Simgot EA500 LM
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Simgot EA500LM Review
"Return of the Phenom"
Simgot EA500LM
Intro
Hello, today I have with me the latest from the audio brand Simgot named the Simgot EA500LM. I was very happy to learn that Simgot would be sending me this under $100 single DD iem. I have been on a Simgot tear of late as I’ve been steadily reviewing some of their sets. One thing I’ve learned over this time period is that Simgot excels in creating sets which garner great price to performance. Always top-notch build, design and sound quality in context to each set’s respective price points. I’ve reviewed the Simgot EW200 (EW200 Review), the Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review), the Simgot EM6L (EM6L Review), and I’m in the process of reviewing the Simgot EA1000 as well. Each of these sets are set-apart for various reasons and each of these sets have a reasonable stake at the best in their price tiers. Granted, there are a lot of great iems which exist alongside Simgot’s offerings. However, not every brand has been able to capture the adoration of so many hobbyists so regularly, in so many price points and with so much fanfare and hype. Like I always say… sometimes the hype is justified.Simgot
Simgot has been doin’ their thang… So to speak, for quite some time now. However, it wasn’t always so. In fact, not long ago one would’ve thought that the audio brand Simgot was all but gone, defunct, out of the game, or a thing of the past. We all saw the popularity of past iems like the Simgot En700 Pro light off like a firecracker only to fizzle out, till it was seemingly the last item remaining still on the market shelves. Like the last and final straw. Forgotten. We saw sets like the Simgot EM2, EM2R, EK3 still hanging around but they werent the biggest draws in the community. Still good iems but simply didn't push the needle. In comes the Simgot EN1000 and the Simgot EA2000. All it took was a few reviews coming from the right people to send the lifeblood back into this company’s fortunes. They found their niche along the way and discovered the blueprint. Ever since then (2 yrs. ago) they have been on one of the greatest tears through audio that I know I’ve ever seen. I think it’s fair to say that Simgot is now a treasured and lauded company with copious amounts of praise for a job well done over and over and over again.Uphill Climb
I think it’s fair to say that even though this newest Simgot treasure is thought of as the latest and greatest… the EA500LM still has an uphill climb if it wants to sit comfortably perched atop the best under $100. Heck, it’s an uphill climb to be crowned the best under $100 within its own brand. Is it the best single DD under $100? That lofty and heralded price segment that garners the interest of most of the world. Without question the most popular price range rests between $50 and $100 and one thing is clear… you won’t find many top five lists without a “Simgot” earphone involved. Will the EA500LM usurp the OG? Not if the EA500 has anything to say about it. It shall be interesting to say the least and I’m all for it folks. After all, not much brings the anticipation quite like a new Simgot release anymore. With that said, I don’t want to waste any more time. Let’s get into it. The Simgot EA500LM everyone…Non-Affiliated Purchasing links
–Linsoul–Amazon
Disclaimer:
I received the Simgot EM6L from Simgot in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a sample iem. Simgot has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Simgot and thanks for reading.
Aful SnowyNight / EPZ TP50 / iBasso DX240 / Shanling M6 Ultra / Fiio Q15 / Ifi Go Blu
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu–Aful SnowyNight
–EPZ TP50
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The Simgot EA500LM came to my home packaged in a slick looking box that is kind of hard to even try to explain. It has a very artsy graphic on the cover that doesn’t seem to describe anything about the EA500LM, but more about just showing off a cool looking design. At any rate, the box has two hands as though something is going to be placed in them. Above them is lines which shoot outward from those hands with what appears to be stars above. Eh, folks I have zero clue what this box is depicting, but it’s cool looking. As you open this box you are greeted by the EA500LM nestled nicely in some foam layered cardboard cut-outs. Next to those is a box which contains some accessories. Those accessories are the two extra tuning nozzles, the carrying case, some O-ring gaskets for the tuning nozzles, eartips and the cable. It’s actually a great unboxing for the price. Very artistic and weird, but also pretty cool.
Eartips
Included in the packaging Simgot added three pairs of eartips (S, M, L) of pretty good quality. They are white silicone tips with a black stem. The bore size is similar to that of the KBear 07 tips. There’s a firm flange and a rigid stem as well. I find these tips great and if they fit your ears will pair well with the EA500LM. I actually enjoy the EA500LM “as-is” with the included tips, who’da thunk it? There really isn’t much else to say as the EA500LM is identical to the OG’s shape and size, so many of you already know what tips will or will not work for you. With the OG EA500 I used the 07’s, and since these tips are very similar, I went with them. However, for just that last little bit of comfort I went with the Divinus Velvet eartips for the entirety of this review. Again, I found zero issue with the included tips but trying out the Divinus tips was just too nice for my ears.
Carrying case
Included in the packaging you will also receive a handy carrying case to transport your precious iems safely. The case that they provide is the same black Simgot case that you have seen before. It is a faux leather covered zipper case that is just about big enough to house the earphones, a cable and a small dongle dac. Nothing crazy to report here actually. I never really use cases, but this is a nice addition if you are one who does.
Cable
The cable is exactly the same cable that was handed out with the Simgot EM6L. It is a white, yellow and black twisted cable. To be exact, it is a 2-pin, 3.5 single ended cable made of high-purity silver plated OFC copper. It’s actually a nice wire which doesn’t seem to be microphonic or annoying to wind-up. Also, it looks pretty nice paired with the EA500LM. However, I only used this cable for use with single ended sources. Despite how nice this cable is, I primarily used the Letshuoer M5 cable in 4.4 balanced for use with my balanced sources. I feel the M5 pairs absolutely perfectly in both sound as well as aesthetic. Truly a match made perfect. Coincidentally, this is the same cable I used for the EM6L Review. If for whatever reason you are not able to upgrade the cable, please understand that this is not a necessity. The included cable is perfectly fine for use with this set. It works as intended and even looks good.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
One thing is a given with any Simgot iem (not named EM6L) is that the build quality will be second to none. The EA500LM has an all-alloy (possibly stainless steel) shell with a CNC engraved body and is absolutely built to last. In the hand it is quite obvious that the EA500LM is durable and finely crafted. Made with a precise internal acoustic cavity which helps to give this set its particular sound. The EA500LM also has one back vent as well as one vent closer to the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, this set comes with three of them to choose from and each are medium length and not too short or too long I wouldn’t think. Let’s do a quick rundown of those tuning nozzles…
Silver Nozzle “Black” ring gasket
This nozzle has less of a bass impact and authority and sounds brighter and has much more of a penchant to get sharp or harsh in the right tracks. However, this is also the nozzle with the best resolution and clearly defined note structure. It isn’t my favorite as it is the least musical of the three.Gold Nozzle
The gold nozzle is the one I used most in this review as it flattens the spikes up top and smooths the sound to a degree. I still hear much better than good resolution and the details still emerge quite well. I do feel this is the closest to my listening preferences but in truth, I like them all. I’m a sucker for all signatures. The gold simply beats the others out for me. It’s the warmest (if you call this warm) and it is the most musical.Silver Nozzle “Red” ring gasket
It’s kind of hard to place this one. I would say that it is somewhat of an in between as far as smoothness and sharpness is concerned. I honestly really enjoy this one, but it can get a bit hot at times. Details are fantastic, resolution is fantastic, stage is a bit wider than the gold with this one too. However, I simply don’t think it fits me as well.*Note: so, you all are aware, I only used the Gold Nozzle for review purposes and so any of my thoughts regarding the sound of the Simgot EA500LM came from my experience with that nozzle.
Design
Folks, I have to say, the original EA500 is still a beautiful iem. It just is. That mirror finish is just gorgeous. It would take something pretty special to trump the look of that set. Fortunately for us consumers, Simgot knew exactly how to do just that. Like I said the EA500LM has an all-alloy, mirror finish with an engraved "logo" on the left faceplate, and “LM” artistically engraved on the other faceplate area. This is a very elegant iem looking just as dapper and handsome as the EA500, but this time the EA500LM comes in a gunmetal chrome look rather than straight silver. Again, we have a high polished look, but this time Simgot chose to spice up the color, only a bit. They went with this gorgeous brown tinted alloy that is just precious looking. If I may speak in my most sophisticated tongue… It doth look DOPE! Look at this set folks! It is absolutely sweet looking! Paired with the right cable will make this set pop like it’s some rare jewel. Just gorgeous. Give the designers of the EA500LM a hearty pat on the back from me please. The shape is also exactly the same as the OG and so it shouldn’t be a surprise how well this set will fit in comparison.
Internals
Simgot decided to switch things up a bit with this set. The OG EA500 actually had a DLC dynamic driver. They had to come with something special on this latest set and so Simgot decided to use a 2nd generation 10mm single dynamic driver with a Lithium-Magnesium Diaphragm with dual magnets and sitting in a dual cavity. It is quite obvious that we are dealing with a very capable driver as the sound is pristine and shows no signs of distortion at high volumes. I don’t think I have any sets with a Lithium-Mag driver and so I’m liking what I’m hearing.Fit / Isolation
As far as fit is concerned, you’ll have the exact fit as you did with the OG EA500. If that doesn’t help you then I would say that it may take some fiddling with this set or some seeking out of the perfect eartips. The fit is good and should seat well in most ears without issues. For me, this set fits like a dream, but I’m not you. I really have no issue at all. Isolation from outside noises is about average (as one should expect). This set only offers passive noise isolation (as one should expect). Not bad at all Simgot.
Drivability
The Simgot EA500LM is a very easy to drive iem with an impedance of roughly 21 ohms and a sensitivity around 124 db’s. I have had zero issues driving the EA500LM from any source. Furthermore, I feel this set sounds great attached to just about everything I have. I really had no issues whatsoever. I usually try everything on the Fiio UTWS5 for a spell just to see if it’ll drive them properly and lo & behold, it actually sounded great. Even off of my iPad I was happy with the volume. However, like most iems a little bit more juice will sometimes help to bring them to best fidelity. I definitely found this to be true with the EA500LM.Mobile Listening
Listening with the IFi Go Blu is a great option for a bluetooth dac/amp and together they sounded great together. Warm/neutral paired with warm/neutral works. As far as dongle dacs I primarily used the Aful SnowyNight and the EPZ TP50. Both devices use dual CS43198 dac chips, but the SnowyNight really stole my heart attached to this set. It has a slightly more dynamic presentation which was great. However, neither was bad by any means. I used other dongle dacs as well and I really enjoyed them all. I don’t usually say this folks. The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus, Moondrop Dawn 4.4, even the Fiio KA3. Though the KA3 was a bit too sharp and cold in the upper regions. So okay, maybe not all of them, but you get the idea. For the most part the EA500LM is not prejudiced as to what source you use. I think it has to do with the warm/neutral sound which will usually go with more devices from my experience.
More juice
As far as my more powerful sources are concerned. I used my iBasso DX240, Shanling M6 Ultra and Fiio Q15. All great. Each gave the EA500LM its own tone and hue to my music. Out of these I feel the Shanling M6 Ultra was the best pairing but all three rocked. I have come to a conclusion, the EA500LM will certainly adapt to a bit more power. Without question the sound field tightens up, you’ll have more dynamism, and the bass has a bit more snap and control. The dynamic range is just that more expressive and you can hear it quite easily.What you need
All you need is a good dongle dac. What do I mean by “good”? Well, do you like your dongle dac? Okay, that’s good. Like I said the EA500LM will sound good with most any source and so if you enjoy the tonality and timbre of your dongle dac then it’ll work. You don’t need crazy power but a bit more juice does help. If you cannot afford anything but the EA500LM then don’t worry, you will be fine from a phone.
Sound Impressions
I just want to preface this entire sound portion of my review by stating that I did burn this set in for around 50 hours. The truth is, I have zero idea if this was necessary or not. I don’t feel I heard any change, but I could be dreaming that up. All listening was done with flac or better files stored on my devices using UAPP or Hiby Music Player.Tonality / Timbre
One thing which impressed upon me about the OG Simgot EA500 was the fantastic natural timbre that it had. If you asked me, timbre was one of its superpowers. Now, if you’d ask me if the EA500LM is an upgrade in the timbre department, I’d probably say yes, and no. We all have our idea of what organic and natural sounds like and trust me it is not an across the board understanding. No matter how much reviewers try to convince you of that. The way I see it is like this, the EA500LM has a tinge more warmth in its sound which to me does help it to sound more organic. I feel the OG was just a bit too vibrant as it toed-the-line of neutral and bright/neutral. The EA500LM on the other hand keeps that crazy good dynamism, clarity and adds even better control, possibly better resolution and a slightly more authentic portrayal of what a human voice sounds like and what instruments sound like. My opinion folks. I feel the timbre on the EA500LM is one of the best in the price point too. I don’t like speaking about anything in absolutes and that is about as close as you’ll see me get. “One of the best” doesn’t roll off my lips with ease. I need good experiential knowledge and time to give that type of merit to… well… anything.Slight V?
The EA500LM comes across with good crispness in its note definition but carries the weight of each note with nice smoothness and a realistic body. The type of crispness I’m referring to is not “coarse” or “knife-edged”. When I say crisp, I mean it’s defined to a knife point at the crest of a note. Note delivery is glass lined and clean. You won’t hear any fuzz, grain, sibilance or metallic timbre. Now, the EA500LM is a V-shaped iem but if you ask me… I’m barely comfortable calling it that. The midrange does not have a crazy recession as it comes across with very good presence, equaling the dynamic intensity of the bass and the treble. Perhaps a slight bit more dialed back but only in bass heavy tracks. I’m actually more apt to call this a U-shaped sound more than anything. However, the graph shows V-shaped, and the graph is bible in this audio game… that’s a joke folks. I’ve heard recessed iems and this is not that. I’ll split hairs and say it’s a slight V-shaped sound with a warm/neutral tonal coloration.Sound between the 20’s
I use this section for folks who want to quickly just know what the sound is and don’t feel like dredging through my mindless babble. Beginning with the bass we have a slight emphasis in the mid-bass which keeps rising through the sub-bass. The sub-bass has nice extension and gets pretty deep. The mid-bass isn’t as full and bodied, but it is very punchy and impactful. The midrange has a very nice presence in the mix, great for vocalists with a nicely airy, open and detailed sound. Note weight is lean-lush at best and may even come across a bit lean for some folks’ taste. The treble region is also airy and well extended with a very nicely detailed sound. There’s even adequate treble bite and structure to treble notes and a nice balance with the bass to not sound oversaturated or too much. I do hear some shout and sharpness in some tracks, especially at higher volumes. Just like the OG EA500. However, if this is all the further you read just know that the EA500LM is a fantastic sounding iem that is very well tuned and easily should make many “best under $100” lists.
Graph courtesy of Paul Wasabii, Thank You!
Bass Region
Like I said, the bass region is slightly emphasized while owing the greatest portion of its strength to the sub-bass. I hear a tightly controlled low-end that can take on speeder bass tracks with relative ease. The low-end does have some slam to it but it’s more balanced dynamically with the rest of the mix. Not overpowering but transients move tightly with dialed in energy that doesn’t die-off as it maneuvers through different tracks. It just isn’t the most grandiose. Again, it certainly won’t overtake any other area of the mix… to any great degree. Unless there is a heavy sub-bass presence in a track that is meant for this presence to be there in the 1st place. For the most part this is a very well-defined bass, not even close to one-noted and very clean. Bass notes generally have a harder edge to them as they aren’t pillowy, soft or fuzzy at attack and decay is speedier, agile, and more condensed than it isn’t. This is not the most elevated low-end and you’ll hear that in the mid-bass for stuff like kick drums (at times) etc. But for the most part I hear substance in the note weight that replays a track with its own brand of sound. Not clinical but… clinical. Detailed but not thin or dull. Not analytical either, but instead it’s a perfect blend of technical and musical or… “technically musical”.Sub-bass
The EA500LM fixed one of the issues I had with the OG EA500 in that it had a roll-off in the sub-bass which really cut-off a lot of haptic info from my music. It simply didn’t have the growl I’d liked it to. In comes the EA500LM which was tuned to correct this widely understood issue. On the EA500, I used many different modification techniques which brought the sub & mid-bass to more fun levels. Thankfully the EA500LM has plenty and can rumble very well. In fact, I could almost see a few folks considering this amount of presence as, too much. Now, I don’t think that Simgot “Over-Corrected” but certainly many hobbyists loved the OG EA500 just as it was. I know, because I still love that set. However, the extra meaty sub-bass on the EA500LM is welcome.The sub-bass has a deep pitch vibratory drone when called upon and does so with very nice definition for a set costing only $89. It isn’t sloppy and it isn’t a mishmash of inarticulate sub-bass dissonance. When a recording asks for it the EA500LM’s sub-bass stays condensed and tight to the note outline. If that makes sense. It is strange that when you hear actual clean and condensed bass notes that the bass will almost become more strident or easier to discern. Not like sloppy bass regions which seem to melt into the sound. This sub-bass is distinct, it’s defined, it is never one-noted (at least that I’ve heard) and simply great for the cost. Listening to “Wolves” by Big Sean is a perfect example of a sub-bass drone that is so tightly wound that it comes across more detached from the rest of the mix. This is a good thing. It adds an element of depth and separation that sounds…Realistic.
Sub-bass cont…
Another track is “Baby Queen” by the Gorillaz. Once that bass drop and rolling, pounding bass greets my ears I am instantly gratified for the wait. There aren’t many English words to describe “density” but I will try my best to not sound reiterative. Here we go; the Simgot EA500LM’s sub-bass representation of this track has actual mass. Tactile and textured mass. It isn’t the most emphasized, but it doesn’t need to be. Hard in its note body and without the usual fuzzy veneer or veil which so many budget sets naturally have. We don’t even pay attention to it. Of course, source will make a difference, eartips will make a difference and the track you are playing will make a difference too. That said, to generalize the sub-bass I would call it concentrated, weighted, clean and accentuated.Mid-bass
Now, the mid bass follows suit with the cleanliness to a degree. It is much less emphasized and bulbous and so those who want that hard booming bass drop will probably be left wanting. I don’t mind this because kick drums still have heft and a good hollow thud to them. Bass guitar plays well as the haptic recognition is there from the sub-bass but less imposing how it’s articulated. Still good though. However, I like the tuning because it helps the EA500LM’s further frequencies come across cleaner. You don’t have that convexity of weight pushing into the midrange which sometimes is good, but in this case, it would mess up the tuning. My opinion. Still, I don’t mind a mid-bass that is as agile as the EA500LM’s mid-bass. This is one bass response that can take faster moving bass passages with a smile. Transient decay on this set isn’t like a planar or BA bass, as it still maintains that slight decay lag for a more organic and real-to-life replay. Folks, this is a good DD bass which sounds how a good DD should sound. The note outline is unsullied, and glass lined. Less like a fuzzy sock and more like a hard enamel. Just less intense.Mid-bass cont…
Listening to “Feel Loop” by Gaz Coombes shows off how ductile the EA500LM’s bass can sound. Almost like it has viscosity as it can follow the rise and fall of a bassline like a wave in the sea. The EA500LM easily and confidently carries an authority even in its less robust state. This track offers a bass that flows up and down as it gains amplitude and loses it just as fast with a sort-of grainy and distorted undulating flow of bass. The EA500LM sounds great. Yes, I said great. Perhaps some folks would require more intensity and more volume to the bass, but I feel it’s awesome. What it doesn’t do is cover the vocals or the drums casually beating along on the left side of the sound field. Each is separate, resolute and compartmentalized. His voice is not masked in any way from the persistent bass groove. Yet I still feel and hear satisfying and clean lined bass. Is it perfect? Um, no. No, it isn’t. Perfect is a subjective thing, a personal thing. However, I will say that it is very good. I don’t think many can argue that. Possibly some people would want an even tighter and snappier bass like that of a balanced armature but, I think it’s great.Downsides to the Bass Region
The only real downsides here is the fact that some people simply want more. They want more in quantity. Bassheads will not be happy as this is not a bass heavy or bass dominant sound. It’s dynamically balanced. Meaning the greatest portion of the treble is level with the greatest portion of bass. Bassheads usually want a warmer, meatier and more deafening guttural growl and sonorously booming slam. This is not that at all. The EA500LM has some maturity to it. Like a perfectly responsible adult who likes to have a little fun from time to time, within reason. The bass quantity is enough for most genres but maybe not enough for most people. I’ll be the first to state that I’d like a bit more mid-bass slam or dynamic feel to the mid-bass. We can’t have it all though, especially at $89. The other person who will not be pleased with the bass region is for those folks who like a flat and speedy bass that treats sustain as though it isn’t there. Those people who want no bass intrusion at all. Speedy, tight, and more of an afterthought. Thise folks will probably think we have a bit too much in the sub-bass tank on the EA500LM. Despite those objections, friends, I think the bass sounds very good. I don’t want to go any further in my admiration. I don’t want to be labeled a “hyper”. Because I actually have joy over something. That would be horrible.
Midrange
The midrange on the Simgot EA500LM could be considered a bit laid back compared to the OG EA500. The original had a more energetic, bright/neutral display that simply came across more accentuated and pristine due to the lack of bass and treble presence. I’d call it clean-bright or glassy. I don’t know how that makes sense to me, but it does. Moving on. The newer LM version is still very resolute and still very capable of a pristine replay of the midrange, but it simply has some more bass presence to take up some of the sound field. That’s it. I’d probably say that the OG presents an ever-so-slightly cleaner rendition of the midrange than the LM, but it’s very close. Also, that is seriously up for debate. However, the OG also had a more forward tilt and was crisp over smooth which turned into coarseness at times and could be slightly glaring up top a bit easier. Great note definition but not as smooth in its note outline. Not as clean in its delivery of each note. To me anyways. Not taking anything away from the OG, I freaking love that set. But this is not a comparison. Back to the LM.Distinct w/good presence
EA500LM on the other hand is somehow more leveled off, easier on the ears, not as bright. It’s smoother with a better note body. Likely due to the bass level. It has more of it. It also has more treble too. Naturally the midrange seems a bit less forward. So, if that’s what you call recessed, then yes… It’s recessed. However, I don’t call it that because the midrange still has plenty of dynamic presence. The mids are still forward, still energetic, still well-manicured and distinct. I consider a recession when a set actually sounds attenuated in this region or having “less volume”. I promise you people, the LM is not that. Yes, on songs which have more bass or more blaring treble then the midrange will be masked to a degree, but not attenuated. There’s a difference. On top of that the EA500LM has decent note weight in a lean-lush style with good and clean note definition and (depending on the track) it has good detail retrieval with an open feel to it. I feel another great strength is the LM’s resolving capabilities as resolution is crystal clear in this region. To add to that, I hear very good layering and depth to my music. I also hear a fantastic tonal balance that comes across organic to my ears. A special midrange for a V-shaped iem. Heck, for any iem.Lower-midrange
The lower mids present male vocalists in a more realistic and clean manner than most iems in this price bracket in my opinion. Every male singer seems to be casually highlighted against the canopy of music surrounding them. There is a corporeal and tangible feel to male voices. Listening to “Till it Feels Right” by Logan Ledger, I find the EA500LM gives his voice good substance and texture with a clean delivery and a natural sound to his voice. Obviously, there are quite a few iems in the price point which can do such a thing in their own way. Still, there’s a depth to his vocals as well as the melody which surrounds his voice. It all just sounds so organic and never sounds as though there is a flat plane of sound in front of me. The bassline coasts along with a melodic tune and Logan’s voice sits on a pedestal with a pristine sort of crispness. Not edgy or grainy at all, but instead it comes across like smooth marble in my ears. “Till the Flame Turns Blue” is a track on The Paper Kites latest album which shows off the layering and positioning of instruments as well as the lead singer’s vocals. He sounds very smooth, very melodic and again, not pushed back or distant. Deeper pitch baritone singers like Avi Kaplan sound absolutely awesome with the LM’s ability to pull off a sonorous voice. There’s an acute type of succinctness to the inflections of his voice which almost sounds penetrative. I would guess that’s how he’s supposed to be heard. Males sound very nice folks.Upper-Midrange
Moving onto females which primarily reside near the mid-mids to upper-mids. They are more forward than males and have more of a lustrous quality with a sort of solidity and controlled shimmer. I feel that females sound very nice. I find the EA500LM has very nice note weight mixed with a lush type of vibrance that I find to be highly addictive. Listening to Lake Street Dive in the track “Use Me Up” is just so very resolving. The instrumentation is spot on and very lifelike; the bass guitar and drums share equal footing with the lead’s beautiful and highlighted vocals. She sounds as though her voice is uplifted yet still has some density and weight as well. It’s a charming sound. Somehow resounding yet at the same time it’s also soothing. The drums which follow her voice make a perfect backdrop as the bass guitar drones along with the melody. What I get in this track is that depth I’ve been talking about. There are effortless layers to the sound which comes across almost holographic to my ears. The track “Lost Cause” by Pink features her powerful voice which comes across emotionally charged even in a slower song like this which is only followed by a piano. Her note delivery on the EA500LM is really pristine and again, effortless.Instruments
I will be pretty general in describing instrumentation as they’re a very “broad strokes” sort of element to try to explain. So much can alter how we perceive instruments. I feel the only proper way to explain them is to either break down every song which features them or simply use… broad and generalized strokes. Strings have plenty of energy with very nice harmonics. There is a sharp type of edginess when called upon and I find it easy to pick out each and every detail most of the time. Percussion comes across strident and snappy at the attack and the quicker decay/sustain helps to give the feeling of controlled intensity. Cymbals do have body and aren’t splashy. They are a tough thing to get right in my opinion. Snares pang with realism and pep. Violin has a silvery type of reverb and brilliance but just as easily the LM will show off how melodic a violin can sound. Woodwind instruments sound natural to my ears as well as very mellifluous too. Honestly, I find most instruments to simply sound like I envision they are supposed to sound. There is good texture to almost all of them and with that texture is separation, air and the full sound of the instrument. Again, this is a ridiculously simple-minded explanation, but I think you get the idea.Downsides to the Midrange
Something I haven’t brought up when describing the midrange is the fact that along with the natural and well layered and melodic playback, it can also be a tad harsh at times. Much less apparent than the OG EA500, but it can still get there. So, forgive me for only right now pointing that out. Without question it is not to the degree that I am bothered by it. Of course, you are not me and I’m not you. You may be very bothered by it. Warm and dark lovers who seek a fully smooth, fully warm and almost veiled sound, with richness and lushness taking center stage in their hearts, those folks may not dig the playback here. People who desire an analytical and ultra snappy midrange will also not find the EA500LM’s midrange perfect either. However, I would think that these people are not the majority. To me, the midrange is very well done for what this set was tuned to be. Adding bass, adding treble, coming across more V-shaped can spell doom for some mids. Despite that, the EA500LM has a wonderfully vivid sound, with clean resolution, good note body, unblemished note outlines and a very well detailed midrange.
Treble region
Simgot saw fit to add some more treble emphasis this time around giving the LM version some extra sparkles up top. At least one would think. However, I find the addition of some extra bass to be a perfect counter to that treble rise. The result is a nicely smooth treble which doesn’t grate at my ears and has an adequate amount of bite with very nice extension to the sound up top. This extension sort-of stretches the sound field which helps the sound to feel more open and airier. Another thing which I find to be absolutely wonderful is that this is not a fatiguing treble region. At least for me and my taste it isn’t. I have plenty of iems with treble that will cause some folks to want to rip the earphones out of their ears. The EA500LM is not like those. There is a balance to the sound that Simgot seems to get right no matter the sound signature. They always balance the peaks, smooth the rough spots and reign in the graininess, edginess and harshness. It isn’t easy for a single DD to have this sort of detailed retrieval as well. Obviously, there are planars, balanced armature drivers, electrostatic drivers which will out duel this DD any day of the week. However, those don’t always have the natural and organic timbre. However, I really feel that Simgot was able to pull everything out of these drivers that they could, and the result is a very clean, smooth and detailed treble that doesn’t sacrifice musicality and emotion in the process.
Talented
Another thing which is a testament to Simgot’s ability to squeeze every last ounce of talent out of their DD’s is the EA500LM’s well done mix of organic timbre and transient speed. Listening to one of the tracks I routinely use for the treble region is “Ice Bridges” by Billy Strings. His banjo speeds along at a breakneck clip and only a well-controlled treble region can really catch up without coming across like a mishmash of treble gleam. Many sets will do just fine but the EA500LM does so with pretty tight control and timbre that doesn’t sound out of whack. Each note is pretty darn distinct. Not perfect, but distinct. Another track is “The OH Zone” by Django Django. Each treble note within this song sounds prominent and decisive, which is great. But the EA500LM also shows off some haptic bite to the sound as well. “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is also a track I usually use to test how my earphones sound (among about 75 others in my treble playlist) and one I usually add to my reviews. I do so because of the great amount of treble activity from many different instruments. The EA500LM does about as well as a single DD can do at the price it’s at folks. It all comes across nicely detailed and extended with fantastic separation for a single DD, but the kicker is… The timbre is great.Downsides to the Treble Region
Obviously, you aren’t going to get a perfect treble region, or any region for that matter because of the slight shortcomings using a single dynamic driver. This set will not make treble junkies jump for joy. I think this set is way too warm with far too much bass emphasis to even be considered by treble heads. Not to mention they’d probably like a bit more treble punch and brilliance up top too. I did detect the slightest bit of sibilance as well but nothing that bothers me at all. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see some of my fellow hobbyists looking at the EA500LM and wishing it had less of a rise up top and a sooner roll-off. Nothing is for everyone, even the great sets. To me, I really have to look hard to find real issues at $89. For all the EA500LM does right I find it difficult to complain. Detail retrieval is nice, separation is nice, timbre sounds good, and the treble does a marvelous job of lifting the rest of the mix bringing some levity and openness. All things considered; this is a very impressive treble region folks.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The Simgot EA500LM presents a nice sized stage in all directions. Nice width, good height, closer to the listener but full and with obvious depth. Certainly, above what I would consider to be “average”. Then again, I don’t really know what average is, but I’d probably say that the LM is better than it. Of course, source plays a big part in the size and scope of a psycho-acoustic stage as well as other factors that aren’t worth discussing here. For instance, listening with the Fiio Q15 the stage was narrower than when I listened with the Shanling M6 Ultra. Just a thought to consider, sources do matter. However, in general the EA500LM actually has a very nice sized stage. Still, no matter the source I never heard a cramped or congested stage. There is always air to the sound, always a sense of partitioned-off (separated) and blemish-free instruments and voices.The EA500LM has good extension both ways. With an extended sub-bass lift, a dynamically charged sound, and an extended treble, it’s easy to perceive a bigger stage. However, I feel the best quality is the EA500LM’s depth. I don’t hear a 2D sound, or a flat plane of sound in front of me. Instead, I hear a very full sound, a forward sound, but also a sound which fills my mindscape. I hear good extension to each side, and I hear good depth for layering. Now, there is a cap to this “depth” and “width”. These are iems and so I wouldn’t be expecting a miracle, like a stadium experience. Still, the stage is very nice and adds a more pleasurable listening experience than some other sets in its price point.
Separation / Imaging
Separation of instruments and vocals is certainly above your average set of iems. The EA500LM does have very nice resolution! When I consider the cleanliness of notes, and the lithe, nimble, and dexterous micro-dynamics shifts, which collect even subtle lower volume and faint sounding information on certain tracks I have to believe the LM is no slouch. That cleanliness, the transient snappy decay, the wider & deeper stage and the fantastic note definition all have a part in helping instruments to sound salient or transparent and set apart from what is surrounding them. Nonetheless, track selection will play a big role in how well separation and imaging are perceived to the listener. Yes, there is a good balance of sound, but it’s also a dynamic sound. Bass heavy jams will certainly mask over some of the separation. Congested tracks will also obviously not separate perfectly either. This should go without saying though. I assume you all are well aware that a single DD under $100 is not going to pick apart everything. At the same time, I definitely feel the EA500LM does compete with most any other single DD in this price group.Great w/some caveats
With all that said, separation of the elements in an imaginary pshyco-acoustically rendered stage most certainly come across differentiated and partitioned off from each other. Be reasonable in how well you feel this set “should” perform and try to understand that you won’t find many better while also coming across very musical. Imaging follows suit. I find imaging to be almost spot on… all the time. This set simply has the recipe and attributes to make imaging a success. Despite all that good stuff I want to remind you that there are caveats. I’ll say it again, in bass heavy jams there will be some masking, in complicated tracks where any one side of the frequency is providing the most volume, you will not get a perfectly laid-out sound field. Of course, this goes for most iems and price isn’t a factor with that statement. Granted I’ve only heard a couple Kilo-Buck sets in my time. Obviously, some sets will be better than others and a single DD probably has the least going for it as far as separation tools. However, for a technically-musical single DD iem under $100…it does well.Detail Retrieval
As far as details are concerned. This set is not crafted to be a detail monster. Of course, when you figure in everything, I’ve said in the above then I’m sure you know what I am about to say. The Simgot EA500LM does a very nice job at distinguishing all the subtleties in my music. Maybe not as well as the original EA500 but very good all the same. I would hate to take away some of the musicality of this set for some minor details. Macro-details are phenomenal and micro-details are just like the other technical stuff between the 20’s; it all depends on the track. So much is riding on whether the bass is more prominent, or the song is too congested. Again, I don’t think the EA500LM is bad at illuminating the finer stuff, but I also don’t think you will be blown away either. This is a musical sounding iem first in my opinion and that shouldn’t be sacrificed for anything. Again, my opinion.
Comparisons
Simgot EA500 ($69)
The Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review) is the first set I’ll be using for this section. I’m sure you all expected this set to show up in the list of comparisons. Of course, I’ve already conducted a comparison in multiple places in this review, so I’ll keep it short. The Simgot EA500 was one of the breakout success stories for the brand Simgot last year and thoroughly ran through the community like a brush fire. Still highly regarded. So much so, there are plenty of folks who still have that set above this latest LM version. The EA500 is a single DD with an DLC diaphragm and an all-alloy build.
Differences
Not much to report here. The first difference is the colorway which has the OG EA500 with a morro polish chrome looking design while the LM version has an almost gunmetal chrome mirror polish look. The next difference is the driver material which has the new LM with a Lithium-Magnesium driver while the OG has a DLC driver. Everything else is close to identical.
Sound Differences
I’ll make this quick. Both sets share a common trait in that they are both ridiculously resolving and clean sounding. However, the new LM version is simply a slight bit more authoritative down low in the bass as well as a bit brighter up top. Other than that, the new version has better sub-bass extension as well as upper treble extension. I do find the OG EA500 has a bit better shot at coming across harsh and too strident and sharp in the upper midrange to treble areas. I also find the newer version to have a smoother sound throughout with better or thicker note weight, by a very small margin. Soundstage is a bit vaster on the EA500LM too, but I find detail retrieval still a bit better on the OG.Further thoughts on this comparison
I guess the only thing anyone would really need to know is if the EA500LM is worth purchasing if you already have the EA500? My answer would be… of course. Then again, I’m probably the worst person to provide an answer to this as I’d buy the new LM anyways. Is the new LM version an upgrade? Yes, I do believe it is for a segment of hobbyists. For others, it isn’t. For most, it’s probably a side grade with a slightly different signature. I honestly love them both and never want to part with either set. I love the “Simgot sound”, and every variation of that sound. These two are much more similar than they are different, but from my humble perspective I certainly do find the LM to be an upgrade to a slight degree.
Graph courtesy of Paul Wasabii, Thank You!
Fiio JD7 ($65-70)
The Fiio JD7 (JD7 Review) is one of those iems that slipped under almost everyone’s radar and has remained there. Except for a small minority of people who understand how good it is. The JD7 is a single 10mm dynamic driver in an all-alloy housing with a familiar look to past Fiio iems, but dope all the same. This is a set that I’ve tried to open folks up to as it truly plays well for the price and personally finds itself in my top five under $100.
Differences
As far as differences, there are more than a few between the two of these iems. First, the EA500LM is a hair more expensive, of course it’s also older by now. Maybe a year old. Both sets are built using all metal, both built like tanks and but the EA500LM is quite a bit larger. The JD7 would definitely be considered a small ear set. The JD7 has a semi-open design with a cylindrical design whereas the EA500LM is typical with most iems. As far as looks, I like them both quite a lot. Both are absolutely gorgeous in design. The EA500LM has a better unboxing experience with marginally better accessories. Honestly, both iems have a premium feel and premium look in my opinion. Let’s check out the sound differences.
Sound Differences
Both sets come across warm/neutral with a clean representation of my music. Both have very good resolution, and both can be used across most genres. The EA500LM does have a bit more sub-bass rumble while the JD7 has a bit more mid-bass slam. These differences are very minimal though. I find the EA500LM to have a tighter low-end with slightly better depth and timbre. The JD7 is slightly fuzzier. The lower midrange of the JD7 is pulled forward a hair more with more presence for vocals yet also has less note weight. The EA500LM has the more shimmery upper-mid delivery and a slight bit more forward, but also, I just feel that females sound better on the LM. The treble of both sets is sparkly and open sounding with the EA500LM having just a touch more realistic bite and brilliance up top. The EA500LM has a slightly wider soundstage but both sets have that good depth for layering and to add a holographic sense to my music. Detail retrieval comes across easier to discern in the JD7’s midrange while the EA500LM illuminates the subtleties easier in the treble. Both do very well in this regard. Separation is a hint better on the EA500LM and imaging is slightly better too.Further thoughts on this comparison
I love them both. I really do folks. It would be very hard for me to say that one set is night and day better than the other. That just isn’t true. The JD7 is a fantastic iem friends. However, this new EA500LM is quite special and a true performer under $100. I suppose if you were looking in this price range the less expensive JD7 may appeal to you. However, I do think the EA500LM is probably the better set. It does have a slightly more musical nature and comes across slightly smoother too. That said, don’t sleep on the JD7, it’s good.By the way, I could not find a graph comparison of these two sets, here is the frequency graph of the Fiio JD7:
Graph courtesy of Audio Reviews News, Thank You!
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Simgot EA500LM ratings below, that would be $60-$100 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $60-$100 US is a decent sized scope of iems and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.4 Built very well.–Look: 9.5 What a nice looking iem!
–Accessories: 9.6 Awesome unboxing
–Overall: 9.5
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.8 Top of class timbre (my opinion).–Bass: 9.5 Quality over quantity.
–Midrange: 9.3 Very resolute, very musical.
–Treble: 9.3 Energetic, detailed, sparkly, clean.
–Technicalities: 8.9 Technically very good.
–Musicality: 9.7 Musicality is superb.
–Overall: 9.4
Ratings Summary:
Looking at these ratings, you’ll see that, instead of keeping the ratings to just “single dynamic driver” iems, I instead decided upon any driver configuration to use for rating the EA500LM. The reason you ask. Because if I were only judging against single DDs under $100 then the EA500LM would get darn near the highest rating in more than a few categories. Even with all driver configurations it scores ridiculously high. I only know when I’m done and look back at my notes and tally them all up. A “9.4” overall is a very high score. That’s “jack of all trades” type territory. In fact, if I’m being totally honest, I could’ve scored the LM higher in a few categories. I just couldn’t bring myself to put it over a 9.5. This set is very well tuned and actually just very well done across the board folks.Explain Yourself!
I don’t think there’s much to further explain here. Maybe the “bass” category might need some explanation. I could see bassheads wondering how in the world I would give the EA500LM a super lofty “9.5” when the quantity isn’t even that huge. I could see that. Obviously, I am grading this set for the quality of its bass rather than the amount of visceral rumble and slam. “Technicalities” is another area where I wouldn’t be surprised to get a DM about how high of a score that is when the detail retrieval is only just above average. The truth is… Because the detail retrieval on the EA500LM is just above average I had to knock it down to a “8.9”. Every other Rating pretty much explains itself, at least I would think. Please message me or comment below your thoughts.
Is it worth the asking price?
This will be short. Folks, I don’t know another set so deserving of a higher price tag. I could probably come up with a few that are close but the Simgot EA500LM is one of those iems that excels almost everywhere. Even against a field of iems in this enormously competitive price point. I simply don’t see many sets that outright compete in every area quite like the EA500LM. To be totally honest, I would’ve purchased this set for a whole lot more money than what Simgot is asking. In fact, the EA500LM is almost as good (in my opinion) to its older and even more polished brother, the Simgot EA1000 (Review soon). It’s closer than the price differential indicates, that’s for sure. Truly a phenom of a set that I hope can make it into everyone’s collection.The Why…
The biggest reason the Simgot EA500LM is worth every penny is because it only costs $89. The price to performance is outstanding. Again, my opinion. However, that doesn’t exactly tell you why the EA500LM is worth the asking price. My reasons go like this; starting with the unboxing and quality accessories, I feel the EA500LM is one of the best in this regard within the price range. Actually, I wonder how Simgot does it. The build quality is exceptional. Much like any other Simgot iem, it’s built like a tank! Also, the aesthetic is so cool. The gunmetal was the colorway I didn’t know I needed. Hats off to the designers. However, the biggest and best reason that the EA500LM is worth every penny is because the sound quality is fantastic to my ears. I love the warmish-neutralish sound as it is very engaging to me. The bass is deep, tight, not oversaturated and has good control and note definition. The midrange is nice for vocals with natural note weight, good note separation, Imaging, and realistic timbre. The treble is sparkly and well extended. It uplifts the entire mix and perfectly counters the bass shelf. You don’t miss many details and the sound has distance depth wise, with good layering for a single DD at this price. I’ve been impressed since the 1st day I put the EA500LM in my ears. They are worth every penny.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the Simgot EA500LM, I want to thank the good people of Simgot for providing the EA500LM in exchange for a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com with a full written review. This is one of the easiest REC’S I’ve given out. There simply aren’t many issues, no matter how you look at the EA500LM. When considering the price that is. It has been an utter joy to spend time with this set. Again, thank you to Simgot and please do me a favor. Please give all who worked on this set a huge pat on the back with a good fist bump. Well done!Other perspectives
I feel this is the no-brainer pick of the year so far, but I do ask you all to check out other reviews of the EA500LM. It’ll only help you to make an informed purchasing decision. Basically, don’t just take it from me. Many others have given their thoughts and it’ll only help you. Thankfully, I can finally look at those thoughts as well. I hope each and every one of you are doing well and in good health, please take care and always…God Bless!
Attachments
Colin5619
Great review, for an amazing pair of IEMs
Ceeluh7
Thank you @Colin5619 the LM really are fantastic. They are the type of iems that stay in a collection. Take care man
Description
Simgot has been very successful in the last two years with their new models. The EW200 has conquered the $35 budget market with its fine performance and the EA500 garnered a lot of praise from its owners and reviewers. Now Simgot has released a new version of the EA500 with a lithium magnesium Diaphragm and an Enhanced Dual-Magnet & Dual-Cavity Design.
Simgot was kind enough to send in the EA500LM for review, as part of an Australian audio review tour, with Audio Reviews Downunder. I wasn't paid for the review and any opinions and conclusions are my own.
They claim that the lithium-magnesium dome diaphragm combines lightness and stiffness. This upgraded material claims to offer nuanced and rapid sound response, curbing vibrations for a broad, low-distortion spectrum.
Calling the new IEM the EA500LM instead of a completely new name invites comparison with the OG EA500. I haven’t had the pleasure of listening to the original version so I will leave conclusions as to whether this is an upgrade or a side grade to other reviewers and I will review the 500LM on its own merits. I will also discuss its sonic similarities with its baby brother, the EW200 and if it can come close to the performance of the much more expensive EA1000
Simgot has catered to various audio tastes by providing three sets of replaceable tuning nozzles to tailor the sound to individual preferences.
The silver nozzle with black ring is designed to enhance the treble response. The gold nozzle with red ring provides more bass boost and the treble is smoother and less pronounced while retaining plenty of clarity. Lastly the silver nozzle with the red ring is a compromise between the other two tunings with moderate treble and following the Harman curve more closely.
My listening was done with the Gold/red ring nozzle as this is my preferred tuning. I used TRN T tips which I find give a good seal in my ears for bass response but also enhance vocals and soundstage. Source was my flac music collection on the Hiby R3 Saber DAP set to high gain with a 2.5mm balanced cable.
Comfort and fit are excellent with my ears and consistent with the other IEMS in the Simgot range. Can I say I find the gloss gunmetal finish on this unit to be very attractive and classy.
The sound.
Listening to the EA500LM for the first time you will be greeted with the house of Simgot U shaped sound, with a purposeful bass, forward and natural vocals with great timbre and good energy in the treble. Such is the tuning that not one frequency overwhelms the others leaving a fun musical experience that works with pretty much all genres.
Dialling down to the nitty gritty how do we assess the EA500lm’s prowess?
Firstly, the bass which is boosted in the sub bass region and with a weaker mid-bass. Having said that the bass definition, speed, and timbre are very satisfying to my ears. Leading into the midrange we have well placed vocals with natural timbre and tone. Both female and male vocals sound correct and are placed well in the soundstage with nice air and space around them.
Treble, using the gold/red tips, was adequate and not intrusive. Cymbals shimmer and sizzle as they should and percussion is clean and detailed.
The ability of this IEM to resolve details is amazing for a single DD. You would think there was a BA in there as well. It’s not a detail monster but it exceeds more than a few IEMs at this price point. It can handle and present complex tracks with multiple layers of instruments and vocals without any congestion or confusion. Its separation is first rate.
Conclusion
I can’t help but think this IEM is the obvious upgrade path from the Simgot EW200. When I compare them, I hear a similar energetic musical sound with energy, punch and a big fun factor. The difference is that the 500LM presents the music with a fidelity that is a class above its baby brother. All aspects of the sound are refined and improved on. In the sub $100, congested IEM market, the Simgot EA500LM, deserves a place at the top of the table and gets my recommendation.
SIMGOT EA500LM Review: Make It Fun, Make It Different!
PRICE: $89
PROS:
- Premium Build
- Comfortable Fit
- Tuning Nozzles for moddability
- Fun, bright sound signature
- Solid bass depth
- Energetic vocals
- Sparkly, well-extended treble
- Superb separation and layering
- Very resolving for the price
CONS:
- Scratch prone shell
- Inclusions might be lacking compared to the competition
- Not the most stable fit
- Not an “upgrade” from the EA500’s sound
- Midbass might be too lean for some
- Might come across too bright and shouty
WHO THIS SET IT FOR:
- People who are looking to upgrade from the EW200
- People who like the U-Shaped bright Simgot sound
- People who want an insanely resolving and technically capable set
- Trebleheads
- People who want a very energetic and nuanced upper midrange
WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:
- Treble sensitives
- People looking for an upgrade for the EA500
- People who want a thick, weighty midrange
- People who want a set they can just throw around without running the aesthetics
- People who don’t want gimmicky tuning options
RECOMMENDED GENRES:
- Vocal-pop
- Jazz
- Instrumental
SHORT REVIEW:
The EA500LM marks a strong start for Simgot thanks to its superb technical ability that surpasses its predecessors and honestly many in its price range. It’s not quite the EA500 upgrade that people, including me, have been hoping for. Instead, this progresses the bright and fun sound that Simgot has cemented in the past few months and I’m all for it! Just remember, Simgot ain’t for treble sensitives. RECOMMENDED WITH CAVEATS!FULL REVIEW:
2023 was undoubtedly Simgot’s year. From budget bangers to lower midrange hits, they had it in the bag by creating some of the stand-out sets of the year. But the new year means they have to keep that energy if they want to stay competitive in this ever-shifting market. So what do they have in store?
Well, a lot. If you’ve seen the leaks of Simgot’s 2024 release, you know they won’t be sitting pretty this year. From sources to TOTLs, they’ve got it all planned. Today, we’ll be talking about their update to arguably their most famous and the set that got people talking about Simgot. Let’s talk about the Simgot EA500LM!
DISCLAIMER: This product was sent over by Simgot in exchange for my honest impressions. I was not paid. Rest assured, my thoughts and opinions on this product will be my own honest opinions and will not be affected by the facts beforehand.
Audio is a very subjective hobby and as much as I try to objectively explain my thoughts and opinions, your mileage will vary. My preferences will also affect how I perceive the gear that I review. Sources and other accessories will also modify your experience. Lastly, my reviews should always be used only as a guide and not as the definitive bible. Trust your ears to know what’s good.
THE YEAR OF THE SIMGOT
2023 should be synonymous with Simgot absolutely dominating the market. EW200, EM6L, EA1000 and EA500 all blew up and put Simgot in a spot they’ve never been before. And it’s all thanks to the EA500’s entry early in 2023 that got people talking. It was a fantastic set, one of my favorites even a year after it’s been out. So when I saw the teasers for the upcoming Simgot sets and saw the EA500LM, you bet I jumped from my seat in excitement.
But that could only mean that the EA500LM has an extremely high bar to surpass. So now the question I am to answer is whether its existence is justified, especially being priced $10 more than the OG. Does it deserve to exist? What does it offer that the OG doesn’t? And does it live up to the EA500 name? Let’s find out!
UNBOXING
Part fantastic and part disappointing. The Simgot EA500LM comes in arguably one of, if not, the most beautiful box that I’ve seen an IEM live in. Such intricate, space-themed designs with a chromatic, pearlescent finish that looks more like an art piece that you’d find in a gallery than from a box of a pair of earphones.
The rest is large the same in terms of Simgot affairs. Graphs at the back, clean sides. Nothing special besides that beautiful front.
The unboxing experience itself is also very Simgot with the same slide to the left mechanic, IEM sitting up top on their foam throne and the accessories found below and below the IEM. Don’t forget the Blaise Pascal quote! Always motivational, dear sir.
Here’s a full list of the inclusions:
- 1x SIMGOT EA500 LM IEM
- 1x Detachable Cable
- 3 Pairs Interchangable Nozzles
- 3x Pair of Silicon Eartips
Now I have to talk about the elephant in the room. Yes, this is $89 worth of earphones and it only comes with a single SML set, their basic (but good) pleather case and that’s it? One part justified due to their advancement in the sound department, one part disappointed because so many companies nowadays strive for the full package and Simgot’s out here giving the bare minimum.
But again, don’t get me wrong, the accessories are adequate. The tips are 07 style, a little bit more narrow than the KBEar/NiceHCK variants but probably for the better. The pleather case can literally fit the DEW4X inside along with its cable, so you literally have the full package with that case. And that’s it. That’s all that came.
Overall, they could’ve provided more stuff. A cleaning tool to wipe your greasy fingerprints, foam tips for treble sensitives, and maybe even more varied silicone tips for those who want a bassier or more treble-centric sound. Nonetheless, it’s better than having none.
BUILD & FIT
Simgot touts, no, flexes their new tech in the EA500LM so much that it’s literally in the name. But what exactly did they do differently with the Simgot EA500LM? Let’s first talk about that LM at the end.IEM:
The EA500LM features their latest, high-end second-generation Lithium-Magnesium Dome Diaphragm along with their second-generation Dual-Magnetic & Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver. Simgot doesn’t shy away from hyper-long names for their tech, but sometimes it’s purely justified like in the case of the EA1000. Anyways, let’s talk about that Lithium-Magnesium
Reading up Simgot’s official promotional material for the EA500LM, they describe the LM as a dome diaphragm [that], “combines a flexible suspension system, offering both lightness and stiffness.”. They flex that this is lighter than pure beryllium but mimics its acoustic properties. In non-marketing terms, it means that it might sound like what a beryllium driver would. And whether that matters to you or not, doesn’t matter. Because they are so proud of their lithium-magnesium dome diaphragm that it’s literally in the name.
But moving unto its externals, the EA500LM is more familiar with the IEM itself being an almost perfect replica of the EA500 in shape. It’s the same rounded, smooth-edged, and flowing design that it genuinely some of the prettiest I’ve seen.
This time however, it features a darker color with a gun metal coloration with the LM logo featured on the left ear. They are REALLY proud of that LM, I wonder if it would mean anything for the sound?
Build quality is also exactly the same. It’s your full metal, sturdy and high quality build with tuning nozzles. This time around, it comes with 3 nozzles, 1 gold nozzle-red ring pre-applied and the other two akin to the red ring and black ring of the EA500. Very premium feeling, can’t deny that. But I really wish they’d opted for a matte option coming into the second coming of the EA500. You can’t deny that its achilles heel is its scratch and fingerprint prone-quality.
As for fit, again, it shares a similar story with the EA500 which means it’s good if you find good tips. I found that the stock tips were fine, but I always opt for Final E tips when running Simgot IEMs in terms of fit and sound. It’s just better that way. I didn’t experience any pressure build up inside or outside the ear and stability was so-so, but good enough for walking about. Seal was also just about alright, nothing that’ll make you cut out the world but enough to block the essentials.
Cable:
As for the cable, they took the EM6L cable, changed it from QDC to 2-pin and called it a day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good cable and the colorway fits darker IEMs. But it’s your usual, somewhat thin 2-strand cable with the main difference being the interface made out of metal instead of plastic compared to the EM6L. It’s a functional cable, nothing fancy but does everything right. It’s not the cable you’d flex your EA500LM with, that’s saved for something that enhances the looks better. And that’s just not the stock cable.
Overall, it’s a very familiar experience with the only difference being the slightly different coloration and aesthetics of both the cables. It’s good, but don’t expect top-tier inclusions. That’s not why you buy Simgot IEMs, after all.
SOUND:
And speaking of why you’d buy a Simgot IEM, let’s talk about the sound of the EA500LM. As the EA500LM features 3 different tuning nozzles, I’ll talk about the stock gold nozzle red ring first and compare it to the other nozzles later on.Sound Signature:
A shift from the OG, the EA500LM features a U-shaped sound signature with emphasis on the treble. Bass is present and rumbles when it calls for, but has a distinct lack of midbass energy compared to its predecessor. The mids are clean, open, and free from unnecessary coloration but might end up sounding thinner on certain mixes due to the upper midrange emphasis. Treble is still the highlight and is very sparkly, airy, and crisp.
Timbre is on the thinner and brighter side but is still impeccably natural sounding for a bright-leaning IEM.
Drivability:
The EA500LM is expectedly quite easy to drive with its 21ohm impedance and sensitivity of 123-125db based on the nozzle. This means that using this out of a smartphone can get loud enough to enjoy. However, it greatly decreases the potential of the EA500LM as it scales VERY well with sources. Less clean sources might overemphasize the upper mids to treble region and decrease the dynamics drastically, so at least a dongle DAC is recommendedLISTENING LEVELS
35-40/100 on HiBy R3 IIBass
This is either the biggest improvement or biggest downgrade on the EA500LM, depending on what your preferences on bass are. The bass of the EA500LM is well extended, deep reaching but clean without bloat or bleed It’s the Simgot way of doing bass, and many love that kind of bass. The sub-bass emphasis gives enough fun while the tamer mid to upper bass is present without overly emphasizing this region.Think of tracks like Send It by D’Angelo. That bassline accompanying the entire sound is present with good note definition without intruding on the silky vocals or instruments in the mix. It’s placed generously without sounding overly boosted.
However, what I loved about the EA500 was the thick and meaty midbass which the EA500LM lacks. Using the same track, the distinct thicker texture of the bass guitar just isn’t as rich and nuanced as I’d like. Don’t get me wrong, the texture is fantastic, especially for what it emphasizes. But it’s just not quite as weighty as I prefer it to be.
But again, this has the effect of making sure the midrange sounds clean and open to which, let’s talk about it!
Mids
The mids of Simgot IEMs have always been this somewhat debated topic whether the more open but thinner presentation is for the better or worse. The overall midrange presentation is undoubtedly on the thinner side on the EA500LM, but it still gives vocals a decent sense of note weight and presence which means that the mids aren’t overly recessed. However, lower mids are on the more distant level that might come across just a little bit recessed on certain mixes.YeYe’s はみ出て!, on top of being an amazing track to test the bass on and I really should’ve used this as an example as well, has a rather well-bodied midrange that pairs really well with the EA500LM. I absolutely adored the thicker mix that allowed the EA500LM to really excel on this track. YeYe’s vocals are especially nice on the EA500LM as it adds a much-needed sparkle and crispness that the mix doesn’t usually provide.
But on a track like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, the EA500LM starts to rear its fangs a little bit as the mids can sound a little stale, leaving the vocals sounding a little bit thin and over-emphasizing the upper midrange instruments. It just means that the EA500LM brings open a more energetic and nuanced upper midrange at the cost of lower midrange weight and nuance.
The upper mids are generous, at least to say. They bring out upper-frequency instruments nicely like on Fleetwood’s Dreams and the attack-decay is almost perfect. It’s snappy but lingers on long enough to sound natural compared to hybrid sets. It can definitely be a little shouty depending on your tolerance to shout, but I didn’t find it shouty despite the contrast in the lower mids. However, it was definitely getting there and pushing the volume just a tad bit can start getting a little hot.
Treble:
The highlight of the EA series of IEM, the EA500LM keeps up the energy and keeps the treble real sparkly and bright. Microdetails are superb, especially when it comes to the intricate details in percussive instruments or higher frequency strings and air instruments. Undoubtedly one of the best treble presentations under $100, but a risky one at that. This is a set that’s not for treble-sensitives, but let’s be real Simgot really isn’t a brand for treble-sensitives from the get-go. It’s very sparkly with really good airiness and crispness on every note, but the lower mids not having enough emphasis may puts the treble a little too far up for comfort in certain mixes.I LOVED the treble of the EA500LM. Absolutely. Listening to a track like Game of Love by Daft Punk and hearing those percussive instruments as well as the small details in the guitar was an absolute treat that you don’t usually find in sets around this price. The amount of treble energy is just perfect for the entire album, honestly.
But like I said, thinner/dry mixes might push this to uncomfortable levels. Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire comes to mind as the treble emphasis on that track is almost ludicrous that the LM breaches harshness territory. However, this is more of a fringe case for those who listen to bright-leaning mixes because even in that same track, the treble is so clean and well-controlled that the harshness only comes in when I push the volumes to uncomfortable levels to compensate for the bass. Otherwise, the instruments in this track sound wonderful on the EA500LM
Technicalities:
And this is where the EA lineup continues the trend of insanely technical sets on a budget. The LM’s technical ability is even better than the OG due to the cleaner midrange and smoother treble. This allows for separation and layering to be more crisp, especially in the treble and the head stage to be more expansive due to the mids being tuned to be more open. Imaging is probably the least fantastic thing about its technical ability, but most IEMs don’t do imaging that well anyway. It’s adequately good but plays to complement the superb separation and layering.Let’s talk about dynamics real quick as, despite being clearly an improvement from the EA500’s slower driver, the EA500LM also feels like a slight downgrade as the midbass emphasis also gets taken away. It’s not overly smoothened, on the contrary even. But the emphasis to note weight was just lessened so midbass sounds less dynamic and rich sounding and more tight and snappy. This, however, translates better to the treble as the response is snappier and more controlled. Okay, I know I’m comparing it already to the EA500 but this was really the best way I could describe the dynamics of the LM. It’s very snappy but natural but I really would like a little bit more richness and contrast.
COMPARED TO OTHER TUNING NOZZLES:
VS Red Ring, Silver Nozzle
The Red ring, silver nozzle is based on the Harman 2019 target which tilts the balance slightly to be a little warmer and closer to how the OG EA500 sounded, but not quite as bodied or weighty as the EA500 on its own red ring. I’ll be real however when I say that the difference between the Red Rings is very small and is more of a small tweak to the tilt ever so slightly. Like seriously, it’s almost a QC difference between the two.
Vs Black Ring, Silver Nozzle
This is where the difference is most evident as the upper mids are emphasized considerably more and the bass even tigther. Treble and shout sensitives, close you ears as these take the already bright EA500LM and make them even brighter sounding. These also make the upper mids a little bit more congested and takes a slight hit in separation and layering ability. I really enjoyed how these sound in this nozzle, however, as this turns the EA500LM into a fully-fledged balls-to-the-wall bright set. I still prefer the tamer, warmer sound of the Gold Nozzle but these are definitely a close second as these shift the sound to be a certified bright boi.
REAL WORLD USAGE
Casual Use:
Despite being all metal, the EA500LM is an insanely comfortable IEM to wear for casual use. From browsing to binging, the EA500LM served me well in terms of comfort. It was also stable enough to move about and the seal was adequate enough to block out sounds without making me completely deaf to my surroundings, which is always a win in my book. The thing I’m more concerned about that left me not wanting to use this more is the finish. I usually use IEMs that would be fine when scratched due to their finish and the LM just scares me every time I use it. The cable also scares me a little bit as my EA500’s ear hooks have gone yellow after a year and I just know that that’ll do the same. But nonetheless, it’s a fantastic experience in terms of sound production and comfort that I’ve come to expect from Simgot IEMs.Gaming Use:
Now gaming was a slightly different story. The OG EA500 was fantastic for gaming due to the midbass emphasis bringing out lower midrange sounds like footsteps and ruffles while the upper mids to treble brought out the tiny details nicely. The LM shifts the balance more to a more song-first, game-later style due to the sub bass emphasis and smoother upper mids. I found that shoutier IEMs fare better on FPS games like Valorant, to which the EA500LM tames it down and cleans up the mix. I didn’t like it for Valorant nearly as much as the OG due to the lack of midbass, but it did it well enough not to sound overly thin thanks to the clean treble presentation. I never found skins like Prime or Cryostasis to sound piercing which is nice.COMPARISONS
Vs Simgot EA500
Let’s stop beating around the bush here and finally compare it to the EA500. Many of you may know I shill the EA500 completely due to it being basically the reincarnation of the Heart Mirror. Linear, midbass centric slightly warm but bright sound that gives me so much joy every time I listen to it.
The LM, in contrast, is “better” for those who found the EA500LM lacking subbass and being too bright. Well, the latter might be debatable depending on how you found the mids and treble of the LM. But regardless, I cannot deny that the EA500LM is a technically better IEM compared to the EA500.
However, I also can’t shake the feeling that the EA500LM feels more like an upgraded EW200 rather than EA500 pt.2.
To give a short explanation of what separates the EW series from EA, the EW is more u-shaped, fun-sounding series while EA falls closer to a bright-neutral kind of sound catered to trebleheads.
Its DNA feels closer to the EW series of IEMs that the EA, and I honestly think it would’ve probably fit the EW moniker than the EA. At the same time, I also found vocals to sound more natural on the EA500 than the EA500LM, a similar quality to the EW200 where the mids had the tendency to sound a little bit pulled back.
The midbass punch and texture are sorely lacking compared to the OG EA500 and even the EA1000 while the mids are closer to the EW200 in presentation. The treble is still definitely EA, but it does things more like an EW.
Anyway, I’m rambling at this point. The LM is made for those who want a better extended EA500 but not those who want an improvement from the EA500 sound. A side grade, maybe. But it’s fundamentally a different flavor from the OG
Vs Simgot EW200
A more fitting comparison, the EW200 is a step down from the EA500LM in my opinion. EA500LM has better bass dynamics, cleaner mids, and especially cleaner treble. Technicalities are also overall better than the EW200, so it’s almost the perfect upgrade for those who loved the EW200. There’s really not much to say besides the fact that I genuinely think that the EA500LM is worth twice the price of the EW200 if you’re looking for a proper upgrade while keeping a similar sound to the EW200.
Vs Simgot EM6L
One of the most highly requested comparisons, the EM6L seems to occupy a very similar sound to the EA500LM. However, their presentation is quite different from each other. The EM6L is a smoother overall sound with a softer bass presentation and a generally smoother upper mids to treble presentation.
Essentially, the EM6L is a tamer version of the usual Simgot house sound that even the likes of the EA500LM occupy. However, the EA500LM has a more technical and dynamic presentation that makes music sound more alive and nuanced compared to the EM6L. So the choice now ends up between wanting a more dynamic and more sparkly kind of sound or a smoother, more balanced sound.
Vs Muse HiFi The East 6
While it might seem unfair at first, the East 6 is essentially the polar opposite to the EA500LM in every way. The midbass focused, upper midrange forward and treble tame East 6 contrasts the brighter, more extended EA500LM. However, the EA500LM essentially highlights the East 6’s biggest flaw of sounding nearly half the price of the EA500LM. Details are sorely smoothened out on the East 6 compared to the EA500LM, the sound is faster and snappier but still keeps a very organic sound.
The East 6 essentially lives to be the treble-sensitives option for Simgot IEMs. Those who like that vocal-centric, rich, and well-balanced sound without the crazy treble. But if you’re looking for the more technical set, the EA500LM is better nearly 10-fold.
Vs Simgot EA1000
And finally, let’s compare it to its bigger sibling. The EA1000 was being compared to the EA500LM which I thought was funny as the EA500LM was nearly 3 times cheaper than the EA1000. But the burning question now is whether the EA1000 3 times better than the EA500LM. To which I say, probably not. But the EA1000 also follows the EA DNA better than the EA500LM, so again it would be a different kind of sound that you’d expect from both sets. The bass is meatier, and more textured but tighter than the EA500LM and is just more technically capable on the EA1000 overall.
CONCLUSIONS:
I asked early in this review the question of whether the existence of the EA500LM is justified. To which, I say yes with a whole heart. The EA500LM marks as another solid release from Simgot that continues to push the boundaries of how good sound can get for the budget. Them flexing the LM is definitely not just a marketing ploy as there is a clear technical improvement from the EA500.However, I also noted that the DNA of the EA500LM falls closer to the EW200. Fundamentally, the EA500LM follows a more fun, bright centric u-shaped sound that makes music sound more engaging but also less neutral compared to its predecessor The EA500 was closer to a more neutral tune to my ears compared to the EA500LM due to the subbass and treble emphasis of the latter. And this isn’t a bad thing, don’t get me wrong. The trajectory of Simgot IEMs in the past few releases has been moving away from the neutral bright sets like the EW100P and EA500 and moving to a more fun, engaging, and energetic U-shaped like the EW200 and EM6L. And I understand that this is honestly for the better. The demographic for neutral bright is admittedly much smaller than those who prefer a more fun sound. But as someone who loved the EA500 for following a more neutral, somewhat DF tuning, it does hurt my heart to see the beloved EA500LM follow a more generally likable tuning.
The EA500LM is a fundamentally good IEM with solid technical chops and a bright-leaning sound that trebleheads like me would love. Is it perfect? No. Inclusions could be better and I honestly wish that they offered different color/finish options. The midbass also feels a little bit lacking and puts lower mids a little bit on the thinner side, but I know people enjoy the more open-sounding midrange as a cause of that. But it shows that Simgot isn’t slowing down this 2024 with its awesome releases!
WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE:
Thank you for checking out my full review of the Simgot EA500LM Big thanks Simgot for sending this over in exchange for my honest thoughts. If you would like to buy your own check out the non-affiliated link below: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500-lm
If you have any questions or concerns, contact me on my Facebook page or at obodioreviews@gmail.com
Enjoy music and have a great day!
SIMGOT EA500 LM Edition
Who knows just how useful this review will be for folks? As typically reviews function to enlighten about a new or unknown IEM, enlightenment through a description of IEM character. So as readers we interface off the reviewer's opinion and come about a purchasing decision, based on how well we trust the reviewer's thoughts and how well we feel the IEM may blend with our listening. That buying decision can be at our own time or right away. Most people fall into a few categories of how they make buying decisions, and you fall under a purchasing category even if you don’t know it.
So it’s a blend of how we relate to the IEM review or reviews, how the IEM’s character is, and a value of sound per dollar spent quota, that we perceive though reading or demoing. Of course much of the time elements here depends what kind of IEM buyer you are. To list a few of the IEM buyers' personalities, there are the quick emotional kind, the (try-to-be) scientific and information collecting types, the kind that go with the pack, and the literally the time based ones. Those ones will buy if the IEM seems to fit their personal chronologic time-frame. Much of the time we don’t even recognize the exact style of our buying trends, but it is safe to say everyone is slightly different.
SIMGOT AUDIO has in a way circumvented the past buying styles of Head-fi buying personalities, seemingly catering to the masses. Though I will at least mention a single group here, the fancy-pants…………..yep, those types only purchase if the price is right. You guessed it, they will only purchase expensive products because price equals quality…….right? Though now, even those (expensive) types are starting to notice who SIMGOT AUDIO is, and basic curiosity is pushing them forward!
SIMGOT AUDIO has been around for a while, but they recently totally reworked their sound. They have used technology in the driver design, but also explored various tuning and IEM housing methods to bend the commonly thought of paradigm for success. 2nd fold once they knew with-out-a-doubt that they were in the zone, they gave out lots of free samples to reviewers. What the fall-out here is massive market disruption……it’s huge. Still the difference here (that I see) is somehow SIMGOT AUDIO looked in and thought about how to make success happen, and somehow created a sound that people gravitated to?
SIMGOT often uses tuning nozzles as a way to gain extra acceptance into understanding a specific model tune. So if the tone is too treble peaky often you can find a different nozzle attachment to arrive at a slightly different tone. And to further this concept often SIMGOT offers extra filters included with an aftermarket tuning kit that you can buy separately to make the tone of a specific IEM all your own.
As of recent SIMGOT AUDIO now makes their own aftermarket cable, the LC7, they have also made and continue to introduce Dongles to market. The most recent to grace our shores has been the super small DEW4X. In this review I will compare the LM model to the past regular EA500, and the runner-up flagship, the EA1000. There has been lots of talk of how the LM is the reintroduction of the EW200 tune. And personally I don’t have an issue where everyone is simply trying to get to terms with how these two (LM/EW200) models sound, especially before a purchase takes place. In a perfect world we would have IEM stores with every model on every corner. Because there is no substitute for a demo. Still there is also no substitute for a month long demo, finding possible characteristics we may have missed on a short demo. But one reason I feel there is a small EW200 relationship is due to bass tuning. Still this is a whole different new style of LM driver.
Lithium-Magnesium Driver with Gold Nozzles:
Searching through my collection of IEMs there is nothing like the LM. Could this in-fact be due to driver methodology? What is happening here is we are witnessing some of the drawback characters of single full-range drivers become overcome. You see this LM almost sounds like more than one driver. This single feature takes and separates it from all the SIMGOT IEMs that have come before. There is also a lot of bass, and even more sub-bass. Where sure the EW200 and LM model have the low-end in common, yet at times I thought that the regular EA500 and the EA1000 could use an ounce more of bass, so here we are?
Do you see the red line for between 2.8kHz to 5kHz? That is our brightness with the LM, in comparison to the dark blue EA1000, the green EA500 and the light blue EW200. Now if you are wondering why the LM still is only so bright, that is due to bass balance. Yep, the more bass you add in the more midrange and upper-midrange you can get away with. You simply are given bass frequencies which counteract the perception of brightness.
Included graph measurement disclaimer:
All the nozzles approach the brightness graphed near basically close to the same. So there is no confusion, the graph was with the red nozzle, and I used primarily the gold nozzle. All the following concepts explained in regards to how the LM performs brightness are still relatively close to the same.
Nozzles:
- 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz Gold Copper nozzle & Red Silicone Ring)
- 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz Silver Steel nozzle & Red Silicone Ring)
- 124dB/Vrms (@1kHz Silver Steel nozzle & Black Silicone Ring)
Top row: EA500 LM Edition then older EA500
Second row: EA1000 and EW200
Note the very bottom SIMGOT $19.99 EW100P Universal IEM is placed here only for size comparison and received a glowing 3 star out of 5 star review from me a while back.
Comparisons:
EA1000 (included red rubber rings 2019 Harman Target)
EA500 (included red ring nozzle)
EW200 (no nozzle option)
All tests today were done with my regular wide-bore silicone ear-tips, the Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s firmware, and the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 cable in 4.4mm. While there was nothing wrong with the provided cable, it is just that it was 3.5mm and didn’t allow access to balanced amplification.
EA1000 $219.99
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...ear-monitor.26790/reviews?page=2#review-32122
So starting out here, it’s obviously a factor of price, right? Well the bass is different, while not quite as clear as the EA1000 that extra roughly 4kHz you are getting with the LM is actually held not only in extra frequency, it is taking hold of a larger bass soundstage. Also let me just inject this here, while spending 10 days listening to the LM, I perceived what I would describe as the most bass in the SIMGOT line, and interestingly there was ample sub-bass too? Doing very small 3 second sound loop comparisons (to enhance sonic memory) I found, yes the EA1000 is actually just slightly louder and holding more involved midrange harmonics lending to an advanced response in realness, there was simply more reality of instruments between the two held by the EA1000. So in the long run, yes the EA1000 is slightly more vivid and technically better, but I have to ask myself why do I like the LM so very much?
Switching now to full songs, the LM is simply holding a smoother take on the SIMGOT sound, having to try an volume match the two by adding a click or two onto LM input, I simply found that while yes it was less detailed, what it did was offer a warmer and even more even playback. Such finding went and had me question the importance of detail, as the EA1000 technically was the better driver. Yet the midrange peak was not there with the LM, even though it shows up graphically, there is a different bass balance going on which smooths out the whole affair. Also midrange imaging was of slightly thicker note weight with the LM, making the same song playback with the EA1000 seem to come-off faster but thinner in the end. The EA1000 can get you closer to the inner details held in your song files, but the LM has more kick. I mean it’s more fun in the end. Still remember I’m a sucker for deep bass realizations, so those happen, and I’m all done. This hopefully doesn’t detract from the EA1000 views and ideas, it is just SIMGOT got creative and less stuffy with the LM. It could be viewed that SIMGOT was going for less analytical, and hopefully gaining that younger crowd that could care less about clarity, that are looking for a deeper sound holding more bass ambiance?
EA500 $79.00
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ea500.26361/reviews#review-30453
We all know that for many the EA500 was more intense. Little too bright, and here in comparison the LM is once again showing us more bass. Yet the big deal here is the EA500 peaks 2.5kHz to 5.2kHz…………those LM peeks would have you believe it is generated to be more. What I’m trying to say here is it sounds the complete opposite from how the graph looks. The graph makes it look like the LM would have energy in the exact area, and it may, except the low end completely makes it sound smoother and not dull, but arriving at the duller area of town. This is a perfect example of showing graphs only tell a fraction of the story, and at this point with the LM/EA500 the total opposite of upper midrange/midrange would be encountered on a daily basis. So for those who have the EA500 and think it is too bright, I can assure you the LM is a more forgiving part of town, all the time! Forgiving, yet still detailed, well imaged and totally fun!
So the LM sounds like the EA500 graphs out to be, noticeably lower in energy and smoother.
EW200 $39.99
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ew200.26518/reviews?page=2#review-31446
So here we find EW200 has many of the same tuning features that go to the LM. Yes, going back to the EW200 once again showed me how it may be the very most IEM you can get for $39.99? And sure it is close to what the LM does except the LM stage is bigger, more open and holding greater authority of realism. Sorry this stage thing really gets me. As it totally affects everything where sure the EW200 has close to the same tuning, except it has a different driver, thus the LM responds with clearer imaging and holding more emotion due to such things. Obviously the newer LM has the honeymoon charm. And still I can’t get it out of my head that even though they are close, the LM has these transients done next level, so in a way it is just more technical and that small difference stirs my heart………it is what it is. If you have the EW200 and are wondering if it is a big change to spend the extra money, I would say there has never been an easier way to gain a better sound, especially if you already love the EW200! As far as tuning goes there will be limited surprises, except that note definition and clarity………well the differences are real here. Simply give the EW200 to someone, as there will be nothing to miss once the LM arrives in your ears.
Cable Changes:
1) Penon Space Cable: $99.90
2) HiSenior White Whale Cable: $96.00
3) Penon Vocal Cable: $69.00
4) ISN G4 Cable: $99.50
5) Penon RENATA Cable (Price yet to be published) ($250.00-$300.00)
6) Included Cable
1) Penon Space Cable:
Just so you know there is very little if not no differences at all between the LC7 and the Space Cable. Really both cables are highly transparent making the stage about as big as it can be, as well as not adding any their own personality to the playback.
2) HiSenior White Whale Cable:
Laughingly either the LM is generally not showing the differences between these three cables, or their make-up is close to the same. Maybe a tad of extra smoothness here, but really you would be hard pressed to find much difference. They are all priced about the same too?
3) Penon Vocal Cable:
Just so you know the White Whale, the Space and the LC7 are truly looked at as being uncolored and fairly balanced, offering 4.4mm with the While Whale and LC7 and an improvement over the regular brand included cables. So what’s up here? Hmm, so yes the midrange is slightly more forward, but remember if you have been following along with this review so far you may realize that the midrange has that room for a slight push. Actually I didn’t think this cable would be as good as it is. Marvelous increase in stage size, and a special separation here, where images are way out to the sides, the bass is maybe slightly diminished, just a tad? But it is the warmth and synergy that make this cable special today. Just WOW! My word for this cable is the can opener………it opens up the stage and allows for great interaction, bigger-denser imaging. Laughably if you studied the graph on the LM, a cable which promoted Pinna Gain would be a no-go, but due to bass balance we actually have room to explore a different style of cable push. Only it is true that the White Whale, The LC7 and the Space go ahead and offer maybe a slightly more true to life rendition, I should have remembered the Vocal Cable adds a style of separation and pizzaz that makes you forget about normal responses, especially with darker IEMs.
4) ISN (Graphene) G4 Cable:
Graphene has a character, and yes, there is some of that here. As later in this review we will find out how the LM is also very easy going to sources too. Meaning many, many......pretty much all sources go with the LM. There is an easy gong nature going on here. The Graphene will add some stage and diminish the bass adding clarity in places, and yes all that is going on, yet very minimally? Probably the greatest gift would be the warmer big authority midrange stage, yet it didn’t offer that separation and itemization of the Vocal cable…….I was surprised by the Vocal, as I normally place this G4 above it?
5) Penon RENATA Cable:
If you read my RENATA review this version of the RENATA is different. What I mean is that the first review was the Beta Version RENATA, as I have a new review for this cable in the works. Slightly formulated differently to be slightly brighter in the midrange and treble. Here once more it is an additive of smoothness but what takes the cake here is the separation and lifelike growth of stage imaging. This is the more expensive cable of the grouping, yet goes forward with a spread out low-end as well as spatial imaging and separation. Where there was a rhythmic bass throb in one song I could only half hear it with the previous cable tests, only (the bass) to become very delineated and separated now with the RENATA? As such it is not going to be peaky in any fashion, but in many ways like the ISN CS02, holding a style of imaging texture, yet still smooth.
6) Included Cable
Remember this test will now be performed with my 3.5mm output of the WM1A. Once again really not all that much difference? I mean sure there is a difference, yet the magic of this tune still shines through. There is a subtle way the LM sways with the music that is always there and never messed with no matter what source you use, which amplifier you use, or which cable you choose!
Equipment:
Yep, the DAPs and Dongles were a super easy section to review here. Especially the Dongles as you simply unplug the IEMs from the HiBy R3 II after sonically judging that, then plug in a Shanling UA3 Dongle or the SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X into action with the USB Type-C. It takes all of about 1/2 a second so the music keeps rolling and it makes judging extremely easy to do. All tests performed with my regular wide-bore tips and LC7 cable in 4.4mm balanced.
HiBy R3 II:
While the wild M response of the R3 II doesn’t always lend itself to every IEM, here we meet forgiveness, yet better than being forgiven because it’s a party! Where a big part of this may be in the way the two commingle to provide bass, except there is also a stage size and smoothness in replay that both provide separate, and that gets added up when together here? I guess what I can say is surprise……being if you were wondering which DAP to get that would be on a budget (with the LM) and still have fun and enjoyment, with no questions asked……..this would be it.......the HiBy. Hence I took a lot of pictures of the combination.
The HiBy will not always be best with certain IEMs, but in this use case it is another added plus to the honeymoon already in process. I could go on and on except let’s save time. The WM1A is what I usually use for the music section, and I will still use that now for this review, except I could have easily used the R3 II in this application here. This was so surprising that I had to keep checking and over the course of days and days, this is the truth I’ve come up with. In fact I don’t think I have found an IEM that makes the R3 II this good, ever?
The Shanling UA3:
Totally great, I mean there are IEMs out there that go forward to delineate the response here. Typically the UA3 is a slimply bit softer in texture and holding a softer smoother bass, with less digital harshness up on top. And yes it is that way, only this totally works as there is maybe a quality held with-in the IEM that goes forward just to make every combination listenable. As no rain on this parade, either?
The SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X:
So this is unusual in that I have a SIMGOT Cable, SIMGOT Dongle and SIMGOT IEM! Oh, the pressure of it all. The way these different devices work is the HiBy R3 II has a slightly smoother edges out into the stage, the DEW4X is more forward and offers a boost in clarity in the upper midrange, now with more resolving IEMs this boost can become stark or grainy, but not in this playback. This area is even more forward than the Shangling UA3 and it holds a cleaner more forward, not as soft of bass. Less reverberations than the first two DAC and Dongle, but no stridence or heat here, just clarity at hand. Where the R3 II is set slightly back and the UA3 too is not as forward in details, where the UA3 has a more analogue style of style. This DEW4X is more vivid and clear, big in stage and the notes holding a nice weight, but fast, clear and fast.
The Sony WM1A:
Here, this becomes my favorite way to go. Now the interesting part is the EA1000 goes ahead to proclaim such extra digital quality held in this more expensive device. I mean sure I can hear changes, yet once again the importance of these differences between devices means less. The LM has a wonderful way of smoothing out the rough spots and making everything digestible. The stage is the biggest and there is a tighter bass, and an old fashioned display that somehow reminds me of the Shanling UA3 a little, in that nothing is as forward in positioning as the DEW4X. And truly none of the playbacks here are right or wrong, I mean that’s the best part, in that all are just another variation of great.
Music Tests:
This is by far the easiest section of the review and the most fun, don’t tell me about the labor pains……..just show me the baby. The results here, I mean really all this talk of comparisons and different usage situations are good to get an idea as to what we are working with. Yet none of that matters if the IEM doesn’t playback music well. I have even placed this music section right at the very start of a review to show the importance. Except with the LM there is really a history and there are important concepts like if you have the EW200 should you upgrade? Or if you didn’t like the EA500 is there any worth in getting the next installment as maybe it would be too close to the same? And my answers to those questions are, a smoother AE500, without the peaks, even though you would think there would be seeing a graph. And the EW200 is simply (a less perfect of) an example of what is possible with almost the same tuning but you get better technicalities for the upgrade to the LM.
And so quite simply which would I rather have in my ears to do these music tests, the EW200, the EA500 or the LM?
You know the answer.
KMFDM
Paradise
Megalo
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Here is the thing, really there is a special pace that somehow includes all the LM does well with a song like this. We can boil the concepts down into basic sound (value concepts) and really that would work. The click-clack of a dialed in low end, thrusting this number into hyperdrive…….the actual movement here. The LM Driver, in fact it’s like a fast powerful motor and you’re shifting gears gaining torque…..there is no letting-up with how this driver performs. To ditch the Redcarmoose Labs signature hyperbole, the basic ideas (musically) are allowed to flourish due to tonal separation. At 00:42 when the kick drum makes its entrance we are reassured that the bass is not too overwhelming. In fact I can spot the drum and bass action set-up in place. It’s the fact that the transients are adding clarity to the movement and showing lesser built IEMs just how it’s done. While the basic lead-in of synth sequencing at 00:29 shows not really out front like with more pricey ideas of playback, there is though a correct timbre held, which is harder to spot as synthesizers are not real instruments, but exist virtually. Even the air blast that is a lead-in to our down-beat at 00:42 doesn’t get awards for being airy or totally out-front, simply reminding us of DD character and the intrinsic drawbacks of such. What makes this song though is somehow by contrast once the beat gets going the previously mentioned synthesizer sequence at 00:29 is then continuing on and locked rhythmically to the bass drum beat and the bass beat. And the guitar in this piece……..the single strangest thing about guitars in music is they are both rhythm instruments and hold musical power to change the tone chords of a song. So in general this ability results in guitars holding a beat and a melody, both at the same time. In fact the guitar in this song does exactly that, side-stepping a dual function to be both. In fact due to such ideas in playback we can either focus in on the guitar tone or choose for the sound rhythm to take on almost subliminal effects of pace held. Where here today the sound of the guitar is on the closer to home positioning and slightly subdued as far as tonal brightness goes. At 01:45 we are presented with a heavy (almost) vocoder effect layered into how vocals are presented. And here the producers chose to allocate such tricks farther out into the outskirts of the stage. Still what makes this song continue to move forward is the handclaps which are interlocked to the beat, the fact that at our menial performance guessed price of LM, somehow ends up just that much more? While not all the details, the LM is moving forward getting a grip on exactly the pace and groove of this number. That while the treble elements are not showcased or even all that much forward into position, they are in-fact accounted for and shown in perfect timbre. It is that magic trick that somehow lets us say to ourselves, that everything is included here in playback?
Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
My first attempt at description would have to be piano timbre. The timbre and the reverberations that accompany it. Where this piano is not buried in the slightest but still carries note-weight and a style of smooth demeanor that would be valuable at any price. Of course I have heard this in more detail, but the LM has a way that it makes you forget any other IEMs. At 00:53 the bass drop hits, now as always it is a little different with every IEM I hear. Surprisingly this style of playback is slightly more relaxed than I imagined it to be beforehand. And that is listening to songs for the very first time on an IEM. We always bring with us expectations in how we imagine the song to be fulfilled. Yet there can be a variation which is not wrong in any way, it just is the song being played back. The song will always have this demeanor (of replay) when we choose the same equipment. Much of this probably stems from the style of song being of the slower and romantic side. But beyond that even the first bass drop was slightly subdued in fashion to how I have heard this song on other IEMs. Where sure they (SIMGOT) are focusing on a style of replay that comes off way more expensive than it is with this number, only it may be from the strings and the piano? While sure this song doesn’t get intense until the end. And sure the EA1000 could show us a lift into how the instruments are separated, yet there is nothing wrong with this style of playback, though it isn’t as separated as you might have guessed? I’m thinking in this one case we have an IEM on the darker side, and a song going down that same street? Yet there are at 03:18 super high pitched pianos inside of reverberations that are fully separated and wonderful. All the instruments hold exact timbres. And even though this is a bass number, we are not drowned in bass frequencies, as there really is balance to it all. There are exquisite bass transients which are a welcome gift inside much of this song, and so well done, I’m looking for low-end (sub-bass) distortions and not finding any?
Build:
The difference here is the EA500 had only one set of extra nozzles, yet with the LM we get two. Yep three nozzles all together. The solid metal construction seems like it may in fact add to the way we perceive distortions and vibrations, as the LM is heavy for its size at 11 grams. Using the back-side for a vent and another under the nozzle we are guaranteed a smooth in and out of airflow. I would say it is slightly better than average with noise occlusion. Though maybe it’s the weight of the LM, where even the thick and big 4.4mm aftermarket cable which is relatively quiet with the sound turned off. Though while still fingerprint magnets, it is the nozzle length that pulls on my heart strings here. Yep, perfect size and angle, allowing for me to use my favorite ear-tips, and the lock into the correct back spacer ring at the other end of the nozzle. While heavy in comparison to many IEMs, it is smaller than medium size, but way more important, it is the fact that the LM sits almost 100% on the inside of your ear. The (almost) flush 2Pins are just barely set back, but don’t suffer from QDC plugs like the SIMGOT EM6L. In 10 days I can’t count how many times I changed cables, yet totally smooth sailing with the LM?
Packaging:
Cable:
The included cable is nice, and to reiterate the cable sound testing, the included cable gets us the basic overall sound here, with the smooth and still fairly detailed style of replay. Ergonomics are great, being it stays where you put it and doesn’t fight when asked to coil-up.
Below the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 4.4mm Cable Experience
Conclusion/Summary:
Funny that the darker chrome on the LM goes one step farther to differentiate itself from the old EA500. The other unique thing is I have never seen this style of chrome plating before, it must be new? While the LM does share tuning style with the EW200 and shows identical bass graphically, there is a psychoacoustic phenomena which occurs to the listener where better defined bass will sound like more bass. I am about 99% sure that is what is going on here. And sure for me that extra bass is sealing the deal making the LM my most favorite SIMGOT yet. So even though graphically it looks to be the same, the results heard are different. That same misunderstanding of the graphs would make you guess the LM’s 2.5kHz to 5.2kHz peaks would surface to make this IEM in particular brighter than the old EA500? When in truth that area is actually heard (opposite) to be smoother thus creating an easier more accessible listen……..for me anyway. Whatever the outcome SIMGOT knows what people want, continuously improving and dialing in these tunes closer to perfection. Myself, I would probably be game for an EA1000 LM edition? Call me a fanatic but I really do seem to hear how this second generation Lithium-Magnesium driver is improving basic replay across multiple levels. If it was possible to add such secret sauce to the EA1000, I’m in. In so many ways this hobby never changes…….meaning in my teens I visited older accomplished audiophiles and heard their systems play. Talk about fanatics……..they were passionate about the replay, yet what was put out by their then $1000.00 system was fast, but anemic, and almost all midrange and treble. You see earlier in audiophile history such musical tone was the only concept of clean pure electronics. And we can still purchase that kind of IEM today, but the LM is not one of them. Now we are rewarded with a big emotional bass, one that reaches slightly farther out into the soundstage than even the EA1000. An emotional experience that seems too good to be true, like it should be costing us more money. I’m at the point now where I can make my reviews as short or as long as I want, no one says a thing. I choose to make this review long because I’m on a mission. A mission to explain the hows and whys of just how good the LM is. Sure it’s not everything, except there is a way about the LM that brings about a tangible musicality to everything it touches? Every DAP/Amp, every cable. With that being said there is a good chance the support equipment you currently own will suffice to bring about the magic that I found, I just don’t see how it couldn’t happen, unless you are one of those old fashioned audiophiles, that had the bass tones turned down, then you wouldn’t be reading this far down in the first place. The singular trick here that SIMGOT AUDIO has accomplished has been to introduce an LM DD that somehow bypasses the old idea of what DD can do as far as separation and stage. While still acquiring the correct timbre DDs are known for, SIMGOT has upped the size of playback and in-turn created one of the most exciting IEMs of the year, won’t you join in the fun?
$89.99
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500-lm
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Fia Lam from SIMGOT AUDIO for the opportunity to review EA500 LM!
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Shanling UA3 Dongle 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm output
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II 3.5mm/4.4mm output and USB Type-C output
SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X with 4.4mm balanced output
These are the experiences and thoughts of a single individual, your results may vary.
Redcarmoose
@stan1121,
They are both relatively the same, though both are nice, I tend to favor 4.4mm which nether are.
They are both relatively the same, though both are nice, I tend to favor 4.4mm which nether are.
Disclaimer: Simgot provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Unaffiliated link here.
The packaging is virtually identical to EA500 with a difference in the cover art. There are also very similar set of accessories, with the EA500LM having an extra set of different type of tuning nozzle (the default gold nozzle). There are a set each of S/M/L eartips, a stock 3.5mm cable, and a hard carrying case. For the price, this is one of the most generous accessories set, although I do hope that they can provide a 4.4mm cable option.
Setup: Stock L size eartips, stock cable (3.5mm), Simgot LC7 cable (4.4mm)
Music Sources: Local FLAC (redbook/hi-res), Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless
The IEM has undergone a 24-hour burn-in at a medium volume for prior to the review.
Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary. I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.
First, I have to address the tuning nozzles. This is my brief impressions of each of them:
- Gold with red ring (default): the smoothest nozzle, no sibilance nor sharpness, decent details and treble texture
- Silver with black ring: sparklier than the default nozzle, most detailed and textured at the cost of being the sharpest, closest to Simgot's target
- Silver with red ring: in-between tuning between the other two nozzle, some more treble texture and moderate sharpness, closest to Harman target
Trying out all three nozzle, I prefer the gold nozzle in the end due to the smoothness and tonal balance across the spectrum. I will proceed with the review with this nozzle.
The EA500LM tuning seems to be based on general Harman target direction (DF neutral with bass boost), with subbass emphasis that slopes into midrange smoothly, giving it a mild U-shape signature. It is definitely targeting a more neutral-leaning group of listeners. The technicalities are pretty impressive for the price range, most notably in the bass and treble extension, giving a very wide dynamic range. The timbre is natural and organic.
(with Simgot LC7 upgrade cable)
EA500LM is very easy to drive, even through 3.5mm single-ended outputs. With more power, it does scale a decent amount on the stock cable, but with the LC7 upgrade cable, it does open up even more: snappier bass, wider soundstage, and improved dynamics.
I think EA500LM is a straight upgrade to EA500. If you like EA500, you will be very likely enjoy the EA500LM more. The subbass extension is improved while taming in the sharpness in the upper midrange. Resolution is also increased, soundstage is slightly larger, and the layering is improved. To be perfectly honest, with EA500LM, there is very little reason to buy EA500.
Simgot EM6L ($110):
Slightly moving up the price tier in Simgot to EM6L, I personally prefer the EA500LM. The EM6L might take an edge in resolution and layering, but my biggest issue with it was the coherence. EA500LM is smoother and being a single-driver IEM, it has no issues with coherence while keeping very close technical performance to EM6L. Timbre is also more natural on the EA500LM. Depending on individual preferences, I can still see how EM6L might be preferred over EA500LM, but personally I think EA500LM is a winner.
Simgot EA1000 ($219):
Quite an unfair comparison here, but this is just to highlight a diminishing returns in audio. EA1000 easily beats EA500LM in both technical and tonal aspects: the EA1000 has higher resolution and wider soundstage, having stronger subbass rumble and texture. However, the difference between EA500LM and EA1000 is much closer that it is between EA500 and EA1000. The EA500LM sounds like a more laid-back version of EA1000, while giving it a more relaxed technicalities and more balanced tonal characteristics for a much cheaper price.
Moondrop Aria 2 ($90):
Another steadfast contender in under $100 range, the recently released Aria 2 is pretty similar in tuning to EA500LM. Tonally, I find Aria 2 is slightly warmer and darker, with weaker resolution but wider soundstage. Both are excellent improvements over their respective predecessors, however I think that the leap that EA500LM made over EA500 is much more significant than Aria 2 over Aria. As a whole package, I personally prefer the EA500LM.
EA500LM positioning is weird, which I feel kind of cannibalizing Simgot's own product line (especially the EA500 and EM6L), a move that I really respect Simgot for. This thought came to me because I find EA500LM to be way too good for its price range and at the current state of the market, I believe that this is indeed the current under $100 benchmark. I am very thoroughly impressed by Simgot by beginning 2024 this strong, and I do hope for an even stronger year this year too. I am highly recommending the EA500LM.
Introduction and Packaging Impression
Simgot EA500LM ($89.99) is a single dynamic driver IEM with all metal body and swappable tuning nozzles. It is an incremental improvement over EA500, with the "LM" here referring to their new diaphragm material, lithium-magnesium (previously, it was DLC diaphragm in EA500). Back in early 2023, EA500 made a huge waves for being the "new benchmark under $100", dethroning the ever-popular Moondrop Aria. Personally, I was not really impressed by EA500 sound-wise, but I was intrigued at the accessories and potential tuning possibilities with the release of EA500 tuning kit. I guess all that experimentation bore fruit in this revision of EA500, the LM version sounds to me like a huge leap over the original, despite a modest $10 price increase.
The packaging is virtually identical to EA500 with a difference in the cover art. There are also very similar set of accessories, with the EA500LM having an extra set of different type of tuning nozzle (the default gold nozzle). There are a set each of S/M/L eartips, a stock 3.5mm cable, and a hard carrying case. For the price, this is one of the most generous accessories set, although I do hope that they can provide a 4.4mm cable option.
Sound Impression
Sources: SMSL H300+D300 stack, Fiio Q15, Hiby FC6, Simgot DEW4X, Fiio M11S, L&P W2-131, Hiby Digital M300Setup: Stock L size eartips, stock cable (3.5mm), Simgot LC7 cable (4.4mm)
Music Sources: Local FLAC (redbook/hi-res), Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless
The IEM has undergone a 24-hour burn-in at a medium volume for prior to the review.
Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary. I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.
First, I have to address the tuning nozzles. This is my brief impressions of each of them:
- Gold with red ring (default): the smoothest nozzle, no sibilance nor sharpness, decent details and treble texture
- Silver with black ring: sparklier than the default nozzle, most detailed and textured at the cost of being the sharpest, closest to Simgot's target
- Silver with red ring: in-between tuning between the other two nozzle, some more treble texture and moderate sharpness, closest to Harman target
Trying out all three nozzle, I prefer the gold nozzle in the end due to the smoothness and tonal balance across the spectrum. I will proceed with the review with this nozzle.
The EA500LM tuning seems to be based on general Harman target direction (DF neutral with bass boost), with subbass emphasis that slopes into midrange smoothly, giving it a mild U-shape signature. It is definitely targeting a more neutral-leaning group of listeners. The technicalities are pretty impressive for the price range, most notably in the bass and treble extension, giving a very wide dynamic range. The timbre is natural and organic.
Bass
I think EA500LM has a very clean bass with decent amount of subbass rumble. The bass expression is on the faster and lean side with snappier attack and somewhat short delay, having enough sustain to keep it from sounding too thin. The quantity and texture aren't basshead level, but adding some bass with PEQ would easily solve that in case you need more bass. Luckily, the the driver is very receptive to EQ very well and does not distort when pushed. The bass texture is quite detailed and deep. For most genres and types of listeners, the bass is adequate and enjoyable.Midrange
EA500LM delivers an excellent midrange, easily the strongest element of the IEM. The midrange does sound more forward without sacrificing the bass and treble details. The layering of vocals and instruments is clean and impeccable, bringing out a very nuanced performance out of both male and female vocalists. There are enough thickness and weight to the midrange to also render most midrange instruments like guitar and saxophone very well.Treble
There is enough treble energy in EA500LM to bright out the airiness and details in the treble. The treble extension is quite exemplary for this price range and the texture is impressive without being shouty or sibilant. Throughout my listening sessions, I did not experience any excessively sharp notes that I normally found with similarly-graphed IEMs.Technicalities
The soundstage of EA500LM is moderately sized, closer to a small studio or cafe, more on the width than the height. The resolution is amazing due to that excellent treble extension, bringing out the subtle details in live performances very well. Imaging and layering are great despite the modest soundstage, which I attributed to the excellent lithium-magnesium driver here.Driving Requirements & Pairing Suggestion
(with Simgot LC7 upgrade cable)
EA500LM is very easy to drive, even through 3.5mm single-ended outputs. With more power, it does scale a decent amount on the stock cable, but with the LC7 upgrade cable, it does open up even more: snappier bass, wider soundstage, and improved dynamics.
Select Comparisons
Simgot EA500 ($79):I think EA500LM is a straight upgrade to EA500. If you like EA500, you will be very likely enjoy the EA500LM more. The subbass extension is improved while taming in the sharpness in the upper midrange. Resolution is also increased, soundstage is slightly larger, and the layering is improved. To be perfectly honest, with EA500LM, there is very little reason to buy EA500.
Simgot EM6L ($110):
Slightly moving up the price tier in Simgot to EM6L, I personally prefer the EA500LM. The EM6L might take an edge in resolution and layering, but my biggest issue with it was the coherence. EA500LM is smoother and being a single-driver IEM, it has no issues with coherence while keeping very close technical performance to EM6L. Timbre is also more natural on the EA500LM. Depending on individual preferences, I can still see how EM6L might be preferred over EA500LM, but personally I think EA500LM is a winner.
Simgot EA1000 ($219):
Quite an unfair comparison here, but this is just to highlight a diminishing returns in audio. EA1000 easily beats EA500LM in both technical and tonal aspects: the EA1000 has higher resolution and wider soundstage, having stronger subbass rumble and texture. However, the difference between EA500LM and EA1000 is much closer that it is between EA500 and EA1000. The EA500LM sounds like a more laid-back version of EA1000, while giving it a more relaxed technicalities and more balanced tonal characteristics for a much cheaper price.
Moondrop Aria 2 ($90):
Another steadfast contender in under $100 range, the recently released Aria 2 is pretty similar in tuning to EA500LM. Tonally, I find Aria 2 is slightly warmer and darker, with weaker resolution but wider soundstage. Both are excellent improvements over their respective predecessors, however I think that the leap that EA500LM made over EA500 is much more significant than Aria 2 over Aria. As a whole package, I personally prefer the EA500LM.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
EA500LM positioning is weird, which I feel kind of cannibalizing Simgot's own product line (especially the EA500 and EM6L), a move that I really respect Simgot for. This thought came to me because I find EA500LM to be way too good for its price range and at the current state of the market, I believe that this is indeed the current under $100 benchmark. I am very thoroughly impressed by Simgot by beginning 2024 this strong, and I do hope for an even stronger year this year too. I am highly recommending the EA500LM.
Colin5619
A great review, I too prefer the LM over the original ea500. In fact just yesterday I gave my ea500 to one of my sons, who loved its sound. I think it’s a reasonable upgrade over the ea500.
Abbeyrd1969
I have had my LM's for a week now. I have found that the Brass nozzle with Final E-Type tips works best for me. In comparing them to other single DD's in my set, the closest I can find to the LM signature are the MEZE RAI SOLO. Everyone trashed them when they came out, but I found them to be just as good as the LM's for micro, macro and soundstage. Of course the MEZE are $200, but that was several years ago when they came out.,. LM's definitely punch above their weight. Now I have the KATO and MEZE back in my rotation for a wonderful comparison. Great review. Thank you!
The EA500LM comes with basic but good accessories, inside the package is the units themselves with their shinny chrome and robust built shell, a case big enough for everything, standard Simgot tips and a lovely cable. The units are built like a tank and while they do have some heft, they aren't overly uncomfortable or heavy. The provided hours of usage with no ear hot spots or pain. The isolation will depend on the individual but for me it was excellent.
The Sound:
Bass:
The LM presents with spacious sounding lower end with good weight to the bass, the texture is slightly thicker with noticeable mid bass lift. Kick drums sound really good The Bass has very good speed and depth. It is more a deep controlled rumble and less a Bass head IEM.
Mids: are still in front but not too much just in front of the instruments, mids have a noticeable note weight and texture vocals both male and female are well placed, and female vocals do have an increased upper mid energy but nothing too harsh.
Treble: is a little more relaxed but still maintained enough details and smoothly presented them.
Staging: is natural, kind of like listening in a cafe or club, it's nice details and a accurate imaging makes these good for games on the go.
Nozzels the Brass is more expansive and emphasized throughout giving it a well-balanced signature.
The Black is more towards the Neutral tunning with thinner note weight and better details. The Red is my favorite offering an excellent lower end and thicker Mids and vocals while treble remains similar in all three.
Afterthoughts:
The new Lithium and magnesium version of the already liked EA500 is a step forward and a nice evolution of an already good product.
Colin5619
Thanks for the review.
Colin5619
Received my EA500 LM today and very similar finding as you.
Redcarmoose
Great review!
