SIMGOT EA500

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀!

This is a review of the Simgot EA500, which Linsoul has provided me to review.

𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙: 𝘐 𝘞𝘈𝘚 𝘗𝘙𝘖𝘝𝘐𝘋𝘌𝘋 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘜𝘕𝘐𝘛 𝘐𝘕 𝘌𝘟𝘊𝘏𝘈𝘕𝘎𝘌 𝘍𝘖𝘙 𝘈 𝘕𝘖-𝘍𝘙𝘐𝘓𝘓𝘚, 𝘜𝘕𝘉𝘐𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘋 𝘙𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘌𝘞. 𝘐 𝘈𝘔 𝘕𝘌𝘐𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘙 𝘗𝘈𝘐𝘋 𝘕𝘖𝘙 𝘊𝘖𝘔𝘔𝘐𝘚𝘚𝘐𝘖𝘕𝘌𝘋 𝘛𝘖 𝘗𝘙𝘖𝘝𝘐𝘋𝘌 𝘈 𝘚𝘒𝘌𝘞𝘌𝘋 𝘙𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘌𝘞.

This is 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐈 on Goji-Fi' s 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙨, a series I will continue as I journey through the backlogs of this year's previous releases.



The Simgot EA500 took the audiophile hobby by storm by being the "next big thing" recently. Its undisputed likeable tuning and the flexibility through changeable nozzles is truly the stuff that generates talk among the hobby, and rightfully so. This may seem like a retrospective view given that months have passed since its initial popularity, but it still holds true to this age as it started a bit of a trend of modified Harman targets creeping into every price point in the IEM market.

𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚
$79 (USD)
~₱4400 (PhP)

𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨
𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱: 10mm 4th Generation DLC Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (1)
𝗣𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: 0.78mm 2-Pin
𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: 3.5mm unbalanced
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 16 Ω
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 20Hz – 20KHz
𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: 123dB/Vrms

𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 (out of 5)
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The packaging is one of the cutest sizes that I've seen in a while. It's not small, but the overall dimensions and shape make it very pleasing to look at. Despite the non-imposing stature, the front box art emanates a very serious and professional aura. No pictures nor silhouettes of the IEM can found; just a visual representation of what looks like a door that leads to outer space. The model name (EA500) is displayed under the door-like figure, which is accompanied by the Simgot logo and a high-res certification. At the back, we can see a pair of graphs, all designed to show you the subtle yet effective differences between switching nozzles.


𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭
As you open the box, you'll immediately be greeted with the EA500 IEMs themselves, all in their mirror like finish. You'll know right away that these will be fingerprint magnets, as once you extract them from the box, your prints will immediately stick to the entirety of the surface of the EA500. Nonetheless, they are good looking enough without being too overbearing with its design, which I truly like.


𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬
Simgot has offered us quite a good deal when it comes to the particulars that come with the IEM: a lightweight yet quality cable, multiple pairs of eartips, a sturdy oval case, the tuning nozzles, and multiple pairs of colorized rubber gaskets to help you identify what kind of tuning that you want. Simgot is very vocal about their campaign towards a mod and repair-friendly environment, which clearly shows in the inclusions they have made available for their consumers.




𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 & 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 (out of 5)
✳ The 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
The build quality for the IEMs themselves and their cable is nothing short of fantastic. Everything feels solid in the EA500, even in its lustrous mirror-like appearance. There are appearaces of seam lines around the body, but they still seem (pun intended) intentional and won't break at a drop's notice. The different vents and holes around the EA500 also looks cleanly made and are, as far as I can tell, functional. To top if all off, the entire thing feels rightfully hefty, which some of you might know, is a total win in my books. All of these add up to a satisfying feeling of confidence which really, is sometimes hard to find in this sub-$100 IEM bracket.

✳ The 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭
Small but terrible, as the quote goes. Although terrible is definitely not the case here, as the smaller form factor of the EA500 greatly contributes to the increased comfort that it offers. Audiophiles with smaller ears rejoice: the EA500, as said previously, is small in its size. It had absolutely no problem snuggling in my relatively bigger ears, which definitely will be the case for others that have smaller pinnas and depth in their ear canals. The body also does not protrude out to the back, which is a contrast from the common resin-made IEMs that tries to be a custom fit. This improves the comfort significantly; I wish more companies start to realize this rather than try to implement bigger curvature and bulges in the IEM body to aspire for a "universal" custom fit, which ironically, does not really work for all. Although a relatively heftier boi than other IEMs, I didn't feel that much heft when its properly secured in my ears. All of that combined with the lightweight cable means for a listening experience that can last upon hours and hours.


𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 .5 (out of 5)
𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗: (𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘍𝘓𝘈𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵, 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 24𝘣𝘪𝘵/48𝘬𝘏𝘻 𝘰𝘳 24𝘣𝘪𝘵/96𝘬𝘏𝘻)
𝘋𝘢𝘧𝘵 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘬 - 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘢𝘧𝘵 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘬 - 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 2007 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘦 - 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘶𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘱𝘢 -𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 - 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 & 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 - 𝘌𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘰𝘯 - 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘓𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳 - 𝘛𝘰 𝘗𝘪𝘮𝘱 𝘈 𝘉𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘭𝘺
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 – 𝘛𝘖𝘛𝘈𝘓 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 - 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 - 𝘐𝘯 𝘈𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 - 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 - 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘖𝘮 - 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴 - 𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 - 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳 - 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 - 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 - 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 - 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 - 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦 - 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘚𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 - 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 [𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥] (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 - 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘖𝘱𝘷𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘷𝘳𝘢𝘮 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘐 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 – 𝘌𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 – 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘥 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘡𝘰𝘴 𝘒𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 - ...𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘭𝘭 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 - 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 – 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘯
𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 - 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘹 𝘖𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢
𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗: 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘺 𝘚8+; 𝘍𝘪𝘪𝘰 𝘟3 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘐𝘐𝘐; 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴; 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘔15; 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 (1) 𝘸/ 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘊-𝘵𝘰-3.5𝘮𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 (𝘜𝘚 𝘝𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵)
𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘈𝘓𝘞𝘈𝘠𝘚 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 & 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘐𝘌𝘔 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵.



𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
- The Simgot EA500 is an absolute people pleaser when it comes to how its tonality is generally constructed. If you're an avid follower of trends that are recently happening in the audiophile space today, the EA500 ticks all of the right boxes, and then some. It faithfully recalls all the hallmarks of the Harman curve: a neutral tonality, lean midrange, sparkly treble, all capped off with a clean, surgical bass. What makes the EA500 adds some integral additions here and there that makes it the best iteration of the already-repetitive lineup of various IEMs. It injects that right amount of extra energy and engagement to keep interests high, which puts a smile on my face even in my pessimistic attitude towards the DNA it shares with others. It also scales well in terms of putting additional power into it through amps/capable DAPs, which adds up to the overall enjoyment of the IEM when added to your collection. It's 100% understandable why the EA500 is famous, and it has the capabilities to back up the hype.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭
- What really piqued my interest towards the EA500 is its capability to resolve everything in such a crystal-clear way. This characteristic is mostly shared by those who religiously follow the Harman curve, as it is mainly the point of its existence. It's what the participants of perceived as the most "hi-fi" sounding curve, and it definitely shows. The EA500's resolution prowess is king: it can present everything in any mix without any mud nor "mushiness" whatsoever. This is one of the tenets that make the Harman tuning popular, as it produces a sweet tonality that is easily likeable to the casual ear. Female vocals tend to benefit from this type of tuning, as the frequency range that they live in are in line with where its strength lies. The EA500 uses that advantage and perfects it with what it can offer with the price range. Instead of just copying the Harman tuning to-a-t, it tweaks the weaknesses it has and turns it into remarkable points. One aspect of this that is really tangible is its dampening of the Harman's slightly harsh upper midrange and turns it into a very natural experience. I love how it sounds in conjunction with the crystal-clear resolution that the EA500 pumps out, resulting in one of the (if not, THE) most naturally immersive IEM within this price range. Another layer of likeability is added when you add in the fact that the EA500 comes with two sets of tuning options, which can alter the sound: black for the Simgot tuning, red for a classic Harman one. It definitely makes an observable difference, which is sometimes rare for IEMs that feature any kind of interchangeable parts to "change" its sound. I prefer the black ones overall, as it injects a little bit of a Simgot personality into the market-saturated Harman tuning, which is a huge plus for me, subjectively.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭
- If you're looking for a warm, midrange-heavy, silky smooth experience in an IEM, the EA500 is definitely not the IEM for such purposes. That is the main caveat if you're buying this IEM, for I couldn't nitpick too much on its faults. May you be a seasoned veteran of the hobby or a casual newbie, you will be hard-pressed on finding any objective mistakes on how the EA500 presents itself. All will boil down to preferences: if you love Harman-tuned equipment, then the EA500 is arguably the best representation of such under $100. Clean, inoffensive bass; relatively present midrange; crystal clear treble with minimal peaks/irregularities: the EA500 has got it all. But if you're more of a neutral, flat-tuning, midrange heavy guy/gal, then the EA500 will definitely not be into your preferences. This might be my shortest criticism/nitpicking part of any review that I have done, for this is truly a great IEM that's worth the hype it's generated.

𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩 (𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟱):
𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜:
𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 & 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩:
𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙: .5

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘌𝘈500 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 (𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥): https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500?_pos=1&_sid=49b57a5ed&_ss=r

Firstly I would like to thank Simgot for sending me the EA500 to review.

*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings

Gear Used:
iBasso DX200 > EA500
JDS Labs Atom DAC+ > Singxer SA-1 > EA500



Tech Specs:
• MODEL – EA500
• DRIVERS – 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit & dual-cavity structure dynamic.
• DIAPHRAGM – Fourth-generation DLC composite diaphragm
• IMPEDANCE – 16Ω+15% (@1kHz)
• SENSITIVITY – 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz nozzle with red ring) 124dB/Vrms (@1kHz nozzle with black ring
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE RANGE – 10Hz-50KHz
• EFFECTIVE FREQUENCY RESPONSE – 20Hz-20kHz
• CABLE – High-purity silver-plated OFC wire
• CONNECTOR – 0.78mm 2-pin

https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500

Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories

The Simgot EA500 come in a small matte black box, it has the model’s name on the front and info about the IEM’s on the back along with 2 graphs showing the sound signature for each nozzle (Black and Red). Slide the outer cover off and there is another matte black box with rose gold lettering embossed, a very nice touch. The box is mostly made of carboard, with a small section of hard foam to hold the IEMs in place, this is good for the environment which I appreciate. You’ll find the IEMs and accessories all neatly laid out in separate parts of the box and its well done overall.

Build quality is excellent, the main housing is made from metal and the detachable cable uses a standard 2-pin connector. The nozzles unscrew to allow either the black or red silicone ring ones to be fitted, these act as tuning filters which is a great addition. The cable is a twisted pair for below the splitter and single above, internally there are 4 cores of stranded silver-plated-copper OFC and the flexibility is excellent along with great strain relief on all parts.

Accessory wise you get 3 sets of silicone eartips (S, M and L) along with a spare set of nozzles (red are fitted, black are spare) there is a small bag of coloured o-rings too in case you lose any/they get damaged. There is also an oval shaped clamshell carry case included which is great, personally I would have liked to see more eartips included but all the basics are covered so that’s a plus.



Comfort and Isolation

The Simgot EA500 have a well-shaped housing which allows for a comfortable fit, the only issue I had was that the weight of the metal housing did cause them to slide out a little and meant they didn’t fit as flush as I would have liked. They didn’t fall out however, I would not pick these for active use, and they’re better suited for general daily usage. I did find them to be comfortable in use, and the cable greatly contributes to this, being supple and easy to handle.

Isolation is average, these are a vented dynamic driver design and as such will never compete with fully sealed balanced armature models. They do very well for everyday commuting and the usual daily activities, but if you have a very noisy commute, I would look at something a little more isolating.



Sound

Firstly, I will start off with the red nozzle which Simgot claim follows the Harman earphone curve quite closely. The Simgot EA500 have a punchy sound with these nozzles, there is great punch from the lower end of the spectrum and it’s controlled along with impactful. The punch is well controlled and there is good extension to back it up, these are not bass-head IEMs however they are mildly fun and quite engaging with the right music.

The midrange has detail, the EA500 manage to extract an impressive amount of detail from vocals and guitars without them sounding clinical. The transition from the bass into the midrange is handled very well without any excessive warming of the lower midrange, and equally the transition from the upper midrange into the treble is smooth with only a hint of sibilance on certain tracks. The midrange has very impressive tonality and they never sound congested, vocals are slightly forward giving them a bit of an intimate presentation however the rest of the instruments are well placed within the soundstage.
Treble wise these have good presentation and are not lacking when it comes to quantity, they are not however presented in a brash or up-front way and don’t ever become fatiguing. Extension is good, whilst they don’t quite trail off as effortlessly as some others, for the price the detail and control are commendable. They complement the overall balance and leave the EA500 sounding fun and enjoyable without sounding dull, or too clinical either. There is a sense of sparkle up top, but the highs are well controlled and even tonally they come across very well for the price.

Overall the red nozzles have a thoroughly enjoyable, well balanced sound with slightly forward vocals that give them a somewhat intimate presentation without ever sounding congested. The detail in the midrange is stunning for the price, and I really enjoy this sound signature.



Now on to the black nozzles, Simgot call this tuning a “Classic-Simgot” tuning and it differs to the Harman curve in a few ways. Right away you will notice a slight decrease in body in the bass, the punch is a little drier and has less warmth and body to it, and to me sounds a little less natural down low. Kick drums sound a bit to constrained, there sound be more body to back them up, however articulation and speed is good with the black nozzles.

The midrange is still quite natural; however, it is ever so slightly cooler in tonality, it doesn’t quite have the natural warmth of the red nozzles. Due to the slight decrease in body, there is a slight perceived increase in detail, the upper midrange is still well controlled though with minimal sibilance however it is a little more forward. The presentation is also slightly different, vocals don’t come across quite as up-front and there is a little more space within the soundstage.
A small increase in treble presence is noticeable and they no longer sound quite as well rounded and punchy, instead the overall signature is a little leaner and could become fatiguing at louder volumes. There is slightly more sparkle to the treble and it is more upfront in its presentation however it does remain quite well controlled and doesn’t sound splashy or overly peaky.

Overall, the black nozzles are a little leaner sounding which can work well for some genres, there is a perceived increase in detail due to the tuning and the treble is a little more upfront however they are lacking a slight richness to the sound that the red nozzles have.

Conclusion

The Simgot EA500 with the red nozzles are very easy to enjoy, I think they have a signature that is easy to like and the technicalities are mightily impressive for the price. There is a good level of detail retrieval, the sound is controlled and they never come across as congested. The black nozzles on the other hand could sound fatiguing to some over time and at higher volumes, the sound with the black nozzles is a little lean and perhaps not quite as fun and engaging as the red. Which you will prefer will come down to personal preference however, I found the red nozzles to provide a very well-rounded sound that way engaging, fun and yet technically proficient too. They are comfortable but the housings are quite heavy and I did find them not to sit as flush as I would have liked due to this (along with my awkward ear canals).

Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (Excellent build, great sound)

Simgot EA500
1DD - DLC

Hi friend ! Before I even begin this review, first let me apologize for my weird English and grammatical mistakes.
The Simgot EA500 is send directly from Linsoul in exchange for my honest review.

Just in case you're interested on getting the EA500 after reading this review, you can get it from the links below.

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500
Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005226641040.html
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-SIMGOT-EA500-Replaceable-Detachable/dp/B0BWWTJVWW

Let's Start with the Packaging
Inside the box you get :

• IEM
• Nozzle
• O-Ring
• Eartips
• Pouch
• Cable
• Manual

Build of the IEM is made from stainless steel, it has glossy finish but not that easy to get scratch and smudge, I don't know if its been coated with some kind of coating or not, pretty solid build I'd say.


as for the cable, it's rather thin, but functional, it's very comfortable to use and very lightweight. It also has a chin slider with the Simgot branding



Fitting and Comfort
Using the stock cable and stock eartips I can get decent fit and comfort for long listening session, pretty good !

Now lets talk about the Sound
Sound is tested using iFi Go Blu, FiiO Q11, stock eartips, stock cable
Music is mostly from Apple Music Lossless (J-POP, J-Rock, Anisong, EDM, Jazz, Metal)

Simgot state that if you use the red nozzle, it is tuned to H-2016 target curvers (Probably Harman), and if the black nozzle is used, then its tuned to Simgot Classic Target (their interpretation of the Harman target).

For the sound part I'm mostly going to explain it using the red nozzle, because the black nozzle to my ears sounded to be a bit too forward and bright.

Tonality in general, the Simgot EA500 is not that Harman like IEM, to my ears its almost sounding like a diffuse field-ish (not true DF either) with a little bass shelf boost, lean midrange and sparkly treble.


BASS : is boosted just north neutral, main focused is on the mid-bass area, though extension is very good, and bass control, speed, and punch is also very good, rumble of the bass is also presented in a very analytical rendering. If you're a basshead, I'm 100% sure you won't be satisfied using the EA500.


Mids : forward, a bit lean, analytical, It sounded like you're forced to hear the midrange and its details

Treble : sparkly, extends, details, but not piercing, the quantity is just right, not overly sparkly to give a sense of "fake detail"

Overall, the sound is presentation is analytical not lush and musical like its cheaper brother the EW100P.

Technicalities
Stage : not the widest but its quite wide.
You can feel it's wall placement, the shape is symmetrical both in width and depth.

Imaging - Positioning - Separation : imaging is very good, almost felt like holographic, but not quite there yet. Sound coming pretty well rendered, you can feel it has shape and body to the sound.
Positioning is also very good, you can clearly pinpoint which sound is coming from, and for the separation is also very good, especially for a single driver set, the separation is quite sharp (not tonally sharp) but you can pinpoint what instrument is playing very easily with the EA500.

Detail Retrieval : for the asking price its very good, you can clearly hear micro details being rendered within the music.

Probably the selling point of the EA500 is its excellent technicalities, especially for a single driver unit. You can have very good technicalities while the sound is sounding very cohesive.

Comparations
Moondrop KATO : why did I compare the EA500 to more pricier IEM? because its technicality is pretty close !
Tonal wise, the KATO has more bass, more body to the sound, more musical, with good technicalities for the price.
If compared directly to the EA500, EA500 presentation is more analytical rather than musical, you can clearly hear that it demands your attention to listen to the details, while KATO has more laidback, and relaxed tuning.

Truthear HEXA : HEXA is more focused on the sub-bass compared to EA500 mid-bass focused, bass control is better on the EA500, overall bass presentation of the EA500 is superior compared to the HEXA (depth, extension, punch, control, speed).
HEXA has more leaner sound and less coloration to its sound.
Build wise, HEXA has a rubberized coating that I cannot vouch for its long term reliability, compared to the EA500 stainless steel solid build.

Conclusion

The Simgot EA500 in my opinion is recommended especially for users that really like single driver presentation without sacrificing technicalities.
Thanks to its single driver configuration, sound is rendered very cohesively.
Tonality and technicality wise the EA500 is also very good (though tonal is very subjective things)

But, just in case you're still wondering / contemplating should you get the EA500 or not, let me help you.

The Simgot EA500 is RECOMMENDED if :

• You love single driver presentation
• Your budget is around $80 USD
• Want a cohesive sound without sacrificing technicalities
• Want a very solidly made IEM

The Simgot EA500 is NOT so RECOMMENDED if :

• You're treble sensitive, because its doesn't shy to say hi to your ears
• Want the most technicalities for $80 USD (HEXA)
• You're a basshead, the bass quantity and presentation is clearly not the type for it

thats all from me for now, I might edit this later to correct my weird English and add YouTube Video review in Bahasa Indonesia.


-littlenezt

SIMGOT EA500 – “The Playful Kind-
Friday Every Day”



DISCLAIMER:
This set was provided by Simgot . I really thank them for their generosity. They did not ask me to write a good review of the EA500 haha. In fact, my first impressions video was not good lol. Here:



To give a summary of that, I received 4 black nozzles! I do not have the red nozzles in my package. However, the team immediately sent me the red nozzles in no time. I am probably treated that way because I am going to review them. But I really hope that customers are also treated that way. But for my experience, the team has been very responsive with my concerns and the service is top notch.

I am going to start calling these write ups “User experience”. I feel like the word “reviewer” is losing its credibility because some people believe that we are being paid or something like that haha. I am going to make a video about the truth and secrets of reviewing IEMS, so stay tuned!

But for now, this is my user experience of the Simgot EA500

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?


It’s a nicely packed set. Premium design of the box, which will probably end up somewhere hidden in my room haha, lets get real .

Inside the box you get:

1.) The beautiful shiny EA500

2.) Very good quality cable- I like. It’s nicely braided and feels very good to touch.

3.) My 4 black nozzles hahaha. But now I have 4 red nozzles too, coz they sent me 4. So that's a total of 8 nozzles hahaha.

4.) Eartips in SML- but I don’t like how they pair with the set because they don’t seal well. The eartips are fine with other IEMS though.

5.) It’s always good to have a carrying case, and they have one

6.) Black and red rings- I honestly do not know why it is here haha.

COMFORT and BUILD

Good build, all metal and yeah a scratch magnet. The vents are near the nozzle which I prefer. I dunno, I feel like vents near the nozzles have better resolution, at least in my experience with listening to 200+ sets in Japan.

Fit and comfort is commendable. I really like how comfortable they are in my ears. I do not notice any strain and I can fit them deeper too!

SOUND


"The Nocebo"

As you may have noticed in my video. I placed myself in a nocebo mode. What is a Nocebo? Well yeah, just exactly what you are thinking. It is a kind of placebo, but the effects are the opposite.

“The minute a listener is challenged to hear differences in a stereo system using the double blind method, his defenses are put on high alert - fundamentally changing his abilities to hear differences, thus negating the results” – Paul McGowan et.al.

Why did I do this though? Haha. Well I just find it fascinating to play with my mind. I tried to counter the hype and understand why other people do not like this set.

To cut the story short, my first impressions of the set were not amazing. I only saw its flaws, especially in the bass. I felt that it did not have enough subbass to complement the brightness in the treble. And yeah, the treble was also too forward for me, it boosted some cymbal attacks making them sound a bit colored.

"I don’t stop until I understand"

But I did not stop. I listened to the EA500 for a good two weeks to analyze its sound signature. This is a balanced set with emphasis on lower -mid treble. Yeah it is kinda bright with its overall signature. That must be the reason why people are putting on some tapes on the vents to compensate for the treble energy. Mind you though, it is not the strident kind of bright. They are actually pleasing, but you feel like the overall sound would be much more complete if it had some energy in the subbass.

Although there is forwardness in the treble, I enjoyed how it replayed my library. I tried to understand what the fuzz was all about. When you listen to other sets after listening to the EA500, believe me, they will sound Lo-Res hahaha. Sometimes, you feel that others sets are dark, even if they are not. This is again because of the forwardness of the treble. If I am going to nitpick this set, I find that the timbre on some instruments aren’t really that perfect. I find them colored.

However, they are very pleasing to listen to. You may not hear realism in timbre, but you will have loads of fun listening to the EA500

And now I understand what the hype is all about.

"The waiting game: Project Red"

No. it is not the project red from Crinacle haha. But I have the Crinacle red and here is my unboxing and first impressions for that haha.. plugging in..



What I meant is the red nozzles, as I have mentioned in my unboxing and first impressions of the EA500. I did not receive my red nozzles. I only got 4 black nozzles. They have foams stuffed in. I emailed Simgot about this and asked if it was possible for me to replicate the red nozzles by removing the foams, and just replace the rings with red haha.

They replied that the red nozzles do have a different filter, and that they would be sending me the red nozzles.

Having said that, I carried on with my MOD while waiting- The black nozzles without foams.

How do they sound? Amazing! But maybe a bit grainy in the treble. The bass is tighter without the foam and the clarity is a notch up. You get a very crisp sound straight from the driver ahaha.

Graph wise, there isn’t any noticeable difference. But on ears? Pretty big actually. This is a perfect example that graphs are not all, or at least the mics cannot capture everything.

If someone disagrees that the sound of the black nozzle with and without foams sound the same, I do not know what to say about that because for me, the biggest difference is in the bass decay and treble forwardness.

"And so the red nozzles arrive"

I was so excited when the nozzles arrived. I immediately listened to them and measured the difference. There is really a difference and I think it is in the filter they used. The red nozzles does not have the foams like the black ones have. Even if you remove the foams from the black nozzles, the sound is still different when compared to the red nozzles. They even measured differently.

I now understand the hype. I understand why so many people like it. I understand why many praise it. I understand the price to performance ratio. Because this set, with the red nozzles, really deserve the title.

The bass is tight and clean. It still has the midbass emphasis and that fundamental forwardness, but this time, it is better presented. Mids are more correct sounding and the timbre of instruments are more pleasing to my ears. Vocals are nuanced especially female vocals. Treble energy is tamed in a good way. I do not hear aggressiveness like what I hear on black nozzles. It carries a better extension and the balance across the frequency is more even.

I like this a lot. and so let is start in the actual review hahaha.

"What sounds good, sounds good"

And so I was done with my Nocebo. I tried changing eartips that matched my ear holes. Slowly, reality was sinking in and I could hear why this set is hyped to the moon. This driver is actually pretty good for its price. The clarity of everything is just superb on the EA500. This set has the tendency to highlight the trailing end of notes, making them pop longer in the background. The Technicalities of this set is just too good. The separation and layering is approaching near 3D, almost holographic. I found myself enjoying this set quite a lot. Who wouldn’t? What sounds good, sounds good.

"Are they one the best in the sub $100?"

I honestly think they are. The EA500 is very easy to like and you would really have to load yourself with Nocebo to dislike them. I saw other graphs comparing them to the Olina SE, and they are probably not wrong about it. The upper mids and treble elevation resembles the Olina SE, except for the Bass. I do feel that the Olinas sound more complete and more balanced, but what would Simgot get if it copied the exact tuning of the Olinas?

Instead, the EA500 made its way to the sub $100 with its own unique tuning, interchangeable nozzles and a well-planned package and accessories.

PROS

A very good all-rounder. Like really. I tried scrolling my library and any genre I play, the EA500 just plays it with finesse. The ability of the EA500 to extract details and dynamics is simply amazing.

the micro details is amazing on this set. It tends to make the trailing end of notes pop and make them linger longer. I have noticed that I do not even need to focus much on chords and guitar solos because the EA500 displays them in a clear manner.

Great vocal presence. And when I say presence, I mean the space around them is well defined. You hear the breaths, layering and melodies. I was surprised at how clear the vocals were in the track “Replicant” by Yorushika.

any track with guitars sound amazing on the EA500. Acoustic tracks also excel. Listening to Taylor swift is perfect with these. The harmonics of guitars are well portrayed, and female vocals also benefit from the treble forwardness.

CONS

although the stage is almost holographic, the midbass emphasis is preventing them to sound more open. They are not compressed in any way, but I feel like a little less midbass would make the balance better so that the stage is more natural. I noticed that in the track Gunjo by Yoasobi, the venue was like in a small room.

at times, the upper mids to low treble can actually be a bit much for some, especially the black nozzles. It feels like Chu treble forwardness, but with better transparency. But still, it prevents the EA500 to have that realism in cymbal timbre.

the stock eartips just don’t work for me. It doesn’t seal! The eartips itself is not the problem, because the eartips works fine with other iems. But the pairing of this eartip and the structure of the EA500 creates a leak, and I hear a loud pop similar to that of a driver flex, but louder. Why do I know it’s not driver flex? Because I know it is not sealing well and I hear outside noise like I am not wearing an IEM haha.

the overall tonality might not be for everyone. I have talked about this in some disord servers (Mike Bruce's). One person commented that they are not good for metal tracks, and I do kind of agree. The signature cannot resolve drop tunings well, because it does not have enough subbass extension.

SCORING
-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.

TONALITY - 2.5
BASS - 2.5
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 2.5
TECHS - 3

=13.5 ( A+ rank, generally better than other sets. Very good for the price but the tonality might not match your preferences)

Check my scoring criteria here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is a balanced set. I would not call it neutral. There is a bit of elevation in the midbass and lower mids that gives enough coloration. There is also some emphasis on the mid treble that makes tracks more engaging and playful.

Bass is not basshead level but gives me the enough level to enjoy riffs in metal tracks. It is fast and snappy. I do wish it had a little bit of subbass to make it more linear.

Mids are full and lush sounding, with a lot of focus in fundamentals. It just sounds very clear but you notice that little coloration, albeit in a nice way.

Treble is forward, but not the strident kind. It is very playful in this area. Again, a little bit of coloration because I do think cymbals don’t sound as natural as should be, but this presentation is still very enjoyable for me.

Technicalities are what makes this set special. The resolution and clarity is really good and the positional cues, although not accurate, renders stage like you are in a small pub. The separation of instruments is well done for a single driver, almost on par with my RS1 in terms of layering really. The microdetails and nuance are also emphasized and they are just very fun when finding out a lot of stuff in tracks.

Countless mods exist because they are not perfect. It just means that there is lacking with the EA500, or probably something too much, and people are trying to find that sweet spot of this beautiful set.

Simgot has provided different options for users to play with the EA500. The two tuning nozzles, and a DIY kit that includes different filters.

I had an amazing time with this set in all honesty. They went from Zero to Hero, from B+ to A+ in my scoring. Because again, what sounds good, sounds good.

They did not reach an S however, because I thought the overall tonality can still be improved. But still, it's a good score and I can safely recommend these to anyone looking for an all rounder.

In the box, there is a quote that says: “ Don’t try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years”.


Hell yeah! When I put them in my ears, it is like I am in a bar, and I feel like it’s Friday every day.

Simgot EA500, the playful kind

==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links

http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/26.html#!/detail

https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500

https://hifigo.com/products/simgot-ea500

SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby ang stock player

-stock cable
-radius deep mount eartips

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

* Resistance: 16Ω
* Sensitivity: 123dB
* Driver: 10mm dynamic
* Frequency Response Range: 10 – 50000Hz
* Price: $79


CONSTRUCTION

The EA500's build quality and design are simply astounding. The Simgot EA500 is an excellent example of a high quality IEMS available today. The gloss finish metal shells of the Simgot EA500 look nice but are kind of prone to smudging. The shell is bright or simply put shiny but it's done in a good way. It looks premium exactly like an expensive IEM.

The Simgot EA500 is constructed with a combination of high-quality materials that ensure durability and comfort. The EA500 is made up of metal, which provides a solid build and a visually appealing design. The use of metal adds robustness and enhances the overall longevity of the earphones.

The metal components of the EA500 contribute to its sturdy construction, providing protection against daily wear and tear. The earpieces are designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions without causing discomfort or fatigue.


SOUND

Moment of truth the EA500 is one of the best amongst the sets in its price range no doubt. The low-end of the EA500 comes with fair amount of agility as the transient attack and decay has a nicely airy replay. The midrange is delightful to my ears. I adore the natural note weight in this area because it can play a variety of styles and genres and accurately represent each. The melody of instruments is simply raw and agile, with good resolution. Male vocals are well portrayed and sounds clean, albeit they can sound a little thin at times. To my ears, the treble is lively and airy, with fine pacing and timing and decent transient behavior. I hear the EA500 having an extraordinary capacity to build wonderful layers within the imaginary stage. The EA500 truly exceeds my expectations when it comes to delivering an exceptional sound experience. Its audio prowess is characterized by a captivating and well-defined bass that flawlessly blends with the mids and highs, never overpowering them. The dynamic range of this set is simply remarkable, creating an engaging brilliance in the midrange that truly stands out.

One of the standout features of the EA500 is its treble performance, which strikes a perfect balance between smoothness and excitement. This delicate equilibrium adds a refined sharpness to the overall listening experience, elevating it to new heights. The treble reproduction on the EA500 is nothing short of impressive, ensuring every subtle detail and nuance is captured and presented with utmost clarity.

Whether you're indulging in your favorite tracks or immersing yourself in a movie or gaming session, the EA500's sound quality is sure to impress. Its bass response offers a solid foundation that anchors the audio, while the mids and highs shine through with remarkable presence and accuracy. The resulting audio presentation is rich, immersive, and full-bodied, allowing you to fully appreciate the depth and intricacies of your audio content.

Furthermore, the EA500's ability to maintain a balanced sound signature across different genres is commendable. It effortlessly adapts to various music styles, ensuring a consistently enjoyable listening experience, whether you're into bass-heavy tracks, vocal-driven melodies, or instrumental pieces.


BASS

The bass has excellent impact and texture. It's quite full, bland and broad, with a gentle transient in the mids. There is presence of sub-bass and it's well done same as the mid-bass which applies to both nozzles. EA500 is very easy to drive, though it scales with juice and in bass tightness.


MIDS

I think this is the star of the show, the lower mids are full-bodied and lush. The vocals are somewhat frontal in the mix, giving them a genuine presence that is never unnatural or overemphasized. The dynamic range of the EA500 midrange is excellent. It has the ability to communicate a wide range of emotions, from bright and cheery to gloomy and melancholy. The mids captivate the listener, with layers of complexity and detail that reveal themselves with accuracy.

The midrange performance of the Simgot EA500 is truly engaging and dynamic, making it one of the prominent features of its sound signature. The EA500 excels in reproducing the mid frequencies with accuracy and clarity, allowing for a rich and immersive listening experience.

In the midrange, the EA500 manages to strike a balance between warmth and detail, resulting in a sound that is both smooth and revealing. Vocals, whether they are male or female, are rendered with a natural and lifelike presentation, allowing for an intimate and emotional connection with the music.

The EA500's midrange is characterized by its ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties in instrumental tracks, ensuring that each instrument is well-defined and distinct. This level of detail allows for a more immersive and realistic listening experience, as the listener can appreciate the intricate layers and textures within the music.

Another notable aspect of the EA500's midrange is its ability to maintain separation and clarity, even in complex musical passages. Instruments and vocals are well-separated, ensuring that each element can be heard individually without any muddiness or congestion.

It's important to note that personal preferences can vary when it comes to midrange reproduction. Some listeners may prefer a more forward and intimate midrange, while others may prefer a more neutral and balanced presentation. The EA500 leans towards a balanced approach, providing a natural and detailed midrange without any overwhelming emphasis.

Overall, the Simgot EA500 delivers an engaging and dynamic midrange performance. Whether you're listening to vocals or instrumental tracks, the EA500's midrange reproduction ensures clarity, detail, and an immersive listening experience.


TREBLE

The treble tuning reaches an excellent blend of smoothness and intensity.

The treble performance of the Simgot EA500 strikes a perfect balance between smoothness and excitement, enhancing the overall listening experience with its polished sharpness and clarity. The treble on the EA500 is characterized by its ability to deliver a refined and detailed high-frequency response without causing any harshness or sibilance to my ear.

The treble reproduction on the EA500 is smooth and well-extended, allowing for the accurate portrayal of high-frequency details in the music. It brings out the shimmer and sparkle of cymbals, the delicate nuances of string instruments, and the airiness of vocals, adding a sense of realism and presence to the music.

The EA500's treble maintains excellent control, preventing it from overpowering the other frequencyranges or becoming fatiguing during long listening sessions. This control allows for a balanced sound signature, where the treble complements the bass and midrange without overshadowing them.

It's important to note that the perception of treble can vary based on individual preferences and the audio recordings being played. Additionally, factors such as the fit of the earphones and the source equipment can also influence the treble performance.


COMPARISON

EA500 vs ikko OH10

OH10 has more bass and is faster.
The EA500 has a more neutral sound, whilst the OH10 has a more colored tone. Ea500 happens to be one of the best set I've had under $100.


CONCLUSION

Overall, the Simgot EA500 is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a high-quality, yet reasonably priced, in-ear monitor. Although the shiny alloy shells are prone to smearing, their excellent construction and comfortable fit compensate.

In summary, the EA500 not only lives up to expectations but exceeds them in the realm of sound reproduction at the price point under $100. With its compelling bass, captivating midrange brilliance, and a treble that strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and excitement, this set brings a polished sharpness to your music, leaving you fully immersed and captivated by the music you listen to.

Introduction

After a change, as usual, I keep trying new brands. This is the case of Simgot, a company founded in June 2015, based in Shenzhen, focused on the development and promotion of audio equipment. Its products include its first EN700 IEMs and its updated EN700 BASS version, EN700 PRO. As a curiosity, SIMGOT stands for "Simple and Elegant". In this case, I am going to review the EA500, an IEMS with a 10 mm dynamic driver with dual magnetic circuit with N52 magnet and dual cavity structure. It uses a 4th generation DLC composite diaphragm. The detachable mouthpiece design offers two different frequency responses. The capsules are all-metal, manufactured with a mirror-plated process for durability and sonic performance. All this and its sound will be discussed in the next review.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 10mm dynamic driver, with 4th generation DLC diaphragm, dual magnetic circuit with N52 magnet and dual cavity structure.
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz.
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz.
• Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz mouthpiece with red ring) 124dB/Vrms (@1kHz mouthpiece with black ring).
• Impedance: 16Ω+15% (@1kHz).
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm gold-plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• High purity silver plated OFC cable.

Packaging

The Simgot EA500 comes in a medium-sized black box, whose dimensions are 144x123x63mm. In the centre of the main face is a picture of an unreal landscape. The Hi-Res logo is in the top right corner. In the upper left corner is the brand name and below the picture the model. On the back side are the specifications, in Chinese, English and Korean. There are also the two frequency responses provided by the two mouthpieces. The outer cardboard is removed from the side, which gives access to a black cardboard box. After lifting the lid, as if it were a book, you will find the two shiny, polished capsules, encased in foam lined like the box. Underneath is a small box with the accessories. Inside you can find a zippered case containing the rest. In a nutshell:

• The two Simgot EA500 capsules.
• One high-purity silver-plated OFC cable with 3.5mm SE gold-plated plug.
• A black, oval, zippered carrying case.
• 2 manuals in various languages.
• 1 pouch with red and black O-rings.
• Two black screw-on nipples. The red ones are inserted into the capsules.
• 3 pairs of translucent white silicone tips with black core, sizes SxMxL.

The best thing is the presentation itself, austere and slightly different. But above all the zippered case. The manuals are appreciated, but more tips are missing, there is only one set.



Construction and Design

The Simgot EA500 features a polished and shiny construction, which is slightly different due to its two-tier design on the inner side, as well as some details that make it eloquent and attractive. The capsules are all-metal and mirror-plated. Each is made up of two visibly separate faces. The outer face has an equilateral triangle design, with very rounded corners. In the centre is the brand logo. The model name is engraved on the edge in capital letters. The rigid, translucent plastic part, which contains the gold-plated 2Pin 0.78mm connection, is slightly recessed. The inner side has two levels. On the lower level there is a recessed oval, which contains a hole, at the bottom of which there is a metal grid. Next to it is a gold-plated Torx screw. Outside the oval, but near the centre, there is an engraved circle, inside which is the letter indicating the channel. The second level of the inner face is more rounded and contains the mouthpiece. Close to the mouthpiece is another hole, the bottom of which is protected by a cloth grille. The nozzles are inclined and have a thread at the tip for attaching the metal filters. The filter with the red O-ring has nothing inside, while the black filter has a foam of the same colour.
The nozzles have a length of 4.5mm, a smaller diameter of 5.1mm and a larger diameter of 6.1mm at the edge.
The wire has two coiled strands, silver plated and covered with transparent plastic. All parts are made of plastic. The plug sleeve is of the classic black L-cylinder type. The 3.5mm SE connector is gold-plated. The splitter piece is also made of black plastic. It has a rectangular shape, the lower corners of which are rounded. Engraved in a recessed circle is the brand logo. The slide is made of the same material, rectangular, with two lowered ovals inside, with two through holes for each wire. You can read the brand name inscribed on each larger side. There is a white Velcro strap with a slogan written in black letters. It has guides on semi-rigid ears and the connectors are 2Pin 0.78mm long and gold-plated. The sleeves are the classic rectangular two-tier ones, each with a coloured dot to indicate the channel.
Great design for the capsules, with a mirror finish that is a fingerprint magnet. The weight of each capsule is noticeable in the hand.
The cable is more classic, but still of good quality. Although I would have preferred a copper cable to soften the character of the EA500s, I must admit that the silver plating gives it a continuist matching look.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

Although the capsules look a little large in appearance, the two-level design of the inner face makes them ergonomic and easy to position inside the cabinet. The angle of the mouthpieces is also very good. It is true that, on the whole, they are a little short and the insertion does not go beyond the surface. With some tips, a slightly deeper insertion could be achieved.
It also feels that the weight in the hand is evident, but in the ears it is not noticeable, thanks to the remarkable level of fit and integration. The capsules hardly rotate at all and the fit is high, once you find occlusive and well-fitting tips, as is usually the case with my large foam-filled home-made tips. Thanks to them, the level of isolation is remarkable.



Sound

Profile

The Simgot EA500s are in that segment of neutral IEMS, but with excited mid-highs. Depending on our tolerance, the mouthpieces used, the genres of music to be played and the character of the sources, they can range from tolerable to penetrating, harsh and unpleasant. All this, of course, from my personal bias.
Red mouthpieces are at the limit of tolerance, while black mouthpieces are more excessive. In pure frequency response measurements, it can be seen that the bass response is very similar and that the changes produced by the nozzles are registered from the mids onwards. If the bass response feels altered, it is because of the difference from 1kHz onwards.
The general issue is not that the Simgot is very excited in the high-mids, but that the highs are quite full as well, which generates a higher concentration of energy from the second half of the mids onwards.
As mentioned, my preference and tolerance is for the red mouthpiece and it is with this that I describe the sound, in the following sections.



Bass

The bass does not dominate the sound, but is always behind or in neutral. It is quite full, smooth and broad, with a soft transient towards the mids. Its overall lightness is accentuated in the sub-bass, which is very much counterbalanced by the mid-highs. In electronic songs with kick drum and cymbal, the bass is in the background, while the cymbals stand out. And this representation is not what one expects when listening to electronica. In these settings, the bass is not particularly developed and is hard to concentrate on, when the high end is hammering the eardrums. If electronics are used with a lighter V (and we are back to Massive Attack) the lower range is drawn simple, without too much texture, subtly rough, with low dynamics and travel. The changes in power are quite slight, so the bass lines are not too pronounced, but not too expressive either. Similarly, the physicality of its punch is low and the amount of air moved is also low. The result is a low end that doesn't rumble, with a monotonous tendency that doesn't mark the bass lines, not even the bass drums, generating a bass melody rather than a bass response.
The pure tone test is moderately realistic, but colour is felt from the deepest LFOs. Although the reproduction is adequate and natural, it lacks physicality and more body in performance.
On the other hand, the technical level is appropriate, with a dry and concise, if simple, punch. Its speed is good, as well as its decay, it does not leave a trace and it evaporates quickly. It has precision and resolution, but due to the lack of body, energy and power, both the bass lines and the layers are relatively loose and deflated, with little punch and volume. The result is a well-adjusted bass, compact, more smooth than round, technically precise and pleasant, which needs amplification to emerge, but which finds in the high end a limiter of its dynamics and splendour, as well as occupying a light volume and neutral power.



Mids

The mids are quite clean and I don't find the smooth transition from the bass into this area to add warmth or intrusiveness. The first half is also lacking in body and the level of physicality is fairly neutral, with a balanced note weight and a medium thickness, which becomes lighter as the frequencies rise. Even with red mouthpieces, this is a sound that releases the warmth of musical compositions, bringing light and clarity to them, even as it lowers their density. In this respect, the EA500s work very well with warm music or sources, bringing a brighter, thinner and more transparent point of view. On the other side of the scale, this effect can be doubly positive for brighter music or cooler sources. The Amapiano, characterised by powerful sub-bass sections, has a metallic-brilliant cleanliness that the EA500s take care to emancipate more than necessary, to the point of making such compositions too demanding for my fifty-something eardrums. The explicit and descriptive level reached becomes penetrating, even fatiguing. With warmer music, however, the EA500s shine by adding a twist to dense, unpolished compositions, incorporating detail unheard of in other headphones.
Turning to the first half of the mids, the male voices are relatively neutral, without too much thickness, drawn at medium distance, with a low physical level and volume, as is their density. It is a soft weight. Their timbre is natural, with a fine and luminous tendency. The instrumentation is similar, generating a delicate and relatively thin presentation, which allows space to open up between the notes, and to breathe light between them, something that helps to increase the precision, resolution and level of detail, as well as the perception of dynamics.
In the second half, neutrality is exceeded, flirting with sibilance and an evident energetic level. And this level is not framed in the upper-mid range, but extends towards the treble. This makes the male voices stretch in extension, giving the same weight and prominence to the body as to the details and harmonics, which distorts their full development. The detail is elevated above the fundamental and musicality is lost in favour of a fervent and vivid sensation that approaches the foreground. It is a sharp brilliance, whose delicate, subtle thickness makes it more cutting, penetrating, fatiguing, after all. And it is accentuated by the black filter. It is clear that the extraction of detail, nuance and staging is superior, placing the sound at an analytical point, which can go from interesting to stressful, depending on the music and the sources selected. Female vocals veer in the same way, becoming either splendid or painful. It is clear that the Simgot EA500 can go from angel to demon, moving away from being a good all-round ensemble, to becoming a more specialised IEMS.



Treble

The treble has excellent extension for a dynamic driver and more so in this price range. They are able to maintain a high energy level and that contributes to the EA500's sound being crisp and focused, from the mid-highs onwards. There is a certain balance to that excitement - these are not eminently treble-driven IEMS, but it is clear that the range is strong, presentially speaking, at least, in its first half. In this way, their sonority is sharp, thin, fine and powerful, but without being hurtful. Although, it is clear that it may be too much for some sensitive ears. Even the black filter excites this band even more.
Another positive factor is the speed and dynamics of this range, something that brings a fairly high level of precision, definition and resolution. The result is a fairly full range, even in its air region, which helps to distinguish the overall sound as quite detailed, rigorous and concise. One of the best in its price range.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is airy, well-defined, has remarkable width and good height, though it suffers from a certain depth. The sensation offered is more vaporous and ethereal, much more capable of layering and distinguishing detail, than marking bass lines and composing them. There is much more flatness in the midrange and treble than in the bass, which is drawn more simply and linearly. In contrast, the nuances are much more expressive and surprising, reaching a very high analytical level for this price range. The level of resolution and detail definition is very good, even adding an unusual sonority, which offers an even more focused, diverse and distinctive sound, reaching micro detail with ease and ease of recreation.
Separation is also very good, as is the imaging and positioning of the elements, reaching an excellent level, comparatively speaking. There is a remarkable sense of air and distance between notes, which pronounces the sense of clarity, transparency and luminosity.



Comparisons

Dunu Kima

The Dunu Kima is just above $100, being in the range just above it. But there are some similarities between the two products. Both are metallic, with a mirror finish for the EA500 and a matte finish for the Kima. Both inner sides are characterised by two levels. The Kima seems to be smaller and less heavy and I prefer the matte design and the different planes on the outer side. Both have very good cases, but Dunu's presentation and accessories always have a special touch. In fact, both cables are similar, with the Dunu offering a better finish, as well as being slightly thicker.
The Simgot fit my ears better, offering a more occlusive feel and a more perfect seal than the Kima.
Sound-wise, the Kima's have a more relaxed treble presentation and a softer character on the analytical side. The EA500s are more sensitive and move more easily.
The Kima's bass is a little more pronounced in the sub-bass, being a little cleaner towards the mids. They also have a bit more punch, are more expressive, with more texture and roughness. The ratio between bass and mid-high/treble is more balanced in the Kima, hence the lower range is slightly more prominent and better represented than in the EA500.
However, in the mids and highs, the EA500s are sharper, finer and more delicate. While there is a similar tuning overall, with the Kima being smoother in the mids and treble, they are also more relaxed in resolution. The Simgot have a more analytical, fine and transparent profile. The Kima's are not as bright or separated, and can even be a little more diffuse, comparatively speaking. The EA500's treble is more coherent and has a fuller, more accurate timbre. The Kima's treble roll-off gives them a sonority that can be a bit weirder at times, and less full-bodied at others. But, it also makes them more tolerable for extended listening. For critical listening, though, the EA500s are better.
The separation is more evident in the EA500, being sharper, more delicate and precise, achieving more resolution. The Kima has more depth, but the Simgot is more ethereal and vaporous, with more clarity and transparency. The greater precision gives it a more accurate image, while the Kima is somewhat calmer.
The Kima could become a variation of the EA500, with a mouthpiece that limits the treble, but with a less pronounced, but more musical, technical performance.



Conclusion

The Simgot EA500 is a great example of the high standard of $80 IEMS available today. Its level of construction, design, finish and accessories put it in a position that was previously reserved for more expensive products. But even its sound is at a very high level of resolution, precision and definition. It has two tuning mouthpieces, whose differences are based on the high-mids and the first treble. Although in the graph, the changes are not very exaggerated, at the moment of truth and given the range of frequencies that it modifies, it is clearly distinguishable. The profile of the EA500 is neutral-bright, with a very efficient analytical character. Both characteristics can be enhanced by the use of black nozzles. However, the red mouthpieces do not soften the sound sufficiently for those who like a more balanced, relaxed or smooth profile. The EA500s are demanding on our ears and sensitive, whether to sources, genres of music or simply to the songs themselves. They are capable of extracting the best out of them, or even of crossing the occasional red line, if you look at them through the prism of pure musical enjoyment. Even so, the level of sound quality is very good, although it is possible that this is a product of a combination of its excited profile and the remarkable characteristics of the driver used, as well as its level of construction.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
• Aune Flamingo.
• Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper LE.
• TempoTec Variations V6.
• Xduoo Link2 BAL.
• Burson Audio Playmate.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Simgot EA500

The Simgot EA500 have been sent to me by Linsoul in exchange for the publication of this review. As always, Linsoul have not made any requests or comments and I will do my best to be as honest and sincere as possible in this review.

As always, I will leave a link to the EA500 via Linsoul in the version of this review published on my blog, link at the end of this review.

As with all links I publish, it is a non-affiliate link

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

Simgot is a brand that I have seen mentioned a lot over the past years on various forums, although I haven’t really paid much attention to them. Their website features quite a few models of IEMs, a couple of dongle style DACs and even a set of over ear headphones, however, I can’t say I have ever had the chance to try out any of their offerings until now.

The EA500 is quite a new release from the brand and features a dual magnet, single 10mm dynamic driver, coming in at under 80€ (at the time or writing this review) on Linsoul. While this does place them outside of the ultra budget category (50€ or less), it still makes them a very affordable set of IEMs. It also puts them in direct competition with many other models at similar price points (a search of IEMs between 50€ and 100€ on Linsoul returns 77 results), some of which are from brands that are quite well known in the IEM segment.

Therefore, let’s see if there is anything special about the EA500 that makes them a good choice over other alternatives.



Presentation…

Arriving in a simple but modern looking box, the packaging could easily be mistaken for a DAP or even a cell phone. On the cover there are no images of the IEMs and only the Hi-Res logo in the top corner points us towards this being an audio product.

The back of the box does hint more towards the fact that these are earphones, showing us the two frequency response graphs for the included nozzles (more on that in a moment), along with the specifications of the IEMs.

Opening the box we find the smooth and shiny silver IEMs sitting in cut outs, with a box below containing the accessories.

Those accessories are an oval storage/transport case, free of any logos, 3 sets of silicone tips, the cable, the replacement nozzles and quite a few spare o-rings that fit on the nozzles to seal them with the shells.

While some extra styles of tips would have been nice, I can’t really bring myself to complain about the contents as I feel that the basic necessities are more than covered.



Build and aesthetics…

As I said above, the shells are silver and shiny, looking quite elegant (until you fill them with fingerprints of course). The Simgot logo on the shells is visible but quite discreet and works well with the simplicity of the aesthetics. The shells are completely metal, as you may have guessed from the photos, and while they are not the lightest of IEMs, they are not heavy weights either.

The overall shape of the shells is quite generic but smoothed around the edges, leading to quite a comfortable fit, for me at least. They are not overly large and the weight, while noticeable, doesn’t lead to any fatigue.

The included cable, while advertised as a high quality silver plated cable, is nothing really exciting but it does match the IEMs well and certainly does its job. The connectors and hardware are plastic and not really something that will stand out for their luxury but, again, they get the job done.

In general, I find them to be a comfortable set of IEMs that, while not anything exciting, look fairly good in their simplicity.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

One of the things that makes the EA500 stand out from many other models is the fact that they include 2 sets of nozzles that simply unscrew to be replaced and change the overall tuning of the IEMs.

According to Simgot, the first set (with the red silicone rings) aims for the H Brand-2016 Curve, which I am guessing is the Harman curve due to them stating that it “...is a very universal trend-orientated tuning style. It is also the basic curve widely used by different brands of audio manufacturers in the industry…”. Well, that and the fact that the show the Harman curve on their graph for reference, although the EA500 don’t exactly follow it that closely (and even less in my measurements but I’ll get to that).

The second set, with the black silicone rings, is stated as following the SIMGOT-Classic target curve, which does vary quite a bit in the bass and treble (at least on their graphs but, again, I’ll get to that). The state that this tuning “. I don’t know about you guys but I’m sold

Anyway, enough about what they claim and on to what I actually found while testing out the EA500. First let’s take a look at what Simgot show as the differences between the two different nozzles:



Now here is what I got when measuring the two nozzles (in comparison to my personal preference target as usual):



As you can see, the differences between the two measurements are a lot less pronounced on my set up. We should take into consideration that there is obviously a difference between measuring rigs and also there is the possibility of unit variation between the two, but the differences are still fairly minimal on the set that I received (both when measured and while listening).

Starting off with the nozzles with the black o-rings (I am jus going to refer to black nozzles and red nozzles from now on) and the usual subbass test with “Chameleon”, there is enough presence for me to not say that the subbass is lacking. Saying that, it is a little less present than on many other sets, so if you are looking for a bass head set of IEMs, at least in the sub ranges, the black nozzle are not going to be it.

Switching to the red nozzles and running the same test, the differences are fairly inaudible. I like to think that my hearing is so good that I could tell the difference but as I had already seen the graph, it was just my mind telling me to expect more subbass. If someone else changed the nozzles and I listened again, I wouldn’t be able to tell which is which (although I would have 50% probabilities of getting it right ).

In general the subbass is decent, well controlled and doesn’t seem to struggle at all even when pushed. My listening levels are not the highest in general but I did push them for a while when trying out some EDM and I can’t say they performed badly at all.

Moving into the midbass range and returning to the black nozzles, I ran the usual “Crazy” test to see if the midbass fatigued me and while it wasn’t the cleanest of midbass, it didn’t become overpowering nor interfere with the mid range, something that I find to be a common occurrence with this track. The red nozzles once again showed no difference to my ears, with me feeling the same way about the track with both options.

Trying out “Sun Is Shining” I felt that the bass wasn’t as clear and defined as I have heard it on many other single DD options recently. It doesn’t sound bad but did come across as being a little blunt in those bass rhythms. It is not that it is lacking in speed, just that the rhythm is not quite a clear and powerful as I would like.

If in the lower regions I find there is very little difference between the nozzles, through the center of the midrange there is no difference at all, at least as far as tuning goes. In terms of detail in the mids, the black nozzle does give a sensation of things being clearer and more defined, which is partly because there is slightly more presence in the upper mids with these nozzles. I say “partly” because I EQ’d that range down ever so slightly to match the red nozzles, just as a test, and I still found the midrange to come across as a little more detailed with the black nozzles.

As we get to the upper mids, and above these regions, this is where we do find clear differences between the two nozzles. These changes are still not dramatic, they do follow a very similar tuning, but the black nozzles do push vocals forward along with instruments that have plenty of presence in these ranges.

As far as vocals, at first I found that I liked the extra presence of the black nozzle but as I listened to more music I started to realize that they could become tiresome, making upper percussion in things like “Royals” or “Forgot About Dre” come across as harsh and uncomfortable. Vocals can also be harsh and more tiring with the black nozzles, such as Paul Simon in “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes”, being overly hash and sibilant. Using the usual non-scientific -12 to +12 sibilance scale on “Code Cool”, I would place Patricia at a +4 at least with the black nozzles.

Switching over to the red nozzles, these upper ranges are tamed quite a bit, with Patricia dropping to somewhere between +1 and +2 as far as sibilance but, more importantly, the harshness of those upper snare, hi-hats and brass instruments on other tracks are also calmed in comparison to the black nozzles, although they can still come across a little harsh on occasions (such as the trumpets in “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes”)

The sensation of detail I would say is slightly better with the black nozzles yet, as the red nozzles are tamed slightly, it is easier to focus on the detail of these upper ranges. Soundstage is decent enough, not a huge open space but certainly on the upper side of average for IEMs, with good use of the available space for image placement.



Conclusion…

The Simgot EA500 are a set of IEMs that I really don’t know where to place them as far as my preferences. The overall set is impressive but at the same time, it can become tiring very quickly, depending on the choice of music.

If I am listening to something that is not overly present or harsh in the upper mids and above, then I find that I really enjoy the black nozzles as they make things sound exciting. Yet, if I am listening to things that are harsher in those same ranges, then I find that the black nozzles make things a little calmer and easier to tolerate, yet they do seem to loose that excitement factor.

I can’t say that the EA500 are not a good set of IEMs, I think they perform very well, but I think that the choice of music is going to be the main thing that puts them either at excellent or harsh for many people.

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As with all my reviews, this is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

EA500 Does it live the hype?

Intro: I lend this unit from one of my friends in Facebook Group. For this impression I will use Tempotec E44 and Cayin i5 as my main sources. This IEM kind of interest me enough to put my attention toward it due to its hype. One of its noticeable advantage and also disadvantage for me along the same time is its high sensitivity. This feature will be useful to make the IEM easier to drive due to its powerful sensitivity. But at the same time it will create the wow factor perception at a glance, then it will make you think this IEM is capable to punch above its price range, especially for its technicalities.

Once I compare it with any other iems on its price range, then made them have the same level of loudness. Imho the technicalities level of ea500 are actually not that special. It's on the same level in comparison against its competitors. Not as good as some planar iems such as Dioko, PR1 Pro, S12 series, and the higher price single DD IEMs such as Kato and Oxygen. Even it is still unable to beat both HZSound Heart Mirror OG and HZSound Zero imo. Dunno why, I think it's a bit overhyped imo.

The stock eartips itself is not that good in term of sound quality. Although it's quite similar like kbear07 or any other aet07 clones, but the sound quality is not as good as my aet07. Even when I tried to use it on my other iems such as Truthear Zero and HZsound Zero, it made their mid or vocal sound a bit muffled. Due to its flaw, I'm using fiio hs18 to make the mid more lively and open. However on this review I will use the stock tips and black nozzle filter. So let's continue to the impression

Bass: From its overall tonality, ea500 reminds me a lot with t2 plus tonality. Its bass lean towards to mid bass. So the quantity of its mid bass is more than its sub bass. Its sub bass is not that extend and feels quite roll off a bit quicker, especially on some edm songs which sometimes need a good sub bass rumble and extension. Move on to its mid bass, its mid bass has a great impact and texture. The quantity and quality are balance. It's not that tight or boomy, but it still has a great speedy bass. So it is suitable for metal and rock song. The bass control is quite good although it's a bit bleeding to its mid due to the slightly overemphasized of its mid bass.

Mid: The position of mid is slightly behind of its bass. However on some songs that originally dominated by sub bass, the mid itself feels more upfront than the song that dominated by mid bass. This tuning type affects the overall tonal balance for me on its mid. Since sometimes the mid feels a little bit muddy, muffle, and also less open airy sounding than its competitor.
Don't get it wrong, it still has a good clarity though, but not as good as any other bright sounding iems such as hzsound heart mirror series, hexa, titan s, dioko, and etc.
It is also affecting the clarity on its mid due to its dip on 4k. I feel sometimes the female vocal energy and emphasized on ea500 is a bit lacking as well.
Due to the boost on 5k region, there is a hint of sibilance as well on ea500, although it is still quite tolerable for me.
The note weight of ea500 is quite thin, although it's not as thin as hzsound heart mirror series for example. It is on the same level like Hexa. Due to the bass bleeding, it is also affecting the lower mid emphasized and note weight on a song that has more mid bass. The male vocal will shine more than the female vocal on a featuring or duet song.

Treble: The treble presentation is on the energetic side. Its extension is good, the treble body is not lacking as well. However due to a boost on its 5k region, the lower treble feels grainy and harsh in my ears, especially on a song that dominated by cymbal crash. Still it is on the tolerable level for me. It is not artificial or metallic as well. The timbre is natural and almost as good as Kato and T2 DLC imo.

Technical: The technical side of ea500 is pretty good for its price. Not the best, but it is still quite competitive for its price.
The stage presentation is leaning toward to its width stage, rather than its depth and height. So the stage feels wider, but the depth is not bad, it still has enough depth in order to give a room for instrument layering, and the height is pretty good as well to give the airy presentation of some instruments.
I can say its stage is pretty balance, the stage presentation is better than hexa imo.
The imaging is quite precision as well, though could be better to spread out around the left, right, front, and back stage in order to use the given space from its stage. Still its imaging is not as good as Hexa, hzsound heart mirror series, dioko, pr1 pro, and etc on its class.
The transient speed is quick, there is no sign of slugginesh here, and the dynamic is great as well. So for both sectors are better than hexa imo.
Although the layering and separation are not as good as hexa. Still there is a hint of overlapping or not well layered within the instruments. It's not bad at all, imo the separation is still pretty good.
Resolution, detail and micro detail are good as well although it is not class leading on its class. Still it's on the same class as hexa. Could be a little bit better than titan s, aria, t2 dlc, cca hm20, te zero, and etc. It is still unable to reach the detail level of hzsound heart mirror series, kato, and any other planar iems on its price range.


Ea500 is a good IEM from Simgot, though could be better if they tend to tame down their lower treble, especially on its 5k region in order to avoid the hint of sibilance and grainy. Also I found out that warmer tips like final e or fiio hs18 work better to unleash their true potential and make the red nozzle filter unusable, since the warmer tips+black nozzle sound similar at tonality and better on technicalities than the red one.

Ea500 key points are fun, musical, and technical capable at the same time. It's not your harman cup of tea that excels on tonality. It's rather an alternative of harman tuning on its price range, and the successor of t2 plus due to their similar tonality, and ea500 tuned better on the technical aspect, although the tonal is a little bit harsher than the former one.

EA500 represent Simgot’s take to the supremely difficult <150€ market. You can find them here, They can be bought for around € 92, including Italian VAT – from multiple AE shops.

Test setup and premilinary notes​

Sources: Questyle QP1R & QP2R / Sony NW-A55 mrWalkman / Questyle M15 / Questyle CMA-400i – JVC Spiraldot tips – Stock cable – lossless 16-24/44.1-192 FLAC and DSD64/128 tracks.

Signature analysis​

Tonality

EA500 feature a clear and light-noteweight timbre, and a choice of two different stock tonalities realised by installing two alternative pairs of screw-on nozzles, identified by different colored rings.

“Red ring” nozzles closely follow the Harman 2016 target aiming at balanced all-rounder tonality. “Black ring” nozzles instead cater to Simgot’s “house target” i.e. the same used for tuning their higher tier models EA1000 and EA2000. Such tuning differs from the H2016 one insofar as mid and sub-bass are more enhanced, so are high-mids and somewhat presence trebles too, with the intention to deliver an obvisouly brighter presentation delivering better detail retrieval, separation and female vocals.

In my views black ring nozzles’ intention is pretty overambitious when paired the EA500’s light timbre: the result is excessively open, etheral, uncospicuous. For my taste “red ring” nozzles pair much better with this particular driver nature, the result being still bright but more down to earth and not dramatically distant from organicity.


Sub-Bass

Sub bass is present and well calibrated vs the midbass. This applies to both nozzle cases.


Mid Bass

EA500’s mid bass has good energy but only average texture and detail, also due to not particularly tight transients. Such effect is more evident with the red nozzles, while the black nozzles offer a whiff tighter bass speed in addition to more energetic highmids, all contributing to putting the midbass a bit more at bay in the general presentation economy.


Mids

Mids are a bit recessed from the middle down, and get more upfront on their upper part. Their tonality is reasonably organic, their main limitation being note leanness. Guitars are better on red nozzles vs black nozzles. High mids do have a tendence to get shouty sometimes.


Male Vocals

Male voices on EA500 are somewhat too much in the back to take good part to the ensemble. They are quite often put on second layer either by the midbass’s lack of tightness or the high mids’ energy (the more so on black nozzles).


Female Vocals

Female singers on EA500 come across much better than male ones, especially on black nozzles. Their notes are almost always reasoably bodied and organic.


Highs

EA500’s treble is energetic and somewhat sparkly, but also perceivably grainy and sometimes shouty. Small detail resolution is present, but also quite limited. Last octave is also not partcularly well extended.

Technicalities​

Soundstage

EA500 cast a reasonably sized stage, mainly on the horizontal axis however. Depth is severely lacking, height is hinted.


Imaging

Imaging is above decent: instruments are, per se, quite credibly positioned in space. A limitation is more coming from lacking separation.


Details

Detail retrieval is OK-ish on highmids and trebles, however something better might be done even at this price. Black nozzles help but at the frequent risk of scanting into sibilance and some splashyness. Mid bass detail retrieval is very basic due to lacking texture.


Instrument separation

Instrument separation and especially layering are average at best, or I should say basic, really. Again the black nozzle with his extra brightness certainly helps discerning treble instruments better by adding some more clean air between instruments, if you can accept their sonic characteristic.


Driveability

EA500 are reasonably sensitive at a generally workable impedance, and can therefor be decently driven by very many sources, including some phones or low power dongles.

Physicals​

Build

Housings are nothing short of beautiful to see and manipulate. Of course there’s some problem with fingerprints like it obviously happens due to the (well executed) mirror finish. The screw-in nozzle system is well realised, and the nozzles also have an eartip retention ring.


Fit

EA500 fit me very nicely, as they strike that golden (and very personal) balance amongst size, shape, weight and surface smoothness to almost perfectly adapt to my outer ear. YMMV of course.


Comfort

I find EA500 extremely confortable once fit, I could use them for hours without any mechanical fatigue.


Isolation

Due to their shape they realise a quite nice passive isolation in my case.


Cable

Stock cable is very much in line with the market standards at this price level.

Specifications (declared)​

Comparisons​

Final E3000 (€86 from Amazon in EU)​

Even on red ring nozzles EA500 is tuned to be a priori brighter then E3000, which of course may make the comparison not relevant. Also, with their lower sensitivity E3000 come with the non-secondary aspect of requiring a less “common” source compared to EA500 to deliver their full potential.
Once all that’s considered, E3000 are obviously better in terms of note weight, and most of all space projection, instrument separation and layering. Their trebles are less extended and energetic – in this EA500’s being better – but also always well controlled, never sibilant or splashy. Bass on E3000 has good texture, and better detail retrieval then EA500 which however has the lead on the highmid and treble details side.

Intime Sora 2 (€52 + circa € 25 refowarding costs from E-earphones)​

Sora 2 offer a quite similar stock tonality compared to EA500 “red” option, with an evidently more solid, organic note weight. Mid bass is more controlled and more textured on Sora 2. Highmids and trebles are similarly sparkly and energetic, with Sora 2 not scanting into grainiess, and in general delivering more realism – thanks for sure to Intime’s exceptional ceramic tweeter.
Even more difference comes out from layering and separation, where Sora 2 excels hands down (even compared to E3000 by the way). Both drivers, on the contrary, don’t offer big wonders in terms of stage depth. Lastly, Sora 2 is not heavily marketed on western markets, so european and american fellows need some proactivity to even know about them, and buy a pair.

Maestraudio MA910S (€73 delivered to EU from Amazon.jp)​

A less energetic, flatter presentation, silkier version of the Sora-2, Maestraudio MA910S are also a great alternative to EA500. For the distracted ones, Maestraudio is the other brand owned by Ozeid, the same owners of the Intime brand, and their IEMs employ the same base technologies.
Again, layering and separation on MA910S and on a higher category compared thanks to the evidently better driver and implementation. Trebles are expressive yet totally ungrainy, bass is combed, not very snappy, vocals are very balanced, the lot is ideal for a more relaxed but yet still good quality listening. Stage is equivalently mainly extended on the horizontal axis on MA910S and EA500, but MA910S have way better height, and a bit more of depth (not much). The recently released MA910SB (featuring balanced termination for a price marginally passing 100€ delivery included) are also a very interesting alternative.

Considerations & conclusions​

Choosing to compete on the <150€ market is a tough challenge for anyone, and that’s even for two reasons, not one alone.

First: on technical grounds final audio literally devastated the competition on this segment when they decided to enter it already a few years ago. E1000, E2000, E3000, E4000 (for the Harman-ers) and A3000 (for bright-tuners) represent such a wide, solid, complete offering that may make many not bother looking anywhere else, and rightfully so at least in terms of result vs effort ratio.

Second: probably due to the previous fact, a very thick army of manufacturers keep on trying their skills on this playground, making it if possible even more difficult for anyone to stand out of the big contenders crowd, busy as they all are with their endless, almost daily (!) flow of “yet-another” releases.

With EA500, Simgot put in place a solid first attempt at the sub-100€ budget playground, featuring some good personality to begin with. Easy nozzle-based tonality customizability is surely a good bet, in principle, which is made even better by a correct execution as in EA500’s case. Tonal coherence, also, is well carried out. The driver itself, however, does not seem fully up to the task when compared to established similar priced staples. They will make it better, I’m sure. I’m curious to assess Simgot’s future developments !

This article originally appeared on www.audioreviews.org, here.

Disclaimer:
- I don’t read and read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- Simgot sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Special Note/s here:
- Throughout this review, I will be using the Simgot EA500 with the black tuning filter nozzle on, as it is the company’s signature house sound, then compare the red tuning filter nozzle from there.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• -Hiby R3 Pro Saber
• -Fosi Audio DS1
• -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), Laptop.
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock medium eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain,with and without extra amplification.
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Sound signature:

• - With the black tuning filter nozzle used, the SIMGOT EA500 sports the SIMGOT’s house sound, which leans toward a slightly bright sound signature. The EA500 itself may sound within the range of a mild-v,mild-u,w-shaped, or neutral-bright sound signature, depending on the setup and ears used. Changing the filter to the red one will make the EA500 sound like your usual Harman Target curve (u-shaped), but it is a bit refined in the treble department compared to most Harman-sounding IEMs available on the market.

Lows:

• -Clean, non-lacking, and detailed are the descriptors I can fit for the EA500. It never smeared any other frequencies, keeping things fun and non-sterile. Midbass and subbass levels are almost equal in quantity, with the midbass being slightly dominant. Bass decay here is rather quick but is able to produce sufficient subbass for bass-heavy genres such as EDM and metal. Bassheads will be happy with this IEM, but they will prefer it with the red filter paired; more on that later.

Mids:

• - The midrange is the best and strongest suit of the EA500, as it sounds W-shaped to my ears. Simgot managed to balance the tonal and technical performance of this IEM without being too analytical or too blunt in presentation. Lower mids sound almost natural in both placement and depth. Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s voices here are well-textured and clean. Upper mids are slightly elevated with a very good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. There is no sibilance or harshness present here, but since this is a slightly bright IEM, this tuning filter may not be in favor of those who are sensitive to upper frequencies. Overall, the mids of the EA500 is one of the best and my favorite mids I have encountered under 100 USD, as it never skimped in any detail or texture on all the test tracks I have with me.

Highs:

• - The highs are also slightly elevated, airy, and sparkly with the black filter. Still, it doesn’t exhibit any form of harshness, peaks, or piercing in this region. Microdetails are definitely present with this filter and are shown easily by the EA500.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• - For its price, the technical performance of the EA500 is one of the best under 100 USD. The soundstage is wide and exhibits a very good amount of height and depth. Some people may call it "holographic" on most tracks. Separation and layering are above average, as it handles most busy tracks neatly and with ease. Imaging is on the precise side and is able to present vocal and instrument positions with excellent clarity.

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Other tuning configurations:

- With the red tuning filter nozzle

• When used with this filter, the EA500 sounds like Harman, which is u-shaped in a nutshell and leans to the warmer side. The bass here gets chunkier, more elevated, and still midbass-focused, but is lacking in texture and articulation. The mids slightly warms and recesses but maintains its character, and the treble also loses a bit of detail retrieval. The soundstage also gets smaller by a little bit due to the bass elevation of this filter.

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Comparisons! (VS SIMGOT EA500 with Black Filter)

VS NF Audio NM2

• Both are top and technical performers in my book, but the NF Audio NM2 is brighter. It also has lighter shells and is made of plastic.

VS Astrotec AM850 MK2

• - Both IEMs have the ability to change sound signatures due to their detachable nozzles. The AM850 MK2 is also brighter when compared to the EA500. Instances of peaks and sibilance are much more present on the AM850 MK2 compared to the EA500. Soundstage is also a bit wider on the AM850 MK2, but lacks a bit of depth when compared. It is also pricier compared to the EA500.

VS BQEYZ Autumn

• - The forward mids on the Autumn is the first thing that I have noticed when compared. The bass is also more refined and controlled in the Autumn. The treble is also less brighter. The EA500 excels in speed and cleanliness of its sound when compared. It is also slightly more detailed in general, but can be negligible. Autumn is also pricier, of course.

VS Celest Pandamon

• - The Pandamon sounds more neutral and more controlled when compared side by side. It also sounds “softer” in presentation, has more forward mids, and slightly lacks air when compared. As for the technicalities, both IEMs are nearly the same in terms of quality.

VS TForce Yuan Li (Pre-Yuan Li)

• - The EA500 reminds me of the first version of the Yuan Li, which was already discontinued and was a bit pricier when it existed in terms of its overall sound and scalability. It has chunkier bass to boot, but has recessed mids when compared. It was also warmer and slightly less detailed by a hair thin. Treble performance is nearly the same, but the Yuan Li exhibited more instances of peaks when it existed. It also scales well just like the EA500 but was picky due to its hard-to-drive nature.

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Pros:

• One of the best IEMs under 100 USD in my book (subjective).
• Excellent,clean,versatile, well-done sound signature and quality.
• Very good balance between tonal and technical performance.
• Versatile tuning capabilities due to its removable screw-on tuning nozzles.
• Non-lacking, detailed bass quantity and quality for most genres on both tuning filters.
• Textured, excellent mids quality and placement on both tuning filters.
• Airy, highly detailed upper frequency presentation on black tuning filters.
• Excellent technical performance under 100 USD.
• Easy to be driven to its full potential.
• Scales well depending on the setup paired.
• Excellent fit and comfort .
• Well-crafted, durable build quality.
• Visually-pleasing packaging. It screams craftsmanship and geometry!

Cons:

• This IEM is not overly bright but may not be preferred by treble-sensitive ears or those people who prefer warmth.
• This IEM is fingerprint, smudge, and scratch magnet/prone. A cleaning cloth would’ve been nice to maintain its aesthetically pleasing metal shells.
• The supplied eartips are somewhat lacking for its price. It does not affect the sound quality in a negative tone, but I find it gripless to my ears which may affect the seal of the IEM especially during walks or commutes.

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Pairing recommendation/s:

• - Source: This IEM is easy to be driven to its full potential. However, pairing it with a warmer source makes things a bit smoother and more versatile.

• - Eartips: The stock eartips here do not affect the sound negatively, but are not grippy to my liking. Eartips such as JVC Spiral Dots, Final E eartips, or KBEAR 07 eartips are my recommendations.

• - Cable: Cable is as good as it gets, but you may always use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/26.html#!/detail

Additional Photos Here:

Simgot EA500

The EA500 is a sub $100 dynamic based IEM that seems to have garnered a nice following of enthusiasts that appreciate its design and more importantly its sound. The EA500 uses a 10mm 4th gen DLC, diamond like carbon based dynamic. Utilizing a dual magnet, dual cavity design in an all alloy metal CNC machined housing. The capable driver used on the EA500 is the basis for its sound but Simgot went beyond the one tuning usually associated with sub $100 IEMs by utilizing a nozzle change that applies a different take on the base harmon tuning of the EA500. The EA500 comes with two different nozzles for the IEM, both sets outfitted with acoustic material filters at the end of the nozzles. This affects how you hear the EA500. The red base filters is their base tuning which is based on a 2016 harmon curve. The black filter was provided for a more Simgot based tuning curve which adds more clarity, better separation for enhanced technical emphasis for vocals and acoustic instruments.

The Simgot tuning or the black filters is using a type of acoustic foam and enhances the upper mids with enhanced treble. This design is more of a technical take on the base tuning. Tonality ends up being brighter over neutral, this one will be the more controversial tuning over the standard red harmon filter. While clarity and perceivable detail has an uptick for this tuning. Tonal character bening brighter ends up being a touch fatiguing overall while intruding a big of sibilance for higher pitched vocal recordings. Not the most natural or the best balanced out of the two options. It's more of an analytical take on the Simgot sound.

I personally preferred the red harmon tuning. Tonal character shifts to a more natural neutral leaning tonal character as well as the balancing of the 3 regions of sound. While your standard harmon tuned IEM still has a lot of upper mid emphasis the black filter brings an extra for the upper mids and trebles. To be fair, after listening to the black filter and getting used to it. I was able to understand why Simgot included this particular filter and how some folks might enjoy the EA500 using these as it does enhance its technical ability with an uptick in sound separation and imaging and gives more of an analytical edge to the sound balancing.

Back to the red filter.

The harmon red filter is closer out of two to a neutral tuning. It seems to be the better balanced tuning for longer listening sessions and certainly not as intense as the black filter. My review is mostly based on using the red filter which is better suited for my eclectic music library.

With that I would like to thank @FiaLm of Simgot for providing a review sample of the EA500 for review purposes. You can look up the EA500 and all of Simgot IEMs on their web site here. Thanks for having the patience during my time of leave. The EA500 was burned in for a period of a week's time and is now ready for evaluation using my various audio sources. Fiio K9 Pro ESS, Ibasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Shanling M6 pro, IFI gryphon, IFI signature for amping.

Accessories.
I am an accessories type of guy. For me nothing is more egregious than when an IEM manufacturer throws in a non matching cheap set of accessories and calls it good. Some companies do it better than others and with the EA500 we get one set of silicones that is just OK and a thinner included silver plated OFC cable. The case is large enough to fit all of it which I appreciate. I have gotten IEMs in the past that include cases that don't even fit the IEMs. Shows how much the IEM maker is paying attention to their own products.

I suppose at the price point what was included with the EA500 is passable but I do recommend you do some tip rolling to help find the right tips that will fit better in sound and comfort for you. The included tips are nothing noteworthy and the included silver plated OFC cable is again just OK. I suppose it is better than your standard OFC copper cable but that is about it. Where Simgot spent most of their focus on was in the design of the EA500. Not so much the accessories. So there is that. I do recommend you try some better cables and tips on this one. More copper based if you would like greater note weight, better fullness of sound, greater bass impact with a smoother treble presentation. A mix of silver and copper like its base cable will get you a technical yet musical sounding EA500.

The design of the EA500.
Is an all metal type housing. In the sub $200 bracket of IEMs I actually like the all metal design more so than the resin or cheaper plastic builds. In most use case scenarios it will be the sub $100 IEMs that will see the most use outdoors and while exercising. So the build has to be tops. Not only is the EA500 built solidly but they look more premium than the price would indicate. The all shiny chrome finish seems to be fairly scratch proof as well. My casual use of the IEM shows no signs of scratches anywhere I can find. Which for a shiny IEM I appreciate. Isolation is roughly average for a metal design which is to say is not exactly great but certainly passable to be used outdoors. If I was a guessing man it would be around 22dbs of passive isolation. The smaller medium teardrop/oval shape is easy in the ear for lasting comfort and I have no issues at all for its build and design. It is exemplary for universal designs especially for its price point.

Sound
I went over the two types of tuning for the EA500 and for me the only way I can use the black nozzle tuning is if I changed the cable to a pure copper one and with foam tips to help mitigate a bit of the extra treble energy I am hearing from that tuning. If I was to base my review solely on that tuning I would not have given the EA500 the score you see on this review. It is as they say a bit much with 15dbs of pinna gain or upper mid gain and enhanced treble emphasis. Music sounds a bit forced a touch sharp which can cause fatigue especially for folks that are sensitive to trebles. As mentioned before technical aspects in the form of details and imaging are enhanced due to the increase of emphasis for these regions but at the cost of a natural tonal character and balancing.

Red filter gets it right for me at around 10dbs of upper mid emphasis. I realize this might be a bit much for some folks but here once again your sources, tips and cables will play a huge part in getting the sound just right for you.

The EA500 balancing is typical of harmon tunings but where the EA500 seems to have an upper leg on other IEMs using a similar tuning curve is that they have very good note weight with a moderate spacious headstage. The EA500 has been described as a slightly bright neutral tuning but that does not mean it is a lean sounding IEM. The EA500 has enough forward projection and depth to make them sound musical at the same time which I can’t say about some of the other IEMs I have compared them to at the price point. This moderate yet ample note weight bodes extremely well for a true versatile sound. The resolve and technical ability for the price range has seen an increase over the years that the EA500 is a clear example of one of the best you can get for the price. I have seen rumblings of folks that complain about the treble harshness, I would strongly advise sticking to the red harmon filter and do some serious tip and cable rolling. Your source match will matter here as well.

Trebles
Is mostly grounded in performance with a solid rendering of macro details and surprisingly decent for micro details. Its standard harmon treble emphasis does show a good balancing act of details with good extension for the region.Trebles has a moderate level of air with an upper treble lift that helps the sparkle aspects. The EA500 use of a good resolving driver in conjunction with using stronger magnets plays a part to help with an accurate transient properties adding good precision aspect of its treble presentation. Trebles are tuned more balanced than having one area that is too much over the other and while I feel the treble is represented here I always appreciate treble that don’t overstay their welcome in the mix. Overall the treble is not too much but does just enough to bring a nice finishing touch to the overall sound of the EA500. Trebles sound more natural than forced, the black filter however is another story.

The black filter gets an increase for its treble presentation and will be slightly edgy on some recordings with vocal tracks and energetic EDM recordings. The benefit of more treble emphasis will bring better highlights to stringed instruments and female vocals. But it wasn’t like the standard red filter was muddy or lacking in that department in the first place. Some folks will like the r tuning curve of the black nozzle filters more so than the red. It will come down to sound preferences.

There is some debate weather harmon tunings brings a bit much in the way of trebles vs a more custom tuning. The EA500 I feel in sticking with an established tuning curve helps mitigate treble glare in the form of too much emphasis for the 6-8khz region. This area of emphasis on the EA500 is in the form of a down slope meaning it only has a moderate amount for this very sensitive region of sound and as a result. It does have a slight edge to its treble notes at times but tips help to get the trebles sounding just right for you and this is the part Simgot can clearly learn from other manufacturers like Fiio and Dunu. Tips are cheap but helps with the overall experience. Even at the budget level. 3 different sets of tips should be the bare minimum.

Mids
Mids have good moderate presence meaning it's not thin and certainly not overly thick and is not forward and is not recessed either. In comparison to more traditional V shaped IEMs the EA500 might sound a touch more forward for its mids but it clearly shows a proper mids with very good timbre for its price point. I feel this is where you see a lot of the statements online about the EA500 being comparable to much more expensive sets. Its timbre is very impressive for both vocal and instruments alike. I own more expensive dynamic sets that use similar driver tech as the EA500. Dunu Vernus which was a limited edition set and the Penon vortex. I can say the EA500 definitely puts up a good fight against these sets especially in the technical department and in looks. I suppose with an upgraded cable and tips the EA500 will come even closer to these sets which cost more than double of the EA500 so there is some validity to folks off the cuff claims that the EA500 is the “best under $300.” Claim. I don’t think they are actually better sounding than more expensive sets I mentioned here but again they will certainly represent well for the money and arguably the better value set out of the 3 I just mentioned.

A safe sound?
The EA500 with its base red filter is just this, most folks will not have any issue with its red filter sound quality but I have read some impressions of folks that say they find the treble a bit much.I don't think so. I don't particularly find the treble aspects of the EA500 to be harsh or out of line much if at all. Now the black filter I can understand but not so much the red filter. Tips and cables do affect how you will perceive the EA500. Overall it is really a statement piece by Simgot and at an affordable price as well. Mids to me is some of the best for its class and price category. Nicely resolving, fairly spacious and with enough note weight to make everything you hear very believable. It's not the most dimensional sounding set but does show good layering for its mids presentation vs sounding a bit flat or too one dimensional.. Tonality of the black filter comes a bit bright or cooler in tone over neutral due to the enhanced upper mid pinna gain. It will all depend on your sound preference. Nice to have an option nonetheless.

Bass. This is another strong aspect of the EA500. Its dual magnets seem to help with a tighter, more detailed bass end than most IEMs at the price. The bass here is in moderation with nothing that is overly obvious or sticking out of the mix. It does show ample ability for a solid impact and a strong suit for the EA500, a realistic decay of the subbass. Texture is good on the EA500 for bass and I would even say above average for texture. Carbon based drivers have always done well for the bass department and here is another fine example of a moderate capable bass end that folks will be surprised about as the graph on these do not show an over abundance for bass emphasis. Looks a bit more closer to a neutral amount of emphasis but when you actually hear the bass. It's got good speed, tightness defined well and is punchy with a textured sub bass note that is surprisingly capable.

In the end
The EA500 does a whole lot of things right providing 2 tunings, of which one being a well balanced harmon representative. I have seen sales for the EA500 reaching a very affordable $79. And at that price. They are really excellent performers about as good as any in the industry. I went from reviewing a $3,000 Tansio Mirai RGB to the $79 EA500 and it wasn’t like the EA500 was so weak against a top flight TOTL performer. Not at all. In fact it was quite interesting the contrast of sound going from a very high end IEM to a nicely performing sub $100 IEM in the EA500. No way was I rejected by the EA500. Which tells a whole lot about just how good the EA500 really is. I can clearly understand the fanfare and why some folks are having some issue with its treble presentation. Especially with the black filter.

The EA500 provides the type of sound that enthusiasts around the world seem to be looking for. It is exemplary of its technical ability capped off by a moderate stage that shows a very capable imaging and detail ability. Has good depth and is just as enjoyable to listen to vs more expensive offerings. You really can’t ask for too much more given their price range actually. For that I can clearly understand why these are probably Simgots best selling IEM.

Comparisons

The EA500 comes on the heels of some very stiff competition at the price range.
The IEM that measures the closest to the EA500 would be the Dunu TitanS which share a lot of similarities to the EA500. Especially when compared with its red harmon tuning. TitanS uses a 11mm LCP diaphragm and a N52 magnet and an all metal housing similar to the EA500.

Not only does the Titan S share similar tuning balancing but also happens to be in the same price bracket as the EA500. Overall tonal character is just ever so slightly sharper on the TitanS with a bit of a thinner note weight. TitanS has some extra emphasis in what seems to be around the 8Khz range making them tilt just a touch more brighter over the Red filtered EA500.
The Titan S tuning is like a middle of the red and the black filter for the EA500. What I mean by that is. It is not quite as bright as the black filter version of the EA500 but not exactly balanced like the red filtered EA500 either. The sound stages for both IEMs are very identical but where the biggest difference comes in the form of note weight. The TitanS sounds just a touch thinner in note weight vs the EA500 making them sound a bit more neutral overall sounding vs the EA500. In comparison the EA500 has a nice balance of its tuning aspect but also has the better more versatile note weight for its sound projection. Here is where if you thought the TitanS lacked a bit of musical engagement the EA500 is better in that front. I also noticed the bass end of the EA500 while emphasized similarly seems to have more body as well. Which again helps with a more musical take on the TitanS/ EA500 harmon tunings. Folks that own the Titan S might do well with looking into the EA500.

The SG-03s is the direct competitor to the Simgot EA500. Differences are as follows.Both use 10mm drivers. EA500 uses 10mm DLC dual magnets, dual cavity. N52 magnets.
Reecho SG-03s uses a 10mm LCP diaphragm, also uses N52 magnets. Both are comfortable for me anyways but I can see how some folks might prefer the EA500 more universal rounded shell design for expanded comfort. The Reecho SG-03s is physically larger shell wise but its shape makes for a nicely tight secure fit in the ear.

EA500 is easier to drive a bit more sensitive at 16 ohms. Probably better for use if you plan on using it with just your phone actually. SG-03s being 35 ohms on an amp is out of this park good. I feel it scales a bit better with power vs the ES500. Reecho throws in a nice complete set of tips that work well with the SG-03s. Not so much the EA500. Its one set of silicones is just telling you to start looking for your own tips. Both cables are just throw ins but I feel both need cable upgrades.

RG-03s wins in passive isolation over the EA500. Both are equally shiny a draw there. As per sound. The EA500 has only got a 24 hours of burn in while the SG-03s got easily over 300 hours of use and burn in.

Both are technically sound and show excellent technicalities for dynamics at the price range. The SG-03s has a slightly wider deeper larger scope of sound vs the EA500. Don't know if it is due to the larger shell it is using but shell size does play a part in how we perceive sound so there's that. As per the other aspects of technicals. They are very identical in their technical proficiency. Both show excellent details, imaging and timbre. I want to say the SG-03s has a slight leg up on dynamics and sound separation especially when amped that extra stage perception plays a part here. Speed on both sets are identical here as well. The EA500 shows just a slight slower decay of natural bass notes over the SG-03s but otherwise both show identical bass emphasis as well.

Sound balancing are done well on both sets. EA500 being more focused for its upper mids, standard harmon boost here. Female vocals are highlighted a touch more so for the EA500 and it has to do with having a bit more emphasis for the 6-7khz range. I would imagine the black filters even more so. Reecho utilizes a fairly large anti sibilance dip around 6-7Khz and that works but treble comes off just a bit subdued/ smoother vs the EA500. Treble sensitive folks might like how the RG-03s does treble vs the EA500 here. Definitely more forgiving of treble bright recordings for the SG-03s. Otherwise the actual treble extension are identical on both sets.

I feel male vocals sound more fleshed out on the RG-03s vs the EA500 by a hair. Bass on both sets are emphasized about equally. Give or take about 7dbs which is not a lot but is clearly enough for a punchy bass depiction. Where the RG-03s has a slight advantage is that its larger soundstage highlights the bass end a bit better. It is a touch better separated vs being just blended in more so on the EA500 slightly more intimate stage if that makes sense. It seems like it has more bass due to this aspect but in reality they both have very similar bass emphasis in impact and sub bass as well. EA500 here has some surprisingly accurate bass decay and I think it has to do with the dual cavity dual magnet working here. If you didn't do an A-B like I am right now you would be surprised how close these two are in the bass area.

Review OF The Simgot EA500​

Introduction​

I haven't reviewed any Simgot products before, but I have used one of their older in-ear monitors, the EN700, which was very detailed and enjoyable to listen to. I was fascinated by their performance, especially at a time when there weren't many IEMs available for that price, they either sounded worse or really good. Simgot had one of the better ones. This company is headquartered in China, though I haven't been able to find much concrete or pertinent evidence of that as of yet with me. They recently returned with their two new releases, the EA2000 and EA500, both of which had new features and gave the brand a fresh look. But today I'll be reviewing the EA500. Let's investigate the IEM, but let's first go over some of the points I want to make clear before moving on.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, 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 "EA500."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the EA500 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The EA500 only has a single dynamic driver configuration, and it uses the most recent 4th generation DLC composite diaphram in its 10mm dual magnetic and dual cavity dynamic driver. The metal shells are CNC milled with mirror plating, and the nozzles can be removed to alter the IEM's sound signature. The shells are quite heavy in the hand even though they don't put much weight on the ears; however, the fit was a problem with my ears, and I had to spend a lot of time practising tip rolling to get the ideal seal and fit. Only because of the fit did I feel fatigued after a lengthy listening session. The shells look exquisite and have a great premium finish. The provided nozzles have two different sound signatures: the black ring has the SIMGOT classic target curve response and the red ring has the H brand 2016 curve response. It appears to be hassle-free to change the nozzle, making it simple to do so. Despite being a high purity silver plated OFC cable with a 2 pin connection at one end and a 3.5mm straight plug at the other, the supplied cable feels heavy and slightly rubbery in my hands. The other accessories are three pairs of eartips in various sizes, a hard oval carrying case, two pairs of nozzles, lot of replaceable rings for the nozzle and a cable. In terms of the technical specifications, the sensitivity is approximately 123dB, and the impedance is 16 Ohms. The effective frequency response spans the range of 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

I haven't seen an IEM with this kind of tuning profile in a very long time, and to be completely honest, I really don't like it. It flows over the lower midrange while the upper midrange has a lot of presence in the mix. I am really enjoying listening to these for the first time. Not only does it sound exciting and fun, but the tuning has also been somewhat adjusted to suit my tastes. Despite the fact that I knew they were using a new generation DLC driver, I still expected this kind of reaction. Take the Dunu Titan S or Aria Snow Edition, for instance. Both of these have a DLC driver and deliver the same result. However, the way these were tuned sets the EA500 apart from these. If I compare the Aria Snow Edition to the EA500, which performs better in every aspect, whether it be the bass or treble region, they were not able to satisfy my engagement very well. I have also personally reviewed the Aria Titan S. The Titan S came the closest to having this smooth treble extension with the consistency of details produced, but even it couldn't produce the desired outcome. None of the IEMs had this. By stating that these have too much energy in the upper treble and by which I can understand, some people may exercise their understanding. However, the way they are tuned goes beyond what you might think; exactly the same thing happened to me. I'm taken aback by the aggressiveness of the response and how well-balanced and energising it sounds. The bass extension would be the only drawback, but that is only because that is how I personally prefer it. These are enjoyable to listen to overall. Let's examine sound more closely.

Treble​

When I first saw the graph, I clearly disliked it and thought there was nothing new about these, but when I actually listened to them, I was astounded to hear such engagement and energy, which would keep anyone on their toes and sound this satisfying. A little uneven progression between the lower treble made the Titan S sound too much for me after listening to them for a longer period of time than I would have normally if any other IEM had such a response. I had no idea that such a response was possible. The vocals are long and far-reaching, but when they reach their highest notes, a sweet and metallic flavour comes through. The sibilant is present but doesn't seem to dissipate or cause any unpleasant sibilance. Although the overall response balances it out, it doesn't pose a significant issue in the mix. The presentation of the instruments is tacky and light, which simultaneously makes it sound airy and detailed. Returning to the vocals, the female vocals in particular stand out because of the delightful softness of their notes, which makes the overall experience musical. The vocals and instruments sound more energetic and exciting in the lower treble while still maintaining consistency and a smooth flow of details. The instruments have a metallic timbre, and the vocals sound a little leaner. However, the overall response in this area works out well. The vocals are complemented by the instruments in such a way that the vocals sound more approachable and the instruments support and blend with good symbiosis. The listener is kept at ease by this amusing experience and it sounds effective. Some of the sounds that have been created have a peaky or sibilant feel to them, but they are rarely heard and only appear on upbeat tracks. I appreciate how they manage to avoid being offensive, add the best details, and maintain an open sound while doing so. The upper and lower trebles are both smooth, so there is never any mishap or incorrect recognition of how vocals and instruments are pronounced in either region because both of their integrity are safeguarded and maintained. Overall, this region's presentation is thorough, clear, and interesting.

Mid Range​

Even though I recognise that such a response is designed to accommodate the overall mix, the energy distribution in the mid range still bothers me a little. I believe there should have been more control in both of the mid range's components. The mid range is absolutely correct to include this information in the mix. I think my taste is largely to blame, but I can't get over the fact that an overly expressive response in the lower and upper midrange makes me uncomfortable during extended listening sessions. Additionally, there is an uneven transition between lower and upper midrange. The upper mid range sounds more forward in the mix while retaining the same amount of energy as the lower treble. The vocals and instruments share the same ideals and shine brightly in the overall mix in the upper mid range, which is very energising and open. The female vocals hold a good balance between sounding dense and light because of the vocals' high level of energy, which makes them sound enticing and fleeting. Although the note weight and density are sufficient for the vocals to sound as natural as they can, I won't say that they sound lean. While it doesn't bother me all the time, I do find it to be unsettling after a while. I also discovered that some kinds of offensive nuanced are felt as hot and peaky characteristics that gives a little tiring experience. The instruments sound the same, despite a marked reduction in the metallic timbre, and they add a lot of sharp and distinct details. The foundation of such a response is not thick or warm yet gives a good note weight and clarity throughout the mix. The lower mid range is different from what one may expect because it doesn't sound how I anticipated because the vocals and the instruments have good reachability in the mix with clarity to them. Even so, I still believe that the lower mid range should have been warmer and thicker. The bass line produces bodied notes without sounding overly thick or natural. Although it doesn't sound realistic, it feels accurate. However, I do notice some negative differences between the vocals and the instruments. Overall, the mid range region is presented in an open, forward, and spirited manner.

Bass​

After listening to these, I realised that the bass response was enjoyable to listen to and had a good solid presence of puches and slams that are qualitative in character. At first, I didn't think I would enjoy the bass response. Although the emphasis is on the sub bass range, it isn't strong enough to sound deep or produce a rumbling sensation. Due to the heavy emphasis on the sub-mid range, which results in a lack of 3D stage in the bass response, it also lacks a sense of the low-end base and sounds somewhat incomplete. The punches hit hard even though the sub bass region generally does its job well and contributes enough presence to the overall mix. Not only are the punches, but the slams as well, even though they lack the warmth and realistic note presentation and aren't as thick or meaty. I experienced the same thing while listening to the Titan S, though the Titan S's sub bass response was much better. The Aria Snow Edition had a warmer mid bass when compared to the EA500. The tactile and tight approach of the response is likely preventing me from feeling the slams and other impacts in the bass despite the midbass' strong presence in the mix and lean sound. The tight and controlled bass was one aspect of the bass response that I really liked. The overall response is not wacky as a result of the bass. Returning to the midbass, theoretically the frequency graph response suggests that it bleeds into the mix and gives you the impression that the bass response will be warm, thick, and organic, but after hearing the bass I have never been so mistaken. Although the bass bleeds into the mids, the lower mid range is not bloated or given a murky approach. To be completely honest, I don't understand such a bass response, but it satisfies my needs and improves my understanding of this tuning's overall presentation. If I'm not exaggerating, it might be due to the bass's intricate detail and texture. Every note has its own distinct identity. Overall, the bass region is presented in a controlled, textured, and punchy manner.

Technical Performance​

Regarding technical performance, these are very effective, particularly in imaging, speed, and detail retrieval. The imaging is extremely sharp where there is a distance between notes, and the stage sounds nice and spacious. The resolution is excellent, with a great deal of detail and quick resolution. a more impressive response that mostly resembles Dunu Titan S. The ability to retrieve details might be the best in this price range. Let's go into more detail on this.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The positioning of the elements on the soundstage is correct, as nothing sounds out of place, and it is wide and expansive to sound spacious. Extremely clear and vivid imaging is present. Since there is sufficient space between notes for to breathe, I can identify the source of the sound thanks to the notes' distinct characteristics.

Speed & Resolution​

As a result of the response being expressive and open, the resolution is greatly enhanced with great detail retrieval. The notes have a quick attack and decay, and nothing sounds sloppy or messy. This keeps the response incredibly clean.

Sound Impressions​

Sound Using Red Nozzle​

Since the changes were so slight, I only noticed them after listening to bright or bassy tracks. Changing the nozzles didn't really alter or change the sound, but there was a slight difference in the bass and treble response when using the red nozzles. The bass also became more prominent. Therefore, even though I consider the nozzles to be replacements in the event of a problem, I do not see any tuning adjustment in changing them.

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - The entire response is enticing and expressive when listening to EA500 with V6. The bass sounds adept at contributing to the mix to sound fun and engaging, and I also notice that there is a slight lift in the lowest part of the sub ass region to give it a more rumble nature. The treble is strong with details and sounds extensive. The mid range sounds very energetic and forward. The separation is far away, the imaging is sharp, and the stage is sufficiently large to sound spacious. The notes are written at a quick pace and have excellent resolution and expressive details. The best pairing I could find was with a V6.



iFi Hipdac - Hipdac listening to EA500 made the entire response more interesting and enjoyable to hear. As the response's details grew softer, the treble became a little easier to hear. The mid range sounded more lively and sibilant as it became more active in the mix. As the sub bass extension to it with rumble sensation felt frequently, the bass improved. The slams and punches became more powerful and impactful. Nothing in the technicalities felt improved or changed, with the exception of the stage, which grew closer. However, I still favour pairing it with a V6.

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, I find listening to such an IEM to be incredibly satisfying. It is impressive for an IEM in this price range, where the technical specifications are higher than those of IEMs in this price range, to sound so clear and precise. Anyone who enjoys detailed and clean response that sounds close to mid-centric presentation with excellent treble extension should consider the Simgot EA500, in my opinion.

The Simgot ea500 is the new iem recently released by the simgot brand adopts a 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit and dual-cavity driver. Different from the two single magnetic circuit forms of "internal magnetic" or "external magnetic" commonly used in dynamic headphones, the dual-magnetic-circuit system of EA500 provides both internal and external magnetic circuits.Combined with the N52 magnet, this driver presents a powerful magnetic field and amazing performance. The dynamic range and transient capability have been greatly improved, providing a wider bandwidth range and lower distortion which gives the EA500 a stunning dynamic and sense of presence

The Diamond Like Carbon composite diaphragm of EA500 incorporates 3 kinds of different materials, which are used to build different parts. DLC is characterized by strong rigidity, high damping, and light-weight, and is used as a dome that determines the characteristics of treble.



Features:-
>10mm Dual-Magnetic Circuit & Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver Unit.
>4th-Generation DLC Composite Diaphragm.
>Dual Tuning & Dual Frequency Response Curve.
>Detachable Nozzle Design.
>High-Density Metallic Cavity Design.
>Mirror-Plating Process.
>Detachable 2-pin Cable Design.
>High-Purity Silver-Plated OFC Cable.

Termination Plug:-
>Driver: 10mm Dual-Magnetic-Circuit & Dual-Cavity Structure.
>Impedance: 16Ω±15%.
>Connectors: 0.78mm 2-pin.
>Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz.
>Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms(Red Ring), 124dB/Vrms(Black Ring)

Packaging | Build Quality
Packaging was good enough . They provided all the needed things with the iem, extra nozzles for different sound signature, ring, 3 pairs eartips , handy carrying pouch and high purity silver plated OFC
with 0.78mm 2 pin connector.
The box of simgot ea500 provides a good vibe of a planet with eternal sky.



The build quality of the shell was mirror finished. Now a days i saw many iem producers are trying to provide a mirror finished shiny faceplate which looks fabulous but got scratched easily. Same is happened with the simgot ea500
A screw is holding the two parts of the aluminium shell. The logo looks so premium as so the ea500 which is engraved on the side the ea500. There are two vent on inner part of the iem .



The weight of earpieces are well distributed and i was not feeling heavy on my ear while wearing them. i used the smaller sized eartip that was okay for me and isolation was alright

Sound:
Now it is the time to talk about the important part a earphone.

Simgot tried to play fair and seek attention to all by providing 2 types of detachable nozzle
I have used both the nozzle ,Red silicon ring was based on the universal tuning Herman curve which is the "jack of all trades". But to me the black nozzle was more preferable.



It was their own tuning which was similar to their other iem ea2000. They used a filter foam on the black nozzle.Instrument Separation was good,clear although they were playing coherently, balanced
Sibilance was present in the treble, Resolution was high so i was getting detailed sound.
Vocal was recessed on the red nozzle but was slightly forwarded and articulated on the black nozzle.



Bass was good but its speed was quick and fast.
I saw a comment that one modded them by covering up the vent next to the nozzle with a bandaid and the bass became more emphasized. Lol a cheap and effective way to increase the bass although there are enough by default
Bass strings' sound was good on the red nozzle , one the piano sound was playing well on the black ring nozzle with the filter inside it.



The EDM song sound was soothing on the red nozzle. But for the female voice black nozzle was more perfect. Other things were similar on both the nozzle.



Conclusion:
I am confident that i will definitely buy this when there is a bidget issue and only have 80 bucks budget in hands. Also it is providing a option to change the nozzle. Changing the foam inside the nozzle can also create another signature . So it is a great iem to experiment with.

Simgot EA500 ($79)​

Intro ​

Today I am reviewing the Simgot EA500 which has undergone an inordinate amount of hype and praise over the last couple months. I can only liken it to the Blon BL03 madness of a few years ago or possibly the Olina craze last year. I think the difference is that the community now is smarter than in those Blon 03 days. We aren’t comparing the EA500 to $1000 sets like some did with the BL03. Thread after thread and in multiple Facebook Groups and even in different platforms we see my friends and fellow hobbyists gleefully showing off their new EA500 to the rest of us. I’ve seen many modifications already and many various tuning nozzle choices. What’s the deal? Is there any truth to the splendor of this new phenom? All I can do is give you my take and hope it helps someone to make a purchasing decision.

Simgot​

Simgot is not the most well-known of Chinese brands, but they have had their fair share of notoriety with some decent to good iems since their genesis. Sets like the Simgot EN700 Pro (among others) reached some pretty notorious acclaim but it’s the newer sets which have gotten the hobbyists reeling nowadays. Starting off with the lower budget tier with the set I’m reviewing today, the EA500, and going up in price to the EN1000 and the EA2000. We have seen quite a bit of solid substantiated buzz and truthfully for anyone that has had their finger on the pulse of the hobby of late, I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. The point is, Simgot is on to something special with ridiculously good build quality, designs and most importantly the sound quality within their latest line of iems.

Brouhaha? ​

This hobby is inundated with a constant churning of hysteria, fanfare, puffing, some people even call it “flimflam” and “brouhaha”… believe it or not. Of course, those people were probably born in upstate New York in the early 1920’s, but I digress. The word which is used most to describe this phenomenon is… “HYPE”. Some people carry some great disdain for those who hype a product. They roll their eyes. They raise their audiophile noses to the sky and look down in disgust. Perhaps they have forgotten the joy that this hobby brings. I get it through; you don’t want people to mislead out of pre-hype honeymoon auditory bliss.

Seriously though, this is where I insert the “take it like a grain of salt” reference. Also, what’s true to one person may not be true to the next, let’s try to remember that. You may not think this blurb has anything to do with the iem I am reviewing but I beg to differ. This set ‘was’ and ‘is’ hyped to the moon, flim-flam was spread far and wide.

Everyone is always right​

I have a different take and it all revolves around the fact that in this hobby everyone is always right. These “gushing posts” are kind of like personal testimonies if you will. The truth to their claims is only true to themselves. Whether you are a seasoned reviewer with audiophile understanding and endless audio knowledge or you are a newbie, fresh in the hobby. Neither are wrong. Today we are looking at and examining the latest of the hype trains and I hope to relay my truth to all of you.

I have to be honest, I waited much longer than usual to pick this set up. I wanted to get outside of the hype bubble and try to look at it from a different lens. Waiting and waiting with constant voices from relentless audio groups and threads gushing with childlike fervor and passion. Which is great! Passion for the hobby is what it is about. Relentless is the wheel which constantly turns in this audio game, dropping set after set, leaving reviewers and hobbyists clamoring to get the word out first. Hence my waiting. Anyways…

All Hype?​

I thought for sure it was all “hype”. Like, what could this set possibly be that we haven’t seen or heard before? Have we not heard it all? Every style, every tuning, what could possibly surprise folks nowadays. The people within this hobby have never been more knowledgeable in this audio game and they’ve seen the push from companies and reviewers. Basically, we’ve done this “hype” thing many times before. So, what is so special about this under $100 budget set that has so many people rushing to speak on it.

Could the EA500 stand a chance against the likes of the Tripowin Olina OG (filter. Mod) or Olina SE, Truthear Hexa, Fiio JD7, the Celeste Pandamon, Dunu Titan S or Bqeyz Topaz? These are some of the sets which sit nicely within my top under $100. Each has its place with me, and each is special in its own way. In truth I could expound quite a bit and add a handful of other sets (ie: Moondrop Aria, Hidizs MM2, Hidizs MS2 etc.) which really do well under $100. I know there are plenty more I haven’t named. This is the vein with which I am judging the EA500. I want to know, is the EA500 at or near the top, for me.

We shall see…​

Not all hype trains are merely hype my friends. Sometimes the hype carries a semblance of justification, and sometimes… it’s flat-out justified! The EA500 certainly has some big shoes to fill if it is going to usurp some of the best. The Simgot EA500 everyone…

Please visit mobilaudiophile.com and check out Mahir’s thoughts on the Simgot EA500 HERE.

Gear used ​

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4

–Ifi Go Blu

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

Later Comparisons: Moondrop Aria / Tripowin Olina (Filter Mod) / BQEYZ Topaz

The full review can be found HERE

Packaging​

The EA500 arrived in a medium sized box with a pretty understated and minimalist design on the cover which I can appreciate very much. Just a black box with a dreamy rectangular picture of the colorful night sky and some brand writing and the brand name, nothing too crazy. Good job Simgot. On the back is a couple frequency graphs per nozzle as well as a bunch of writing that I don’t understand at all. I like every little artistic touch that Simgot added and while I’d be perfectly happy with a simple brown box, I must admit that a well laid out and designed unboxing is always a small & short little treat.

Open the box and you’ll notice a little flap which says “Don’t try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years“. I have to imagine that Simgot correlates the wonderful sound of this set to adding joy and life to your days. I can’t say I disagree, now I don’t know how much an earphone helps in this venture but, it’s a nice saying. Open the flap and the beautiful EA500 is staring back at you. Below the earphones is a box which contains the carrying case and the cable. Another box which sits under the EA500 has the eartips inside. I do appreciate the simple packaging, yet I can also appreciate the class with which it is put together.

Cable​

The cable that Simgot chose to include with this $79 product is actually quite nice. It’s a 2-pin, 2 core, white OFC silver plated cable with a more rigid feel to it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cable provided but I did switch out cables for balanced sources and used the KBear Chord cable for those purposes. The cable that Simgot provides is decently pliable and isn’t microphonic and I really don’t see any issues with it. Basically, I don’t think you will need to upgrade cables unless you are choosing to listen on a balanced source, as I normally do. Also, the EA500 does capitalize on giving this set a bit more power and a balanced source will ‘usually’ do just that.

Carrying case​

The case provided is a good sized oval black zipper case not unlike many others I’ve gotten throughout the years. It has almost an imitation leather covering it and is mostly utilitarian in its look. Nothing to get excited about but nice to have. I normally don’t use the cases provided with any earphones, however if I would use a case such as this one, I’d say it is of good enough size. I do believe you have just about enough room for the EA500 plus a small dongle dac. Not bad by any means, the case is a nice addition.

Eartips​

The eartips which come with the EA500 are decent in build and pretty useful. Simgot provides three pairs of opaque white tips (S, M, L). They are semi-wide bore with a moderately firm flange. Of course, I couldn’t use the included tips in my ears, I just don’t get that good seal.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the EA500 simply are marvelous at reacting to different tips. As with every earphone I’ve ever put in my ears I must go through every eartips that I own. I have gone through every type of tip you could imagine. Wide-bore shallow, medium-bore KBear 07 types, narrow-bore Final E’s, Spinfits and everything in between. I finally ended up using (subject to change) a pair of Hybrid silicone/foam tips with a medium-bore and Final E-tips. The upper-midrange glare is slightly leveled off a bit using both of these different sets of tips, while the dynamism, stage width, and extension that I enjoy with the EA500 remains. So, play around, everyone is different. One thing I can promise is that you will see a variety of changes based upon the tips you do choose.

Build / Design / Internals / Fit ​

Build​

The Shells are made of all metal alloy by way of melting and casting and then polished to a mirror finish and capped off with CNC engraving of the logo on the faceplate area. It appears that one screw holds two halves together which is a nice touch. Simgot added female threads as well so that the tuning nozzles may be screwed on or off to suit your taste and tuning preferences.

Something you will notice the second you pick up the EA500 is the awesome feel of this set. Something just screams “premium” with the EA500. All metal builds are nothing new and we have seen plenty in the budget arena but there is something which sets the EA500 apart from the rest. Maybe the design has a lot to do with that, but the build is absolutely fantastic. Holding the EA500 in hand it is easy to assume there is great durability here. The only slight negative which goes along with a mirror finish is fingerprints. I suppose it’s not really an issue but a minor annoyance. Actually, it doesn’t bother me at all but I assume it may bothersome.

Design​

The minimalist and sleek design is not unlike some other sets we’ve seen recently but most of those reside in higher price tiers. The look and feel of the EA500 is very nice for the price. It’s all class with a very unembellished and modest appearance which just so happens to be the beauty of it. There is an elegance that is simple yet refined, a tastefulness or a certain charm which comes with Simgot’s design of the EA500. I like a nice aesthetic and I feel the EA500 looks like it doesn’t belong in the under $100 crowd.

Actually, of late build quality has stepped up in the budget scene but I do think that the EA500 takes that a step further. A beautifully crafted set which takes artistry and an understanding of the market with a good eye for what looks… well… just dope. The EA500 is just that.

Tuning nozzles​

I love stuff like tuning nozzles as I’m naturally attracted to easy and simple modifications, even if it’s just a gimmick. In the case of the EA500, Simgot provides two different sets of tuning nozzles which provide two different target curves. To be honest there isn’t a world of difference but there are enough differences to justify the addition of the nozzles. Not just a gimmick here.

Red and Black​

Nozzle #1 is the “Red Nozzle” which is supposed to mimic the 2016 Harman curve. Nozzle #2 is the “Black Nozzle” which is supposed to get the EA500 closer to the Simgot house sound. The black nozzle actually has a piece of foam inside which softens some of the bite of the red nozzle. Simgot does say that they will continue to add different tuning nozzles in the future which should follow other popular target curves. If you ask me this is pretty neat and kind of extends the intrigue of the set past the usual short attention spans of hobbyists. To be perfectly honest, the life expectancy of a “hyped” budget set is normally not much longer than a few weeks but if we are going to be seeing different nozzles in the future… What a brilliant move.

The included nozzles are easy to screw off and install with threaded ends. The actual size of the nozzle piece is large enough to actually get your fingers on. This is actually a great thing. I can name a number of sets with tiny tuning nozzles which are next to impossible to simply and easily screw on and off without pulling one’s hair out.

Internals​

Simgot went with a quality 10mm Dual-Magnet Circuit and Dual Cavity structure using both internal and external N52 magnets and a 4th generation DLC (Diamond-Like-Carbon) Composite Diaphragm. We have come to know how well DLC drivers perform as they are very light but have strong rigidity which is theorized to enhance the transient capabilities of an earphone among other things. Many earphones use DLC drivers and every other driver material that one can imagine but in the end it all comes down to the tuning and implementation of those drivers. Simgot seems to have gotten it right and they should be proud of this set.

4th Generation DLC Composite Diaphragm
The DLC composite diaphragm of EA500 incorporates 3 kinds of different materials, which are used to build different parts. DLC is characterized by strong rigidity, high damping, and light-weight, and is used as a dome that determines the characteristics of treble.
Simgot Promotional

Click to expand...

Fit​

Fit is always something that I question in my reviews. Like, “Why am I adding this?” Seriously, not many people have the exact ear structure and to explain the fit to you doesn’t really make much sense to me. However, I must do my ridiculous due diligence. I think the fit can be slightly tricky. I do have to fiddle a hair to get the seal I want but it is easily attainable for me. Isolation turns out being pretty good with very slight sound leakage once you have the EA500 sealed well and sitting comfortably in your ears.

Drivability​

The EA500 is rated at 16 ohms and a sensitivity of 124 dB’s which make them pretty sensitive. It’s one of those sets which are very easy to drive from most any source but definitely scales up with added power and they scale to the “quality” of the source as well. The EA500 is very versatile and does a great job at mimicking the tonality of the source device as it adapts to anything I attach it to. Any different source flavor will be replayed through this special set. For instance, the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 has that snappy and near neutral sound which in turn makes the EA500 accentuate the Dawns tuning. It sounds fantastic. Going from low gain on the Dawn to high gain only adds a level of dynamism and energy to the sound yet without causing undue distortion or without exaggerating the peaks.

The same can be said of the more warm, smoother, and bodied sound of the IFi Go Blu. I find there is a slight boost in note thickness while note edges seem to flatten a bit and smooth over. Also, using the iBasso DX240, I had a similar reaction from the EA500 as when I used the Dawn. This time the EA500 just tightened up and became a bit more vibrant. On some songs there is an element of almost breaching into shouty territory but falls just short of that.

Best Combo​

Now, my favorite pairing is with the Shanling M6 Ultra with its velvet AK4493SEQ dac chip and powerful amp circuit. These two were meant for each other it seems. You can still reach a level of shoutiness but all in all the sound is very natural and coherent with a boost in the low-end and silky vocals. To go back to the question of “Drivability” I would like to think that almost anything can power this set to good fidelity, but if you can, get a nice Dongle Dac at the very least and enjoy.

Quick Sound Impressions​

What does the EA500 sound like? To me, the EA500 is like a working taser, just sparking, sputtering, zapping and flickering with energy. There is a controlled fervency which is kept in check while sounding enthusiastic yet clean. A mostly inoffensive vibrancy yet also a particularly enthralling earphone. Almost like it’s pent-up with lively vigor, though when released there is structure and order to it. Between the 20’s I hear a wonderfully cohesive and open sounding set, but is it worth all the brouhaha? I can only answer for myself, and I won’t beat around the bush friends. To me the EA500 is worth all of the hype.

Sound​

The EA500 has something closer to a U-shaped tuning, even teetering on a W-shape with a slight boost to the low-end as well as the upper-midrange and lower treble, then nice extension up top. I hear a warm-neutral leaning sound with great enthusiasm and a nice balance across the spectrum. As far as the tonal color… I picture the EA500 slightly leaning to the left, almost dragging its toes in some subtle and slight warmth. It walks this line between neutrality and warmth, lush and thin, smooth and crisp. A widespread field of sound that carries as much weight at the outskirts of its presentation as it does in the center of it. You could call it a wall of sound and you wouldn’t be wrong, but the wall created through the EA500 almost wraps me in a half circle of mellifluous musicality.

Quick Overview​

When I think of the EA500 I picture the bass, mids, and treble holding hands in harmony with each other. Each 3rd of the mix plays a supporting role to the others, and none truly takes the lead for me. Ya know, every earphone has its identity or point of emphasis, well most do anyways, but the EA500 has this uncanny ability to simply represent as a whole. I can’t help but think that this uniformity is instrumental in casting a wide reaching and harmonious scope of sound. I don’t want to get too far into praise and to dial it back I will say that the EA500 isn’t perfect and does have some drawbacks, but they are few and far in between.

The frequencies​

The bass region has good impact yet some claim it has a slightly tame bass response. I love some good bass and the EA500 is certainly enough for me but I’m positive that some may need a little more. I could use a bit more. Adding a filter to the front vent does help in this regard. I know because it is one of the first things I did upon receiving the EA500. However, this is a review of the original and authentic sound of this set, mods are for later.

The midrange is uplifted in soothing levity, it’s full & forward with females located a titch more forward than males. Vocals sound great, lush and smooth yet centered and defined with a nice presence. The treble is crispy, yet not grainy or tizzy, or sheened out, or too sharp. I hear decent body up top with equally decent extension into the upper parts of the frequency. The stage is above average in size and Imaging is very well drawn out with good separation. There are also some drawbacks to the EA500 but all in all this is a bona-fide STUD of a set in the under $100 price point. Heck, I’d even scale that up to $150.

Nozzles​

A quick note, I will mostly describe the sound of the “Red” nozzle as I simply enjoy the controlled vibrancy and openness and mostly prefer it a hair more. However, I do like the black nozzle as well. In truth, both nozzles don’t offer some huge “world of change”. Let’s put it this way, you aren’t getting two different sets in one using the different nozzles. There are certainly subtle differences which do flavor the sound, but these changes are very minor. Maybe the red nozzle is a hint more abrasive in the upper midrange on some tracks. Furthermore, it sounds more holographic, possibly more energetic yet it’s just as balanced. Perhaps the black nozzle will offer better details but that is definitely up for debate. I go back and forth between the two by the day and while both nozzles aren’t stark differences, they are nonetheless differences.

Bass Region​

The low-end of the EA500 comes with average quickness as the transient attack and decay has a nicely atmospheric replay but also, it’s very clean with nice density. On top of that I hear a thumpy and rounded boom on kick drums and bass drops for genres like hip-hop etc. It isn’t greatly escalated with emphasis but it’s good. For some the EA500 will not be enough to satisfy their bass head tenancies, and this is understandable as the low-end is ever so slightly held back. In truth this serves the EA500 very well as the surrounding frequencies seem to open up with a cleaner sound. The bass is rich and has nice surface texture. It’s not some “one-noted” type bass replay. It serves my library well and leaves me satisfied.

Sub-bass​

I hear a sonorous and deep enough haptic buzz down low as there is still a good and rumbly vibration. The sub-bass is moderate in its effective resonant droning hum, and it comes across as full bodied, full toned and rotund. While not Bass-Boi levels, the sub-bass doesn’t lack, it isn’t hollow or empty in its replay and it’s effective at stretching the field of sound with nice extension down low.

This shows itself very well in “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard. The song begins with a deep bass riff that sets the tone for the song. This should be edgy and grizzly and just flat out dirty and the EA500 replays it with some girth down low. The surrounding melody is nicely separated with great timbre as it seems that each pluck of the guitar has its own ecosystem of sound, and each finger slide contrasts beautifully against the sub-bass backdrop. There is a rolling density and clean separation from the rest of the mix that is refreshing and adds nice depth.

The EA500 sub bass does exactly what the song tells it to do and faithfully replays with a thick layered tapestry of this guttural bassline. It sounds great my friends! Timbre is not bad here either. At least to my ears anyways. Of course, it’s been a while since I’ve sat “live” and listened to a track such as this. Still there is a naturalness down low that permeates everything on the EA500 which I find addicting.

Midbass​

The mid-bass is pretty nice too. Yes, there is that impactful and speedy slam which differentiates itself nicely from the sub-bass. Note definition and clarity are well done with a solid attack and note outline. I can’t help but notice the decently concentrated substance within the bass, packed tight as though it has solidity. Not the most elevated… but thick…and boldly structured enough for a faithful and fun playback which sounds great when listening to the EA500 as a whole.

Midbass cont…​

In “Home Sweet Highway” by Ashley Mcbryde the song starts right out the gate with a meaty bass line that extends all the way through the track. The EA500 booms with depth on this song. As though I hear actual texture and tactile imagery. I hear a warm and round and moderately deep grumble that has a pretty good slam to it. Again, the bass isn’t too far elevated. It is well textured and layered with depth and it does this without needing to be overdone or exaggerated. The bass sounds great. This is what I mean when I say natural. It isn’t hollow or soft or muddy. It isn’t digital sounding or plastic and certainly isn’t wooly which is a nice thing to hear. Plus, the mid-bass is pretty clean with defined note edges for the price point which helps the EA500 to have a decently detailed low-end.

Midrange​

The midrange is simply a musical delight to my ears. I love the natural note weight in this region which can play multiple styles and genres and represent each with a sophisticated versatility. Note weight isn’t necessarily thick, but there is a lushness in this region. I hear a near neutral sounding midrange which is articulate for the price. Both males and females share this space well as both are forward and highlighted.

Instrumentation simply has this unprocessed and nimble musicality which carries good resolution. Perhaps they could use a bit of blunted weight and a bit more of a robust emphasis on different instruments, but I can’t help enjoying the open sound with great imaging and separation. Perhaps the timbre isn’t completely perfectly spot-on either, but I don’t think it’s necessarily off at all. In fact, I really enjoy it. There is simply a vibrance added to the timbre which almost adds a glow. I realize that probably made no sense but… Let’s pretend it did.

Lower-midrange​

Male vocals are well represented and come across pretty clean yet at times they can sound a hint thin. At times they can even be a bit abrasive. Some higher register tenors can sound a bit sharp depending on the track and source, but this is where I will stop in my complaints.

Honestly, I enjoy most of the male vocals that I hear, especially on a song like “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton. His voice has great southern gusto and good presence with a distinctness and the EA500 does well to replay his naturally edgy vocal delivery. It does his voice great justice and displays Chris’s edgy, raspy, but distinct sound so very well. It sounds clean and just forward enough to illuminate the scratchy, strident and coarse southern richness of his voice while adding just enough boisterous underlying levity to the harmonics. The inflection in his voice is precise and timely as the accentuated wave like intonations that Chris sings with stays at the foreground of the melody and balances nicely with how I envision this recording was meant to be heard.

Males cont…​

Males on the EA500 can also sound reverberant with a rotund with bassy fullness when needed, like with Avi Kaplan in the song “First Place I go“. The EA500 has just enough help from the low end to bolster and display his baritone voice in a very round, poignant and emotional way. His voice can so easily be exaggerated and overly sonorous on many sets but the EA500 has this nice way of keeping the timbre and tonality in line. As if there is just enough warmth to contrast the overall lustrous neutrality of this tuning. This is not unprecedented in the budget space, but it is simply a nice attribute of the EA500. Of course, with the black filter his voice is a little richer but also without a certain liveliness that the red filter conveys. Both ways are great, red or black.

Lower-mids cont…​

The lower midrange may come across a hint thin with a hair too much vibrance and not everyone enjoys an energetic and lively sound. Some may prefer a smoother and more laid-back velvety sound. Still, once your brain adjusts, male vocals can be very nice. Again, this is where it may make sense to pull out the black nozzles which add a nice balance and smoothen out the coarseness that the red nozzles can have. Of course, there are other implications from this setup, but I could see many hobbyists enjoying the benefits of the foam filled black nozzles which mimic the Simgot “House Sound”.

Upper-Midrange​

Females come alive on the EA500. Truthfully, I love the way females sound on this set. The EA500 had me running through my library and seeking out solo acoustic performances or female led tracks. Whether the voice has a softer, whispery and breathy sound or a resounding and powerful ballad type female voice the EA500 just sounds clean and spacious. There is a lushness to females which never comes across too thick or weighted. They aren’t thin or lean either. I think the natural replay comes from females having a good presence and a certain sweetness. Of course, that good presence can also be accompanied by some pinna glare at times. Again, this may be a moment to check out the black nozzles which do help a bit. Or check out one of the many modifications that some really smart people have come up with. Look and you’ll find them.

“Mariana Trench” by Gabrielle Aplin is a song which highlights her breathy sweet voice. However, there is this underlying power in her vocals. The EA500 really shines and presents this song very vividly and with fantastic resolution. Or Noah Cyrus in “Unfinished” the EA500 does a good job at presenting her tense yet moving voice in a very astute and forward manner while steering clear of anything harsh or too edgy. This is awesome control for the price. Timbre is what I would call “off-natural” as it sounds organic yet with some resounding enthusiasm added in.

Instruments​

Instrumentation like strings have enough weight to produce a natural sounding pluck of a guitar string along with the finger slides which offer their own harmonics. Piano can be a hint too vibrant at times, but this really comes down to the recording. Percussion like the fundamental frequency of a cymbal strike sounds compact and not tizzy, they sound pretty well bodied and not splashy. The secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike located mostly in the treble region decay in a natural way as well. Snares pang with plenty of body and come across with the correct sharpness to my ears. Of course, all of this can be affected by what source you are using as well as the track being played.

Slight issues​

If I were to pick anything within the midrange to list as a possible con, I would have to say that there is an ever so slight sibilance which can rear its ugly head on some tracks. It’s very minimal and I really don’t even think about it until I’m listening for it. Not bad though. Also, there is some pinna gain energy which can become too sharp and glaring with the right track as well. Again, it doesn’t bother me too much, but it is there.

Many people have already begun modding their EA500’s with “Y3” Filters placed over the front vent or gone with different tips or even nozzle filters. The great thing is the flexibility the EA500 has with any modification or change. Timbre isn’t 100% natural either (off-natural) though because the sound is so resolute and clean it almost doesn’t matter to me. I think the sound fantastic on this set.

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Treble Region​

The treble comes across energetic and airy, with nice pacing and timing and good transient behavior to my ears. The treble region has a very nice balance with the rest of the mix in my opinion. Note definition is on the cleaner side however those same note outlines can be spicy at times. Instrumentation in this region is well bodied and does have enough bite and adds a nice element to the sound. The treble is elevated enough to bring upon some levity to the entire mix with a nicely rendered slope through the upper-treble region showing good extension, or at least appropriate extension to my ears.

There is a snappiness to the sound here, almost a boldness as well in the attack on most notes. Texture is evident too from the lower treble to the highest of highs. In truth the EA500 does a superb job at this area of the mix. Details are very easy to discern as the balance is just right, the transients are great, and the resolution is very good. No one frequency topples over any other which leaves plenty of room for both macro and micro details.

Nice Energy​

The brilliance region of the treble has a lot of presence and is very detailed as well. There is a controlled sheen to this region which does well to add this vivacious liveliness to any recording which is an attribute I happen to really enjoy. It’s amazing how a good treble region can act as the “Icing on the cake” and we are seeing that on the EA500. Like I said, extension past 8k is nice and leaves no information lost into an attenuated abyss. It’s actually the contrary, as the EA500 manages to catch even subtle things that you may not pick up on with other sets.

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Technicalities​

Soundstage​

I find no faults with the psycho-acoustic stage size of the EA500. I hear very nice width with above average height and good depth to my music while listening with the EA500. There is this feeling of space and an open nature to the sound which creates this effortlessly wide dynamic. The depth of field spatial cues is really great for a single Dynamic Driver earphone. Soundstage is certainly a strength of the EA500 in my opinion.

Separation​

The EA500 has this uncanny ability to create nice layers within the imaginary stage that I hear. There is a sense of space, that’s for sure. However, inside that space is distinct and partitioned off elements of that stage which sound as though they are localized fixtures and sit isolated in their own little space. So, Separation is great, which brings us naturally to imaging.

Imaging​

Everything has its place in the stereo image. We like to overuse the words ‘pinpoint’ when describing imaging on some sets, but I can say for sure that the imaging on the EA500 is pinpoint in its ability to form each element of the stage, whether it be voices or instruments. The only time I have heard any issues in either of these areas is in very complicated music passages. Really complex tracks may trip up the EA500 a little bit but it’s nothing that comes across as a con. This is a single DD and as far as single DDs under $100 goes… It Is truly in the ratified air of the best of the field.

Details​

I’ve already covered the details earlier in this review, but I will quickly go over my thoughts again. The EA500 obviously has some good drivers, speedy transient attack and decay, a wide stereo image and fantastic clarity and resolution throughout while being tuned in a very nicely balanced way. This is all a perfect recipe for a detailed playback. I do think the black and red nozzles both fares well in the detail arena but the black nozzle for whatever reason seems a hair leaner up top along with being a tad drier in this region which leads to better micro details. Both nozzles perform well here so I certainly wouldn’t go nuts trying to spot the differences.

Comparisons​

Moondrop Aria ($79)​

The Moondrop Aria is quite possibly Moondrop’s most infamous earphone. Resting cool in the under $100 segment the Aria has been a class leader in overall enjoyment and euphoric price to performance. The Aria sports a 10mm Dual cavity single DD with an LCP Diaphragm. Just like the EA500 it has an all metal housing and that’s about where the similarities cut-off. The Aria is a solid choice for that Harman sound and does so almost to the tee.

Low-End​

Starting off with the bass, the Aria is much more elevated yet in that elevation there is a more pillowy attack edge while there is certainly more sub-bass quantity. The EA500 simply sound more realistic with a more controlled and speedier slam.

Midrange​

The midrange is more euphoric on the EA500 with a more forward nature and a thicker and more lush note weight while the Aria sounds much tamer in comparison. There is more vibrance on the EA500 and at the same time there is more shimmer too. The Aria has that nicely non-fatiguing and easy to listen to sound but between the two it’s the EA500 that sounds more organic and cleaner.

Highs​

The EA500 treble certainly has more of an attack bite in the treble region. I hear a more elevated treble section but also a better extended treble section. I’m quite positive that there will be more than a few who would enjoy the Aria’s more laid-back vibe. For the rest of us I think it is obvious that Simgot created a finely tuned set which trumps the Aria in many categories and certainly the treble is one of them.

Between the two the EA500 certainly has the more detailed and technically adept playback with a more lustrous and lush sound along with a much tighter and snappier replay as well. Soundstage goes to the EA500, imaging is pretty close to a draw between the two but the EA500 does edge out the Aria. Separation goes to the EA500.

Tripowin Olina (OG, Tanya Filter) ($99)​

Oh Olina, you amazing single DD. Before all others the Olina came first to absolutely crush a price point punch above its price. This is another comparison with a famous set that thousands have enjoyed, and which doesn’t get left off of many “best under $100” lists. The Olina has a single 10mm Carbon Nanotube Diaphragm Dynamic Driver which is famously used in the single DD “Crown Prince” the Tanchjim Oxygen. Or some variation of that driver. I absolutely adore the sound of the Olina OG, but I am comparing the EA500 against the modified version of the Olina with Tanchjim Tanya Filters replacing the stock filters at the nozzles. I know many of you have this exact setup so, sorry that it isn’t the stock Olina.

Differences (low-end) ​

When comparing these two the first thing I notice is that the EA500 is a little more on the bright or neutral side whereas the Olina is a slight bit warmer. The bass of the EA500 does carry about the same quantity of bass oomph and slam as the Olina but the EA500 seems as though it may hit with a titch more authority. I believe this is a deception though, due to the stark difference from the brighter contrast of the EA500 upper frequencies against the warmer and hearty bass, it simply sounds more authoritative. In fact, it sounds as though the EA500 has the more dynamic and energetic bass region because of this. In truth it is very hard to like one more than the other. Both hit plenty hard, and both represent the bass rather well for the price point.

Midrange​

As far as male vocals are concerned, the EA500 and the Olina both have roughly equal note weight but the EA500 seem to have a hint more presence. I do also think that the EA500 has the more natural timbre but again, this is debatable as “natural” is a subjective opinion. Female vocals sound a hint more forward than the Olina and with more shimmer in the upper midrange. Also, the Olina has a bit better control of this area and resolution is great on both sets. Again, hard to pick one over the other for me. Pick your poison I suppose. The Olina is a bit more reserved but highly resolute and packed with details while the same can be said of the EA500 yet with a slight bit more shimmer to the same songs.

I suppose the difference is the way these two are presented in the midrange. Certainly, one is not necessarily better than the other. The EA500 simply sound more vivacious and with more presence while the Olina are control freaks. The Olina has that tight and structured dynamism that is a bit better balanced as a whole than the EA500, which in turn lends the sound to be a bit less sprightly and bubbly. Again, pick your poison. I feel the Olina is a hair less captivating and engaging in its replay here.

Treble​

The EA500 sounds as though they have the lusher timbre in the treble region to the Olina’s more detailed and better controlled sheen up top. Note weight sounds the slimmest of hairs thinner on the Olina while also having a softer note attack in this area. Most certainly the EA500 has the brighter tonality here which does uplift the whole of the spectrum a bit more than Olina. The EA500 has a special treble region that has this engrossing and refined nature to it. The Olina is no slouch though, certainly the less fatiguing of the two and perhaps the more astute and timelier of the two. Basically, Olina is the responsible one, if that makes sense. Less enthusiastic in vibrancy and more disciplined in its delivery.

The EA500 just comes across with a more rapid snappiness that is more instant in attack but more atmospheric in decay/sustain. The Olina sounds a bit less sharp in attack and quicker to release.

Technicalities​

Details seem to be a bit more illuminated on the Olina but please don’t confuse my words… both sets bring upon macro and micro details very well. Soundstage goes to the EA500, without question. I hear matching widths and close in height with the EA500 sounding a bit taller and certainly deeper in its replay. The EA500 sounds more 3D, which is saying something because the Olina has a fantastic stage. Both imaging and separation is great on both sets.

Honestly this is a hard one for me, I suppose it depends on my mood which one I’d like better. It may be that one set ranks #1 and the other #1A. I guess that is the beauty of this hobby. If anything, I would say that the EA500 is the more musical of the two and simply more dynamically engaging and charismatic in its boisterousness. The Olina is the consummate professional who may sound a hair duller but it’s wise and steady and correct and detail oriented.

BQEYZ Topaz ($89) ​

Another set I adore, the BQEYZ Topaz. Somehow it comes in at under $100. Though I could say that about every set mentioned here. Anyways, the Topaz is a Hybrid 9-layer piezoelectric driver and one 13mm single Dynamic Driver. What a set! BQEYZ is one of those companies who seem to not ever get things wrong. They begin a project and run it until completion.

Differences​

The differences between these two, if I were to break it down, is the style and type of engagement that each set offers. Both are engaging and engrossing for different reasons. The EA500 has that energetic vibrancy with its holographic staging while the Topaz has this enthralling lush and juicy timbre that just sucks me in. At the beginning of this review, I characterized the EA500 as a working teaser just spattering with wild controlled energy. I stand by that, but on the flip side I think the Topaz has this warm and more emotionally pulling sound which can really perform at the peak of the under $100 price point.

Low-end ​

As far as the bass is concerned, the Topaz have quite a bit more in quantity with a deeper and fuller rumble and slam. The EA500 has a less colored low-end with a more speedy, punchy and organic sound. Both are quality for the type of bass as well as the emphasis each has down low. The Topaz effect the midrange a bit more while the EA500 stays in its lane and doesn’t disrupt anything. So, tight and clean, textured and punchy or boomy, full, resounding and impactful.

The Mids​

The midrange of both sets has their own charming qualities. The EA500 has the more forward mids with a more natural take on this region. The Topaz on the other hand is dense in lush tapestry with velvety cleanliness that has depth and weight. Shimmer and levity and resolution goes to the EA500 while the Topaz is completely in-offensive and completely smooth with lush timbre. The EA500 is more technical on almost all fronts and perhaps this is where we can start to see it pulling ahead for good.

Up Top​

The treble region of the Topaz is much more laid back but still it is fantastic for a warmer presentation. It has body and a nicely softened attack edge and bite while remaining non-fatiguing all the way through. Whereas the EA500 is all energy all the time with details popping up everywhere. The EA500 has depth to the treble region that we really shouldn’t ever expect at this price and there is great natural sounding levity with a boisterous and vivacious character.

Technicalities​

Again, technicalities easily go to the EA500. From details to separation to soundstage the EA500 takes all prizes in this regard. What it can’t do as well is the fun factor when it comes to massive bass drops and bass guitar riffs. It can’t draw the emotion from a woman’s breathy voice as well as the Topaz and males don’t have the same full-figured sound with that type of weight yet remaining clean and resolute. Two different types and two different styles of tuning. This hobby is the best my friends. The truth is, I love both of these sets for different reasons and in my collection, they complement each other perfectly.

Is it worth the asking price?​

I would be very hard pressed to find another iem under $100 which punches above its price point quite like the EA500 does, in my opinion. I’d say there are a couple sets which truly play above their segment, like the Olina’s of the world and a couple others. Yes, this set can duke it out with the best of the best in its price point and could even take on pricier sets, and I say that without batting an eye. This of course all depends on if you enjoy this type of sound signature. The return on your investment here is almost unprecedented in the hobby when it comes to actual auditory joy. Again, you have to enjoy this type of signature. This can’t go unsaid.

Not everyone will be a fan of the ultra-energetic neutral/bright sound signature. In fact, if I reviewed this even two years ago, I’d say that the EA500 isn’t worth the money. So, everything has its caveats. Everything! There isn’t any one thing which is for everyone, except maybe new socks. If you don’t enjoy new socks, then… Well…chances are you are some form of an alien or something, you definitely aren’t human, that’s for sure.

Worth every penny!​

Yes, yes, yes, the Simgot EA500 is worth every penny! It is a holographic, fundamentally sound, technically adept baddie which is lathered in joy-inducing musicality and doesn’t entirely skimp on low-end rumble. It’s tight, concise, engaging to the core, it’s wide and deep, and it’s about as open and clear to the ear as anything under $100. I could’ve paired it against quite a few other sets. I was going to include the Truthear Hexa, Fiio JD7, Hidizs MS2 among others, but I don’t think it would’ve helped anyone. Of course, I could always go back and edit this review and add some more comparisons if requested. Yes, the EA500 is a bona-fide STUD which in my opinion easily sits in my ‘top 3’ of best under $100. Simgot, you certainly outdid yourselves and you are single handedly upping the game of every company in the hobby by releasing iems at the caliber they are at in the price segment they are at. Great job.

The full review can be found HERE

Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles. In the case of the EA500 I considered $50-$100 iems in any driver configuration.

Aesthetic ​

-Build Quality: 9.5

-Design: 9.5

-Accessories: 8.0

–Overall: 9.0

Sound Rating​

-Timbre: 9.5

-Bass: 9.0

-Midrange: 9.5

-Treble: 9.3

-Technicalities: 8.9

-P2P: 10.0 (Price to Performance)

Overall: 9.4

​

Conclusion​

To conclude this lengthy review, I have to urge you all to try to get other perspectives of the EA500. I say it in every review that…we are all different, no two are perfectly the same. It is always good to seek out as many perspectives as possible. Everyone has different likes and dislikes, music libraries, hearing ability, and not everyone has been down the same journey as me. We are all different. I would seek out getting to know some reviewers that you feel you can trust and get to know their preferences. This will help greatly in a purchasing decision.

I have had such a great time during this review process. Personally, I feel that the EA500 could take on sets much pricier and is such a bargain at $79. Heck, the EA500 actually goes on sale from time to time as well. I honestly feel that you can’t go wrong here. Just a joy to have as part of my collection. Well, my friends, I want to thank anyone who has chosen to read my review here and I do hope it helps at least a few of you during your deciding process. Please try to take good care and stay safe.

​

​

INTRODUCTION:​

Until recently, I was unfamiliar with Simgot (兴戈), but when I heard the name mentioned in passing, and later read AndyEF's review of the EM2 Roltion, my interest in their products was piqued. Despite not having heard of them before, I was intrigued by their offerings.

Simgot, founded in 2015 with the slogan "大兴干戈" which implies their commitment to delivering ultimate products and perfect service, is a company that believes in the fusion of old and new technologies. Their philosophy revolves around the accumulation of knowledge and expertise from the past, and the innovative strides made in the present.

During my conversation with Simgot's representative, I was given a summary of their progress and product releases, which felt like a history class. LOL. Here's what I learned:

In 2016, the Tongque(铜雀) series was launched, and the first product made the brand famous.

In 2017, the Luoshen(洛神) series was launched, establishing the domestic HiFi brand market position.

In August 2017, the Tongque series EN700 PRO with red and blue color version was launched, leading the trend of color matching.

In December 2017, the Luoshen series was launched, and the EM1 was positioning it as a benchmark for earphones.

In 2018, the headphone ET1000 and Luoshen EM2 were launched.

In 2019, the EK series was launched, officially entering the earphone customization market.

In 2021, our first audio decoding line - DEW1 (type c interface) was launched. EN1000 King Wonder and Luoshen's new product EM2 Roltion were launched.

On June 9, 2022, EA2000 will be launched, code-named Boson, called the ecstasy of [dynamic driver enthusiasts].

On October 28, 2022, EA500 was launched. Returning to the concept of lowering the threshold for enjoying good sound, and creating a dynamic earphone with an entry price and an acoustic level, which is known as the TOP1 product in the market.


Obviously, we are reviewing the EA500 today, and without further delay, lend me your ears and hearken!!

FOREWORD:​

• The gear on hand has undergone at least 50 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:​

Brand: Simgot
Model: EA500
Transducer: 10mm Dynamic driver with dual-magnetic-circuit & dual cavity structure
Diaphragm: 4th generation DLC composite diaphragm
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: Red nozzle = 123db; Black nozzle = 124db
Frequency response: 20hz-20khz
Cable: high purity silver plated OFC
Connector: 0.78 2 pin

PACKAGING:​

Packaging can be an important aspect of the overall purchasing experience, and Simgot doesn't disappoint in this regard. The Simgot EA500 comes in a sleek and minimalist black box with an image reminiscent of an aurora landscape at the center. At the back are some useful information consisting of 2 frequency graphs for the 2 tuning nozzles. More of this later on as we dive deeper. Naturally, the EA500's specifications are indicated here, as well as a brief explanation of the earphones' features.

The box inside can only slide in one direction, specifically to the left. Upon doing so, you will encounter a wise adage from Blaise Pascal: "Don't try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years." If you were to flip over this piece of cardboard paper, awaiting you like pieces of shiny treasure, the EA500 themselves.

So, you know how the EA500 comes with a box of goodies, right? Well, inside that box labeled “Accessories”, you'll find the cable and a basic carrying case, along with some tuning nozzles and extra rings in black and red. But get this, the box labeled "ear tips" only has three pairs of tips - small, medium, and large - and they're all the same type! I mean, I get that they probably had to cut some costs somewhere but come on...I was hoping for a bit more variety in the tips department, you know?
Nevertheless, the packaging is pretty simple yet classy and I really like it for something that costs less than $100.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:​

Let me begin by informing you about the setup that I've utilized for most of this review, before diving into the exciting details. You're probably familiar with the EA500's two tuning options, and after careful consideration, I chose to go with my personal preference - the "black" nozzles. To enhance my experience further, I opted for third-party ear tips, the JVC Spiral Dots. Later on in this write-up, we'll delve deeper into a condensed comparison between these "black" nozzles versus their "red" counterparts.

The technical capabilities of EA500 exceed what one would expect for its price. The sound stage is average, with enough room to accommodate the natural spacing of an IEM. However, the added depth is a standout feature that even high-caliber IEMs rarely possess. It's worth noting that elements from my tracks are more noticeable than usual and linger at the back of my head. As a result, listening to these feels like a semi-holographic experience and provides immense auditory pleasure.

To delve into more intriguing details, the imaging of EA500 is impeccable, making it effortless to distinguish different components in your music. I put a track by TOOL called "Chocolate Chip Trip" to the test and was impressed with how smoothly and accurately each instrument's panning across the stage was rendered without any muddiness or awkward transitions. The entire soundstage flowed seamlessly with precision.

The EA500 boasts exceptional precision and separation, creating a harmonious layering of instruments. With my band constantly adding to our repertoire, I have put the EA500 through its paces. Dissecting songs has never been easier - subtle nuances in the background are effortlessly revealed. Even amidst complex and rapid passages, micro and macro details remain crystal clear.

The DLC drivers of the 4th generation are incredibly fast and efficient, offering seamless transitions with minimal distortion - an impressive feat considering their affordable price range. The speed is so exceptional that it could be mistaken for balanced armature drivers, which gives rise to a sharp and clear sound profile while minimizing any muddiness or smudging in audio quality.

Lastly, the EA500 maintains a natural and true-to-life tonality and timbre. Instruments are easily distinguishable, even between similar tones such as a banjo and mandolin, or a flute and piccolo. While the overall presentation leans towards the brighter side and has some added sizzle, the EA500 still manages to stay within the bounds of realism.

On to the breakdown of frequencies…

BASS​

Upon initial usage, the EA500 earphones exhibited an overpowering bass that was not to my preference. However, after subjecting them to a week of daily use, the bass gradually subdued, resulting in a sub-bass that exhibits a quick roll-off, which may not be appealing to bass enthusiasts. The fourth-generation DLC drivers employed in the EA500 are highly efficient, producing a sound that is both rigid and precise. This accuracy ensures that neighboring frequencies are not disrupted. The mid-bass is commendable, exhibiting a desirable tightness and punch, with a slightly elevated quantity that is under good control and enjoyable across a broad range of genres.

MIDRANGE​

The midrange of EA500 leans towards the brighter side, lacking in lushness and richness that might appeal to some listeners. Though the vocals may seem less engaging due to its slight thinness, they maintain their fidelity. The midrange is balanced, neither too forward nor recessed, but sometimes takes a backseat depending on the track. However, instrumental tracks shine through due to the added depth in the soundstage, resulting in a presentation that is not overly in-your-face. The upper mids are crisp and well-defined, delivering a lot of details to be heard, but can be fatiguing to sensitive individuals, particularly around the 2-3k kHz range. In essence, the midrange of EA500 prioritizes clarity and precision over warmth and richness.

TREBLE​

Initially, the treble can be a bit too sharp and piercing, but with some experimentation and swapping out the ear tips, I was able to get the sound just right for my taste. The midrange is clean and lively, and the overall sound signature is very crisp with some added sparkle. Looking at the frequency graph, we see that there's a boost around 6k, 10k, and 18k hertz, which makes the EA500 a brighter set of earphones. If you're sensitive to high frequencies, you might need to play around with the tips or consider using foam ones to soften the sound a bit. On the flip side, the EA500 is fantastic at reproducing details and nuances in music. Bells, cymbals, hihats, and vocals all sound very airy and spacious. Just make sure to do your research and know your frequency sensitivities before diving in for a blind purchase.

TUNING NOZZLES:​

Allow me to provide a brief comparison between the two nozzles provided with EA500, although it is advisable for individuals to experiment and discover their personal preference. It is worth noting that EA500 is customizable in various ways, and the audio community has shared impressions and recommendations regarding preferred nozzles, including those not originally designed for use with EA500, such as Moondrop Kato's.

At first, I favored the red nozzles when I first received the EA500 and gave the black nozzle a try shortly after. However, to my dismay, the black nozzle produced unpleasant sibilance. Nonetheless, after a significant amount of burn-in time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually preferred the black nozzles. Now, let's move on to the comparison.

The red nozzle follows the Harman target (H-2016) and the black nozzle represents Simgot’s house sound signature. The red nozzle's sound profile has a moderate U-shape that did not appeal to my taste. It has a decent amount of bass (although it's clean and fast), a slightly recessed midrange, and a tamer treble. This sound signature leans towards casual listening, but as a musician who values details and wants to discern every element in my tracks, I ended up preferring the black nozzle. The black nozzle is more suitable for analytical listening, which suits my needs. It has leaner bass, a more forward midrange, and a borderline-sibilant treble that I think sensitive listeners should avoid.

COMPARISONS:​

Vs Dunu Titan S​

The Titan S offers a mild and warmer sound profile, with smoother note definition and less impactful bass, and a slightly broader sound stage. However, the treble is less transparent and airy compared to the EA500. Both IEMs have similar neutrality and balance throughout the frequency range, but the separation and layering are slightly less pronounced in the Titan S. In contrast, the EA500 delivers a more dynamic and energetic sound profile, with a more aggressive presentation than the Titan S. The midrange is almost identical in quality and quantity for both IEMs, but the timbre is more natural on the Titan S.

In the end, choosing the Titan S will provide a milder option and a safer choice for those who are sensitive to sound, while the EA500 offers more agility and vibrant high frequencies, albeit with a tendency towards occasional hotness in the upper midrange to treble.

Vs Bqeyz Autumn (normal magnetic filters)​

In case you are not aware, Autumn offers 3 tunings to suit your preference making it a worthy comparison to EA500 but with a $120 price difference.

Clearly, Autumn provides a wider sound stage, which has always been my preferred in-ear monitor for its extra stage. Compared to EA500, Autumn's treble is more reserved. The vocals on Autumn are more engaging and immersive. The mid bass on Autumn is more emphasized and shares the same punchiness as EA500. The midrange on Autumn is slightly more forward and has more weight and body.

Once more, EA500 proves to be the brighter option with its energetic upper frequencies. Nevertheless, Autumn still prevails in timbre, providing a touch of warmth and lushness, mainly in the midrange. However, EA500 surpasses in detail, particularly in the high frequencies, and slightly edges out in terms of separation and layering.

FIT & ISOLATION:​

The EA500 IEMs feature a small to medium-sized shell that is slightly heavier than resin-based IEMs, making them noticeable but still comfortable to wear for extended periods. Despite the large nozzles, they do not penetrate too deeply into the ear canal, but they still provide a snug fit. Wearing them for extended periods did not cause any physical discomfort to my ears. While isolation is average, they require a slightly higher volume level for outdoor listening to achieve a more immersive listening experience.

SOURCES USED:​

• Hiby RS2
• Ovidius B1
• Questyle QP2R
• LG V30 quad dac with Centrance Dacport via Hiby music app
• Oppo A94 with Centrance Dacport via Hiby music app
• Oppo A94 with Ifi Hipdac v2 via Hiby music app
• Macbook pro 2011 with Centrance Dacport via Foobar
• Macbook pro 2011 with Ifi Hipdac v2 via Foobar
• Tidal Masters
• Qobuz Studio
• Apple Music

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:​

To be honest, I cannot help but confidently recommend the EA500 to those looking to spend under $100 for exceptional sound quality. Without a doubt, the EA500 sets a new standard for what IEMs in this price range should deliver, and I can personally vouch for it.

Of course, the competition is fierce, with the Dunu Titan S nipping at the heels of the EA500's capabilities. However, if you are someone who delights in technicalities and prefers a neutral-bright sound, you can hardly go wrong with the EA500.

I do advise those who are sensitive to audition the IEMs first before making a purchase. And if you do end up buying them impulsively, make sure to burn them in seriously for the best results.

On the plus side, the EA500 offers two sound profiles – the RED nozzle for a more colorful, U-shaped sound and the BLACK nozzle for a more analytical sound tailored to discerning listeners.

Additionally, I have heard from consumers that the nozzles of the Moondrop KATO or the recently-released Hidizs MS5 can also be used with the EA500. As you can see, there are plenty of options available for modifying the EA500, and tuning options seem to be becoming increasingly popular now that the "planar wars" have come to an end.

Regarding the title of this review, Simgot took a considerable risk with the EA500, particularly with regards to the hotness and sibilance in these bright and vivid-sounding IEMs. However, the gamble paid off, and it was worth it.

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to Fia from Simgot for providing me with the opportunity to review the EA500.

PRICE: $80​

The SIMGOT EA500 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the SIMGOT EA500 is $79 and you can buy it from Linsoul.



SIMGOT EA500

SIMGOT is by now a well established manufacturer of earphones with some successful products in their portfolio, like the EM2R.
The SIMGOT EA500 is a 10mm dynamic driver earphone with a friendly price.
The EA500 adopts a 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit and dual-cavity driver.
Different from the two single magnetic circuit forms of "internal magnetic" or "external magnetic" commonly used in dynamic headphones, the dual-magnetic-circuit system of the EA500 provides both internal and external magnetic circuits.
Combined with the N52 magnet, this driver presents a powerful magnetic field and amazing performance. The dynamic range and transient capability have been greatly improved, providing a wider bandwidth range and lower distortion, which gives the SIMGOT EA500 a stunning dynamic and sense of presence.



The DLC composite diaphragm of EA500 incorporates 3 kinds of different materials, which are used to build different parts. DLC is characterized by strong rigidity, high damping, and light-weight, and is used as a dome that determines the characteristics of treble.
The edge, which affects the mid and bass, is built with elastic composite material. The whole diaphragm has undergone multiple pattern design and material content ratio tests to achieve surging and natural bass, high resolution and high-density mid, and smooth treble extension.
You can read more here.



Detachable Nozzle Design, Two Target Curves

The most innovative feature of the SIMGOT EA500 and something rarely found at this price point, is the detachable nozzle design.
By quickly disassembling and installing the nozzles of different tuning cloth systems, users can change different tuning styles.
When the filter is blocked after a long time wearing, users can replace the filter themselves, which can extend the service life of the product.



Nozzle 1 (red silicone ring)

The H2016 target curve is a very universal trend-oriented tuning style. It is also the basic target curve widely used by different brands of audio manufacturers in the industry (on this basis, each brand has a slight derivation).
The three frequencies are highly balanced, the positioning is accurate, the sound field is restored accurately, and the sound is plumb.
It has less sibilance on the treble, adapts well to different music genres, even to poor recording.
This tuning style can be sorted as "jack of all trades".



Nozzle 2 (black silicone ring)

SIMGOT's classic target curve runs through the tuning ideas of EN1000 and EA2000.
Through appropriate gain of the treble and slight forward shift of the first peak, on the basis of ensuring accurate positioning and clear image, the three-frequency keep balanced, making the instrument more beautiful, the separation clearer, and the female vocal more addictive.
There may be slight sibilance in the treble, but the resolution is higher and more details can be presented.
It is a little bit weak to adapt to poor recording source and belongs to the tuning style of "female vocal addictive”, or " instrument type”.
SIMGOT promises to continue developing the nozzle of EA500 to bring more tuning styles under different target curves in the future.



Build quality and fit

The earphone cavity is processed through high-density alloy metal melting & casting with CNC fine engraving.
The inner surface is subtle uneven, which can effectively suppress standing waves and provide a clear sound floor.
The earshells are sturdy and well made with a mirror-plating finish technology that makes them look very premium and luxurious.
The overall build quality and the appearance of the SIMGOT EA500 are of the highest quality and much better than the price would suggest.
One caveat is the increased weight of the earshells, they are heavier than earphones made from a resin compound but actually this is something that doesn't get very noticable because of the overall comfortable fit.
The contoured shape of the earshells and the angled position of the nozzle offer a secure, mildly tight and stress free fit that is suitable for long listening sessions while passive noise attenuation is very good.



Cable

The SIMGOT EA500 comes with a 2-pin detachable, silver-plated OFC, cable.
It is rather long and a little heavy for portable use while the 3.5mm plastic plug is of typical quality but on the other hand it doesn't get tangled and it has low microphonic noise.



Accessories

Except for the tuning nozzles and the cable you also get three pairs of silicone ear-tips and a sturdy, hard, carrying case.



Power requirements and associated gear

With an impedance rating of 16Ω and 123dB/Vrms of sensitivity, the SIMGOT EA500 is very easy to drive and you can use it straight out from your phone's 3.5mm jack.
Of course the SIMGOT EA500 can do much better as it scales pretty well and a USB DAC dongle is strongly recommended.
I have used the iBasso DC03 Pro , FiiO Q11 and iFi Go link among others.
The EA500 was left playing music for about 100 hours before listening evaluation.



Listening impressions

Red nozzle

The SIMGOT EA500 with the red nozzle has an excellent tonal integrity and good frequency balance, cleverly avoiding any severe tonal shifts especially in the treble region.
The overall sound signature is that of a slightly warm and very enjoyable earphone that is quite forgiving and smooth while it still has enough energy and transparency for a more critical listening.

The bass is sufficiently extended and then follows a rather neutral curve without too much emphasis.
Thankfully this is not another Harman target IEM, the mid-bass is quite clear and well resolved without any serious audible masking and without bleeding into the mids.
The texture is rather lean, but not too dry, layering and definition are excellent for the category, the bass is tight and controlled, it can sound dynamic and quite impactful but there is a touch of echo and hollowness, nothing too serious though.
The overall bass tuning is quite realistic so the low pitched instruments of the orchestra are faithfully reproduced while the EA500 will satisfy with all kinds of music as long as you don't seek boosted low end and subwoofer-type impact.

The mid-range sounds crystal clear, detailed and present, articulated and textured, mostly balanced, just slightly projected.
The EA500 is musical and engaging,it has a touch of sweetness in the mid-range, it is lush and organic with plenty of harmonic wealth.
You can easily distinguish the unique timbre of each instrument and the voice idiosyncrasies of a singer, like when listening to the absolutely stunning throating voice of Stéphanie d'Oustrac accompanied by the harp.



The treble balances between being smooth and energetic, it is luminous but not bright, airy and quite detailed but not analytical, extended but not emphasized.
The SIMGOT EA500 is transparent enough but not exposing, it is forgiving but not dark or veiled while the timbre is natural and realistic without sounding artificial or metallic.
This is not the most refined or resolving earphone but the overall performance is on par with the price point and the competition.



The SIMGOT EA500 has good texture consistency throughout the whole frequency range, the treble is not thinner sounding than the mids or the bass so the sound is very cohesive.
It is also surprisingly open sounding with plenty of air around the instruments, satisfying imaging and nice placement of the performers, at least in the horizontal axis because there is a certain lack of depth layering and holography.



Black nozzle

Switching to the black nozzle will get you to a more reference sound signature making the SIMGOT EA500 suitable for critical listening.
The differences are subtle and not night and day but easily audible.
The bass becomes a touch more neutral and gains in tightens, control and precision while the echo effect gets minimized.
The upper-mids and presence areas get an emphasis that adds some extra bite and energy in the treble, and favors female vocals and various solo instruments.
The differences in the tuning are discreet and the SIMGOT EA500 doesn't become bright, sibilant or unforgiving, it just gains in clarity, luminosity, transparency and positioning accuracy while everything else remains pretty much unaffected.
This is still an enjoyable and musical sounding earphone with a smooth treble performance and a rather forgiving nature, the two sound nozzles are like variations on the same theme.



Compared to the FiiO JD7 ($79.99 to $99.99)

There are so many earphones at this price point that doing comparisons is rather vague but anyway I am including a brief one to the FiiO JD7.

The FiiO JD7 is also very comfortable to wear and slightly more lightweight than the SIMGOT EA500 but both are really suitable for long listening sessions and have good passive noise attenuation too.
Both have excellent build quality and a nice looking appearance while they differ in the supplied accessories and the cable.
The SIMGOT EA500 is accompanied by a premium carrying case rather than the plastic one of the FiiO JD7 but the cable of the JD7 is of higher quality while it comes with seven pairs of eartips.

The tuning of the JD7 is as close as you can get to the Harman target curve while technicalities are on the same level with the SIMGOT EA500.
In the end it comes down to whether you prefer the Harman curve of the FiiO JD7 or the slightly more reference SIMGOT EA500 and the ability to fine tune the sound.



In the end

The sub $100 is getting very crowded lately with some really good sounding earphones but the SIMGOT EA500 can surely hold its own.
It is a well made and beautiful looking IEM which is comfortable to use and has a sound signature which effectively balances between critical and forgiving.
Additionally the two sound nozzles allow for an extra fine tuning, making it very versatile and suitable for listening to all kinds of music.

Test playlist

Copyright - Petros Laskis 2023.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Simgot for providing this review unit. The EA500 can be obtained here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500 (no affliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS

Driver configuration: 10mm dual-magnetic-circuit and dual-cavity driver, utilizing 4th Generation DLC Composite Diaphragm
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 200000 Hz
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz with red nozzle), 124dB/Vrms (@1kHz with black nozzle)
Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm, silver-plated OFC wire
Plug: 3.5 mm
Tested at $79 USD


ACCESSORIES



Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- Cable
- Carrying case
- 2 pairs of tuning nozzles
- 7 pairs of red marker bands for tuning nozzle
- 7 pairs of black marker bands for tuning nozzle

The accessories are more than decent for a budget pair of IEMs, perhaps other than a dearth of eartip choices. There are no foam tips included, and only one type of silicone tips are packaged.



Said silicone tips are thankfully quite comfortable, though they make the sound signature a tinge shouty. If you have aftermarket eartips, please try tip-rolling, as this may improve the sonics to your preference.

The stock cable is made from silver-plated OFC. It is one of the better stock cables I've encountered in a budget pair, being quite supple and tangle-free. I appreciate that it has zero microphonics, and there's a chin cinch to give added stability. 2-pin cables are always my preference, as MMCX connectors may become loose with frequent cable changes, YMMV.




The provided semi-rigid ovoid case is made of PVC and is quite generic looking, but is very spacious to hold multiple contents. The innards have a soft covering, with webbing. There are 2 pairs of tuning nozzles, which we will go into further detail below, and there are additional coloured bands provided as spares.



The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT

The EA500 housings are produced via high-density alloy metal melting/casting and CNC engraving. Indeed, the shells are really alluring and refined, featuring a mirror-like finish. Do take care of these babies, as the mirror-like finish can be easily marred by fingerprints, or worst still, scratches!



Comfort is top-notch. The housings are ergonomic, with no awkward protrusions. I've used them for marathon listening sessions with no issues. I encountered no driver flex on the EA500, but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and/or type of eartips used, so YMMV.


ISOLATION

Like most DD IEMs, the EA500 is vented, and isolation is below average, though it should still be usable outside.




DRIVABILITY

I tested the EA500 with:
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Shanling M0 Pro DAP
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Apple dongle
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Truthear SHIO DAC/AMP dongle
- Tempotec Sonata HD Pro dongle (BHD firmware)
- Smartphone

The EA500 is very easy to drive, though this set scales with juice, in bass tightness, soundstage and dynamics. Interestingly, the red nozzles are more difficult to drive than the black nozzles (probably more damping material), which we will talk about below.



SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The EA500's selling point, is its versatility in view of the two tuning nozzles providing a subtly different flavour. On the black nozzle, the EA500 has a neutral bright lilt. Whereas there's a warmer Harmanish tone on the red one.



Graphs of the EA500, using an IEC711 compliant coupler. 8kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.

I'm glad to report that other aftermarket tuning nozzles (eg from Moondrop Kato and Hidzis MS5) are compatible with the EA500, so this increases permutations exponentially - please tinker to your heart's content! For the purpose of this review, we will be keeping to just the stock nozzles.

Back on point, the tuning nozzles really work, and are not gimmicks (cough cough, looking at you Moondrop Kato). Essentially, the black nozzles give a neutral bright analytical signature, with superior technicalities, albeit with a thinner note weight. However, the black nozzles can be somewhat fatiguing/shouty and sibilant in the treble.

In the big scheme of things, with the black nozzles installed, the EA500 is top-notch in technicalities, for a sub-$100 USD single DD set, with just the soundstage being on the more intimate side. Imaging is quite good, with stellar instrument separation, clarity, micro-detailing and transients noted.

The red nozzles on the other hand, provide a balanced, warmer, and more laid back soundscape, with minimal fatigue, though at the expense of bass tightness and technical chops. The technicalities with the red nozzles on board hits just above average when compared against other single DD peers. Note weight is thicker with these red nozzles.

Timbre on both nozzles is quite natural sounding, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Bass on the EA500 is just a tinge north of neutral, and is mid-bass focused, with just slight mid-bass rumble/extension. The bass is lesser in quantity on the black nozzle, but it is tighter and cleaner on the this nozzle, with a fast and agile bass line heard with minimal mid-bass bleed. Once the red nozzle comes into play, the bass is slower, with some smearing, loss of texturing and mild mid-bass bleed noted on complex bass tracks.

The lower midrange is a tinge depressed. Upper mids are boosted on both nozzles - this region can be quite shouty, especially at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) with the stock tips. Playing the EA500 at low to moderate volumes, or perhaps tip-rolling with other eartips may help mitigate this region thankfully.

The lower treble is boosted on both nozzle settings, more so on the black nozzle. There's quite decent treble extension and air on the black nozzle, with the red nozzle more conservative in the upper frequencies. The black nozzle does unfortunately result in a bit of splashiness with cymbals and high-hats, and sibilance is displayed. The red nozzles are sibilant-free and quite safe for treble sensitive folk.

Thus, if one desires something for critical listening and to analyze music, or if you are a treble-head, then the black nozzle would be the perfect option. For a more chill pleasant tuning (with still acceptable technicalities), with a thicker note weight and a more "balanced" profile, the red nozzles will be the go-to.


COMPARISONS

The EA500 will be compared against some other well-known DDs at the sub $100 region. Pure BA, planars and hybrids are left out, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons. Comparisons are done with the black tuning nozzles installed on the EA500.




TRI Star River

The Star River is a dual DD with tuning switches. On paper, there are purportedly 4 tuning options, but on independent measurements, there are only 2 tunings, so it is quite scammish.


Graphs of the TRI Star River, using an IEC711 compliant coupler. 8kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.

The QC on the Star River is questionable - on one of the housings on my set, the switch is almost stuck, and needs great force to be toggled - it probably won't survive a few more activations.

Dodgy QC and switcheroo shenanigans aside, the Star River features old school shouty V shaped tunings, with fatiguing pinna gain. Timbre is artificial and technicalities are below par.

The Star River is a disaster all round, and the Simgot EA500 is the undisputed gold standard for a tunable DD IEM at this price bracket. The Star River seems to be forgotten after the initial hype, but I'd stick my neck out and say the EA500 will arguably still be in the conversation for best budget DD IEM come end of this year.


HZSound Heart Mirror (original)

The Heart Mirror (original) is a neutral bright IEM, and also has a nice mirror-like finish. The Heart Mirror is notably more difficult to drive.

The Heart Mirror is more sterile sounding, and is more fatiguing/sibilant in the treble region, with less bass. In technicalities, the Heart Mirror have the upper hand, with better imaging, instrument separation, clarity and micro-detailing, though soundstage is better on the EA500.

Timbre is more organic on the EA500, with the Heart Mirror having a nasal whiff. The Heart Mirror does not have tuning options unlike the EA500, so versatility goes to the latter.


DUNU KIMA

The KIMA is a very safely tuned Harmanish single DD.

The KIMA has a wider selection of tips in the packaging, and also has quite good timbre, though the EA500 kills the KIMA in technicalities (soundstage, imaging, instrument separation and micro-details), and it isn't close.

The KIMA cannot be tuned.

At this price bracket, the KIMA is kind of a jack of all trades, master of none IEM, and is nothing too special.


Tripowin Olina SE

The Olina SE is Harmanish with a slightly more artificial timbre.

Technicalities wise, it is a wash, and these 2 budget kings are very close, the Olina SE has a slightly bigger soundstage and a tinge better imaging, though micro-detailing and instrument separation are a hair better on the EA500.

The EA500 has tuning options, unlike the Olina SE, and the Olina/Olina SE seems to have complaints of the nozzle mesh trapping moisture and causing issues, which isn't the case with the better build on the EA500.


Moondrop Aria 2021

The Aria 2021 is bassier (boomier) and less bright. The Aria 2021 lags behind in technicalities, with markedly inferior imaging, micro-details, instrument separation and clarity.

The Aria 2021 also has a metallic timbre, and it is quite outclassed by some modern day single DDs, not to mention the EA500. The Aria 2021 is also not tunable.


DUNU Titan S

The Titan S is a neutral bright IEM. It is a bit uncomfortable due to long nozzles.

The Titan S has a more rolled off sub-bass, and is a bit more biting in the lower treble. In technicalities, both pairs are quite technical at the sub-$100 range for a single DD, though the EA500 shades it a bit, and on A/B testing, the EA500 wins slightly in soundstage, micro-detailing and instrument separation.

The Titan S is not tunable, so the EA500 is a more versatile set.


Toneking Ninetails

Last but not least, we pit the EA500 against another tunable single DD cult-classic in the Toneking Ninetails.


Graphs of the Toneking Ninetails, using an IEC711 compliant coupler. 8kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.

The Ninetails are named after an ancient Fox Spirit which can shapeshift. Indeed, the namesake is quite on-point, as this IEM has front and rear tuning nozzles, giving a total of 9 permutations for tuning. Hence, it can be a basshead headache inducing monster, to something neutral, to even a treblehead's dream.

So in terms of versatility, the Ninetails is better, though it has a more uncomfortable fit due to a weird gourd shaped design. Timbre is very organic, in keeping with its single DD roots, but in technical chops, the EA500 wins hands down, with better bass tightness, faster transients, and superior imaging, instrument separation and micro-detailing.


CONCLUSIONS

The EA500 is one of the stand-out releases of this year so far. It easily punches above its weight, and excellently melds the 3 Ts of timbre, tonality and technicalities into a very pretty chassis. In addition, the EA500 is extremely easy to drive.



Unlike some other tunable IEMs that are gimmicks, the EA500's tuning nozzles work, and it can veer from a neutral bright technical animal to a more chill Harmanish smooth set, so the versatility is another feather in its cap. One is essentially obtaining 2 IEMs with the EA500 in view of this, so the value proposition is nothing to be sniffed at!

There are some minor nitpicks, such as a dearth of eartip options, and there are slight compromises in both tuning nozzles (the black may be slightly fatiguing/sibilant, and the red may not be the tightest in the bass or most technical), in addition to the EA500 not suiting bassheads, and having some shoutiness.

I would say these are small trade-offs in the big scheme of things, compared to the overwhelming benefits the EA500 brings to the budget CHIFI table. Indeed, I do think the EA500 will be a benchmark among budget single DDs for 2023, and will be the standard that new releases should aspire to meet, instead of the weekly hackneyed sidegrade spam that are forgotten after a couple of weeks.

The EA500 has my stamp of approval, and is definitely a pair to consider if you are intending to join the budget CHIFI bandwagon.

TONALITY: 8.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.7/10
CONSTRUCTION: 9/10
SOUND VALUE: 10/10

Intro
Simgot is a chinese earphones with more than 5 years of experience. Their first best seller was the EN700, then they go in a hiatus due to pandemic.
Then they come back more experienced and focused than ever, releasing excellent IEMs after IEMs. This new revival begin with their budget hybrid IEM, the EM2 that receive great acclaim. Then I regret not having review those and ask for their single Dynamic driver, the EN1000 king wonder. An IEM like no other both in musicality, construction design and tech used, since it include a cable with modular tuning plug, and well, sound fabulous. Again, it was a hit from Simgot, but priced around 200$ they didn't get the attention they deserve. Why? Well, you can read my review, but Simgot follow it's own musicality vision, wich is all about crisp open and natural sounding earphones. They don't need waifu nor irrealist sound promise to earn confidence of consumers, since they are all about sound quality and nothing else.

And then come the Simgot EA500, which was release in China in 2022 and just pop in western market lately. For 2 months I was waiting eagerly my package to arrive, then see an hype about those growing and growing.
For once, Simgot finally get some recognition! I was happy, but sad to wait and wait...which make my expectation about them grow and grow too.
Then it arrive when I was invade with TOTL IEMs like Aroma Thunder, Mangird Xenn Up, GSaudio SE12 and Fir Audio Xe6. But they don't overshadow them and I was in awe.
I will try to explain why in this review that I just spoil.

Priced 70$, the Simgot EA500 use a 10mm dual magnetic circuit and dual cavity 4th generation DLC (Diamond like composite diaphragm) dynamic driver. It have a changeable tuning nozzle and is all metal built.

Let now begin this review.

CONSTRUCTION



The construction of EA500 is simply mind blowing in quality and design. It's scream quality and for once the metal mirror finish isn't too easy to scratch, but it's a finger print magnet and I suggest taking care of them still. Yet, durability wise, they seem near invincible, the metal is thick and nozzle screw is solid. Talking about those nozzle, its make of thick metal too, not thin alluminium.



Since these are a hint heavy, its suggested to use cable with earhook. But the smooth curvy shape of the housing make them very comfortable, even more so with long bore eartips.
The cable included is OK, nothing more. Its a 4cores silver plated cable. This is the only accessories with smal basic carrying case and just one model of eartips, the right one seen above. I would love to see at least 3 models of ear tips since those aren't the best to achieve a smooth balanced tonality, the left one is way better so my no1 advice about EA500 is to play with eartips until you achieve your favorite dynamic balance.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS



Oh boy oh boy, the hype is loud about this one enh? But is it legit. Hell yes, as much for treble head than prudent basshead and bright balanced tuning lover.

Why is the hype is so loud? I don't think it's due to audio distributor hyping agenda, at least, not from me since I get these directly from Simgot as a follow up of my great interest (and praise) of their very good EN1000 IEM.

The hype is real because we are in this miracle budget audiophile territory where great technicalities meet great tuning balance, where fun meet maturity and even high fidelity. Yet, I would not suggest those for mid-centric listener, nor for warm or dark sounding musicality....but the EA500 have changeable tuning nozzle too that permit to go from one of best harman target U shape tuning to warmer W shape with thicker more euphonic mids.…

And then, you can play with all nozzle tuning you find around, like the one include with Moondrop Kato or Hidizs MS5. Audio discoveries with the EA500 just have no end because eartips too greatly inflict on the tonal balance, for ex, the included ear tips make it bassier and more upper mids fowards, so, hint more shouty too. Which will perhaps explain different appreciation of those.

For this review, i will mostly describe the RED nozzle filter sound, because black filter have a foam in it and it's easy to imagine what you can get: smoother, warmer, thicker musicality with less treble crispness, mid range openess and bass clarity (and resonance, so, bass hit in a chunkier thumping way).

Let's begin by saying what the EA500 aren't: they aren't plain neutral, they aren't mid centric, they aren't extremist basshead or treble centric, nor have the most natural and thick timbre out there.

The EA500 are very open sounding, airy, heavy in sub bass punch, softed in attack edge, fowards but smoothed in upper mids, very fast in attack speed, very snappy in treble, very well balanced within their W shape to U shape tonal balance.

The bass presentation of the EA500 doesn't follow typical boring harman tuning, and offer a good balance between sub and mid bass boost that complement each other to offer extra dynamic slam with beautifull natural sub bass resonance that add extra bass richness layer. This is quite unexpected to have this kind of acoustic presentation in sub-100$ price range but thats far from being only thing making the EA500 standing apart. The kick hit with thick physicality, it have this chunky thumping that add sens of dynamic and engagement to the music without emphasis on kick presence and texture and avoiding problematic bleed with a fast attack that keep this sustain resonance at the back of vocals, yet can thicken male vocal too. The rumble is deep, vibrant and transparent while the slam is more chunky and rounded, its a tactile juicy bass, with heavy weight and realist impact. I can't underline enough how fast, flexible and well controlled is the bass, with a very bassy and fast track like ''Dj Camo Bro'' from Skee Mask, where their sub bass and kick hit that need good layering and speed, the EA500 articulate the sub bass tone effortlessly while let the thumping been felt with its punch and doesn't loose it's definition. Percussions are super crisp and fast too, nothing go into muddy mess. And again, we talk about a sub-100$ that deal with a track that even good 100-300$ IEM struggle too.
But if i go nitpicking for some limitation, it will be due to texture and presence, acoustic kick drum can be dominate by electric bass line for ex, but never in plain muddy way and well, i complaint about this with way pricier IEM too, good one.
So the main quality of bass is it's speed and dynamic impact, not it's well carved and resolve definition, you will not hear every details of contrabass or cello with those, yet, you will not feel it's lacking too since it's not plain warm and dark low end at all.

And then the mids, this is where i'm a bit less hysterical in praising even if they are excellent within the tonal balance offering, let just begin by saying bass and treble are more boosted here but the mid range isn't plain thin or lean. It's a versatile enough mid range where both male and female vocal are bodied and have presence boosted, male vocal can bit more unbalanced in upper register loudness than female which are more naturaly boosted in this region. Johnny Cash doesn't struggle to show its fowards presence with the EA500 and listening to ''I walk the Line'' is pure pleasure even if the recording quality isn't top notch, but then, Agnes Obel sure feel more wide in presence and fowards, ok, this is due to the recording but their an airy density and lushness to her voice too, no intense sibilance even if the ''S'' spelling have bite. To note that the black nozzle will thicken and soften upper mids bite with this very singer, making timbral balance fuller and even lusher. So, the EA500 are certainly a good choice for female vocal lover and put to shame Moondrop Aria in that regard. Yet, female vocal benefit from upper mids presence, and some soprano singer can have extra loudness that might be too much at high volume for people sensitive about pinna gain.
Sometime, the EA500 can feel a bit light in note weight, especially with piano, which lack a bit of well define note stroke too, in that regard, violin is better presented both in resolution, texture and attack bite lead. It's not the full range of piano that lack note weight, its more about lower mid range here. But this doesn't mean it lack energy or dynamism, we just don't feel the hammer hit weight on piano strings.
In other word, we have a crisp velvety mid range with fowards vocal and woodwinds instrument and lively realist presence of instrument, that are slightly creamy in definition edge yet highly resolved still.

The treble is another highlight of the EA500, its airy, snappy and sparkly but not thin sounding, nor too crunchy or textured. Extremely refined, the highs tend to magnify acoustic guitar and percussions without making it feel unbalance due to vast spatiality and not too recessed mid range. Attack bite is just a hint softed, so the dosing doesn't make violin or guitar lead attack too blunted, it tend in fact to add a hint of euphonic density, explaining why it doesn't sound thin perhaps. We have natural decay too, wich blossom in they air quite long, another sign of treble superior talent. This is very clean highs too even if a hint colored with polished sharpness. Tough snappy and brilliant, tt's not a too spiky nor too lean treble here, the balance within this range is beautiful, with softed texture noise part but liquid brilliance to definition. It's generous in micro details, but not unpermissive of bad recording with background hiss, it will not boost this section like overly analytical IEM can do, again, underlining the colored texture which doesn't affect tone rightness at all and in fact emphasis tone over plain boosted presence.
Wow, i'm so fascinated by this treble....and this is without thinking about the price of these IEM, it could be 100 or 500$ and i would still be in total bliss.
This treble extend far pass 10khz, and can clearly present wide range of percussions and high pitch instrument with such accurate precision and dynamism, yet if i can nitpick micro imperfection it will be for example that while it can extend full high pitch range of the harp, in lower register some resonance can blur snapyness, which will result in less clean rendering than higher note, which are beautifully crisp with natural long decay.
Nonetheless, the EA500 deal with classical music beautifull, especially chamber orchestra which have immersive, spacious sound layering with lively musicality.

Spatiality is phenomenaly open, immersive clean and airy with the EA500, its very wide tall and deep, yet, doesn't make the music feel distant due to an holographic surrounding that make you near a stage curved around you. Sure, eartips will inflict on headroom presentation but none of them will make it feel in your head or closed sounding. You can easily let yourself get lost for long listening pleasure with the EA500.

The imaging is excellent too even if not what I would call analytical or monitoring like since we are in middle of music surrounded with well extracted sound layers, so the headroom being huge their lot of space between instrument but not the sharpest position, yet presence being tactile and well resolve, we don't struggle pin point the space where the instrument belong.


SIDE NOTES

Firstly, these are a bit sensitive at 124db of sensitivity and scale up with clean source that have low impedance, with high gain source the EA500 can go more energic and bright.
Ear tips included are not enough since their just one model, so I highly suggest to try other model too, for ex, Symbio balance the sound and tame bass dynamic, upper mids as well as attack sustain-release resonance. For this review I use BGVP A07 blue eartips which offer crisp balanced sound with clean imaging and extra spakle brilliance decay.
As said, i use mostly the Red Nozzle, which is suppose to be harman but isn't like Moondrop harman target at all, to my ear it's more of a W shape to vivid neutral with slight bass boost, and this nozzle offer highest resolution and transparency and deeper stage too. Black nozzle thicken and warm a bit timbre, make the mid bass more chunky and heavy and less rumbly and concentrate our attention more to mid range by taming treble extension and air.
For this review I mostly use and enjoy pairing the EA500 with Hiby RS6 (more mids presence and dense timbre, hint less crispness on top) and Moondrop Dawn4.4 at low gain(extra headroom and openess, more airy crisp treble, hint more upper mids focus).

COMPARISONS



VS SONIC MEMORY SM2 (1DD-220$)

SM2 are brighter, edgier and more (DF) Neutral than the EA500. The bass is cleaner, more textured and more mid bass focused than warmer more sub bass boosted EA500, which have louder slam but a rumble that can darken kick drum presence a bit more, so the bass is less thight but more extended.
Mids are more fowards, full and smooth with the EA500, SM2 upper mids is more agressive and give more bite to instrument like violin and electric guitar, which seem a bit more softed in attack edge with the EA500. Timbre is dryer and thinner with SM2, which make tone more natural with EA500 even with the harman target nozzle choice. Treble of SM2 is very unique and hard to describe due to darken zone but sharp and loud highs snap, while if feel a bit faster and more controlled it doesn't extend as far as the EA500, or at least doesn't feel as full and generous and micro details variety. Percussion feel more thin and half cook with SM2, as well as less textured, surely due to this darken treble section that try to add air but fail too since the EA500 sound more spacious and open. Something to note is the dynamic presentation which feel leaner and more distant with SM2, while more varied and accurate in amplitude with the EA500. Spatiality is notably wider and taller, while it feel deeper with SM2 due to more recessed center stage (mids). Imaging seem concentrate and compressed in the middle with the SM2, making the holographic instrument placement more realist and well layered with EA500.

Well, OK! It seem the EA500 beat the SM2 both technicaly and tonal balance wise, SM2 feel trebly, thin and distant and very cold sounding compared to EA500 and that, even with less warmish, bassy and mid fowards tuning nozzle choice.

VS HZSOUND HEARTH MIRROR (1DD-50$)

Ok, well, this is it, the EA500 are the HZ Mirror upgrade we were waiting for but it doesn't mean its notably superior in technical performance, in that regard, they are rather on par but, and this is a big BUT: soundstage is drastically more open and holographic, note weight is heavier, timbre is thicker and more natural and bass have more punch and body.
The EA500 are notably easier to drive too. Tonality is similar with main difference being less vivid treble presentation and just a hint less transparent, and well, the bass boost. About the bass we have more warmed mid bass slam, more resonant rumble which is less linear and clean and lean as HZ, so kick drum and acoustic instrument are a bit more textured and well define with the HZ but less bodied. HZ have faster and better define mid bass hit. Overall clarity of HZ is more boosted and crisp. Mids are a bit thinner, more transparent and textured with HZ as well as leaner, more compressed but not in a muddy way, with EA500 vocal are hint lusher, thicker and warmer, so more natural and pleasant, bot male and female vocal sound wider in presence too, but for classical music the HZ is cleaner and offer crisper imaging, again due to this 0.1% extra transparency.
But it mean mid range is colder with the HZ too. Then the treble, HZ is sharper here, a hint more sparkly and brilliant too, more edgy and snappy in attack but EA500 is far from lacking edge and both are super speedy, EA500 treble is thicker and fuller sounding, less thin and better balanced for a cohesive musicality, not prompt to slight treblyness like HZ. It's more open and airy too.
Spatiality is from another universe with the EA500, it's wider, taller and deeper. Imaging have more spacious layering but isn't as analytical and crisp as the HZ, which have more compressed layers and less space between instrument but sharper separation accuracy still.

All in all, these are 2 crazy good IEM and I can't choose a winner, i would say treble is faster, cleaner and superior with the HZ, but HZ tend to magnify presence clarity and lack body compared to EA500, which at they end is more musical and immersive to my ears due to way more open and holographic soundstage and fuller sounding vocal and bass, as well as less agressive and fatiguing treble.

VS TRIPOWIN OLINA (1DD-100$)

Another one of best sub-100$ IEM technical performance wise, the Olina isn't similar to EA500 and sound more dry neutral with smooth upper mids boost. Bass is more mellow in impact and lack dynamic, in fact, whole spectrum lack dynamic and feel tame in diversify loudness amplitude. So, the Olina feel more neutral but a bit more mid centric too, in the sens piano have more bodied presence and natural resonance and upper mids are different too, the EA500 female vocal are notably more fowards and bodied, and i can say the same (to a less extend) for male vocal, so I think it's more about mid range presence that is more textured and fully resolve with Olina, yet presented in a leaner way that feel more distant and compressed in dynamic, we have more details going on but no sens of openess like the EA500 so mid range is less engaging, more contemplative. Olina is more prompt to sibilance, while EA500 to slight shoutyness or pinna gain fatigue (especially with stock eartips). Treble is thinner and more textured with the Olina, violin for example are more polished in texture but thicker sounding with the EA500. EA500 highs are more snappy, brilliant and sparky, as well as more airy and less compressed in dynamic. Sustain-release of Olina is more tamed-blunted, so splash cymbals sound less natural for ex, it dig more texture noise and detail, which is more prompt to timbral imbalance than more refined treble tuning of the EA500.
Spatiality this time is similar in wideness,but taller and deeper with the EA500. Imaging is less lean and compressed, making sound layer more articulated in deepness, presentation more 3D and holographic.

All in all, i just can't enjoy the Olina after having listen to the EA500 which is more dynamic sounding, have better vocal and note weight as well as notably more open, natural and engaging musicality.

CONCLUSION


It make years i'm waiting for something that will truely impress me in Chifi sub-100$ IEMs release, and it's deception after deception after my overwhelming admiration for the HZsound Hearth Mirror.

And finally something arrive out of the blue: the fabulous Simgot EA500. So, I will sure not hide my enthusiast about them even if the hype explode from every side of audio communities!
Did this mean EA500 are 100% perfect? Hell no, read my last review about the Aroma Thunder to understand their no IEMs that are truely perfect for all music genre on this audiophile planet. Whatever their insane price range.

No, It mean it hit way way above it's price range, have a refined musicality with excellent technical performance, offer a well balanced crisp sound that doesn't feel stock in your head or compressed and most of all: immerse you in music in an engaging, dynamic and revealing way.

As an insider with lot of experience in chinese audio market, i'm very lucid about marketing strategy of IEM maker when it come to sound value: they are aware of it and tend to even tweak an IEM so it sound not as impressive as their higher range one.

Simgot doesn't follow this secret rule and well, the EA500 might be even superior to EN1000 in fact (ouch, I hope I will not get punish for writing this).
If you seek for a mature crisp near neutral tuning with thumping bass, very open soundstage, great imaging, clarity, fast treble attack and versatile tuning that can be custom to your taste: the Simgot EA500 are no brainer.

Intensely highly RECOMMENDED.




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For more diversify audio reviews, you can give a look to my 100% unsponsor, unbiased and free of adds invasion website here:https://nobordersaudiophile.wordpress.com

For more discoveries, or to see the EA500 hype growing until it explode (as well as some mebers disliking them i hope), join the Chifi Love group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/517665269706033

The SIMGOT EA500
"Every once in a while along comes something special."
The Positives:
1) Single full-range dynamic driver, though almost sounds like BA+DD Hybrid.
2) Included two tuning nozzles, one red rubber ring, and one black rubber ring. The 5.5 kHz is accented by 3dB by the black rubber ring nozzle.
3) Tuning red rubber ring is Harman Tuning. Tuning black rubber ring reminiscent of SIMGOT EN1000 and EA2000 past IEMs.
4) Fourth generation Diamond Like Carbon 10mm driver Composite Diaphragm.
5) Impressive N52 magnet.
6) Silver plated OFC cable 0.78 2Pin.
7) CNC solid metal shells weighing 10 grams a piece.
8) Nice included set of silicone ear-tips X 3 sets with fully functional shape and design (for me anyways).
9) Zippered carrying case.
10) Note weight in droves.
11) Fancy natural timbre across the board.
12) 2.7kHz pinna gain peak makes these vocal specific with both lower and upper spice.
13) May need an OCC pure copper cable to actualize the full-on experience?

The Negatives:
1) Slightly forced and uneven treble experience, yet (almost) fully remedied either with an aftermarket cable and/or different ear-tips.

Summery:
The SIMGOT EA500 is a single 10mm dynamic driver with exceptional treble response into the stage, though it may be too intense for some. Replacing the included silver plated copper cable with a pure copper cable seemed to align the FR to my liking. Such Harmanish (red rubber ring nozzle) offers a total (complete) sound consisting of more mid-bass than sub-bass. Still the bass that’s there is fully robust and satisfying. As such the (black rubber ring) SIMGOT tune offered an even brighter event, which may be even farther from you desires depending on who you are. This is very much a vocal competent tune, along with real (treble) itemizations into objects found imaged well into the stage, transcending the old ideas of single full-range DDs lackluster tone. Maybe a breakthrough product for SIMGOT, offering great contrasts and bouncy rhythms in which note weight prevails on all fronts?

Giant staging, fast imaging and size? What yep, the pure size of it all…….that is what brings reality in playback. That and correct timbre. A correct FR (with a copper cable) a natural bass, yet deep and fast, clarity into which both the midrange and treble bask in. Clear, correct (somewhat even) and bouncy……it’s the bounce why you get these! While not really putting out the sub-bass, the bass that’s there is so well orchestrated and paced, you are in! In like Flynn! Just buy these, as they are market disrupting at a buck under $80.00. You won’t be sorry, unless you’re sensitive to treble, then maybe there would be some concern?

Specifications:

• MODEL: SIMGOT EA500
• IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
• SENSITIVITY: 123dB
• 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

Sound:
Bass:
Amazingly proficient and fun involving IEM. A mid-bass focused sound signature. Such warmth welcomes emotions as maybe one of the single greatest features here? With such woody darker tones you can’t help but become someone focused......then eventually taken away. While there is a slight loss is lower midrange detail due to all this excess, it is sinfully aloud and in many ways becomes the quintessential consumer tune! In fact such weight takes and travels pretty much all the way up the frequencies delivering that emotional and satisfying (real) note weight.

Treble:
Both slightly peaky and just slightly uneven. But you can totally tell the style of treble they were going for……the EA500 trying to replicate a Hybrid set-up in somehow creating separations and contrast. The much included treble-air goes and grabs itemizations of treble and aligns them to the outside of the stage, often possibly due to frequency but also due simply to well done technicalities. Timbre is great, performing down-to-earth tonal recreations despite the FR balance. Itemizations abound as separation and “air” go hand and hand showing contrast from the down-lows.



Midrange:
The 2.7kHz pinna peak is the whole focus of this IEM tone. Still remember, both the mid-bass enhancement and treble (bolt-on) do their share to both balance and make way to showcase such pinna. Despite any (treble) issues or trash-talk about over-all balance……really the SIMGOT EA500 offers a style of true balance that I can’t help but hearing. Going through (all the) motions and finding song examples in both OSTs and Rock, a completeness was truly arrived at. Such tricks are not always found in the under $100 price point.

One way to fix the overall signature:
Keep in mind whatever you do (ear-tip or cable wise) with the EA500, you have to keep the treble peak in mind. A quick switch over to the Sony EP-EX11 dual-density IEM ear-tips seemed to even-out the treble affair slightly? Here with the EP-EX11 tips smoothing the treble and letting the bass simply fall where it may. Because the EA500 is not sub-bass focused, we are left with the Sony “bass-tips” kind-of adding slightly to the mid-bass, and while there is a little lack of detail ultimately covered in the process, it’s fine and continues with this consumer tune experience.

Cable rolls:
Now here is the thing! Most of the time I’m using cable rolls to attempt to get something extra out of an IEM.

Here are some metallurgy cable features by way of fellow member and personal mentor Dsnuts.

• Silver for its highest transparency and stage enhancing.
• Gold for that rich tone and depth.
• Palladium for that remarkable imaging and detail.
• Copper for body and warmth.

Extras?
Now here I was doing the opposite, yep. I was attempting to use pure copper to try and diminish the treble peak. But even more than than I wanted to see if I could effortlessly smooth-out the deep end…..all the while keeping the signature interesting. After attempting a few cables I landed on one that not only sounded dynamite but didn’t cost much either. The FAAEAL Hibiscus consisting of 4 stands and 224 cores, the Hibiscus cable came with the IEM it’s named after, but you can also just get the cable by itself……for a song.

https://id.aliexpress.com/item/1005004306512394.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2idn

About $14.00 and anyone who knows this cable talks about the great sonic value it represents. At times (with a few IEMs) the Hibiscus cable isn’t the most resolving in the upper end, though here it is exactly what the EA500 was asking for. Yep, perfect. In fact I went over a few cables with the EA500, but the Hibiscus did everything right. The pure copper hand woven Litz design is totally correct for what we are trying to do here. If you want to spend more money, there is also this route……

http://www.hansoundaudio.com/Produc...d23ff&ID=9890fc2e-6db9-4d1b-8fb8-e7706b782d52

ZENTOO (ZEN 2nd generation)
Features
◆ 4-wire OCC copper Litz with unique spiral T-twisted tech
◆ Gauge: 24 AWG / each wire
◆ Softness: ★★★★★
◆ Standard plug: HanSound's own plug 2.5/3.5mm
◆ Compatible with 2P IEM, MMCX(incl. AKG), QDC, UE, Fitear, A2DC etc.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/han-sound-audio-zentoo.23993/reviews#review-22783

This is a rare cable in my uses, but comes in handy when you need a pure OCC Copper Litz cable, about $160.00 with 4.4mm plug. And while there wasn’t a ton of difference between the two, really I suggest going with the Hibiscus, that is unless you want to splurge, go for the Han Sound. Though really any 4 wire OCC would probably work here? The reason being is we are really looking for a slight adjustment into how the treble peak responds……and after that is smoothed out, really the EA500 becomes totally lovable and well rounded.


Included ear-tips:
Often during this review I ended switching back to the included L ear-tips and found them incredibly good fitting and accenting the stage to boot. And in-fact with this particular IEM, the more you listen to it and the more you slowly adapt to the sound, the more you can accept it, for all it does. The peaky treble is still there no-matter-what but this style of artifact is more of a zone that an on-and-off form of issue.

Note-weight:
The only other SIMGOT IEM I’ve tried is the EM2R, which I reviewed in early November of last year. I only gave it 3 stars due to lacking physicality, authority and being file (quality) dependent due to such. My introduction to the brand here was (in-total) a lack of note-weight. And I’m happy to report the EA500 regardless of any trash-talk here, excels to a better score and overall composure stance! Why? Thickness, yep……it means a lot to me. Such items of character go ahead and add reality to the sound, a filled-out (smoother) tone, just goes ahead to make listening right!



Comparisons:
1) 7Hz Salnotes Zero was $19.99, now $25.99
2) Seek Real Audio Airship $179.00
3) SeeAudio Yume II $199.00


7Hz Salnotes Zero (Single 10mm Metal Composite Dynamic Driver) (release date August 2022)
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-salnotes-zero-universal-iem.25980/reviews
https://www.linsoul.com/collections/featured-home/products/7hz-salnotes-zero?variant=43091260866777

Ahh, the Zero! A phenomena……and for good reason, I mean who would not like the style of technicalities and FR? Setting the benchmark of what was possible in 2022, you have to give it respect, and I am by putting it right here in comparison to a way more expensive IEM. So the question is how do we quantify such examples of the IEM art? Should we talk about what each leaves out, or what things each does which is special? Maybe best would be to look at them on equal terms……why? SIMGOT may not like me comparing a $19.99 IEM (when it came out) to the EA500? But it is through side-by-sides that reality or a portion of reality can be perceived. Obviously the EA500 looks the part, I mean it really looks like a $79.00 IEM, and it feels more substantial in your ear. Where the Zero is only 6 grams……almost 1/2 the weight.

Besides the bass reserve in the Zero, the more flat, even tone becomes the 2nd most noticeable “thing”! Way less troublesome treble, only a funny thing happened, yep…..the milk-toast response of the Zero had me hankering for more. Don’t get me wrong, the Zero is special.......except there was electricity........in the EA500, the part of the sound that I wanted back. Is this the difference between a $20.00 IEM and a $79.00 IEM? Maybe? And while the treble is where the balance is in the Zero….it only goes so far to offer contrast, let alone the lacking contrast left out below! Just more cohesive and condensed this Zero. The midrange has a spacial placement where stuff is separated yet we are at loss to find the total definition of fire like the EA500 contained? On to round two of the comparison, see the thing is…the crispness here….the Zero can’t touch it. And this crispness I’m in love with, backed by a slamming bass, that is fast and punchy. But the killer here is absolutely the EA500's mids, and not just the FR but the separation and largeness. The EA500 is way way bigger in playback! Just the size of it all is the thrill. Bigger and clearer! The added vibrancy and contrasts……..I could go on and on…….but in final….it’s again the vocals and vocal effects that push the EA500 over the top!


Seek Real Audio Airship (Single 10mm CNT Dynamic Driver) (release date, August 2022)
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/seekreal-audio-airship.25937/reviews
https://www.linsoul.com/products/seekreal-airship?variant=42849389314265

So maybe I could use more popular examples? Still I’m going with the Seek real Audio Airship because I know a few were sold and the “Airship” is way more money! In fact it’s $100.00 more money at $179.00. So the method to my madness is that the 10mm CNT driver placed into an aluminum shell is way smaller and more uniform in music production. It’s got a 4.5 star review (well deserved) due to playing all genres of music, sounding great and fitting superbly! Still, I like the EA500 better? Where the Seek Real Audio has a slight reservation both in treble tuning, contrasts and low-end………..plus size of imaging! Schiit…….this is really happening? The EA500 is doing the bestest mostest fun here today! The EA500 has the most personality, where the Airship wasn’t boring at all, the EA500 had more entertainment……it just brought it over. In truth the EA500 did the basics better starting with all the technicalities, perceived into size of stage, transients, the spacial orientation was more open-bigger and the tone had more pizzaz. From memory I was not sure about bass, but the bass was bigger and better with the EA500. Still the events that took the EA500 over the top was the actual imaging into the stage and tonality of the midrange vocals and instrumentation………I could go on but I’d probably start to sound like a fool, if I don’t already?

OK, finally a new contender to the battle:
SeeAudio Yume II (3-way Hybrid )(Knowles RAD Series Tweeter, Sonion 2300 BA and undisclosed DD) (release date around December, 2022)

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/seeaudio-yume-mk2-universal-iem.26369/reviews#review-30282
https://www.linsoul.com/products/seeaudio-yume-ii

Really this one? Again way more money!
So in many ways these look the same, both fingerprint magnets of the highest caliber. The same CNC metal construction and hand polishing. In contrast to Yume I, Yume II added this new CNC shell. They also were able to get a slightly different sound from name-brand BA drivers. In comparison to Yume 1’s no-name custom driver set, Yume II goes and provides famous drivers, but walks away from the previous midrange density that was the hallmark sound of the original Yume. What SeeAudio did for Yume II was create a slightly forward lower midrange which completely changed the overall sound from the Yume I's sucked-out lower mids.


SIMGOT EA500 v SeeAudio Yume II
Now we have a way more efficient playback with the SIMGOT EA500. Probably 30% more loud at the same volume. But here is the wild part (better sit down for a moment).....the treble and mids are more contrasty with the EA500, they are simply clearer. They aren’t quite as smooth, but this show of strength is undeniable and real. The fact is in many ways the bass is exactly the same between the two, and of course the Yume II mids/treble are more balanced and not as slightly crazy as the EA500. The Yume II is BA character (totally) as well as the timbre that goes along with BAs. But the wild thing is the EA500 has even more separation (and while not as even) sounds more vivid and maybe more entertaining? That’s the kicker here.........that a single full-range DD is out doing the Hybrid sound of an actual Hybrid? There is less polish with-in the EA500 notes, but those notes exist farther-out into the stage and are more dense, yet less totally even. It’s the high school girl scenario. Where the Yume II is fun but offers a more evenly constructed style of midrange and treble. Where the EA500 is the wild one, always late to class, wearing skimpy out-fits, you know which one your heart lusts after! Maybe Yume II is the one you show your friends at a Head-Fi meet, except while alone at home……..the slightly uneven treble EA500 is simply more fun.The difference here also is that for the treble sensitive, the Yume II has much of the same overall sound without going into the treble zone. So in that regard the Yume II is the safe purchase. While the timbre of the Yume II is great for a Hybrid set-up, the EA500 has slightly better timbre that naturally comes with full-range DDs.

Packaging and build quality:
The over all presentation statement is fine. And while there are really two ideas as to packaging. One that you are paying close to $100, so they need to make you feel special. I do totally understand this point. The other camp believes that excessive packaging is money that could be spent towards better sound. I mean really (to me) it’s a balance as we have all had different box opening experiences. Some people keep their boxes and some people throw them out. Some believe you can save the environment by including less waste. The more I do this the more I start to notice every small thing. Meaning I notice what the writing is on the box, the way the presentation flows........and take into account if the IEMs are protected in shipment. There are also phycological issues that possibly many don’t consider, like what if the SIMGOT SE500 is actually purchased from a brick and mortar store-front? The size of the box actually goes along with being noticed, don’t forget the very first item of advertising is in reality the box! But the size I feel still needs to be thought about when protecting the IEM. The SIMGOT box is probably middle/small in size. Though looking at how the IEMs were protected, they actually come in a very thought-out manner. The extras are not excessive nor do you feel short-changed upon finding the IEMs. Yes, there is a few false boxes to the EA500, but they are functional in that they add a barrier against shocks. While the tip selection is limited, at the same time they are 1st rate tips, at least I found them special? You are never going to please everyone, but at this exact price-point the items which come with the EA500 and the over all package seems correct? There are two printed instruction/warranty booklets which contain 4 languages and one is in-fact (9 pages) of fluent English! Probably one of the most charming aspects of the booklets is in-fact the cover which reads (in English) “Dual Vector Foil” this in-fact is the only sales nomenclature description found in the packaging for the product. Not (anywhere) else on the box or in any of the convoluted (on-line) marketing script? Nothing describing "Foil" inside the EA500 on SIMGOT’s actual product page? Only magnetic flux density, the three types of 4th generation DLC driver material, but no mention of this “Foil’ at all, yet it is the very title of this user manual? Go figure? Charming!





The nozzle filters:
Yes, they work but don’t totally align the FR to the (totally perfect) response? I had to do that by not using the included silver plated copper cable. Maybe the ability to charge tone through the use of filters is partially marketing tool? While there really is truth in that the black rubber gaskets nozzle bring about a more treble centric tune, and the red gaskets nozzle do in fact subdue the peak by around 3dB. You have to realize that the 2kHz to 6Khz hearing area is by far the most sensitive in the whole spectrum, so even the smallest change of even a dB, will be noted. Such qualities are designed to allocate attention when called for dinner by our Mom’s speech tone.....that or if a wild bear enters the homestead? But besides the survival mechanism, it’s also the prime area of speech. Still I totally understand why they were able to included such changes and find the red rubber gasket nozzle to be the preference. Who knows where this idea started at SIMGOT Labs….maybe the engineers thought marketing could use a way to make the product more accessible to more people? Just the option is a choice and yes, you can hear it. Still I would have liked a green rubber gasket with even more attenuation at that exact same 5.5kHz peak. The 2.7kHz pinna gain vocal placement seems fine, really a blessing here?

Disclaimer:
The nozzles changes are purely my own interpretation of what is changing due to how I hear the changes and graphically interpret the changes.

The included cable:
While the included cable did work with after market ear-tips, the cable change to pure copper really did the trick.

High purity silver plated OFC



Build:
SIMGOT explained how there may be small surface irregularities but I don’t seem them, any marks in my photographs, I put there. Really these are a beautiful and rewarding build. Three pieces if you included the nozzles; the EA500 looks the part. But besides that, the over-all shape is incredibly ergonomic. Smooth metal always feels nice next to the ear, unless it’s cold out. The nozzle length and angle are just right. The 0.78 2Pin socket is ever so slightly set-back taking the two pin into placement really easy, finding cable-rolls both firm and easy to join. There are two vents (facing the listener) and a vent-mod for making the EA500 more bass specific, though I haven’t tried it. Probably the EA500’s ticket to success in fitment is that wherever of the 10 grams in weight is.....it seems to lay closer to your ear in placement? I could see this IEM going the complete opposite route in comfort, if in fact the weight was distributed farther outward like some IEMs sit? And while these are fingerprint magnets, they are not as troublesome as the Yume MK 2 I just reviewed. The only markings are R and L on the center inside, the SIMGOT symbol on the faceplate……and EA500 on the side. I'm not sure I would go jogging with these, an experience at the gym would be fine though.



Music test:
The fun section of the review. I mean really this is what reviews are about. The rest of the review (above) are the formalities, yet with-in the music we are truly alive!

“Don’t try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years.”
Blaise Pascal

This single sentence is quoted inside the box right when you take off the lid. While taken the wrong way (maybe the right way) it could mean to spend your rent money on hookers and cocaine, but in down-to-earth values, it simply means to enjoy your life. If using headphones adds to that enjoyment…..so be it.



KMFDM
“Oh My Goth”
Paradise
44.1Khz - 24bit

So this is one of my favorite tracks to test headphones. Reason being that it kind-of slowly opens-up and continues to showcase playback elements (as it moves onward) and that’s important. At times I will use difficult music which is troublesome due to extreme sounds or muddy production, but not here, no this is a time for rejoicing in actual playback pace and the reality of musical sounds found inside of that playback. Why did I first mention Pace? Maybe it’s the missing sub-bass, maybe it’s the mid-bass being the exact personality it is? The bass really starts this number off laying the quintessential groundwork for the song. The important thing is if there is enough, and there is. This style of bass has a 3D form and texture, it’s actually mixed to hold extra harmonic string sounds, this clacking mixed with added keyboards in union. In fact we can hear the full-extent of the bass personality. There is a pushed distorted texture stating that this isn’t your Mom’s bass, unless she of course has tattoos, then it is. Rewinding to the start, there are some wolf-howls in the opening, and the prize is that that they come with echo. Yep, you may think the echo is a small and meaningless add-on here, when in fact the sound of the echo pretty much defines this (extra) personality in-which we are about to be gifted. DDs do decay better than any other methodology. Better than BAs and Planar IEMs, better than Hybrids, except when done super correct and stelar (with Hybrids) you get the decay…..but often it will cost you.

Back to the song…….
At around the 00.20 mark there is a reverse keyboard or sampled atmosphere, and here is your first clue that we are witnessing greatness. Reason being the sound is truly encompassing the far-out left and right to the stage…..we are at the moment witnessing our soundstage. Part of this technical ability could in-fact be from tuning, as we know a full midrange will often expand the stage. At 00:22 the guitars hit. I have heard these guitars 20 or 30 different ways but this is one of the good times. Why? Well they are not the most separated (DD?) but they are clear and holding totally correct timbre. At 00:30 the song is officially “ON” yep, we had 30 seconds of lead-up unto which we are now face to face with what-ever artistic statement they are going to throw at us. But the true nature of this change is obviously the introduction of the synthetic drums. The beat. Never underestimate the importance of the beat in music like this. Really in so many ways it’s everything here. But the entire matrix now comes together, as at first we were given clues as to the songs make-up….ideas as to the possible character of the song……but now we are experiencing it. The very reason this song works so well is the pace of the drums……the fastness. It’s the spicy blast-beat of the tonal texture that is moving. The actual tone of the drums, being somehow there is nothing left out here. I don’t want to get into it, but these hold pace just as good as $1000 IEMs, in fact maybe it’s the metal shells or the driver capabilities that are providing the magic…….I don’t know what the reason for it……except it’s here……all of it.

Vocals:
Can you guess what additive comes to the song at same time as the drums to boost the involvement? KMFDM have been doing this longer than long, they know these tricks……at 00:31 the vocals arrive. Yet we also can hear the vocal effects falling off to the side. Then it happens…………..the ultimate groove. Right in the middle of the 00:49 place “the hook” yep, this is what this whole song is about, the interrelationships of musical elements and how it is all puzzle-pieced together. There is ultimate emotion here...............if you’re a fan of this style of music. And the SIMGOT EA500 is down for the task…..more than down......…actually this is the best I’ve ever heard $79.00 sound for this song. Why? The stage, the timbre, the pace, the detail in the reverberations. Yep, it’s all here, but most of all the tone of the electric guitar. That and the contrast (among instruments) and the silky smooth vocals of Lucia Cifarelli. So by now you have to be wondering about the lead guitar? The guitar starts at 03:29......and I mean surly with the treble (and talk of treble) this must be at least noticeable, or maybe problematic? Nope, perfect, as the guitar has effects which kind-of de-tune it, to not be so potent. Really the crunchy rhythm and main drum beat is what moves this song along. Except one more super important aspect……the bass. The main bass needs to be heard, and by that I mean it must be separated in the mix, tight and be textured to pull-off its magic. Not all headphones have the innate ability to do this song correctly……but the EA500 does!



Conclusion:
Do we really need a conclusion here, haven’t I gushed enough? Truly I don’t know what more to say? I spent 15 days getting to know the EA500 and along that time came to somehow adapt to the treble? What was different and unusual at the start, became something I was in-bed with at the end. Simply buy the EA500 while you can, or before they raise the price.

$79.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ea500

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Simgot Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS9D3ZTK?linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&tag=sofferscom888-20

Disclaimer:
I want to thank SIMGOT for the love and the EA500 review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Samsung Android Smartphone 3.5mm output