Simgot EW200

Introduction:
In the realm of audiophilia—a pursuit often driven by the allure of new technology, unique aesthetics, and the thrill of the novel—finding a piece of equipment that marries classic excellence with affordability can seem quixotic. As I delved into the exploration of IEMs, my criteria were stringent: uncover the finest auditory experience at the lowest conceivable price point. After testing an extensive array of budget-friendly models touted across various platforms, the EW200s have triumphantly ended my search.

Personal Bias:
I approach reviews with a philosophy rooted in appreciation; I choose to evaluate products that resonate with me; because, as an artist, I recognize the immense challenge inherent in creation. My focus is on constructive critique and celebrating innovation and excellence. I will only review products that I enjoy.

Pros:
1. Clarity and Precision: The EW200s offer an impeccable audio clarity that makes each note distinct and vibrant, ensuring an effortless listening experience. Every instrument sounds as it should; you won't hear plastic winds or bloomy pianos with this set, as you would with other cheap products.
2. Soundstage: They project a good soundstage that extends beyond the confines of one's cranial boundaries, a rare feat in this price bracket. It is not an extraordinary soundstage, and the image has a minor tendency to divide into three blobs; still, it surpases the competition with ease, although it cannot compete with more expensive models.
3. Timbre: The timbre of the EW200s is nearly flawless, capturing the true essence and color of instruments with astonishing accuracy. The sparkle is a little bit accentuated, nonetheless; without EQ, they are not completely devoid of certain tendency to sibilance with bright music.
4. Aesthetics: These IEMs are not only sonically pleasing but also visually appealing, boasting a design that is both elegant and understated. It is kind of sad that my own pic doesn't make them justice.
5. Comfort: With their ergonomic design, the EW200s provide comfort that allows for prolonged use without discomfort, making them ideal for extensive listening sessions.
6. Layering and separation: Really good for a single dynamic driver. But, in my opinion, still behind what (much more expensive) good hybrids and planars can achieve.

Cons:
1. Equalization: To unlock their full potential, the EW200s benefit from a slight equalization adjustment. This minor tweak elevates their performance from excellent to extraordinary. I prefer USoundV1V over HarmanIE2019v2, this set follows more closely the second than the first.
2. Driver Flex: Some users may experience driver flex when using certain ear tips, which, while not detrimental to the sound quality, can be a minor inconvenience.

Conclusion:
Priced at just €31.40, the EW200s stand uncontested in the budget IEM market. They shatter the conventional compromise between cost and quality, offering a high-fidelity experience without the expected sacrifices. Unlike other budget options, which often force listeners to endure a narrowed soundstage, artificial timbres, and noticeable distortion, the EW200s maintain a level of performance that challenges these norms.

In a market flooded with transient trends and ephemeral offerings, the EW200s distinguish themselves as an atemporal classic, capable of delivering a pure and expansive sonic experience that will satisfy both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers to the audio scene. Whether you seek the ideal entry point into high-quality audio or wish to expand an already robust collection, the EW200s deserve your consideration.



Post scriptum:
I would like to add my EQ profile to give something to the community. As stated, it has been designed to make the tuning of the set more in line with the USoundV1V target. I have left the upper treble mostly unaltered, given the low reliability of measurements at higher frequencies. This profile makes, in my opinion, the bass more impactful, the whole set more relaxed and the soundstage more cohesive. For my personal preference, this profile refines and elevates the EW200s enough to make them almost flawless.

With EQ, they are a 4,5 star set.

Here's a review video if you prefer to watch​

Introduction​

Back in November HiFi 2023 in the Philippines, I had an opportunity to try out the entirety of the Simgot lineup aside from the EW100P, EW100P DSP, and the older Simgot IEMs, and for the most part, I have a very good impression of them. However, I also want to compare one of them in my living space for at least two weeks, so when Simgot reached out to me for a review tour unit for the Simgot EW200, I obliged. Now that I had them for some time now, I want to share my own thoughts.

Disclaimer: As stated, this unit was sent over by Simgot; however, they have neither seen this written review nor the review video before publication, and all of the statements are my own.

Build, Design, and Comfort​

The Simgot EW200 features a fairly minimalist design with a glossy steel finish and a monochromatic logo at the faceplate. It is paired with a white cable with some yellow accents in the form of the yellow inner wire. The build quality is superb for its price. The metal shell feels very substantial and weighty and the cable is soft-feeling without having some form of microphonics. The provided eartips could’ve been better but it’s nothing to complain about for the price. Fit is similar to the usual “single DD shell” which is to say that it is fairly secure when worn on my ears.

Subjective Sound​

This is a well-tuned set with a very upfront focus on vocals. This is a good fit for people who want a more center-stage or intimate vocal presentation, specifically on the female vocals, as in some songs, female vocals can have a very "breathy" character.

What surprised me about the EW200 is its bass performance. It has a solid punch for a more bright-leaning set in its price point, so when I was testing some of my rock or pop playlists, I can still feel the definition of the kick drum.

However, the midrange, and maybe the lower treble, causes issues for me. This is, no doubt, too forward in the vocals for my tastes. Don't get me wrong though. I can enjoy a very intimate presentation, but the EW200 can cause a bit of a narrow center stage, which bothers me a lot. Instrumentals don't give me the same issue, though, but it depends on how the guitar is mixed. It also doesn't help that the bass is still quite lean despite its impressive performance regarding its punch and slam.

As for the treble, it's relatively fine. I never found the cymbals to have a metallic sheen, nor did they feel blunt although, depending on how treble-sensitive you are, the cymbals can still sound too strong or harsh, similar to the drummer hitting the cymbals too hard. There's also the "breathy" character on female vocals which can be pretty intense if you prioritize a smoother vocal presentation. The air region felt fine for me. It's relatively airy, giving a more spacious perception of stage width.

Other things to note:

• Imaging is less 3-blob-y compared to the lower price bracket. However, the center image sometimes gets too strong (the too-forward vocal presentation are to blame)
• Timbre is decent. It doesn't sound weird in one instrument or another, but it's not pretty "realistic" or anything. For some people, though, this might be a downgrade depending on which IEM they are coming from.
• Resolution is quite good. I'm getting more texture out of the instruments more clearly when compared to the lower price bracket.

Objective Sound​

Here is my graphtool. I publish graphs measured with a clone IEC60318-4 (IEC711) coupler I bought from Sounds Good Store in AliExpress.

A few points of focus here:

• There's much more presence from 2kHz to 3kHz compared to what I perceive as neutral. This is why I'm hearing more vocals compared to the instruments in the band. Combined with the relative lack of lower mids, it will come across as very shouty when you try to compensate for the lack of lower mids. It's a big contrast or distance between the lower mids and the upper mids.
• The elevation from 4kHz to 6kHz can relate to some harmonics of the female vocals, which is probably why I'm hearing a more "breathy" character on them. It depends on the person if they want this characteristic or not. It's similar to the Hana 2021's vocal presentation in a way.

Comparisons​

vs. Truthear x crinacle Zero​

• They’re similar in terms of the overall sound signature, but the Truthear Zero has a more elevated bass response, so that the bass feels bouncier and fun. Still both relatively thin in its lower mids, but you may favor the Truthear Zero if you listen to EDM more often.
• Truthear Zero has slightly more precise imaging, but is compromised by the elevated upper mids like the EW200.

Ultimately, the EW200 has less faults in its technical performance, is comfier, and it’s $10 USD cheaper anyway.

vs. Truthear x crinacle Zero:Red​

I always favored the Truthear Zero:Red over any IEMs in the price range its at, and it’s also the case here when comparing against the Simgot EW200. Notably:

• Zero:Red is simply more natural or smoother sounding. It may lack warmth for some people, but due to a more relaxed upper midrange presentation, it gives a more appropriate reproduction of vocals in my opinion.
• Zero:Red is more precise in its imaging. I tend to notice the separation of each parts of the drum a bit clearer despite its relatively cramped stage width.

vs 7Hz Salnotes x crinacle Zero:2​

• Not as technically impressive as the Simgot EW200. It’s less airy, and imaging is a bit cluttered in some cases.
• However, I find the Zero:2 to be simply more engaging due to its safer tonality in the mids and treble, and the extra bass presence is very welcoming, especially for new people who are coming from sets that are probably too much bass to begin with, so it’s an easier transition, or they’re just bassheads.

Let's Wrap This Up.​

I think the Simgot EW200 has a spot in the market. It is a vocal-forward set with impressive technical performance for the price. This is for people who wants their music to have a more upfront or intimate vocal presentation without somehow missing the presence of the instruments of the band. It relatively more refined sense of air compared to some IEMs at the lower price bracket. For me, though, it’s not what I prefer. My EQ profile for this set, if I have to make one, is essentially decreasing the upper mids since I’m picky on that region for the most part. It’s a solid IEM, but it’s not for me.