Reecho SG-01
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The Reecho SG01 have been kindly loaned to me by CqTek of hiendportable.com so I could test them out and create this review. Of course CqTek has not requested anything from me in exchange for sending these IEMs over but if you would like to see his review of these IEMs, it is literally just below this one here on head-fi, so no need for links
This means that my review will follow the usual rule of being as unbiased and sincere as possible but, as I always say, I have not actually spent any of my own hard earned cash to try out these IEMs, so you may want to keep that in mind.
Intro…
CqTek has actually sent me a few models of IEMs to try out, for which I am grateful as I hadn’t tried any of the models he sent me, or anything else from the brands.
The loan of these items started with a subscriber to Acho Reviews who commented that he would like to see me review the Reecho SG03. I remembered that hiendportable.com had published a review of them (although I couldn’t remember anything about them), so I reached out to CqTek who kindly agreed to send them to me (the SG03) and also included some more models at the same time, the Reecho SG01 being one of them.
I must say that I know absolutely nothing about these IEMs, so I did a bit of research before sitting down to write this review. From the brief search that I did, it seems that the SG01 are available for just over 40€ (at the time of my search) and features a single graphene 10mm dynamic driver.
Apart from that, I didn’t find much info, without reading reviews of course (which I always avoid doing when I plan on reviewing something myself). I do know that the review on hiendportable.com contains more details and information, so I suggest that you give it a visit to see more details.
Presentation…
As this set of IEMs was sent to me by someone who has the exact same issue as myself, too many IEMs which means too many boxes, which means too little space to store them all, he just sent me the IEMs in their travel case along with a cable that is not the original (without any tips or other accessories).
This means that I can’t comment on the presentation of these IEMs. I can say that the way the reached me, nicely coiled inside a semi-rigid transport case, is something i have absolutely no complaints about.
Build and aesthetics…
Again, as I just said, the included cable is not the original, therefore I can only comment on the build and aesthetics of the IEMs themselves (well, I can comment on the cable also, which is quite nice, but it is irrelevant to the product at hand).
As far as the IEMs, to be honest, it took me a while to decide if the shells were made from a lightweight alloy or plastic that has been painted to look like metal. In the end, I am 99% convinced that they are actually a lightweight metal in their totality.
This means that they are extremely lightweight and I also find them very comfortable. The size is rather and sits well inside me ear, being almost flush. Using silicone tips I found the seal to be very easy (I didn’t even try Xelastec or foam on these, which is usually a sign of immediate comfort for me) and different tips did do the usual change of sound but none of the ones I tried sounded awful.
As far as aesthetics, they remind me of something that I would associate with Fiio, with the wavy face plates. I don’t mind this look to be honest, it is something that breaks from the normal smooth finish but is not too over the top.
As far as build quality, I don’t know how old these IEMs are or how they have been treated (although I know that CqTek treats his stuff very well) but they aren’t showing any signs of wear or damage, which is always positive.
Sound…
There are times when specific IEMs or headphones inspire me to listen to certain genres of music, although the day and my mood also play a big part. In the case of the SG01, they were the IEMs I picked up to go back to work on the 3rd of January, without listening to them previously. Upon sitting down at my desk to start making my way through the hundreds of backlogged emails, I connected them to the Atom and started listening. After about 10 minutes, the SG01 just kept making me feel like listening to female pop.
Who am I to disagree with my subconscious? So the first 5 or 6 hours of my work in 2022 was spent listening to people like Alicia Keys, Destiny's Child, Macy Gray and many other similar artists, which I feel that the SG01 did a very good job of presenting.
Not everything was perfect, I’ll mention more about the flaws, but I was happy with the tuning and quality of the music I was listening to, and that was before I knew the price of them. Now that I know that they cost 40€, I must say that I am impressed.
Anyhow, starting off with the subbass, there is a clear roll off as we reach down to the lowest notes, therefore these are not a set of IEMs that will appeal to those who want plenty of that low end rumble. The subbass is not totally absent, there is enough to appreciate that the music has information in the lowest registers but those looking to tickle their eardrums will need to look elsewhere.
In the mid/high bass rangers, I find that the presence is a little north of neutral for my preference. However, although there is a little too much presence in this area, the SG01 does still manage to be smooth and it is only on occasions when this extra bass is noticeable. For example, the start of “No One” by Alicia Keys comes across as slightly too much and can seem as though it is about to distort.
The transition from the bass to the mids also suffers due to this extra presence of mid-bass and lower mids, with the bass clearly bleeding into the mids on tracks that are a little busy in those areas. Listening to simple acoustic and vocal music, this muddyness is not overly apparent but when moving onto tracks that are a little busier in those regions, it does become a little overpowering. The sensation is very similar to when you are in a venue listening to live music and you end up standing in just the wrong spot for those 300Hz notes. The difference is that in a live venue you can take a few steps sideways and resolve the issue, whereas with the SG01, you can’t fix it that way.
The mids themselves are pretty smooth also, with no real issues until we get to the highest of the mids, the 2kHz to 3kHz mark. Around this area I find that the SG01 are tuned very similar to the Yuan Li that I like so much, however, the SG01 increase this area more than the Yuan Li, and this can present some sensation of harshness depending on the song. This increase works well to bring back presence to the vocals, and on voices that are not harsh in those 3kHz frequencies, it works very well and gives a nice clarity to the voices. However, when coming across a voice that is overly hot in the 3kHz range, the SG01 make it become rather harsh on the notes that are centered around those regions. It is a shame because this is something that attracts far more attention from me than if the peak was somewhere else. There are occasions when the harshness appears out of nowhere and draws attention to itself, only to disappear again when the damage is already done (in other words, when it has already drawn my attention to it).
Moving into the higher frequencies, I find them to be rather smooth and fairly airy for a single driver. There is a decent extension in the top end but it is not boosted, meaning that it keeps the smoothness that I find constant in these IEMs except for when the 300Hz or 3kHz issue arises. I don’t find these IEMs sibilant, at least on tracks that are not overly sibilant themselves. For example, “Code Cool” is quite listenable on these IEMs, which is a good guide line.
As far as stage width, I find that the SG01 is actually larger than the average I have come to expect from IEMs. There is a decent amount of space which, partnered with that smooth and extended treble, gives room for the music to breath and for there to be space between instruments. I wouldn’t say that these SG01 are the most detailed IEMs I have heard, nor that they are amazing at placing those details with millimetric accuracy, but they are not something that I could really complain about, there are far worse IEMs out there in this regard (some at much higher price marks).
Conclusion…
The SG01 is very close to hitting my preferred tuning for IEMs, if only those boosts around 300Hz and 3kHz were resolved. They don’t need to be eliminated, not at all, they just need to be reduce slightly. In fact, if those two areas (say 100Hz to 300Hz and 2kHz to 4kHz) were reduce slightly, the SG01 would be almost identical to the Yuan Li at less than half the price.
As it stands, those peaks don’t actually affect all the music, I can spend hours listening to certain artists and genres without any negative effects, but then with another artist of genre, the peaks will suddenly become noticeable, at least to me. I guess it is also due to the fact that the 100Hz to 300Hz is a frequency range that I focus on a lot due to being a bassist and the 2kHz to 4kHz range is something I focus on a lot due to my preference for vocal orientated music. This means that these two peaks probably stand out to me more than they would other people.
Honestly, other than that, I have no issues with the SG01 at all. I find them comfortable, they seem well built, the tuning is aimed towards my preferences, they don’t suffer from the single DD drop off in the higher registers… in general they are a decent set of IEMs for around 40€.
I am not going to rush out and purchase a set but I am glad to have been able to try them out and will certainly take more notice of Reecho as a brand.
*This review is also available in Spanish on my blog here and on YouTube here.
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Hi Senior, my box written Yusicon brand, yours? i wonder if there is any difference in sound?
SenyorC
@Fahmi Misbah Bangsar , as mentioned in the review, these were loaned to me without the box. Maybe try asking @cqtek (the review below this one) as he was the one who kindly loaned them to me.
Introduction
Reecho continues to expand its catalogue and this time it opts for an economical model, the cheapest of the Star Gate series. The low price does not imply a cheap or weak design, quite the contrary. The acoustic cavity of the SG-01 has been made of a lightweight, all-metal zinc alloy, constructed by metal injection moulding. The finishing touches are CNC machined for an elegant, beautiful and unique finish. The diaphragm of the dynamic driver is made of graphene, with a thickness of 6μm and a diameter of 10mm. The connector is 2Pin 0.78mm and the cable used is 4N OFC high purity, to guarantee a purer sound. It includes a remote control and a microphone, as well as being nylon-jacketed. Next, it remains to talk about the rest of the accessories, the ergonomics and, of course, the sound. But, as usual, these and other issues will be dealt with in depth in the following review.
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.
Specifications
Packaging
The Reecho SG-01 comes in a box covered with a uniform grey cardboard, whose dimensions are 175x129x58mm. In the centre of the main side, the letters "SG" stand out in a special font, in black ink. Underneath them is "STAR GATE", in a much smaller font. The model is named inside a black oval in the lower left-hand corner. On the back is an exploded view of the capsule and the rest of the specifications, in white letters. The address of the company's headquarters can also be read. Once the cardboard is removed, a black box is revealed, the texture of which is reminiscent of leather. In the centre are Chinese letters in gold ink. The box opens like a book, through the longer side flap, which is slightly magnetised. Once opened, you can see the capsules inside a thick black foam mould. Underneath is a cover just like the outside, including the gold Chinese lettering. Removed from the lid, folded at a bottom crease, is a clear grey zippered case. The exterior is textile and the same Chinese lettering is printed in white rubber ink. Removed from the mould and the zipped case are two dark cardboard boxes, each with the word 'YUSICON' printed in gold lettering in the centre of each. Underneath them and inside the zippered case are the rest of the accessories. In a summary:
The packaging seems to be of very good quality, although it is a bit large, but the contents and accessories are excellent for the price. It is unusual to find three sets of tips and a zippered case as good as this model in this price range. Less sets of tips or a simpler pouch is the norm, but not both. Clearly, this is a very positive thing.
Construction and Design
The capsules are made of a lightweight, all-metal zinc alloy, constructed by metal injection moulding. A CNC machine was used for the final finish, achieving a very smooth and polished surface on the inside, as well as the wavy shape of the outer face. The shape of the capsule resembles an equilateral triangle, with one side fairly straight (major side) and the other two more rounded (minor side and hypotenuse), which would end up forming a single curve. The size is medium to small, although they are relatively chubby. The weight, even if a light alloy has been used, is clearly higher than that of a resin or aluminium capsule. Not that they are heavy, but they are noticeable in the hands, because they are robust and forceful. At the apex of the flat rim is the transparent plastic surface plate, where the gold-plated 2Pin 0.78mm connections are located. This plate is rectangular with slightly rounded corners. Near them, towards the inner side, are the letters indicating the channel. They are printed in dark ink and are barely distinguishable. At the opposite end of this inner face, there is a small hole, plugged at the bottom by a white mesh. The nozzle is approximately 5 mm long. It starts with a diameter of slightly more than 6mm. Immediately there is a step that reduces the diameter to 5.8mm, ending in a 1mm thick rim, with a diameter of 6.8mm. Its interior is protected by a micro-perforated metal grid. On its edges, traces of the glue that secures the grid can be seen.
The cable consists of two strands sheathed in black nylon. High purity 4N OFC copper is used inside. The plug is covered by a straight, dark, thin, metallic cylinder. The connector is 3.5mm, gold plated. The cable has a remote control and microphone. The splitter piece is another dark, metallic cylinder. The termination of the cables to the 2Pin connector is protected by a plastic sleeve which gives it rigidity and shape over the ear. The connector sleeve is made of plastic, angled at 90°. The pins are inside a rectangular tub and protrude slightly over their edges. The cable, while sturdy and of high quality, is not the best cable to do justice to the sound quality of the SG-01s and I recommend replacing it with a purely audiophile style cable. Due to the neutral/bright character of its profile, it could be paired with a good copper cable. But the final choice will always be the user's, of course.
Overall, the build quality is almost excellent, very robust and well finished between the two sides and at the 2Pin connection bracket. It is only marred by those small traces of glue and the microphone cable.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The capsules are small/medium sized, smooth and soft. Their rounded shape gives them a very pleasant feel. The mouthpieces have a good length, but also a good diameter. The first allows a medium insertion, but the second limits the depth and will depend on each morphology, up to where it can be introduced. In my case, insertion with large tips is somewhat superior to shallow insertion. In this sense, the tips that come as standard play a fundamental role. They are not just any tips. The black tips have a long core, which allows a deeper insertion, they are the narrowest, both in inner and outer diameter. White tips, with a coloured core, have a medium length core, as well as an inner and outer diameter. While the complete white tips have a shorter core, but a larger diameter and are the widest, for a shallower insertion. In my case, the tips with the long core are the ones that fit the best, obtaining a better seal, greater insertion and a clearer, cleaner sound, with more detail.
It is clear that the SG-01s have very good ergonomics, with a very varied and versatile fit, as a result of both their shape and the standard tips. The only negative aspect is the weight, although it is not very heavy, the metallic construction increases this value over capsules made of resin. However, it is true that the great fit and firmness reduce this sensation once they are in our ears. In the end, this weight is not superior to other metal IEMS, which are so popular.
Sound
Profile
You could define the profile of the Reecho SG-01 as a lower-case 'w', with a slightly bright tendency. Their emphasis on high mids and treble is not hidden, while, to a lesser degree, the sub-bass accent also appears, without predominating.
Bass
The fact that the bass tuning is focused on the sub-bass is not just a question of frequency response. Then you have to know how to execute them, and it seems that Reecho has no problem with that. Coming from an LFO monster like the SG-03, Reecho has slightly educated the bass response towards something more neutral, without the rogue and wild character of the lower range disappearing. And that's great news. Just give the SG-01 sub-bass, and it kicks it right back in the shin, there, at that key point, quickly and concisely, without a second glance. It's not the beast of the SG-03s, but this little guy doesn't flinch, and it's precise and clean, a lot. The bass decay is very slight, barely noticeable, they disappear very effectively. But the punch is noticeable, it lingers in our memory, in a bold and greedy way. And on top of that, they have texture and descriptiveness. The SG-01 probably has one of the best bass definition, cleanliness and resolution in its price range, something that more expensive IEMS can't even do as deftly as the Reecho SG-01. Despite all that, this model is not labelled bass-heads, but bass-lovers. The tuning is very good, the timbre is very good, the depth is very evident and on top of that, the bass is very permissive with the rest of the frequencies, so much so that it is not the predominant range. Every Hz of sub-bass it delivers is worth its weight in music, not just in dB. In this way, the bass is very dynamic and agile, leaving room for darkness, for light and detail, for different planes and for a subtle, delicious and delicately well-executed roughness. I'm not much given to linking driver construction with the sound produced, but perhaps the 6μm thick graphene diaphragm has something to do with the excellent bass performance of this model, among other things.
Mids
Again, cleanliness and clarity are the predominant tone, too, of the midrange. Coming from a fast, sub-bass-accentuated low end, the first half of the midrange is very neutral, without warmth and slightly thin. The body of this initial zone is characterised by a medium/thin thickness. There is no hollowness, and the effective rumble of the lows brings energy, not contamination. Male voices are not thick, but more delicately rendered, with a lot of detail and harmony, but they are not fleshy or juicy. Female voices do not require as much grounding and this characteristic is less noticeable. In general, the voices possess a level of resolution that draws them with a more analytical point of neatness and are described with a great deal of rigour, but without losing musicality or soul. But they do not possess the complete exuberance and weight that a fuller lower midrange would bring. Even so, there is no lack of presence in this area and they manage to get ahead of the lower range, no problem at all. Voices are not going to feel distant, they can even be perceived as very emphatic, at times exalted and predominant, due to the intensity in the upper mids and upper treble. This weight is greater than that offered by the bass and must be taken into account. As I indicated, the brighter, more prominent character shines through at first glance, and SG-01s can be spicy in this upper zone. It's not a penetrating level, let alone a lacerating one, but I think it should be noted, this elevated representation of the upper midrange. On the other hand, the level of dynamics that is achieved is substantial, also thanks to the speed of note execution, something that helps the sound to have a more flashy, splashy and sparkling character.
The instrumentation is infected by all of the above, and while its representation at the top can be splendid, the thinness and thinner base in the first half detracts from the strength of its foundations. Despite the great definition and capacity for resolution, detail and nuance expressed on the musical surface, I miss something more full-bodied, a greater density that fills the bottom and lower base of the instrumentation and gives it more power, punch and substance. But this is a matter of personal taste.
Treble
The upper zone is free and as such it expresses itself explicitly and with forcefulness, feeling above many things, without implying an exaggerated brilliance. If you want highs, here they are, and of high quality, with an execution that follows in the wake of the cleanliness, speed, precision and definition of the previous ranges. Control? Also, but expressed in playability, in a very revealing performance of great resolution. There is no flaw in the tuning of this band, without hiding the fact that it is a clear presence, which can become predominant. But it is not a discordant predominance, because this tuning hides its tricks to avoid a tonal mismatch that could lead to an eminently sharp and unbalanced sound. This is not the case. Despite the sparkle and crackle of the high notes, the presentation remains on the medium/high edge of brilliance, without crossing the threshold between pleasure, explicit sensation or a more annoying predominance. Translated to my personal taste, the treble of the Reecho SG-01s is on the borderline of good and bad, suitable for fast or more moderately timed listening. But it is still a matter of personal taste. Finally, I would especially like to mention the amount of air that a dynamic driver of such a low price range as this one gets. It is commendable, something that raises the treble level above that of the competition.
Soundstage, Separation
The SG-01 scene has a volatile representation, the result of the delicacy of its notes, as well as its capacity for definition and resolution. The result is an ethereal, light, expandable image, more liquid than gaseous, but with a tendency to take up a lot of space. The sense of depth is very good, almost more palpable than the width. In this way, the scene is more round than oval. Three-dimensionality is created by a remarkable perception of height, although the image feels more frontal than enveloping, despite the escapist tendency of the musical notes. The positioning of the elements is precise and well-defined, not mixed up or altered by the vaporousness of the scene. The level of separation, the feeling of air between elements, of emptiness and darkness, the level of detail, micro and macro, as well as the revealing amount of nuance, totally out of range. Excellent.
Comparisons
KB Ear Robin
One of my last reviews was about the Robin. These are slightly more expensive IEMS, which have 5 drivers in each capsule (1DDD+4BA). Built in resin, with a metal mouthpiece and outer face, they are larger in size, but lighter in weight. The zippered case is the same in both models. The ergonomics are remarkable in both models, but in the SG-01 the smaller size may benefit many, while the lighter weight of the Robin may also be more pleasant for many others.
The frequency response has a similar shape and its changes are determined by the slope of the final profile. However, these changes polarise the sound greatly, with each earphone clearly tending towards one extreme or the other. The Robins have a more prominent bass and a more relaxed mid-high and treble. While the Reecho is the other way around, there is more emphasis on the upper half than the lower half, including the air zone. They also have a sub-bass orientation, although their overall dominance of the low end of the sound is less than that of the Robins. Even so, the SG-01s have greater depth, better definition, resolution, speed and agility. The KB Ear's bass is more focused, powerful, perceptible, somewhat more rubbery and expansive, with a tendency to flood the rest of the sound more easily and evidently.
In the mid-range, the warmth of the Robins is clear, as is the aftertaste that carries over from the lower range. In this way, the density and body of the first half is evident, as well as its greater darkness. This generates a greater sense of congestion, a sensation that does not exist in the SG-01, where the sound is cleaner, clearer, airier, separated, although also thinner and with less base, in this lower range. In this first half of the sound it is clear the character of each model, while the Robins are smoother and more pleasant, suitable for long listening, the SG-01s are more analytical and bright, more appropriate for critical listening. Although this will always be determined by one's acceptance, preference and tolerance of the bands with more emphasis. I tolerate bass more easily than mid-high or treble. However, I prefer the overall quality of the SG-01s for their analytical character and better low-end quality, although they would not be the best companions on a long trip unless paired with a clearly warm source.
In voices the timbre orientation is also very distinctive. It is difficult to determine which is more natural, because they both reach the two opposite extremes. There are voices that sound more natural on SG-01s, but if they are too high pitched, they enter a more complicated terrain, which can make them less natural. The same thing happens on the Robins, but towards the opposite range. Without getting into the muddiness, the voices are darker and softer, they have less definition and nuances, that's why they are less bright and more filed, even with less presence, in some situations.
The same is true of the instrumentation, with the Robins' greater forcefulness building a more energetic wall of sound that can benefit some genres of music. On the other side, the Reecho's thinner, more liquid sound favours lighter genres or more airy preferences.
It is in the high zone that the differences are greatest. The Robins are mostly in the safe zone, while the SG-01s are closer to the permissive limit, but without losing control, offering high notes with a lot of definition, clarity, sparkle, speed and resolving power. The representation of the high notes is finer and more delicate, the brilliance is superior, but the sparkle is dazzling and very thin, disappearing very quickly. In the Robins, the treble is wider and the peak below 10kHz stretches them in time. Another big difference is the amount of air, clearly greater in the Reecho, which gives it many advantages, as well as a superior extension, something that seems unbelievable coming from a single dynamic driver, as opposed to 4 BA drivers dedicated to mids and treble.
The soundstage seems to be slightly wider on the Robins, but in the rest of the coordinates, the SG-01s win. Thus, the image they generate is more three-dimensional, airy, ethereal, with greater separation, distance between elements and more darkness. The dynamics are more evident in these Reecho and the micro details as well. In other technical aspects such as positioning, precision, resolution or spatial recreation, the analytical capability of the SG-01 is above that of the KB Ear.
Conclusion
Undeniably, the Reecho SG-01 is one of this year's great IEMS and one of the best in the $25-$50 range. Their metal construction is excellent, they come with a good handful of tips (three complete sets), which are also enormously useful. They come with a nice zippered case and a nylon covered cable with microphone. They are small and very ergonomic. In all of the above areas they are excellent, while in sound, most importantly, they are also outstanding. The low end is technically exceptional, the mids are remarkable high and the highs are superb, as is their stage and separation level. On top of that, the tuning is very attractive, with a brilliant tendency. But they also possess a surprising analytical capacity, with a level of detail and recreation of nuances that is not easy to find in this category. Whichever way you look at it, the SG-01s are very good, an incredible value for their price.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Ratings
Purchase Link
https://penonaudio.com/reecho-sg-01.html
You can read the full review in Spanish here:
https://hiendportable.com/2021/09/19/reecho-sg-01-review/
Reecho continues to expand its catalogue and this time it opts for an economical model, the cheapest of the Star Gate series. The low price does not imply a cheap or weak design, quite the contrary. The acoustic cavity of the SG-01 has been made of a lightweight, all-metal zinc alloy, constructed by metal injection moulding. The finishing touches are CNC machined for an elegant, beautiful and unique finish. The diaphragm of the dynamic driver is made of graphene, with a thickness of 6μm and a diameter of 10mm. The connector is 2Pin 0.78mm and the cable used is 4N OFC high purity, to guarantee a purer sound. It includes a remote control and a microphone, as well as being nylon-jacketed. Next, it remains to talk about the rest of the accessories, the ergonomics and, of course, the sound. But, as usual, these and other issues will be dealt with in depth in the following review.
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.
Specifications
- Driver Type: 1 x 10mm N50 dynamic driver with 6μm graphene diaphragm.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 110dB±2dB(1mW@1kHz)
- Impedance: 32Ω
- THD: <2%(@1kHz/1mW)
- Jack connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated straight jack plug
- Cable length: 1.2m±0.1m
- Cable Material: 4-wire high purity oxygen-free copper wire
- Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Microphone: Yes
Packaging
The Reecho SG-01 comes in a box covered with a uniform grey cardboard, whose dimensions are 175x129x58mm. In the centre of the main side, the letters "SG" stand out in a special font, in black ink. Underneath them is "STAR GATE", in a much smaller font. The model is named inside a black oval in the lower left-hand corner. On the back is an exploded view of the capsule and the rest of the specifications, in white letters. The address of the company's headquarters can also be read. Once the cardboard is removed, a black box is revealed, the texture of which is reminiscent of leather. In the centre are Chinese letters in gold ink. The box opens like a book, through the longer side flap, which is slightly magnetised. Once opened, you can see the capsules inside a thick black foam mould. Underneath is a cover just like the outside, including the gold Chinese lettering. Removed from the lid, folded at a bottom crease, is a clear grey zippered case. The exterior is textile and the same Chinese lettering is printed in white rubber ink. Removed from the mould and the zipped case are two dark cardboard boxes, each with the word 'YUSICON' printed in gold lettering in the centre of each. Underneath them and inside the zippered case are the rest of the accessories. In a summary:
- 2 Reecho SG-01 capsules
- 1 cable with microphone.
- 1 zipped case.
- 3 pairs of white silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
- 3 pairs of white silicone tips with coloured core, sizes SxMxL.
- 3 pairs of dark grey silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
- Instruction manual.
- Warranty cards.
The packaging seems to be of very good quality, although it is a bit large, but the contents and accessories are excellent for the price. It is unusual to find three sets of tips and a zippered case as good as this model in this price range. Less sets of tips or a simpler pouch is the norm, but not both. Clearly, this is a very positive thing.
Construction and Design
The capsules are made of a lightweight, all-metal zinc alloy, constructed by metal injection moulding. A CNC machine was used for the final finish, achieving a very smooth and polished surface on the inside, as well as the wavy shape of the outer face. The shape of the capsule resembles an equilateral triangle, with one side fairly straight (major side) and the other two more rounded (minor side and hypotenuse), which would end up forming a single curve. The size is medium to small, although they are relatively chubby. The weight, even if a light alloy has been used, is clearly higher than that of a resin or aluminium capsule. Not that they are heavy, but they are noticeable in the hands, because they are robust and forceful. At the apex of the flat rim is the transparent plastic surface plate, where the gold-plated 2Pin 0.78mm connections are located. This plate is rectangular with slightly rounded corners. Near them, towards the inner side, are the letters indicating the channel. They are printed in dark ink and are barely distinguishable. At the opposite end of this inner face, there is a small hole, plugged at the bottom by a white mesh. The nozzle is approximately 5 mm long. It starts with a diameter of slightly more than 6mm. Immediately there is a step that reduces the diameter to 5.8mm, ending in a 1mm thick rim, with a diameter of 6.8mm. Its interior is protected by a micro-perforated metal grid. On its edges, traces of the glue that secures the grid can be seen.
The cable consists of two strands sheathed in black nylon. High purity 4N OFC copper is used inside. The plug is covered by a straight, dark, thin, metallic cylinder. The connector is 3.5mm, gold plated. The cable has a remote control and microphone. The splitter piece is another dark, metallic cylinder. The termination of the cables to the 2Pin connector is protected by a plastic sleeve which gives it rigidity and shape over the ear. The connector sleeve is made of plastic, angled at 90°. The pins are inside a rectangular tub and protrude slightly over their edges. The cable, while sturdy and of high quality, is not the best cable to do justice to the sound quality of the SG-01s and I recommend replacing it with a purely audiophile style cable. Due to the neutral/bright character of its profile, it could be paired with a good copper cable. But the final choice will always be the user's, of course.
Overall, the build quality is almost excellent, very robust and well finished between the two sides and at the 2Pin connection bracket. It is only marred by those small traces of glue and the microphone cable.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
The capsules are small/medium sized, smooth and soft. Their rounded shape gives them a very pleasant feel. The mouthpieces have a good length, but also a good diameter. The first allows a medium insertion, but the second limits the depth and will depend on each morphology, up to where it can be introduced. In my case, insertion with large tips is somewhat superior to shallow insertion. In this sense, the tips that come as standard play a fundamental role. They are not just any tips. The black tips have a long core, which allows a deeper insertion, they are the narrowest, both in inner and outer diameter. White tips, with a coloured core, have a medium length core, as well as an inner and outer diameter. While the complete white tips have a shorter core, but a larger diameter and are the widest, for a shallower insertion. In my case, the tips with the long core are the ones that fit the best, obtaining a better seal, greater insertion and a clearer, cleaner sound, with more detail.
It is clear that the SG-01s have very good ergonomics, with a very varied and versatile fit, as a result of both their shape and the standard tips. The only negative aspect is the weight, although it is not very heavy, the metallic construction increases this value over capsules made of resin. However, it is true that the great fit and firmness reduce this sensation once they are in our ears. In the end, this weight is not superior to other metal IEMS, which are so popular.
Sound
Profile
You could define the profile of the Reecho SG-01 as a lower-case 'w', with a slightly bright tendency. Their emphasis on high mids and treble is not hidden, while, to a lesser degree, the sub-bass accent also appears, without predominating.
Bass
The fact that the bass tuning is focused on the sub-bass is not just a question of frequency response. Then you have to know how to execute them, and it seems that Reecho has no problem with that. Coming from an LFO monster like the SG-03, Reecho has slightly educated the bass response towards something more neutral, without the rogue and wild character of the lower range disappearing. And that's great news. Just give the SG-01 sub-bass, and it kicks it right back in the shin, there, at that key point, quickly and concisely, without a second glance. It's not the beast of the SG-03s, but this little guy doesn't flinch, and it's precise and clean, a lot. The bass decay is very slight, barely noticeable, they disappear very effectively. But the punch is noticeable, it lingers in our memory, in a bold and greedy way. And on top of that, they have texture and descriptiveness. The SG-01 probably has one of the best bass definition, cleanliness and resolution in its price range, something that more expensive IEMS can't even do as deftly as the Reecho SG-01. Despite all that, this model is not labelled bass-heads, but bass-lovers. The tuning is very good, the timbre is very good, the depth is very evident and on top of that, the bass is very permissive with the rest of the frequencies, so much so that it is not the predominant range. Every Hz of sub-bass it delivers is worth its weight in music, not just in dB. In this way, the bass is very dynamic and agile, leaving room for darkness, for light and detail, for different planes and for a subtle, delicious and delicately well-executed roughness. I'm not much given to linking driver construction with the sound produced, but perhaps the 6μm thick graphene diaphragm has something to do with the excellent bass performance of this model, among other things.
Mids
Again, cleanliness and clarity are the predominant tone, too, of the midrange. Coming from a fast, sub-bass-accentuated low end, the first half of the midrange is very neutral, without warmth and slightly thin. The body of this initial zone is characterised by a medium/thin thickness. There is no hollowness, and the effective rumble of the lows brings energy, not contamination. Male voices are not thick, but more delicately rendered, with a lot of detail and harmony, but they are not fleshy or juicy. Female voices do not require as much grounding and this characteristic is less noticeable. In general, the voices possess a level of resolution that draws them with a more analytical point of neatness and are described with a great deal of rigour, but without losing musicality or soul. But they do not possess the complete exuberance and weight that a fuller lower midrange would bring. Even so, there is no lack of presence in this area and they manage to get ahead of the lower range, no problem at all. Voices are not going to feel distant, they can even be perceived as very emphatic, at times exalted and predominant, due to the intensity in the upper mids and upper treble. This weight is greater than that offered by the bass and must be taken into account. As I indicated, the brighter, more prominent character shines through at first glance, and SG-01s can be spicy in this upper zone. It's not a penetrating level, let alone a lacerating one, but I think it should be noted, this elevated representation of the upper midrange. On the other hand, the level of dynamics that is achieved is substantial, also thanks to the speed of note execution, something that helps the sound to have a more flashy, splashy and sparkling character.
The instrumentation is infected by all of the above, and while its representation at the top can be splendid, the thinness and thinner base in the first half detracts from the strength of its foundations. Despite the great definition and capacity for resolution, detail and nuance expressed on the musical surface, I miss something more full-bodied, a greater density that fills the bottom and lower base of the instrumentation and gives it more power, punch and substance. But this is a matter of personal taste.
Treble
The upper zone is free and as such it expresses itself explicitly and with forcefulness, feeling above many things, without implying an exaggerated brilliance. If you want highs, here they are, and of high quality, with an execution that follows in the wake of the cleanliness, speed, precision and definition of the previous ranges. Control? Also, but expressed in playability, in a very revealing performance of great resolution. There is no flaw in the tuning of this band, without hiding the fact that it is a clear presence, which can become predominant. But it is not a discordant predominance, because this tuning hides its tricks to avoid a tonal mismatch that could lead to an eminently sharp and unbalanced sound. This is not the case. Despite the sparkle and crackle of the high notes, the presentation remains on the medium/high edge of brilliance, without crossing the threshold between pleasure, explicit sensation or a more annoying predominance. Translated to my personal taste, the treble of the Reecho SG-01s is on the borderline of good and bad, suitable for fast or more moderately timed listening. But it is still a matter of personal taste. Finally, I would especially like to mention the amount of air that a dynamic driver of such a low price range as this one gets. It is commendable, something that raises the treble level above that of the competition.
Soundstage, Separation
The SG-01 scene has a volatile representation, the result of the delicacy of its notes, as well as its capacity for definition and resolution. The result is an ethereal, light, expandable image, more liquid than gaseous, but with a tendency to take up a lot of space. The sense of depth is very good, almost more palpable than the width. In this way, the scene is more round than oval. Three-dimensionality is created by a remarkable perception of height, although the image feels more frontal than enveloping, despite the escapist tendency of the musical notes. The positioning of the elements is precise and well-defined, not mixed up or altered by the vaporousness of the scene. The level of separation, the feeling of air between elements, of emptiness and darkness, the level of detail, micro and macro, as well as the revealing amount of nuance, totally out of range. Excellent.
Comparisons
KB Ear Robin
One of my last reviews was about the Robin. These are slightly more expensive IEMS, which have 5 drivers in each capsule (1DDD+4BA). Built in resin, with a metal mouthpiece and outer face, they are larger in size, but lighter in weight. The zippered case is the same in both models. The ergonomics are remarkable in both models, but in the SG-01 the smaller size may benefit many, while the lighter weight of the Robin may also be more pleasant for many others.
The frequency response has a similar shape and its changes are determined by the slope of the final profile. However, these changes polarise the sound greatly, with each earphone clearly tending towards one extreme or the other. The Robins have a more prominent bass and a more relaxed mid-high and treble. While the Reecho is the other way around, there is more emphasis on the upper half than the lower half, including the air zone. They also have a sub-bass orientation, although their overall dominance of the low end of the sound is less than that of the Robins. Even so, the SG-01s have greater depth, better definition, resolution, speed and agility. The KB Ear's bass is more focused, powerful, perceptible, somewhat more rubbery and expansive, with a tendency to flood the rest of the sound more easily and evidently.
In the mid-range, the warmth of the Robins is clear, as is the aftertaste that carries over from the lower range. In this way, the density and body of the first half is evident, as well as its greater darkness. This generates a greater sense of congestion, a sensation that does not exist in the SG-01, where the sound is cleaner, clearer, airier, separated, although also thinner and with less base, in this lower range. In this first half of the sound it is clear the character of each model, while the Robins are smoother and more pleasant, suitable for long listening, the SG-01s are more analytical and bright, more appropriate for critical listening. Although this will always be determined by one's acceptance, preference and tolerance of the bands with more emphasis. I tolerate bass more easily than mid-high or treble. However, I prefer the overall quality of the SG-01s for their analytical character and better low-end quality, although they would not be the best companions on a long trip unless paired with a clearly warm source.
In voices the timbre orientation is also very distinctive. It is difficult to determine which is more natural, because they both reach the two opposite extremes. There are voices that sound more natural on SG-01s, but if they are too high pitched, they enter a more complicated terrain, which can make them less natural. The same thing happens on the Robins, but towards the opposite range. Without getting into the muddiness, the voices are darker and softer, they have less definition and nuances, that's why they are less bright and more filed, even with less presence, in some situations.
The same is true of the instrumentation, with the Robins' greater forcefulness building a more energetic wall of sound that can benefit some genres of music. On the other side, the Reecho's thinner, more liquid sound favours lighter genres or more airy preferences.
It is in the high zone that the differences are greatest. The Robins are mostly in the safe zone, while the SG-01s are closer to the permissive limit, but without losing control, offering high notes with a lot of definition, clarity, sparkle, speed and resolving power. The representation of the high notes is finer and more delicate, the brilliance is superior, but the sparkle is dazzling and very thin, disappearing very quickly. In the Robins, the treble is wider and the peak below 10kHz stretches them in time. Another big difference is the amount of air, clearly greater in the Reecho, which gives it many advantages, as well as a superior extension, something that seems unbelievable coming from a single dynamic driver, as opposed to 4 BA drivers dedicated to mids and treble.
The soundstage seems to be slightly wider on the Robins, but in the rest of the coordinates, the SG-01s win. Thus, the image they generate is more three-dimensional, airy, ethereal, with greater separation, distance between elements and more darkness. The dynamics are more evident in these Reecho and the micro details as well. In other technical aspects such as positioning, precision, resolution or spatial recreation, the analytical capability of the SG-01 is above that of the KB Ear.
Conclusion
Undeniably, the Reecho SG-01 is one of this year's great IEMS and one of the best in the $25-$50 range. Their metal construction is excellent, they come with a good handful of tips (three complete sets), which are also enormously useful. They come with a nice zippered case and a nylon covered cable with microphone. They are small and very ergonomic. In all of the above areas they are excellent, while in sound, most importantly, they are also outstanding. The low end is technically exceptional, the mids are remarkable high and the highs are superb, as is their stage and separation level. On top of that, the tuning is very attractive, with a brilliant tendency. But they also possess a surprising analytical capacity, with a level of detail and recreation of nuances that is not easy to find in this category. Whichever way you look at it, the SG-01s are very good, an incredible value for their price.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- Tempotec Sonata E35.
- Tempotec Sonata MHD.
- E1DA #9038D.
- Earmen Sparrow.
- Hidizs S9 Pro.
- ACMEE MF02s.
- xDuoo X2S.
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 90
- Adjustment/Ergonomics: 90
- Accessories: 90
- Bass: 92
- Mids: 87
- Treble: 90
- Separation: 92
- Soundstage: 92
- Quality/Price: 96
Purchase Link
https://penonaudio.com/reecho-sg-01.html
You can read the full review in Spanish here:
https://hiendportable.com/2021/09/19/reecho-sg-01-review/
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Hi Jason , SG-01 vs HZ Heart Mirror?
pros and cons , overall which you enjoyed more?
pros and cons , overall which you enjoyed more?
Reecho SG-01
Reecho don’t seem to produce a lot of IEMs but what they do roll out I can tell just from the attention to their packaging just how much they pay attention to the little things that count. Case in point, you would never guess their SG-01 costs a mere $39 on Penon web site here. The package is more than sufficient even for earphones that cost 10X as much. What was included with the SG-01 is 3 different types of quality silicone tips, a standard 4N OFC cable but this time with a mic included in single ended and a clam shell case.
What impressed me about this particular packaging is the sets of tips they included with the SG-01. 99% of my reviews I will throw the included tips that come with earphones into a larger box and use my set of aftermarket tips for that earphone and call it good. I am sure most of you reading this can relate. However I would pay particular attention to these tips they included with the SG-01.
Reason being. It is not every day the quality of the tips you get is just as good as the earphones themselves especially in the budget sector for earphones. This set of tips is a bit unique in that it is the widest bored tip I have seen included with earphones since JVC includes their famous spiral dots with their higher end earphones. These included tips for the SG-01 is the type of tips you would actually buy separately to have so you can use on other earphones they are that good. In fact if Reecho ever decided to mass produce these tips for folks to buy extras of. I would easily buy several sets of them. Hope this reaches out to them.
In any case they are most definitely worth mentioning. The included thinner cable is a micd standard 4N OFC cable sleeved in a nylon covering. Good for standard use and even conversations which are in the good enough category, tested and worked great on my LG phone. However testing out some aftermarket cables on the SG-01 clearly shows how limiting the stock cable is to the sound of the SG-01. The SG-01 sounds markedly better with aftermarket cables. It makes the SG-01 go from a decent budget offering to fantastic for sonics with a change to a more resolving higher end copper cable. You can’t expect Reecho to throw in a nicer cable for a $39 earphone. There is a reason why these are in 2 pin after all.
Disclaimers. I would like to thank Penon and their pursuit of audio happiness for their patrons in sending me a sample to let my peers know what is good and or bad about a $39 earphone. The SG-01 was provided for review purposes. If you would like to spend your hard earned $39 for a set if only just to have a set of these tips I mentioned but then you also get the benefit of owning one of the best sounding single dynamic earphones anywhere near to the price range. You can find out more about them here.
Sound analysis was done using my DAPs. Fiio M15,Shanling M6pro,M5s, M3s, Ibasso DX160, Sony ZX300, Pioneer XDP-30r, IFI Black label for amping.
No matter what level you're at in the hobby. Don’t let the price tag of the SG-01 make you think you're getting a budget or intro level sound because what the SG-01 sounds like and what it has to offer those brave enough to dig deep into their pockets for a set. You're gonna be pleasantly surprised. The sound of the SG-01 is actually very capable. It has to be one of the best sounding earphones in the price range as I have compared them to some of the best sets I have reviewed and owned at the price range and the SG-01 clearly stands out as being a very capable, well tuned, even remarkable sounding earphone at any price. It is just a bonus that they don’t cost so much.
Sound design
Is a moderate w shaped tuning from what I am hearing with at least 10dbs of pinna gain for upper mids which brings about a good level of clarity with a slight vocal lift for fans of vocals. The SG-01 is very good for vocal renditions, be it male or female. They have an energetic treble tuning yet not so forward to sound overly saturated or too lively added to these aspects a punchy deep hitting quality bass. These are more consumer tuned but at the same time have enough technical chops and a fundamental balancing for the more discerning listener to leave a positive impression.
Graphene enhanced dynamics, plated or composite have been around for a while and in general graphene presentation is more resolving than your standard dynamic offerings with enhanced technical aspects like imaging, detail, better timbre and speed vs your standard dynamic transducers. It turns out to be a great choice for a budget offering as the sound is not only complete with a surprising proficiency and balance but has some very excellent dynamic qualities with a slightly forward mid range, treble and bass. I don’t perceive any recession or missing parts to the sound tuning which clearly shows the attention to the tuning aspect of the SG-01. Sound is very versatile for the vast majority of my eclectic music collection.
Treble has surprisingly good extension with detail which presents with a moderate level of energy, presence and is balanced well in how it is tuned vs the rest of the sound signature. SG-01 has a full range treble but is not so emphasized for the trebles to overshadow or step out of boundaries like a lot of lesser tuned budget level earphones have a tendency to do. I don’t hear an overly dampened or uneven treble as macro details from the lower trebles to upper trebles notes are clearly defined. Treble tonality is accurate and rangy yet delicate enough to shine for Jazz renditions.
I recently did a review for a much higher end all beryllium dynamic earphone, the SG-01 did amazingly well with my tester tracks for treble. Not so much the higher end dynamic beryllium earphone. Which proved to me just how complete the tuning is for the SG-01.
With the stock included cable music notes sounds decidedly thinner and does not sound as dynamic as the SG-01 can actually do. If the SG-01 sounds a touch splashy in the treble for you it is probably due to the underwhelming stock cable they threw on here. Thinner notes including the treble means sharper more edgy treble as well.
Lower treble emphasis has the most energy with a gradual decrease in emphasis toward the upper trebles. While not particularly airy for the treble notes, what is there is much more complete than a lot of higher end earphones so folks that would like a full range treble with no real discernible roll off. The SG-01 passes with flying colors.
The mids do not take a step back in the presentation like most V shaped IEMs in fact mids are projected slightly forward due to the tuning and I have not heard much better vocal renditions from a budget offering since the old Zero Audio Tenors. Look that up if you don't know what that is. Technicalities for the overall sound are definitely above average here with a very good sense of stage in width, height and depth projecting an excellent sense of fundamental layering to your music. Descriptions of the graphene diaphragm suggest it is a very thin 6micron thick composite dynamic which supposedly enhances details with less resonances and distortion. The levels of details are much more apparent than your standard dynamic earphones. Imaging and timbre is clearly above average for this level of earphone with nicely done sound separation showing great ability to hear all parts of a given track clearly in their own space and that to me is a nice accomplishment for a budget offering.
Graphene bass.
Bass ability and presence seems to be a specialty for Reecho engineers as all their earphones include a full bass end and the SG-01 has very good bass in both presence and ability. I always thought graphene bass was good if not outright great for dynamic earphones. Again if you have ever heard an earphone utilizing carbon drivers like CNT or carbon nanotube dynamics and the like. I have yet to hear a carbon based earphone that is weak in the bass department and the SG-01 while not as stout in the bass arena like their bigger brother the SG-03, you can read my take on them here. It has plenty of low end grunt that gives your music some soul and some dynamics to the nethers. Graphene bass in general has a richer full bodied tone for bass and here the SG-01 has very good definition, tightness, fullness, speed and body for a proper bass. Subbass does justice to bass genres and has plenty of punch for rock and metal music. What is really surprising about the SG-01 is just how complete the sound is from the highest of treble notes to a full low end rumble that will impress.
In the end the SG-01 for the little bucks I feel is Reecho saying check out what we can do with a very capable dynamic driver at this price. A trojan horse of an earphone as these will make you curious about their other offerings. Reecho Spring, Summer, Insects awaken, and their newer SG-03. The SG-01 is touted as an intro level earphone. These don’t sound like intro anything and certainly are superior to most earphones at the price. These are easily turning out to be one of my favorite budget dynamic earphones and if you need a no compromise sounding comfortable earphone that has a solid all metal build. They are easy to drive and sound great for hours due to their smaller shell size, best of all the sound quality is not just good but great at this price. The SG-01 is an easy recommendation. These will surprise a lot of people, the only catch is please for the love of god use a better cable to really hear them. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Reecho don’t seem to produce a lot of IEMs but what they do roll out I can tell just from the attention to their packaging just how much they pay attention to the little things that count. Case in point, you would never guess their SG-01 costs a mere $39 on Penon web site here. The package is more than sufficient even for earphones that cost 10X as much. What was included with the SG-01 is 3 different types of quality silicone tips, a standard 4N OFC cable but this time with a mic included in single ended and a clam shell case.
What impressed me about this particular packaging is the sets of tips they included with the SG-01. 99% of my reviews I will throw the included tips that come with earphones into a larger box and use my set of aftermarket tips for that earphone and call it good. I am sure most of you reading this can relate. However I would pay particular attention to these tips they included with the SG-01.
Reason being. It is not every day the quality of the tips you get is just as good as the earphones themselves especially in the budget sector for earphones. This set of tips is a bit unique in that it is the widest bored tip I have seen included with earphones since JVC includes their famous spiral dots with their higher end earphones. These included tips for the SG-01 is the type of tips you would actually buy separately to have so you can use on other earphones they are that good. In fact if Reecho ever decided to mass produce these tips for folks to buy extras of. I would easily buy several sets of them. Hope this reaches out to them.
In any case they are most definitely worth mentioning. The included thinner cable is a micd standard 4N OFC cable sleeved in a nylon covering. Good for standard use and even conversations which are in the good enough category, tested and worked great on my LG phone. However testing out some aftermarket cables on the SG-01 clearly shows how limiting the stock cable is to the sound of the SG-01. The SG-01 sounds markedly better with aftermarket cables. It makes the SG-01 go from a decent budget offering to fantastic for sonics with a change to a more resolving higher end copper cable. You can’t expect Reecho to throw in a nicer cable for a $39 earphone. There is a reason why these are in 2 pin after all.
Disclaimers. I would like to thank Penon and their pursuit of audio happiness for their patrons in sending me a sample to let my peers know what is good and or bad about a $39 earphone. The SG-01 was provided for review purposes. If you would like to spend your hard earned $39 for a set if only just to have a set of these tips I mentioned but then you also get the benefit of owning one of the best sounding single dynamic earphones anywhere near to the price range. You can find out more about them here.
Sound analysis was done using my DAPs. Fiio M15,Shanling M6pro,M5s, M3s, Ibasso DX160, Sony ZX300, Pioneer XDP-30r, IFI Black label for amping.
No matter what level you're at in the hobby. Don’t let the price tag of the SG-01 make you think you're getting a budget or intro level sound because what the SG-01 sounds like and what it has to offer those brave enough to dig deep into their pockets for a set. You're gonna be pleasantly surprised. The sound of the SG-01 is actually very capable. It has to be one of the best sounding earphones in the price range as I have compared them to some of the best sets I have reviewed and owned at the price range and the SG-01 clearly stands out as being a very capable, well tuned, even remarkable sounding earphone at any price. It is just a bonus that they don’t cost so much.
Sound design
Is a moderate w shaped tuning from what I am hearing with at least 10dbs of pinna gain for upper mids which brings about a good level of clarity with a slight vocal lift for fans of vocals. The SG-01 is very good for vocal renditions, be it male or female. They have an energetic treble tuning yet not so forward to sound overly saturated or too lively added to these aspects a punchy deep hitting quality bass. These are more consumer tuned but at the same time have enough technical chops and a fundamental balancing for the more discerning listener to leave a positive impression.
Graphene enhanced dynamics, plated or composite have been around for a while and in general graphene presentation is more resolving than your standard dynamic offerings with enhanced technical aspects like imaging, detail, better timbre and speed vs your standard dynamic transducers. It turns out to be a great choice for a budget offering as the sound is not only complete with a surprising proficiency and balance but has some very excellent dynamic qualities with a slightly forward mid range, treble and bass. I don’t perceive any recession or missing parts to the sound tuning which clearly shows the attention to the tuning aspect of the SG-01. Sound is very versatile for the vast majority of my eclectic music collection.
Treble has surprisingly good extension with detail which presents with a moderate level of energy, presence and is balanced well in how it is tuned vs the rest of the sound signature. SG-01 has a full range treble but is not so emphasized for the trebles to overshadow or step out of boundaries like a lot of lesser tuned budget level earphones have a tendency to do. I don’t hear an overly dampened or uneven treble as macro details from the lower trebles to upper trebles notes are clearly defined. Treble tonality is accurate and rangy yet delicate enough to shine for Jazz renditions.
I recently did a review for a much higher end all beryllium dynamic earphone, the SG-01 did amazingly well with my tester tracks for treble. Not so much the higher end dynamic beryllium earphone. Which proved to me just how complete the tuning is for the SG-01.
With the stock included cable music notes sounds decidedly thinner and does not sound as dynamic as the SG-01 can actually do. If the SG-01 sounds a touch splashy in the treble for you it is probably due to the underwhelming stock cable they threw on here. Thinner notes including the treble means sharper more edgy treble as well.
Lower treble emphasis has the most energy with a gradual decrease in emphasis toward the upper trebles. While not particularly airy for the treble notes, what is there is much more complete than a lot of higher end earphones so folks that would like a full range treble with no real discernible roll off. The SG-01 passes with flying colors.
The mids do not take a step back in the presentation like most V shaped IEMs in fact mids are projected slightly forward due to the tuning and I have not heard much better vocal renditions from a budget offering since the old Zero Audio Tenors. Look that up if you don't know what that is. Technicalities for the overall sound are definitely above average here with a very good sense of stage in width, height and depth projecting an excellent sense of fundamental layering to your music. Descriptions of the graphene diaphragm suggest it is a very thin 6micron thick composite dynamic which supposedly enhances details with less resonances and distortion. The levels of details are much more apparent than your standard dynamic earphones. Imaging and timbre is clearly above average for this level of earphone with nicely done sound separation showing great ability to hear all parts of a given track clearly in their own space and that to me is a nice accomplishment for a budget offering.
Graphene bass.
Bass ability and presence seems to be a specialty for Reecho engineers as all their earphones include a full bass end and the SG-01 has very good bass in both presence and ability. I always thought graphene bass was good if not outright great for dynamic earphones. Again if you have ever heard an earphone utilizing carbon drivers like CNT or carbon nanotube dynamics and the like. I have yet to hear a carbon based earphone that is weak in the bass department and the SG-01 while not as stout in the bass arena like their bigger brother the SG-03, you can read my take on them here. It has plenty of low end grunt that gives your music some soul and some dynamics to the nethers. Graphene bass in general has a richer full bodied tone for bass and here the SG-01 has very good definition, tightness, fullness, speed and body for a proper bass. Subbass does justice to bass genres and has plenty of punch for rock and metal music. What is really surprising about the SG-01 is just how complete the sound is from the highest of treble notes to a full low end rumble that will impress.
In the end the SG-01 for the little bucks I feel is Reecho saying check out what we can do with a very capable dynamic driver at this price. A trojan horse of an earphone as these will make you curious about their other offerings. Reecho Spring, Summer, Insects awaken, and their newer SG-03. The SG-01 is touted as an intro level earphone. These don’t sound like intro anything and certainly are superior to most earphones at the price. These are easily turning out to be one of my favorite budget dynamic earphones and if you need a no compromise sounding comfortable earphone that has a solid all metal build. They are easy to drive and sound great for hours due to their smaller shell size, best of all the sound quality is not just good but great at this price. The SG-01 is an easy recommendation. These will surprise a lot of people, the only catch is please for the love of god use a better cable to really hear them. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Attachments
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Hi , can you suggest me a better cable type for this pair around 30usd price rang for ( fuller sounding or better sounding overall ) that can correct this pair to be better sounding ? and im going to buy it in balanced using my E1DA 9038S
Dsnuts
Try this one.. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002350509830.html?pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"12000022700423055","ship_from":"CN"}&gps-id=pcStoreLeaderboard&scm=1007.22922.122102.0&scm_id=1007.22922.122102.0&scm-url=1007.22922.122102.0&pvid=7a423ac8-8e07-4549-a2ce-2eccc406b38f&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.smartLeaderboard_6000198554711.1005002350509830
If you dont see this page. Log onto aliexpress. type Xinhs in the search bar on top. Go to their official page. If you look at the 3 "hot deals" items on the top page the 3rd one the hybrid 8 core copper and silver cable should be a nice upgrade for you.
If you dont see this page. Log onto aliexpress. type Xinhs in the search bar on top. Go to their official page. If you look at the 3 "hot deals" items on the top page the 3rd one the hybrid 8 core copper and silver cable should be a nice upgrade for you.
Fahmi Misbah Bangsar
Thank You
