IEMS is already very different. The capsules are made of aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and manufactured on a 5-axis CNC machine, which takes 120 minutes. The design of the outer face is based on 6 planes that cut into each other, resulting in 6 smooth faces whose edges give a trapezoid shape to their longest face. On this face, on the right capsule, there is a large, white letter G. On the left side, the letter S, also white. The capsules are bright blue, but somewhat dark. The inner face contrasts with the outer face, as instead of being flat, it is very rounded, with marked protuberances, peaks and valleys that give rise to a very ergonomic shape. It is worth noting that the body is thick, but this is not a simple design, as it is intended to fit our ears as closely as possible. To this end, the partnership with world-renowned hearing aid companies has been key to recreate a shape that is as particular as it is easily adjustable to the anatomy of our ears.
On the edge is the 2 Pin 0.78mm connection, at the same level as the surface. Close to it, there is a small hole, also on the edge. On the inner side, on the side, there is a large protrusion which is anchored in the upper part of the ear. On the way to the mouthpiece, there is another hole and, next to it, the letter indicating the canal, in white ink and inside a circle of the same colour. The base of the mouthpieces is not without a peculiar, ergonomic shape. Above it is a more classical structure of two concentric cylinders, the first one with a diameter of 4.5mm and the upper crown of 5.8mm. The overall length is 3.5mm and the opening is covered with a dense metal grille. The capsules have an outer face width of about 25mm, while the maximum thickness, from the outer face to the tip of the mouthpiece, does not exceed 23mm. However, the minimum thickness is more than 15mm, which corresponds to a relatively thick capsule.
The cable has a classic design, which reminds me of other models, for example the Tri-Fi. It is a cable with 4 black strands wound in a spiral. The connector is a 3.5mm connector, with a black angled plastic cover. The splitter piece is a small elongated rubber piece and has no adjustment pin. There are two over-ear guides, created from a semi-rigid coating, and the two-pin connectors are protected by small, classic black plastic sleeves. A coloured dot on the edge of the sleeves (red and blue) indicates the channel and position.
The capsules have an excellent construction, very robust and seamless, with a clear and distinctive shape, unmistakably particular. The cable, despite being a simpler, high-purity, oxygen-free copper cable, is highly manageable and tangle-free, nor is it microphonic. It lacks a tuning pin and the possibility to choose a balanced plug. Otherwise, spectacular design, superior construction and fairly decent cable.

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Adjustment and Ergonomics

In these respects, Reecho's aforementioned partnership with world-renowned hearing aid companies must bear its best fruits. In my particular case, I must confess that the fit is almost excellent. The anchorage is very good and the IEMS do not move, there is no rotation, no danger of falling. Although there is contact with some parts of the ear, they are not uncomfortable, nor do you feel the weight more than necessary. I have tried them for several hours and only at the end did I notice a slight discomfort. But this is normal, due to the minimal contact.
It is true that I miss the possibility of a deeper insertion. In my case, the insertion is shallow, as the protrusions that serve as anchors also prevent a deeper insertion.
With the right tips, the soundproofing and insulation is remarkable.
The combination of all these elements makes them very compatible with day-to-day use, use in public transport (metro, bus), for light outdoor sports and, of course, also for use at home.

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Sound

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The Reecho SG-03s have a decreasing W-profile, which means that the main emphasis is placed on the sub-bass, while the mid-highs are slightly behind and finally the treble takes the last position in overall presence. Their very powerful low end might lead one to think that these are just another IEMS for bass-heads, with nothing to contribute, but this is not the case. Of course, we must highlight the great work of the low end (spectacular that this is sold for 69$) because I find that it combines power and speed, punch and containment typical of superior models. The emphasised high mids have great clarity and bring a high technical level to the sound, giving it a lot of precision, commendable cleanliness and separation. I still think there's a BA hidden out there and they don't want to say it? Because the vocals are closer than the frequency response would lead you to believe, as well as the details. Then, the treble is tuned to appease those high mids, but without losing brilliance, or descriptive power.

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Bass

I must start at the beginning, that is, in the deepest and most emphasised area, the sub-bass. The first peak of the W starts here, and how! The SG-03's move with exemplary authority in the sub-bass, exuding power, energy, punch and impact, as well as an unusual sense of separation and air, a sensation that extends to the rest of the range. Then, as the frequency rises, the bass cleans up and drains, allowing it to fluidise the lower range, into the midrange. This is how the mid-bass feels without a hint of bloat, very well distilled, giving rise to a sensation of a fast and easy pick-up zone, which gains in dynamics and decay. The result is a very dry, consistent and appreciable hit, clearly oriented towards the deeper side. The definition is imposing: to listen to this model blindly, without knowing its real value, is to fall into a trap that will make us assume that these are superior IEMS. But in reality, there is no joke in their sound, everything is real and realistic, natural, inherent, spontaneous and with a lot of nerve and temperament. Despite the depth of the low end, there is no darkness. The texture, being a fast driver, is not very extensive, but it has an innate, high-resolution roughness, with a descriptive ability that allows notes to be picked out with great precision. In no case is there any confusion or overlapping of planes, quite the contrary: the richness of its execution generates a neatness that can be observed with great clarity when it is associated with analytical sources. It is in this case, when its great potential can be appreciated and all its virtuosity can be observed in this area. Very commendable.

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Mids

The midrange continues to enjoy that excellent cleanliness, thanks to the great respect that the low end processes in this range. It is clear that, as usual, raising the power at the sub-bass end ensures a much cleaner midrange, without its theoretical distance feeling overbearing. It is also true that the rapid emphasis on the high-mids and first highs helps the vocals to sound much more accompanied and complete than one would expect. This is how everything is well calculated, so that the mids enjoy a greater importance, managing to balance the overall sound. Despite all this, there is no hiding the fact that the central range is not very full-bodied or dense. The aforementioned cleanliness and clarity offer a lighter, darker background sound, with a texture that is not very present, but with easily perceptible detail, thanks to the SG-03s' high level of resolution. Not that I can say that its tendency is complete analytical, but it is certain that its technical capabilities help it to lean towards this direction. The smoothness of the voices contrasts with the accentuated nuances of their edges, which, in turn, are very well integrated and differentiated from the rest of the instrumentation details. This conjunction is paramount in generating a musical richness, which one might think comes from a finely tuned BA. But in the background, there is that more organic, softened sound in the extreme, which inevitably comes from a high-performance dynamic driver. As a result, the whole feels very musical and spacious, with a more concave central recreation, where details float, well placed, in a transparent, evocative and dynamic atmosphere. This is how IEMS, powerful in its low end, pays respect to the midrange.

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Treble

The upper zone is based on a lightning start and the classic quick cutback. It's the traditional way of creating sparkle without losing control. And that's how it happens on the SG-03s, and it works very well on this occasion, if you're not a treble-head. The initial flash shimmers with moderate force, offering a well-resolved sparkle, controlled in extension and tuned without losing naturalness, but with the appropriate brightness. In this way, the nuances feel explicit, but not elongated. The brightness does not spread, remaining somewhat more restricted in that initial stroke. In this way its width is thin, without further development, sharp but not overly so, thus trying to keep the sibilance at bay, but without the sound becoming nuanced or flat. The result is a slightly splashy edge, whose radiance is quickly mitigated. Perhaps, this effect limits the extension on the cymbals, preventing a more natural and calm development in time, accelerating the decay and disappearance of harmonics. In this sense, the extension and the amount of air can be slightly compromised, but we must take into account where we are, to value the area in its right measure. And it is at this point that the treble becomes a very valuable complement to complete the lower ranges and put itself at their service. It is clear, then, that the upper zone is free of fatigue and its persistence is moderate, which helps to provide a good level of clarity, without exceeding neutrality in this sense and helping to prolong listening time.

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Soundstage, Separation

The scene feels eminently frontal, moderately concave, where the voices appear more centred, in the middle distance. Depth trumps height. The spatial recreation is not very holographic, nor three-dimensional, nor enveloping, but it enjoys good width.
The level of separation and transparency is outstanding. The amount of air is good, but not so much as to provoke a more vaporous and ethereal feeling. The recreation is realistic in shape, but remarkably detailed and rich.
The SG-03s rely on providing a greater sense of separation, recreation of nuance and micro-detail, rather than on generating a larger scene or more precise or explicit positioning. In this respect, they are technically high marks, while in the imaging department they fall a little short of that mark.

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Comparisons

TFZ Live 3


The Live 3 is an IEMS currently priced the same as the Reecho SG-03. Construction clearly falls on the side of the SG-03s, as they are as close to a tank as you can get in this range and immediately above. The profile is also similar, although the Live 3s have an extension in bass power that extends more towards their midrange. This makes the lower area denser and thicker. In that sense, the SG-03s are more accurate and faster, though not as powerful and complete. The low end of the TFZ is more noticeable in the other ranges, being above them. Not so with the SG-03s, as their voices stand out and sound clearer, more vivid and present, with a brighter, more detailed and more nuanced profile. Comparatively speaking, in the mid-range, there is a power shift between the two IEMS. If in the low end, the power was higher in the Live 3, in the midrange it moves towards the SG-03. This is how the midrange has less prominence in the TFZs, showing a somewhat more opaque, sparse, neutral, somewhat darker and with less dynamics.
The only improvement the Live 3 has over the SG-03s in this respect are the male vocals, which can sometimes sound fuller and more textured, although with less detail and nuance. Whereas on the SG-03s, they can be observed as thinner and colder in such cases. Although the instrumentation definitely benefits from the better technical virtues of the Reecho, its better analytical capabilities giving it a better representation, richness, dynamics and also presence.
In the upper range, there is more relative presence in the Live 3, but not more definition. The incidence of the mid-highs is lower, but the first treble is felt a little more. The problem is that the SG-03s' ability to improve the exposure of the range makes their treble superior, in terms of dynamics, speed, resolution, definition and noticeability. The Live 3's darker sounding feel means that the Reecho's possess a greater amount of air, clearer separation, a wider soundstage, more headroom and a more accurate representation.
It is clear that the Live 3 cannot compete in construction and durability with the Reecho, but it is worth noting that they are quite comfortable and weigh less. They don't have the complex and precise fit of the SG-03s, but they are very comfortable and sometimes this can be preferable. The level of isolation is superior in the Reecho SG-03.

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Hidizs MS2

The MS2s are another great example of how IEMS in this range are improving in quality, giving a sound that was initially reserved for higher price points.
In broad strokes, the MS2s are like the "sweet and balanced" brother of the Reecho MS2s. In the midrange and treble there are more similarities than it may at first appear. And the low end of the MS2s is not as weak as it looks, comparatively speaking. There is good bass punch in the Hidizs, great texture, speed and remarkable technical capabilities in the lower range. But of course, all of that is also in the Reecho, with a nice plus of power, energy and presence. I just think the texture could be more descriptive in the MS2s, as it is perhaps more present because the lower energy makes it more perceptible.
The mid-range of the MS2s is clearly more balanced, with a more neutral and less bright tone than the SG-03s. Thus, female vocals have more body, density, but less sparkle. On the Reecho, everything is more emphasised, even the details. The Hidizs are quieter, with a more homogeneous and warmer midrange. The tone is slightly darker, but this effect brings a fuller body to the voices, especially the male ones, making them more complete and closer. In general, in the Hidizs, the central range is tuned to show off and everything is very well measured to distribute its prominence above the rest. Without being a mid-centric IEMS, the work of the rest of the ranges is very much in favour of helping the middle part. And in this sense, despite the great achievement of the SG-03s in this respect, one has to surrender to the greater musicality and complexity of the Hidizs' mids.
The Reecho have a brighter profile, although the tuning is similar, the treble rises more in presence, which makes them crisper and thinner. In the Hidizs they are more restrained and do not escape the script of their homogeneity. Thus, there is more sparkle in the SG-03s and a higher penetration rate in the first half of the treble. However, the greatest extension falls on the side of the MS2s, which enjoy more air and a more elongated harmonic level. When it comes to depicting detail, the Reecho's greater sparkle helps them to extract even more hidden micro nuances, without being overly analytical. The more homogeneous look of the MS2s works against them in this respect, comparatively speaking. There seems to be a higher level of transparency and separation on the Reecho, while the scene seems to appear more complete, better defined and placed on the MS2, with a more three-dimensional feel.
In terms of construction and ergonomics, the MS2s are very similar to the Live 3s, but even lighter. It is clear, then, that everything said about the Live 3 can be repeated here, except for the lighter weight point.
I would like to point out that both IEMS are great examples of very well-finished products with excellent sound and that only our preference for one profile or the other can decide which one we like better.

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Conclusion

It may be too early to say, but I'll go out on a limb and say that Reecho has launched one of the products of the year, under $75. From the outset, the construction and design is colossal, something distinctive and emphatic, with great ergonomics to boot. And the visual aspect, on this occasion, gives a clue to its sound: punchy and sharp, but in a good way. With a W sound based on an impressive sub-bass, a mid-range that has superb clarity, separation, good presence and sparkling highs that provide plenty of detail and a high level of micro nuances. It's a seamless, technically remarkable sound, with superior speed and dynamics, and a highly enjoyable profile. Honestly, I think the Reecho SG-03s can be a clear reference in this price range.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • Tempotec Sonata E35
  • Xuelin H7
  • E1DA #9038B
  • Earmen Sparrow
  • Hiby R3 Pro
  • Hidizs DH80S
  • Tempotec V1-A

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 93
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 90
  • Accessories: 65
  • Bass: 92
  • Mids: 87
  • Treble: 86
  • Separation: 92
  • Soundstage: 86
  • Quality/Price: 95
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Purchase Link:

https://penonaudio.com/reecho-sg-03.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2021/04/25/reecho-sg-03-review/

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cqtek
cqtek
Sorry, I don't have any iBasso IEM.
I'm also sorry for the late reply, I had not seen your message.
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Hi There , how Is this Reecho SG-03 to Tin T4 or FD1 ?
cqtek
cqtek
I don't have the FD1, but there are clear differences between the T4 and the SG-03. The T4 is more balanced, as you can see from its more linear graph. It is also a bit darker and smoother on top. I think the graph is eloquent enough to give you an idea between the two.

Regards.
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