Simgot EA1000 "Fermat" In-Ear Monitor
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I will be focusing this review on sound quality to make it as short as possible. So you wont get bored reading it.
The Simgot EA1000 (220 USD) is a mid-priced single-dynamic driver IEM with a passive radiator to enhance the bass.
The shell is metal and chrome-finished, and the faceplate is made of glass. The weight is on the heavy side, and the size is medium. The looks and feel are very elegant, and my unboxing experience is very positive.
Eartips and Cable:
The stock tips look and feel very good, and the cable is above average in quality as far as stock cable is concerned.
Pairings:
For this review, I used ePro EP00 medium eartips and Tripowin Seraph cable. I would like to emphasize my use of the ePro EP00 tips, as this IEM sounds the best with this tip. I use the red ring nozzles as I cannot take the aggressive sound of the other two nozzles that's included. I included photos of the graph I measured so you can see the frequency response of each nozzle. (see photos). Note: The peak at 8 kHz is a measurement artifact.
For the source, I use a Moondrop Dawn Pro dac/amp connected to an Android phone. This IEM sounds its best with warm-sounding sources.
Tonality:
A moderate V-Shaped sound signature that is slightly leaning on the bright side, even with it's mildest tuning nozzle, the red ring nozzles.
Technicalities:
The sound stage has average width with decent depth. They are not the biggest I've heard, but they don't sound cramped in and claustrophobic; there is a good amount of space within the sound stage, so it feels like you are in a club or a discoteque kind of environment at most on some songs.
The imaging is quite good, especially when used with the ePro EP00 eartips; they are well focused and could project sounds coming from behind. I thought someone was playing a musical instrument behind me, outside the wall of my house, and I had to pause the music to check. The left-right imaging is also decent, but it doesn't project very deep, making the front-back separation just average, but still decent enough not to make this IEM sound claustrophobic.
The detail retrieval is impressive, but the micro-detail is not the best that I've heard.
The power handing is very good. The sensitivity is above average. The dynamics are bubbling with energy. This is not a boring IEM, for sure.
Bass:
It is MId-bass focused and tight, but not devoid of sub-bass; there is still audible sub-bass that can be enjoyed. The upper bass is tight and clean and doesn't encroach on the lower mid-range. The overall bass sound is textured and detailed, and not a trace of muddiness can be found.
Mid-range:
The male vocals are noticeably behind the female vocals in their presentation. The lower mids are more recessed than the upper mids. The upper mids can sound too forward with the wrong pairing of Dac/amps and eartips. The overall sound of the mid-range is clear, detailed, and highly resolving, yet it still sounds musical.
Treble:
Energetic and slightly elevated, but not sibilant and harsh. It has impressive detail retrieval, but the micro-details lag behind. This has the best detail retrieval in a single DD IEM I've heard so far, but my experience with single DD IEMs is limited, so you can take this with a grain of salt.
Comparison method: I A-B them while writing this to avoid errors as much as possible. The eartips used in all the sets in this comparison are the ePro EP00 medium eartips.
Versus Kinera Celest PhoenixCall (110 USD):
They have similar tonality and timbre, with PhoenixCall sounding more recessed in the mids. Both have similar detail retrieval, but the PhoenixCall has a little more micro-detail nuances. Both have similar-sounding bass, but the bass on the EA1000 is more detailed and textured and seems to go deeper too, but by just a small margin. The bass on the PhonixCall is a little warmer.
The EA1000 is more prone to being shouty in the upper mids when paired with the wrong source; the PhoenixCall is more tolerant regarding the source pairing.
The PhoenixCall is an energetic-sounding set, but the EA1000 is more so. Both can take high amounts of power and can go very loud, but the EA1000 leads in this regard, albeit only by a small margin.
Both have a musical and engaging sound.
The PhoenixCall has a bigger sound stage.
The EA1000 is more natural-sounding; not that the PhoenixCall isn't; it is, but there is something about the sound of single-dynamic driver IEMs that makes them sound more natural than IEMs with multiple driver configurations.
So which one should you choose? The EA1000 is more expensive but has a classier-looking shell and feels more expensive as a whole, including the packaging and the unboxing experience. On the other hand, the PhonixCall cost only half the EA1000 and also has very good packaging and shell design and offers similar sound quality.
My advice is that if you can only afford the PhoenixCall, get the PhoenixCall; you are not missing out much, but if you can afford the EA1000, buy it. There is something so good about its sound that is impossible to describe in words that makes it worth its price.
Versus Hidizs MP145 (160 USD):
The MP145 is a warmer and bassier-sounding set; it has more micro-details and nuances in sound. The treble is delivered with more finesse and delicacy. The sound presentation is on the relaxed side and could sound a little boring and lacking in dynamics. The mids are more recessed. The sound stage is bigger. The bass could sound a little boomy and lack control when paired with an amp that has a high output impedance.
The EA1000 is more energetic and engaging. It has more macro-details and resolution. The sound presentation is closer and more immediate. The transient response is faster. The EA1000 has better imaging. The bass is much tighter, cleaner, and more detailed. The sensitivity and power handling are higher. Overall, the Simgot has a clearer sound.
So which one should you get? Get both. The MP145 is an excellent example of a planar IEM, and the EA1000 as a single dynamic driver IEM. Personally, if I could only have one, I'd get the EA1000.
Versus Xenns Mangird Top (550 USD):
The Xenns Top is a hybrid set that consists of a 10mm dynamic driver and 8 balanced armature drivers. It sounds more neutral and less energetic. It has more macro and micro-details and is more resolving, but not by much.
The Xenns Top has a bigger sound stage and better imaging and layering.
Both have very good power handling and sensitivity.
The EA1000 sounds more engaging and fun to me, and the Xenns Top sounds more serious.
The Xenns Top feels lighter and less expensive; the EA1000 looks and feels much better, IMO.
Personally, if I could only have one and have to do it all over again with the knowledge that I have now, I'd get the EA1000; it is less expensive and more fun to listen to.
Versus Simgot EA500 (70 USD):
The EA1000 is more energetic on its mildest-sounding red tuning nozzle than the EA500 on its wildest black tuning nozzle, but even so, the EA500 sounds so thin and fatiguing that I can't listen to it for more than an hour, while I can listen to the EA1000 for many hours without fatigue.
The EA1000 is better in every way than the older and less expensive EA500; it has more extension in the bass and treble, a much bigger sound stage, better technicalities and tonality, is more resolving, and, as I said, is better in every way.
The EA1000 is an excellent upgrade to the EA500.
Pros:
+ good looks
+ excellent build quality
+ excellent packaging and accessories included.
+ excellent sound quality
+ Impressive resolution
+ very good tonality
+ fun-sounding
Cons:
- sound stage is not the biggest.
- Micro details are not the greatest.
The big question is: is the EA1000 worth its price premium over the vast majority of budget IEMs costing 100 USD and below in terms of sound quality improvement? My answer is unequivocally yes. And considering the whole package, even more so. Would I recommend the EA1000 to my personal friends? Yes, if they can afford it.
If you're looking for an upgrade in sound quality, design, and build quality from your $100 and below IEMs, you can afford it. I highly recommend the Simgot EA1000.
3-16-2024
mars chan
Thanks David 
Simgot EA1000 - $219
Pictured above with the Simgot LC7 cable, sold separately and features modular jacks with 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Introduction & Caveats etc…
Any of you that know me will know I have quite a thing for single dynamic drivers, usually my preference in this hobby and I’ve explored a large number at this point. I’ve typically gone for mid to higher end sets and most recently reviewed the wonderful DITA Perpetua which is certainly at that higher end considering the $3K price tag.
Simgot have had a lot of praise in the community over the last number of months, they appear to have really caught the attention of audiophiles with a selection of products from their range that have garnered huge praise for the price to performance ratio - most notably it would seem the EA1000, the subject of this review.
When Simgot reached out to ask if I would like to try the EA1000 I was very happy to accept, and would like to thank Fia from Simgot for the opportunity - as always, all words are my own without any influence, payments, etc etc etc…
The EA1000 retails for $219 and available from many different sellers to include Amazon, Linsoul, Elise Audio to name a few.
A bit about me...
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career, and have been passionate about music and technology from as far back as I remember - even as a small child asking my Mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp and Planxty if anyone is curious )
My music preferences are very varied - anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz and all in between. In my early teens I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later), and I was bitten by the dance music bug that arrived in the early 90s where I became hugely passionate about genres like techno, house, trance and IDM - I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing with the former at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots - a hobby at the time that I never took further, but still own 1000s of records and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later, a testament to the Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer or anything remotely like it. I love music, and I love the methods by which we can listen to music - over the last few years, that has become an obsession with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and held on to a select few - these have been anything from a $20 set like the Moondrop Chu, all the way up to kilobuck sets such as Aroma Jewel, the infamous 'Traillii' from Oriolus, UM Mentor, and a whole selection of my beloved single DDs. As part of this exploration, I like to share my thoughts on the various sets in my journey with the Head-Fi community, in the hope it might be useful to others. The massive caveat, is of course that 'your mileage may vary' - this is a highly subjective hobby.
EA1000 Specifications
Unboxing
I’m going to keep this pretty brief as there are numerous reviews out there already, but I still like to show a selection of shots as to what you get.
The accessories are somewhat basic but you get what you need:
Stock Cable
Unfortunately only a 3.5mm stock cable which I think is a shame even at the relatively low price, it has become almost the norm now to have 4.4mm and ideally options in the box to switch to your preference. It is however a nice lookling and well made cable.
Case
The case is a fairly typical style, which is practical for storage and has a nice extra feature of slots to store modular plugs should you purchase the likes of the LC7 from Simgot which has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm (and is the cable I've been using since the EA1000 arrived in early January).
I like also the net at the bottom, handy for storing spare tips or the tray with the various tuning adaptors.
Design & Fit
Long before these ever landed, I had always thought they looked eye-catching from pictures I had seen - they certainly didn’t disappoint when they arrived, looking and feeling every bit as good or even better. The shells are of a robust metal construction and while there is a bit of weight to them, this is not to the detriment of fit in my experience, i.e. they do not fall out of my ears when moving about which can be a risk with shells that have a bit more weight to them. I expect some micro scratches to appear on the inner sides of the shells due to the metal finish over time but nothing to report as yet - the outer shells have a nice patterned finish and as such I assume these should allow for a reasonable level of protection from scratches.
I find the shells sit comfortably in my ears, and provide a reasonable level of isolation - this will of course depend also on your choice of tips, in my case I’ve been using the Acoustune AEX07 in XL, now a go-to set of tips for a lot of my IEMs. I have used frequently out walking and around traffic and while they don’t block everything, it is pretty decent.
They are vented, so no issues with any pressure build.
Overall I find them very comfortable and could easily listen for extended sessions.
Listening Impressions
I’ve tried the EA1000 with a selection of DAPs to include the Hiby RS8, LPGT Ti, and the Sony ZX300 out and about. Just to note also, Simgot sent me the LC7 4.4mm cable and all of my listening has been with this rather than the supplied 3.5mm cable - the LC7 is sold separately for $79 (I do think the stock cable should have a modular option too).
The EA1000 to my ears is an IEM that is easy to enjoy or even love, I can’t imagine anyone actually disliking - a nicely balanced signature that is sufficiently resolving to produce good details from micro to macro, with a smooth and musical tonality - I haven’t experienced any nasty peaks in upper mids, nor any sibilance or harsh treble. Important to note, the vast majority of my listening has been so far with the the silver tube/red ring which I guess is the ‘standard’ or default option as the EA1000 ships with these attached - a harman 2019 tuning target which is quite universally pleasing. I hope to test the others soon and either include or update this review accordingly.
Lows
I can certainly hear and feel sub bass, the passive radiator doing a wonderful job of providing a tactile, visceral low-end presentation to these deeper levels. While the quantity isn’t massive, it is certainly more than adequate and of high-quality, plus nicely balanced in my opinion with the rest of the FR through mids to highs - nothing overpowering, nor I am left wanting with tracks that require good presence here. As noted earlier, it reminds me somewhat but to a lesser degree of how the passive radiator in the Melodic Artification ‘Eclipse’ presented sub bass with a feeling of being like a separate sub-woofer like in a 2.1 speaker setup. Mid bass has good solid impact for kick drums with a realistic sensation of vibration, likewise bass guitars have nice timbre and a good sense of reverberation.
Mids
Really excellent balance between clarity and warmth here, with ample space for vocals and instruments - the resolution providing plenty of detail, well defined and a great sense of instrument positioning in a wide field. The note weight is slightly on the thinner side, but has sufficient body for the lower mid registers regardless and portrays both male and female vocals very well. The all important ‘emotive’ connection is certainly present, and I find synths, strings, brass etc all highly engaging, realistic and captivating. Upper mids might creep into an area of sensitivity for some, I’ve found at times as instruments step up to this area that they just stay within my personal comfort zone - I think this is probably an area where tuning can be tricky to balance, as it seems this part of the FR needs a bit of a lift to provide an accurate account of vocals and instruments in this zone, and indeed what is then portrayed in a sufficiently captivating way. The
Highs
Treble is balanced seamlessly with the the mid and low frequency ranges, extending smoothly from the upper mid-range and offering well-defined clarity and detail, without being too bright, harsh or sibilant. The airy extension creates a sense of additional space in terms of soundstage size. It’s easy to zone in on intricate nuances of detail with hi-hats, the furthest extremities of violin strings, cymbal crashes etc - and indeed with more layered and detailed examples of say ambient music, where there is a lot of focus on field recordings and the more minute level of detail.
Technical
As noted, the EA1000 is a nicely resolving set and produces admirable levels of detail retrieval across a very respectable sized stage, especially for the asking price. Imaging is portrayed within a stereo field, with good centrally located position for vocals or instruments in this region, which sound accurately represented. There is a good sense of space between instruments, without any sense of congestion for busier or more complex music. While not clinical, it is very easy to perceive individual elements of the music in the mix, yet of course still coherent. There is a good sense of depth in the stage, with layering creating a sense of proximity to various elements of the music being closer or further away, cymbals and hi-hats for example often reach out beyond my head left and right.
Test Tracks
Vince Clarke - Red Planet
A highlight album of 2023 for me, and one I have listened to many times over the last few months. This track actually a great example of one that sounds like it’s title, it has an otherworldly feel to it where it builds to a dramatic climax, creating a sense of wandering the red planet’s vast landscape - it is very emotionally captivating and the EA1000 does an excellent job of providing that sense of the vastness of that distant world of Mars, synths extend out to great distance and the more climatic moments sound dramatic but not harsh or congested, also demonstrating the dynamic capability of the set with fast transition from quiet to busier and ultimately louder moments.
Omni Trio - Sleeper
And now for something completely different - jumping straight to one of my favourite test genres for any IEM, some quality D&B (Drum & Bass) from the legendary Omni Trio - a huge favourite for me when out walking, I love the pace and complexity of the music, along with typically sweeping and emotive synths, deep cavernous sub bass, and fast-paced percussion. This sounds wonderful - the intermittent bass line that emerges every so often really drawing attention to the passive radiator at work, where it has that sub-woofer sensation. As the track progresses, and the drumming becomes even more complex, the EA1000 has no difficulty keeping up with the pace and driving every bit of detail - likewise ensuring the big sweeping synths swirl out to the furthest reaches of the stage, creating a highly immersive listening experience.
Side note: I really wish Omni Trio would reissue all back catalogue albiums to Bandcamp, I have their albums on CD but could do with better digital remasters!
Portico Quartet - Beyond Dialogue
A really beautiful blend of jazz and electronics from the excellent Portico Quartet, from the excellent album ‘Art in the Age of Automation’. I’m again immediately captivated by the sense of space, and overall clarity, positioning and dynamic range from the loudest to quietest moments. Instruments sound accurately portrayed, and again highly emotive and engaging. I have to point out again as I keep perceiving this - I love how the EA1000 presents the likes of hi-hats in a smooth, coherent way that pushes them out in a visceral way to the furthest edge of the stage - creating a wide stereo sound field. Bass doesn’t dig as deep as the previous track, but still has a sense of a sub-woofer presentation, albeit more subdued by the nature of the track.
Violeta Vicci - Autovia
The self-titled track to the brilliant ‘Autoviva’ from 2019. This again does an excellent job of demonstrating how the EA1000 copes with a ‘large’ sounding piece of music, one that needs to have the space to allows the synths, strings, and other electronic elements to flourish - again handling the dynamic range, the multiple layers, and balance across the FR to accurately represent what is ultimately a complex, subdued, yet dramatic and beautiful piece of music.
Abfahrt Hinwil - Radiowellen
This tracks features on the classic 'Links Berge Rechts Seen' album which was originally released on the legendary Toytronic label in 2002, but lovingly reissued by the also arguably now legendary Lapsus Records from Spain, they've been doing a sublime job of unearthing IDM classics from the past few decades and presenting them to the world again on vinyl. While not overly complex, there are multiple layers and a lot of intricate detail - the percussion has more of a mid bass focus with an offbeat kick-drum which presents wonderfully in the centre of the mix - the many layers of synths present with a beautiful melodic captivating tonality. This is another track I've heard countless times over the years since I originally picked up this album on CD in the early 00s, EA1000 doing a mighty fine job playing it to me again.
Autechre - VLetrmx
I'm probably being a bit indulgent here as I've started to think of tracks I've known and loved for many years that fit in the IDM theme, Autechre of course for those of you who know them are unquestionable legends of the genre, and on the scene now since the early 90s. This track is actually more ambient in reality as it is completely beatless, but instead builds on layers and layers of brooding, captivating synths up to an incredibly emotional climatic waves - this build in my experience requires that the set can maintain a composure as the 'drama' continues to unfold, taking care not to sound harsh or congested. Yet again, EA1000 does not disappoint, and I have an overwhelming desire to kick back and completely immerse myself in this utterly spectacular piece of music.
Still Corners - The Trip
Another album I've loved for many years, and this opening track a real favourite. It has a wonderful sense of melancholy, and I adore both the vocals and instrumental arrangement - the opening guitar has such a distinct and gripping intensity. Vocals sound accurate with good body and higher registers are free of sibilance - positioned perfectly centre and a touch forward, with guitars positioned to the left and right, percussion a touch behind and with good positioning with cymbals stretching out giving a great sense of space. A busy enough song, beautifully rendered on EA1000.
Comparisons
OD200 - more of a relaxed presentation and less resolving with a smaller stage, yet I’d class this as all part of the charm of the OD200, it’s the type of set that you can listen to for hours without fatigue. While they both have a nice emotive warmth, EA1000 sounds immediately more spacious with musical nuances far more apparent. OD200 focuses more on mid bass than sub, EA1000 extends deeper with that sub-woofer like experience, where the overall smooth tuning of the OD200 with that mid bass focus tends to result in an overall more intimate presentation.
Project M - at $329, this latest from Dita has created a lot of noise in the community in terms of what it offers from an overall package perspective for a relatively low price - having owned and recently reviewed a set, I can fully agree with the general community feedback so far. What you are getting here is a more neutral sounding set that focuses on clarity which when I switch from one to the other is immediately apparent, EA1000 strikes me as more emotive but steps back on clarity and detail. These offer different flavours really and I could easily see a case for owning both where you might want a more neutral reference style tuning. While EA1000 is a comfortable set to wear, Project M takes the prize here as possibly the most comfortable IEM I’ve ever worn, likewise the wonderfully ergonomic cable is a massive feat in itself. In addition to the more neutral tonality, Project M is also brighter up top, presumably due to the BAs handling the highest frequencies.
TS316 - a step up here in terms of resolution, with an immediately noticeable increase to details and soundstage, the depth of sub bass extension apparent too, and overall sounds more energetic due to a brighter tonality. The TS316 is an easy recommendation at $499, but no more so as the EA1000 at $219, both offering significant value in terms of their performance vs higher priced sets. While EA1000 sounds instantly enjoyable and captivating, TS316 jumps up to being instantly impressive and arguably one of the most competent single dynamic drivers in the sub $1K category.
Conclusion
It’s genuinely hard to say anything negative about this set - as noted in my sound impressions earlier, it’s an IEM that is just very easy to enjoy and in my experience works with any genre I care to reach for. Of course some will want more resolution, or a more exciting music portrayal - we all have our specific requirements in this hobby, but I do think safe to say an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a musical set which has admirable technical capability and offers an all-round ‘safe’ tuning. There are of course 'improvements' in various elements as you step up to sets at far higher price tags, but I would expect that, while at the same time taking the very real notion of diminishing returns into consideration. This is my first from Simgot and definitely exceeded expectations, I can fully understand why these have been so highly praised in the community for many months now, certainly not a 'fly by night' set with fleeting hype, these are in my opinion a real benchmark set in the price segement and above.
Pictured above with the Simgot LC7 cable, sold separately and features modular jacks with 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Introduction & Caveats etc…
Any of you that know me will know I have quite a thing for single dynamic drivers, usually my preference in this hobby and I’ve explored a large number at this point. I’ve typically gone for mid to higher end sets and most recently reviewed the wonderful DITA Perpetua which is certainly at that higher end considering the $3K price tag.
Simgot have had a lot of praise in the community over the last number of months, they appear to have really caught the attention of audiophiles with a selection of products from their range that have garnered huge praise for the price to performance ratio - most notably it would seem the EA1000, the subject of this review.
When Simgot reached out to ask if I would like to try the EA1000 I was very happy to accept, and would like to thank Fia from Simgot for the opportunity - as always, all words are my own without any influence, payments, etc etc etc…
The EA1000 retails for $219 and available from many different sellers to include Amazon, Linsoul, Elise Audio to name a few.
A bit about me...
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career, and have been passionate about music and technology from as far back as I remember - even as a small child asking my Mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp and Planxty if anyone is curious )
My music preferences are very varied - anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz and all in between. In my early teens I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later), and I was bitten by the dance music bug that arrived in the early 90s where I became hugely passionate about genres like techno, house, trance and IDM - I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing with the former at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots - a hobby at the time that I never took further, but still own 1000s of records and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later, a testament to the Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer or anything remotely like it. I love music, and I love the methods by which we can listen to music - over the last few years, that has become an obsession with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and held on to a select few - these have been anything from a $20 set like the Moondrop Chu, all the way up to kilobuck sets such as Aroma Jewel, the infamous 'Traillii' from Oriolus, UM Mentor, and a whole selection of my beloved single DDs. As part of this exploration, I like to share my thoughts on the various sets in my journey with the Head-Fi community, in the hope it might be useful to others. The massive caveat, is of course that 'your mileage may vary' - this is a highly subjective hobby.
EA1000 Specifications
- Drivers: 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit & dual-cavity structure dynamic
- Cable: High Purity Silver-Plated OFC Litz Structure
- Connector Type: Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin
- Jack: 3.5mm
Unboxing
I’m going to keep this pretty brief as there are numerous reviews out there already, but I still like to show a selection of shots as to what you get.
The accessories are somewhat basic but you get what you need:
- Storage case
- Selection of tips
- Interchangeable nozzle filters
Stock Cable
Unfortunately only a 3.5mm stock cable which I think is a shame even at the relatively low price, it has become almost the norm now to have 4.4mm and ideally options in the box to switch to your preference. It is however a nice lookling and well made cable.
Case
The case is a fairly typical style, which is practical for storage and has a nice extra feature of slots to store modular plugs should you purchase the likes of the LC7 from Simgot which has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm (and is the cable I've been using since the EA1000 arrived in early January).
I like also the net at the bottom, handy for storing spare tips or the tray with the various tuning adaptors.
Design & Fit
Long before these ever landed, I had always thought they looked eye-catching from pictures I had seen - they certainly didn’t disappoint when they arrived, looking and feeling every bit as good or even better. The shells are of a robust metal construction and while there is a bit of weight to them, this is not to the detriment of fit in my experience, i.e. they do not fall out of my ears when moving about which can be a risk with shells that have a bit more weight to them. I expect some micro scratches to appear on the inner sides of the shells due to the metal finish over time but nothing to report as yet - the outer shells have a nice patterned finish and as such I assume these should allow for a reasonable level of protection from scratches.
I find the shells sit comfortably in my ears, and provide a reasonable level of isolation - this will of course depend also on your choice of tips, in my case I’ve been using the Acoustune AEX07 in XL, now a go-to set of tips for a lot of my IEMs. I have used frequently out walking and around traffic and while they don’t block everything, it is pretty decent.
They are vented, so no issues with any pressure build.
Overall I find them very comfortable and could easily listen for extended sessions.
Listening Impressions
I’ve tried the EA1000 with a selection of DAPs to include the Hiby RS8, LPGT Ti, and the Sony ZX300 out and about. Just to note also, Simgot sent me the LC7 4.4mm cable and all of my listening has been with this rather than the supplied 3.5mm cable - the LC7 is sold separately for $79 (I do think the stock cable should have a modular option too).
The EA1000 to my ears is an IEM that is easy to enjoy or even love, I can’t imagine anyone actually disliking - a nicely balanced signature that is sufficiently resolving to produce good details from micro to macro, with a smooth and musical tonality - I haven’t experienced any nasty peaks in upper mids, nor any sibilance or harsh treble. Important to note, the vast majority of my listening has been so far with the the silver tube/red ring which I guess is the ‘standard’ or default option as the EA1000 ships with these attached - a harman 2019 tuning target which is quite universally pleasing. I hope to test the others soon and either include or update this review accordingly.
Lows
I can certainly hear and feel sub bass, the passive radiator doing a wonderful job of providing a tactile, visceral low-end presentation to these deeper levels. While the quantity isn’t massive, it is certainly more than adequate and of high-quality, plus nicely balanced in my opinion with the rest of the FR through mids to highs - nothing overpowering, nor I am left wanting with tracks that require good presence here. As noted earlier, it reminds me somewhat but to a lesser degree of how the passive radiator in the Melodic Artification ‘Eclipse’ presented sub bass with a feeling of being like a separate sub-woofer like in a 2.1 speaker setup. Mid bass has good solid impact for kick drums with a realistic sensation of vibration, likewise bass guitars have nice timbre and a good sense of reverberation.
Mids
Really excellent balance between clarity and warmth here, with ample space for vocals and instruments - the resolution providing plenty of detail, well defined and a great sense of instrument positioning in a wide field. The note weight is slightly on the thinner side, but has sufficient body for the lower mid registers regardless and portrays both male and female vocals very well. The all important ‘emotive’ connection is certainly present, and I find synths, strings, brass etc all highly engaging, realistic and captivating. Upper mids might creep into an area of sensitivity for some, I’ve found at times as instruments step up to this area that they just stay within my personal comfort zone - I think this is probably an area where tuning can be tricky to balance, as it seems this part of the FR needs a bit of a lift to provide an accurate account of vocals and instruments in this zone, and indeed what is then portrayed in a sufficiently captivating way. The
Highs
Treble is balanced seamlessly with the the mid and low frequency ranges, extending smoothly from the upper mid-range and offering well-defined clarity and detail, without being too bright, harsh or sibilant. The airy extension creates a sense of additional space in terms of soundstage size. It’s easy to zone in on intricate nuances of detail with hi-hats, the furthest extremities of violin strings, cymbal crashes etc - and indeed with more layered and detailed examples of say ambient music, where there is a lot of focus on field recordings and the more minute level of detail.
Technical
As noted, the EA1000 is a nicely resolving set and produces admirable levels of detail retrieval across a very respectable sized stage, especially for the asking price. Imaging is portrayed within a stereo field, with good centrally located position for vocals or instruments in this region, which sound accurately represented. There is a good sense of space between instruments, without any sense of congestion for busier or more complex music. While not clinical, it is very easy to perceive individual elements of the music in the mix, yet of course still coherent. There is a good sense of depth in the stage, with layering creating a sense of proximity to various elements of the music being closer or further away, cymbals and hi-hats for example often reach out beyond my head left and right.
Test Tracks
Vince Clarke - Red Planet
A highlight album of 2023 for me, and one I have listened to many times over the last few months. This track actually a great example of one that sounds like it’s title, it has an otherworldly feel to it where it builds to a dramatic climax, creating a sense of wandering the red planet’s vast landscape - it is very emotionally captivating and the EA1000 does an excellent job of providing that sense of the vastness of that distant world of Mars, synths extend out to great distance and the more climatic moments sound dramatic but not harsh or congested, also demonstrating the dynamic capability of the set with fast transition from quiet to busier and ultimately louder moments.
Omni Trio - Sleeper
And now for something completely different - jumping straight to one of my favourite test genres for any IEM, some quality D&B (Drum & Bass) from the legendary Omni Trio - a huge favourite for me when out walking, I love the pace and complexity of the music, along with typically sweeping and emotive synths, deep cavernous sub bass, and fast-paced percussion. This sounds wonderful - the intermittent bass line that emerges every so often really drawing attention to the passive radiator at work, where it has that sub-woofer sensation. As the track progresses, and the drumming becomes even more complex, the EA1000 has no difficulty keeping up with the pace and driving every bit of detail - likewise ensuring the big sweeping synths swirl out to the furthest reaches of the stage, creating a highly immersive listening experience.
Side note: I really wish Omni Trio would reissue all back catalogue albiums to Bandcamp, I have their albums on CD but could do with better digital remasters!
Portico Quartet - Beyond Dialogue
A really beautiful blend of jazz and electronics from the excellent Portico Quartet, from the excellent album ‘Art in the Age of Automation’. I’m again immediately captivated by the sense of space, and overall clarity, positioning and dynamic range from the loudest to quietest moments. Instruments sound accurately portrayed, and again highly emotive and engaging. I have to point out again as I keep perceiving this - I love how the EA1000 presents the likes of hi-hats in a smooth, coherent way that pushes them out in a visceral way to the furthest edge of the stage - creating a wide stereo sound field. Bass doesn’t dig as deep as the previous track, but still has a sense of a sub-woofer presentation, albeit more subdued by the nature of the track.
Violeta Vicci - Autovia
The self-titled track to the brilliant ‘Autoviva’ from 2019. This again does an excellent job of demonstrating how the EA1000 copes with a ‘large’ sounding piece of music, one that needs to have the space to allows the synths, strings, and other electronic elements to flourish - again handling the dynamic range, the multiple layers, and balance across the FR to accurately represent what is ultimately a complex, subdued, yet dramatic and beautiful piece of music.
Abfahrt Hinwil - Radiowellen
This tracks features on the classic 'Links Berge Rechts Seen' album which was originally released on the legendary Toytronic label in 2002, but lovingly reissued by the also arguably now legendary Lapsus Records from Spain, they've been doing a sublime job of unearthing IDM classics from the past few decades and presenting them to the world again on vinyl. While not overly complex, there are multiple layers and a lot of intricate detail - the percussion has more of a mid bass focus with an offbeat kick-drum which presents wonderfully in the centre of the mix - the many layers of synths present with a beautiful melodic captivating tonality. This is another track I've heard countless times over the years since I originally picked up this album on CD in the early 00s, EA1000 doing a mighty fine job playing it to me again.
Autechre - VLetrmx
I'm probably being a bit indulgent here as I've started to think of tracks I've known and loved for many years that fit in the IDM theme, Autechre of course for those of you who know them are unquestionable legends of the genre, and on the scene now since the early 90s. This track is actually more ambient in reality as it is completely beatless, but instead builds on layers and layers of brooding, captivating synths up to an incredibly emotional climatic waves - this build in my experience requires that the set can maintain a composure as the 'drama' continues to unfold, taking care not to sound harsh or congested. Yet again, EA1000 does not disappoint, and I have an overwhelming desire to kick back and completely immerse myself in this utterly spectacular piece of music.
Still Corners - The Trip
Another album I've loved for many years, and this opening track a real favourite. It has a wonderful sense of melancholy, and I adore both the vocals and instrumental arrangement - the opening guitar has such a distinct and gripping intensity. Vocals sound accurate with good body and higher registers are free of sibilance - positioned perfectly centre and a touch forward, with guitars positioned to the left and right, percussion a touch behind and with good positioning with cymbals stretching out giving a great sense of space. A busy enough song, beautifully rendered on EA1000.
Comparisons
OD200 - more of a relaxed presentation and less resolving with a smaller stage, yet I’d class this as all part of the charm of the OD200, it’s the type of set that you can listen to for hours without fatigue. While they both have a nice emotive warmth, EA1000 sounds immediately more spacious with musical nuances far more apparent. OD200 focuses more on mid bass than sub, EA1000 extends deeper with that sub-woofer like experience, where the overall smooth tuning of the OD200 with that mid bass focus tends to result in an overall more intimate presentation.
Project M - at $329, this latest from Dita has created a lot of noise in the community in terms of what it offers from an overall package perspective for a relatively low price - having owned and recently reviewed a set, I can fully agree with the general community feedback so far. What you are getting here is a more neutral sounding set that focuses on clarity which when I switch from one to the other is immediately apparent, EA1000 strikes me as more emotive but steps back on clarity and detail. These offer different flavours really and I could easily see a case for owning both where you might want a more neutral reference style tuning. While EA1000 is a comfortable set to wear, Project M takes the prize here as possibly the most comfortable IEM I’ve ever worn, likewise the wonderfully ergonomic cable is a massive feat in itself. In addition to the more neutral tonality, Project M is also brighter up top, presumably due to the BAs handling the highest frequencies.
TS316 - a step up here in terms of resolution, with an immediately noticeable increase to details and soundstage, the depth of sub bass extension apparent too, and overall sounds more energetic due to a brighter tonality. The TS316 is an easy recommendation at $499, but no more so as the EA1000 at $219, both offering significant value in terms of their performance vs higher priced sets. While EA1000 sounds instantly enjoyable and captivating, TS316 jumps up to being instantly impressive and arguably one of the most competent single dynamic drivers in the sub $1K category.
Conclusion
It’s genuinely hard to say anything negative about this set - as noted in my sound impressions earlier, it’s an IEM that is just very easy to enjoy and in my experience works with any genre I care to reach for. Of course some will want more resolution, or a more exciting music portrayal - we all have our specific requirements in this hobby, but I do think safe to say an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a musical set which has admirable technical capability and offers an all-round ‘safe’ tuning. There are of course 'improvements' in various elements as you step up to sets at far higher price tags, but I would expect that, while at the same time taking the very real notion of diminishing returns into consideration. This is my first from Simgot and definitely exceeded expectations, I can fully understand why these have been so highly praised in the community for many months now, certainly not a 'fly by night' set with fleeting hype, these are in my opinion a real benchmark set in the price segement and above.
Introduction
Simgot is one of a few Chi-fi companies that managed to capture the heart (or the ears) of many audiophiles in the recent year. With their capable, high quality, dynamic driver along with their competitive pricing, Simgot just keep impressed us from their cheap entry level option like the EW200, EA500 to this iems right here, the EA1000.
The Simgot EA1000 house a proprietary purple-gold diaphgram DD along with a very special Passive Radiator, which was a trickle down tech from their older brother, the EA2000. It was said to improved the bass texture and add many subtle nuances which in turn improves the whole listening experience. In this review, i'll dive into what makes this iem special.
The EA1000 has a MSRP of 220$.
*Disclaimer: This iem was a tour unit that Simgot provided for me and my audio group in exchange for our reviews and impressions. I did not pay for this iem. I would like to thank Simgot for giving me this oppotunity.
Packaging
The box of the EA1000 was not as big as i thought. It was smaller than i thought. Here are some pictures of the inside of the box.
Inside the box as you can see, Simgot provided us with: The iem itself, a silver plated copper cable in 3.5mm termination, 3 pairs of tips, 2 pairs of exchangeable nozzles, a few silicone rings of the nozzles themselves
Design/Build quality/Comfort
Similar to the EA500, the EA1000 also has a stainless steel housing with a glossy surface. This makes the iem very prone to scratches and fingerprints. The faceplate on the other hand was a piece of clear glass with some intricate design pattern. Different from the EA500, it was harder to spot the scratches and stuff with the EA1000, which will makes it more appealing. The iem feels very sturdy on hands.
Above are the pictures that shows the outside of the Passive Radiator (PR) and a glimpse of the Dynamic Driver.
The nozzles themselves are detachable. This allows you to change between the 3 pairs of nozzle to be more suitable for your preference.
The cable is a 2-cores OFC silver plated cable. It feels very high quality. It's soft, thick yet not too heavy and not tangly.
Comfort wise, i can wear the EA1000 for many hours straight with no discomfort or hotspot. Isolation is really good with very little sound leakage.
Sound impression:
*Test gear:
- Source: Poco F3, Dell laptop
- DAC/amp: Chord Mojo + Cypherlabs Duet, Ibasso DC04 Pro, E1DA 9038D
- Eartips: Spinfit W1, Divinus Velvet
- Cable: Stock
Tonality: Harman-ish, neutral bright
During my test, i find the EA1000 to be very to drive. Even using only the DC04 Pro has brought me a very satisfied result with the EA1000. The E1DA 9038D on the other hand is too bright, too analytical which makes it the worst pairing with the EA1000. Chord Mojo was like a match made in heaven with the EA1000, since its slight warm, colored tonality is very suitable for the neutral bright, slightly analytical tune of the EA1000. The DC04 Pro and Mojo is what i mainly used during my review.
In this sound impression, i’ll be mainly using the red nozzle as i don’t like the foam inside the black nozzle, which affects the bass texture compared to the red. The black nozzle also sounds a bit brighter. The yellow nozzle on the other hand, it sounds a bit... rougher in its presentation. It also sounds a touch shoutier, more vocal forward and not as wide, which i dont like as much compared to the red.
Bass: 8.5/10
Subbass is gently roll-off, shifting the focus more towards the midbass. The EA1000 overall has a really fast, punchy and tight bass texture. You can actually feel the quality of the driver themselves, judging from their attack, release, sustain and decay. It’s near planar level of speed if i dare say so myself. Together with the PR, the bass just have this very addicting sense of body and layering, but it’s not at the level of real life speaker with a “real” PR yet. EA1000 can easily keep up with those fast pace drum and guitar session without feeling it’s dragging behind or feeling blurry between each notes/hits.
Mids: 8/10
The midrange of the EA1000 is also really good. Lush...is not the word i’d use to describe it. I mean yes, it does have a hint of warm since there are very light bass bleed, but because the bass quality was done so well, it doesn’t feel muddy or bloated. Instead, i’d say the midrange here is clean, clear, bright, hint shouty (very lightly) and definitely not sibilant nor harsh. However, it’s not the smoothest midrange out there.
Simgot really rides on the borderline of making this really shouty with the usual pinna boost like many other Harman-ish iem out there. The EA1000 does lean more towards the upper frequency, where they focus on that vibrancy or high notes one may associate with female vocal. Male vocal sounds fine, more than fine, but it doesn’t have that wow factor or the usual weight of some singer like Frank Sinatra or Michael Bubble
Instruments like violin, flute sounds emotional and lively; piano has a very clear, well definite notes that lean more towards the bright, cleaner side.
Treble: 8/10
Treble is also done well. It’s highly refined, well extended, not overly boosted nor too airy. The being said, they are on brighter side. Cymbal strikes and hihats have good shimmering to it without being too forward and take the spotlight from the bass and midrange. The boosted upper mids and presence region make these instruments sounds sharper, almost metallic but not sounding too harsh. This part here is what affects the most to the overall balance of the EA1000, preventing many high volume listener to fully enjoy the iem without it modded.
Out of all iems in my everyday-carry collection (not that i have many to begin with), it’s sufficient to say the EA1000 is top3 in terms of treble extension and the pure detail it brings.
The treble maybe fatiguing at times, which is why i said i prefered the neutral DC04 Pro or the colored, warmer Chord Mojo over the brighter E1DA 9038D most of the time.
Tech: 8.5/10
While the EA1000 didn’t exactly wow me with its soundstage size (All 3 planes are above average), it does impress me with the imaging, crisp layering capability as well as its resolution.
The highly controlled bass together with the good extended treble, as well as the well layered mids just seemingly contribute to this high level of technicalities.
Timbre is also good, although the EA1000 leaning more towards the analytical, monitor-like timbre instead of a more warm, velvety timbre on a more relaxed sets.
Using “Bubbles” and “Swashers” from Yosi Horikawa, the EA1000 does showcase a very capable dynamic rendering as well as stage reproduction.
Comparison:
Vs Simgot EA500
It’s been quite a while since i last listening to the EA500, but from my memory, the EA1000 has solved the two things that’s bugging me the most with the EA500: Its metallic timbre and the tonal balance. The EA500 sounds brighter and way brighter in its stock form compared to the EA1000. The EA1000, along with its passive radiator, has higher bass quantity which overall makes it sounds way more balance and enjoyable compared to the EA500. Heck, i’d argue that just solving that metallic timbre alone has made this EA1000 a worth-while upgrade from the EA500. Technicality wise, the EA1000 is better than the EA500 in almost every way, in terms of resolution, bass texture, treble sparkliness, the soundstage,...
Vs Tanchjim Oxygen
The Oxygen has a special place in my heart. It was the God Father to the Olina SE - the iem that truly brought me into the audiophile world. I’ve been using this iem the longest in my collection.
Compared to the EA1000, the Oxygen has an overall warmer, less V, more U type of tuning, vocals sound a bit thinner and sounds technically inferior compared to EA1000 in detail retrieval and imaging. Soundstage wise, the Oxygen has a more intimate staging with inferior separation. Bass texture on the Oxygen sounds notably looser, whereas the EA1000 sounds tighter with faster, snappier attacks and transients. The uppermids and treble of Oxygen sounds noticibly less “hot” compared to the EA1000.
That being said, the overall balance of the tuning of the Oxygen along with its more natural timbre still makes it a notable iem in 2024, even if it was released almost 6 years ago. The EA1000 did not completely replace the Oxygen from my rotation, as the Oxygen is still my preferable option when i want to laid back and just enjoy some good ol’ music. The small housing of the Oxygen just make it seems like it’s floating in my ears.
The Oxygen is also harder to drive compared to the EA1000.
Since my version is the old, 2018 version that hasn’t gone through with the driver change, there’s no need to beat yourself and just get the EA1000 instead. If you’re a detail and technical chaser, EA1000 is a worthy upgrade. You’d be more than satisfied with it.
Vs BQEYZ Wind
On the graph, both of these may look similar especially the bass and lower mids, but in real life listening, these two sounds very different.
The Wind has an overall warm tonality with a hint of darker treble. While the EA1000 has a tighter, faster bass texture; the Wind has a bit slower, more mellow texture bass. The Wind just feel like it’s dragging the end of its bass notes, more bass extension if you will, which makes the layering a bit blurry. Both of these iems have a very clear and forward midrange, but i’d say male vocals have more weight to it on the Wind. Treble wise, the EA1000 sounds brighter, airier, more refined compared to the Wind.
Micro details and imaging, the EA1000 takes the win; whereas macro details, the Wind wins just slightly. Soundstage wise, The Winds has a more 3d soundstage with the help of the open faceplate and the BC.
The EA1000 takes the win to my taste, purely because of the bass. The EA1000 just sounds more effortless compared to the Wind. Not to mention, it’s highly depend on your fit in order to feel that BC.
I’m pretty sure my impression regarding the BQEYZ Wind is legit as i’ve use my shortest, widest bore for the Wind in order for it to contact my ears, so which i can “feel” the bone conduction. Even if i press the Wind into my ears, my impression did not change, so there’s that.
Vs Hidiz MP145
The MP145 maybe a planar, but since it’s one of the best planar in the market at the moment in the 200$ bracket, as well as the fact that its timbre is very DD like, i think this is a worthy comparison. Many people also ask me which one they should pick between the 2, so here’s what i think.
Right of the bat, if you have smaller ears, skip the MP145. The MP145 shell is huge, along with its changable screws on the nozzle which increase its width to be around 7mm! That would affect the fit of quite many people.
Tonality wise, the MP145 has a bassier and warmer type of tuning
Both of these iem has a very fast bass, but the MP145 sounds a bit deeper and more rumbly. Together with the less emphasised uppermids, the bass sounds way more apparent and hits you harder. This also let you listen to the MP145 to a higher volume.
Vocal aren’t exactly the strongest point of the MP145, especially when it goes against the clearer and more vocal-focused EA1000. The bass of the MP145 just adds that additional lushness and weight into the midrange. It’s also standout the most in the spectrum of MP145. The MP145 sounds smooth, lusher, non-shouty and definitely less agressive than the EA1000
Treble wise, both iems are very airy, but they have a slight different in presentation. With the song “Silhouette” by Kana-Boon, on the MP145 has more “zing” to the cymbal strikes and hihats, where as the EA1000 sounds sharper, more rough around the edges. Both of these sound natural though.
Soundstage wise, the MP145 sounds a bit wider with just as impressive depth and height. Imaging wise, both of these are on a similar level to my ears. The EA1000 beats the MP145 in overall detail retrieval.
Depending on the preference, one may like more than another. EA1000 may sounds shoutier and too forward for their taste. Where as the MP145 may sounds too bass heavy with not enough uppermids bite. Personally, i like both. I enjoy EA1000 in a more clinical listening session whereas i would enjoy MP145 in a more relaxing session. You will win with either of this iem
The MP145 is also harder to drive.
Conclusion:
Simgot has set a new benchmark on what iem in the 200$-300$ price range should bring. Not just the sound itself, but the overall package and especially its changable nozzles that allow the users to fine tune the iem to their liking. They really knock it out of the park with the EA1000. I’m looking forward to see what they have to offer in the future.
I highly recommend this iem.
Attachments
What influences earphone sound more – tuning, or technology?
Last month I posted a lukewarm review of the Simgot EM6Ls tuned to match the Harman Curve, so when Simgot offered a pair of new EA1000s in exchange for a review apprehension filled me… would they have the same nasal Harman tonality, and if so how would they feel about another poor review?
I began reading the impressions of others, and surprisingly EA1000 owners claimed they were a very different animal – what grabbed attention was their driver configuration; One single DD and a “Passive Radiator” which I believe is a DD that fires outwards towards the ear, rather than through the IEM nozzle into the ear canal.
There aren’t many IEMs with passive radiators, and anything unique in the hobby catches my attention!
So are the EA1000s just another Harman earphone to avoid, or do they offer something new?
The USD $219 Simgot EA1000s arrive in a small cardboard box, with an impressive range of accessories.
There’s a small carry case of surprisingly supple leather which seals magnetically, an instruction manual, two sets of silicone eartips in three sizes, and two sets of tuning nozzles. (more on those later)
The stock cable is a very attractive silver-plated OFC litz affair, which unfortunately comes terminated in a 3.5mm plug. Given the EA1000 pricepoint I’d have loved a 4.4mm option to be made available.
The EA1000s do an excellent job of looking much more expensive than they actually are. Their weighty stainless steel shells with transparent crystal panels provide the feeling of a high-quality item built to last, and the stock 3.5mm cable further accentuates this luxurious effect.
The shells are actually vented in two places to provide pressure-relief, along with the passive-radiator grilles which I’m assuming also leak some noise to the outside. Despite that I find the EA1000s heavy & bulky enough to isolate quite respectably if you’re thinking of using them on public transport.
As for fit I find their smooth, rounded shape greatly aids comfort and I can keep them in my ears for hours without issue. However their weight is fairly significant so if you prefer lighter IEMs you may wish to look at those with resin shells instead.
I used a Hiby R6 Pro II set to hi-gain in AB mode with a volume level of 18 to test the EA1000s.
I’m a cable snob who refuses to use 3.5mm single-ended cables, so instead used a fairly basic 4.4mm Penon Globe silver-plated stock cable to make comparisons easier.
The EA1000s are very cohesive with a clear, clean tonality that’s impressively transparent. They’re quite neutral, but unlike many ‘reference’ tuned IEMs don’t flat or boring – instead they’re lively & dynamic.
They do a fantastic job of conveying the coherency of a single dynamic driver, yet deliver most of the technical performance you’d expect from a multi-driver hybrids.
Bass is unmistakably DD-fueled with the kind of impressive texture you’d expect from a dynamic driver, delivering ample thump to make bass dominant genres satisfying – just don’t expect basshead levels of quantity, because Simgot have decided to prioritise neutrality. Sub bass is emphasised a little over midbass, preventing added warmth being injected to keep the presentation sounding ‘clean’.
Shifting to the midrange the priority is clarity over warmth, with vocal articulation being very impressive. There is a slight bias towards the upper midrange but not enough to bother most listeners, as there’s enough lower midrange to provide a pleasing sense of fullness & note weight for male & female vocals.
I was concerned the EA1000’s Harman origins might result in the thin, hollow tonality that’s always made me dislike Harman-tuned IEMs, but thankfully Simgot have avoided that. What I really like is instruments & voices are portrayed to sound quite large on the EA1000s, whereas on many budget IEMs they often feel small & diminished. This also aids EA1000 midrange resolution which is excellent.
Treble on the EA1000s is adequately resolving given there’s no BAs or ESTs, and Simgot have been careful not to overcook the quantity to avoid any potential sibilance. Treble does not feel rolled off however, with sufficient presence even for electronic music.
Given the EA1000’s very capable bass & midrange performance I’d be hard pressed to expect more in this area from just one DD, and if anything would argue Simgot has achieved an excellent balance.
EA1000 technical performance is far above the levels I associate with less costly single-DD IEMs.
The soundstage is impressive even by the standards of even fairly expensive IEMs, with surprisingly expansive width considering just two drivers are present. Stage depth isn’t nearly as strong, but avoids being paper-thin as we often see with more affordable IEMs.
Resolution is very solid given the price range & modest driver count, in fact resolution on vocals is quite pleasing but the EA1000’s definitely aren’t resolution monsters like multi-BA hybrids.
Imaging is quite good which may be largely a virtue of the wide stage giving instruments a fair amount of room to position themselves, though I wouldn’t label it pinpoint as the background isn’t quite inky black.
Dynamics are excellent. Sounds really jump out from the background in a pleasing manner, and as someone who’s always felt dynamics go a long way towards a convincing portrayal of real instruments this quality alone helps ingratiate the EA1000’s with me.
The EA1000 nozzles unscrew easily, and two additional nozzles which alter the tuning are included. They’re even supplied with a nicely-finished metal holder they screw into – a thoughtful touch.
Silver (stock)
The stock nozzles are made from stainless steel and deliver a very balanced, neutral sound. These are my favourites for most genres.
Silver (alternate)
Also stainless steel, these deepen bass with more midbass in particular added, bringing vocals forward & embodying them with more presence to increase the overall sense of fullness. These are my preferred choice for vocal genres, but the soundstage doesn’t feel as open & there’s a slight loss of transparency.
Gold
The gold nozzles are made from brass which may in itself alter acoustic properties. They sound more airy, but though the stage feels slightly wider the perception of note weight diminishes & some of the lower midrange warmth feels removed. I like these for classical music.
I compared the EA1000s with several IEMs at hand to get a feel for how they stack up. For reference the EA1000’s required a volume of 18 on the Hiby R6P2.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
The EM6L’s are physically lighter with shells less rounded, and oddly I find don’t isolate quite as well. However the difference in comfort between them is fairly negligible. Requiring 28 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive.
I can immediately tell the EM6Ls are multi-driver hybrids since they don’t sound as coherent but it feels like they’re covering the frequency spectrum more completely.
EM6L tonality is definitely poorer with more upper midrange emphasis leading to an unpleasantly hollow sound, which comes across as slightly diffuse so the centre soundstage image doesn’t feel as solid. The EM6L stage itself feels artificially stretched wider, but is slightly deeper.
There’s common ground in the tuning of these two IEMs, but the EM6L is more strictly Harman-tuned. Interestingly the EA1000s feel cleaner & higher in resolution, and I much prefer them over the EM6Ls.
Tanchjim Oxygen – 1xDD (USD $230)
The Oxygens tiny, to the extent I have difficulty obtaining a decent seal. They’re amazingly comfortable, but heavy for their size to extent they feel about as weighty as the EA1000s. Needing 25 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive.
Mine are the older version of the Oxygens, which have had their nozzle grilles removed.
The Oxygens remind me of the EM6Ls but with an even thinner, more Harman-esque tonality with far too much upper midrange. Sub bass is impressive & reaches quite deep, whereas the EA1000 emphasises midbass more but also adds more lower midrange to make instruments sound more convincing.
The Oxygens sound like single-DDs that are showing their age, with a much narrower stage and a great deal of difficulty separating instruments during complex passages, and often come across as mushy.
Penon Dome – 3xBA 1xDD (USD $349)
Made from resin the Domes are much lighter & hug the counters of my ears better, so comfort is definitely superior. Requiring 22 on the R6P2 they’re slightly more difficult to drive.
I at once notice the Domes’ richer, more forward midrange that is Penon’s hallmark, though they can be a slightly shouty at times with more upper midrange than the EA1000s. The Domes are more coloured but also more involving & energetic, with slightly more bass quantity.
The Domes’ soundstage isn’t quite as wide but is slightly deeper, dynamics are better and resolution is slightly higher too, and they boast superior note weight. Wheres the EA1000s have a flatter reference tuning and are slightly brighter & more cohesive.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
In the ears the Turbos feel smaller, lighter and more comfortable. Requiring 26 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive. I keep all Turbo tuning switches in their default positions.
The Turbos demonstrate much higher bass quantity with more midbass in particular which helps add warmth. Characteristic of Penon their midrange is more forward with much more lower midrange emphasis creating a tonality I definitely prefer, though some could find those forward vocals fatiguing.
Turbo technical performance is in a different class with higher midrange resolution, better dynamics, a blacker background and a deeper soundstage though the EA1000’s is actually wider. I do find the EA1000s more laidback & relaxingly cohesive, but the Turbos deliver a more exciting, powerful sound.
Since the EA1000 stock cable has a 3.5mm termination I instead paired them with a fairly basic 4.4mm Penon Globe silver-plated stock cable as the “default” option, to make comparisons with other 4.4mm cables fairer given DAP performance can change greatly going from unbalanced to balanced output.
Simgot LC7 (USD $69)
Pity this isn’t the EA1000 stock cable, because it sounds like Simgot tuned it with the EA1000 in mind – as such I recommend every EA1000 owner considers purchasing or at least demoing one.
In this fantastic pairing the EA1000 stage deepens, dynamics improve, the midrange resolution increases, note weight is increased and even treble seems more articulated. It almost feels like the cable adds a couple of extra BAs to each earpiece.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
As expected Vocal is a great budget option for ‘correcting’ the Harman tonality by emphasising the midrange, lower midrange in particular. Vocals definitely come forward with greater weight & resolution.
The presentation feels a bit smoother with treble slightly rolled off though I don’t get the sense important details are lost, the stage feels a touch narrower but deeper as if your listening position is thrust forward closer to the performers.
NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)
I quite like this pairing, and what really jumps about it is how much more resolving the EA1000 midrange becomes – FirstTouch is almost like a baby PW Audio Orpheus in that sense.
The stage feels a tad flatter but slightly wider, however the background is certainly blacker which helps improve imaging and I do notice a bit more midbass which helps make bass feel slightly more impactful.
Treble seems slightly rolled off, but the cable does creates a smoother, more refined tonality.
Penon ASOS (USD $169)
The ASOS has become my basshead cable of choice, for reliably improving IEM bass performance. So it’s no surprise EA1000 bass impact is improved but unlike other cables in this comparison I feel extra sub bass output, rather than simply more midbass.
The soundstage is definitely deeper and even feels slightly taller, the background is blacker & dynamics are improved, and even treble feels more articulate with imaging appreciably clearer in this impressive pairing, though the EA1000’s tonality is affected less than by some of the other cables.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
As expected the Ares S increases midbass which makes bass feel a bit punchier, tonality is slightly warmer & smoother but thankfully there’s no treble roll off as can happen with other copper cables.
Stage dimensions don’t seem to change much, note weight is a little better and surprisingly imaging is slightly clearer, but dynamics feel a tad muted and I was left a touch underwhelmed by this pairing.
The EA1000s are a significant departure from the EM6Ls.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from their unique 1xDD 1xPR configuration, but they do a sterling job of delivering single-DD coherence with multi-driver technical performance.
Sounds too good to be true? As always they’re not perfect. Tonality has a bit more upper midrange than I’d like and similarly priced all-BA IEMs can deliver even better technicalities but sound less natural.
However as far as compromises go, for USD $219 it’s VERY hard to do better than the EA1000s – and almost impossible if you’re looking for the sort of neutral presentation they deliver.
Paired with the LC7 upgrade cable the EA1000s sound really good, to the extent I could live with them as daily drivers and be fairly content… which is almost unprecedented for IEMs in this price bracket.
Wouldn’t have called myself a Simgot fan after the EM6Ls, but the EA1000s have completely swung the pendulum the other way. Any company that produces $219 earphones this good has a big future.
Last month I posted a lukewarm review of the Simgot EM6Ls tuned to match the Harman Curve, so when Simgot offered a pair of new EA1000s in exchange for a review apprehension filled me… would they have the same nasal Harman tonality, and if so how would they feel about another poor review?
I began reading the impressions of others, and surprisingly EA1000 owners claimed they were a very different animal – what grabbed attention was their driver configuration; One single DD and a “Passive Radiator” which I believe is a DD that fires outwards towards the ear, rather than through the IEM nozzle into the ear canal.
There aren’t many IEMs with passive radiators, and anything unique in the hobby catches my attention!
So are the EA1000s just another Harman earphone to avoid, or do they offer something new?
Packaging
The USD $219 Simgot EA1000s arrive in a small cardboard box, with an impressive range of accessories.
There’s a small carry case of surprisingly supple leather which seals magnetically, an instruction manual, two sets of silicone eartips in three sizes, and two sets of tuning nozzles. (more on those later)
The stock cable is a very attractive silver-plated OFC litz affair, which unfortunately comes terminated in a 3.5mm plug. Given the EA1000 pricepoint I’d have loved a 4.4mm option to be made available.
Ergonomics
The EA1000s do an excellent job of looking much more expensive than they actually are. Their weighty stainless steel shells with transparent crystal panels provide the feeling of a high-quality item built to last, and the stock 3.5mm cable further accentuates this luxurious effect.
The shells are actually vented in two places to provide pressure-relief, along with the passive-radiator grilles which I’m assuming also leak some noise to the outside. Despite that I find the EA1000s heavy & bulky enough to isolate quite respectably if you’re thinking of using them on public transport.
As for fit I find their smooth, rounded shape greatly aids comfort and I can keep them in my ears for hours without issue. However their weight is fairly significant so if you prefer lighter IEMs you may wish to look at those with resin shells instead.
Sound Performance
I used a Hiby R6 Pro II set to hi-gain in AB mode with a volume level of 18 to test the EA1000s.
I’m a cable snob who refuses to use 3.5mm single-ended cables, so instead used a fairly basic 4.4mm Penon Globe silver-plated stock cable to make comparisons easier.
The EA1000s are very cohesive with a clear, clean tonality that’s impressively transparent. They’re quite neutral, but unlike many ‘reference’ tuned IEMs don’t flat or boring – instead they’re lively & dynamic.
They do a fantastic job of conveying the coherency of a single dynamic driver, yet deliver most of the technical performance you’d expect from a multi-driver hybrids.
Bass is unmistakably DD-fueled with the kind of impressive texture you’d expect from a dynamic driver, delivering ample thump to make bass dominant genres satisfying – just don’t expect basshead levels of quantity, because Simgot have decided to prioritise neutrality. Sub bass is emphasised a little over midbass, preventing added warmth being injected to keep the presentation sounding ‘clean’.
Shifting to the midrange the priority is clarity over warmth, with vocal articulation being very impressive. There is a slight bias towards the upper midrange but not enough to bother most listeners, as there’s enough lower midrange to provide a pleasing sense of fullness & note weight for male & female vocals.
I was concerned the EA1000’s Harman origins might result in the thin, hollow tonality that’s always made me dislike Harman-tuned IEMs, but thankfully Simgot have avoided that. What I really like is instruments & voices are portrayed to sound quite large on the EA1000s, whereas on many budget IEMs they often feel small & diminished. This also aids EA1000 midrange resolution which is excellent.
Treble on the EA1000s is adequately resolving given there’s no BAs or ESTs, and Simgot have been careful not to overcook the quantity to avoid any potential sibilance. Treble does not feel rolled off however, with sufficient presence even for electronic music.
Given the EA1000’s very capable bass & midrange performance I’d be hard pressed to expect more in this area from just one DD, and if anything would argue Simgot has achieved an excellent balance.
Technical Performance
EA1000 technical performance is far above the levels I associate with less costly single-DD IEMs.
The soundstage is impressive even by the standards of even fairly expensive IEMs, with surprisingly expansive width considering just two drivers are present. Stage depth isn’t nearly as strong, but avoids being paper-thin as we often see with more affordable IEMs.
Resolution is very solid given the price range & modest driver count, in fact resolution on vocals is quite pleasing but the EA1000’s definitely aren’t resolution monsters like multi-BA hybrids.
Imaging is quite good which may be largely a virtue of the wide stage giving instruments a fair amount of room to position themselves, though I wouldn’t label it pinpoint as the background isn’t quite inky black.
Dynamics are excellent. Sounds really jump out from the background in a pleasing manner, and as someone who’s always felt dynamics go a long way towards a convincing portrayal of real instruments this quality alone helps ingratiate the EA1000’s with me.
Tuning Nozzles
The EA1000 nozzles unscrew easily, and two additional nozzles which alter the tuning are included. They’re even supplied with a nicely-finished metal holder they screw into – a thoughtful touch.
Silver (stock)
The stock nozzles are made from stainless steel and deliver a very balanced, neutral sound. These are my favourites for most genres.
Silver (alternate)
Also stainless steel, these deepen bass with more midbass in particular added, bringing vocals forward & embodying them with more presence to increase the overall sense of fullness. These are my preferred choice for vocal genres, but the soundstage doesn’t feel as open & there’s a slight loss of transparency.
Gold
The gold nozzles are made from brass which may in itself alter acoustic properties. They sound more airy, but though the stage feels slightly wider the perception of note weight diminishes & some of the lower midrange warmth feels removed. I like these for classical music.
IEM Comparisons
I compared the EA1000s with several IEMs at hand to get a feel for how they stack up. For reference the EA1000’s required a volume of 18 on the Hiby R6P2.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
The EM6L’s are physically lighter with shells less rounded, and oddly I find don’t isolate quite as well. However the difference in comfort between them is fairly negligible. Requiring 28 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive.
I can immediately tell the EM6Ls are multi-driver hybrids since they don’t sound as coherent but it feels like they’re covering the frequency spectrum more completely.
EM6L tonality is definitely poorer with more upper midrange emphasis leading to an unpleasantly hollow sound, which comes across as slightly diffuse so the centre soundstage image doesn’t feel as solid. The EM6L stage itself feels artificially stretched wider, but is slightly deeper.
There’s common ground in the tuning of these two IEMs, but the EM6L is more strictly Harman-tuned. Interestingly the EA1000s feel cleaner & higher in resolution, and I much prefer them over the EM6Ls.
Tanchjim Oxygen – 1xDD (USD $230)
The Oxygens tiny, to the extent I have difficulty obtaining a decent seal. They’re amazingly comfortable, but heavy for their size to extent they feel about as weighty as the EA1000s. Needing 25 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive.
Mine are the older version of the Oxygens, which have had their nozzle grilles removed.
The Oxygens remind me of the EM6Ls but with an even thinner, more Harman-esque tonality with far too much upper midrange. Sub bass is impressive & reaches quite deep, whereas the EA1000 emphasises midbass more but also adds more lower midrange to make instruments sound more convincing.
The Oxygens sound like single-DDs that are showing their age, with a much narrower stage and a great deal of difficulty separating instruments during complex passages, and often come across as mushy.
Penon Dome – 3xBA 1xDD (USD $349)
Made from resin the Domes are much lighter & hug the counters of my ears better, so comfort is definitely superior. Requiring 22 on the R6P2 they’re slightly more difficult to drive.
I at once notice the Domes’ richer, more forward midrange that is Penon’s hallmark, though they can be a slightly shouty at times with more upper midrange than the EA1000s. The Domes are more coloured but also more involving & energetic, with slightly more bass quantity.
The Domes’ soundstage isn’t quite as wide but is slightly deeper, dynamics are better and resolution is slightly higher too, and they boast superior note weight. Wheres the EA1000s have a flatter reference tuning and are slightly brighter & more cohesive.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
In the ears the Turbos feel smaller, lighter and more comfortable. Requiring 26 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive. I keep all Turbo tuning switches in their default positions.
The Turbos demonstrate much higher bass quantity with more midbass in particular which helps add warmth. Characteristic of Penon their midrange is more forward with much more lower midrange emphasis creating a tonality I definitely prefer, though some could find those forward vocals fatiguing.
Turbo technical performance is in a different class with higher midrange resolution, better dynamics, a blacker background and a deeper soundstage though the EA1000’s is actually wider. I do find the EA1000s more laidback & relaxingly cohesive, but the Turbos deliver a more exciting, powerful sound.
Cable Comparisons
As always I’m curious to learn how the EA1000s scale with aftermarket cables.Since the EA1000 stock cable has a 3.5mm termination I instead paired them with a fairly basic 4.4mm Penon Globe silver-plated stock cable as the “default” option, to make comparisons with other 4.4mm cables fairer given DAP performance can change greatly going from unbalanced to balanced output.
Simgot LC7 (USD $69)
Pity this isn’t the EA1000 stock cable, because it sounds like Simgot tuned it with the EA1000 in mind – as such I recommend every EA1000 owner considers purchasing or at least demoing one.
In this fantastic pairing the EA1000 stage deepens, dynamics improve, the midrange resolution increases, note weight is increased and even treble seems more articulated. It almost feels like the cable adds a couple of extra BAs to each earpiece.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
As expected Vocal is a great budget option for ‘correcting’ the Harman tonality by emphasising the midrange, lower midrange in particular. Vocals definitely come forward with greater weight & resolution.
The presentation feels a bit smoother with treble slightly rolled off though I don’t get the sense important details are lost, the stage feels a touch narrower but deeper as if your listening position is thrust forward closer to the performers.
NiceHCK FirstTouch (USD $89)
I quite like this pairing, and what really jumps about it is how much more resolving the EA1000 midrange becomes – FirstTouch is almost like a baby PW Audio Orpheus in that sense.
The stage feels a tad flatter but slightly wider, however the background is certainly blacker which helps improve imaging and I do notice a bit more midbass which helps make bass feel slightly more impactful.
Treble seems slightly rolled off, but the cable does creates a smoother, more refined tonality.
Penon ASOS (USD $169)
The ASOS has become my basshead cable of choice, for reliably improving IEM bass performance. So it’s no surprise EA1000 bass impact is improved but unlike other cables in this comparison I feel extra sub bass output, rather than simply more midbass.
The soundstage is definitely deeper and even feels slightly taller, the background is blacker & dynamics are improved, and even treble feels more articulate with imaging appreciably clearer in this impressive pairing, though the EA1000’s tonality is affected less than by some of the other cables.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
As expected the Ares S increases midbass which makes bass feel a bit punchier, tonality is slightly warmer & smoother but thankfully there’s no treble roll off as can happen with other copper cables.
Stage dimensions don’t seem to change much, note weight is a little better and surprisingly imaging is slightly clearer, but dynamics feel a tad muted and I was left a touch underwhelmed by this pairing.
Conclusion
The EA1000s are a significant departure from the EM6Ls.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from their unique 1xDD 1xPR configuration, but they do a sterling job of delivering single-DD coherence with multi-driver technical performance.
Sounds too good to be true? As always they’re not perfect. Tonality has a bit more upper midrange than I’d like and similarly priced all-BA IEMs can deliver even better technicalities but sound less natural.
However as far as compromises go, for USD $219 it’s VERY hard to do better than the EA1000s – and almost impossible if you’re looking for the sort of neutral presentation they deliver.
Paired with the LC7 upgrade cable the EA1000s sound really good, to the extent I could live with them as daily drivers and be fairly content… which is almost unprecedented for IEMs in this price bracket.
Wouldn’t have called myself a Simgot fan after the EM6Ls, but the EA1000s have completely swung the pendulum the other way. Any company that produces $219 earphones this good has a big future.
Introduction
2023 was the year in which Simgot really showed everyone what they’re capable of.The EW200 and the EA500 were basically among the most (if not the most) appreciated and discussed IEMs in the chi-fi market.
The EA1000 “Fermat”, featuring a 1DD+1PR configuration and swappable nozzles (with different tunings) are among their latest releases and have already received lots of endorsements from reviewers and customers, so I was very interested in trying them. And here I am, with a pair of EA1000 and ready to share my impressions with everyone.
Disclaimer: the Simgot EA1000 Fermat were sent to me by Simgot free of charge so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set and it is by no means a promotional or paid content.
At the time of the review, the Simgot EA1000 Fermat were on sale at Amazon.com for 219$.
The LC7 cable, instead, is available at Linsoul for 69,99$.
Technical Specifications
- Driver Configuration → 1 x 10mm DD + 1 x PR (Passive Radiator)
- Impedance → 16 Ω
- Sensitivity → 127 dB/mW
- Effective Frequency Response Range → 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable → 1,20m Litz structure high-purity OFC silver plated cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connectors
- Plug Type → straight gold plated 3.5mm jack connector
Packaging
The unboxing experience is pleasant for sure, even though the packaging has a sort of “glossy” texture that makes it a fingerprint magnet.Everything in the box is properly positioned, the accessories are in separate small cardboard boxes and everything appears in a pleasant way, so one can easily tell that Simgot cares about how the product is presented to the customer.
This is what you’ll find in the box:
- The Simgot EA1000 Fermat (from now on “EA1000” or only “Fermat”)
- Two identical sets consisting in 3 eartips each (S, M, L), even though it makes no sense to include two sets of the same eartips
- Three pairs of different nozzles (of which one is already mounted on the EA1000)
- Some spare o-rings to mount the nozzles on the shells
- The detachable 3.5mm cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connectors
- A gorgeous carry case
- User manuals and a “Fermat gold card” (which is a very funny idea)
Look at the third photo: the packaging really looks a funny face. Hopefully Simgot did that on purpose
Design and Build Quality
The EA1000 recall Simgot’s house design with a simple yet captivating faceplate design: the Simgot logo is centered on a white background (yet painted with some minimal and very subtle decorations), underneath a solid transparent glass layer, and everything is framed by a golden outline.The all-metal body of the earpieces make up for a very premium feeling and (hopefully) a very durable set, even though this comes at a cost: being a fingerprint magnet and being heavier than the average resin or plastic shell (pros and cons, I’d say).
As you can see from the photos, and as seen from the packaging, the nozzle filters are swappable and they easily screw in and out with no issues.
In the inner side of the shell we find the passive radiator vent (easy to spot also thanks to its golden grill) underneath the L and R side indication, along with two pinhole vents that prevent pressure buildup issues, whereas the sides are free from any other holes.
Cable
The stock cable is good to very good. It looks and feels solid, it sports a chin slider and it’s not prone to tangling. I gotta say I have seen some IEMs in these price brackets that come with worse but there are also IEMs sold for less that come with even better cables. The fact that Simgot provided a good cable in the box should not surprise since we’re talking about a pair of IEMs that sell for around 200$, but at the same time I feel an extra-effort could have been done.Unfortunately, there’s no way to get a pair of EA1000 with 2.5mm or 4.4mm cable, which is a missed opportunity imho.
In that regard, Simgot also sent me one of their aftermarket cables, the LC7, in order to pair it with the EA1000. It’s hard not to love it: it’s thick, it doesn’t tangle, it looks and feels amazing and it also comes with a 3.5mm to 4.4 mm balanced adapter so that one can also use the IEMs out of a balanced output. It’s not really cheap, since it’s almost 70$, but if you are willing to get an aftermarket cable, here you have one (an amazing one, too), even though I think Simgot could include it with the EA1000 for some promos here and there.
Comfort and Isolation
The Simgot EA1000 are comfortable, particularly with slightly stiffer and longer tips since they don’t have very long nozzles. The stock tips didn’t meet my expectations considering the price, especially because they didn’t provide me with a good seal leading to an inconsistent listening experience. Not only that, the two sets of stock tips are identical, and it makes no sense since it would have been way better to provide two sets of tips with different nozzle diameters or different materials.I ended up using a pair of KBEAR 07 tips, which are the ones I’ve used to write the review (not because I didn’t like the sound from the stock tips, but because I really couldn’t find a proper and stable seal) and the EA1000 became extremely comfortable for long sessions, also thanks to the fact that the shells don’t have any sharp edge or protruding wing.
When it comes to isolation, I think the EA1000 can do the job on most occasions, but I don’t think this is an IEM to use in very crowded environments.
Sound
GEAR USED FOR THE TEST- DAC: Topping E30
- AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
- Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
- Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Truthear SHIO
- Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
- Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR, KZ AZ10
The Simgot EA1000 don’t need an amplifier because of their low impedance and their high sensitivity. This means they are very efficient, but on the other hand it also translates in some small hiss when plugged to sources with higher impedance.
I think driver efficiency is very important when it comes to IEMs and I really appreciate the fact that I can use these without always carrying a portable amp with me.
Sound signature
The Simgot EA1000 have three slightly different tunings depending on the nozzle that’s mounted on the IEMs (even though everything lays around the Harman Target).
The Golden nozzle has more upper midrange and slightly less sub-bass compared to the stock red o-ring filter, whereas the black o-ring filter takes this upper-midrange and treble focus a bit further while giving some more sub-bass.
Overall, already mounted red o-ring nozzle has slightly better note weight and seems like the warmer and more bass-focused nozzle compared to the others, this also because the others have more upper midrange and treble.
For this review, I am gonna use the silver nozzle with the black o-ring as it’s the one that strikes a good balance between the other filters.
Lows
The sub-bass has very good extension and incredible control, and it’s a very satisfying experience listening to very deep sub-bass sounds with the EA1000.
The bass is impactful, deep, punchy and even though not the most textured around it sounds very natural and doesn’t leak into the midrange.
What amazes me is the outstanding quality of the bass and how clean it sounds: the EA1000 truly mastered bass reproduction, period.
Mids
The mids are neutral with both male and female vocals sounding very good. Particularly, the female vocals are intoxicating, with a lot of energy and intimacy that really make them shine. In some occasions, there is some episode in which the “S” sound become borderline hot, not to the point of becoming annoyingly sibilant but this isn’t a set for those who don’t like some upper-midrange energy, especially because they EA1000 really rule in this region.
Male vocals sound very good too even though slightly more laidback than female vocals ald could be just a tad warmer, even though they are never overshadowed by the bass thanks to excellent low-end control.
Instruments sound very natural, with layering and separation being helped by a good treble extension that provides for a lot of space in which they are precisely distinguished from each other.
Highs
The highs have a lot of details, it’s easy to spot small nuances and the perceived resolution is among the best I have tried. The treble extension is very good overall: there’s a lot of air and sparkle and this leads to a very “open” feeling while still retaining the naturalness one expects from IEMs in this price range, avoiding every kind of harshness one could think about.
For sure, those who are treble sensitive should probably look elsewhere, especially if we consider the EA1000 with the golden and black nozzle (even though the red o-ring nozzle still has some added treble that may bother the most sensitive ones out there).
Soundstage is expansive with nice width a surprisingly good depth, even though height is average.
Imaging is very good with instruments being portrayed right were they should be with high precision.
Some comparisons (EA1000 with black o-ring silver filter):
Simgot EA1000 vs Hidizs MP145 (Rose Gold/Balanced filter)
The MP145 were among the most hyped IEMs of 2023, thanks to their very nice technical chops along with the versatility of the swappable nozzles (just like the EA1000).Overall, the MP145 are bassier and warmer with less upper mids and less treble extension, whereas the EA1000 are more focused on vocals and resolution.
From a tone/timbre perspective, the EA1000 sound more open and natural, while the MP145 sound a bit more closed-in with more warmth and intimacy. From a technical standpoint, instead, the EA1000 outperform the MP145 with better detail retrieval, imaging and separation, even though MP145’s soundstage feels a bit more “cavernous”.
The build quality is great on both sets, but the EA1000 look more “premium”. The stock cable is of similar quality. Comfort-wise, the EA1000 win hands down as the MP145 are very bulky and may not suit smaller ears. Isolation is slightly better with the MP145 in the ears. If there’s one more think that needs to be pointed out is that the MP145 come with a better set of tips, since the EA1000 come with two set of tips that are actually identical and don’t provide variety.
Simgot EA1000 vs KBEAR Believe
There aren’t many things to say: the EA1000 win hands down.The Believe really surprised the market some years ago with their outstanding DD quality, but time and further development of the Chi-Fi industry killed them. The EA1000 win in everything: from sub-bass to upper treble extension, the EA1000 outperform the Believe in every part of the frequency spectrum, and they do that with no mercy.
The driver is also more efficient, they are built slightly better and look way more premium, and the overall resolution is ages ahead.
The only thing in which the KBEAR does better is the variety of tips they come with, but they are inferior at everything else.
Simgot EA1000 vs Celest Phoenixcall
The EA1000 are more resolving, more detailed, and also have much better bass quality than the Phoenixcall. The Phoenixcall are tuned in a more “unique” way, with a stronger midrange recession and more elevated low-end, while the EA1000 follow the Harman target and they’re also more versatile thanks to the tuning filters. Vocals sound more natural, intimate and detailed on the EA1000, whereas they can sound slightly unnatural on the Phoenixcall due to their midrange recession.
The soundstage width is comparable but the EA1000 play in a deeper and slightly taller stage.
Build quality is great on both sets, even though they are built of different materials. Design-wise, it’s a matter of personal preferences, but the Phoenixcall look more unique and captivating. Comfort is great on both sets, but the Phoenixcall tend to fit like a custom IEM and provide for a much better isolation from external noises. Both IEMs come with great stock cables, but the Phoenixcall are also shipped with a wider selection of tips that could help with tip rolling.
Simgot EA1000 vs Simgot EM6L
It’s very easy to distinguish them and to guess what’s the more expensive set. The EM6L are warmer with much more sub-bass and less treble extension, leading to an overall more closed-in, more laidback and more relaxed signature. The EA1000, on the other hand, sound more engaging, more detailed, more resolving, with more forward vocals and brighter treble region. The low-end quality differences really draw the line between the EM6L and the EA1000, since the difference in bass quality and control is night and day: while the EM6L sometimes lose bass control, the EA1000 never let the bass leaking in the midrange, providing for a super clean transition from the lows to the mids. The soundstage is more expansive on the EA1000, with slightly better width and height even though depth is what really stands out on the EA1000. Imaging is good on both sets but the EA1000 are even more precise.
Both are very comfortable and well built but the EA1000 look more premium. The EA1000 come with a better cable and a better set of stock tips. Isolation is slightly better with the EM6L in the ears.
Final Thoughts
The EA1000 are outstanding: they are engaging, resolving, accurate, detailed, with a high quality and controlled low-end and great end to end extension.It’s really hard to find weakness in the EA1000, expect for the improvable bass textures and the upper midrange glare with the golden and black-oring filter that could make some “S” sound very hot (they don’t become sibilance but the extra energy may bother some).
It was a very difficult review, especially because everytime I put them in my ears I didn’t want to write. It’s very difficult to sit and start describing sound when you start moving your feet and shaking your head, driven by the dynamism and musicality of this single DD IEM.
I am very happy for Simgot: it has been a great year for them and they released true bargains in the Chi-Fi industry: although I don’t know what’s coming next (except for their newly presented EA500LM, which hopefully I’ll be to try), I am sure they have the potential to set new benchmarks in this 2024.
Simgot was kind enough to send in the EA1000 for review, as part of an Australian audio review tour, I wasn't paid for the review, any opinions, thoughts are my own.
Design musings
Development of in ear monitors is accelerating as manufacturers compete for best in class. Single Dynamic driver IEMs would seem to be the most basic design, with products on the market for less than $20. And yet Simgot is selling the EA1000 at $220.
The reason is they have taken the design and developed it to the Nth degree. I don’t pretend to understand what sputter deposition purple-Gold diaphragm technology or dual magnetic and dual chamber technology means. I have an inkling of what Passive radiator technology is designed to do but I will leave others to explain that. What I understand is the sonic results of all this development.
Equipment used to test.
I used my Hiby R3 Saber 2022 DAP with a NiceCHK 2.5mm balanced cable and TRN T ear tips. Listening to my music collection of FLAC files. I get a nice deep seal with these tips.
A note on fit and comfort. In size the EA1000 is similar to the Simgot EW200 with a similar metal body. But for some reason the 1000 fits deeper in my ear canal to the point where the IEM almost seems to sit flush. Everyone’s ears are different, but we have a bit of synergy going on here.
Drivability
I use the DAP set to high gain and when driving 7Hertz Legato or Hidizs MP145 I use a volume setting of 45 (sometimes a little higher) . With the Simgot a volume setting of 35 gives me equivalent sound pressure and boosting to 40 I find unnecessary and no advantage.
The Sound
This IEM impresses from the word go. Its tone is rich and tends to the warm side. The bass is fast, deep and well textured, allowing rumble and thump when required and never intruding on the midrange. Vocals have a forward placement with natural timbre and an intimate expressiveness. Vocal lovers will enjoy the EA1000. Singers have room to move in an expansive space with great left to right width and enough height and depth to create an immersive soundscape.
One of its great strengths is handling complex compositions. Instrument separation is first rate as is detail retrieval. The EA1000 never gets flustered or congested. Each element of a song is audible as recorded and the sound is coherent and compelling. Songs breathe!
Treble details are refined, airy and extended, never too hot or overbearing. Indeed, the cohesive tuning of this IEM is its big strength. And above all its is a MUSICAL IEM.
Conclusion
I titled this review. The Goldilocks IEM
If you don’t know the children’s fable, it’s a story about porridge and a little girl who eats the three bears porridge. Daddy bears porridge was too hot, Mumma bears porridge was too cold but baby bears porridge was just right! The Goldilocks zone!
The Simgot EA1000 presents each aspect of the audio spectrum as “just right” to my ears and I’ll be saving to get my own set. Highly recommended.
aptquark
Wonderful review. After reading all the reviews below...I finally went for it. This thing is incredible. My preference is typically a little more weight in the lower bass region. A slight elevation in the sub bass makes this IEM perfect. The rest of the frequency spectrum is presented flawlessly. Timber is insanely accurate. Just extends high enough in the upper frequencies to bring out the details. AND...here's the important dilly'O for me, (sorry had to say that) from my recorded LP's to FLAC all the way to regular FLAC files...they sound awesome. Im my opinion, these are good enough to skip the 300-600 range of IEM's and go directly to the 1K (bold statement I know..don't kill me...WOOT!) Cheers
Review OF The Simgot EA1000
Introduction
SIMGOT has never launched an IEM that was not highly accepted or commended sufficiently for their sound quality for the price they're being offered, whether it be the EA500, EM6L, or any other of their high end or budget IEMs. One of the earliest businesses in the audiophile sector is reputed to be this Chinese enterprise. They were formerly well-known for their EN series, but they have recently resurfaced and launched a few IEMs that audiophiles like me have found to be rather pleasing. I have been interested in this company ever since I heard about their EN series, and since then, I have grown to love their products and the technology they actually uncover with perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Other than SIMGOT, I don't believe I have ever seen a company that is as open about the creation and application of their technology in their goods, which makes sense. It has taken some time, but I was fortunate enough to obtain their most recent model, the EA1000, which is a younger sibling of the EA2000 that has the same technology. I would like to make a few clarifications before sharing my actual findings.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by the generous people at SIMGOT, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “EA1000.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the EA1000 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
The dynamic driver of the EA1000 is a 10mm driver with a multilayer sputter-deposition purple-gold diaphragm and a 6mm passive radiator. This configuration is unique to the EA1000. Using the previously mentioned SDPGD technology, the dynamic driver is essentially a second generation dual magnet and dual cavity driver. Its older brother, the EA2000, has the same configuration. Compared to comparable metal-made IEMs, the shells made of premium alloy metal that has been CNC etched feel more robustly constructed. The SIMGOT brand emblem is centered over a white background in a stunning pattern on the faceplate. The eartips allow for an isolated fit, thus the shells' comfort and fit let you to listen for hours on end without experiencing any pain or weariness. The included cable has a higher texture quality and feel than the one that comes with the EA500. The cable contains a 3.5mm straight termination plug on one end and a two pin connection on the other. Three different tuning nozzles, a carrying case, six pairs of eartips in varying sizes, and a variety of red and black rings for tuning nozzles are among the additional accessories that come with the IEM. Regarding the technical details, the sensitivity is 127dB and the impedance is 16 Ohms. There is a 20Hz–20kHz effective frequency response.
Sound
The EA1000 exhibits a common sound profile with vibrant, well-detailed, and resolved notes presented with the most precise note presentation I have ever heard from a single DD, yet it leans toward three distinct tunings. Although I am aware that there are passive radiators that help with the notes' natural reproduction and dynamic quality, I still think the dynamic driver is the most amazing. As I indicated, there are three distinct tunings that may be accomplished with three distinct tuning nozzles, enabling the tuning of two in-house targets as well as a 2019 harman target. For my part, I don't see any appreciable differences between the harman and their golden 2023 target—discussed later. Coming to the sound, I am using the standard tuning nozzles (black ringed nozzle) which they came with for more intricate findings. Regarding the sound, for more complex discoveries, I am utilizing the standard tuning nozzles (black ringed nozzles) that were included.The vocals and instruments from the lower mid range to the upper frequencies have a very vibrant and clear response that comes across as joyful and detailed, while the treble sounds pleasantly expansive, airy, and non-fatiguing.The bass feels accurate, slamming, and banging because to the excellent PR that was employed.Even though this is my first IEM to use a dynamic driver and a decent passive radiator, the tuning and sound quality really amazed me. It still amazes me that a single DD can produce a presentation with such forward-thinking, natural sounding quality and exceptional technical ability. Let's examine the sound presentation in more detail.
Treble
I believe the frequency graph is not accurately depicting the situation because my perception of the response is different from what the graph indicates. If this is not the case, I will trust my instincts first. The problem is that I hear no issues at all. By this I mean that the reaction is deliberate, thorough, and astonishingly brilliant, and I don't have any problems with peak sound or sibilance.I think the singers and instruments sound richer and fuller because of the high treble's wonderful airy extension.Please bear in mind that I am discussing an IEM that costs less than $250 USD. The notes are precise and accurate, but they don't sound piercing in my opinion—rather sophisticated. The singers and instruments are more prominent in the lower treble, which adds additional energy without pushing forward too much to cause a peaky or shouty reaction. The lower treble sounds just as clear and detailed as the upper treble. The instruments and vocals are more prominent but still under control, preventing any metallic tones from being heard. Even when I compare the treble response of the SIMGOT to other IEMs around the EA1000, such as the quintet or Falcon Ultra, I believe that generally, the SIMGOT did the best job of finding the ideal balance between sounding as natural as possible and without being offensive.The quintet, in contrast to the Falcon Ultra, sounds more forward-thinking and aggressively detailed, whilst the latter lacks sharpness. The HYPE2, which likewise generates a smooth response with details that are similar to the EA1000, is the only IEM that I have seen that comes close. As a result, the treble area is presented in an expansive, intricate, and airy manner overall.
Mid Range
In terms of tone and timbre, the mid range is where the response sounds the greatest; in my opinion, these are the best IEMs under $500–$800. Though I do believe that the placement of the vocals and instruments plays a significant role, I still think it is a great achievement that SIMGOT brought this IEM to produce such a lively response that makes the natural and forward response sound fuller, richer, and detailed at the same time. Many brands haven't come close to this level of performance. My observations stem from the singers' remarkable dynamic leaping throughout the response, which sounds multifaceted and simultaneously detailed, richer, fuller, and unique. When compared to the lower treble, the upper mid range adds more energy to the mix and permits greater clarity. The vocal and instrument tones sound well-balanced, with the instruments complementing the vocals while adding a charming presence when necessary to be more prominent in the mix without overpowering the vocals. The vocals are quite enjoyable to listen to, keeping you on the edge of your seat as they spread out far and wide. makes the temperamental shifts in the mix sound more full.To put it simply, I think the vocals sound the best of all of them. Yet, it doesn't sound as rich or velvety at the same time. When vocally prominent tracks are heard, the vocals occasionally bring out a little "ss." This doesn't bother me too much, but I still feel like I should mention it because the vocals sound more open and lighter. In addition to sounding clean, the lower mid range has good note weight and depth. Similar to how the vocals end on a clear and distinct note, the guitar's bass notes seem slightly thick but not overly dense. I would try the quintet or HYPE2 if I were looking for a more composed answer with fewer inflamed vocals. In my opinion, the Ultra has less open-sounding vocals than the EA1000 and sounds more weighted and real. Overall, the mid range is presented in a more rich, vibrant, and melodic manner.
Bass
Getting to the bass The passive radiator, in my opinion, aids in achieving the bass's detailed and organic response, which also permits a quick attack and natural note decay, providing a realistic response. The bass is one that doesn't allow for additional prominence in the mix. The quality is sufficient to give the entire response a more sophisticated and grown-up tone. The emphasis is on the sub bass area, which extends nicely enough to provide punches and a deep rumble that aids in delivering notes with impact. Despite this, the rumble seems to be modest and constricted within the ear canal. The well-controlled mid bass produces a meatier presence, enabling both gentle hitting slams and clean, pounding bass. The response reproduces the notes' naturalness, hitting with just the appropriate amount of intensity and weight and resolving at a speed that feels authentic while still taking into account the higher frequency areas. Although the bass is not the highlight of the entire response, it is nonetheless underappreciated since it nails the live stage presentation rather than the concert one. In my opinion, the HYPE2 has a more powerful and thunderous sound than the other model, which sounds more organic and natural overall and amplifies the sound of the bass notes on a large stage. The bass on the EA1000 sounds more textured and sophisticated, even though the quintet sounds smoother and warmer in this aspect than the EA1000. The bass is similar to the Falcon Ultras, however less detailed and textured than the EA1000, in my opinion. In the end, I think there is enough bass response to make the reaction seem lively and enjoyable. As a result, the bass area is presented in a compelling, realistic, and fulfilling way overall.
Technical Performance
In technical terms, IEMs in this price range sound better on average. Quintet, for instance, has a nicely detailed response with good separation and resolution, but it still lacks sharp imaging. I suppose this is because it introduced sibilance or shouty response. However, after hearing about so many IEMs that were unable to achieve what I believed, all of my concerns were allayed by the EA1000, which exceeded my expectations. Let's get specific.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
The stage is rather large and spread out, which contributes to the surround sound rather than a stereo sound. The depth and height feel significantly better than any other IEMs, though they are similar to HYPE2. The imaging is where the EA1000 excels, as I find it to produce a sharper and clearer response than any other IEM I have mentioned. The notes' separation helps me identify the source of the music because it sounds distinct and far away without being overly dispersed.
Speed & Resolution
Although the resolution is superb, I think the quintet to be somewhat superior in that aspect. However, the EA1000 sounds extremely expressive in terms of both micro and macro aspects. The notes have a quick attack and fade, and the resolvability seems to time as closely to sounding pleasant and natural as possible.
Sound Impressions
Tuning Nozzles
Red Ringed Nozzle - As opposed to the black nozzles, the only complaint I had with the EA1000 was that the "ss" sound was muted, which resulted in a more balanced sound with more male vocal presence and less intensity from the female vocals.Apart from this, I don't see any discernible changes.
Gold Nozzle - The response sounded a little more weighted and the notes sounded denser when compared to the other two tuning nozzles. This helped the vocals sound a little more grounded and beautifully presented, especially the female vocals, but the spark that usually gave the vocals an exciting touch that kept me on edge was gone. However, nothing seems updated or different—only the note weight and density are highlighted. However, I do occasionally think the treble seems a little muted.
Sources
Sony WM1A - The response sounded larger and more expansive with a more dynamic response when listening to the EA1000 with WM1A. The vocals, especially the female vocals, seemed a little shouty, even if the notes were more rounded. This was probably around the 2-4k range. However, the bass was louder and more thumping. The calmed energy overall, particularly in the treble region, was the only other discernible difference aside from this.
Tempotec V6 - The response was smoother and cleaner while listening to the EA1000 through the V6, but it also sounded more intimate and lively. The energy was regulated because it prevented any focus from being heard in the mix. The details were as they were, but because they weren't as obvious, they were less noticeable. While the voices sounded less open and separated, allowing the response to sound more relaxed, the bass felt more in control and linear.
Tracks Used
Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
To sum up this review, the EA1000 far exceeded my expectations and lived up to the fanfare that audiophiles had for it. Nothing stands out as being particularly incorrect or distinctive from what any audiophile would find pleasing at first hearing. Its opulent feel and sound profile make it the ideal IEM for around $500. Vocal aficionados would adore the EA1000 for its deep and satisfying response that captivates your listening style. I wholeheartedly suggest it because of the response, which sounds as close to a faithful response as possible. Investing $1,000 USD is not necessary to experience TOTL level sound quality; the EA1000 will do the trick.
wiesolos
Pretty spot on everything, thanks for the accurate and concise review.
“I will share all of this with you whenever you wish.”
~~Pierre de Fermat, French mathematician and proponent of Fermat's Theorem.
Pierre de Fermat was a mathematician and lawyer in 17th century France, he was the one who formulated a number theory called Fermat's Theorem and law of refraction on light rays named Fermat's Principle. His other contributions to the field of mathematics and physics are probability, expanding the application of Cartesian geometry and optical applications.
The SIMGOT revolution is still going strong up to the present on how it dictated last year's portable audio scene as it presents some of the best products that many audio enthusiasts are willing to accept. The EA500 is the testament that you will get an excellent set with good tonal and technical performance at entry-level pricing. And now what I have here is their latest offering at over $200/£160 segment.
This is SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat, it's a single dynamic driver with passive radiator as its supporting implementation. SIMGOT already did implement this configuration before on their EA2000 which is a midrange set. The EA1000 uses the latest generation of dual chambered, dual magnetic dynamic driver with newly-developed composite materials of its diaphragm made of SDPGDT (sputter deposition purple gold diaphragm technology) which is more rigid and better elasticity to deliver a more responsive and deeper bass response along with improved dynamic range and shimmering and crisper high frequencies. The 6mm passive radiator will enhance deeper pitch and darker tone due to better stimulation on resonance effect as it traps those sound pressures.
The drivers were in a solid aluminium alloy with a detachable tuning nozzle as SIMGOT offers three distinctive tuning. The surface of the cavity base shell of this set has a mirror finished surface while its faceplate was laminated with glass-like material to give that classy and elegant look. There are two vent holes in the cavity base part that allows it to escape some excessive air pressure generated from its high-performance dynamic driver. SIMGOT continues to use a proven interlocking mechanism on this set which is a standard 2-pin connector.
The stock cable of the SIMGOT EA1000 is of a high quality as it is a 2-core Litz OFC silver-plated copper that will assuredly deliver an unadulterated audio signal without any distortion and interference that will affect the sound quality. The termination plug is a gold-plated 3.5mm SE to ensure better conductivity and improvements of its corrosion resistance.
As for fitting and comfort, despite that this set shell chassis was made of solid metal alloy, it really rests well into my lugholes without any discomfort or wear fatigue. The passive noise isolation is excellent as it was able to block some noises from the outside due to good sealing.
The product presentation of SIMGOT EA1000 is quite impressive as it gives us some of the best unboxing experience and how the contents and accessories are well-organised inside.
Here are the following contents that were included inside the box:
- Pair of SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat
- Stock cable
- 3 pairs of vocal silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- 3 pairs of balanced silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- IEM storage case.
- extra 2 sets of tuning filter nozzles.
- Spare filter rings
- Paperwork like user's manual and warranty card.
Power scaling and amplification-wise, with an impedance rating of 16Ω and sensitivity of 124dB, SIMGOT EA1000 is indeed an easy to drive that even a smartphone or tablet with decent power output will be able to amplify it properly. With a decent power output, it utilises a full and dynamic sound that this set is capable of.
To determine its tonality, since it has a detachable tuning filters nozzle, it offers a variety of U-shaped sound profiles that usually aligns with Harman-style of tuning with some deviations.
(Graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to him)
Silver nozzle with red ring is more of a typical Harman target curve that we accustomed with, while the silver nozzle with black ring is SIMGOT's in-house tuning which is a based of a modified Harman target curve and then on golden copper nozzle with white ring is SIMGOT's latest in-house tuning that somehow rectifies some shortcomings of those tuning target curves to sound more balanced and engaging.
LOWS/BASS:
The bass response of this set is quite well balanced on both sub-bass and then mid-bass given my aversion and criticism in most Harman-style of tuning. While it has good sub-bass presence as I discerningly get its rumble and reverberations from instruments like low tone bass guitars, synthesisers and drum machines, the mid-bass is quite well-bodied on its texture as it delivers a slam, authority and punchy lows which might attribute due to the implementation of passive radiator to give a deeper and darker tone.
Bass guitars sound more sombre and resonant while bass kick drums have eerily and thudding sound, and then on male vocals, bass-baritones seems to projects a decently woolly and dusky vocals but still not deepest nor the darkest tone that I really want but for Harman-type bass response, this is quite satisfactory to my ears.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange presentation of the EA1000 are quite recessed in the overall frequency range but it has clean, transparent and energetic sound that will be more oriented towards female vocals, strings and woodwinds.
Male vocals particularly on baritones and heldentenors appears to sound a bit lean in my liking as it loses some volume and depth as they sound a bit too smooth, less warm and lack of richness. Tenors have bright and dazzling sound as it is more beneficial to leggero and lyric-type tenors. On females vocals, contraltos apparently has lack of texture and finesse as they sound less hefty and less husky sound while the mezzo-sopranos have tender, golden and fiery sound, and then on sopranos, they quite sound very expressive and captivating as they sound shimmering and crystalline.
In regards to how instruments sound with their respective timbre and tonality, strings such as guitars have a crisp and bright sound and violins have lively and vibrant sound. Woodwind instruments like piccolos, concert flutes and clarinets have a brilliant, silvery and lively sound respectively. On brasses, trumpets have brilliant and penetrating sound, horns have clear and metallic sound and trombones have sinister and dramatic sound. As for percussions, snares have sharp and precise sound, tom-toms have resonant but a tad less warm sounding, field drums have hard and majestic sound and kettledrums have resonant and a bit dry sound from it. Pianos have a balanced to tad brighter tone that makes them sound emotive and exciting.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
The treble response of this set is quite energetic and shimmering especially on silver coloured black ring nozzles and silver coloured red ring nozzles. The upper mids and presence part of the treble region are quite elevated on its overall tuning as it gives more definition on female vocals and sharper attacks of instruments. It is also noted that in some instances that some female vocals might sound a tad shrill and shouty but at least the sibilance was kept under control and harshness is barely minimal to none to be bothered with.
On crashing cymbals, it sounds bright and metallic while the hi-hats are a bit too bright with its distinctive buzzing and breathy timbre. Glockenspiels sound shimmering and brilliant, then on celestas, they have this particular “heavenly sound” as its sounds quite glistening and bright. It has a good sparkle and fairly airy treble response for a dynamic driver set with passive radiator.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
As for its technical aspects, it appears that the EA1000 has an above average sound/speaker proportions, as it has above-average lateral span, just a decent height and reasonable depth as it is just give me a moderate size headroom as I've experience a more cavernous soundstage from other sets.
The stereo imaging gives me a concave-like soundscape where I can locate precisely the positioning of instruments and vocals in well-separated and well-arranged layers of dynamic and frequency tones from each element. To my surprise, this set is quite capable of handling some of the most complex, multi-instrumental tracks that I'm throwing out on this one.
Coherency of its drivers is quite excellent as it managed to deliver a fast transient response without any distortion or out of phase issues as it performs consistently. Resolution capabilities of this one is fairly competent as it has a good note texture on the macro-dynamics while it has sharp micro-detailing to extract some nuances and detail from an audio track.
PEER COMPARISONS:
ORIVETI OD200
● Probably one of the closest competitors in the market. While it only has a single dynamic driver, it was a beryllium-coated one and it has its own proprietary acoustic pressure technology to support its performance. Just like the EA1000, it has a detachable nozzle system and is also encased in a solid metal alloy chassis, although the OD200's stock cable is a modular one.
● As for tuning, since OD200 also has a detachable tuning nozzle just like EA1000, this set offers two types of tuning, a mild U-shaped sound and a warmer U/V-shaped. Bass quality and quantity on OD200 has more authority and impact but it has slight bleeding across the midrange (silver nozzle mode). Midrange is a tad more warmer and more textured on OD200 in silver nozzle mode that will be beneficial for male vocals, some percussives and mostly on brass section. The treble on both tuning modes on OD200 seems quite different but they all display a merely modest airy extension which makes the EA1000 have more refined treble response.
● Technicality-wise, they are quite comparable but in certain cases, OD200 has a less refined separation and layering aspect, then its micro-dynamics seems to be less detailed but at least, OD200 has a bit more solid macro-dynamics.
DUNU FALCON ULTRA
● A solid offering from DUNU and like the EA1000, it also has a metal chassis and a detachable nozzle tuning system but the difference was that it has only a single dynamic driver and it has their own airflow damping system to improve its dynamics and punchier and solid low frequency. It also has modular cable and offers a lot of types of ear tips to choose from. And also, unlike EA1000, this one has a MMCX-type of connector which is either love or hate.
● Regarding its sound profiles, since this also has detachable tuning nozzles it offers two distinctive tuning, a warmer U-shaped and a bit brighter U-shaped sound signatures. Bass response appears to have a consistent texture and preciseness while a bit lean yet transparent midrange on the blue nozzle while the gold nozzle has some warmth on it and then on treble, blue nozzle filters seem to have more sparkle and shimmer while the gold nozzle appears to have a more smoother and balanced sounding.
● As for technicalities, it has an above average sound/speaker stage but if I compare it closely to EA1000, it has a bit more height. Stereo imaging presents an almost 3D-like presentation within my headroom and it has a good separation and layering. On the resolution aspect, while it has solid macro-dynamics, I noticed its micro-detailing definition seems less sharp.
TANCHJIM OXYGEN (Demo)
● This set is actually one of my most favourite single DD sets under $300 dollars. Like the EA1000, it has a solid metal shell chassis and uses a dual-chambered dynamic driver with CNT diaphragm. But it doesn't have a detachable nozzle tuning filters
● Oxygen has a mild U-shaped sound signature as it has presence of its sub-bass while it is a punchy and articulate mid-bass but compared to EA1000, it will sound a bit less texture. Midrange is well-balanced with clean, energetic and good clarity to give more emotive and expressiveness on vocals and strings instruments. Treble has a good sheen on it with sufficient brightness and has a good airy extension for a single DD set.
● Technicalities-wise, this is not the strongest aspect of the Oxygen as it has an average to above average sound/speaker stage and a more intimate stereo imaging. On separation and layering, if I compare it to EA1000, the Oxygen shows its age that it has less defined layering capability but still it has quite satisfactory capabilities on separation of instruments. On resolution capabilities, it has solid macro-dynamics and good detail retrieval but compared to EA1000, it has less sharper definition.
As I conclude my review about SIMGOT EA1000, This one truly reckons the current state of the IEM segment in under $300/£235 on how this set performs well. The performance of its high dynamic driver along with its well-implemented passive radiator truly defines the tonal and technical performance of this set that will probably change the dynamics of IEM game in the current portable audio market. If you want to experience a prelude to the Mid-Fi/midrange level of sound quality, this set is probably one of them.
The SIMGOT Revolution keeps going on and will continue to strengthen its grip in the IEM market.
SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat is currently available in SIMGOT official online store, LINSOUL and PENON. All links provided below are guaranteed non-affiliate ones.
■ OFFICIAL STORE
■ LINSOUL
■ PENON
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: SIMGOT EA1000 FERMAT
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 126dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 50KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.78mm)
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): 1 DYNAMIC DRIVER + 1 PASSIVE RADIATOR
Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
P.S.
I am not affiliated to SIMGOT nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to FIA LAM of SIMGOT and Obed a.k.a @kesobie for letting me to join the SIMGOT review tour here in the Philippines. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
Zerstorer_GOhren
@GBCabral Falcon Ultra and OD200 will offer better on those genres.
Simgot EA1000 Fermet Review
Video Review
Natural Dynamic Exciting
The SImgot EA1000 is a Single Driver with Passive Radiator IEM priced at about $219usd during this write up. This is one of the most dynamic and exciting IEM I have heard while sacrificing little else.
Specs
Driver: 1 Dynamic Driver + 1 Passive Radiator
Sensitivity: 127db/Vrms
Impedance: 16ohm
Effective Frequency Response: 20hz to 20khz
Connector: 078mm 2pin
Scoring:
Tonality: 8/10
Technicality: 8.5/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Build: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Total: 32.5/40
Note:
This is purchased by myself for usage and review.
TLDR:
This is a IEM that surprised me. I have owned dynamic IEMS and other Planar Large Driver IEMs. The dynamics and excitement for this IEM is truly special while still maintaining really good clarity, soundstage and tonality. Its bass may not go super low but you get a good punch in exchange while on the treble front, they can be quite sparkly or even approaching metallic but never too harsh with the right filter. Overall, this is a very enjoyable IEM that you should try out.
Introduction
The Simgot EA1000 for me was an accidental last minute purchase. I was shopping around for some IEMs and happened to see this listed on my shopping application as new and upcoming. Doing a very quick search, it seems to be well received so I just got it to try. It truly is a worthy purchase.
Packaging and Build Quality:
The packaging came with 2 set of tips of different size, a case and 3 sets of filter. The default fitted one is the red filter. I will write more about filters in the sound section. Build quality wise, this is a really nice looking IEM, with a pure metal body and a clear surface. It gives off a really premium feel. The cable provided is a silver coated OFC cable. It feels good and sturdy. The cable is not those multi-adaptable types, only providing 3.5mm or 4.4mm, selectable on purchase. The cable is connected to the IEM via a 0.78mm 2 pin. One of the issue is here, the 2 pin socket is recessed into the IEM, this makes alternative cable or True Wireless System (TWS) connection tricky and loose.
Comfort:
This IEM is relatively heavy at about 11.2g per side. Many IEM of its size is lesser than 10g. The shape of the iem fits into the ear nicely. However as it does not have much of a shape, the ear canal and the hook are the main way this IEM is being held up. Its still a relatively comfortable IEM due to its small size and flat profile. Its profile is low enough that you can consider sleeping with them on.
Isolation
The IEM does isolate a good amount but you still hear some sound around you though at very low volume.
Sound Quality
Songs used
Ultima (FF14 soundtrack)
The Witch from Mercury (The Witch from Mercury Soundtrack)
Suzume (Radwimps)
Shatter Me (Lindsey Stirling)
Unravel (ADO)
The Brave (Yoasobi)
Avid (Sawano Hiroyuki)
Comet (Ari Anjou)
Ibara (ADO)
Filter:
The EA1000 comes with 3 filter. The Golden one is the more balanced one, with the red ringed having more treble and the blue ringed reduces the mid and lifts the subbass. I prefer the golden filter as the red was a little harsh to my ears in songs like Shatter Me and Ibara and the blue one just feels like the vocals became hollow and mids sucked out. Golden filter is the one I will use for this review of the sound quality.
Tonality and Dynamic
This is a general neutral sounding IEM with a slight emphasis on Mid Bass and Mids. Its signature is very dynamic sounding and generally exciting to listen to, especially in the frequencies that make a difference to the general listening experience.
Clarity and Detail
The clarity on this IEM is superb. Infact this is a standout feature as the overall signature was really clear without it being treble heavy, maintaining good body and bass with minimal harshness. Details are generally good though in complex music with a lot of frequency, some instruments may disappear as in the song ultima, there was this percussion instrument that suddenly just disappears.
Soundstage
This is a generally wide sounding IEM. It is significantly wider than the widely known truthear Zero:Red, wider than the recently reviewed Duno Talos. It is generally wide left and right with a little depth in-front. The sound is also quite open and airy sounding, which adds to the soundstage feel.
Separation and Position
Separation is really good for this IEM, each instrument can be easily heard in tracks like One WIng Angel, Witch from Mercury or Ultima, all of which are orchestra-like tracks with a lot of instruments. But do note, in really complex tracks that are loud, some softer instruments may disappear. Positioning is mainly left and right with approximate position. So even though it has a relatively good sound stage and separation, positioning is quite limited. In orchestra pieces like One Wing Angel, it's like there are only 5 positions: far left, left, mid right , far right.
Low
Lows to me are very satisfying. I prefer a good amount of impact with sufficient sub basso that the bass sounds impactful yet not overdone. The EA1000 sounds exactly the way I want, with really nice clean impact while with sufficient subbass to feel and hear. The bass is also really clean, not leaking into the mids, giving it a very clean signature. The low does not have too much texture, with the bass sounding horns sounding more like a slightly smooth flat sound then the slight ripples it should have.
Mid
Mids are where this IEM is a standout. It's full bodied, accurate and exciting to listen to. Instruments like violins in Shatter me and Guitars in Unravel are well rendered. Vocals are smooth yet powerful to listen to, this makes songs from ADO a really great experience. Even with all that mids, it still has a good control with minimal harshness in the higher mids. Overall its a very enjoyable experience for vocals and mid instruments.
High
By default, the red filter was fitted on and it was really harsh sounding to me in songs like Shatter Me and Ibara. Once I swap to golden, the harshness is reduced and it makes the treble generally smooth. The treble does have a slightly more bright and sparkly sound, making bells and cymbals sound a touch over but not offensive. I do think this does add slightly to the overall clarity and excitement of the sound.
For amplification, better amplifier do help, but apple dongle is probably good enough. Do watch my video review for more details.
Conclusion
The Simgot EA1000 is a really fun earphone to listen to. It maintains a relatively neutral and accurate tone while being highly dynamic and exciting. Its price is not exactly the cheapest, but to me, it sounds way better than the entry IEMs and the tuning is something I really like without all the sub bass booms. Details and positioning are not the best and so is bass texture, but everything else is just so close to perfect especially for its price that I have it to give it one of the top scores I have for IEMs that I come across so far.
Video Review
Natural Dynamic Exciting
The SImgot EA1000 is a Single Driver with Passive Radiator IEM priced at about $219usd during this write up. This is one of the most dynamic and exciting IEM I have heard while sacrificing little else.
Specs
Driver: 1 Dynamic Driver + 1 Passive Radiator
Sensitivity: 127db/Vrms
Impedance: 16ohm
Effective Frequency Response: 20hz to 20khz
Connector: 078mm 2pin
Scoring:
Tonality: 8/10
Technicality: 8.5/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Build: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Total: 32.5/40
Note:
This is purchased by myself for usage and review.
TLDR:
This is a IEM that surprised me. I have owned dynamic IEMS and other Planar Large Driver IEMs. The dynamics and excitement for this IEM is truly special while still maintaining really good clarity, soundstage and tonality. Its bass may not go super low but you get a good punch in exchange while on the treble front, they can be quite sparkly or even approaching metallic but never too harsh with the right filter. Overall, this is a very enjoyable IEM that you should try out.
Introduction
The Simgot EA1000 for me was an accidental last minute purchase. I was shopping around for some IEMs and happened to see this listed on my shopping application as new and upcoming. Doing a very quick search, it seems to be well received so I just got it to try. It truly is a worthy purchase.
Packaging and Build Quality:
The packaging came with 2 set of tips of different size, a case and 3 sets of filter. The default fitted one is the red filter. I will write more about filters in the sound section. Build quality wise, this is a really nice looking IEM, with a pure metal body and a clear surface. It gives off a really premium feel. The cable provided is a silver coated OFC cable. It feels good and sturdy. The cable is not those multi-adaptable types, only providing 3.5mm or 4.4mm, selectable on purchase. The cable is connected to the IEM via a 0.78mm 2 pin. One of the issue is here, the 2 pin socket is recessed into the IEM, this makes alternative cable or True Wireless System (TWS) connection tricky and loose.
Comfort:
This IEM is relatively heavy at about 11.2g per side. Many IEM of its size is lesser than 10g. The shape of the iem fits into the ear nicely. However as it does not have much of a shape, the ear canal and the hook are the main way this IEM is being held up. Its still a relatively comfortable IEM due to its small size and flat profile. Its profile is low enough that you can consider sleeping with them on.
Isolation
The IEM does isolate a good amount but you still hear some sound around you though at very low volume.
Sound Quality
Songs used
Ultima (FF14 soundtrack)
The Witch from Mercury (The Witch from Mercury Soundtrack)
Suzume (Radwimps)
Shatter Me (Lindsey Stirling)
Unravel (ADO)
The Brave (Yoasobi)
Avid (Sawano Hiroyuki)
Comet (Ari Anjou)
Ibara (ADO)
Filter:
The EA1000 comes with 3 filter. The Golden one is the more balanced one, with the red ringed having more treble and the blue ringed reduces the mid and lifts the subbass. I prefer the golden filter as the red was a little harsh to my ears in songs like Shatter Me and Ibara and the blue one just feels like the vocals became hollow and mids sucked out. Golden filter is the one I will use for this review of the sound quality.
Tonality and Dynamic
This is a general neutral sounding IEM with a slight emphasis on Mid Bass and Mids. Its signature is very dynamic sounding and generally exciting to listen to, especially in the frequencies that make a difference to the general listening experience.
Clarity and Detail
The clarity on this IEM is superb. Infact this is a standout feature as the overall signature was really clear without it being treble heavy, maintaining good body and bass with minimal harshness. Details are generally good though in complex music with a lot of frequency, some instruments may disappear as in the song ultima, there was this percussion instrument that suddenly just disappears.
Soundstage
This is a generally wide sounding IEM. It is significantly wider than the widely known truthear Zero:Red, wider than the recently reviewed Duno Talos. It is generally wide left and right with a little depth in-front. The sound is also quite open and airy sounding, which adds to the soundstage feel.
Separation and Position
Separation is really good for this IEM, each instrument can be easily heard in tracks like One WIng Angel, Witch from Mercury or Ultima, all of which are orchestra-like tracks with a lot of instruments. But do note, in really complex tracks that are loud, some softer instruments may disappear. Positioning is mainly left and right with approximate position. So even though it has a relatively good sound stage and separation, positioning is quite limited. In orchestra pieces like One Wing Angel, it's like there are only 5 positions: far left, left, mid right , far right.
Low
Lows to me are very satisfying. I prefer a good amount of impact with sufficient sub basso that the bass sounds impactful yet not overdone. The EA1000 sounds exactly the way I want, with really nice clean impact while with sufficient subbass to feel and hear. The bass is also really clean, not leaking into the mids, giving it a very clean signature. The low does not have too much texture, with the bass sounding horns sounding more like a slightly smooth flat sound then the slight ripples it should have.
Mid
Mids are where this IEM is a standout. It's full bodied, accurate and exciting to listen to. Instruments like violins in Shatter me and Guitars in Unravel are well rendered. Vocals are smooth yet powerful to listen to, this makes songs from ADO a really great experience. Even with all that mids, it still has a good control with minimal harshness in the higher mids. Overall its a very enjoyable experience for vocals and mid instruments.
High
By default, the red filter was fitted on and it was really harsh sounding to me in songs like Shatter Me and Ibara. Once I swap to golden, the harshness is reduced and it makes the treble generally smooth. The treble does have a slightly more bright and sparkly sound, making bells and cymbals sound a touch over but not offensive. I do think this does add slightly to the overall clarity and excitement of the sound.
For amplification, better amplifier do help, but apple dongle is probably good enough. Do watch my video review for more details.
Conclusion
The Simgot EA1000 is a really fun earphone to listen to. It maintains a relatively neutral and accurate tone while being highly dynamic and exciting. Its price is not exactly the cheapest, but to me, it sounds way better than the entry IEMs and the tuning is something I really like without all the sub bass booms. Details and positioning are not the best and so is bass texture, but everything else is just so close to perfect especially for its price that I have it to give it one of the top scores I have for IEMs that I come across so far.
Disclaimer:
Simgot was kind enough to send in the EA1000 for review, as part of an Australian audio review tour, I wasn't paid for the review, any opinions, thoughts are my own.
Cable, Accessories:
Cable, Tips, Gear, Ect Used For This Review:
Stock sliver plated Simgot, two core cable, with 3.5mm jack.
Large Kbear 07 tips.
Xduoo XP2 BAL
SMSL HO100 headphone amp
Xduoo XQ50 Pro2 DAC
Tidal HiFi Music.
Build Quality:
Build is exceptional, all metal shell, refined and classy look.
Tuning Nozzles:
Red: Bassiest, with a slight reduction of the mids and treble.
Black: Felt the most balanced, in the lows, mids and highs.
Gold: More elevated upper mids and treble.
Sub Bass:
The sub bass extension is really good on the EA1000, it gets pretty deep, has a natural texture and rumble, hits just right, with good weight and a natural decay, and gives depth to the sound stage.
I don't think I've personally heard another single dynamic IEM, that has the sub bass extension of the EA1000.
The bass is also pretty clean and well textured, pretty natural too.
The amount of perceived sub bass also depends on the nozzles you choose, the red nozzles felt like they gave the most bass, with the reduced treble and mids, while the black nozzles has the most balance between the sub bass, mids and treble, while the gold had a bit more of the upper mids and treble extension.
The sub bass doesn't really seem to bleed too much into the mids, maybe slightly, but it's well controlled, the lower mids are warm and lush too.
Mids:
Mids are fairly natural, good texture, warm and inviting, not too forward and not pushed back either, also not harsh at all in the mids, and depending on which nozzles you choose, will effect the mids and treble a bit.
I personally preferred the gold nozzles myself, for the bit of extra extension in the upper treble, and gave vocals a great natural tone, with a little bit extra micro details.
Male and female vocals sound great, they have plenty of warmth and great texture, very natural.
Guitars, base, electric and acoustic, as well as pianos all sound really natural, with great resolution.
Treble:
The treble is quite detailed natural and has good micro details too, and there's good extension in the upper treble, with a good sense of air.
Especially with the gold nozzles, the treble had the most clarity and micro details with the gold nozzles, but it could be a little bright for some, who are more treble sensitive.
EA1000 Vs EA500:
The EA1000 has a more detailed, more pronounced sound, with better micro details, better resolution, fuller, deeper sub bass, a more holographic sound stage, with more micro details.
The sound stage of the EA1000 also naturally has more depth than the EA500 too.
Vocals and instruments are more resolved, clearer, more natural on the EA1000.
I believe it's a step up in the same kind of way the EA500, is a step up from the Simgot EW200, where it has a more mature sound, with a more resolving character, such is the case with the EA1000, you go up again in resolution, micro details and stage depth.
I think the EA1000 offers a great value for money in its price range.
It's a more superior upgrade to the EA500, with a more premium built and accessories package.
Well that's about all I can say on the Simgot EA1000.
It's been an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Thanks again to Simgot for sending out the EA1000 for review.
You can also find my video review of the EA1000 on my YouTube channel,
youtube.com/@AudioReviewsDownunder
Also want to thank my fellow Australian audio review tour group members, who also helped to make this review possible,
David Haworth
Marco Patruno
Ricky Scott
Lok Leung
Osman Hashem
I look forward to bringing more reviews in 2024.
Many thanks to anyone who took the time to read this review.
D
David Haworth
That sounds like the best single DD around. Can't wait to have a listen 
Great review!
Great review!
Single Dynamic Driver IEM with 3 differently tuned nozzles - £219.99
Simgot - Fermat's Last Theorem
With gratitude to Simgot for including myself in their reviewer distribution, I hereby contribute my take on Fermat's Theorem. No money has been exchanged in return for this, or any other review, for that matter. Simgot also provided me with the LC7 cable. I worked out that this constituted a grand total of 9 listening modes. I did them all, just for you.
First off, you'll want to know why this IEM is called Fermat's Theorem. The Fermat is also known as the EA1000. I suspect that no other IEM will be called anything like the Fermat, so, at least for me, I'll find it easier to remember. Think about it - it's already making an impression, before it's had a listen.... Fermat's Theorem is a mathematical problem posed by a French gent called Fermat. Arguably one of the greatest challenges ever presented, it was finally answered by Alan Wiles, in 1995, over 350 years later. I no more understand the question than the solution, but more information is contained in the packaging of the product. In particular, you can become a member of the gold card club. The equation that proves the theorem to everyone's satisfaction is embossed on it, so you can put it in your wallet and proudly display it whenever the conversation turns to either 1637, or integers. The company's brand is described as a salute to Science and Art, and I believe, in the EA1000, they've outscienced all but the most sciency of us.
I am a member of the Gold Card Club!
About the Simgot EA1000
Does the Fermat justify the lofty aspirations of the Theorem that took three and a half centuries to crack? It does not have the glamour of the multi driver hybrid setup, a useful marketing tool as well as , arguably, a way of overcoming some limitations of the tinyness of the in-ear model. Of course, a single driver design cannot suffer from crossover distortion, a problem which has to be addressed with every other hybrid earphone.
Worry ye not; Simgot has some tricks up their sleeves! Instead of going with a hybrid setup, the EA1000 has a 3 nozzle system. There's 3 different sound signatures to go for. Simply unscrew a nozzle from the driver housing, screw a different nozzle in, and you'll have a sound that corresponds to 1 of 3 different frequency curves.
Harman research is renowned for it's frequency curve. It took a huge sampling of the sound signatures preferred by the music listening public and took an average of them all. Voilà! This was born the Harman Frequency Response Target. This is a curve that many manufacturers have placed their reputations on, and they tune their products to stick as closely to the curve as their drivers can handle. The Harman response is, by definition, a jack of all trades, and a master of none. Not many people chose that exact bass hump and reduction in treble, but there again, manufacturers are pandering to the masses, and it makes sense to follow the path of least resistance, as the Harman Frequency Response Curve will be ok for the majority of listeners.
It's often best to play it safe when you're looking for mass appeal. What Simgot has done is to take 3 tweaks of the Harman Curve, and tune their nozzles accordingly. The tuning is subtle, as I'm sure has been mentioned before. Nevertheless, married to a decent source, the flavours of each become apparent. Yes, I am also willing to include my Samsung A52 smartphone in my list of good matches. I accept, and have no issue, with those of you out there who are minimalists, and use nothing but a phone to listen to your music. That is surely the aspiration of every portable audio enthusiast. It certainly takes a lot less space in one's apartment/rucksack or trouser pocket. For those of you who have seen the light; forgive me! I shall be basing the majority of my insights on the splendiferous Fiio M11.
What it is about there always being something unique about each iem I show you? It is a tribute to the imagination of the research teams that they find new ways to fill what is in reality a tiny space of driver and housing. Simgot's latest iem here has SDPGD and PR logos proudly displayed on its shiny packaging. The first abbreviation stands for 'sputter deposition purple gold diaphragm', the second relates to a new design of a resinating chamber, called 'passive radiators'. The dynamic drivers have dual magnets, the diaphragm of the drivers have been sparkled up with a few layers of gold, they sit in a new acoustic chamber, and the nozzles can change the signature. All in all, a very good sell. The whole thing is presented in a shiny box, with the signature Simgot case. It's ready to roll with a silver plated oxygen free copper cable in the Litz, or woven, design. The cable has a velcro tie and a chin strap, and is terminated in a 3.5 jack.
Simgot realise that many of us have balanced connections on some of our more bespoke devices and to that end, have also supplied me with their LC7 cable, available for $69.99, which not only sports the usual 3.5 jack; it can morph into a 4.4 as needed, an unbalanced or balanced cable; not something I normally see.
The LC7 Upgrade cable
For those of you that are keeping up with this, that means I have a grand total of 12 comparisons to get through; 3 nozzle variants on the smartphone using the standard cable, 3 using the LC7, and the whole process repeated for my M11 test. Wish me luck.....
The Sound Test
The smartphone test was quickly underway. 3 nozzles, 3 signatures. Will I like the red, blue or black nozzle? For the Samsung phone I went for the red nozzle. The silver steel tube, built around the Harman 2019 curve. This was regardless of which cable I was using. The LC7 cable is much heavier, and would be more problematic for a vigorous workout, but sounded better, needless to say. The Fiio M11, again, no surprises, worked best with the LC7 cable and a 4.4 jack popped onto the end of it. For the M11, my preference was for the copper nozzle. The bass was faster and the mids were slightly more pronounced. The stock cable had a softer sound than the upgrade cable. The termination of the LC7 cable did not initially fit into my A52 jack. With the protective case off, no problems. The Fiio M11 was fine with either cable. My case is a rather bulky affair. It's a sort of pelican design. Thinner cases should accommodate fine, but worth noting if you are thinking of pushing the EA1000 a bit more.
I am pleased to say that I was impressed with the Fermat's. They gave a really good account of an HDCD version of 'It's still rock n roll to me' by Billy Joel from his 1980 album, 'Glass Houses'. This was an Audio Fidelity release, and was an extremely limited edition. This version has long since been out of print, is not available on any streaming platform, has an incredibly high sound quality, and proves that retro is not only alive and well in the 21st Century, in many cases it is a darn sight better. The song was chosen for its fidelity, driving rock sound and use of brass instruments, always a good test for an earphone. The rich tonal cleanliness of the track shone through on the EA1000, with the smooth, silky delivery on my smartphone, contrasting with the attack of the M11. There will be a lifetime of adventures out there for the swapper; does the copper suit classical music better than the middle of the road red nozzle? Will rock , or pop, or hip hop , benefit from the slight bass light of the blue nozzle? I can state that I believe the effort will be rewarded for those who will become loyal followers of the Simgot Fermat.
Conclusion
In the right environment, say in front of TV you need to avoid watching, in a bed where your partner is fast asleep and you're not; this is where the qualities of an IEM like this can flourish, and a full size headphone, such as the similarly priced HiFiMan Sundara, can be beaten. It's difficult to see where they can improve on the sound of a single dynamic driver at the price level of £219.99. There are hybrids out there that people will prefer, there are planar iems in this price range; but they both offer a different sound. The punchy delivery of a single dynamic driver is a timeless enjoyment that , thankfully, has survived, and even flourished, despite the relentless quest for the answer to Hi-fi's ultimate question - how can I improve the sound quality? Sometimes, my friends, the answer to the future lies in the achievements of the past.
NOTES:
The Simgot EA1000 Fermat is yet another release from this manufacturer of high quality iems. Coming in at $220 USD, the EA1000 has a few tricks up its sleeve with a driver compliment that not only includes and advanced 10mm dynamic driver but a 6mm Passive radiator as well. This brings back memories growing up around lots of different speakers some of which used the same tech. As opposed to a ported design, the passive radiator has a diaphragm with no motor, voice coil and magnet, utilizing the pressure from the main woofer to move said diaphragm and in some cases be used to control or tailor the response of the main driver.
Tech aside the main dynamic drive of the EA1000 is described as follows: “EA1000 incorporates sputter deposition purple-Gold diaphragm technology, which is a specialized diaphragm manufacturing process resulting in a diaphragm with high rigidity, lightweight properties, and a beautiful purple gold color.”
Furthermore:” DMDC™ Dynamic Driver: It employs the second-generation DMDC™ dual magnetic and dual chamber technology, optimized for enhanced magnetic flux and improved control, providing a wider frequency range, exceptional dynamic range, and precise high-frequency performance.”
At this point I should point out that every manufacturer loves to put out these descriptions filled with keywords and promises, more often than not accompanied by a lot of hot air. Simgot though may be going down a different path and describing the actual tech which they have implemented to a high degree of audio excellence.
The EA1000 is tunable by virtue of the three replaceable tuning nozzles it ships with. Each does offer a change in sound and I found that the black nozzles afforded the EA1000 the most balanced presentation and were used for the majority of testing.
Easy to drive the EA1000 does offer a high level of technical prowess and deserves to be driven by a more capable source. Tip & cable rolling should not be overlooked here as well in order to achieve that perfect synergy. With respect to a source, I found that it really depended on which nozzle was used. I would recommend either a neutral of warmer source to drive the EA1000.
Read on to find how the Simgot EA1000 Fermat performed.
SPECS:
• Driver: 1 x SPGDP dynamic driver and 1 X passive radiator
• Impedance (Ohm): 16 ohms
• Sensitivity (dB): 127 dB/Vrms
• Frequency Response (Hz): 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Cup/Shell Jack: 2-pin
BUILD, FIT & QUALITY:
The Simgot EA1000 Fermat has excellent build quality. The solid metal shells not only reinforce this observation but are weighty as well. Each shell is adorned with a beautiful white faceplate with tastefully applied branding.
The retail presentation is becoming of a $200 iem and the included accessories are of similar high quality. The cable is quite nice, only negative is that like many others Simgot does not offer a 4.4mm balanced or modular cable at this price.
The EA1000 is medium in size and fitment was not an issue. Comfort in long listening sessions were never a concern.
SOUND:
BASS:
The EA1000 has bass that has good extension and sounded at times BA like with respect to its speed and control. This is not a basshead set by any means as those folks may find the Fermat wanting. Mid-bass is somewhat more prominent than sub-bass here by the way. Detail and texture reproduction are a standout as well.
Listening to “No Worries” by the Robert Glasper Trio the double bass was a little more behind the drum kit and piano than I had heard recently but was reproduced with the bass texture clearly audible while sounding exceptionally clean. Moving on the “Poem of the Chinese Drum” by Hok-Man Yim the EA1000 was impressive with great control and clarity in the lower registers. “Barley” by Lizz Wright has a thundering drum backdrop and the EA1000 showed its colours being more “Audiophile” then “Party Animal” here with a bass that is articulate yet full as opposed to overly thick and punishing.
MIDRANGE:
The Midrange of the Simgot EA1000 Fermat is arguably its pride and joy. The mids are wide open with excellent clarity. Female vocals in particular have a sense of clarity that is ear catching while male vocals at times did lack a measure of body or fullness. Detail retrieval is excellent with ample micro and macro details heard. The EA1000 does pull more detail out of a track than almost all competitors in this price range without sounding clinical.
“Sweet Love” by Anita Baker had this ICON vocalist coming through with tons of detail and delicious clarity fully allowing her emotional delivery to be experienced. On “Change Your Mind” by Moonchild, vocalist Amber Navaran’s whimsical delivery was enticing.
With respect to male vocalists, “Tenderhearted Lover” by John Stoddart offered similar clarity but lacking some of the aforementioned warmth and fullness tending to sound just a tad thin.
Timbre is quite good and the handling of dynamics and transients also stood out approaching what is usually heard in better BA based sets. Separation and layering were also commendable with the metric of separation being somewhat more prominent among the two.
I need to talk a little more about how the EA1000 handles transients. I found its behaviour in this regard to be excellent. Rim shots had the sharp urgency that made them pop with the falloff being organic.
I was impressed with the DD+PR setup used in the EA1000 and regardless of the controversy surrounding its implementation, the results speak for themselves. The midrange of the EA1000 is a winner and except for a touch of fullness missing from male vocals had an openness and clarity that really pulls the listener in.
TREBLE:
The treble of the Simgot EA1000 Fermat is well extended with satisfying amounts of sparkle and air. I have not heard treble reproduced this cleanly from a DD based iem since the much more expensive Meze Audio Advar.
Detail retrieval is very good and the top end is reproduced smoothly with no harshness. Remarkably at times the treble reproduction sounded more BA like but with no BA timbre. This in of itself is impressive to be honest and is a testament to the quality of the driver used and its implementation and tuning.
The cymbal work on Ronny Jordan’s “Vanston Place 12am” was very satisfying really opening up this already airy track. The air was palpable around each tap on the cymbals which was quite satisfying once again.
CONCLUSION:
Simgot are on a roll here. After experiencing the EM6l, EA500 and EW200 I didn’t know what to expect from the more upscale EA1000. Those three previously mentioned iem were quite good and the EA1000 builds upon them with added refinement. The EA1000 has great technicalities and this level of detail retrieval is next level at its asking price. It offers and open sound with ample clarity. The EA1000 is an engaging listen for sure.
If you are in the market for an iem that gushes technicalities and detail with outstanding build quality plus the added flexibility of tuning nozzles, the Simgot EA1000 Fermat needs to be on your very short list.
The Simgot EA1000 Fermat gets a Strong recommendation.
Attachments
bamboostreet
Barry Adamson from Lost highway soundtrack?!? Excellent review, thanks!
General/Packaging/Build/Comfort
Simgot is a brand that needs to be introduced to the community. They have released several products that remain popular till today, namely the EA500 as well as the EW200, both which i have also reviewed and tested and like it a lot. The packaging of EA1000 is similar in the sense of presentation and style to EM6L as well as EA500, within the box, it consists of a very high quality cable, sadly it is non modular, standard eartips as well as the tuning nozzles. The shell is all metal and the unit feels very solid, as with most mirror finish IEM, the EA1000 is prone to fingerprints and micro scratches as well. The configuration is a 1DD+1PR. In terms of comfort, I have no issues wearing the unit for long sessions (2-3 hours).
Gears used for this review
- Earmen Angel
- iFi HipDac 3
- Hiby R6 II
- EA1000 with stock tips and Simgot LC7 cable
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far
Brief Sound Impression for the nozzles
- Silver nozzle with black ring - Offers the most treble extension and air as well as sparkles, not my preference as my tolerance towards the highs are not that good, but trebleheads will definitely love this tuning
- Gold nozzle - The treble is slightly more relaxed but the upper mids are boosted so it might be shouty on certain track, depending on my mood, sometimes i actually preferred the gold nozzle, but most of the time i’m using it with the silver nozzle with red ring
Sound Impression ( Red Ringed Nozzle with Simgot LC7 Cable )
The overall tuning is leaning towards neutral bright yet it doesn’t sound dry nor lean. There’s also a slight mid bass emphasis to add the slight warmth or thickness to the overall frequency. Nothing to fault in terms of timbre, very natural sounding overall.
Bass
- The bass is definitely the strength of this IEM, the PR is definitely working its magic here
- Very good bass texture and also speed
- The amount of bass is good enough for my library and tip rolling can help to slightly boost the bass as well, or alternatively iFi HipDac 3’s Xbass does work as well
- Timbre sounds correct to me and the midrange is actually quite lush
- Vocal doesn’t sound recessed, both male and female vocal has good texture to it,doesn’t sound thin at all
- Bass doesn’t bleed into the mids
- In general,i find that the mids are smooth from the lower mids to upper mids ( this is based on the impression of the red ringed nozzle )
- The treble is smooth, it has enough energy but not to the point where it is harsh and sibilant
- Detail retrieval is very good for its class, very detailed yet it doesn’t sound clinical and overly analytical
- Good amount of air that contributes the expansive soundstage
- EA1000 has very good and expansive soundstage, good width and height perception as well as the depth, this is likely benefited from the implementation of the PR
- Imaging is good whereby the instruments can be pinpointed easily
- EA1000 is very easy to drive, but it does scale with amplification, in terms of bass control and dynamics, personally, i prefer pairing it with a neutral or slightly warm source for a balanced and musical presentation
- Falcon Ultra is a single DD with swappable nozzle
- The overall tonality of Falcon Ultra is slightly warmer due to a more relaxed treble presentation
- Depending on the nozzle, blue nozzle offers the most analytical presentation but on certain track and after a long listening session, it might be a little fatiguing as the uppers mids and treble can be too much for some
- Gold nozzle on the other hand smoothen things out, a safer upper mids as well as a more relaxed treble
- Bass presentation on the Falcon Ultra is speedy, it doesn’t have that kind of decay from EA1000 which offers a little bit more fun
- Both Falcon Ultra and EA1000 are fingerprint magnet
Final Thoughts
Having tested several IEMs from the brand itself, namely the EA500, EM6l, EW200 as well as EW100P, they are all good in their own way and of course with some misses, but my personal favourite from the brand will be the EA1000 that i reviewed today, for the asking price, it offers a lot in terms of technical performance as well as musicality. I think the EA1000 is the greatest hit from Simgot and I'm definitely looking forward to their upcoming releases. The EA1000 is highly recommended!
*The EA1000 and LC7 are sent over by Simgot/Linsoul for the purpose of this review. I thank them for the support and opportunity as always
Simgot EA1000 - Non affiliated
Simgot LC7 - Non affiliated
Disclaimer: Simgot provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Introduction and Packaging Impression
Simgot EA1000 "Fermat" ($219) is a single 10mm dynamic driver IEM with a 6mm passive radiator. I've been quite intriqued by Simgot's naming scheme, with some interesting write-up inside the box about the famous mathematical problem "Fermat's Last Theorem". For those who are not familiar with it, it is one of the most difficult mathematical problem ever solved in human history with the largest number of unsuccessful proofs, and Simgot is drawing parallels between the humanity's effort to solve this problem with their work in designing EA1000 as an homage to the eventual proof of this theorem in 1995. Quite a lofty idea here, but Simgot indeed is one of the first IEM manufacturers who popularized passive radiator in IEM design with the EA2000.What is a passive radiator?
This is a more commonly used technology in full-sized speakers, it is basically a speaker unit without voice coils or magnet that will resonate with the main speaker driver at certain frequency. It is usually used to resonate with the bass frequencies in a non-vented (non-ported) design.
However, if you see the shell of the EA1000, there seems to be a vent as well as the big hole for the passive radiator, making it pretty puzzling. Also, as I was researching about this IEM (and also its big brother, the EA2000), there are a few skeptical people who expressed doubts whether this PR is just a gimmick and basically useless due to the lack of full seal and the fact that IEM is being used so close to your ears, it would not matter so much. However, as I listened to EA1000, I would say that there is definitely some merit to the passive radiator here. I will get into more details in sound impression.
The packaging feels premium, with an excellent carrying case. The cable is very pretty with a very nice finish, however only available in 3.5mm. Given the power demands on this IEM, I really would have liked it if it is available in 4.4mm. There are 6 pairs of eartips, 2 pairs of each size, so you will have some spare in case you lose some. There are also 2 pairs of alternative tuning nozzles: one pair golden copper, one pair silver steel with black ring. The default installed filer is silver steel with red ring.
Sound Impression
Sources: SMSL H300+D300 stack, Fiio Q15, ifi Gryphon, Hiby FC6, Topping G5, L&P W2-131Setup: Stock L size eartips, stock cable (3.5mm), Yongse SCC SPC 2-core cable (4.4mm)
Music Sources: Local FLAC (redbook/hi-res), Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless
The IEM has undergone a 30-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.
First, I have to address the tuning nozzles. This is my brief impressions of each of them:
- Silver with red ring (default): smoothest upper mids with good amount details
- Silver with black ring: sparklier than the default nozzle, best treble extensions among the three and the most resolving, but can be shouty
- Gold: quite shouty, but offers the most distinctive texture in upper mids; personally not my favourite
I personally prefer the silver with black ring nozzle, but I do acknowledge that I'm quite tolerant towards some shoutiness. I believe the default nozzle will be have the widest appeal. Also, I think most people will go with the default settings at first, so the rest of the review with the default configuration.
So, the big question is: does passive radiator (PR) make a difference?
I would say it does. Let me explain: in a hybrid design, the tuner can individually adjust individual frequency ranges to match the target sound independently, but in single-driver design, any changes will often affect the whole frequency range. PR allows the tuner to specifically target just the bass frequencies more accurately. Comparing the EA1000 to its PR-less sibling, the EA500, you can tell that in EA500, the tone and texture is uniform across the frequency range, but in EA1000, the bass region is noticeably more resonant and has more reverberation than the rest of the frequency range, something that's unusual in a single-driver configuration.
I find that EA1000 is very technical in the upper mids and treble with a decent amount of air. The overall tuning can be described as neutral-bright, but there is a slight midbass emphasis to add that "thickness". It seems that the PR does something to the bass perception of the IEM, since on graph, it should be quite similar to the EA500, but I feel more rumble with EA1000.
Bass
I would say that EA1000 has one of the best bass texture and timbre regardless of the price range. The low notes are rumbly and deep, with long enough decay to get that smooth bass sensation. The only thing that I sometimes find missing is the bass amount, which I think separates this from TOTL-class IEMs' bass performance. I attempted to rectify the bass quantity by adding a modest bass boost with PEQ at around 250 Hz and below or by using ifi's XBass, but I noticed some audible distortion. That said, in majority of my tracks, I find the bass quantity and quality to be sufficient. I think EA1000's bass is definitely the highlight of this IEM.Midrange
The midrange is very well done at this price point with a lot of details and natural timbre. There is a slight concern of shoutiness in certain tracks, but nothing that some tip rolling can't fix if it really bothers you. The vocals are neither too forward nor too recessed, and I find both male and female vocals are equally well-reproduced with great texture and note weight. I think the overall midrange impression is very positive for me.Treble
I find the treble to be excellent. I think the presence of the passive radiator allows Simgot to put in a very fast DD with a very good detail retrieval without making the bass too tight. This makes the treble performance also equally a highlight and impressive for the price range. The treble does seem to perform more similarly to a BA, but without the BA timbre. The treble texture is also relatively smooth without any harshness, and the treble extension is excellent. I think EA1000 can easily go toe-to-toe or beat hybrid IEMs at its price range.Technicalities
Soundstage and resolution are the two standout technicalities of EA1000. I find EA1000 to be grand sounding, some sort of opera house effect to a certain extent. EA1000 does have that lower frequencies reverberations that keeps the staging natural and enhances the sense of spatial awareness. The resolution, as I mentioned earlier, is excellent due to the really agile driver. Layering and imaging also benefit a lot from the expansive soundstage and excellent detail retrieval. For the price point, nothing to complain about.Driving Requirements & Pairing Suggestion
While EA1000 is relatively easy to be driven, it does scale a lot with power, especially in the bass department. Some amps with tighter bass control like the H300 and L&P W2-131 have noticeably better bass rumble and texture. I would also avoid pairing it with brighter sources like Topping G5, which may exarcebate the potential shoutiness.Select Comparisons
Simgot EA500 ($79):People with EA500 would be more likely to look into EA1000 as potential upgrade. I would say, EA1000 is indeed an upgrade from EA500 in all aspects; if you want more from EA500, then EA1000 is the answer. Tonality are very close, but timbral quality is much better with EA1000. However, I find that EA500 to be the less fussy one in amp pairing, so depending on your existing setup and upgrade budget, you might want to plan well if you think of upgrading to EA1000 from EA500.
Tangzu x HBB Wu Zetian Heyday Edition ($199):
I mentioned in my previous review that WZT Heyday is my $200 gatekeeper personally. Given that EA1000 is slightly above $200, I think the status quo is undisturbed, but if I was asked to buy one right now, I'd spend the extra $20 and get the EA1000. The level of technicalities are similar, but tone and timbre of EA1000 is way more superior. The rumble of the bass and vocal performance is also much better with the EA1000, I find that the performance difference is much larger than the price difference.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
I think Simgot did hit the homerun with EA1000 this time. I personally did not find EA500 to be that special (in fact, I prefer the EW200 instead), but EA1000 is really offering something special. The PR technology certainly works in this implementation to my ears, and it's hard to find what not to like about this IEM. I would easily recommend this to anyone even for blind buy. Easy 5 stars from me.
Hello everyone, and thank you for dropping by. I'm excited to discuss and share my impressions about the EA1000, an in-ear monitor (IEM) that holds a very special place in my heart and ears. Much has been said and shared about the EA1000 already, and it is the flavor of the month for the community. We already have heaps of praise and positive words pouring in from all directions, and love for these IEMs is widespread. I am only going to affirm the same about these iems in my own words.
I've had the pleasure of using these IEMs for the past few weeks. Initially, I was a bit lazy about writing a review, waiting for the right moment and mindset to fully express my thoughts. Interestingly, I wasn't even aware of the existence of the EA1000 until @FiaLm asked me to review it. The Simgot brand name was not something I had encountered frequently until the recent buzz around a couple of IEMs from the brand. I was familiar with the EW200, which, in my opinion, is an outstanding IEM for its price. However, I hadn't come across any other offerings from the brand before. EA1000 is a sweet surprise, for sure.
Once the unit was shipped, I began reading the impressions shared by fellow audiophiles, and the excitement continued to grow. There were good words all around, and I was impressed right from the start. Until a few months ago, I wasn't much into budget IEMs. However, with the OD200 and EA1000, my perspective and focus have shifted. EA1000 has the potential to change someone's views on budget offerings. Are they the best budget IEMs I've heard of? Probably yes, but let's delve into the details, and we'll assess that by the end. I am sure reading this review will help you get a good idea of how these iems sound and what can be expected from them.
Rating Criteria:
I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. I think the fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.
Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.
Technical Details:
Drivers: 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit and dual-cavity structure dynamic
Cable: High-Purity Silver-Plated OFC Litz Structure
Connectors Type: Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin
PRICE: $219.99 USD
Build and fit:
I so much adore the simple yet elegant design of the EA1000. The design on the face plate is a work of art. I am sure everyone has seen the zoomed-in image of those face plates. Doesn't that look adorable? Those metal shells shine brightly and are just exquisite. The shells are small, and the weight seems to be on the heavier side, which is mostly because of the smaller size. Had the size been a bit bigger, the weight would have been better distributed, and they would be lighter. The fit, however, should not be an issue for anyone with small or big ears. For me, it provides a snug fit for my ears without causing any intrusive sensations. It's easy to put these on for longer hours without any fatigue or strain. The nozzle is a bit small and on the wider side. I tried pairing the iems with multiple eartips. Azla Light gives me the best fit, and the shells sit flush inside. I have read a couple of reviews mentioning some fit issues. I think everyone should try these iems with Azla tips; they will find a good fit for sure. Once it fits well and you get a good seal, the bass hits really well. So getting a good fit is of utmost importance for these iems to shine. Also worth mentioning is the non-existence of any pressure buildup whatsoever.
Sound:
Where should I begin while describing the sound quality? These iems are amazingly tuned and highly capable, and I am just blown away by their abilities. The resolution these iems offer is truly exceptional; it's like they have a monster's ability to unravel every fine detail. It's hard to imagine finding such quality sound in this price range and much beyond, and it's even more mind-blowing that a company could achieve this on a budget. They are bright, or, say, treble-focused, but that hot and spicy brightness will not disturb you much. It should not come as a negative aspect of these iems. It does not get to a level to be called overly bright. Honestly, I do not think that's even a thing for these brilliant-sounding iems. The red nozzle is good enough and does bring down the brightness. If you can pair these with a good copper cable and a warmish dap, you are in for a great surprise tour. Let's explore the sound profile in more detail.
Bass:
This is one of the best bass I have heard in a budget- to mid-fi-level iems. I am always on the lookout for good bass, quality over quantity, and these iems possess a very high quality bass. I was in love with the bass since the first time I put them in. It may not be a bass-head level of bass, but I do not think anyone will find them less in quantity. The bass is never underwhelming or overpowering. There is some new tech, and the introduction of a passive radiator makes the bass more fine-tuned and enjoyable. There is a nice feel of reverb and a very lifelike and natural feel to the bass texture. The subbass is quite prominent too. I think these iems have all the goodness of DD bass and add some extra refined bass on top of it. When you listen to some engaging tracks—metal and rock songs—the drums kick with good impact. On less engaging and relaxed tracks, the bass is just right, seamlessly blending with the higher frequencies and allowing you to focus on other aspects of the music. The controlled nature of the bass in these iems truly sets them apart from the crowd.
Mids:
The mids on these iems are just wonderful. They are a bit forward, which aligns with my preference. The tonal weight is quite good, which adds a nice character and body to the mid-range. Thanks to the brilliant resolution on these iems, every tiny detail is brought forward in the most engaging way. The clean and crisp mid-range is the soul of the show for me. This goodness in mids provides clarity and accuracy, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with a natural and lifelike timbre. There is a very nice richness in the way string instruments sound. Overall, there is an emotionally engaging sound that is more romantic than musical. The upper mids have a bit of higher energy but do not get shouty at all. Vocals on these iems must be talked about. There is a sense of warmth and intimacy in the vocals, irrespective of the genres you listen to. Both male and female vocals are full of soul, with no thinness or unwanted heaviness whatsoever. Every bit of raw power and delicate nuance are conveyed properly. Needless to say, this is again an amazing achievement. The mids are always a special sauce for an iem and I am glad to affirm that this sauce is so exceptionally flavorful on the EA1000.
Treble:
I have a bit of sensitivity to treble, but with these iems, I do not find any fatiguing treble. If someone finds the brightness troublesome, they may have to put in some effort to tame the treble, but for me, I am pretty okay with the red nozzle and a decent copper cable. I think my dap, LPGT, which is a bit on the warmer side, also helps a bit. On more reference sources, it may get disturbing for some. But I am sure we can take some pain for our little champion to shine and show it's full potential. Once the treble is sorted and pleasant, it is evidently of very high quality—balanced, detailed, airy, and expansive. I think this treble is likeable for all genres—jazz, rock, metal, pop, anything. There is a very decent level of transparency and clarity in the treble region. The decay of cymbals, the strumming of the guitar, the extension of high-pitched vocals—everything is captured quite beautifully.
Technicalities:
As evident to this point, these sets are highly technical. I am still unsure how these IEMs are so good at resolving details. In terms of resolution, I think they can give a good fight to most of the iems below the 500 USD mark. The soundstage is quite good, though a bit on the intimate side. Still, there is good depth and height. The imaging on these is quite top-notch and accurate. The positioning of instruments can easily be determined; they have such precision. Adding to all this is quite good instrument separation, which does good justice to busy tracks. The layering of instruments unfolds quite nicely.
Cable Pairing:
The cable which comes with these iems are simply nice. This cable is a silver-plated OFC Litz cable. It does lack a 4.4mm termination which many would find bothering. Thankfully most of us have spare cables which come to rescue. But the omission of a 4.4mm termination is really sad because I really like the quality and finish of these cables. They are shiny, sturdy and lovely to look at. The iems sound as good as on this cable as on other cables. Though I do not have any complaints at all with the default resoultion of these iems, they do resolves quite better when given a premium cable. You can imagine how good this thing can be. I have an Effect Audio prototype cable which is sort of premium quality. The bass impact is better and the treble gets bit of taming. There is bit of widening in the soundstage and there is an extra separation in the instruments. The clarity becomes a lot better. All these things make the iems sound quite better. The bass improvement makes it a lot more likeable. That is what some good cables do to the iems. The few areas of improvement which these iems need are nearly sorted by using a good quality cable.
(EA100 with Effect Audio prototype)
Source Pairing:
These iems benefit the most from a warm source. A neutral or bright source can make the treble a bit spicier, making it difficult for treble-sensitive people. I have a very decent pairing with my LPGT and A&K SP3000. Because of it's massive sound-stage and clarity in it's sound, SP3k takes the EA1000 to another level. I think these iems perform to their full potential on the SP3K. Both of these daps help with better bass delivery. My preference leans towards the SP3k. On the other source, Earmen Angel, due to the better power supplied to the iems, there are again some enhancements in soundstage and dynamics. However, the resolution takes a back seat as the Angel is not so highly resolving dac.
Conclusion:
To be honest, I wanted to spend a significant amount of time with these iems before writing down my thoughts. In a blind test of these IEMs, I am confident that people wouldn't come close to guessing their price. They are so incredibly impressive. Simgot has pushed the boundary to an unprecedented level, stepping up its game. These IEMs set a benchmark and are undoubtedly the best in the $200 USD range. In terms of abilities and technicalities, they can give a good fight to IEMs that are double or triple their price. With some extra effort in cable rolling and perfect source matching, they reach unbelievable levels. If Simgot EA1000 were sold under the brand name Campfire Audio or 64Audio, the iems would have been priced at more than 1000 USD. I am sure no one will disagree with this. I think setting a price of 200 USD is just too absurd. Other brands in market should learn from Simgot about how to deliver a high-end sound within budget.
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but their sound is also beautiful. They are so addictive that you'll find yourself reaching for them regularly. It's not your typical single dynamic driver IEM; it offers much more—class-leading technicalities, amazing tuning, and unbelievable resolution. I adore everything about these IEMs to the extent that I no longer feel the urge to spend a lot on IEMs these days. I know some budget iems can be unimaginably good. Paired with the OD200, it stands as my IEM of the year. I am genuinely in love with these IEMs, and they hold a special place in my heart. I hope they bring you the same joy. Highly recommended. 5/5.
I've had the pleasure of using these IEMs for the past few weeks. Initially, I was a bit lazy about writing a review, waiting for the right moment and mindset to fully express my thoughts. Interestingly, I wasn't even aware of the existence of the EA1000 until @FiaLm asked me to review it. The Simgot brand name was not something I had encountered frequently until the recent buzz around a couple of IEMs from the brand. I was familiar with the EW200, which, in my opinion, is an outstanding IEM for its price. However, I hadn't come across any other offerings from the brand before. EA1000 is a sweet surprise, for sure.
Once the unit was shipped, I began reading the impressions shared by fellow audiophiles, and the excitement continued to grow. There were good words all around, and I was impressed right from the start. Until a few months ago, I wasn't much into budget IEMs. However, with the OD200 and EA1000, my perspective and focus have shifted. EA1000 has the potential to change someone's views on budget offerings. Are they the best budget IEMs I've heard of? Probably yes, but let's delve into the details, and we'll assess that by the end. I am sure reading this review will help you get a good idea of how these iems sound and what can be expected from them.
Rating Criteria:
I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. I think the fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.
Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.
Technical Details:
Drivers: 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit and dual-cavity structure dynamic
Cable: High-Purity Silver-Plated OFC Litz Structure
Connectors Type: Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin
PRICE: $219.99 USD
Build and fit:
I so much adore the simple yet elegant design of the EA1000. The design on the face plate is a work of art. I am sure everyone has seen the zoomed-in image of those face plates. Doesn't that look adorable? Those metal shells shine brightly and are just exquisite. The shells are small, and the weight seems to be on the heavier side, which is mostly because of the smaller size. Had the size been a bit bigger, the weight would have been better distributed, and they would be lighter. The fit, however, should not be an issue for anyone with small or big ears. For me, it provides a snug fit for my ears without causing any intrusive sensations. It's easy to put these on for longer hours without any fatigue or strain. The nozzle is a bit small and on the wider side. I tried pairing the iems with multiple eartips. Azla Light gives me the best fit, and the shells sit flush inside. I have read a couple of reviews mentioning some fit issues. I think everyone should try these iems with Azla tips; they will find a good fit for sure. Once it fits well and you get a good seal, the bass hits really well. So getting a good fit is of utmost importance for these iems to shine. Also worth mentioning is the non-existence of any pressure buildup whatsoever.
Sound:
Where should I begin while describing the sound quality? These iems are amazingly tuned and highly capable, and I am just blown away by their abilities. The resolution these iems offer is truly exceptional; it's like they have a monster's ability to unravel every fine detail. It's hard to imagine finding such quality sound in this price range and much beyond, and it's even more mind-blowing that a company could achieve this on a budget. They are bright, or, say, treble-focused, but that hot and spicy brightness will not disturb you much. It should not come as a negative aspect of these iems. It does not get to a level to be called overly bright. Honestly, I do not think that's even a thing for these brilliant-sounding iems. The red nozzle is good enough and does bring down the brightness. If you can pair these with a good copper cable and a warmish dap, you are in for a great surprise tour. Let's explore the sound profile in more detail.
Bass:
This is one of the best bass I have heard in a budget- to mid-fi-level iems. I am always on the lookout for good bass, quality over quantity, and these iems possess a very high quality bass. I was in love with the bass since the first time I put them in. It may not be a bass-head level of bass, but I do not think anyone will find them less in quantity. The bass is never underwhelming or overpowering. There is some new tech, and the introduction of a passive radiator makes the bass more fine-tuned and enjoyable. There is a nice feel of reverb and a very lifelike and natural feel to the bass texture. The subbass is quite prominent too. I think these iems have all the goodness of DD bass and add some extra refined bass on top of it. When you listen to some engaging tracks—metal and rock songs—the drums kick with good impact. On less engaging and relaxed tracks, the bass is just right, seamlessly blending with the higher frequencies and allowing you to focus on other aspects of the music. The controlled nature of the bass in these iems truly sets them apart from the crowd.
Mids:
The mids on these iems are just wonderful. They are a bit forward, which aligns with my preference. The tonal weight is quite good, which adds a nice character and body to the mid-range. Thanks to the brilliant resolution on these iems, every tiny detail is brought forward in the most engaging way. The clean and crisp mid-range is the soul of the show for me. This goodness in mids provides clarity and accuracy, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with a natural and lifelike timbre. There is a very nice richness in the way string instruments sound. Overall, there is an emotionally engaging sound that is more romantic than musical. The upper mids have a bit of higher energy but do not get shouty at all. Vocals on these iems must be talked about. There is a sense of warmth and intimacy in the vocals, irrespective of the genres you listen to. Both male and female vocals are full of soul, with no thinness or unwanted heaviness whatsoever. Every bit of raw power and delicate nuance are conveyed properly. Needless to say, this is again an amazing achievement. The mids are always a special sauce for an iem and I am glad to affirm that this sauce is so exceptionally flavorful on the EA1000.
Treble:
I have a bit of sensitivity to treble, but with these iems, I do not find any fatiguing treble. If someone finds the brightness troublesome, they may have to put in some effort to tame the treble, but for me, I am pretty okay with the red nozzle and a decent copper cable. I think my dap, LPGT, which is a bit on the warmer side, also helps a bit. On more reference sources, it may get disturbing for some. But I am sure we can take some pain for our little champion to shine and show it's full potential. Once the treble is sorted and pleasant, it is evidently of very high quality—balanced, detailed, airy, and expansive. I think this treble is likeable for all genres—jazz, rock, metal, pop, anything. There is a very decent level of transparency and clarity in the treble region. The decay of cymbals, the strumming of the guitar, the extension of high-pitched vocals—everything is captured quite beautifully.
Technicalities:
As evident to this point, these sets are highly technical. I am still unsure how these IEMs are so good at resolving details. In terms of resolution, I think they can give a good fight to most of the iems below the 500 USD mark. The soundstage is quite good, though a bit on the intimate side. Still, there is good depth and height. The imaging on these is quite top-notch and accurate. The positioning of instruments can easily be determined; they have such precision. Adding to all this is quite good instrument separation, which does good justice to busy tracks. The layering of instruments unfolds quite nicely.
Cable Pairing:
The cable which comes with these iems are simply nice. This cable is a silver-plated OFC Litz cable. It does lack a 4.4mm termination which many would find bothering. Thankfully most of us have spare cables which come to rescue. But the omission of a 4.4mm termination is really sad because I really like the quality and finish of these cables. They are shiny, sturdy and lovely to look at. The iems sound as good as on this cable as on other cables. Though I do not have any complaints at all with the default resoultion of these iems, they do resolves quite better when given a premium cable. You can imagine how good this thing can be. I have an Effect Audio prototype cable which is sort of premium quality. The bass impact is better and the treble gets bit of taming. There is bit of widening in the soundstage and there is an extra separation in the instruments. The clarity becomes a lot better. All these things make the iems sound quite better. The bass improvement makes it a lot more likeable. That is what some good cables do to the iems. The few areas of improvement which these iems need are nearly sorted by using a good quality cable.
(EA100 with Effect Audio prototype)
Source Pairing:
These iems benefit the most from a warm source. A neutral or bright source can make the treble a bit spicier, making it difficult for treble-sensitive people. I have a very decent pairing with my LPGT and A&K SP3000. Because of it's massive sound-stage and clarity in it's sound, SP3k takes the EA1000 to another level. I think these iems perform to their full potential on the SP3K. Both of these daps help with better bass delivery. My preference leans towards the SP3k. On the other source, Earmen Angel, due to the better power supplied to the iems, there are again some enhancements in soundstage and dynamics. However, the resolution takes a back seat as the Angel is not so highly resolving dac.
Conclusion:
To be honest, I wanted to spend a significant amount of time with these iems before writing down my thoughts. In a blind test of these IEMs, I am confident that people wouldn't come close to guessing their price. They are so incredibly impressive. Simgot has pushed the boundary to an unprecedented level, stepping up its game. These IEMs set a benchmark and are undoubtedly the best in the $200 USD range. In terms of abilities and technicalities, they can give a good fight to IEMs that are double or triple their price. With some extra effort in cable rolling and perfect source matching, they reach unbelievable levels. If Simgot EA1000 were sold under the brand name Campfire Audio or 64Audio, the iems would have been priced at more than 1000 USD. I am sure no one will disagree with this. I think setting a price of 200 USD is just too absurd. Other brands in market should learn from Simgot about how to deliver a high-end sound within budget.
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but their sound is also beautiful. They are so addictive that you'll find yourself reaching for them regularly. It's not your typical single dynamic driver IEM; it offers much more—class-leading technicalities, amazing tuning, and unbelievable resolution. I adore everything about these IEMs to the extent that I no longer feel the urge to spend a lot on IEMs these days. I know some budget iems can be unimaginably good. Paired with the OD200, it stands as my IEM of the year. I am genuinely in love with these IEMs, and they hold a special place in my heart. I hope they bring you the same joy. Highly recommended. 5/5.
nihalsharma
@activatorfly you will not regret. It’s sound is top class.
activatorfly
My main concern though is their soundstage, which no-one seems to describe...apart from this review that states they have minimal depth. As a musician depth of stage is critical to layer & position instruments in the spherical field...I'm wondering if using a balanced source / cable will make them more holophonic??
nihalsharma
@activatorfly if you give these iem a better source and a good cable, you will have a really good soundstage, layering and enough depth to your liking. The instruments don’t overlap in any way as the resolution and details are already quite good. For busy tracks too, you will find it quite clean and clear in sound. In my case on LPGT and Effect Audio cable there is nice improvement over stock sound. It surely is a keeper.
Simgot EA1000 Fermat
"More of everything"
DISCLAIMER:
This unit was sent by Simgot. However, they do not hold any of my opinions.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Watch my unboxing here:
Pretty good! You get more than what you need!
1.) The cable is pretty amazing in quality. I never thought I'd have orgasms from touching a freakin cable lol. No really, they feel amazing and built like premium.
2.) Nice eartip presentation. I think 2 sets.
3.) Nice looking case. Can pass as jewelry case for your wife haha.
4.) Interchangeable nozzles. But honestly, I only use the black ones.
5. Overall good unboxing experience. A lot of attention to detail.
BUILD and COMFORT
- they are beautuful. They arent really that heavy than it looks. You can see the placement of the passive radiator that looks like it also pushes air to your lobes.
Comfort seems good. Simgot hasnt really failed me in this department. They are flush and lightwreight.
SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby, apple music and stock player
-stock cable
-stock eartips
SOUND PROFILE
Watch my final review here:
The signature is approaching V shaped due to the emphasizes bass texture and elevated upper mids and treble.
Although the vocals can come across forward at some tracks, you'll loose catching up with voices when all instruments start playing together, at least in my library.
Mids actually sound clean, but can sometimes sound digital. Still I am giving it a high praise because Mids arent just vocals. Instruments sound amazing with the Fermat. Strings, pianos, etc. have great harmonics and overtones.
Treble can be a dealbreaker. It has some elevation in the upper mids and past 10k that might be a con for some. Personally, I do find them a tad forward for my preferences. Although the quality is good because cymbals sound crisp and nuanced, but they can be overbearing on some metal tracks.
The bass is what makes this set special. That passive radiator is doing something. The tactility and texture it offers is as close as you can get IRL. If you've ever played drums, you will notice how easy it is to catch rolls.
PROS
that bass texture and tactility is god send
instruments sound great overall
a lot of micro nuance. Enjoy hunting
great overall package and sound for its price
CONS
forward upper mid and treble can be bothersome
vocals can be recessed in some genres
not the best at center imaging. Not the deepest stage as well
SCORING
-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.
TUNING - 2.5
BASS - 3.5
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 2.5
TECHS - 3
P.P SCORE = 14.5
Rank- S+ ( exceptional for the price range, consider saving if you can afford)
Check my scoring here :
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing
GRAB SCORE:
This is easy, I just rate the set whether I would grab them for listening. Very subjective.
- I will never touch this again
- I grab if I remember
- Can be part of my rotation
- I break my rotation and grab this one today
- *** rotation, I’ll listen to these for the whole week
- Im selling everything, I will only listen to these haha.
Fermat GRAB SCORE: 4
Yeah, I can listen to the Fermat for the whole week and forgot other IEMS I have.
COMPARISONS
Binary Chopin
- I really like the Chopin. In fact, when I got to listen to them again, I was reminded why I ranked them S. But I have to say that the Fermat is just technically more capable. You hear more and you get immersed more but the expense of getting a colored sound. Get the chopin if you want a tonally correct sounding set and fun at that same time. Get the Fermat if you want more of everything.
Mega5p
-it is one of my S rankers and I rank the mega5p higher than Aful P5. Mega5p is warmer in tonality and isnt as energetic as the Fermat. The techs on Fermat is higher than the Mega5p even if its only a single DD with a PR. Pick Mega5p if you are sensitive to treble. Pick Fermat if you want more of everything.
Planars
- this is an interesting comparison because most people, including me, think that Planars are almost always superior to DDs in terms of techs. However, the Fermat is a different story. I hear more nuance on the Fermat and the Bass performance is miles ahead in terms of texture. Both the Fermat and Planars may have peaks in the treble so they arent a good pick for treble sensitives. But if you have to choose, give Fermat a try.
Dunu Falcon Ultra
- I think both share the same characteristic of being clear sounding. Dunu Falcon Ultra sounds warmer in comparison and is more tonally pleasing because of the organic sound it produces. Although the Bass is more pronounced on the Falcon, the quality of bass goes to Fermat. Pick Falcon ultra if you need a timbrally correct set. Pick Fermat if you want more of everything.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It took me a while to publish my review, mainly because I want the hype to die down and make sure that my thoughts aren't influenced by other people, or I am just being lazy lol.
The EA1000 becomes a gatekeeper at $200 for me.
It's good enough that I cheated my own scoring for the bass haha. I mean Ive heard bone conduction drivers from Mest mkiii. Ive heard fat freq stuff. I adore acoustune DDs for the bass. But the implemenation of the bass on Fermat just hits differently. The Fermat is by no means a basshead set, but the texture it produces makes it easier for me to follow drum patterns.
So, is it really more of everything? I think it's still an understatement. Let me rephrase.
"It's the best for everything at $200"
Happy Holidays.
==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea1000-fermat
MY LIBRARY:
I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:
Rock-Alternative-Metal
Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,
OPM(Original Pinoy Music):
E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya
POP:
IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish
OTHERS:
Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa
I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.
Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.
"More of everything"
DISCLAIMER:This unit was sent by Simgot. However, they do not hold any of my opinions.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?Watch my unboxing here:
Pretty good! You get more than what you need!
1.) The cable is pretty amazing in quality. I never thought I'd have orgasms from touching a freakin cable lol. No really, they feel amazing and built like premium.
2.) Nice eartip presentation. I think 2 sets.
3.) Nice looking case. Can pass as jewelry case for your wife haha.
4.) Interchangeable nozzles. But honestly, I only use the black ones.
5. Overall good unboxing experience. A lot of attention to detail.
BUILD and COMFORT- they are beautuful. They arent really that heavy than it looks. You can see the placement of the passive radiator that looks like it also pushes air to your lobes.
Comfort seems good. Simgot hasnt really failed me in this department. They are flush and lightwreight.
SETUP:-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby, apple music and stock player
-stock cable
-stock eartips
SOUND PROFILEWatch my final review here:
The signature is approaching V shaped due to the emphasizes bass texture and elevated upper mids and treble.
Although the vocals can come across forward at some tracks, you'll loose catching up with voices when all instruments start playing together, at least in my library.
Mids actually sound clean, but can sometimes sound digital. Still I am giving it a high praise because Mids arent just vocals. Instruments sound amazing with the Fermat. Strings, pianos, etc. have great harmonics and overtones.
Treble can be a dealbreaker. It has some elevation in the upper mids and past 10k that might be a con for some. Personally, I do find them a tad forward for my preferences. Although the quality is good because cymbals sound crisp and nuanced, but they can be overbearing on some metal tracks.
The bass is what makes this set special. That passive radiator is doing something. The tactility and texture it offers is as close as you can get IRL. If you've ever played drums, you will notice how easy it is to catch rolls.
PROSthat bass texture and tactility is god sendinstruments sound great overalla lot of micro nuance. Enjoy huntinggreat overall package and sound for its priceCONSforward upper mid and treble can be bothersomevocals can be recessed in some genresnot the best at center imaging. Not the deepest stage as wellSCORING-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.
TUNING - 2.5
BASS - 3.5
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 2.5
TECHS - 3
P.P SCORE = 14.5
Rank- S+ ( exceptional for the price range, consider saving if you can afford)
Check my scoring here :
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing
GRAB SCORE:This is easy, I just rate the set whether I would grab them for listening. Very subjective.
- I will never touch this again- I grab if I remember- Can be part of my rotation- I break my rotation and grab this one today- *** rotation, I’ll listen to these for the whole week- Im selling everything, I will only listen to these haha. Fermat GRAB SCORE: 4Yeah, I can listen to the Fermat for the whole week and forgot other IEMS I have.
COMPARISONSBinary Chopin- I really like the Chopin. In fact, when I got to listen to them again, I was reminded why I ranked them S. But I have to say that the Fermat is just technically more capable. You hear more and you get immersed more but the expense of getting a colored sound. Get the chopin if you want a tonally correct sounding set and fun at that same time. Get the Fermat if you want more of everything.
Mega5p-it is one of my S rankers and I rank the mega5p higher than Aful P5. Mega5p is warmer in tonality and isnt as energetic as the Fermat. The techs on Fermat is higher than the Mega5p even if its only a single DD with a PR. Pick Mega5p if you are sensitive to treble. Pick Fermat if you want more of everything.
Planars- this is an interesting comparison because most people, including me, think that Planars are almost always superior to DDs in terms of techs. However, the Fermat is a different story. I hear more nuance on the Fermat and the Bass performance is miles ahead in terms of texture. Both the Fermat and Planars may have peaks in the treble so they arent a good pick for treble sensitives. But if you have to choose, give Fermat a try.
Dunu Falcon Ultra- I think both share the same characteristic of being clear sounding. Dunu Falcon Ultra sounds warmer in comparison and is more tonally pleasing because of the organic sound it produces. Although the Bass is more pronounced on the Falcon, the quality of bass goes to Fermat. Pick Falcon ultra if you need a timbrally correct set. Pick Fermat if you want more of everything.
FINAL THOUGHTSIt took me a while to publish my review, mainly because I want the hype to die down and make sure that my thoughts aren't influenced by other people, or I am just being lazy lol.
The EA1000 becomes a gatekeeper at $200 for me.
It's good enough that I cheated my own scoring for the bass haha. I mean Ive heard bone conduction drivers from Mest mkiii. Ive heard fat freq stuff. I adore acoustune DDs for the bass. But the implemenation of the bass on Fermat just hits differently. The Fermat is by no means a basshead set, but the texture it produces makes it easier for me to follow drum patterns.
So, is it really more of everything? I think it's still an understatement. Let me rephrase.
"It's the best for everything at $200"
Happy Holidays.
==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea1000-fermat
MY LIBRARY:I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:
Rock-Alternative-MetalIncubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,
OPM(Original Pinoy Music):E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya
POP:IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish
OTHERS:Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa
I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.
Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.
Disclaimer: I purchased the Simgot EA1000 Fermat with my own funds, and this is not a review unit. I did not receive any discounts for writing this review. If you decide to buy this IEM based on my review and find that you disagree with the sound or assessment, that responsibility lies with you. I strongly discourage relying solely on a single review for purchasing decisions in the realm of audio quality, as preferences vary. You should conduct thorough research by exploring platforms such as YouTube, head-fi forums, and various Facebook audiophile groups before making a purchase decision.
My evaluation of the Simgot EA1000 Fermat is based on the Red Nozzle, paired with a custom 8-core 7N LITZ crystal copper cable and Divinus Velvet tips. Out of the box, using the default cable and tips, I observed the EA1000 to exhibit aggressive and fatiguing treble, along with a noticeable upper-mids peak. Being sensitive to treble and averse to shouty vocals, I discovered that the combination of the pure copper cable and Divinus tips significantly tamed the treble and upper-mids peak, although the latter persisted at higher volumes.
Throughout the review, I utilized the Hiby R6 Gen III DAP as my source, experimenting with both the default class A mode for a neutral sound and my custom MSEB settings for a warmer tone with enhanced bass extension. My preference leaned toward the warmer sound profile while listening to the Simgot EA1000 Fermat.
Regarding the nozzles, I found the black nozzle to have the brightest tuning, the Gold Nozzle to feature more relaxed treble but highly boosted upper-mids (resulting in shouty female vocals), and the Red Nozzle to offer good treble extension with more balanced upper-mids, aligning with my preference.
Concerning accessories, both the tips and stock cable included in the package were deemed subpar for an IEM priced at $220. I advocate for manufacturers to provide modular cables or the option to choose between 3.5/2.5/4.4 mm termination for IEMs above the $150 mark. The included tips were deemed cheap, prompting the use of third-party tips for an improved sound experience.
Sound Evaluation:
Tuning: The EA1000 follows the Harman curve, featuring elevated highs and upper-mids as part of Simgot's house tuning. Despite not being a Harman fan, I found the EA1000 to deliver a fun and engaging listening experience.
Highs (4/5): The treble is bright, vibrant, detailed and well extended. Although it can feel sharp and fatiguing at higher volumes with the stock cable and tips. A smoother treble is achieved with my setup, enhancing air and sparkle without sacrificing details.
Mids (3.5/5): The upper-mids peak may verge on shouty territory, with vocals neither forward nor too recessed. Instruments are more highlighted while the vocals are lagging behind. Lower-mids are depressed and lack body, favoring female vocals over male vocals. My personal preference leans toward more forward, thicker vocals and an improved male voice presentation.
Lows (3.5/5): Bass is very interesting in this one, the 6mm passive radiator does make a difference and it is clearly audible. While it may be moderate in quantity, the bass delves deeply with a commendable tactile rumble when necessary and boasts an exceptional textured quality. The bass is nimble, swift, tight and undeniably satisfactory. The sub-bass extension rolls-off prematurely, yet the mid-bass presence takes center stage, offering a more pronounced and satisfying punch when required. Although the bass has excellent quality and good quantity it may leave bass enthusiasts wanting more in certain tracks.
Technicalities (4/5): The Fermat excels in resolution, rivaling planars with superior, authentic timbre. Imaging is accurate, allowing precise instrument localization. The soundstage is more intimate, my preference is for a more spacious sound at this price point.
In conclusion: Despite my critical assessments, the Simgot EA1000 Fermat has become my daily driver, impressing me with its fun, engaging, musical sound, high resolution, and pleasing mids. While analytically inclined, it maintains musicality without sounding too thin or dry, making it a commendable IEM at $220, though falling short of a bang-for-buck deal that could have been achieved at the $150 price range.
Lets talk about the Simgot EA1000. We will start with the very nicely presented accessories in a very ornate little box. Inside the box is a bunch of replacement gaskets, three tuning nozzles including the one already on it, a really nice, crafted case with a magnetic clasp, the beautify made cable and units themselves. they included tips have three sizes and there are two sets of each size, while it is nice to have extra, I would have liked a different opening size bore. That said the accessories given and the quality overall is top notch.
I found the EA1000 very comfortable and surprisingly lighter than the EA500LM that is currently in development. Isolation is superb and so is build quality, as always Simgot makes a sturdy and good-looking product.
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐬:
Model: SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat
Name:[Fermat]ultra-premium dual-magnet dual cavity purple-gold diaphragm dynamic in-ear headphones
Driver: 2nd generation DMDCM 10mm dual-magnet dual-cavity dynamic
Diaphragm: sputter deposition purple-gold diaphragm
impedance: 16 ohms 15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 127dB/VRMS(@1kHz)
Frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz
Effective frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Headphone jack: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable: high purity silver-plated OFC wire in Litz structure
The heart of the EA1000 lies in its extraordinary SDPGD™ Technology. Developed over three years by Simgot, this diaphragm is a testament to precision and ingenuity. It boasts remarkable characteristics, including high rigidity, exceptional hardness, lightweight construction, and the perfect blend of elasticity required for deep bass. Unlike conventional titanium or beryllium diaphragms, the Purple-Gold Diaphragm undergoes a meticulous process involving multiple layers of transparent, custom-targeted vacuum high-temperature sputtering on a specialized base film. This results in a mesmerizing, mysterious purple-gold hue, achieved through the interference of reflected light from both the base film and the sputtered layers.
Sound Impressions:
For the majority of this review my equipment was
The ifi Diablo 2 and although I don't usually use Bluetooth for testing the Lossless Bluetooth was acceptable, mostly I used it wired and also the ifi Gryphon, TRI TK-2, Aune x1S and the TempoTec V6.
The Bass: of the EA1000 is impressive offering a nice natural decay and impressive but controlled punch.
The Sub-Bass climb to the Mid-Bass is smooth and linear, there is a nature progression and withdrawal. It is without a doubt one of the best Bass implantations I have heard in some time. It's not by any means a Bass focused or Bass head IEM . The Bass is just a very good quality Bass with good quantity for a large array of music. Jazz sounded so inviting I listened for so long I forgot the time.
The Midrange: on the Simgot EA1000 are forward with a superior clarity and fine details. I find the level of forwardness to be fine, but I could understand it getting a little spicy depending on music and equipment. I would recommend a warmer source to compliment the brightness of the EA1000. I found Female voices to be crisper and more energetic and male voces to be more pleasant and natural sounding. Separation and instrument tone was far better than average.
The Treble on this IEM was open and clear with details I wasn't expecting from a single Dynamic. The EA1000 almost sounds like a hybrid in the upper frequencies, it's a testament to the great tuning at Simgot. I found no harshness using my equipment other than the Aune x1S 10th Anniversary. The Treble in general presents as Neutral and full of fine details.
Soundstage: on the EA1000 is open and wide but very organic sounding, instrument separation and location are above average and very good in my opinion. Busy recordings are no problem, and it will work excellent for mobile games.
My Afterthoughts:
The EA1000 is an extremely well-made and good-looking IEM with a wonderful combination of technical prowess and enjoyable qualities. The EA1000 builds on the strength of the past and delivers a well-tuned Single dynamic. This is one of my favorite Single DD right now.
