INTRODUCTION:
In 2023, Simgot had a promising beginning, setting the stage with the acclaimed EA500, which garnered accolades from the audiophile community, myself included. It remains my yardstick for excellence within the $100 price range. Today, I have the pleasure of delving into the EA2000 "Boson," a curious name aside, we'll focus on what truly counts. Simgot has also ventured into the realm of budget-friendly offerings, exemplified by the EW100p, which, I must confess, didn't quite strike a chord with me. Our network of reviewers is currently evaluating various Simgot models, and I'll be exploring more of this brand in forthcoming reviews. Let's embark on this journey, aiming for brevity without sacrificing depth.
FOREWORD:
- The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
- No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
- For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
- As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Maker: Simgot
Model: EA2000 “Boson”
Configuration: 1 x Dynamic driver. 1 x Passive radiator
Pin system: MMCX
Termination plug: interchangeable 3.5mm, 4.4mm
FR Response: 10hz - 50khz
Sensitivity: 114db
Impedance: 23 ohms
PACKAGING:
The EA2000, which we'll affectionately refer to as Boson throughout this review, arrives in a moderately sized black box, as is customary, with substantial dimensions. The box's front proudly showcases a captivating image of Boson, while the sides bear informative labels detailing some of its key features. On the back, you'll find two frequency response graphs illustrating the impact of the tuning plugs on sound, accompanied by a brief explanation of these plugs' various applications.
Slide the inner box to the right, and you're greeted with the phrase, "Salute to the great pioneers of constructing quantum theory." Frankly, the relevance of this phrase eludes me, so let's swiftly move forward. Within the inner box, a division becomes apparent. To the left, we encounter essential documentation: a warranty card and a special message from the CEO. Ah, now the pieces fall into place. After perusing the CEO's message, the reason behind the name "Boson" becomes clear—it's intricately linked to quantum theory and its implications for the dynamic's acoustic quality. While I may not possess the expertise of a scientist, at least I can provide a glimpse into the name's background.
Beneath the documentation lies the protective case, housing the indispensable cable. Now, let's shift our focus to the eastern wing. Boson securely presents itself, with user manuals and accessories tucked below. This compartment holds a treasure trove of ear tips and tuning plugs. It's time to delve deeper into these inclusions and share my impressions of them.
CASE:
The silvery gray carrying case exudes an undeniable allure. Its petite and charming size, although not ideal for petite bags, strikes a balance that should snugly fit into most standard bags. At the case's base, you'll find the inscription, "Salute to art and science," while the top proudly bears the Simgot logo and name.
What truly captivates is the interior of this case. It ingeniously houses garters tailored to snugly secure the three tuning plugs. The case itself offers a spacious embrace, ensuring that your Boson rests comfortably without a sense of compression. Additionally, an inner net pouch is thoughtfully included, serving as a versatile space for auxiliary items or accessories.
CABLE:
The cable possesses an air of premium quality, bearing a striking resemblance to the stock cables typically associated with "Bqeyz" products. However, what truly distinguishes this cable is its robust and reliable modular design. The connectors exude a sense of unwavering security thanks to their screw-type mechanism. In terms of aesthetics, the cable adopts a white silvery hue, which imparts a distinct premium vibe. Although a darker color scheme might have been my personal preference, it harmonizes quite fittingly with the Boson's overall presentation.
EARTIPS:
okay, eartips inclusions is something that Simgot should give more attention. We have two kinds, or is it? Well, with careful examination, and without clear indication what kind of eartips are these, I find the eartips is only of one kind. They look and feel a lot like balanced eartips, medium bore. I like these tips actually, and I’ve encountered them on Tangzu Heyday and some other sets. But yeah, only one kind here. Just like with my qualms with Simgot’s EA500.
TUNING PLUGS:
Simgot has consistently been a proponent of tuning flexibility. While I may not personally favor excessive tuning options, it's reassuring to see that Simgot provides tuning choices but keeps it to a manageable one or two alternatives. The tuning plugs, in this case, aren't just mere gimmicks; they genuinely impact the sound profile.
In this instance, the difference in sound primarily influences the upper mids to trebles. The blue-indicated plug, positioned at the bottom, imparts a smoother sonic signature. Conversely, the black plug is more inclined towards reproducing intricate details but does introduce a hint of sibilance. Notably, the blue plug boasts a 3.5mm termination, while the black plug offers both 3.5mm and 4.4mm options. Throughout the entirety of this review, I found myself gravitating towards the blue plug for its sonorous qualities.
APPEARANCE:
Boson's faceplate flaunts an elegant pearly white color scheme adorned with the distinctive Simgot logo. Crafted entirely from metal, the IEM maintains a weight that never becomes cumbersome to wear. Notably, the base section features a ventilation port, likely linked to its passive radiator design. In terms of aesthetics and tactile experience, there's a noticeable resemblance to the EA500, which, of course, shares a common trait—being a magnet for scratches and fingerprints. Preserving this exquisitely crafted IEM demands an extra measure of care.
INTERNALS:
Boson takes pride in its unique hybrid configuration, featuring a single 12mm dynamic driver that's notably larger than most. As the saying goes, in the world of audio gear, "bigger is better," and this principle often holds true. However, what truly distinguishes Boson is the inclusion of a passive radiator. Unlike traditional drivers, a passive radiator doesn't produce sound on its own; instead, it complements and supports the primary dynamic driver, which in this case is the 12mm DD driver.
The pivotal question here is whether Simgot has effectively and accurately implemented this configuration. We'll delve deeper into this aspect when we discuss the sound characteristics of Boson a bit later in the review.
COMFORT:
The wearing experience of the Boson IEMs is undeniably praiseworthy. However, it's worth noting that your comfort journey takes a detour, hinging significantly on the eartips you employ. The stock tips, though, strike a chord of stiffness that could leave your ears somewhat fatigued during extended listening sessions. A noteworthy quirk here is the larger-than-usual nozzle, which suggests a softer eartip might be the sage choice.
It's important to acknowledge the uniqueness of ear anatomy, as what suits one may not fit another like a glove. The shell's size, on the other hand, hits the sweet spot, keeping it lightweight for an overall comfortable experience. In sum, comfort is within reach, but do exercise prudence in your choice of eartips to ensure a harmonious listening journey.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
Boson had the pleasure of partnering with my cherished DAP of choice, the Fiio M11 Plus LTD, and the Cayin RU6. This dynamic duo, along with stock tips and cables, set the stage for our audio journey. Throughout this review, the trusty blue-indicated plug was my steadfast companion. As for the musical source, I drew upon my collection of offline FLACs and tapped into the wealth of Apple Music's subscription library.
The sound stage presented by Boson leans towards the intimate end of the spectrum, bringing the vocals almost "in your face," so to speak. However, there's a silver lining here. Boson exhibits an impressive ability to render reverb faithfully, delivering a sense of head space that adds a layer of depth to the listening experience. But, let's not kid ourselves; Boson doesn't quite venture into the realm of a three-dimensional presentation. I'll spare you the overused and somewhat clichéd term "holographic." We audiophiles often find ourselves bombarded with such buzzwords, don't we?
Instrument placement and imaging stand as the crown jewels of Boson's technical prowess. They transport you to new sonic landscapes, unveiling previously unheard nuances in your favorite tracks. In this realm, Boson proudly strides alongside the upper echelons of audio gear, displaying a level of precision that's truly remarkable. Pinpointing individual elements in the music becomes an immensely enjoyable pursuit, elevating the listening experience to a realm of auditory delight.
The timbre that Boson offers is accurate and well-aligned, but it leans towards the thinner side due to its bright sound profile. If we were dealing with a balanced armature (BA) configured IEM, I'd likely label this as "BA timbre." However, we'll delve deeper into this aspect shortly. When it comes to the mids and bass, they exude a remarkable sense of naturalness. However, it's the treble that doesn't quite march in harmony with the rest. I would consider it a minor drawback in an otherwise stellar soundscape. Nevertheless, treble enthusiasts will find ample reason to rejoice with Boson's performance in this domain.
The speed exhibited by Boson's drivers is a notable feat, worth a moment of bragging rights. It approaches the nimbleness often associated with balanced armature (BA) drivers, and I must say, it's among the swiftest dynamic drivers I've had the pleasure of encountering. This exceptional speed becomes a true asset when tackling intricate and bustling tracks, as they are effortlessly executed. The attack and note definition are swift, leaving no room for ambiguity, and delivering a level of precision that's truly commendable.
Boson proves to be an incredibly easy load to drive, making the addition of amplification an optional rather than a mandatory step. Even when connected to a less potent source, you won't find yourself struggling to crank up the volume to achieve a comfortable and satisfying listening experience. It readily adapts to a variety of setups, ensuring that the music flows effortlessly without requiring excessive power.
BASS:
Boson delivers the fastest and snappiest bass execution, leaving a distinct impression of punchiness and a satisfying slam. With its near-neutral tuning, this clean bass presentation remains precisely contained without any undesirable spillover into the mids. The result is a remarkably clean bass representation that ensures the lines between the bass and mids remain resolutely unblurred. Drum kicks and bass guitars come to life with a tactile and agile presence that's truly remarkable.
If your heart sings for precision and note definition, then Boson is poised to deliver the utmost pleasure. It excels in providing a listening experience where every nuance and detail is meticulously presented, catering to the discerning audiophile's appetite for clarity and precision.
While the bass performance is undeniably commendable, I must admit that, according to my personal preference, the bass presentation leans a tad too much on the side of speed, at times shying away from sounding completely natural. This characteristic could potentially deter those who prioritize a more lifelike and realistic bass reproduction.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange, which serves as a home for an array of musical elements such as pianos, guitars, drum snares and toms, flutes, woodwinds, and the string section, has a tendency to lean towards a less lush presentation. Personally, I hold a preference for a midrange that's richly textured, and in this regard, Boson certainly excels. However, there's a touch of nostalgia for the lushness, with a desire for more weight and body. In this domain, precision and clarity are Boson's forte, though it does come with a slight compromise on the weightiness of individual notes.
Vocals, following a similar genetic code, exhibit a noteworthy character. Female vocals, in particular, find a special sweet spot in comparison to their male counterparts. There's no trace of recessed qualities here; in fact, they occasionally step a bit forward, which should certainly pique the interest of midrange enthusiasts. However, for those who lean towards a thicker midrange, it might be worth exploring alternative options, as Boson tends to embrace a more vivid and forward vocal presentation.
TREBLE:
By this point, it becomes evident that Boson leans toward the brighter side of the IEM spectrum. While this is what sets Boson apart and gives it its distinct character, it also comes with a caveat. Irrespective of the tuning plugs in use, the treble can occasionally veer into sibilance territory. Consequently, it's advisable to keep the listening volume on the lower side.
The black tuning plug, while offering a wealth of intricate details, opens the door to a Pandora's box of sibilance issues. I dare say that Boson could prove to be a fatiguing companion for extended listening sessions; it indeed runs a bit hot in terms of treble presentation. The Cayin RU6, with its prowess, manages to tame the treble, making an R2R setup a wise choice for those with more sensitive ears or those who indulge in marathon listening sessions.
Boson, in essence, doesn't cater to the sensitive folks. Instead, it caters primarily to the treble enthusiasts. It's almost as if it were designed with this particular audience in mind.
COMPARISONS:
Versus Aful Performer 8:
With both priced at around the $300 mark, the Aful P8 seemed to be a fitting contender for a comparison. Many aspects of the Aful P8 share similarities with Boson. Let's dive into this showdown and see how these two stack up against each other.
- Aful establishes itself as a more neutral contender when it comes to the overall sound profile. This makes it well-suited for monitoring purposes and appeals to those who prefer a flat and balanced signature.
- In contrast, Boson veers towards a brighter and more energetic sound profile, and it does exhibit sibilance tendencies. Its sonic character is characterized by a livelier and more prominent treble presence.
- Surprisingly, the P8's midrange carries more weight and body, creating a contrast with Boson's midrange, which tends to sound thinner in comparison. This difference in midrange presentation could be a notable factor for those with specific preferences.
- In terms of technical prowess, both Boson and the P8 are evenly matched, showcasing similar capabilities. However, Boson takes the lead in the realm of imaging, demonstrating more accurate instrument placement and providing a heightened sense of precision in this aspect.
- Boson, with its more pronounced bass, delivers a punchier and more impactful slam. On the other hand, the P8 treads a similar path but in a slightly milder manner, with a subtle reduction in the intensity of the attack. The difference is discernible but not drastically significant.
TEST TRACKS:
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
As I embark on my third product review from Simgot, a pattern is starting to emerge. It appears that Simgot has a penchant for crafting bright, technically adept sets. In the context of the $300 price bracket, the primary drawback I've encountered with Boson is its tendency towards borderline sibilance. While this characteristic should certainly cater to treble enthusiasts, it may not be the best choice for those with more sensitive ears.
Boson excels in the realm of imaging, providing an impeccable experience, with precision and clarity being at the core of its sonic identity. The passive radiator's influence is palpable in bass-heavy tracks, but it leaves me pondering if it's more of a gimmick, especially given Boson's very near-neutral tuning.
Regardless of whether you opt for the blue or black tuning plugs, the inherent brightness can become fatiguing during extended listening sessions. This bright nature of Boson comes at the cost of sacrificing some timbre in the treble region. While transients are undoubtedly a point of pride, they lean towards the side of being slightly too fast to sound truly realistic.
Boson comes highly recommended for individuals who value technical prowess, favor a neutral tuning, and have a penchant for energetic and clear trebles. It's a set that clearly caters to those with a penchant for a certain type of sonic signature and should satisfy the needs of treble enthusiasts.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Simgot and my co-reviewer, Obed Boaz Sanchez, who displayed an exceptional level of patience during the creation of this review, which was admittedly long overdue. I appreciate the opportunity they provided me to explore and experience this adventurous IEM.