Simgot EW300

TL;DR: Smooth, detailed, chill sound without the Simgot spice

Overview/History
Hi all.

Another review/write up coming through - this time from a company that's been a bit of a Chi-Fi darling - Simgot. Simgot has numerous IEMs from varying price ranges including the EA500LM, EM6L, Supermix 4, etc. - each have it's biggest fans while there are some that aren't as warm on them.

Enter the Simgot EW300 which is the next step up from Simgot's budget line up with the EW100 and EW200. The primary thing that sticks out for the EW300 is that the tuning for this IEM was influenced by HBB/Bad Guy Good Audio/Hawaii Bad Boy. From my understanding, HBB made the argument to Simgot that their line up/fans are already used to their tuning so why not vary it up a bit to capture more market share.


*Official image from Linsoul*

Thus, we have the EW300 which has 3 different versions:

Standard
HBB Collab version (which comes with a matte shell instead for $5 more)
DSP version (which comes with the matte shell and a DSP cable instead for $10 more)

The Simgot EW300 is a tri-brid design with a 1DD + 1 Planar + 1 Piezoelectric (PZT) driver. The 10mm DD is used for the bass notes while the 6mm Planar and custom Piezoelectric handle the mid-range and highs. Tuning is handled by nozzles with the idea of following H-2019 (likely Harman 2019) and what they call the 'Simgot-GOLDEN2023' tuning choices.

Specifications so you don't have to look yourself from Linsoul's website:

• Driver configuration: 1 dynamic driver + 1 planar magnetic driver + 1 piezoelectric ceramic driver
• Dynamic driver: 10mm ceramic composite diaphragm dual-chamber dynamic driver
• Planar magnetic driver: 6mm annular magnetic driver
• Impedance: 28Ω±15%(@1kHz)
• Sensitivity: 121dB/Vrms (@1kHz, silver steel tube&red silicone ring); 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz, golden copper tube&purple silicone ring)
• Frequency response range: 8Hz-40kHz
• Effective frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz

Disclaimers: I would like to thank Kaitlyn from Linsoul for this review sample that was received in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not given any directions or instructions so the statements below are all my genuine take.

You can pick up the Simgot EW300 at these Non-affiliate links:
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?me=A267P2DT104U3C&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Photo dump time!











The EW300 is a comfortable IEM that's on the smaller/compact side which makes fit absolutely great. The nozzle size isn't too large, either, with the lip at 6.0mm. There's two looks to the EW300 and I received the metal/standard shell which is shiny.







The only issue is that this is going to be more prone to fingerprint/scratching. If you want a matte version, you'll need to pay $5 or $10 more for either the HBB version or the DSP cable version which will likely alleviate that concern.




*Yes, I made a heart out of this picture*



The EW300 comes with a decent cable (it's a bit memory prone to me but better than a lot of other stock cables I've used recently), a non-descript carrying case, some decent tips, extra tuning nozzles (Gold - silver was already installed), foam pieces, and rings for the nozzles. This is a pretty decently accessorized kit.



Tip Rolling
So, I did some tip-rolling but early on figured that the real biggest impact to the tuning really came from the swappable nozzle. Still, here's my favorite tips for the EW300 + how I feel about the stock tips.

Stock Tips: Stock tips were actually okay here. I didn't mind them. As far as comfort and fit goes, a bit on the softer side and it kind of added okay extension on bass and treble. But, on I go!
Final Type E - Clear/Red: Standard baseline which usually is pretty transparent - I felt like this synergized well with keeping the good extension but helped with the sub-bass.
Dunu S&S: Gives a bit more of that mid-bass sensation with the Dunu S&S. This helped warm it up a bit and gave a wider soundstage. Probably my favorite combination in this set up!
Radius Deep Mount: I think the extra bass increase with the Deep Mount worked better than the Clear/Red in this case. A good combination but I know not everyone will have this tip set.

Cable
The stock cable isn't too bad.



It's not the best and it's a bit memory prone but I've seen some terrible ones that come with +$200 sets and would easily be good with the EW300's version instead.

Sound
So, how do they sound?



In a nutshell, the EW300 is a very solid upper budget IEM that leans away from the generally reported brighter/treble extended Simgot 'house sound' to offer a safer yet still decently executed tuning.

Coupled with a nozzle that changes the overall sound signature so you can dial in your preference, you get an absolutely capable IEM that does everything decently well in a comfortable shell. For the subject of my review, I'm going to be talking about primarily the Silver with some additional flavor based on the Gold nozzle near the end. The primary score will be based on the stock Silver nozzle.

Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Pro
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Shanling Onyx XI1
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Laptop -> JDS Labs Element 3 MK2 (Boosted)
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro

*My Audio Preference and Score Disclaimer*: To preface my breakdown, here's my sound preference. I tend to prefer warmer sound. I enjoy good sub-bass extension with enough mid-bass to feel the music. I prefer more fuller sounding mids to match my library. My preference is for smooth treble extension; while I'm not treble sensitive, I'd probably lean more towards 'safer' treble tuning for longer listening. I also tend to listen at either medium to louder listening volumes (reasonably loud).

In addition, all scores listed below are typically (unless otherwise stated) rated/scored as it relates to it's peers in the same price group.

Lows/Bass: Sub-bass is where the EW300 shine for the low end. Sub-bass goes deep, matching well with a lot of it's competition, while retaining good texture/detail.

I would say that the mid-bass can be a bit too quick for my tastes but the EW300 isn't trying to go full 'analog' or 'warm' and there's a happy medium that they toe very well. Mid-bass is a bit weaker than the sub-bass so you don't quite get that sastisfying punch for certain music genres but it's not entirely lacking.

The tuning choice for all of the bass feels like it's sub-bass boosted but presented very cleanly with the intention of ensuring there's no bleed, boominess or added wamrth to take away from the rest of the sound signature.

Bass Score: 8/10 - TL;DR: Sub-bass has great deep'ness but mid-bass isn't quite as punchy. Bass quality/detail is very good though but a bit too quick for my preference

Mids: Detailed, clean, snappy - there's a very certain bite to the upper-mids that really help instrument details and female vocals shine but never to the harsh/sibilant side. It feels very much in control to balance out the solid sub-bass.

For higher volume listening, this can be very close to being too elevated but for general volume listening, I enjoyed how detailed and overall clear the instruments sounded along with the female vocals having that airiness to them.

My only issue that follows with these types of tuning is that male vocals and lower-mids tend to come across a bit lean without the fullness, warmth or note weight to bring home the mid-range. It's not too distracting in what it's missing but it's definitely the biggest point of contention that I have with the mids. This does make it work well with genres like rock/classic rock but other genres may be more glaring.

Mids Score: 8.25/10 - TL;DR: Instruments shine, very detailed mids - female vocals are fantastic but male vocals tend to lean towards the thinner side, not as warm or full sounding

Treble: Treble is probably the best part of the EW300's tuning where there's enough energy to be different than it's competitors but without going past that line and being difficult to listen to.

I believe that's part of the Simgot baseline where they tend to try and bring out the elevation in the treble to be energetic and sharp but with tonal balance so you're not quite swimming in the air.

That being said, my understanding is that the EW300 will have less treble energy/extension than the rest of the Simgot line up so anyone expecting that standard Simgot boost may be disappointed. To my ears, they're just above that 'safe' threshold but the controlled bite helps make the EW300 stand out.



Treble Score: 8.5/10 - TL;DR: Elevated and detailed without being harsh - the primary standout for tuning

Detail, Separation, Imaging, Overall Timbre, Etc.: Keeping in line with the rest of the overall performance of the EW300, the detail and imaging for the EW300 is very competent.

I don't think that there's anything that sticks out as being truly exceptional but they're a smidge above average. There's good separation between instruments, there's good imaging, decent soundstage, and overall nothing feels lacking or missing while not leading the competition in it's price bracket.

That being said, the overall combination of the sound signature being neutral but with a solid sub-bass boost and just the right amount of brightness and details carves a good niche.

Technicalities Score: 8.25/10 - TL;DR: Very solid - no real negatives, right about average to just above average to the competition

Library Recommendation: What I think the EW300 works well for is rock music the most but it handles most genres decently. Some of my favorite tracks that worked well with the EW300 per below.

Fleetwood Mac - "Rumors"
Stevie Wonder - "Sir Duke"
Portishead - "Glory Box"
AC/DC - "Thunderstruck"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Rain Dance Maggie"
The Black Keys - "Gold on the Ceiling"
The Doobie Brothers - "What a Fool Believes"
De La Soul - "The Magic Number"

I think female vocals or some rock instruments shine the brightest here but you won't find yourself chomping at the bit to swap if you're using this as your all-rounder.

Comparisons: Here's some quick shot comparisons with others either in it's price bracket.

Xuan NV: Xuan NV will have less sub-bass but adequate mid-bass. I think note weight is fuller with the Xuan NV so it comes off infinitely warmer but the EW300 will be more technically capable and detailed. Coin toss but my preference is the Xuan NV to the EW300 even though I know the EW300 better in a lot of aspects for bass and overall extension. (Xuan NV > EW300)
Kefine Delci: Kefine Delci is similar to the Xuan NV just with more bass emphasis and note weight. I think the Delci will come off as more aggressive in it's sound presentation this way while the EW300 is more technically capable and chill. I prefer the Delci over the EW300. (Kefine Delci > EW300)
Aful Explorer: The Explorer can be had for sub $100 and there are things about the EW300 that reminds me of the Explorer (especially with the Gold Nozzle). Note weight, extension, bass is where the Explorer shines though upper mid/treble and technicalities will be better on the EW300. I prefer the Explorer over the EW300. (Aful Explorer > EW300)

As much as I may prefer the competition to the EW300, that doesn't mean that I don't like the EW300 but it's just a huge testament to how many good sets are out there.

Other Things to be aware of:
So, to reiterate a few things about the EW300 - there are a few different versions of the Simgot IEM but they are all supposed to be tuned very similarly if not the same. There's conflicting info and, likely, the thing it comes down to is unit variance.

If you wanted to pick up a version, you're really looking at three things:

Do I want the cheapest version? Standard EW300.
Do I like HBB or want a matte black version vs the shiny metal version and I'm willing to pay $5? HBB collab version.
Do I want a DSP capable version with matte black? And if I want to use my own cable for 3.5/4.4, I can? And I'm willing to pay $10 for it? DSP version.



I don't think you can necessarily go wrong if you're interested in trying out a Simgot that's safer and less likely to be sibilant/borderline too trebly as it's got enough at it's price point to be worth a flyer.

Volume Listening: Listening is predomintantly to the mid/moderate volume level. I was able to listen to the EW300 at higher volumes without an issue but, this isn't necessarily meant to be a loud volume set (like the Explorer). You won't get a lot of sibilance if you do listen to louder volumes but it's not scaling or doing much more at higher volume (unless you go with the Gold Nozzle).

Tuning Accessories: That does bring me to the Tuning Accessories.

The EW300 comes with an additional nozzle (called the Gold Nozzle) as well as some foam that you can pack into the IEM. I didn't play around with too much on the foam (like stuffing it all in there, only one or two) but it did seem to help tame a bit of the treble extension for those that are treble sensitive. YEMV (Your Ear May Vary).

The gold nozzle, though, had a relatively decent tuning change to the point where I figured I'd do a quick shot on what really changed and what I prefered.



Gold Nozzle Scores:
Gold Bass Score: 8.5/10 Bass is better - slightly elevated and warmer but still detailed. Prefer Gold Nozzle on bass.
Gold Mids Score: 8.5/10 Mid-range is warmer, male vocals are slightly fuller, it may be slightly less detailed or airy for female vocals but much more laid back.
Gold Treble Score: 8.25/10 Still very detailed and extended but safer than even the already lower than normal Simgot experience.
Gold Technicalities Score: 7.75/10 I think the soundstage and overall presentation sounds a bit more enclosed and essentially is in line with the competition at this point. Probably the biggest hit going to Gold.
Gold Overall Score (including bias): 8.2/10 - I think the Silver does more special things for the EW300 but I prefer the Gold Nozzle more for general listening

Special Sauce/Personal Bias Score: 8/10 - TL;DR: Not the biggest fan of the marketing, 3 different editions, but these are very good and the tuning nozzles/filters provide extra bang for buck.

Conclusion:
If you're in search for an accessibly priced tri-brid design that provides solid overall performance, look no further.

The Simgot EW300 has three flavors as a release but, at the end of the day, is extremely competent with it's sound signature, performance, and detail while still providing a bit of the Simgot spice up top. This is a deviation, and likely safer, than the standard Simgot lineup but the tuning philosophy change I think works for the general market and I think will help introduce more listeners to exactly what Simgot (and their other line ups) are capable of.



Final Weighted Score: 8.2/10 - 8.20 puts this firmly as a 4/5 star IEM and is good to add to the collection while not breaking the bank. But, a lot of other IEMs perform similarly and may be more to your preference at the end of the day.



Thanks for reading!

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Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Simgot sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent 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.

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

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock large medium eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

Additional Note here: I will be reviewing the Simgot EW300 in its pre installed stock silver nozzle filter, then compare it to the gold filter)

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Sound signature:

• Unlike its older siblings, the Simgot EW300 sports a u-shaped sound signature that leans to the warmer side of the spectrum when compared to those previous sets of the company that are bright and sparkly on stock. Interestingly, the EW300 is closer than its bigger brother, the EM6L than its other EW200 and EA500 LM, in terms of sound.

Lows:

• Despite being a laid-back, warm-sounding set, the Simgot EW300 is far from being a basshead set. Sure, one can say that it is a bassy IEM, but I am certain that bassheads at heart will find its bass “lacking” to their liking. As for those average ears, its bass is more than enough in any genre you use with it. Its bass is mildly elevated, thick, and well controlled. Subbass is a bit more dominant than the midbass, making things a bit more rumbly and chunky, when compared to a midbass-dominant set. The bass decay and speed, it is still quick to my preference, avoiding any excessive bleed. Overall, its bass aimed for a soothing, calm approach, which is different from other IEMs that you will encounter under 100 USD.

Mids:

• The mids is still done the Simgot fashion, but warmer, laid back, and more versatile when compared to its older siblings. Its lower mids are noticeably thicker than usual, smooth, and still renders a lot of detail, particularly details on lower vocals and instruments that are found in this region. Upper mids are ever-so-slightly elevated, with a very good amount of clarity, air, and separation. As for the “timbre” that is found in the treble and this region, it is surprisingly minimal than what I expected. To give you an idea, the Simgot EW300 has a planar, a piezoelectric, and a dynamic driver packed in each driver shell, categorizing itself as a “tribrid”. Planar and piezoelectric drivers have their quirk in their nature wherein upper frequencies, mostly consonants, linger longer than usual. As for the Simgot EW300, these scenarios are very minimal and never came across as fatiguing. Due to these findings, I can confidently recommend this to everyone, even for those ears that are a bit more sensitive in this region. But for good measure, do check other reviews and inputs from other reputable reviewers as well.

Treble:

• The said driver quirks are also carried here in the treble, but it is very minimal and never sounded fatiguing nor harsh to my ears. The treble is well-extended and has a good amount of air and sparkle, while maintaining its laid-back, easy-listening approach. Detail retrieval is excellent for its asking price and does not have any problem rendering microdetails.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:

• Simgot is known to excel well in this region for quite some time now, and this can still be found and heard here in the EW300. The soundstage is wide with a good amount of height and depth. Separation and layering is clean and well-done, as it does not suffer from any serious congestion regardless of any heavy passages or busy tracks you listen to it with. Imaging is dead precise and renders vocal and instrument position with ease, even on FPS games.

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Nozzle filter impressions!

• Gold Nozzle - makes the whole sound warmer, thicker, and smoother. The whole “driver quirks” are now virtually unhearable. However, technical performance took a bit of a hit with this nozzle, especially its soundstage and layering.

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Other IEM Comparisons!

Rose Technics/Roseselsa Star Star City 5 Pro

• The Star City 5 Pro is a well-balanced IEM with just the right amount of everything, from its bass down to its treble. The EW300 is a laid-back, warm sounding IEM. The bass on both sets are noticeably different. The Star City 5 Pro leans to a more firmer, punchy, midbass-dominant approach, while the EW300 goes for the warmer, thicker, subbass-dominant route. Mids are a bit more forward on the Star City 5 Pro, while the EW300 is noticeably more laid back and smooth. Upper mids are a bit more present on the SC5P, and it shows more driver (BA) timbre up to its treble, while the EW300 keeps its quirks minimal. Detail retrieval is more or less the same on both sets, in terms of quantity and quality. As for the technical performance, the SC5Pro renders the soundstage as a spacious, tall, and deep stage, which also helped the layering, separation, and imaging a lot, creating a “pseudo-3D” effect, if that makes sense. The EW300 on the other hand, goes for a more traditional, wide soundstage while keeping the separation and layering precise and clean. Both sets are really good IEMs under 100-150 USD and under, and your preference will only determine which is which.

Sivga Que

• The Sivga Que is noticeably more balanced and less warm when compared to the EW300. It is midbass dominant, in contrast to EW300’s subbass dominant character. Mids are also more forward on the Que. Upper frequencies seem to be more sparkly and airy when compared to the EW300, but both sets never sounded harsh or fatiguing to my ears. The treble is a bit airier and has a bit more energy on the Que, but EW300 has a better extension. The soundstage is wider and more immersive on the EW300, while the separation and layering is more or less the same between the two sets, in terms of quality.

NF Audio RA15 (on stock silver nozzle)

• The NF Audio in a nutshell is a brighter, technical set when compared to the EW300. Their technical performance is more or less the same in terms of quality. The bass is firmer on the RA15, while it is chunkier and warmer on the EW300. Mids are a bit more transparent on the RA15 when compared to the EW300. Instances of mild peaks are apparent on the RA15, while the EW300 kept the quirks minimal.

Tangzu X HBB Xuan NV

• Both sets share the same warm, chunky characteristic, but the EW300 is less warm when compared. Technical performance is noticeably better on the EW300. The EW300 kept tonal and technical performance well-balanced in terms of quality, while the Xuan NV focused more on its rich, lush, smooth tonality.

Kiwi Ears Canta

• The Kiwi Ears Canta is an energetic, v-shaped IEM when compared to the EW300, at least. Both ends of the spectrum are noticeably more elevated on the Canta, while the EW300 keeps things “relatively balanced” in approach. Technical performance is a bit better on the EW300, particularly on its soundstage, separation, and layering.

KZ ZS12 Pro X (Standard Edition)

• The ZS12 Pro X is a v-shaped sounding IEM that leans to the brighter spectrum, while the Simgot EW300 is the opposite. Bass is firmer and midbass-dominant on the ZS12 Pro X. Mids are a bit more laid back but detailed and more versatile on the EW300. Treble on ZS12 Pro X is more extended, but also shows its driver quirk more when compared to the EW300. EW300 has overall better technicalities when compared to the ZS12 Pro X, especially on its wider, immersive soundstage.

Simgot EA500 LM

• In my humble opinion the EA500 LM and the EW300 are polar opposites, when it comes to their overall sound, at least. The EA500 LM leans to a more brighter sound, while the EW300 presents itself in a warmer, laid-back manner. Technical performance is better on the EW300 but I wouldn’t call it a night and day difference when compared side-by-side.

Simgot EM6L

• The Simgot EM6L and the EW300 surprisingly share the same warm, all-rounder approach, but with differences. The EM6L is thicker, v-shaped, a bit more energetic in sound, when compared to the EW300’s u-shaped, laid back approach. Mids are a bit more present and detailed on the EW300 when compared to the EM6L. The driver quirks are a bit more apparent on the EM6L when compared to the EW300, but not by much. Technical performance is better on the EW300, particularly on the layering and soundstage.

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Pros:

• A warmer, more versatile sibling of EW200 and EA500 LM!
• Laid-back, warm-U-Shaped sound signature.
• Rumbly,deep yet well-controlled bass response.
• Lush, vivid mids.
• Non-fatiguing upper frequencies!
• One of the “best” in technical performance under 100 USD!
• Minimal “driver quirks”!
• Very good fit, comfort, and isolation!
• Straightforward nozzle filters!
• Very good quality of accessories.
• Easy to drive, but scales well with a bit more power!

Cons:

• Fingerprint and smudge prone driver shells (standard edition).
• A second set of eartips would’ve been a good treat (highly subjective)

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To be honest, I think the Simgot EW300 is a bit unusual, but in a positive manner. Despite having the same Simgot house target, the EW300 is a bit of a "different flavour" when compared to the previous EW and EA series. If I had to be asked, Simgot did an excellent job here on the EW300 because it is definitely a well-thought-out decision rather than just sticking to the more neutral, brighter sound, making the lineup more versatile. I'd also like to praise them on their excellent implementation of the drivers they included in the EW300, since they reduced the quirks to a minimum while maintaining well-defined driver characteristics. The Simgot definitely hits its place at the top of my highly recommended sets under 100 USD! This IEM, along with the previous sets I have reviewed, raises the bar on what “best IEM” you can get under and within 150 USD. Thank you for letting everyone taste the top, Simgot!

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Pairing recommendations:

• Source: The Simgot EW300, just like any Simgot IEM I have reviewed and loaned, is easy to drive. A neutral source with at least 2VRMS will be more than enough for this set.
• Eartips: The eartips is alright and does not seem to hinder the full potential of this IEM. You may still use your preferred eartips
• Cable: The cable is also well-done and fits the motif. You may still use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated link here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ew300

Additional Photos Here:

This hobby is an escapist's dream. Escape from daily routine and distress that's causing you via something as sincere and everlasting as listening to music. I believe that the power of music is still not fully understood since it works in mysterious ways. Allow it to do its magic on you and let your worries dissolve in melody.

My preferences lie somewhere in the neutral camp with just an ever so slight bass boost, but I try to keep an open mind and truly appreciate any outliers that dare do it differently. Our ears vary, so do our brain and tastes. I am an advocate for respectful discourse, especially in topics that don't even have many objective undeniable truths. Audio is one of those.

My most listened genres are, in no particular order: jazz, singer/songwriter, slow-paced electronica, ambient, rock, metal, blues, trance, techno & pop.

Having had the possibility to try so many different sets in a relatively short time I felt obliged to go ahead and express my gratitude by trying to help some lost souls out there, just as I was when I first stumbled upon this weird hobby about wired earphones – so yesteryear! … I thought. Possibilities are seemingly endless and only by getting to meet the right people did I manage to jump onboard the train heading the 'right' direction without getting off-track thousands of times along the way. Make sure to understand the helping person's preferences and you too can find your footing and hit the ground running in no time.

Quick Intermezzo About Me

I won't bore you for too long with personal trivia, however my quick & short background resume goes as follows. Currently I am 27 years old and more in awe of sheer power of music by the day. I have always been moved by music just that slight bit more than average, I'd say. My spending started with a roughly 200€ Bose bluetooth speaker back in my first grade of highschool. What an extraterrestrial thing that was in early 2010s. And it keeps on playing to this day – a true testament of quality. Also sounded fantastic back then, nowadays … yeah, not so much. Lots of BT speakers, TWS, car audio speakers, IEMs, etc., later bring me to this day when I truly consider myself an audiophile. What brings me the most joy beside listening to music is singing, so I am currently participating in a choir and challenging myself with solo vocal covers (check the links in my signature to hear my projects). Unsure where all this leads, but the journey itself is marvelous and life is nothing but a journey.

Disclaimer: I have received the Simgot EW300 HBB free of charge from Linsoul in exchange for a review. They had no special requests and I am in no way incentivized to speak highly of this set. Should you be interested, here is a non-affiliated link to these IEMs on Linsoul's website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ew300?variant=45798828310745


How My Reviews Are Structured

I will start off by mentioning the packaging, accessories, design & comfort, then continue by placing the showcased IEM in my special trademarked graphs & graphics, give it a score on certain qualities, and describe the main sound categories to reach the final star score. Those that are seriously considering a sub-100€ tribrid, please do not hesitate to ask for any specifics you want me to answer.

I have left the set to burn-in for 100+ hours and listened to songs of varied genres to better convey what one can expect from the EW300. As sources I have been using my FiiO BTR7, Venture Electronics Megatron, iBasso DX180, and Venture Electronics RA2B-FE + Prime DAC (in short, called the 'VE Stack'). Certainly no lack of power and quite a different taste on all. Listening was (mostly) done at a volume ranging between 75-85dB. I am using the accessories that came along on this affordably priced IEM since I understand some of those who are interested in this set might not have a million tips and cables at their disposal.

Here is the quick and rough description of how I understand various star ratings:

Do not even think about it
It has too many drawbacks and gets demolished by competition
This item has the potential but feels a bit too bland and has multiple issues
Wonderful item with rare and mostly subjective drawbacks
Eargasmic performance with all the aspects covered at an incredibly high level

Keep in mind these ratings are certainly affected by the item's price in the overall assessment too. Sometimes that will result in slightly higher score than based solely on my scoring of bass, mids, and treble, while other times it results in a slight penalty if I deem the item a tad overpriced.

In layman's terms - anything rated below 4 stars overall does not get a space in my regular rotation and is either stored and revisited some time later again just to see if my thoughts have changed, or it gets gifted.

The Warmly Welcomed Changes I Have Incorporated

Instead of going through a million songs and describing what I hear in real-time, I will do it a bit differently this time. I'll describe individual aspects briefly in whole.

Should you have any specific questions regarding any genres/songs in particular, feel free to contact me.

I am still catching my stride on how to describe the sound aspects in a clearer way. It is a slow but enjoyable learning curve. I am attempting to make my reviews as ballast-free as possible. The graphics were the step in the right direction, I feel. Capturing the essence of sound characteristics in a less wordy way is next on the list. We all have our own busy schedules and I understand reading a review for 15+ minutes is in (nearly) no-one's interest.


Let's Get Going!

Packaging, Accessories, Design & Comfort

Packaging isn't much to look at and it's a case of hoping at least the listening experience manages to excite you.





Okay, after seeing the IEMs I was much more intrigued. They are TINY and cute. But let's first delve into that accessories box.



Case is so woefully bland. Mediocre cable and a sparse selection of tips, but both ended up working just fine for me and I felt no need to swap either. What I did eventually end up swapping were the nozzles as well as trying those cute little foams. Both made a difference and, I'm happy to report, for the better! While I wasn't really missing anything from the red o-ring on silver nozzle ones that came preinstalled, these other ones - pink o-ring on a golden nozzle - made it a more intriguing tonal affair with one most noticeable difference that shows up on this graph, courtesy of aftersound, quite well.


That pinna area is very different. I did not notice that much additional warmth all the way to 800hz, though.

Fit and design are very subjective and individual's ear- and eye-dependent. I think these should fit just about anyone, even those with smaller ears. Design is a bit of a mixed bag where it's a very robust and manly black metal exterior that is then watered down by the heart logo on the right earpiece.





Graphics, Graphs & Scores

This trademarked graph I came up with does not come with a thick user manual. All you need to know is that sets further left are warmer than sets further right, and sets higher up are better technically than sets lower down. Those little yellow lines on both axis represent where sets with average technicalities and neutral overall balance lay.



Here are my scores on the EW300 in individual categories. All three subcategories of each of the frequency spectrums can be rated 1-5. Keep in mind that I am primarily scoring sonic performance, regardless of the price, so cheaper (meaning sub 150€) sets getting a 3 in any given subcategory is already good going! I had to approach this in a simplistic manner so to keep it easy to understand and compare sets. Eventually, I will have to make a table of all sets I have rated so far.



As mentioned a little earlier, I have worked on trying to cut down on wordiness and all excess gibberish and rather improve upon my nikbr trademarked graphics to truly be able to compare IEMs visually since that offers an easier-to-comprehend, more interactive and simply more appealing experience.

These truly cover most topics in a pretty straight-forward manner. I have described each of these in a bit more detail in my previous reviews. If anything remains unclear, here I am at your service.

SBT - Six Basic Traits

MBB - Magic Balance Boards

SMT - Soundstage Measurement Tool

QCP - Quarter Circle Playground

Sound Descriptions

These were meant to be very concise, but I got carried away and wrote way too much again. Excuse me, I swear I'll get better with time.

The obvious categories will be subcategorized into a few important aspects. It is impossible to just claim the bass is great or not, there are levels to this hobby and since you're reading this review, you've obviously fallen deeper into this rabbit hole than many.

Bass

(some songs I used: Soldier of fortune by Deep Purple, Summer by Emeli Sande, I'm in Love by Ayo, House of the Rising sun by alt-J&Tuka, Infinity by DJ Pastis&DJ Ninu&Wasi Distorsion, Kuwait by Mazde, Drum solo by Manu Katche, Hislerim by Serhat Durmus&Zerrin, Animamundi by The spy from Cairo)

Quantity vs quality: It strikes a healthy balance of quantity with the rest of the mix. Especially with the pink&gold nozzles I tried later on, those tilt the whole set a tad warmer. Much better in this regard than the EA500 LM which I tested before. Not a basshead set, but those looking for quality will be pleased at this price point. It ultimately lacks that warm enveloping texture of sets higher up the price ladder.

Rumble: Very respectable. This can be very different on different sources. Something like the FiiO BTR7 has way more of this perceived rumble, but sounds too pushed and strained, while it sounds so freeflowing on the VE Stack and similar but lesser in quantity as well as quality (a more grainy sort of bass) on the DX180. So, I could do with a bit more body, not necessarily any more dBs.

Attack: This won't impress anyone that wants that speedy and aggressive bass that feels like each slam wants to rip your head off, it's much more civilised and rounded around the edges. Not the worst offender of that roundedness, but still quite severe and very noticeable on trance, for example. Additional power is welcome.

Decay: Pretty natural. As far as I understand, DD is the one handling the bass and it would indeed feel that way. Decent rumble and solid decay time, while lacking some of the punch which would be better on the planar or let me say, that are my usual findings. For example, the recently tested TINHiFi P1 Max II kicked like a wild horse with some songs.

Boominess: None. Very well handled. This helps the overall sonics so much. Boominess is one of the worst offenders in my opinion. I only expect boomy from something like the Skullcandy. Impressive for the first 5 seconds which is critical, since tha's when non-audiophiles make their mind up whether they like the sound or not.

Bloatedness: Again, capably flows into the mids. Unlike the EA500 LM where bass was doing its own thing. Here the bass guitars will hapilly sit right in that risky crossover region and sing their best. Low-end timbre can be affected by this area being imperfect too.



Mids

(some songs I used: Creep by Haley Reinhart, Rosita by Coleman Hawkins&Ben Webster, Vidda by Ole Edvard Antonsen, Long after you are gone by Chris Jones, Writing's on the wall by Tom Ball, Dream on by Morgan James, Lonely island by Amble, Exhale the ash by Ulcerate, Free bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eyes don't lie by Tones and I, All about you by Sophie Zelmani)

Timbre: With most instruments throughout the range there are no abnormalities, just potential preferences on their forwardness and bitiness, but if I were to listen for it carefully, some planarness can be noticed in male vocals with that harshness. Not really an issue, just something that can be spotted.

Forwardness: Very forward. Still a Simgot in this regard, so for those looking for the mids to be a bit more shy and better hidden into the mix, this might be a bit of a negative. For me, it's perfect for most music except those that are packed with info and require a skillful separation and reduced pinna – something like heavy metal. Even that is very much improved with the included foam and those other, pink&gold nozzles.


Left are the preinstalled ones, right are the pink&gold ones. Both bring their own character. Sometimes I prefer ones, sometimes the other ones

Clarity: Very clear. No veil anywhere in their frequency response. I'm most likely to spot any veil on brass or piano. I listened to a fair few songs with those instruments and they're never sounding pillowy, shy, like they'd be behind a wall.

Vocals: Both male and female vocals are forward. Maybe not high enough on stage for my liking, but they are separated from the mix by their volume difference. This can be welcome or indeed a bit too much. Sometimes they get shouty or get that ringing quality of the planar – not as noticeable with the foam and pink&gold nozzles instead of the red&silver that come preinstalled.

Note weight: Sufficient, but not its strength. I'm most sensitive to how the piano is played back. Hearing a grand piano live you can tell just how much body each note carries and how rich it is in under- and overtones. Note weight is one of those risky topics and it quickly segregates the field in two camps, those that prefer a thicker, rounder note weight and hence a more analog approach, and those preferring all-BA sets because those usually have a quicker, less hefty character and a more digital sound. Mind, those are very very severe simplifications of this layered, 50-shade-of grey topic just to carry my point across.



Treble

(some songs I used: Vidda by Ole Edvard Antonsen, Want by The cure, All about you by Sophie Zelmani, Morning bird by Sade, Animali in Marcia by Gianluigi Trovesi, Ain't no love in the city by Robert Haglund, Barbados by Arne Domnerus, Oh Dear by Sophie Zelmani, Liberty by Kerenza Peacock&Timothy Ridout&Hum Watkins)

Sharpness: Amazingly, despite it's quite bright nature (much less so on the pink&gold nozzle!), it rarely turns sharp. Especially at normal listening volumes, up to maximum of 85dB. This is not a set for loud listeners, or at least I would not suggest listening to this loudly.

Sibilance: None to report about. Which is a true feat since it's got so much energy up top, yet they tackled this particular area very well. And it's not dead either. Possibly it's just technically easier to tame those particular tones on the planar/PZT than on DD or BA?

Naturalness: This has always been a case against Simgot, but they seem to be catching their stride. This is still a recognizably Simgot house sound while sounding much more musical than the ones I've heard or read about before. This is always a balancing act between trying to extract as much detail and resolution while remaining soulful and a treat to listen to. While it's still leaning more technical than musical, it's a great step forward for Simgot.

Air: Not much there. The significance of air is underrated I feel. You need to remember frequencies are intertwined in more ways than imaginable. One affects the other. Since there are three drivers in this tiny shell, I would have liked a tad more of that magic sprinkle up top.



Technicalities

Soundstage: Decent, but not impressive in any way. It does not sound congested, at least not due to the soundstage. Some midrange congestion can arise but that's as a function of tuning.

Imaging: Very acceptable. I particularly like the sense of space between elements. It won't win any awards, though. For gaming and such I don't think it would fare too well.

Detail retrieval: While it's good and resolving, the forwardness of guitars and vocals makes it a very tiring listen for those that focus on detail. It's good in the overall sense of being able to follow the macro audio image, whereas the absolute resolution in megapixels, so to say, is not that great.

Cohesiveness: I need to applaud Simgot for realizing and fixing their mistakes. I have not heard lots of their stuff, but this is going in the right direction after quite a few of their releases were met by less than ideal feedback. This now sounds as a unit that has its parts working towards the same goal. Like a well-oiled football team.

Fun factor: Actually impressively fun! I was not expecting it to be such a decent all-arounder while having ample bass for my liking and carrying the treble energy in a smooth enough fashion.



Q: What kind of source to pair it with?
A: This prefers a warm-neutral source with plenty of juice. My VE Stack makes such a tasty meal with no additional ingredients needed.

Q: What genres are its strength/weakness?
A: It's strong on electronica and very good on most of my listened genres despite some planar roughness creeping in occasionally. It won't be too good for metalheads because of either its forward midrange or a bit slower and thicker low mids on the pink&gold nozzle.


How To Sum Up The EW300 HBB

This is one of those sets that has no real downsides and thus qualifies as an easy recommendation. Add to that the very reasonable price for the variety of drivers and the included nozzles as well as the funny little foams that actually work and you've got a winner for those who like to tinker as well. It is a neutral-brightish set with ample bass but a slight lack in midbass punch. Take that as you will. At this price, it's well worth a try and if it doesn't work out just gift it and have someone's mind blown by this weird wired thing sounding so good.

NOTE: I have the DSP version of the EW300, but for this review, I used a regular 4.4mm KBear ST5 cable instead of the included DSP cable. Interestingly, I recently discovered that pairing the EW300’s DSP cable with the EA500 results in amazing sound—but that's a story for another review!


Specs:
Driver configuration 1 dynamic driver + 1 planar magnetic driver + 1 piezoelectric ceramic driver
Dynamic driver
10mm ceramic composite diaphragm dual-chamber dynamic driver
Planar magnetic driver
6mm annular magnetic driver
Impedance
28Ω±15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity
121dB/Vrms (@1kHz, silver steel tube&red silicone ring); 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz, golden copper tube&purple silicone ring)
Frequency response range
8Hz-40kHz
Effective frequency response
20Hz-20kHz
Connector
0.78mm 2Pin
Cable material
High-purity silver-plated OFC
Plug
STD&HBB Edition [3.5mm (without microphone)]; DSP Edition [Type-C plug (with microphone)]

The unboxing experience of the EW300 is straightforward, reflecting Simgot's practical approach. Inside, you'll find the IEMs, a selection of tips, and the standard cable. While I opted for the DSP version, I've been using it with a regular 4.4mm cable and Divinus wide bore tips. The IEMs themselves are beautifully crafted, with a design that feels premium without being overly flashy. The housing is ergonomic, fitting comfortably in the ear, which allows for extended listening sessions without fatigue. The finish is textured matte black reminds me of the paint they use in the underlining of a pickup trucks or truck bed lining paint it adds to the quality and durable feel of the iem.



Simgot's EW series has been a reliable companion for anyone looking for a well-balanced sound that doesn't sacrifice fun for technicality. Having thoroughly enjoyed the EW100 and EW200, I was eager to see how the EW300 would perform. The previous models in the EW series were known for their well-tuned Harman sound, offering a musical and resolving experience. What sets the EW series apart from the EA line is its broader appeal, with a bass presence that's generous yet controlled and a treble that’s detailed but not piercing. The EW300 takes this a step further, acting as a bridge between the fun, musical signature of the EW series and the more technically inclined EA line.








Bass

One of the great features of the EW300 is its bass response. It stays true to the EW series' DNA, offering a beautifully layered bass that is both deep and textured and more refined compared to the ew200/100. The bass is present but not too overpowering, making it a great fit for a variety of genres. the EW300 handles the lower frequencies with finesse. The bass is impactful and adds warmth to the overall sound signature, contributing to that fun and musical experience the EW series is known for.

Mids

The mids on the EW300 are lush and detailed, providing a richness that makes vocals and instruments come alive. The lower mids are full-bodied, giving weight to male vocals and instruments like the cello and guitar. As the mids transition into the upper range, there's a noticeable energy that adds excitement to the sound. This energetic upper midrange flows seamlessly into the treble, creating a sense of cohesion across the frequency spectrum. The mids are neither too recessed nor too forward, striking a perfect balance that makes the EW300 versatile across different genres of music.

Treble

The treble on the EW300 is where some of the technical abilities of the EA line start to shine through. It’s detailed and well-extended, providing excellent clarity without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. The treble extends nicely, adding air and sparkle to the sound signature, which helps to open up the soundstage. This makes for an engaging listening experience that’s both immersive and enjoyable. Even though the treble has a good amount of detail, it remains smooth, maintaining the EW series' characteristic of being easy on the ears.

Technical Performance

The EW300 manages to strike a balance between musicality and technicality. The soundstage is fairly wide, offering a good sense of space and separation between instruments. Imaging is precise, allowing you to pinpoint the location of different elements within a track. The resolution is another area where the EW300 impresses, providing enough detail to satisfy those who enjoy dissecting their music, yet not so much that it becomes clinical or fatiguing. It's clear that the EW300 inherits some of the technical prowess of the EA line while retaining the fun, engaging sound of the EW series.




The Simgot EW300 comes with two interchangeable nozzles—gold and silver—designed to let you fine-tune the sound to your liking. After spending a good amount of time with both, I can confidently say each nozzle offers a distinct listening experience. What makes the EW300 nozzles stand out is that, unlike other IEMs with swappable nozzles where I tend to settle on one and ignore the rest, I find myself regularly switching between the two during the same listening session. In fact, I use them so often that I'm starting to worry about wearing out the threads!

Both nozzles are genuinely good, and I believe they’re both essential to fully appreciate what the EW300 has to offer. The silver nozzle delivers that signature Simgot sound—balanced, clear, and energetic. On the other hand, the gold nozzle transforms the EW300 into something reminiscent of the EA500LM, with the added warmth and punchy bass of the Kefine Delci. Both options bring something unique to the table, and I honestly enjoy both equally.

Silver Nozzle: Balanced Precision

Bass

The silver nozzle offers a bass response that is balanced and well-controlled. It focuses on the midbass, which extends nicely, providing a deep rumble that adds weight to the music without overwhelming the other frequencies. The midbass is impactful, though not overly punchy, which might appeal to those who prefer a more nuanced bass response. The texture is commendable, offering a well-rounded experience that feels tight and controlled. This nozzle is ideal if you enjoy a bass that’s present but not overpowering, allowing other elements of the music to shine through.

Mids

The mids on the silver nozzle are well-positioned, with sufficient weight to feel substantial, though they sit slightly behind the bass. This positioning gives the overall sound a sense of depth. Vocals, particularly female ones, benefit from a boost in the upper mids, making them energetic and clear. The presentation is lively and articulate, without crossing into harshness or sibilance. Instruments are equally well-treated, with a biting, detailed quality that’s both engaging and natural. The timbre is impressive, maintaining a lifelike quality that’s often hard to achieve in this price range.

Treble

Treble with the silver nozzle is another area where it excels. The lower treble is energetic and detailed, giving the music a crisp, clean edge without becoming aggressive. The upper treble extends well, adding airiness and sparkle to the sound. Cymbal hits and other high-frequency details are rendered with precision, feeling solid without any piercing harshness. This makes the silver nozzle a great choice for those who appreciate detail and clarity in their treble, i call it the classic simgot treble
Technical Performance

From a technical standpoint, the silver nozzle is a standout. The soundstage is well-balanced, offering good width and depth that creates an immersive listening experience. Imaging is precise, allowing you to easily place instruments and vocals within the soundscape. Separation is clean, with each element of the music feeling distinct yet cohesive. Micro details are well-presented, giving you insight into the finer nuances of your tracks. The overall clarity is excellent, with transients feeling sharp and responsive.

Gold Nozzle: Warmth and Smoothness

Bass

Switching to the gold nozzle, the first thing you’ll notice is the increase in bass quantity. The bass feels slightly larger and more punchy compared to the silver nozzle, giving the music a warmer and more solid foundation. However, while the bass is more pronounced, it doesn't have the same level of control and speed as the silver nozzle. This might make the gold nozzle more appealing to those who enjoy a fuller, more impactful bass, even if it comes at the cost of some precision.

Mids

The mids with the gold nozzle are a touch weightier, offering a bit more body to the sound. Vocals are smoother, providing a more laid-back and relaxed presentation compared to the silver nozzle. While this can be pleasant, especially for longer listening sessions, the vocals don’t come across as clear or as defined as they do with the silver nozzle but with the warmth it makes the vocals more natural and with organic sounding timbre. The smoother mids might be more forgiving on tracks that are prone to sibilance or harshness, making the gold nozzle a good option for those who prefer a less forward midrange.

Treble

Treble with the gold nozzle is also smoother and less aggressive. It retains enough detail to keep things interesting but lacks the same level of sparkle and airiness that the silver nozzle provides. This results in a sound that’s easier on the ears, particularly for treble-sensitive listeners, but it might not satisfy those who crave high-frequency detail and extension.

Technical Performance

When it comes to technical performance, the gold nozzle falls slightly behind the silver. Micro details aren’t as pronounced, and the overall clarity takes a slight hit. The soundstage remains decent, but the imaging and separation aren’t as precise or as clean. Transients also feel a bit softer, making the overall sound less immediate and detailed. That said, if you prioritize a smoother, more relaxed listening experience, the gold nozzle could be a better fit for you. i actually prefer the gold nozzle, its the warmth in the mids and the added weight on the bass with the smoothness of the treble just adds to an already musical and immersive sound, suits my playlist well.

In essence, the choice between the two comes down to your personal taste. If you lean towards detail, clarity, and a more balanced sound, the silver nozzle will likely be your go-to. But if you prefer a bit more warmth, with a smoother, more laid-back presentation, the gold nozzle is worth considering.





Final Thoughts

The Simgot EW300 DSP version is a testament to the brand's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. It takes everything that made the EW100 and EW200 great—fun, musicality, and a well-tuned Harman sound—and adds a layer of refinement that makes it stand out. The EW300 is like the best of both worlds, offering the warmth and bass of the EW series with the detail and clarity more akin to the EA line. It's an IEM that can appeal to a broad audience, whether you're a casual listener or someone who appreciates a bit more technicality in their sound.

In summary, the Simgot EW300 DSP version is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile, well-rounded IEM that doesn't compromise on either fun or technical performance. Whether you’re listening through the DSP mode or using a regular 4.4mm cable like I did, the EW300 delivers a satisfying audio experience that's sure to please.

Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/si...3W5-OamvkVvCUez29rJRDt3cvDbD8BqZBr4B32WhCuxkF

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Simgot/Linsoul for providing this review unit.

The Simgot EW300 can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ew300 (no affiliate links).





INTRODUCTION

Please note that there are 3 versions of the EW300:
- Standard EW300 - $69.99 USD
- HBB EW300 - $75.99 USD
- DSP version - $79.99 USD

Essentially, the DSP version has the same analogue tuning as the standard version earpiece, just that the included DSP cable changes the tonality slightly - this DSP variant is a hair less pronounced in the mid-bass and treble. So in a way, buying the DSP version may be the most cost-effective of the 3 on offer, since one gets 2 IEMs in one purchase by just swapping out the DSP cable for an aftermarket analogue cable.

We will be reviewing the standard EW300 variant in more detail below.


SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x 10 mm ceramic composite dynamic driver + 1 x 6 mm annular magnetic planar driver + 1 x piezoelectric ceramic driver
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• Sensitivity: 121 dB/Vrms on silver-red nozzle; 119 dB/Vrms on gold-pink nozzle
• Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm; silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable; 3.5 mm termination; type-C USB cable in the DSP variant

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- 2 pairs of tuning nozzles
- Spare nozzle foam and O-rings
- Carrying case

For something retailing at just below $100 USD, the accessories are not class-leading; I would have preferred a wider selection of tips, or even a modular cable.




Nevertheless, the sole set of silicone tips is serviceable enough, from a comfort and sonic perspective.




The stock cable is a silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable that is thin and tangly, with microphonics in abundance. It is shrouded with anti-oxidation PVC, which perhaps can guard against hardening from UV.




We have an ovoid semi-rigid case that is quite functional, with soft lining and webbing internally.




It is a great touch that Simgot has included a spare set of tuning foams and O-rings. These foams can be placed inside the tuning nozzles to damp the upper frequencies should you wish to.

Last but not least, we have 2 pairs of tuning nozzles, which we talk about more in the following sections.

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


BUILD/COMFORT



The standard edition EW300 is fashioned from CNC-manufactured alloy. It is built very solidly, but the mirror-like shells may be fingerprint of scratch magnets, so do be careful when handling them.



Comfort is very agreeable, with no awkward protrusions along the inner aspects to stab the ears. Indeed, the EW300 can be used for long listening sessions without much discomfort.



Being a vented IEM, the EW300 has only average isolation, and sadly I encountered driver flex on my pair, but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and types of eartips used.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the EW300 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is easy to drive, with no hard requirements for amplification. The DSP version is likewise very easy to juice, and may get very loud at just 1 - 2% on a PC sound card (thankfully it doesn't hiss unlike some other DSP gear).


INTERNALS/TUNING NOZZLES

The EW300 packs an eclectic setup, comprising of:
- 1 x 10 mm ceramic composite dynamic driver
- 1 x 6 mm annular magnetic planar driver
- 1 x piezoelectric ceramic driver configuration

As per most of its peers in 2024, the EW300 is a tunable IEM via 2 nozzles:

Graph of the Simgot EW300 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The silver/red O-ring nozzle furnishes a warm-neutral tonality, with a generous dollop of sub-bass extension. In contrast, the gold/pink O-ring nozzle confers an L-shaped tuning with more bass and less treble, but we have some penalties in resolution and technicalities on it.

I'm glad to report that the EW300 is a departure from the classic Simgot house sound, which usually has greater emphasis on the upper midrange. This iteration is much more soothing and tamed in this region - and furthermore, it is no biggie taming this area even more by stuffing the included spare foams into the nozzles if the anti-pinna gain gang gets frisky.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The following impressions are done with the silver/red nozzle in use.

As alluded to, this configuration sports a warm-neutral tonality.

This is a sub-bass focused set, with a visceral rumble felt down to 20 Hz. The mid-bass has good texturing and speed, and mid-bass bleed is minimal. The EW300 truly has one of the better bass playbacks amongst the sub-$100 fare.

The lower mids are a tinge depressed, but there is no bass bleed to encroach here, thus transparency is still maintained, with quite a clean midrange heard. With a 7ish dB upper midrange peak - this is a far cry from the usual steroid-infused pinna gain of Simgot's tuning - vocals are quite well-behaved with minimal shoutiness.

The treble tails off relatively early, so the EW300 is not a super airy set by any means. There is some sparkle but thankfully little sibilance. With the addition of the planar and piezo drivers, resolution is still upkept without needing to artificially boost this region.

The EW300 performs quite well in technical aspects. Imaging is accurate with an expansive soundstage. Micro-details are sprinkled nicely in the soundscape and this IEM copes well in instrument separation when more complex riffs come out to play.

Unfortunately, in timbral accuracy, the EW300 faces some headwinds - acoustic instruments have some hollowness to notes, with a distinct lack of an aerophone tail in woodwinds - this is somewhat inevitable with the addition of planar and piezo tech.


COMPARISONS

The EW300 will be compared against other budget tribrids with exotic configurations. Traditional hybrids, single DDs, multi-BAs, and single planars, which have their own pros and cons, are left out of the comparisons.

Once again the following impressions are done with the silver/red nozzle in use.




Kinera Celest Plutus Beast

This is a slightly pricier tribrid, utilizing a bone conduction + balanced armature + square planar driver config. This IEM also has driver flex. The Plutus Beast has no tuning nozzles, so versatility goes to the EW300.

The Plutus Beast has a sharper upper mids spike which can prove fatiguing for pinna-gain sensitive listeners, and a more rolled-off treble. The Plutus Beast also has weaker technicalities - in imaging, soundstage and micro-details, and it can't keep up with very complex or rapid riffs, with music smearing into a nebulous blob.

Additionally, the Plutus Beast's low 8 ohm impedance may make source pairing tricky with higher output impedance sources, whereas the EW300 is more source agnostic.


Kinera Celest Phoenix Call

The Phoenix Call engine consists of a DD + 2 BA + 2 flat panel driver (FPD) Frankenstein setup.

This IEM is deeply V-shaped, with more mid-bass, upper mids and treble than the EW300. This translates to more fatigue and sibilance in the upper registers, and the Phoenix Call also has a more marked sub-bass roll-off, so it has less rumble than the EW300.

The Phoenix Call has a more metallic timbre and thinner midrange, sounding more sterile. In technicalities, the Phoenix Call has better micro-detailing, but a weaker soundstage.

The Phoenix Call has no tunability, but costs almost 2x of the EW300, so price-to-performance ratio easily goes to the EW300.


CONCLUSIONS



The Simgot EW300 features a mishmash DD + planar + piezoelectric configuration, which is surprisingly well-implemented despite the disparate driver types. This can easily go south when it comes to tonality and coherence - as per some of the tribrids discussed in the comparisons section - so kudos to the tuning team for synergizing the myriad drivers properly.

With 2 tuning nozzles - and a more laid-back upper midrange than the typical Simgot house sound - the EW300 fixes tonal complaints from detractors of the brand's usual shouty pinna gain region. The gold/pink nozzle features a more relaxed and bassy tuning (though with some veiling of technical performance), whereas the silver/red nozzle is superior in technicalities and has a more extended upper frequency band. Indeed, the EW300 on the silver/red nozzle is one of the more technical IEMs at the sub-$100 region, without veering to sterility due to the introduction of an impactful sub-bass.

Other than some compromises in timbral accuracy from employing planar and piezo gear, most of my complaints have to do with non-sonic aspects, such as driver flex, a somewhat sub-par cable and eartip selection, coupled with perhaps the mirror-like finish on the standard EW300 being a potential scratch or fingerprint magnet.

Thankfully, the EW300 is build quite solidly, with good ergonomics and easy drivability. I would consider this set to be one of the new benchmarks at the sub-$100 region, and it would be a nice introductory set for those entering the CHIFI rabbithole.

Simgot EW300 Standard Version VS Simgot EW300 x HBB Version VS Simgot EW300 DSP Version​

Introduction​

To be honest, I never expected the EW300 to come in three different versions. I believe Simgot did the right thing by catering to each and every person's interests. Even if there is a distinct difference between the DSP and Standard versions, I will need to confirm whether the HBB version differs in sound in the tiniest manner conceivable. When it comes to the brand itself, I've been following and supporting SImgot for a long time, and I still believe that all of their goods are excellent in terms of sound and quality.I've always loved their EA series because of how they made me fall in love with the sound, even though it didn't sound like my preferred sound. However, I have been lucky enough to evaluate and test all three versions of the EW300 for this review, but before proceeding, I would like to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul and Simgot, I am grateful to them. 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 for all three version.
*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 all three IEMs as the same.
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate all three versions based on their performance, even though I will explain how they feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*This time, my review will be different from my typical structure, and it may become more of a comparison, but I will try to cover all features of all three versions.

Specification​

In terms of shell shape and size, each of the versions are comparable, with the exception that the basic version is silver-finished and the other two have matte black paint. All versions share the same accessories, with the exception of the DSP version, which simply includes a USB-C terminating cable. All variants use the same driver configuration: a 10mm dynamic driver, an annular magnetic planar, and a 10mm ceramic piezoelectric driver. All models have heft and weight, and they are built like tanks. The form of the IEMs is comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, and with the correct eartips, I achieved a decent isolated seal. On a personal note, I think the Heart design on the right and the X design on the left are cool and unique in the world of IEMs. The cables that come with the normal and HBB versions are the same as those that come with the EA500 series, with 2 pin and 3.5mm terminations, but I believe they are lighter in weight; however, the DSP cable has an L-shaped USB-C and two pin termination with an attached mic. Other accessories include three pairs of eartips in three different sizes, a carrying box, nozzle rings, nozzle filters, and an additional pair of tuning nozzles with variable sound adjustments. Regarding technological specs, all three models have identical configurations. The impedance is 28 Ohms, with a sensitivity of 121dB (silver nozzle with red ring) and 119dB (gold copper nozzle with pink ring). The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

The similarities across the versions are that they all have the same target curve and differ mainly in terms of energy in specific locations. I understand that the DSP version differs from the other IEMs, however the HBB version has the same sound as the normal version. To be honest, there isn't much of a difference between the IEMs when used with a 3.5mm connection, however the DSP version includes a Type-C cable with an integrated DAC&AMP, which has an influence and variances in sound. As previously stated, there are no sound variations between the HBB and Standard versions; the only thing that distinguishes the HBB version is the exclusive remark and change in appearance. During my testing, I actually soured for 6 hours straight to identify any discrepancies between all three versions so that I didn't leave any stone unturned. To achieve this expectation, I used several sources, cables, and eartips to get at this conclusion. So from now on, I will be judging both the EW300 Standard Version and the EW300 HBB Version equally.

EW300 Standard Version & EW300 HBB Edition​

When it comes to responsiveness, both IEMs produce a more balanced sound with a strong emphasis on the upper midrange and bass, as well as the sparkling magic that Simgot has throughout the 12k-15k range, but I was startled to learn that the response was not what I expected. I mean this kind of response and how SIMGOT usually tunes their IEMs, the response tends to be more enticing and somewhat spicy sounding, but that is not the case with the EW300 versions. However, with DSP, there are some areas that I find highlighted, which I will discuss later in the review.

When it comes to the treble, the response has a more tonally favorable tone, which enlightens the whole response with tremendous detail, but at the expense of more rounded notes; instead of being sharp, the notes have a continuous and rich sound, but the pumps that SIMGOT DNA enthusiasts enjoy. The vocals and instruments retain the expressive and airy style that the EA series is known for, but the sound is more tonally balanced. The dip between the 5k and 8k regions could be the source of such a balanced and transient sound. When listening to one of my favorite tracks by Ai Higuchi, namely Akuma no ko, the same crisp and expressive vocals that sounded magical and stimulating when listened to EA1000 or EA500 retains here as well, and judging by the fact that her vocals do not offset that timbre while scaling high in these two pairs really brings the best performance I could've asked for, the same can be said about the instruments, as the balance between clarity and preserving the note's integrity is well demonstrated by the EW300 series' capabilities.

When it comes to the midrange, nothing stands out as lean or demeanor in a way that would bring any offensive traits into the mix, thanks to the 5k dip that thoroughly explores the 3k region without making it sound shouty and hot. I would also mention that the thickness of the lower midrange contributes to such a response. The vocals, in particular, have a more sophisticated presence, which I find captivating and beautiful. This quality allows both male and female vocals to sound unique, giving the impression of greater resolution than IEMs priced around or even higher than the EW300 series. Because of the distinction and clarity between the notes, the instruments, which are positioned slightly back, sound cleaner and crisper than I expected. Not only that, but the vocals and instruments sound deeper and richer as a result of the thick and clean-sounding lower midrange. Tracks like Burning by Hitsujibungaku sound clear and very opening, with all of the instruments and vocals happening at the same time. In fact, the female vocal retains that forwardness without losing that weight and magic, while the instruments set a great pace with precision and clarity, not overpowering any vocal notes.

When it comes to bass, I believe the way the tuning is done is best preferred or adored by many, and I believe that the EW300 is the only set in the IEMs they have released in the last two years that has such a bass response. I mean, I still love the bass quality and dynamics of the EA1000, but I still feel that if viewed from an overall perspective, the EW300 really soothes my heart. The bass has it all: rumble, punch, slams, and the faithful weight of bass notes, which essentially means that the sounds have a meatier and thicker response while being resolved and detailed. The bass emphasis is on the subbass, but as previously stated, it does not overshadow the midbass slams. Whether it is the bass guitar or drums, all have a good heaviness to the impact and richness to the notes. I can't claim the notes sound truly authentic, but they convey that sensation. For such a response, I believe the EW300 outweighs all IEMs that exceed its specifications.For example, in Kenshi Yonezu's Garakuta - JUNK, the drums have a good warmish and thick response, and the bass guitar slams are clear enough to be heard while providing good impact and exposure. The whole presentation of the tune is heightened by a rich and nostalgic component, since the song has a 2000s vibe.

When comparing the Red ring and Pink ring nozzles, I believe that the Pink nozzles provide a richer and warmer sound. I believe that folks who still believe that the upper frequencies contribute to spiciness will prefer the Pink nozzle implementation. The response is affectively tamed in the upper midrange, producing a warmish V-shape. I believe the male voices are more meticulously conveyed, and the instruments have more rounded notes, making the response sound smoother and richer, whereas the female vocals lack that openness and airy presence. Aside from that, there aren't any significant alterations in the mix.

EW300 DSP Edition​

When it comes to the DSP edition(Silver nozzle with red rings), there are a few areas where the response differs from how the EW300 sounds in analog presentation. The first is the implication of a different DAC&AMP integration, which provides a distinct response in terms of technicalities, most notably the stage. With the response expressed in front of you, it has a more mid-centric response, yet the bass sounds clearly defined, with better control over the note's intensity and weight. When it comes to the treble, this version has a more subdued expression of the treble, however it doesn't discard that airy presence in the region. Both the male and female vocals have less presence, Take the music Akuma no ko by Ai Haguchi; it sounds less broad and expansive, allowing her voice to lose their X factor. The mid range sounds more forwarded with the vocals being the star of the presentation, but the vocals sometimes sound shouty and the male vocals sounding a little lacking in the girth, when I heard Burning by Hitsujibungaku, her vocals felt like it didn't sound fuller and powerful enough while maintaining that distinction and clarity, I believe that her vocals became too much forward as at times the notes impacted negatively while producing a lean response, the instruments, on the other hand, seem clear and crisp but more intimate. As previously said, the bass has a less dynamic sound, but it is more defined and textured because to the control over the impact and presence. The impact is precise but not particularly strong, and the bass is well-controlled. For instance, Kenshi Yonezu's Garakuta - JUNK track sounded more precise and lost some of its warmth and richness, but the vocals were still more expressive and clear. Thus, overall, the response has a better balanced bass response and a more neutral sound.

The difference between the red ring and pink ring nozzles was apparent in how the midrange was presented. With the pink ring nozzle, female vocals sounded more vibrant, while the overall impact of the notes remained consistent. The response felt more neutral, yet the bass had a stronger presence, resulting in a slightly fuller and less lean overall sound.

Technical Performance​

In terms of technical abilities, I believe the EW300 series outperforms IEMs above its price range. I mean, if I look at the analog side of the EW300, the IEMs have great technicalities, and this has been the case with almost all SIMGOT IEMs, but I don't believe it differs significantly from the EA500 series, but I do believe that the clarity of the EW300 is nearly equal to the EA500 series. The soundstage has a wide width and depth due to precise imaging and good separation between the notes. By this, I mean that the notes are sharp and clear, and there is good contrast between the notes, which helps identify where the sound is coming from. Though I should emphasize that the response is more holographic, so it is closer than one may assume, but none come close to how well it performs among its contemporaries. In terms of resolution, both macro and micro details are expressive enough to sound detailed and express clarity. Even the note attack and decay are swift, allowing for a very defined performance, particularly in the bass region, without sounding overwhelming or bloated due to the quantity of bass that leaks into the lower midrange. When it comes to the DSP, I believe the response changes significantly in terms of note position and headspace; that is, the stage gets more forward and back of the head presented as the width gap is closed while the depth is better expressed. Overall, the response is one of the greatest I've heard in terms of technicalities, costing roughly $70.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

As previously indicated, the DSP version employs DAC&AMP. I have clearly stated how it sounds when compared to the Standard and HBB versions. I will only discuss my impressions of the analog version below.

Sony WM1A - While listening to the WM1A with the IEMs, the response sounded wider and more spacious, while the midrange was smoothed and balanced, and the treble became more present in the mix, resulting in a more sparkling but not sharp sound. The response was not very strong or dramatic, with each note hitting sounding light, but the overall presentation sounded realistic and spacious. The bass sounded fuller, richer, and more powerful. There are times when the presentation of the singers and instruments seems genuine and lifelike.

FiiO M15S - While listening to the WM1A with the IEMs, the response seemed very clean and resolved, and the bass sounded much more controlled while retaining the same heaviness and impact but with greater precision. The upper frequencies seem more appealing because the treble provides a more forward presentation, yet the midrange maintains the same presence. Though I find the response to be more intimate and revealing. The notes sounded less rich and energetic, but the overall response was clear and detailed.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize this review, I believe SIMGOT has always demonstrated potential in each and every product they have launched, and now that it comes to the EW300 series, I am really impressed with the dedication, hard work, and patience required to develop the best sounding IEM under $100 in my opinion. In fact, I believe the EW300 outperforms the EA500 series in terms of overall presentation; congrats to SIMGOT for developing this amazing beast. When it comes to the different versions, it seems that anyone interested in the HBB version would likely choose it for its exclusivity, collaboration, or perhaps the sleek black anodized finish, which I find particularly striking. However, if someone is seeking the best sound under $100, either version would be a solid choice. That said, those who prefer a Type-C connection and a matte black finish should definitely opt for the DSP version. In my opinion, the DSP version offers the best value for money, as it allows you to use any two-pin 3.5mm analog cable and still achieve the same tuning as the HBB and Standard versions.

SIMGOT EW300 / DSP REVIEW: CONVENIENCE MEETS QUALITY​

Watch full review here:​

PRICE:​

• $69 (Standard 3.5mm ver.)
• $79 (DSP ver.)

PROS:​

• One of the most versatile and balanced tuning under $150
• Very refined sounding tribrid set-up
• Superb balance of musicality and technicalities
• Inoffensive yet well-detailed treble presentation
• Rich, deep-reaching and rumbly bass
• Good midrange note weight and nuance
• Effective tuning nozzles
• Option for DSP that cleans the lower mids and smoothens the treble
• Clean separation
• Precise imaging and layering
• L-Shaped jack for the DSP

CONS:​

• Slight metallic timbre
• Scratch and fingerprint prone finish (on base ver)
• Chip-prone finish (DSP ver.)
• Not the most snug or best sealing fit
• DSP cable is memory prone and stiff
• Packaging is lackluster

WHO THIS SET IS FOR:​

• People looking for the most versatile tuned set under $150
• People who want a good balance of musicality and technicalities
• People who want Simgot’s refined tuning
• People who want the option for a DSP cable and analogue cable
• People who like tuning nozzles that make a distinctive change

WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:​

• People who don’t like fingerprint/scratch/chip prone finishes
• People who want a perfectly natural timbre
• People who want a traditionally bright Simgot set
• People who are finicky about fit
• People who want a generous package

RECOMMENDED GENRES:​

• Most genres work with the EW300 and EW300 DSP

SHORT REVIEW:​

Simgot continues to push the boundary of how good an IEM could sound without draining your wallet. Versatile, technically-capable and insanely refined perfectly defines what makes the EW300 a near perfect set for anyone looking for an IEM in 2024. Pair that with the option for a DSP cable and you have yourself the best sounding and most convenient IEM that you can just plug and play. Some might take issue with the finish on both sets, the lackluster inclusion and the slight timbre issue, but you cannot find anything better than what the EW300 does for under $100. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FULL REVIEW​

A couple of reviews back, I said that consistency is one of the hardest things to achieve for a company in a market as fast as audio. You either succumb to trends or die off like many companies that were the flavor of the month only to fall into obscurity.

Then you have brands like Simgot that, for almost 2 years at this point, have been releasing bangers upon bangers with every release. While not every single release have been as revolutionary as something like their golden goose, the EA500, you can’t deny that they’ve kept it consistent with their releases.

Except they didn’t stay consistent in every single way. On the contrary, they’ve evolved and adapted not only to market trends but also to their own identity. The one thing they kept consistent was the quality of their products.

Come 2024 and they’ve released the long awaited update to the EW200, the EW300. Plug in 2 more, different drivers and a detachable nozzle like their EA series, an option for a DSP cable and what have we got in our hands? A masterpiece? An abomination? Or a tribrid DSP revolution?

DISCLAIMER:
Thank you to Simgot and Linsoul for sending over the EW300 in exchange for my honest thoughts. Rest assured, all thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not compensated to say anything about the product.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE​

The EW200 was arguably the best value Simgot IEM that Simgot has ever released. $40 worth of nearly $100+ sound quality. The only thing it couldn’t do was provide you a complete package like it’s competitors. But when it sounds that good, how can you complain?

The EA500, along with its successor the EA500LM, were both well-renowned for the same thing but also for popularizing the detachable nozzle trend that has taken the audio market by storm. So what happens when you combine these two amazing series and their recent love for multidriver systems and a DSP? You get the $69 - $79 EW300. Let’s starting with the unboxing.

UNBOXING:​

Let’s be real; Simgot has never been the best at unboxings and inclusions. Not their budget EW sets nor their flagship EA sets. The EW300 is no different

Here’s a full list of the accessories:

• Simgot EW300
• 6 pairs of eartips
• Detachable nozzles
• Nozzle foam
• O-Rings
• 3.5mm Cable (base)
• DSP Cable (DSP ver.)

Decent eartips, spacious case. If I were to go in depth with these again, I’d sound like a broken record and I’d break my head in.

BUILD & FIT​

One of the things I appreciate Simgot doing is keeping certain aspects of their existing sets and improving it to fit their modern standards.



Their fantastic build is one of the few things that I commended Simgot for normalizing at a low budget with the likes of the EW200 and the EW300 proves that you can keep this form factor while improving the different aspects of the set.

Firstly, the EW300 is rocking a 3 driver set-up. A single dynamic driver, 1 planar driver and 1 piezoelectric driver. This is a first for Simgot in terms of drivers, but not their first doing multidriver set-ups.



But the fact that they were able to fit this in essentially the same shell as the EW200 is just insane.



Pair that with the fact that they also gave the EW300 detachable nozzle makes this arguably the amalgamation of every Simgot set that has been released to date. Multi driver configuration? Check. Detachable nozzle? Check. Full metal build? Check. Shoddy fitting? Unfortunately, check.



While this is an improvement from the Simgot EW200 in terms of fitting, I still think that it suffers from the poor seal and stability that has plagued every single Simgot IEM I’ve tried to date. From their cheapest to the most expensive, you will experience one or two fit issues whether it’d be the seal of the external sounds which also affects the bass presentation or the stability which might cause your IEM to plop out your ear, the EW300 still has that to a degree. This at least guarantees that you won’t experience any driver flex or air pressure build up or even ear pressure, but that’s a tradeoff that you’ll want to think about if you’ve tried Simgot sets.



Another special thing they did was provide a very unique finish for their DSP version. Unlike the shiny and fingerprint magnet standard EW300, the DSP (and the HBB version) have a dark matte finish that make it more handsome but a little bit more terrifying to scratch as this kind of finish is the type to chip off if my experience from Moondrop sets have told me me anything.



Cable wise, you get basically the same cable that Simgot has paired with their IEMs since the EW200. Soft, supple, good quality and generally usable. It’s becoming my favorite kind of stock cable with just how good my experience with it has been.



The DSP version has a thinner, not as supple cable but is still good quality. The standout feature is that L-Plug Type C connector that I have not seen in any DSP IEMs and is arguably the best implementation of a DSP plug. It also comes with a mic for those who like to call in style.

SOUND​

NOTE: Because the EW300 has a detachable nozzle and a DSP option, I will be talking about the silver nozzle on 3.5mm and compare it to the pink nozzle later along with the DSP options.

Sound Signature​

The EW300 features a rather refreshing, warmer U-Shape sound signature that follows Simgot’s golden target first found in the EA1000. This is not your usual bright u-shaped Simgot as the low end is considerably warmer, richer and thicker while maintaining a very clean and open sounding midrange and the distinctly refined, crisp and energetic treble but toned down for a more generally versatile sounding set. Unfortunately, Simgot could not completely get rid of the somewhat metallic nature of the drivers used and can occasionally feature a metallic timbre on certain tracks. However, it is considerably more refined than its competitors in this regard.

Source Pairing​

The EW300 is a surprisingly consistent set in the sources I plugged it on with one minor point: using a higher quality source can considerably improve the bass dynamics compared to lower quality sources. You get the usual improved stage and layering with a better source, but dynamics is where the EW300 takes a hit if you skimp out on the sources. Using my Fosi SK02 brings out the best in the EW300 while weaker, more portable sources like the Jcally AP10 lacked the low end punch to really make the EW300 sound alive.

Volume Scaling​

Thanks to its warmer tone, the EW300 can be cranked quite high up in terms of volume compared to its bretheren. It’s still no dark basshead IEM that you’d need to bring the volume to headringing levels to bring out the rest of the sound, but this is the highest volume Simgot IEM my ears can handle. Medium to high listening volumes is ideal with the EW300

Bass​

One of my biggest issues with hybrid Simgot sets in the past is how they integrate their bass. It’s either sloppy or just straight up untextured despite having good quantity. Thankfully, the EW300 minimizes the issue as the dynamics are much closer to the likes of the EW200 with a more focused low end that likes to get a little punchy on certain tracks. Extension is pretty good and the tactility is decent. However, it still has to stretch its wings to compare with the EA series of IEMs, especially the EA1000 and EA2000 in terms of bass quality. Nonetheless, the quantity makes up for it and make the combination of the solid punchiness and extension make it a more versatile and better quality bass than those that came before, Still, EA500 cannot be beat in tactility.

Mids​

Never has Simgot midrange sounded this smooth and silky! While a certain level of thinness can be tolerated, the lushness of vocals in contrast to the overall sound signature is something to be adored by as Simgot seems to have finally found the perfect tonal balance to get open, nuanced midrange and a good note weight and engagement that doesn’t sound like the singers are congested. Granted, the EA500LM and the EW200 aren’t necessarily that bad in terms of their midrange presentation. However, I cannot deny that the EW300 is Simgot proving to everyone that they can do a non-shouty midrange while keeping the details.

Treble​

My tears shed for the fallen treblehead brethren who were expecting the EW300 to be another treble-centric Simgot because it really wasn’t. Granted, they did not skimp out on the quality of the treble and I believe this is the best quality treble that Simgot has released, barring the somewhat metallic tone. But what really got me falling in love with the treble of the EW300 is the fact that they were able to keep that Simgot magic of having such a refined treble presentation that is free from grain or roughness while keeping the insane level of details that you could really only find on more expensive hybrid sets. Granted, $69 is stretching the “budget” nature of the set, but it’s a far cry from other sets that do treble much worse at more expensive price points.

Technicalities​

While I believe the EW300 is a technically capable set, moreso than its competitors, I believe that it’s not far from the technical ability that the EA500LM has set almost a year prior. Do I think that the EW300 has a cleaner, more accurate layering and separation than the EA500LM? Yes, but not marginally. Where the EW300 really takes its technical ability down is the dynamics and transient ability being smoother than the usual Simgot sets that make those a technical wonder. This is further compounded when we talk about the DSP version.

PINK NOZZLE​

Ever felt like the EW300 was just a little bit too vocal forward or lacked bass quantity? Well, the pink ring nozzle is there to save the day! It brings the bass quantity up quite noticeably and tones down the upper midrange to not only bring the emphasis lower but further the ear gain to a 3.5k peak. This opens up the midrange to be more linear rather than vocal focused while still maintaining a solid vocal presence when the track needs it.

Granted, this does make the overall sound warmer and ever so slightly colors the midrange warmer, but I’d argue that it makes it more organic and natural sounding. Well, except for one aspect.

I want to call this the Conch peak because the Conch is one of the worst offenders of this. A clean and warm low end to upper midrange that is halted with a peak in the mid treble and dips in the upper treble brings a somewhat sudden contrast from bright to dark that, in certain IEMs, sounds horrendous (see TRN Conch). The EW300 doesn’t sound as bad with this peak as it still has a rather consistent level of brightness even on the pink ring nozzle, but it’s audible in poorly mixed tracks where there’s a sudden spike of sharpness in the T and S sounds. Thankfully, it’s masked pretty well with the warmth and that later peak aids in making the transition smoother than other sets that have this quirk.

DSP VERSION​

I’ve made a post about comparing the DSP and Analogue versions and seeing whether there was a difference. You can check the post here, but in short, the IEMs are virtually the same and the DSP is what makes the difference.



So what exactly does the DSP do? Take everything I said about the EW300 but lower the midbass, treble and smoothen the dynamics and transients further. I mentioned in the source pairing section that a higher quality source improves the dynamics of the EW300 and this is the perfect example. On my Fosi SK02, the EW300 sounds rich and dynamic on both pink and red nozzles. The DSP version takes that dynamic low end and smoothens it out while also smoothening the transients. This has the unfortunate effect of the IEM sound a bit more low res compared to the SK02 despite both listening to the same kind of file (both Spotify lossy and bitperfect FLAC).



This is perfect for those who still found the EW300 too edgy or sharp and wanted less midbass. Personally, I liked the EW300 in analogue mode in both sets, but I’d honestly get the DSP cable for the convenience and put in a 3.5mm or even 4.4mm cable of my own and enjoy a superbly dynamic and snappy EW300.

COMPARISONS​

vs Celest Phoenixcall​

One of the few Tribrid’s that I’ve tried so far, the EW300 presents itself as the more “normal” sounding set out of the two, masking it’s “tribrid” nature with a smooth and natural tone with the technical improvements that you might expect from a tribrid. The Phoenixcall on the other hand is unapologetically tribrid sounding. A big, warm and boomy bass, followed by an unexpectedly crisp and clean midrange and a very snappy and sharp treble that is all levels of incoherent but technically impressive and detailed sounding set. The EW300 is not as technical as the Phoenixcall, but is more natural sounding thanks to a more refined overall sound from implementation to tuning.

vs Simgot EW200​

Compared to its predecessor, the EW200 is a more dynamic, consistent but less technically capable sounding set to the EW300’s warmer yet more refined, cleaner separated and wider sound. The EW200 is not to be retired, however, as the overall presentation being more consistent and dynamic still carries to this day as one of the best single DD IEMs under $50 or even $100 you can get. But you really can’t beat the improvements in technical ability you get from a tribrid for $30 more.

vs Simgot EA500LM​

Telling a similar story to the EW200, the EA500LM is a more consistent and dynamic sounding set but refines the overall sound further. I don’t think the EW300 exists to replace the EA500LM in the price range, but rather as an option for someone who wants a warmer, more versatile and smoother sounding set with arguably more options with the likes of a DSP cable and an arguably prettier looking finish. Nonetheless, the EA500LM is still a more dynamic, punchier and more tactile set with a sharper focus on details compared to the EW300

vs Simgot Supermix4​

Compared to its slightly older multi driver hybrid sibling, the EW300 is a step down in terms of technical ability and refinement to the Supermix 4, but arguably a more versatile tuning thanks to the nozzles and the warmer overall tuning that makes songs sound a lot richer and more balanced compared to the pure Harman Supermix 4. Still, the Supermix 4 deserves to be called one of the most refined Simgot’s to be released in recent time as much as the EW300 does.

CONCLUSION​

Turns out, you can try new things and succeed as Simgot has proved with the EW300 amongst their other new releases. I genuinely think that the EW300 can confidently replace many of the sub $100 options with its very mature yet very technically capable tuning that gives you an option to either go for the usual Simgot vocal energetic sound or a warmer, almost HBB-like tuning.

Do I think you’ll like the EW300? Probably. Is the EW300 a proper successor to the EW200? Unfortunately, not. The EW300 loses the vibrant and energetic tone along with the punchy and dynamic sound that the EW200 had. However, it takes from what made Simgot popular and well-received and the trends of having warmer and more versatile tuning to make this insanity that is unlike anything that Simgot has released and one of the best to be released in 2024 by far.

Thank you for reading my review on the Simgot EW300. If you’d like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below:
Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/
SIMGOT EW300: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ew300

#Linsoul #Simgot

Intro
Simgot is having quite a 2024 starting off with the EA500LM and continuing on with the SuperMix 4 and the EM10 which proved they can be more than their 'house' sound. In comes the EW300, a budget tribrid that comes in 3 iterations (regular, HBB, and DSP). With the DSP version having the most difference (albeit minimal) between them but more so with the aesthetics and connrctivity, we will be taking a look at both versions. Can this set convert those that are wary of the Simgot tuning? Let's discuss and see why it is worth checking both out especially if you find the EA500LM bright and would want a tamer, more 'correct', balanced sounding version.




Build and Inclusions
The EW300 comes in the familiar Simgot packaging though with a more modern touch in cover design which might be a love-hate kind of thing. What I would say for the price that you're paying for this though, you get more than your money's worth and you'd never feel shortchanged. This budget tribrid comes in a configuration of a 10mm dynamic driver, a planar magnetic driver, and a PZT - all housed in a glossy, chrome-like mirror finish metal alloy shell which features the X and ♡ faceplate shape on each side. It's done tastefully and does not distract too much. The EW300 DSP on the other hand, has a matte black finish that may appeal to those who are finicky to scratch prone materials. The size of the housings are very similar to the EW200 which is weighty but still comfortable and fits in nicely into your ear without any sharp edges. It comes with the usual Simgot zipper case along with 3-pairs of eartips, a gold tuning nozzle with purple ring, some precut foams for your dampening preference, and finally the non-modular 3.5mm SE cable which is not really special but does the job than most. Special to note though that the DSP version comes with a USB-C cable instead and does its job really well, connecting seamlessly with any USB-C device I plug it in. What's interesting though is it has a built-in mic compared to other DSP cables, very useful for your online calls and gaming purposes which is a very nice touch.





EW200 vs EW300 size comparison

Sound and Comparisons
The EW300 is not just a SuperMix4 without the BA driver. It is an identity in itself. It sets itself apart from the other Simgot sets, not too Harman-sounding like the SuperMix4 as well as not the energetic bright V-shape like the EW200 and EA500LM. It can be said as a 'correct-sounding' Simgot, with a balanced character that is somewhat pleasant sounding than its breathren. The bass though is still punchy and impactful, the mids are clean and articulate though sometimes a bit tamed while the treble, while not as energetic and airy as its peers is a breath of fresh (air) for those who find the other Simgots too bright. It still, at times, has its peaks but none too offensive. If you still find these bright, you may opt for the gold nozzles-purple ring for a somewhat tamer presentation, pushing the mids back a bit but with a wider and deeper staging/layering, kind of perfect for gaming, giving the incentive of getting DSP version more due to its mic integration. Soundstage is also worth mentioning as above average especially in the $70 bracket. If you ever find the EW200 and the EA500LM very well implemented except for being bright then this might tickle your fancy. Though for those who have been fans of Simgot and have been enjoying their recent releases, some might find the presentation on these lacking that special Simgot sauce but is still worth the audition if it fits your bill. Still, just in case you find the Truthear Hexa polished and defined yet wanted a colored, fun version of that then the EW300 is worth your listen. It is both smooth yet impactful, a tribrid which is quite an accomplishment to achieve especially at this pricepoint. The DSP version, with the differences being minimal, still noticeable - giving a tighter presentation with the mids being weightier and the bass a bit more defined with more forward dynamics overall. I would choose it with these qualities alone over the Moondrop Chu II as the latter is a bit too warm and muddy for me as a DSP set.





Conclusion
Overall, the EW300 is a remarkable feat of exhibition for the brand. Proving again that they are not just a Harman-rendition house sound. The combination of smooth, pleasant and impactful might just be the ticket for those who want a colored sound without the bright tilt of past Simgot sets. It may not be for everyone especially looking for that special bite and excitement accustomed to the Simgot flavor though they just made another winner in the budget category that punches its performance outside the $70 price bracket. Just add a few bucks and go for the DSP version. And a tribrid at that. Looking for that anti-EA500LM, a balanced Kefine Delci or a fun Truthear Hexa then this might be up your alley. Simgot has done it once again proving they can spread their portfolio without asking for a high admission ticket. If you plan on not using an external DAC amp dongle then I recommend going for the DSP version. It's basically an everyday-carry all-in-one set with a tighter mids better dynamics presentation along with mic integration for your calls and gaming needs, it's my default recommendation for a DSP set.



Sidenotes:
IEM set has been listened via the Sony ZX-707 and Onix Alpha separately with the DSP version dirrctly connected to my Samsung Galaxy S23+ using the stock eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). The Simgot EW300 is available through multiple sellers for $69.99 while the DSP version priced at $79.99.

SIMGOT EW300: JUST TRY IT!!!

1. Intro​

• This review unit I bought myself at the "Omega Audio Store" & what I'm reviewing this time is the standard version.
• For this review I used the EPZ TP20 Pro source on the 3.5mm low gain jack. Just for additional info, this IEM needs quite a bit of power, I plugged it into the TP20 Pro and needed around 60-70% volume on the 3.5 low gain jack. So for this IEM I recommend using at least a source equivalent to the KS01 for comfort.
• For the completeness, it can be said to be standard simgot. Consisting of the IEM itself, a cable similar to the em6l. 3 pairs of eartips, hardcase & additional components such as gold spare nozzles, several spare rings for nozzles & several foam dumpers (maybe for passive tuning?).
• For the build quality of this IEM, it is quite good. Made of solid fullmetal, For the cable is still okay even though it's not the best, at least it can be used & comfortable & the simgot eartips are not the best in terms of sound or comfort but still usable.

2. Sound quality​

- Silver Nozzle:

• The bass has a medium quantity with a focus on the subbass. The subbass has a good extension that feels deep with a good rumble. For the midbass, it also has a good impact even though it's not really a punchy one. In terms of texture, it's also quite good and balanced with good control & speed.
• For the mid, the weight is sufficient with a position slightly behind the bass. The vocals have a portion that tends to be female vocals, the effect of the boost in the uppermid. The vocal presentation is quite energetic, clear, feels loose & quite clear. For sibilance or peak, it's also safe here. For the instruments, they are also addictive, feel biting, open details & feel separated well and the timbre also still feels quite natural.
• For the treble in the lower treble, the presentation is quite energetic & detailed but not to the point of being over or aggressive. For the upper treble, the extension feels good, the airy impression is also steady & the cymbal hits feel steady without the impression of piercing or harsh.
• For the technical side, for the price, it is one of the best. The stage feels quite balanced, the right-left & top-bottom presentation is quite good. For the micro details, it is presented well, the imaging is also quite precise, the separation also feels neat, the clarity is also good, feels clear & the transient also feels steady.

- Gold nozzle:​

• The bass has a slightly larger quantity & feels more punchy than the silver one. Only in terms of control & speed, it is more fun in silver.
• The mids are slightly more weighty with a slightly smoother vocal presentation. The vocals are not too loose & as clear as the silver nozzle.
• For the treble, it also feels a little smoother.
• For the technical side, the micro details, clarity and transients are not as good as the silver nozzle.

3. Comparison​

- Simgot EW300 VS 7hz sonus:

• The bass of EW300 feels more weighty & more fun.
• The vocals feel more forward, more energetic & clearer in EW300, while in sonus the vocals feel sweeter & feel calmer.
• For treble in EW300 feels more energetic, more detailed & slightly better extension.
• For technical most feel in EW300 micro detail is better, the stage also feels more balanced although the width of right-left is slightly better in sonus, same as clarity in EW300 feels clearer.

4. Who is Simgot ew300 suitable for???​

• EW200 or Conch users are suitable for upgrading here thinly.
• For those who like energetic, clear or loose vocals. suitable for female vocals j-pop model suis, ikumi hasegawa or reona.
• For those who need an allrounder iem, here it can accommodate quite a lot of genres, although not all like dangdut or basshead.
• For those who like simgot style tuning but want to try a neater version.

5. Conclusion​

Simgot EW300 is Simgot's latest iem which for me has very good execution. To be honest, I've tried a lot of simgot iems but none of them are suitable, but here I really like it, especially the silver nozzle. the tonal execution feels more mature, balanced by the neat technical presentation. Yes, in my opinion, the Simgot EW300 is one of my favorite items in its price class, alongside the Dunu Titan S2 & Tanchjim 4U. But if you had to choose between the three, the safe choice in my opinion would be this, hahaha. Unless you need better equipment, you can go to Dunu Titan S2 or if you want to focus on vocals, you can go to Tanchjim 4U.

6. Sample song​

• Yorushika - Sunny
• Yorushika - Voice
• Suis from yorushika
• Wakamonono subete
• Ado - Unravel
• Kessoku Band - Shine as usual
• Kessoku Band - Chronostasis
• Evanescence - Bring me to life
• Green Day - Wake me up when September ends-

To me, there has always been something alluring about the idea of “tribrid” IEMs, the ones that use a combination of three different types of drivers. No, featuring a tribrid design does not guarantee that an IEM would be exceptional. I like to think of a tribrid design as the potential to be exceptional, but whether that potential is realised is another matter entirely. Thus, tribrid IEMs sometimes feel like pricy lottery tickets in the audio world. Previously, Simgot has been able to bring quadbrid design down to the $135 price tag. This time, they continue to push the envelope by bringing tribrid down to $70 bracket. Did they succeed? Read on to find out, my friends.

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around my head, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it is not make the orchestra, violin, cellos, and pianos sound wrong.
• I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (Poor) to 3 (Good) to 5 (Outstanding). An overall ranking of 3/5 or above is considered positive.
• Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• The terminology for subjective impressions in this review is based on the Audio Wheel for reproduced sound defined in the technical report ITU-R BS.2399-0
• This review is based on a review sample from Simgot (Thank you Betty @ Simgot!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in Simgot.
• The unit retails for $69.99 to $79.99 at the time this review was published. Unaffiliated link: Linsoul

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General Information​

EW300 is a 3-driver, tribrid IEM. Its driver topology includes a 10mm dynamic driver (DD), a 6mm planar mangetic driver, and a piezoelectric driver (PZT). I couldn’t find the precise information regarding the crossover design, but it is likely a 3-way design with the DD handling bass and midrange, the 6mm planar driver handling the lower- and mid-treble, and the PZT handling the upper treble. The design and placement of the PZT driver seem identical to that of SuperMix4. This driver fills in the upper treble by vibrating the entire shells from behind the faceplate, making it sort of a “bone conduction driver.”



Readers with a strong attention to details would likely realise that EW300’s driver topology is almost identical to that of SuperMix4, besides missing the BA driver. I was surprised to find that the planar driver was also swapped from the “rectangular” variety found in Astell & Kern Zero 1 and Zero 2 IEMs to a miniaturised 6mm planar driver. This driver sits right in front of the 10mm dynamic driver, and you can see it when you remove the nozzles of EW300. The swap of planar driver suggests that the crossover design was also modified.

Before we move on, let’s talk about the confusing product line of EW300. By the time this review was written, there are three versions of EW300:

• EW300 standard edition ($69.99): Simple, no frill version.
• EW300 HBB edition ($75.99): A retuned version of the standard edition, made in collaboration with the IEM reviewer HBB.
• EW300 DSP edition ($79.99): The standard edition packaged with a DSP cable rather than the usual IEM cable. This DSP cable can be thought of as a USB DAC/amp in the form of an IEM cable. There is an EQ profile baked in the DAC chip, meaning the sound of any IEM attached to this cable would change slightly.

All three versions offer two types of interchangeable nozzles to change the sound signature of the IEM. Simgot also provide acoustic foams that you can stuff into the nozzles to further fine-tune the sound to your preference. This dizzying array of versions and customisation makes reading and writing reviews of EW300 quite challenging. In this review, I’ll focus on the standard and DSP edition.

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Non-sound Aspects​

Packaging and accessories The packaging is rather simplistic and features usual Simgot accessories: the soft and thin cable, the silicone ear tips with wide bore and thick core, and a small carrying case. You would also find a set of silver nozzles with red o-rings (already installed on the IEMs) and a set of golden nozzles with pink o-rings. Interestingly, Simgot also provides 4 sets of spare o-rings and 3 sets of acoustic foams for stuffing into the nozzles. In general, I can’t complain much about the accessories pack given the low price tag, but I do wish that Simgot offers more exotic ear tips and replace the flimsy and tangly cable with something more robust.



















Ear pieces design The design of EW300 is rather whimsical and stylish that somehow reminds me of albums by Ed Sheeran. The visual design of EW300 centers around the X and heart symbol, which are engraved on the faceplates of the earpieces. The earpieces themselves are quite small as they share the shape of previous releases in the EW line. The nozzles are medium in width but unfortunately quite short, so I had a bit of problem getting these IEMs to fit consistently with the stock ear tips.



There are three color options for you to choose when ordering EW300:

• Chrome: shiny with mirror-like finished, which is a fingerprint and scratch magnet.
• Black: the earpieces have a mate black coating that feels very similar to the material used on professional DSLR cameras. The heart and X logos on the earpieces have a polished finish for added contrast. In general, a very handsome design.
• Grey: similar to the black design, but the heart and X logos have a chrome finish.

Fit, comfort and isolation As I mentioned, the earpieces of EW300 are quite small and the nozzles are short, so I have some difficulty getting the IEM to fit properly. With the right ear tips, I found the fit to be stable and comfortable. Noise isolation is similar to other vented IEMs. I did not experience driver flex nor pressure build up.



Ear tips recommendation: In order to get a good fit with short nozzles, my strategy is to extend the length of the nozzles by opting for longer and more flexible ear tips. I opted for the stock nozzles of Juzear 61T, which are very similar to SpinFit W1.

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Sonic Performance​

Testing setup:

• Sources: iBasso DX300, R3II, FiiO K7
• Cable: DSP cable, NiceHck 4.4mm cable
• Ear tips: Juzear 61T stock eartips in medium size.

The subjective impression is captured using the lexicon in the Sound Wheel below. I’ll clarify the terminology as I use them. If you want to see more details of the lexicon and related reference, please have a look at the technical report ITU-R BS.2399-0.



Timbre: It is helpful to think of an IEM as a filter that highlights or subdues different parts of the incoming audio signal. This effect can be measured objectively by the squiggly lines below, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs, which measure how loud an IEM is at different frequencies from 20Hz (bass) to 20kHz (upper treble). Subjectivity is how your ears and brain interpret the effect of that filter on your music and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” There are some “rules of thumb” when it comes to tonality, but most interesting IEMs usually bend the rules masterfully.





Figure shows the frequency response of EW300 standard and DSP editions against the Harman in-ear target. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Above 8kHz, the measurement likely does not match the response at the ear drum. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.

Let’s discuss each variation of EW300 separately to reduce confusions:

• EW300 standard edition with silver nozzles (RED o-ring): This IEM has a neutral-warm tonality that is quite pleasing to the ears, with thicker lower midrange and less emphasised upper midrange. It means voices and instruments sound fuller, richer, and the higher notes are not as emphasised, leading to a more gentle and “musical” presentation. This tuning is quite a departure from the usual Simgot house sound and surprisingly quite close to one of my favourite tonal profiles, utilised by 7th Acoustics Supernova and Juzear 61T. It should be noted that this sound signature is still within the realm of “neutral” rather than overly thick and warm.
• EW300 standard edition with golden nozzles (PINK o-ring): The tonal balance of EW300 is tilted towards the bass and lower midrange frequencies. The midrange instruments and voices take a step back from the soundstage, away from the listener and buried underneath the bass energy. I find this tuning too recessed and muffled, making it my least favourite across all options.
• EW300 DSP edition with silver nozzles (RED o-ring): Comparing to the standard edition, the DSP has a thinner and arguably more neutral midrange. The midrange of EW300 DSP is nearly identical to that of the EA1000, meaning it is thicker and richer than full Harman IEMs, including Simgot’s own SuperMix4. Interestingly, Simgot also significantly reduce the mid-treble energy around 8kHz to reduce the harshness that some listeners reported with EA1000 and SuperMix4. That said, I found that the region between 3kHz and 5kHz stands out more with the DSP version, leading to some rare instances of sharpness when I listen to sibilant and harsh recordings.
• EW300 DSP edition with golden nozzles (PINK o-ring): This version of EW300 has a neutral-with-bass-boost, leaning towards L-shaped signature. The overal presentation somewhat similar to 61T, though the midrange sits further back in the soundstage, behind the bass. In general, it’s a fun and interesting sound signature that is quite usable comparing to standard edition.

In my opinion, the tuning of the silver nozzle (RED o-ring) is better with both versions of EW300. Therefore, I will stick to silver nozzles for the rest of this review.

Before we move on, I would also like to note that the earpieces of the DSP version is identical to those of the standard version (frequency response measurements below). All of the differences in the sound signature and technical performance that I describe below are all from the DSP cable.



Now, let’s discuss how EW300 present various types of voices and instruments in some test tracks. The first track is Shivers by Ed Sheeran, which is invaluable for checking the harshness and sibilance of an IEM, as well as its balance across the midrange frequencies. An IEM with ideal tonal balance would be able to control the harshness (e.g., starting from the chorus section) and imbue an emotive “warmth” to Ed’s voice without making it muted or muffled. On the plus side, both versions of EW300 manage to avoid most sibilance and harshness with this track. The voice of Ed Sheeran sounds noticeably thicker with EW300 standard edition, reaching but luckily never passing the the point where the voices become muffled. The bass line also has more “boom boom” energy on EW300 standard edition. Meanwhile, the EW300 DSP is tighter and cleaner across the board due to having less lower midrange energy. A side effect of this tuning is that the soundstage of EW300 DSP version feels more spread out, with more space between instruments.



The next track is Kiwi wa Boku ni Niteiru by See-Saw, which is an excellent song to test the ability of an IEM to handle female vocals in “weeb musics.” An IEM with ideal tonal balance should be able to make the voice of Chiaki Ishikawa bright and clear, while maintaining enough energy in the lower midrange to avoid making the voice thin and harsh (a common problem with many IEMs with too much upper midrange boost). The observations from Ed Sheeran’s Shivers are applicable here. The EW300 sounds thicker with more midbass energy, whilst the DSP vesion sounds tight and clean. Both EW300 presents the voice of Chiaki Ishikawa quite pleasingly, so your preference be the tie breaker. Interestingly, both versions of EW300 showcase excellent soundstage imaging in this track: the background elements in the mix are convincingly pushed outside the headstage, not unlike how the SuperMix4 presents this track.

The next track is Now We Are Free by 2CELLOS, which assesses an IEM’s ability to render lower-midrange, particularly cellos. An IEM with ideal tonal balance should render cellos with a thick and authoritative tone and be able to reproduce the low pitch resonance and “rumble” of the cello body. At the same time, it must avoid cutting the upper midrange and treble to the point of making the cellos sound muffled, muddy, or lacking clear articulation. This track is where the tight and clean presentation of EW300 DSP version wins. I found the cellos to be a bit muffled and lacking texture with the EW300 standard edition, as if there is a veil dropped on the whole canvas. Of course, there are IEMs with identical midrange tuning that manage to prevent this veiled presentation, so I suspect that the 10mm dynamic driver being used struggles with this track.



The next track is Playing God by Polyphia. I focus on the tonal quality and the level of energy conveyed by the guitars. This track also helps assess the balance of the bass against the midrange, which is reflected by the relative loudness between the bass guitar and the rest of the music. The tight and clean(er) presentation of EW300 DSP is awesome with this fast and well layered track. Guitar picks sound crisp and precise. Beats feel snappy and rhythmic. Similar to previous observations, I found that the EW300 standard edition a bit muffled and veiled. That said, you might prefer the thicker, more “boom boom” bass presentation of the standard edition.

The next track on our list is the aria of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, recorded by Lang Lang. I find that piano is the best instrument to assess the overall tonal balance of an IEM. Simply put, if the piano does not sound even across the frequencies, the midrange of an IEM is imbalanced. I found that both versions of EW300 sound relatively natural and pleasing, without any significant imbalance and timbral problem that ruins the performance. This track also highlights the impact of the thicker lower midrange tuning of EW300, which casts a warm veil over the entire recording. On the plus side, this warm veil ties different parts of the piano piece together, creating a coherent whole. On the other hand, I prefer a crisper separation between notes as well as between voices in the piece.



The next track on our list is Ciaccona from Bach’s Violin Partita No.2 in D Minor, performed by Kavakos. This track aims to assess two aspects: the rendition of violin and the reproduction of upper treble energy, which is reflected by the quality and detail of the reverberation and micro details at the decay end of violin notes. I think you must be tired to hearing this, but, yes, the EW300 DSP sounds tighter and cleaner whilst the EW300 standard casts a warm veil over the recording. The cleaner presentation of the DSP version makes violin pops and gives it a clean and dry texture, increasing the perceived details of the strings. The clean presentation also makes it easier to hear the reverberation of the recording hall. On the other hand, the warm hue of the standard edition gives the track a cozier vibe, at the expense of details and reverbation. I prefer the DSP version, but your preference would be the ultimate tie breaker.



The final track on our timbre test is Synchro BOM-BA-YE by Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. This track aims to test the tonal balance and timbre of the upper midrange and treble region. There are two cues I focus on in this track: the hand claps at the beginning, and the tonal quality of all brass instruments throughout the track. Both versions of EW300 does an excellent job with presenting the treble, as I was not able to detect any problem with the claps and the brass instruments. Again, the DSP version presents a clearer, tighter, and more vibrant recording whilst the standard version is more cozy and coherent. I prefer things to be clear-cut and pop, so I prefer the DSP. You might prefer the coherent presentation of the standard version instead.

Bass and perceived dynamic:

Despite using the same driver topology, the bass and dynamic of both EW300 versions differ quite a bit. Percussion instruments sound “tighter” with sharper attack, quicker decay, and a “dry” texture that can reveals quite a bit of smaller details in the bass line. As a result, the bass of EW300 DSP version feels precise. On the other hand, the standard edition sounds more boomy with more rounded attack, longer decay, and less textured. Both versions do a good job at conveying the energy of bass notes. In other words, I have not felt the lack of physical impact when listening to either version of EW300. Your preference would decide whether you prefer the snappy bass of DSP version or the boomy slammy bass of the standard version. Personally, I prefer the DSP version.



Resolution: To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components: (1) Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above). (2) The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage. (3) The texture and details in the decay side of the notes. The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances.



The perceived resolution in terms of both note definition and detail retrieval of the standard and DSP version differ quite a bit, surprisingly. The DSP version sounds more incisive, meaning note attacks are crisper and cleaner. Voices and instruments are more well defined with stronger clarity and sense of details. In busy tracks, the instrument separation of the DSP version is also better. Whilst the standard version is far from inadequate in terms of resolution, the DSP version is at least half a step ahead, in my opinion.

Let’s elaborate on the resolution of EW300 with some test tracks. For the first track, we again listen to Ciaccona from Bach’s Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, performed by Kavakos. I focus on the micro details such as the bow catching the strings. I also focus on the quality and nuances of the reverberation and decays of the notes. Like I mentioned above, the DSP version is more incisive and detailed than the standard version. When I compare the DSP version against the venerable Moondrop Blessing 2, my benchmark for good resolution (3/5 rating), I was surprised to find the EW300 DSP to be more incisive and detailed. It means every note of the violin, every articulation of the bow is more well-cut, cleanly defined with the EW300 DSP. The micro details of the bow catching the string is also better on EW300 DSP.



The next track is the “controlled chaos” ABC feat. Sophia Black by Polyphia. With this track, I focus on an IEM’s ability to not crumble under the complexity of overlapping layers in the mix. An IEM with ideal resolution would make it easy for me to hear everything, down to the very faint overdub by Sophia Black on the side channels right from the opening of the track. Again, the EW300 DSP is marginally more incisive than Blessing 2. But still, but do a decent job with this complex track and are quite close in the grand scheme.

Stereo imaging and soundstage: Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminushed by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)



Both EW300 inherits the uncanny, “floating” soundstage effect from the SuperMix4. This effect does not work with every track, and it depends on how you wear the IEMs. With the right track, the soundstage of both EW300 can sound quite interesting with instruments seem to float inside and around my head, and the background elements of the track such as distant choral or string sections can feel like they come from outside the head. That said, I found that this effect does not appear as consistently and frequently as it does with SuperMix4. When this effect does not kick in, the soundstage and imaging of both EW300 versions are rather ordinary in the grand scheme. The DSP version has more spread out and open soundstage presentation, possibly due to the tuning difference.



Let’s listen to some test tracks to assess the soundstage and imaging capability of EW300. The first one is Original Sound Effect Track - Memory from Gundam Seed Destiny OST album. This track compiles all sound effects used in the show, arranged atmospherically and immersively. An IEM with ideal soundstage and imaging should effectively utilize this information to create a diverse soundstage, with sound elements appearing in all three dimensions, offering contrast between near and distant sounds. Many elements on the left and right channels will seem to originate outside the ears. This track is the one that triggers the uncanny soundstage effect of both EW300 versions, making some background elements like the horns on both sides of the stage feel like they come from outside the earpieces. My main criticism here would be that the positioning of sound effects within the stage is laser sharp. Despite my best effort, I cannot seem to pin point the position and distant of the sound effects beyond the general area they reside on the soundstage. Still, I find the soundstage of the EW300 DSP more interesting than that of the Blessing 2, as the EW300 DSP conveys a stronger sense of depth (i.e., contrast between near-to-far sound), leading to a more 3D presentation.



The next track is Shadow of Baar Dau. This one tests an IEM’s ability to convincingly convey the sense of distance of background elements, such as the string section at 00:20 on the front left and the vocal chants on the front right at 00:40. An IEM with perfect soundstage and imaging should make this track feel spacious, creating an illusion that some background elements originate outside the head. In essence, it should provide a fully immersive listening experience. The EW300 DSP presents this track in an atmospheric and immersive manner. I like how 3D and “wrap around” the soundstage feels. I also appreciate how the background elements seem to be casted further into the room. In A/B tests against my benchmark for good soundstage, the Blessing 2, I found the soundstage of EW300 DSP to be more 3D and ultimately more interesting.

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Driveability​

EW300 standard edition is quite easy to drive. It can get loud out of anything and does not hiss easily, even when paired with my desktop amplifier K7.

Driveability is of course of a concern with the DSP version. You just need to plug it to a device with USB-C output, set the volume, and you are good to go. My only complain here is that the volume of the DSP cable is quite loud with both MacBook and some DAPs such as my HiBy R3II. In particular, I only needed 5/100 on R3II to reach the limit of my tolerance. Interestingly, the volume does not get loud that quickly on my Linux desktop. Besides the loudness, I did not detect any hiss with the DSP cable, which is good.

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ConclusionsPermalink​

EW300 is a pretty nice budget-friendly IEM with a tribrid configuration that works. The tuning is also a refreshing departure from usual Simgot’s house sound, with less harshness in the lower treble and thicker midrange. I’m particularly impressed by the DSP version. If you plan to add another Simgot IEM into your collection, the DSP version receives a recommendation from this reviewer.

What I like about this IEM:

• Improved tonality that is more pleasant without losing correctness (DSP version)
• Incisive bass with good texture (DSP version)
• Good soundstage, retaining some “special sauce” of the SuperMix4

What could be improved:

• Short nozzles make fit a bit tricky
• The DSP cable gets loud too quickly with some devices
• The midrange of the standard version can sound a bit veiled

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 3.5/5 - Good (DSP version)

Bias Score: 4/5 - I like this IEM (DSP version)

Updated: August 31, 2024

SIMGOT AUDIO EW300 DSP and EW300 Universal IEMs
Redcarmoose Labs August 31st, 2024



SIMGOT EW300 DSP and EW300
Upon reading Head-Fi you can’t help but find SIMGOT AUDIO as a presence. Since March of 2023 SIMGOT AUDIO has gained marketing traction…….there is no denying that. Yet SIMGOT as a manufacturing brand has been around for a long time. What changed? Well to start with the EA500 made its debut. Such an IEM gained wide-spread recognition and acceptance around here, and really everywhere for that matter. Yep, the EA500 is insanely popular and still arrives as a force to reckon with. Why? The EA500 somehow introduced tuning nozzles to the community. Sure, for $79.00 the EA500 sounded great, but in a stroke of genius SIMGOT went ahead and offered a way (with the nozzles) for the EA500 to be heard differently by each user. But more than that the EA500 offered-up a sound that was both contrasty and vivid, deep bass and a flamboyant midrange and treble. This “big” sound took the community by storm, along with the fact that SIMGOT went and mailed a whole bunch of sets out to reviewers, to pretty much guarantee market saturation. You see, if a product is good there is no better way to show such facts of life than to make sure the product gets in the hands of people who want to talk about it. And sure, while being a huge hit for SIMGOT the EA500 was not perfect. Where I still hear slight issues with the EA500, that for some may be the boost from 1.5kHz to 8kHz.





A painting currently showing at the Norton Simon Museum is called Woman with a Book. Painted by Pablo Picasso, such a painting offers balance of sensuality and restraint. Yet it is anyone's guess why Picasso painted her skin and hair shades of green. Sure we can apply science here, but why attempt to? That’s the point, that artists make choices based on instinct and are never asked for reasons. Yet those choices (just like an IEM signature response) become a reality. Simgot walks that line using splashes of color, yet always learning and always listening to feedback from the community, thus moving forward.




The EW300, the EW300 DSP and the EW300 HBB:
It is true that the three EW300 models walk that line of tone to pretty much make most people happy. Sure most likely only one purchase will be necessary to discover this EW300 magic. I don’t have the SIMGOT AUDIO HBB EW300 collaboration, I do have both the standard version and the DSP version. It should be noted that SIMGOT truly listened to the community, finding out just how much people liked the smaller, lower weight form of the EW200. And while both the EW200 and EW300 weigh the same, closer inspection shows the new EW300 to be a fraction smaller, the faceplate is actually thinner. The weights are as follows…….

EA500 10 grams
EA500LM 11 grams
EW300 9 grams
EA1000 Fermat 11 grams
EW200 9 grams



Graphically testing the EW300 and EW300 DSP we see they are sonically exactly the same IEM shell response. I’m kind of old school and don’t see a need for testing equipment though in this single instance it was important to verify the both IEMs tested the same. I thank my friend o0genesis0o for the measurement work done. Really in this instance, it saved me some time and possible confusion. Here we are taking a regular analogue cable and hooking it to both shells, opposed to the DSP digital signal entering the black EW300 DSP shell.

The EW300/EW300 DSP:
This IEM shows maturity and a listening to the public on the part of SIMGOT AUDIO. Both IEMs have been priced close to a few models they have released in the past, yet SIMGOT have streamlined the fit, made the EW300 1 gram less than the original EA500, and tailored the sound for the masses. What I mean by tuning is you are given two nozzles, a pink ring gold one, and a red ring silver one. Both nozzle tunes with the EW300 are very careful and precise…….as to not ruffle any feathers out there with too much pinna gain, or even too much bass.

What they have done is created an IEM in 2024 that incorporates a single 10mm DD of ceramic material then added a Planar driver and a PZT driver for treble duties only. What this did in the end was gave an incredible balance. Though to be fair the DSP device is really really good getting plenty loud enough and being able to decode 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz.







DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
Let’s start with this DSP cable, as it truly is different. Such a cable goes against previously found design ideas and sound ideas. In build the cable goes and separates the DAC hardware from the TypeC USB plug. Also introduced is a space saving right or left angle USB plug.......as you can turn it either way for TypeC USB insertion. As such the signal is then accepted by a DAC/DSP unit in a different part of the cable. You also have a microphone and pause and play button that works to control the music from a phone, or TypeC USB DAP in your pocket. In marketing literature I read (this separation) is because the DAC section has the possibility of getting warm after a while, though I never experienced such drama. Though also I read that separating the two units adds to a quieter signal, which I believe.



The DSP sound:
Listening to the older original (lower cost) EW100 DSP IEM we find many differences. The EW100 DSP IEM was an alternative equally priced SIMGOT offering of a permanent DSP unit where the regularly found 3.5mm plug was on the original EW100.

Without taking this EW100 DSP unit apart it is unknown if the IEM itself (on the other end) is tuned just like the standard EW100? Yet upon hearing it the best description I have is a cinema sound added. Yep, Simgot has used DSP tom-foolery to add this bass stage, and increase imaging size along with a slightly softer but somehow more musically engaging result. Yet while fine and cool for what the EW100 DSP is………..except SIMGOT wasn’t looking (this time around) for that section of town to visit with this new EW300 DSP. It seems lesser cost, lesser technical IEMs like the EW100 benefit more from this DSP sound sculpturing, making the little EW100 have a bigger stance, and come-off like more IEM than it was.

And while both the EW100 and EW300 benefited from the DSP stage enlargement, the DSP of the EW300 was simply more neutral and transparent, as it was there, but at times not totally noticeable as a home theatre style of effects like the EW100?

More Realism:
The difference here with the EW300 DSP is SIMGOT wanted was a more realistic outcome, and none of that fake sound. Now that still doesn’t mean there is a little DSP magic going on, because there is, only it is incredibly downplayed as a sonic result.



2024 the year of the DSP TypeC Plug:
Look, I have had my share of DSPs this year, though I can easily say the EW300 DSP is the most natural and non-colored. Probably where I hear it the most is with this slightly diminished, yet different bass. Also…..we have met this process before this year with DSP TypeCs. It is hard to describe because it is not fully EQ and not fully DSP trickery, maybe a little of both. But that’s the confusing part…..the EW300 gets its bass slightly refined and changed soundstage wise. There is a style of clarity to this new bass, as it is very different from the older EW100 DSP unit. Where the EW100 DSP was a little fluffy, and big now the EW300 DSP gets you an almost more refined and cleaner bass, more detail, piercing into the stage!



Testing the EW300 DSP cable v the analog SIMGOT LC7 modular cable:
One of the ways I learned about what this DSP cable did was to place it on an old TOTL Flagship that has what I consider flat bass. Yet I soon discovered that the DSP cable was not only changing the bass tone, it was also rearranging the rest of the signature too. Yet this is all so subtle…………..Meaning I’m pretty sure SIMGOT went and listened to the EW300 regular version and decided to make this DSP cable slightly more refined sounding, more refined bass, mids and treble, plus there is a change to the soundstage too. This stage shows both a well rounded set of images, is notably wider, taller and thicker than the analog cable. It somehow even seems to be increasing definition, which is the pure opposite normally found with the DSP add-on?

I know of two other reviewers that like the DSP cable in-place with the EW300 better than they like the regular analogue EW300 version, or the HBB version. Even HBB likes the DSP EW300 version better than his own co-designed HBB collaboration.

I will try and compare the SIMGOT aftermarket LC7 modular cable to the TypeC USB DSP included cable. Also I’m starting with the Gold nozzles.

1) The difference between the Silver (which comes on the IEM) and the Gold is the Silver is brighter and called a response “developed with SIMGOT-Golden 2023 as the target”

2) Where the Silver nozzle is Harmon 2019 as the target.

Here I’m using the WM1A with MrWalkman’s software. The tip choice has been fun as due to the size, form factor and weight...........we pretty much have a wide range of ear-tips we can choose from. In my personal use and with my ears the EW300 shell is never relying on the ear-tip shape to ever compensate for fit. This means the ear-tip world is your oyster here. I could get wide-bores, medium-wide-bores and the SIMGOT house tips (provided here in three sizes) to fit great. I chose large and while each of the three ear-tips have the same center opening, I would call that orifice medium in comparison to other brands.



Eventually I landed on the medium-wide-bore aftermarket ear-tips. And it is not that the included tips would not have worked here, it is just after a few back and forth changes I seemed to like the stage provided better, there was also a slight frequency boost up.

The LC7 analog cable in 4.4mm with EW300:
While I see how the bass has room for definition and a wanting for more slight control here, the EW300 walks that very special line. Each example of music is both well imaged and still holding that ever important note weight, that can be a deal killer on some sets. Approximately 6 days from out of the box, burn-in has gifted the EW300 of a remarkable stage and smoother authority, even better maturity in the treble ideas. Just everything smoothed out and became more cohesive, that and a beautiful medium larger stage. Here we are relying on a single PZT unit and a single Planar driver for treble. The vocals and mids/bass are handled by the single 10mm ceramic dynamic driver. So we are visiting a Hybrid sound, and sure it owns that Hybrid style of separation, but somehow we don’t have much Hybrid dislocation at hand…….maybe that a big part of the signature is handled by the 10mm?

A 10mm with perks…..that is how I’m going to view this thing sonically.



Suldusk
Antheisis
Sphaera
96kHz - 24 bit

https://suldusk.bandcamp.com/track/sphaera

To where this particular song works well to get my points across. Here is the 96kHz - 24 bit file played back on the Sony WM1A and the HiBy R3 II for the DSP device.

The LC7 analog cable is adding a beautiful and clear rendition and somehow the brass nozzles are just enough treble here. Finding spread-out imaging of guitars and vocals, finding this perfect balance of thinness and thickness. To where really SIMGOT is coming into a new day, a new sound opposed to the single DD only or even maybe more natural than the SuperMix4, I will test with that later. While I am on my way to test this with the DSP cable, but as it sits there is absolutely nothing wrong with how this bass is done. Sure the IEM is under $100 but the bass is actually reserved and careful, while really sitting slightly back, though never ever getting in the way. What we are left with is big expansions of multi-tracks of singing and guitar playing, and of course the orchestra. At 04:18 (digital file time) the song has a major break………..and here for the first time I hear the subtle edge of the PZT and Planar drivers, to where they hold a style of crispness and still great transients, yet also show their form for once. And yet I’m OK with this, it is just an accepted character of the EW300 doing what it does. This 04:18 brittleness and static plays are only held in an almost timbre style of composite, to where the imaging and statement of the song are still pure…….but this is the tone style of bath water we are in.



The DSP cable:
The first thing you notice is that this DSP goes incredibly loud, super loud. That and it is startlingly clean sounding, like no DSP device I have ever heard. Now I know why SIMGOT sent me both units…….they really wanted me to understand the black finish of the DSP EW300 and they wanted me to understand the standard EW300. But gosh, right now at this point I’m starting to understand why so many reviewers are going over to the DSP cable as their favorite. With other IEMs made by other companies this cable created a compromise. But here and now, this playback is something else. To where now the stage is even better somehow, bigger and wider than first impressions. Inside this expanse the vocals are holding a both closer and clearer tone, even the break at 04:18 is somehow overcoming the Planar sound and the PZT brittleness to make me a believer. A discovery that the DSP cable was made for the EW300. This is holding a tighter and better organized stage, a bigger and more vibrant example of success……..I’m almost in tears………I said almost.

Side-by-sides:
I guess the easy way to do this is use the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 on everything, still remember you have that clarity of the EW300 DSP always making wants (in the back of your mind to be included in the fun). So this section will be comparisons of the standard cabled EW300 while using the LC7. I’m putting in use the WM1A with MrWalkman’s software and using the standard nozzles that each of these IEMs came with out of the box. Though keep in mind the brass nozzles are going to be used with the EW300. Remember the brass nozzles are making the EW300 slightly warmer. Now remember in my set-ups I could have used the silver nozzles, that’s how middle of the road the EW300 is! Who knows why I do what I do?



First session:
Left to right:
The EW300, EW300DSP, EA500LM and EW200

EA500LM v EW300:
There was a revelation here. And I’m sorry for any trash talk about the LM, I may have blurted out this last week. But let’s just say the two are very different. A more profound and clear bass, yet joined with a brighter midrange, upper midrange and treble, not as smooth, yet getting that imaging and playfulness that extra treble and upper midrange will provide, a little more brightness, but that brightness opens the stage? To where really the LM is attempting to replicate what the DSP is doing with the EW300 almost? Still no matter which EW300 cable you choose, the LM is a slightly less polished part of town. Less luster and less wax on the vocals and instruments…….yet still insanely good and still worth a purchase. It is 2 grams heavier and bigger too.

EW200 v EW300:
Here we are gifted with the SIMGOT house sound, yet a touch of less note weight. Yet here we are also given a great stage, wide....yet not as filled in the center as a few other SIMGOTs, to where both the EW300 and the family of EA counterparts offer both a thicker way about life, and while sure that aspect is missing, we are still brought into hearing great vocals and strings out to the outskirts go the stage, yet everything is slightly more brittle and ever so slightly steely in comparison to the EW300 and family?



Second section:
Left to right:
The EW300, EW300DSP, the EA1000 and the EA500:

EA1000 v EW300:
OK, now we have the heavy weight here. I mean at 11 grams the EA1000 is not that much different as the EW300 is 9 grams. And of course the EA1000 looks the part, I mean how could it not, just look at it. And…..at the price of $219.99 it really should be a lot more for your money right? The extra driver that is a passive radiator, the finish, it is all more. And guess what the micro details are way way more than the EA300. So there! You get what you pay for in life at times. And another IEM that sounded way better than I remember it to be, simply beautiful really……..awe. Yes, I’m in awe! A better constructed realization of real instruments flowing inside a bigger stage and offering better decays and layers. Layers upon layers here.

Please whatever you do, don’t sell your EA1000 to buy the EW300, no matter how good I make the EW300 sound, no matter what…….promise me this now!

But I will say this, despite the lesser details and stage approximations, and despite the layers brought on by the EA1000…….the slightly more closed in stage of the EW300 (non-DSP) the tune is incredibly smooth, coherent and mature. It is almost like I would take the EW300 to offer a slightly less able, less detailed way about life, and use it late night, with enjoying the form factor it gives, offering way more compact package, to where the bass may even be the same between the two, yet this sizable display of midrange the EA1000 is doing is overpowering the mental focus to a point that I’m sorry I even chose this match to begin with. The EA1000 is even louder and more efficient on power! Here I’m a dog running home with my tail between my legs…….what on earth was I thinking?

The EA500 v EW300:
Here is the IEM that started the SIMGOT craze. And contrary to how I am listing the test order, the SIMGOT AUDIO EA500 is actually the very last IEM tested in this list. I saved it for last as it was my introduction to SIMGOT AUDIO. Now I did review one SIMGOT prior but it was nothing like the EA500. I think if there was a group of IEM enthusiasts sitting around most would agree it was the popularity of the EA500 that put the modern day SIMGOT on the proverbial map here at Head-Fi. Really there is much of the EA1000 here, hearing the EA500 afterwards. To where the EA500 is promoting a stage filled with convincing mids, while yes, the bass is not as constructed as well as some SIMGOTs, it is actually defined at this moment in time and clear, even polite I would call it, and that’s a compliment here. While sure I hear the boost as shown in the graph, yet that boost is responsible for clarity and spatial formations of images into the stage……..to where sure there is a hint of thinner leaning aspects, but there is no way I would ever judge this as less than totally strong for the price point, here in comparison the EW300 goes to a slightly smaller stage destination, yet with the DSP cable it is still slightly less, but more open of course and both smoother than even the wired EA500, and wired the EW300 is warmer and thicker slightly holding a boost to the lower mids and coming across as more easy listening at the sake of those bright details, being left for the EA500 to grab hold of. What this EA500 is is a microscope, and a fun ride, though I could see how it may be slightly fatiguing, unless further aftermarket filters were put in use. And the great part is the stage, reverberations, the timbre the balance….is all worth someone putting their personal exploration time into finding in the end, it is just the EW300 is more off-the-shelf forgiving and goes about its day promoting a smoother yet well constructed. midrange, and due to the slight more thickness of the EW300 note weight, gets improved as an added benefit.



The final battle:
Third section:
Top: SIMGOT AUDIO SuperMix4
Bottom: SIMGOT AUDIO EW300 DSP with regular LC7 analog cable

The SuperMix4 has 36 individual Head-Fi reviews…...that’s a lot. Each one with great photos and for the most part saying the exact same thing, that the SuperMix4 is a winner.

1) Piezoelectric (PZT)
2) Planar Magnetic
3) Balanced Armature
4) A 10mm Dynamic Driver

On the surface it may look like the EW300 is simply the SuperMix minus 1 BA. Of course in Head-Fi things are never so simple. While the SuperMix is incredible, this part of the review is to try and maybe fill a person in if having both would be good, or choosing one or the other. Let me throw a monkey wrench in. I took the DSP cable and tried it. I’m not bored or anything, simply looking for cheap legal thrills. Now don’t get me wrong, I mean I still think the DSP inside the DAC was made for the EW300. Still this airiness and fun…..well it is a lighter in the weight department, yet still great and a fun detour from today's festivities. To where the main gig here is just that the extra BA maybe is bringing a head-stage real estate into formation that is much farther outside your head. This sounds like DSP open back headphones almost? Wild. I mean to get real here, this may be too bright for many, but nothing really wrong here!

Back to regular programing:
Here we are once again given what the SuperMix does 24/7. Showcasing a broader stage holding the tell tale floating imaging that had me smitten with it upon first hearing it and such accolades followed through till the very end of the review. Yep, this is really good, so to best explain this difference, the EW300 is darker and holding more density to note weight, while at the same time never getting to the edges of the stage like the SuperMix4 does everyday with every song. Somehow the SuperMix sounds even better than ever, now? I love that. Still that while the bass is catered to with the SuperMix4 it doesn’t have that mid bass, that lovable mid bass action that the EW300 does so well. And the crazy part is the DSP cable tries to enhance the EW300 to almost make it like the Supermix4, if you can believe it or not. To where probably the EW300 has more note-weight and a slight edge of added authority, yet a smaller stage than the SuperMix4 does regularly.

The included EW300 analog cable:



Packaging:
Here we see special scratch-off and on-line verification to ward off fakes. Here are graphs and data on box backs and all the goodies you get. Probably the box opening experience is the best under $100.00 going right now. Mainly I feel this way because of all the detail and care they have put into the package. The nozzles, the extra nozzle foams, the extra rubber gaskets, the way the instruction manual has its very own small chamber to live until you take it out. The three great ear-tips.

The fact that the box is mailed inside its very own separate snug fitting exterior box, with little windows cut out to view the serial number and model.



The fact that SIMGOT goes to place holes in the top of the lower box the IEM rests on so that it is protected, without the need of placing ear-tips on the nozzles. The case…….I could go on and on here, but you get the message......the attention to detail, the box opening experience is the schiit.






Build:
A solid metal construction holds each cable inside a recessed 2Pin. At first I wasn’t sure about using aftermarket cables as I wondered if they would fit, then I pushed a little more and they moved forward in, being held tightly by the surrounding shell encasement. While the tuning nozzles are said to be quickly interchangeable, they are. I could see them being changed daily with-out issue due to a well made design, and they don’t turn that many times either to reach a settling point. The one stand out feature different from the EW200 is the locking top screw, if (this screw is) real this will hold the whole top plate on. Here we see an air vent off to the side of the faceplate and another close to the base of the nozzle. At 9 grams each we are met with luxurious fitment, made even better by a perfect nozzle length, allowing an assortment of ear-tips. Simgot has studied the market and chose to give us a refined shape, smaller and of lower weight than what was to come before. So we are witnessing a small form yet a both more refined sound and more sound than you would guess by looking at the EW300. The regular EW300 is a fingerprint magnet, and the EW300 DSP has been coated with a black flat textured material that is the cat's meow!




Today's conclusion:
What can I say that I haven’t already said? The conclusion is this is the best under $100.00 on the market, and the crazy part is it doesn’t matter what your tone signature preference is, SIMGOT AUDIO has already taken care of that. Don’t believe me, buy it and find out!

To add one last thing, the DSP amplifier is like nothing I have yet ever come across. Being it gets super loud and boasts authority to where at times and with the right music, the EW300 DSP even challenges my DAPs for stature. The DSP tonality with this EW300, is going one step further to dial in the sound exactly right, gaining respect over anything ever created before in the TypeC DSP cable world.

https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-ew300

Standard edition: $69.99
HBB edition: $75.99
DSP edition: $79.99

Disclaimer:
The EW300 has had 6 days of continuous burn-in.

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank SIMGOT AUDIO for the EW300 and EW300 DSP review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

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

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
Apple MacBook Air 3.5mm output

I found my first SIMGOT in early November of 2022. I reviewed the SIMGOT AUDIO EM2R Roltion. At $109.99 this 1DD 1 Knowles BA was a little of a disappointment gaining only 3 stars here at Redcarmoose Labs. As such I continued with better success from the brand. Really this IEM was the quietness-before-the-storm!


https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-em2r-roltion.26084/reviews#review-29526 November 7th, 2022
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ea500.26361/reviews?page=2#review-30453 March 26, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ew100p-ew100.26454/reviews#review-30887 May 28th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ew200.26518/reviews?page=2#review-31446 August 8th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-em6-l.26639/reviews?page=2#review-31512 August 17th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ew100-dsp-universal-iem.26676/reviews#review-31557 August 24th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...ear-monitor.26790/reviews?page=3#review-32122November 5th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-lc7-iem-cable.26954/reviews#review-32760 January 20th, 2024
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-dew4x.26983/reviews#review-32799 January 25th, 2024
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ea500-lm.26966/reviews?page=2#review-32939 February 8th, 2024
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...lanar-1-pzt.27255/reviews?page=2#review-34438June 27th, 2024
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-ew300.27470/reviews August 31st, 2024

Here is a hidden box opening experience, as there was too many photos in this review I stuffed them down here for the interested. Keep in mind this in this is probably the very best under $100.00 box opening experience, it is just in a review you can only post so many photos.

Introduction

Simgot is a company that not many people need to be introduced to, especially for those who are in the hobby this recent year. But in case you don’t know, they are a very highly rated chi-fi company that produced many good sounding iem for the price, from cheap 1DD iem to mid-fi 10 drivers hybrid iem

The EW300 is the latest iem from Simgot. It is a tribrid iem, featuring 1 DD, 1 planar and 1 PZT.

There are three versions of the EW300 in production: The normal version (one that has a shiny shell surface), the DSP version which has a stock DSP cable and the HBB version which is in collaboration with HBB.


The 2 versions that I have of the EW300 are the DSP version and the HBB version. In this review, I'll review both of them at the same time, as well as comparing it with some other iem in the market.

Disclaimer: I would like to give a special thanks to Linsoul for organizing these reviewing units for the EW300. Everything I said in this review is my subjective opinion only.

Packaging

The box of the EW300 DSP and HBB version are similar to each other in size, just a bit different in the outer box’s color. The boxes are similar to that of Simgot’s previous iem, the EA500, EA500LM and the EA1000.

The content of the box include:

- The iem themselves

- A small carrying case

- A 2-pin cable with 3.5mm termination with the HBB version, and a type C DSP cable with the DSP version

- 3 pairs of eartips

- Interchangeable nozzles

- Pink and red O-rings

- Tuning foam

- Some paperwork




Design/Build quality/Comfort

The shells have a similar design to the EW200, similar silhouette, but now with the option to change the nozzle.

The HBB version and the DSP version’s shells are virtually identical, from the weight, feel to the outer finishing surface. The only difference I can see to differentiate the 2 versions are the HBB letters printed onto the HBB version’s shell. With these versions of the EW300, the shell has a matte black finish to them. Imagine sandblasting the surface and then put a black coating on top. That’s what the surface feels like.


Here's what the inside looks like


The surface of the faceplates are smooth to contrast against the surrounding surface. The left side has an “X” design and the right side has a “ ♥” design.


The analog, 2-pin 3.5mm cable is the same cable as the EA500LM’s. The cable feels soft in the hand, light and has no memory to it. The connectors feel a bit cheap. The ear hooks are not too stiff.


The DSP cable on the other hand. The strands feel a bit stiffer than the analog cable. It also has a bit more memory to it and it feels cheaper too. The DSP cable also has a mic on the right side of the cable. The DAC chip that’s used for the DSP is in the splitter.




App support and phone support?

From what I know, there is no dedicated app for the EW300 DSP version, for you to better control the DSP chip and have more features like with the Tanchjim’s app. You can only plug and play with the EW300’s cable. You can control the volume by using the phone’s hardware volume button or your laptop’s volume slider.

As for phone support, I have no idea if the DSP cable would work on iphone, both the old lighting port version and the new type C version, so i can’t comment more about its compatibility with iphone. The DSP cable works perfectly fine with my Poco F3 phone and Dell Pavilion laptop.

Volume scaling:

One thing you should know about the EW300 DSP version is that the volume you can achieve with the DSP cable is limited and the maximum level it can reach is not very high.

For reference, when set at 100% volume level with the DSP cable, it can only achieve the loudness/SPL similar to when I swap out the stock DSP cable, change it to an analog 3.5mm cable, use it with the EPZ TP50, and then set the dongle at high gain and 67/100 of volume level. When using the DSP cable, I have to set it at 100% of volume level all the time.

Sound impression

Okay, before diving fully into the sound review, I'd like to say that, if you were to swap out the DSP cable of the EW300 DSP version and use it with an analog cable, you’d essentially get the HBB version. The gold nozzles are virtually identical and the silver nozzle is only a bit different.

This is the reason why I feel like it’s logical to combine the review of the two versions of the EW300.

I’ll mainly talk about the sound quality of the HBB versions and then compare it with the DSP version later on.

Test gear:

Source: Poco F3+UAPP, Dell laptop + Foobar 2000

Dac/Amp: Chord Mojo, EPZ TP50.

Cable: Stock

Tips: Stock tips + EPZ M100


Tonality:Warm-balance for the red O-ring/Silver nozzle and bassy for the pink O-ring/gold nozzle. The gold nozzle has a higher damping factor in the upper region.

Between the two nozzles, I personally like the red/silver nozzle the most. That’s why I'll prioritize talking about it more.



Bass

The bass of the EW300 is very nicely done. It has subbass over midbass. Quantity wise, the EW300 has quite a healthy dose of bass. It’s definitely not bass lite or above neutral amount, just shy a little bit from being a basshead amount imho.

Subbass is nicely extended and feels quite deep. “Why So Serious” has good tactile feedback along with the classic DD’s lingering rumble. The bass trip of “Chameleon” – Trentemoller has a really nice rumbly texture and elasticity, although lacking just a tiny bit of depth and air movement. But overall, the DD in the EW300 performs quite adequately in the subbass department.

Midbass wise, I’d consider the bass texture of the EW300 as a bit rugged, raw in its attack and presentation, not exactly creamy. Kick drums are well felt and have a good body to the hits. Contrabass is dense and heavy, while the cello sounds quite warm. The bass driver doesn’t have the quickest transients, nowhere near planar level or of the EA1000’s level, so I'm not fully on board when listening to extreme metal tracks like “Distress Rehearsal” – Every Time I Die. But with some slower pace, more mellow soundtracks though, the EW300 passes with flying colors.

Mids

The general description about the EW300’s midrange is warm, smooth and inoffensive. There is a bit of bass bleed into the lower midrange, but it’s not catastrophic as the midbass is quite nicely done by the DD. This gives vocals and certain instruments a nice weightyness to them.

When listening to “My Way” – Frank Sinatra, “Just the two of us” – Grover Washington, their voices sound meaty and have a good amount of heft to their voices. Female vocals sound lively with ample richness yet not shouty when listening to Celine Dion “All by Myself”, Taylor Swift’s 1989 album and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” + “Please please please”. I’d say both male and female vocals have quite a balanced emphasis to their voice.

When listening to “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, there's a very minimal amount of sibilance.

Instrument's timbre is... “relatively” natural. I said relatively as although they sound natural for the most part, i sometimes notice there’s a bit of an off-timbre feeling in the overtones of some instruments in orchestra tracks due to the planar driver. There’s only a little bit of it, so i didn’t mind it too much, it’s just something that i noticed. This has more to do with the drivers, not the tuning itself. 95% of the time, i don’t hear that off-timbre. It’s even less so after brain burn-in period. Piano have good note weight to them and is quite pleasant overall when listen to “Starry Night” – Jordan Critz. Listen to the track “Tempest” and “Encounter” of “Blast of Tempest OST”, violin are nicely emphasized, with good texture and bite to them, very little abrasiveness to the stroke.

Treble

The treble of the EW300 is decently extended, crisp, snappy and not fatiguing. It doesn’t have a great amount of brilliance and air, just enough to support other elements of the songs. Cymbal crashes have decent shimmering and sparkles, and has a bit of crunchiness to it. Hihat sounds nice and has a cool wispiness to them.

When observing how natural it sounds in the sustain and decay of the percussion instruments, it’s not as smooth and natural as a dynamic driver, but it does highlight, giving presence and a bit of micro details to the instruments there. The planar and PZT definitely don’t sound harsh or too unnatural, but they do stand out more compared to the DD that was used for the bass. On one hand, that shows some slight incoherence regarding the driver setup; on the other hand, you are getting what you’re buying for, since you know what you’d get from the configuration.

Technicalities

The EW300 HBB has really good technical performance. It has a really good sense of width and depth, height not as good. Imaging is also quite great as well. The resolution is also good. There’s not much I can fault here for the EW300, especially for its price. Sure it certainly doesn’t reach any high end or ground breaking level, but for $70-$80, it certainly feels very well rounded.

Change from silver to gold nozzle

With the gold nozzle, it dampens a lot of energy in the upper midrange compared to the red nozzle. Not just there but the whole dynamics of the EW300 feels like it got reduced as well. Everything feels very hazy all of a sudden.

Female vocals now sound significantly laid back, to the point of, dare i say, boring (subjective). The pinna peak now shifted more forward past 3 khz according to the graph, vocalists now sound a bit more distant

The bass now feels more emphasized, which is why the EW300 now has a bassy tonality. This mode is now more suitable for bass heavy genres, EDM, rock n roll type of stuff.

The planar and PZT timbre is now lessened, which is welcomed, yet the whole tonal balance now sounds kind of odd.

Technical performance wise, the stage now feels like it’s shrunken down, imaging is more hazy, blurry.

The graph of the EW300 with these gold nozzles, heavily reminds me of the Truthear Hexa, which is an iem that I didn't vibe with due to its dull vocal presentation and lackluster bass texture. The EW300 now sounds like a bass boosted (really welcomed) Hexa with a bit of a sparklier treble and better technical performance. Still, that upper midrange really affects the life of female vocals in my opinion.

If you want a warmer, more laid back presentation or more bass heavy, then the gold nozzle would be up your alley. For me, the silver nozzle sounds more exciting and it’s my usual nozzle of choice.

Modding?

The EW300 also provides some additional foam that you can put inside the nozzles. When I put a piece of foam into the silver nozzles, it sort of softens up the treble region a little, reducing a bit of that planar+pzt timbre without affecting too much the microdetails, the stage or the bass texture.

I usually don’t like to put any foam into the nozzles of my Simgot iem like the EA1000 because with the EA1000, I feel like it affects the bass texture for the worse. But here, since the foam only brings some nuances to the upper frequency without affecting the bass, I don't mind it as much.

However, to keep everything simple, I review the silver nozzles mostly without any foam in it.

Comparison
1/ Simgot EW300 HBB vs EW300 DSP

When listening to the DSP versions, I'm surprised to find out that there is zero noise floor coming from it. Zero. Even when I listen to either my laptop or my phone with data On. It’s been a while since I last listened to an iem with DSP (Moondrop Quarks DSP) so I'm glad to see how far DSP tech has come.

The battery consumption of the DSP cable is quite good as well. I don’t know the exact power drain, but my battery drops a bit slower compared to when I use it with the EPZ TP50.

For the sound, the sound quality is very similar between the 2, having similar baseline, but with some minor differences.


The DSP version has a bit tamer midbass and mid treble, a bit tamer in dynamics and more midcentric than the HBB version overall. The differences however is relatively small especially after volume match (as much as possible)

The bass has a bit less slam but the texture is more or less the same. The planar and PZT timbre is a bit lessened, the upper frequencies feels a bit smoother as well. Cymbals and hi hats now sound even softer. Vocals now pop out of the tracks a bit more compared to the HBB version, as well as sounding cleaner.

The overall balance now sounds a bit safer, more boring-ish compared to when using the analog cable.

The soundstage sounds a bit wider and more open to my ears, while other factors like the separation and imaging are quite similar. “Similar” in a sense when comparing the stock DSP cable, versus using the EW300 HBB/DSP analog with a dongle like the EPZ TP50. This gap can be widened when using other stronger/better dac/amp.

• Should you get the DSP version? My answer is ... “Kinda” yes.
• With just 4$ more, you essentially get 2 iem in one, since you’d just get an EW300 HBB version if you change the stock DSP cable to an analog one. You’re essentially getting 2 iem in one. The DSP version is perfect for traveling use since it’s so compact and you don’t need to use a dongle or a dap.
• However, you can also change the tuning of the HBB version to DSP version with the use of EQ in the case that you want to use the EW300 with your dedicated dac/amp.

2/ Simgot EA500LM vs EW300 HBB red/silver nozzle

Compared to the EW300 HBB, the EA500LM feels more U shaped and leaner in its dynamics, while also sounding more energetic overall.

The bass may look very similar on graphs, but the quality feels a bit different. The bass of the EW300 feels heavier and chunkier, more weight behind the slams and such, while the EA500LM feels a bit more nimble and cleaner.

Midrange wise, the EA500LM sounds more natural, smoother with vocals and a touch more forward. The EW300 has less energy in the upper midrange and low-to-mid treble. This helps the EW300 achieve, imho, a better balanced tonality than the EA500LM. But then again, even with a lower energy here, the off timbre of the planar-pzt timbre still lingers. This gives the EA500LM an edge in the timbre department.

Due to the lower energy there, the EW300 is more suitable for louder listening volume and feels less fatiguing overall, even more so with the gold nozzles. The EA500LM also has a bit better treble extension.

Technicalities wise, the EW300 has a slight edge over the EA500LM regarding the soundstage and separation. The coherency is much better on the EA500LM as there’s only 1 driver. The overall details and resolution, the EA500LM is better for me.

So overall, I think the EA500LM is better in terms of coherency, timbre and details/energetic presentation, but the EW300 HBB still has a better tonality, stage and volume scaling.

3/ Simgot SuperMix 4 vs EW300 HBB, red/silver nozzle

The SM4 has an almost dead-on Harman tuning whereas the EW300 can only be considered as Harman-ish.

Subbass is more prominent on the SM4, while the EW300 has wayyy more midbass than the SuperMix 4, so more body to the drums and kick. The bass texture feels more buttery, fluid and clean on the SM4 while the EW300 feels a bit more rugged, raw in its attack.

There’s also more energy in the lower midrange. So more heft to baritones and more note weight overall. The SuperMix 4 rides the borderline between cleanliness and thinness there, so that additional note weight is welcome. That being said, the SM4 does have better transparency in the midrange. Female vocal sounds are more pristine on the SM4, more vibrant and articulate. Meghan Trainor and Shakira sound cleaner on the SM4.

The treble is way better on the SM4 as it has a general smoother presentation and doesn't need to use as many treble peaks to give it that crispy, snappy feeling in the air region. Not to mention, with the lower peakiness, the SM4’s PZT seems to have better coherency to the rest of the drivers as they can blend in with each other much better, compared to the EW300

Technicalities wise, the SM4 is still a bit better in the holographic of the stage. The SM4 feels wider and taller, but the EW300 has more depth. The detail retrieval is a bit harder to judge, as the SM4 is very smooth, leaving very little room for the masking of details, while the EW300 feels more dynamic, more complex than the SM4, its peak in the treble range gives it some spice to the treble region. So in all fairness, I'd give it to the SM4 here. Layering and separation wise, the SM4 is better.

One thing to note is that the SM4 is way more source picky than the EW300, not just for the low impedance (Source with high output impedance will boost the already high subbass of the SM4), but also from the synergy perspective. Many sources don’t perform as well as others. I like to use my SM4 with the Chord Mojo or Fiio Q15 the most, next would be the Onix Alpha Xi1, rather than the Ibasso DC07 Pro or the EPZ TP50.

For the EW300, it sounds good across the board no matter what source i use, be it the EPZ TP50, Onix Alpha Xi1 or Chord Mojo.

Conclusion

I have to say, the EW300 is another win from Simgot. This release seems to be Simgot’s first bold move to turn aggressively away from the old bright Harman-ish tuning, which is very welcomed. Not to mention, a DD+Planar+PZT tribrid in this price range is unprecedented, showing that Simgot has once again raised the bar on what iem sub80$ should provide in the future.

If you’re looking for a budget iem that has good build quality, a warm-balance tonality, technically capable with a lot of details without being too harsh, I'd say the EW300 HBB is a really nice iem for you.

That’s it for my review and thank you for reading.

The packaging is quite appealing with its hearts and 'X' design. Inside, there's a quality case and an excellent cable for both the DSP and standard models. My sole gripe is with the tips; although they are of good quality, I would have preferred more variety. The IEM itself is constructed from a lightweight yet sturdy metal and is exceptionally well-built. I found the shape appealing, and the design struck a balance between subtlety and elegance. In terms of comfort, it fits me well and the isolation is above average.

Acoustically, the DSP model remains identical in every aspect except for color, and cable with the included DAC, which introduce a slight increase in brightness to the mid-tones and a more balanced bass.

Nozzles affect the tone, with silver producing a brighter and colder sound, while brass yields a warmer and more dynamic tone.

The bass, when paired with brass nozzles, resonates excellently, offering a rich and profound texture. Although it may not be the quickest, I've experienced, it still delivers a commendable speed suitable for metal and various other music genres. I enjoy the expansive dynamics akin to sitting in front of large, well-made speakers.

The midrange is finely tuned, offering a balanced signature and excellent layering. Both male and female vocals are optimally positioned with a forward center placement, possessing a medium thickness. The lower tones have a subtle warmth, while the upper tones are slightly brighter. Changing to the silver nozzle alters this, yet it remains pleasurable.

The highs on the EW300 are quite tame and controlled, offering an even tone that is neither fatiguing nor harsh. However, this can vary with a colder source and the use of silver nozzles and depending on the volume. For the most part, I found the highs to be enjoyable, offering decent air and details that were far superior to their competitors.

The soundstage was impressive, providing a broad and pleasantly open sound with excellent clarity and separation, allowing me to pinpoint footsteps in gaming with great precision.


Having reviewed numerous IEMs, it takes a lot to impress me, but this particular IEM, priced under $70, has managed to do so. It's a favorite of mine, and I can confidently say that it's the best I've encountered in the under $100 category.

Disclaimer: Simgot provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Introduction​

Simgot in 2024 has recently shifted their focus from their usual 1DD configuration to hybrids, many featuring the piezoelectric driver (PZT). They started the year strongly with the excellent SuperMix4 and EM10. Now, their newest entry to the EW lineup, the EW300 ($70), is the first in the lineup to feature a PZT driver.

EW300 sports a 1 DD, 1 planar, and 1 PZT driver configuration from the product page. This makes it just 1 BA away from the SuperMix4, hence it is often dubbed “mini SuperMix4” by some in the community. So, is that true? How will it fare against its competitors? Let’s find out…

Packaging, Build & Specifications​

Driver configuration:

• 10mm ceramic composite diaphragm dual-chamber dynamic driver
• 6mm annular magnetic driver
• Piezoelectric ceramic driver

Impedance: 28Ω±15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity:

• 121dB/Vrms (@1kHz, silver steel tube & red silicone ring)
• 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz, golden copper tube & purple silicone ring)

Frequency response range: 8Hz-40kHz
Effective frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Connector: 0.78mm 2Pin
Cable material: High-purity silver-plated OFC
Plug:

• Standard & HBB Edition: 3.5mm (without microphone)
• DSP Edition: USB Type-C plug (with microphone)

Click to expand...

The EW300 came in three editions: standard ($70), HBB ($75), DSP ($80). I was only given access to the standard edition, but I was reassured that the IEM tuning is the same across all three different editions. The DSP edition also reportedly does not have any special tuning for the EW300, and measures identically with the DSP cable or through the measurement source, although I cannot independently confirm. Another reviewer, Jordan Oki, has measured them and found the difference is likely within measurement inconsistencies. You can watch his excellent video review here.

My review will proceed with the standard edition only.



The IEM itself is made of metallic alloy with mirror-plating. This makes it a very pretty IEM, but also a fingerprint magnet. From the pictures, the HBB and DSP editions feature a different type of finish. The left unit has an X symbol and the right unit features a heart symbol, alluding to its secondary name: “LOVE & X”, typical of Simgot. Quite a departure from their usual science-inspired name of their products in 2023.

The included accessories are a 3.5mm cable, EVA carrying case, a set of S/M/L eartips, 2 sets of replaceable nozzles (silver is installed by default), additional silicone rings and foams to be installed in the nozzles if needed.



Overall, the included accessories are on par to the recent Simgot IEMs around this price point: the EA500, EA500LM, EM6L, and SuperMix4. I can say that I am very content with the accessories, especially the extra foams and rings are really appreciated for those who are into modding and tuning their IEM to their taste.

Sound Impressions​

Sources: L&P W2 Ultra, Onix Alpha XI1, Hiby M300, FiiO JA11, FiiO M23, SMSL HO150X+D-6S stack
Setup: Stock balanced L tips, stock cable, Simgot LC5 4.4mm cable (for testing with balanced), silver nozzle
Music Sources: Youtube Music, Tidal, Lossless FLACs

The IEM has undergone a 24-hour burn-in at a medium volume prior to the review.

Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary. I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.



Regarding the earlier mention of the EW300 as the so-called “mini SuperMix4”, I feel it is a huge disservice to what EW300 represents. The EW300 offers a very different set of propositions than what SuperMix4 offers; a more exciting and fun tuning with excellent value for money. SuperMix4 went for a more safe route, with a smoother overall texture. EW300 ditched all that poise and sophistication for a more forward and energetic presentation, especially with the silver nozzle.

The EW300 tuning can be briefly summarized as a mild-V shape with the silver nozzle, and warm-dark with the gold nozzle. I personally prefer the silver nozzle as it has a thicker tonal weight and more energetic uppermids. I find the gold nozzle a tad too dark and too light in tonal weight for most of my listening library, but it is great for movies and gaming due to the punchier bass impact and less fatiguing uppermids.

Also, the thing that really impressed me was how well Simgot integrated the planar and PZT drivers. Unlike the SuperMix4 that smoothen out the driver to make the different drivers to sound as close as possible to 1DD coherence, EW300 allows more “freedom” to each driver type to do their thing, in a bold, good way.

The bass is very enjoyable to me, with a good amount and decent texture. Kind of a nitpick, but there is some bloominess, especially on the silver nozzle, so the midbass does bleed quite a bit into the mids, causing some incoherence in the transition from bass to mids. However, the overall texture and presentation of the bass is very enjoyable and not too distracting compared to the other frequencies. With the gold nozzle, the bass is smoother in texture, but the punch is more visceral and the bloominess is reduced.

The mids is better with the silver nozzle in my opinion. Thick, luscious vocals come through very well through this IEM for both male and female. The details are faithfully reproduced without being too forward, and overall very natural. With the gold nozzle, the mids do get recessed quite a bit and the vocals sounded a bit more hollow.

The treble is quite energetic with the silver nozzle, but not to the treblehead’s levels. The planar and PZT drivers here are so well-controlled that I don’t notice any wispiness or sibilance that was more common in the earlier implementations of the microplanar and PZT drivers. The treble extension is also great with plenty of air. Again, the gold nozzle kind of suppresses this and offers a more subdued upper frequencies. I think my preference is still with the silver nozzle.

Technicalities-wise, the staging of EW300 is pretty average for the price. The strong points are in resolution, layering, and imaging. It does have some minor downside that the strong technicalities are probably more due to the slight incoherencies with the three drivers rather than “true” technicalities of more higher priced IEM, but at this price, I would see this in a positive light.



(with silver nozzle)
Bass: Laid back with decent texture and punch
Mids: Thick, detailed, sweet
Treble: Smooth, bright, well-extended, non-sibilant
Technicalities: Average soundstage, great resolution, layering, and imaging, slight incoherence, natural timbre

(with gold nozzle)
Bass: Punchier but smoother compared to the silver nozzle
Mids: Thinner, less fatiguing
Treble: Smoother, non-sibilant
Technicalities: Smaller soundstage, good resolution, decent layering and imaging, more natural timbre

As for the pairing, I find it to be pretty easily driven by most modern sources, but it does not really scale much. From what I heard, the DSP version is driving it almost as well, or even better, than some expensive dongles or even desktop setup; something I can corroborate with that when moving up from JA11 to the desktop stack, I did not find a significant improvement in sound quality. That said, sources that has a tighter bass control (e.g. W2 Ultra or M23) are much more enjoyable for me, and may even improve EW300’s technicalities.

Select Comparisons​

Simgot SuperMix4 ($150):
So, is EW300 the smaller brother of SuperMix4? I would say that EW300 stands on its own. It is less coherent than SuperMix4, trading it for more dynamics and energy in tuning. I would even argue that the EW300 might have a perception of higher resolution than SuperMix4. That said, I think the bass presentation and texture of SuperMix4 is superior and the mids more natural. I would not say the SuperMix4 is an upgrade over EW300, just different. EW300 still offers a very good value, but in a different flavour.



Simgot EA500LM ($90):
Yet another sibling that EW300 would likely be compared against. The EA500LM is the classic Simgot 1DD tuning: tight bass, natural timbre, and good technicalities. I would say that EW300 is better at technicalities, especially in the resolution and layering. Listening to these two side-by-side, I do think EW300 is the more fun and coloured one, despite being really close in tonality. So, deciding between the two is more about deciding priorities in your listening experience.

Conclusion​

Simgot EW300 is a show of force by Simgot, putting up a tribrid with PZT and planar at such competitive pricing. It is also a showcase of their PZT driver tuning prowess, which is probably one of the harder driver types to tame. At this price point, I find it hard not to strongly recommend this. Easy 5-star from me, and I’m curious about the DSP version now.

Simgot EW300 Review​

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Simgot EW300 Review​

Intro​

Hello, today I am reviewing one of the latest iems from the audio brand Simgot named the Simgot EW300. The EW300 is actually a $69 tribrid iem consisting of dynamic driver, 1 micro-planar driver, and 1 piezoelectric driver. Friends, I am utterly blown away at what Simgot is able to do in relation to cost. Seeing a tribrid at this price is fantastic. Basically, if this is what you get for $69 then how good is a Simgot flagship?! At any rate, the EW300 comes hot on the heels of some truly special iems and is actually the 3rd installment into the EW series iems for Simgot. Prior to the EW300 we saw the EW100 and EW200 tear through the budget audio scene and compete very well against the competition. I actually reviewed the EW200 (EW200 Review) and was more than impressed in every regard. From the build, design, to the awesome sound. Still one of my favorites under $50. Now, the EW300 comes in three variants, the Simgot EW300 X-HBB which is a collaboration effort between Bad Guy Good Audio (YouTube personality) and Simgot. Next is the Simgot EW300 DSP and then they also have the standard model which I have with me today and will begin reviewing shortly. It’s going to be very interesting.

Simgot​

Folks, I’ve reviewed a number of Simgot Audio’s iems. The EW200 (EW200 Review), EA500 (EA500 Review), EA500LM (EA500LM Review), EM6L (EM6L Review), the EA1000 (EA1000 Review), the Simgot SuperMix 4 (SM4 Review) and I even reviewed one of their dongle dacs the Simgot Dew4x (Dew4x Review). Each product was a huge hit and each device I gave heaps of praise. Simgot simply has a way of bringing this “unrivaled elegance”. The name “Simgot” means “Simple Elegance” for crying out loud. Anyways, couple the gorgeous designs and robust builds with fantastic sound quality and you’ll end up with some of the best price-to-performance products that the audio world has to offer. In my opinion anyways. Truly a special brand that does not make many wrong moves. At least that I can tell. Simgot has a way of creating iems with this charming style of sophistication which borders on stoic to downright fancy and everything in between.

At $69 the Simgot EW300 is in some tough company. There are obviously some very nice sets packed within this range, which is great for the consumer, but much more difficult in the EW300 and Simgot. However, I don’t see any other tribrid iems going for that little. I am very interested to see just how well it stacks up. So, without further ado, the Simgot EW300 everyone…

Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links: ​

–Linsoul

Disclaimer:​

I received the Simgot EW300 from Simgot as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Simgot has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Simgot and thanks for reading.

Gear used for testing ​

–Ifi Go Blu​

–EPZ TP50​

–Simgot Dew4x​

–Aful SnowyNight​

–Fiio Q15​

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2​

–Shanling M6 Ultra​

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Packaging / Accessories​

Unboxing​

The Simgot EW300 arrived at my house in a good-sized box with a very nicely designed front cover with large, imprinted X’s & ’s. Pretty nice from my perspective. Open the box and you are met with the beautiful EW300 iems sitting pretty inside of some foam cut-outs. Also, inside the box you’ll find the Carrying case, the cable, six pieces of tuning foam, eight ring gaskets for the tuning nozzles, one extra tuning nozzle and three pairs of eartips. It’s quite a nice package for $69. In fact, it’s beyond nice having tuning foamies, extra gaskets and each is of good quality. Just a nice unboxing. I thought that the EW300 would have been much more costly.

Eartips​

The eartips provided are nice in quality. You get three pairs (S, M, L) of white silicone eartips which are of very nice quality similar to KBear 07 tips. These tips have a semi-wide bore and do work nicely for the EW300’s. Now, I actually found that the best tips for me are not the included tips but instead I needed shallow fit wide-bore eartips. So, I wound up using them. Blue Letshuoer wide bore tips which came included in the Letshuoer S15 packaging. The wide bores do seem to open the sound just a hint more, but I feel semi-wide tips like the set included should be fine as well.

Carrying case​

Simgot includes a nice and simple black faux leather case in the packaging as well. We’ve seen these cases from time to time. The included case is about large enough to fit the earphones, cable, and maybe a few sets of tips. It’s a smaller case but plenty large to protect your precious earphones. This case features a working zipper which I have to specify as “working” because so many of these cases the zipper barely operates. Anyways, it’s a nice inclusion if you need a case or just a place to store the extra nozzle, tips, and cable.

Cable​

Now the included cable is a good and solid offering at this price. Nothing overly special but it looks very nice attached to the EW300’s. To be exact it’s a black/yellow braided 2-pin setup made of silver-plated oxygen free copper with 2-cores and ends in a 3.5 single ended jack. The braiding is nice to look at and the colors pop well paired with the EW300. I honestly don’t feel you need to swap cables as this one is perfectly fine. Now, for my situation I did need to change it up for my balanced sources. So, I went with a yellow/white Tripowin Nucool modular cable and primarily used the 4.4 balanced adapter. I went through roughly about 10 cables until I found one which meshed the best with the EW300. Again, I don’t feel it is a requirement to swap cables though if you mainly listen with balanced sources then you’ll obviously need to.

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Tuning nozzles​

Like many of Simgot’s iems, the EW300 comes with two sets of tuning nozzles. These nozzles simply screw on and off very easily without much effort. However, they are quite small so it’s probably best to have a good surface under you when changing them so that you don’t drop them and lose them. At any rate, the EW300 comes with a silver nozzle using a red gasket and a gold nozzle which uses a light purple gasket. Simgot says that the gold nozzle is actually marketed as a gaming nozzle, or something like that. It was in one of their promotionals. But really it supposedly represents a “Harman 2019” curve. I suppose it does to an extent, yet it is a slight variant of that. Now, the silver nozzle is the one I enjoy the most. It was tuned to Simgot’s own “Golden 2023” standard. This one closer represents what I enjoy.

Gold nozzle​

Like I said, the gold nozzle is supposed to follow the “Harman 2019” curve. I guess it does to a slight degree yet with some pretty obvious deviations. I digress, the gold nozzle creates a nice sound, more laid back, slightly bassier, less crisp, less energy up top. It is a smoother sound altogether making probably the warmest and smoothest tuning of most any recent Simgot set. Between the two I found the gold nozzle as just a hair more laid back compared to the silver nozzle. Now if Simgot made a set strictly with the gold nozzle tuning and rendering of my music library I’d be perfectly happy and content. Truth be told, there are moments when I really enjoy this sound. However, the silver nozzle is just a bit more enjoyable for me.

Silver nozzle​

Now, the silver nozzle is the one that I most enjoy. It is tuned after Simgot’s “Golden 2023” curve which is itself a deviation of Harman. However, between the two nozzles I like this one the most because it does have a slight bit more energy in the upper regions, less bassy by a small degree, more upper mid energy and hint more sparkle too. I found the treble has a hair more bite and the entire sound simply has more levity and air to it. For me the silver nozzle is definitely more engaging, energetic and more forward in the midrange making vocals very nice. I just like it better.

Build / Design / Internals / Fit ​

Build Quality​

The build is exactly as one would expect from Simgot. It’s tops in class. Or at least it is up there. Let’s put it this way, I don’t know how much better you can get for $69.The EW300 is a very robust, strong, solidly built set made entirely of metal alloy with that slick mirror polish. It’s heavy, beefy in density and nothing weak or frail about it. It’s a paper weight that plays music… really well. Anyways, I notice two vents. One on the front cavity and one in the back. The nozzle is medium in length with a width of just over 6 mm. Pretty standard. The size and shape are identical to the Simgot EW200. So, if you have seen or spent time with that set then you know exactly what to expect. To be honest, it’s built very similarly to the EW200 in almost all ways. There are some ornamental differences but for the most part they are identical. It’s built like a tank folks and the EW300 is truly a durable and well-constructed iem.

Design​

When I looked at the design for the first time I was taken aback because I was wondering what Simgot was thinking. The X and the Heart on the faceplates is a very bold move. Even for Simgot. How many DUDES want what correlates to “Love & kisses” on the face of their iems? But man did this look begin to grow on me. In fact, it grew on me so much that I’m wondering how many better designed iems are even in the price point. That’s quite a turn around. I went from “Geeze Simgot!” to “Geeze Simgot… Nice”. To be honest, it’s a sexy design. Elegant in a very minimalist and enthralling way, it’s simple. The fact that the entire iem has a mirror polish is ‘in-and-of-itself’ a very cool design. Now you add in these big X’s and Hearts and for some reason it just works. Every curve is beautiful on this set. The fat cavity before the nozzle, the odd curvature of the backside, shoot, even the recessed 2-pin is sexy. That all said, I know for a fact that many people will pass simply due to the design. So, it was a very BOLD choice on Simgot’s part. Very nice but also pretty risky.

Internals​

Okay so this section is where we enter the weeds a little bit. Like I’ve said a bunch already, the Simgot EW300 is a tribrid iem. That means it has three different driver types. Now Simgot has made one like this recently in the Simgot SuperMix 4 (SM4 Review). Actually, the SM4 even had an extra driver making it a quad-brid. So, the EW300 comes equipped with one dynamic driver, one micro-planar, and one piezoelectric driver. The DD is a 10mm ceramic like diaphragm driver which covers both the bass as well as the midrange. I like that for cohesions’ sake. The planar, which is a 6mm micro-planar, and the piezoelectric driver both take on the treble frequencies. Simgot had amazing feedback from the SM4 which also utilized a micro-planar and piezo driver for its highs. It is obvious to me that these drivers are of a high quality. I hear no distortions, grain, fuzz or any real timbre oddities other than the usual characteristics of each driver type. Very good Simgot.

Fit / Isolation​

The fit for me is perfect. I have absolutely no issues getting a good seal and the EW300 seats perfectly in my ears. They are also extremely comfortable. However, I am not you and so I can’t obviously say whether the EW300 is going to fit you or not. Basically, if you have the EW200 and it fits, then the EW300 should fit as well. The EW300 doesn’t take on some weird shape, there’s no8 rough edges or sharp corners. It’s simply comfortable for me. Now, I feel the actual isolation is perfectly fine, but also average. However, average is good. There isn’t a whole lot of sound leakage either, so those around you shouldn’t be complaining because of your loud music.

Drivability / Pairings​

The Simgot EW300 is rated with an impedance of around 28 ohms and a sensitivity of 121db/vrms using the silver nozzle, and 119 db/vrms using the gold nozzle. What this means is that the EW300 is a pretty sensitive set and can be used with most any source devices. Even less powerful sources like my iPad using the 3.5 connection were plenty loud enough. Having said that, the EW300 will reward you for giving it some power. I feel it needs just a bit cleaner juice to open up that micro-planar and piezo driver. As far as tonality pairing, I generally liked sources that were closer to neutral or even warmer sets. I didn’t like colder sounding source devices as at times the planar/piezo drivers can come across a hint metallic on some tracks. Nothing egregious or too edgy, but slightly metallic, nonetheless.

Mobile Listening​

When out and about I used my usual Ifi Go Blu with the 4.4 connection, and I was loving every minute of it. In fact, the EW300 creates a very nice synergy with it. Plenty of power on tap too. Of my dongle dacs I once again enjoy the EPZ TP50 as well as the Simgot Dew4x the most. Both devices run off of CS43198 dac chips and both have plenty of power to really open up the EW300. The source devices that I didn’t like all that much were the Shanling UA2, and the Fiio KA3. Both of those sources just gave me that electric metallic sounding edginess out of the treble that I didn’t like. Lesser expensive devices like the EPZ TP20 Pro and Moondrop Dawn 4.4 were also great options too.

More juice ​

This brings us to some slightly more powerful source devices. I liked them all. Really. I found the EW300 is not too insanely picky. Like I said, colder sources aren’t my favorite but everything else sounds great. From the neutral and very dynamic iBasso DX240, the ultra-resolving and equally neutral and dynamic Fiio Q15 and the warmer sounding Shanling M6 Ultra. Each has a different dac situation and each paired wonderfully with the EW300. Perhaps if I were to pick one of the three, I’d say the Fiio Q15 came across the best. But all were nice. What I found out was that the EW300 does like power. It doesn’t have to be some huge power source but giving this set around 100 mw at the least helps. I actually used medium gain on all my daps and that seemed to really let this set shine.

What should you use? ​

If I were you, I would pick up a semi-powerful dongle dac. Like I said, the EPZ TP20 Pro is a nice pairing, and it costs about $45-50. I’m sure you can find one even cheaper or find another dongle dac that is not too very expensive. I do feel that most source tonalities pair very well with the EW300. Enjoy.

Sound Impressions​

Note: I just want to preface this entire sound portion of this review by stating that I did burn this set in for about five days. Being that the EW300 has a 6mm micro-planar a DD and as piezoelectric drivers I assumed this set needed some run-in. After burn-in I definitely found out that I was right. Other than that, all of my listening impressions came using the silver nozzle as I simply like it better. Also, I use flac or better files stored in my devices primarily using UAPP ( USB Audio Player Pro).

EW300 quick sound report​

Isuppose I was expecting something closer to the EW200 but what I got was a slightly warmer, more cultivated & polished sound in my opinion. I still hear that DNA in the overall sound, just more refined. I’d say it has a warm/neutral tonal color. I’m a little on the fence about sound signature but I’d say it’s almost a W-shaped iem, maybe U-shaped too. It has a lifted bass shelf, and the midrange is nicely forward without going boxy, glaring, sibilant, or artificial sounding, while the treble isn’t too emphasized for its own good. It’s a nice tuning with a dynamically balanced and energetic sound and good levels of macro-dynamics. I find the EW300 to have a crisp sound with peppy transients and good note weight. More like lean-lush than heavy weighted, but each note has actual density. Certainly, an upgrade over the EW200 and possibly a fantastic side grade to the Simgot EA500LM with a few caveats to consider.

I am very impressed by this brand and what they’ve done once again using multiple different driver types. Each driver works in tandem with the others promoting each driver’s strong points. I should also state that the sound is very clean across the board with great clarity. Clean in a lean-lush and sculpted way with adequate musicality. Not in an analytical and dry way. Does that make sense? You have sculpted note outlines without the fuzz which so often adds almost a haze upon the crest of notes, at least on some sets. Not on the EW300. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, there are certainly issues with this set. However, is it good enough to be considered among some of the best under $100? There ya’ go, that’s the right question.

Condensed Sound Between the 20’s​

Let’s do a quick rundown of the sound between the 20’s shall we. So, the bass has a strong emphasis with a deep extension and nice rumble along with a nice transient response which helps it to have a good and solid impact. Not so much that it takes over the whole spectrum, but enough to warm it up a bit. The midrange is crisp-over-smooth, effortlessly clean, with just enough snap and abrasive edge when needed. I hear very good details for such a tuning with good separation as the sound comes through open & airy. The treble doesn’t lack sparkle, but it also isn’t forced brightness. Just enough to add some luster to the spectrum. I hear good extension past 8k and good secondary harmonics, nothing egregiously splashy either. Again, detail retrieval is solid, Imaging is great outside of bass heavy tracks, and the soundstage is above average. Really a nicely crafted tuning. I am very impressed how Simgot is able to intelligibly and fluently combine these drivers with such cohesion. What a fun and very talented set this is!

Note: tthe graph below shows “Red” and “Pink”. The red represents the “Silver Nozzle” while the pink represent ts the “Gold Nozzle”.

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Bass Region​

One thing I loved about the EW200 was that tight and punchy bass. Well, the EW300 takes that punchy nature and scales it up a bit with a more impactful, well textured, fast and dense bass replay. The low-end has a tight decay for a bass shelf with roughly 10-11 db’s in emphasis. I hear a harder edge to bass notes rather than something pillowy or soft. The crest of each note is clean (depending on the track) for a larger bass and does so with good note definition. This is not the type of bass which sounds like a hammer wrapped in cotton. Note edges have a rigid and robust quality which gives the EW300 that energetic, deep, and droning vibrance. The sub-bass takes the brunt of the low-end emphasis with a forward and firm rendering of this region followed by a mid-bass with plenty of fullness and a meaty boom when called upon. The low-end does fall into the midrange a bit yet doesn’t steal the midrange clarity in the process. No veil, no warm haze and no mud. This set really does have a nice bass region folks. Perhaps some would like an even snappier bass but for the head bobbing quantity… I found this to be a very mature experience. Really a very nicely done bass.

Sub-bass​

The sublevels of the bass carry a constrained, tense, forward, and haptic vibrance. It’s a moist sub-bass with a contained forcefulness. I hear good control with very nice speed & no extra hanging fat. No loose and lagging harmonics or resonances either on the EW300. Of course, the sub-bass is on the meaty side and so there’s definitely some tracks which bring on a hair too much fullness ultimately carrying over into the mid-bass. Some may not like this kind of bulbous solidity, but by-and-large I am loving what I’m hearing. It’s taut, unyielding, with a certain control to the sound and some good ole’ fortified haptic vibration. The sub-bass is extended very nicely into the lowest of lows yet without truly mudding up the mix. Now, after I’ve said all of this, I’d also like to declare that this is not a basshead iem. It’s not at those levels. This is a fun sub-bass which can get very guttural but won’t overtake any area of the mix unless the track specifically emphasizes that. This is a nice distinction. I should also say that there are other sets that can also do this. Not many, but some. This is not some new phenomenon. It’s simply a great character trait of a fine set.

Sub-bass cont… ​

Listening to “Tell Me What’s on Your Mind” by The Decemberists you’ll hear what I’m talking about. This track begins with a deep and rotund vibratory bass line and the EW300 takes this type of low-toned bullishness and reciprocates perfectly. Really a nice and deeply quaking bassline with the EW300 in my ears. Another track is “Better Together (Nightmares on wax mix)” by Jack Johnson. Friends, I love when the bass drops at around 45 seconds and again the EW300 shows off its ability to rumble with a juddering replay. I suppose the depth and low-toned rumble isn’t really the good thing here. I mean, any set can be tuned to run deep. What I enjoy is how that deep haptic shudder sounds controlled with an almost localized force. It’s a nice quality because not only is it big and meaty, but it also doesn’t cast its aftereffects on the rest of the mix. In fact, in both of those tracks the rest of the melody sounds perfectly separated. It’s just clean friends.

Mid-bass​

The mid-bass is the type which does gain some heft from the sub-bass, but not to the point of rendering the mid-bass ill defined. I hear a nicely contoured mid-bass which doesn’t come across as though it’s one-noted to my ears. The mid-bass has some good slam with enough lift in this region to replay just about any genre really well. Not too much, never overbearing, not sloppy and not the type which creates a veil either. I hear an atmospheric mid-bass with solid timbre and tonality. More organic to my ears. Yet also the mid-bass doesn’t shy away from quicker bass passages. Of course there is a point where the speed of a track may be too much for the EW300’s to handle, but I haven’t really heard that yet. For the most part the mid-bass falls right into line and takes what the song is giving it. You could call it “mature fun” where there never seems to be a loss of control.

Mid-bass cont…​

The mid-bass has enough fullness and borrows from the sub-bass to really make bass guitars come across dirty and mean. “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard is a track I always go to, and for good reason. This track shows me how controlled the note outline will be, how much brute strength and vigor a set has, along with how full it can sound. “California” by CMAT is another deep and full bass guitar that the EW300 replays very well with enough meat to sound satisfying but not enough to throw off the timbre. Kick drums also come across nicely as they have that pointed snap at attack. It’s a wet attack followed closely by that hollow and resonant boom in the track “Billie Jean” by Weezer. Just a fun sound that hits nicely.

Downsides of the Bass Region ​

Without question plenty of folks would rather that the bass region not be as lifted. However, I do feel it’s tastefully done. Not quite basshead with a 10db shelf, but definitely not bass-lite either. That said, I know plenty of hobbyists who much prefer an even more agile, swift, and concentrated bass that isn’t boosted as much. I’d also say that the EW300 could use a hint better note definition in the mid-bass as well. Still, panning out and looking at the EW300’s bass as a whole… I am impressed at how they were tuned.

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Midrange​

The mids on the EW300 seem to be in a very nice place within the sound field. Not too forward, yet not recessed either. The EW300 does a nice job of creating equal parts smooth and crisp which sound refined in comparison to the EW200. Really lovely for vocals of both male and female as the midrange carries solid timbre that doesn’t come across as artificial or too colored. It’s a natural timbre with just enough warmth against the neutrality. I would’ve thought there would be many more instances of metallic notes, or notes plagued by planar timbre, but I was clearly wrong. On some tracks those characteristics show up but they are few and far in between. The thing which I love hearing is the crispness of this midrange without going artificial. It’s a realistic crispness, some edginess. I believe the mids are crisp-over-smooth yet not without some smoothness if that makes sense. Detail retrieval is fantastic along with very nice clarity. I hear a unsullied midrange with a glossy and vibrant presence from borrowed energy from the treble region creating a very vivid sound. Micro-dynamics are evident as subtle volume shifts and subtleties within my music can be picked up nicely leading to solid micro-details, with a few caveats that I’ll talk about later. Macro-dynamics come through well from the uplift in the sound which makes for an exciting listening experience. I would call the midrange engaging with an immersive soundstage, great separation, great clarity, and solid timbre, all the while not lacking in musicality and tunefulness as some analytical sets can.

Lower-midrange​

The low-mids do borrow some weight and warmth from the bass region and comes across a hair recessed. Having said that, I don’t feel that this “recession” is a knock against the tuning. Just an artifact of it. In my mind the low-end does the low-mids a favor by adding just enough note body and presence to where the recession isn’t even a problem. Males come through with good authority to their vocals. One example of this is in the track “Rome” by Dermot Kennedy. His voice is very gruff, edgy, and somewhat deep in pitch and the EW300 makes him sound awesome. This set gives his voice some dimension, a certain roundness, or a 3D quality which pronounces the inflections in his voice. It’s all in the tuning folks because if this set was any warmer or smoother than those inflections wouldn’t have nearly the presence. I would assume anyways. Another track is “Bluebird Singing” by John Vincent III. John’s voice is slightly more melodic, whimsical and smooth sounding yet also kind of zesty with an unpolluted or untainted and clear diction. Yes, there is some crispness, but it is never abrasive, but rather it’s glass-lined and clear. To put it in a much easier way, the EW300 bolsters every good quality of his voice. Men sound good on this set with a substantial and sturdy note body that’s authoritative and realistic, while at the same time they aren’t too full or too smooth to sound articulate and clean. Instruments follow this trajectory to-the-tee in this region.

Upper-Midrange​

The upper midrange comes through more vivacious, more forward, but also less full sounding. Perhaps there is some glare on the right track but mostly this region behaves. Certainly not as bright as the EA500LM but even more detailed in my opinion. I hear clear separation of instruments with very nice imaging, nice layering, texture to notes, and obviously good clarity. Females come across shimmery with a moist and dense note body that also has plenty of vibrance. It’s a nice combo and one which makes for good vocals. Maybe not 100% authentic to life, but good. Usually, I like females with a bit more body to their voice, but I can’t help but enjoy what Simgot did here. For a technical set I really do like how emotional it can sound. Just a very nice mix of fine-lined details and density. Females like Lauren Daigle in the track “You Say” is a song that I wouldn’t have thought would sound nice with this set. However, the EW300 adds texture to her already husky sweet as voice with a wetted note delivery and intonation to her voice. The EW300 does well at mixing harmony, vibrance, and forwardness while also not skimping on actual note mass. Females sound very nice listening with the EW300, from my perspective anyways.

Downsides to the Midrange​

To me the midrange is very well done for $69 and should make a great set for those who like a solid midrange performance. However, this hobby is so very subjective, and I’d be a fool to think that everyone will be down with this sound. Also, there are sets which specialize in the midrange and vocals which would be a better option for mid-centric lovers. Fans of that warm, thick, and truly emotional type sound are probably not going to fully enjoy how articulate and even analytical the EW300 can be. Yes, it has a musical flare, but it isn’t that milky rich type sound. There are also moments where the timbre isn’t perfectly spot-on. You’ll hear some edginess that may not agree with you. I happen to think that it sounds great but also, I love just about every sound signature that’s out there. The midrange borrows some luster from the treble region which does uplift the sound and so the midrange can be a hint bright or glaring on certain tracks. Certainly not to the degree as something like the Simgot EA500, but it is there from time to time, nonetheless. Also, you do get some planar style timbre from time to time. That metallic type of sound mixed with the liveliness of the piezo which honestly isn’t perfectly natural. It’s good for what it is but do keep that in mind.

It’s good friends…​

Having said all of that, I think Simgot did a wonderful job making a detail rich sound that doesn’t really offend while keeping a fine-lined crispness that articulates every subtle modulation within the sound and every up & down volume shift very well. It’s tight in its transients, speedy, agile, and very ductile as the EW300 can keep up with even fast or more complicated tracks. I hear very nice texture and good layering for an immersive type listen. The kicker is that all of this articulation and energetic replay all comes in a crystal clear and warmer style sound. Just very engaging. It’s good friends.

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Treble Region​

This is a treble which doesn’t seek to offend. It is not a super bright treble region, but it doesn’t lack brilliance. There is definitely a balance going on here with the bass region. Again, we have another very well detailed playback with solid resolution, some good bite to treble notes with a crispy sound that adds some texture and crunch to my music. I wouldn’t call this a treble heads dream or anything but the planar and piezo team up to offer some solid note definition. Using the silver nozzle of course. So maybe not a treble heads’ dream, but it is for those who enjoy a good and sparkly treble that won’t fatigue most listeners.

Uplifts without going artificial​

I also hear some very good extension past 10k with brighter harmonics in the upper air regions. Having this adds some air and openness to the overall sound but also adds some width to the stage along with some dimension to the sound. Having that air between instruments is vital for stuff like separation of instruments, detail retrieval etc. Very similar to the EW200 yet just more refined, crisper, more revealing too. I found the EW200 a bit brighter and loud in my ear where the EW300 dials that back but instead adds more talented drivers to create better note delivery. Cleaner, finer details, fine-lined precision over the smoother and brighter EW200. What I enjoy is the warmth lower in the spectrum which fluently transitions into this semi-brite treble region for a very cohesive overall delivery. I know I’ve said that a lot (the word cohesion) but I cannot help it. Folks this set is $69 and somehow Simgot absolutely nailed combining these three drivers with almost no odd timbre, weird peaks, scratchiness, grain, or any treble tizz. The treble is very good and one of the best in the price point if you are looking for something which can bring out the minutiae within your music while also impacting the rest of the mix in a positive way. This treble uplifts without going artificial or without it feeling like forced resolution.

Examples​

Another thing that the EW300 treble has going for it is the speed with which it can maneuver around my music and even complicated tracks. The planar and priezo seem to be able to take any track with ease. Now, at times in some brighter and more congested songs you can get some mishmash of treble tizz. But that’s more an artifact of the recording. However, give the EW300 a good recording like Billy Strings track “Ice Bridges” and you’ll hear the EW300 resolve the lightning-fast banjo without breaking a sweat. Or the track “The Hardest Part” by Washed Out. This is another track with a ton of treble activity which really shows off the EW300’s ability to separate even in the face of a deep and bulbous bass. Everything is partitioned off and images so well on this song. The song “Magnetic Fields, Pt. 1” by Jean Michel Jarre is perhaps one of the best treble test tracks in planet earth for electronic treble, you can thank me later. Okay, I may have exaggerated a bit, but it’s nice. It comes with loads of treble hitting from every direction. Listen as the EW300 misses absolutely nothing. All electronic beats that come through crystal clear while other sets in the price point simply sound like a mishmash of colliding treble tizz. I’m telling you, each note is concise, direct in its purpose, well controlled and the timbre sounds nice to my ears.

Folks, I love what Simgot has done here. For $69 they crafted a treble experience that is very good, great clarity, crisp, with good bite to notes while also having actual note body. I’d say it comes close to that of the Supermix4 for about half the price.

Downsides to the Treble Region ​

Listing out some issues I’d first say that not everyone enjoys a crisp and even close to bright treble. There are many who are sensitive to that. Putting on the gold nozzle will help to an extent, but I just think that there will be those who won’t enjoy the output and emphasis in the EW300’s treble region. Those types who really love a warmer and darker treble will probably want to keep looking. Granted, I honestly don’t consider this a super bright treble. The EA500, EA500LM, EA1000, EW200 all had brighter treble displays than the EW300. Beyond that, I honestly don’t feel there is any other blatant faults with the EW300’s treble other than some moments of slightly edgy timbre. However, those moments also came from tracks which are inclined towards that edginess. So, take it for what you will but I am happy with the playback in this region. Very good Simgot!

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Technicalities​

Soundstage​

As I listened, one of the first things I noticed was the expansive stage. I wouldn’t call it the best in the price point, but it’s well laid-out. I hear a wide stage which is helped by the extension going both ways. The deeper sub-bass and the airiness up top do help to stretch the stage in a psycho-acoustic manner. Height is also very full to my ears. Now, the sound field isn’t pushed back as an oval in front of me but instead it’s all around me. Intimate to a degree as in “close to the listener”, yet big in all directions. Also, depth plays a big role in this. I hear good layering of sounds as the front to back sound field has evident distance there. So, depth is pretty good too. All in all, I like the stage. It is immersive, mesmeric in its attempt at 3D-like imagery. Again, it may not be class leading but it’s a great quality to have.

Separation / Imaging​

I’ve already spoken of the EW300’s ability to separate both instruments and vocals very well. Obviously in tracks that are simply too congested you may have a problem distinguishing good and distinct separation. But for the most part the EW300 is speedy enough, resolves well enough, is clear and clean enough, with a tight enough transient attack through decay which leads to good separation. Also, in ridiculously heavy bass jams you may have a bit of a masking issue but also, who is seeking out perfect technicalities on a super heavy bass track? The answer to that is… nobody. Imaging walks the same line as separation. Each instrument has its own placement, space, and each has some roundness to it. Much will depend on the track but by-and-large the EW300 performs well with imaging and layering.

Detail Retrieval​

This is a highly technical set folks. It just is. Yes, it has some semblance of musicality (which I love) but for the most part you are looking at a very resolving sound. Detail retrieval is an obvious by-product of such a tuning. Not just the tuning either as the drivers used really help in this regard. Micro-details are easy to distinguish, again, fine lines, tight transients, agile and rapid note delivery, good separation, wider stage, and simply a non-veiled sound altogether really helps to bring out the subtleties.

Comparisons​

Note: I just want to establish that I am not going to complete a super in-depth comparison. These will be quick and general overview of each set. I do this because I have a scheduled date for publishing, and I don’t want to o ershoot that. Also, my reviews are already too long, and comparisons can be anywhere for 800 words to 2000 words depending on how much explaining needs done. Also, this will not be a duel to the death. I don’t do that folks. You guys can establish for yourself which is better, and I will likely tell you what I prefer but I’m not doing this to crown any set. I do these comparisons only to help explain the iem I’m reviewing.

Simgot EW200 ($40)​

I reviewed the Simgot EW200 (EW200 Review) some time last year and I was overjoyed at how special this iem was across the board. I instantly and secretively dubbed it the best iem under $50. It wasn’t even a tough decision. Now, the EW200 is a single DD iem with one 10 mm SCP diaphragm and one of the best builds under $100. Just gorgeous folks. It is a complete package of a tuning and one I was happy to review.

Differences​

For one, both sets are made from the exact same mold. Meaning, size and shape are identical. However, the EW200 only has one dynamic driver compared to the EW300’s tribrid implementation. Both sets are made entirely of alloy, the same materials used. I’d probably say that the EW300 is the better-looking set but that is completely subjective as I could easily see someone liking the EW200 more. One extra little attribute that the EW300 has that the EW200 doesn’t have is tuning nozzles. I do think this is a very nice addition to any iem and I feel something akin to the gold nozzle of the EW300 would have helped the EW200 a lot for some folks (not me, I love that set). I think the EW300 comes with a better cable, and it comes with an actual carrying case whereas the EW200 comes only with a soft felt pouch.

Sound Differences​

As far as sound differences, the two of these iems sound very similar in overall tonality other than the EW200 comes in a bit hotter, brighter, while also being a bit smoother overall up top. The bass of the EW300 digs deeper with a lower pitched drone along with a more impactful and harder hitting bass region. The midrange is more forward on the EW300 but less edgy and abrasive. It’s cleaner in the EW300, more detailed, better layering and a more spacious sound. The treble of the EW200 is brighter, less crisp and less treble bite. I find that Simgot took what the EW200 was and refined it in the treble region. You can really tell when you hear the resolve of the EW300 along with the density and body to its notes in comparison. Detail retrieval is better on the EW300, better separation, Imaging, layering, and the stage is vaster. All by small margins but small margins are what we are paying for.

Final thoughts on this comparison ​

I hate to write a comparison that is so one-sided. I spent a total of about an hour and fifteen minutes comparing in my most comfortable chair and in each category, it was the EW300 who came out in top for me. That said, this takes nothing away from what the EW200 is. For the price you’d be very hard pressed to find something that is flat-out-better. However, the EW300 is ane exact upgrade in all ways.

Note: The graph below only features the gold nozzle variant as I could not find a comparison graph using the silver nozzle, unfortunately.

Tanchjim 4U ($70)​

What an awesome set. I haven’t reviewed this set as I bought it simply to enjoy. I’m sure I will at some point, but I have too much of a backlog at this point. Anyways, the 4U is a single dynamic driver earphone which consists of a dual chamber design and a 10 mm LCP diaphragm which can be adjusted by the circuit filter system with a screwdriver. Truly a special set and one that is going to be tough for the EW300.

Differences ​

First off, the 4U takes a more ergonomic shape (for me anyways) but they both seat very well in my ears. Both are made of all alloy. Also both sets can be adjusted with the EW300’s tuning nozzles and the 4U’s filter system on the underside of the Shells. Both are truly gorgeous, but I feel more folks would probably like the 4U’S frosted zinc alloy and Apple-esque design. I actually like the EW300 a bit more, but that’s me. Both are beautifully designed. So far, a tie. I do like the cable on both sets though the EW300 has a bit more fatness. The EW300 comes with a carrying case where the 4U does not.

Sound Differences ​

I find the EW300 to be a hair warmer (very slight margin), but also more resolving to a degree as well. Honestly, the 4U is an uncolored sound with a very linear approach against the dynamic presentation of the EW300. This is truly a preference battle. Both are very good at what they do, and I enjoy both sets greatly for different reasons. That said, macro-dynamics are bigger on the EW300 with better definition to the 4U’s more analog sound. The bass hits with more impact on the EW300, harder edges, more round notes, deeper in pitch while the 4U has a subtle softness to it, but both sets have decent definition. The midrange on both sets is very nice but the 4U is smoother overall. I find the EW300 has better clarity, more crispness, as well as better layering and separation of instruments. I’d say the 4U is more natural, organic sounding while the edginess of the piezo does come through in the EW300. Both sets have a certain air in their sound as well. They both are more open sounding and almost effervescent. The treble of the EW300 and 4U are both extremely clear, clean, precise, and extended. The 4U is a pinch brighter with a touch more brilliance but the EW300 has that bite and treble punch that the smoother 4U doesn’t have. I feel the EW300 has better detail retrieval, better instrument separation, layering is a touch better as well and the soundstage has a more 3D quality. However, both are outstanding at their prices.

Final thoughts on this comparison ​

I realize that this looked like another EW300 win, but I promise you I love them both. They both offer a different approach to sound. Neither is better. One does it one way and the other does it a different way. Both are easily worth the money. For me personally, I do prefer the Simgot EW300 a bit more. Maybe that is honeymoon phase? I don’t know. However, if you get a chance to own either of them, I don’t think you can go wrong.

Note: once again the graph below shows the “Gold” nozzle for the EW300 rather than the “Silver” nozzle.

Simgot EA500LM ($90)​

I’ve called the EA500LM the best iem under $100 for quite some time. I reviewed this set last year (EA500LM Review) and I still adore the sound. This is truly the battle that the EW300 is going to have a problem with. The EA500LM is a single dynamic driver earphone with one 2nd generation 10mm liquid magnesium dynamic driver which sits I side of a dual cavity. Folks, everything about this set screams premium quality and the price is very nice.

Differences ​

For one, both sets are roughly the same size even though the EW300 has three drivers packed in. Both are once again made of all alloy. Both are beautifully designed and both are stunning in the ear. However, for me the EA500LM is simply the better looking iem. That gun metal coloration with hints of browns and the simple logo is just too good. I think they are both very nice to look at but the EA500LM is a step up purely from a design standpoint. The EA500LM and the EW300 both come with the exact cable, exact tips, and the exact same carrying case. Both sets utilize tuning nozzles as well. Lastly, the EA500LM will run you about $20 more to own it and so you may have to have an internal discussion with yourself if that is worth it.

Sound Differences ​

To begin, the EW300 has a slightly warmer coloration to it while the EA500LM does have a neutral sound yet with w bright hue to it. I find the EA500LM and the EW300 both take a more natural approach though the EA500LM edges the EW300 out just a tad due to some slight planar timbre at times. The EA500LM is more cohesive simply due to the fact that it has only one driver instead of three DIFFERENT drivers like on the EW300. Now, the EW300 does have a better balance across the mix. The EW300 has more of a crisp sound while the EA500LM leans smoother while still providing some pointed crispness when needed.

Between the 20’s ​

The low-end of the EW300 has a deeper rumble, tighter, slams harder while the EA500LM does have the slightest bit of softness to its bass impact. Don’t get me wrong the EA500LM has an awesome bass, but the EW300 just edges it out in my opinion. Looking at the midrange the EA500LM sounds more natural, just as clean sounding but also smoother which does provide better vocals by a slight margin. Instruments sound a bit more authentic to life. However, the EW300 edges out the EA500LM in detail retrieval, instrument separation, but both show off layering of sounds very well. The EA500LM midrange sits a hair more forward as well. The treble of the EW300 has more of a concise edge to it while being crisper and with better note definition. However, the EA500LM has the more brilliant and bright sounding treble with slightly better treble extension. Both provide good air to the sound, and both have a speedy treble region. The EW300 has a planar and a piezo taking in the treble region and they simply provide better note distinction, better clarity too. Though you also get a hint of that odd timbre from time to time whereas the EA500LM is all natural. Perhaps a hair bright for some folks, but basically the timbre is wonderful. I feel detail retrieval is ever-so-slightly better on the EW300, transients come and go a pinch quicker, while the EA500LM is the more musical set, more melodic and has the more energetic and dynamic sound. The soundstage is big on both sets, and I find them both to have a 3D affect. Now, layering of sounds is good on both sets and the EW300 slightly edges out the EA500LM in instrument separation.

Final thoughts on this comparison ​

I love them both and couldn’t choose which I would say is the better buy. I really am divided. Which is saying a lot for the EW300! I feel the EA500LM is one of, if not thee best set money can buy under $100. You have your Artii R1’s of the world (Artti R1 Review) and a few others but it is a beast of a single DD. So, I guess what I’m saying is that the EW300 is right there with the best. It really is friends. The EA500LM is a bit smoother and more musical in nature whereas the EW300 leans a hint more analytically inclined. Both have touches of both qualities which is probably why I love them both so much.

Further comments: I told you these would be ridiculously generalized comparisons. Believe me I’d love to sit down and list out every track, what I heard and how I came to all conclusions. That would be a great joy for me. Maybe one day I’ll upload my notes. This set alone was 10.5 pages of notes. I give you the abridged version in all ways. The point is, I’m sorry these comparisons aren’t as in depth as I’d like. I really do have a word count I try to stay below.

Is it worth the asking price? ​

Absolutely the EW300 is worth the asking price! I can’t understand why Simgot chose to sell it so low. When I first got this set, I posted a 1st Impressions post on Facebook, and I had zero idea what the price would be. I must’ve gotten 20 messages (Facebook messenger) about what the price is, as though I knew it but was holding back… Lol. My answer was that I didn’t know but probably around $90 to $119. That was my best guess. Now, fast forward a week or two and I see that it’s being sold at… what!… $69!!? What?! Folks, I’m being 100% direct with you here. The Simgot EW300 is worth every penny. Yeah, I know, there’s a sea of iems in the price point. I know because I’ve reviewed most of the or I own them. Ya I’ve heard many of them and I feel the EW300 is probably one of the best buys for MY money. I don’t want to speak for you and everyone’s different. Shoot, you may hate the sound, the look, the everything. However, looking at this set from a purely subjectively objective perspective I am so extremely impressed by what Simgot has done. Give yourselves a pat on the back Simgot, you earned it.

The Why… ​

Because the build quality is very good. The all-alloy shells with a mirror polish makes for a beautiful design. It’s solidly built in a way that screams “premium” yet lands squarely in the budget category. The design may not be for everyone, but you cannot knock how simple and also elegant the look is. You have two working tuning nozzles, tuning foams as well to further dial in the sound and all accessories are if high quality. Also, we are talking about a tribrid iem for under $70! Who does that!? However, that sound is why we are here, and that sound is why the EW300 is worth the hype and worth the price. The bass digs deep, hits hard, well defined, clean, and it handles complicated tracks well. The mids are very nice for vocals while at the same time is very technical in nature. The treble is just bright enough, it has bite, it has body to notes, I hear good crispness and good extension too. A very nice mix of musicality and technicalities if you ask me. Great for detail retrieval, awesome separation, good layering, and a very good stage. Yes, it has subtle subjective gripes, but what doesn’t? Yes, it’s worth the asking price.

Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Simgot EW300 ratings below, that would be $40-$90 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $40-$90 US iems of any kind is a huge scope of sets, and it’s also extremely competitive. It should mean something to see a rating above a “9.0”, in my opinion. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

–Build Quality: 9.6 Built extremely well.

–Look: 9.2 Great design but not for everyone?

–Fit/Comfort: 9.6 Good for me, not for everyone though.

–Accessories: 8.9

–Overall: 9.3

Sound Rating ​

–Timbre: 9.0 Organic for a $70 tribrid.

–Bass: 9.5 Great Bass!

–Midrange: 9.3 Controlled, engaging, clean, detailed.

–Treble: 9.8 Clean, brilliant, detailed, extended.

–Technicalities: 9.7 Great technically across the board.

–Musicality: 8.9 Very musical for the tuning.

–Overall: 9.4

Ratings Summary:​

The ratings above have been conducted between the Simgot EW300 against any and all iems ranging between $40 and $90. If you didn’t know, that’s a huge swath of iems. Alot of those iems are absolute bangers! Obviously, the real fight for the EW300 is closer to that $80 to $90 mark where the iems get a lot better in my opinion. However, looking at the ratings it’s pretty clear that I feel the EW300 is one of the best you can buy in that range. During this ratings period, I had about 12 different iems in front of me. I do quick listens, quick notes, quick grades and so I beg you to take this for a grain of salt. I’ve said it a hundred times before that ratings don’t tell the whole story and are a bad way to assess any iem or audio device. They need updated every couple months and they show nothing of nuance. I do it because I’m supposed to. Anyways, there really isn’t much I’d change here. I could go a point here or there, but in reality... these ratings are pretty much locked in. I’m sure I’ll hear from a couple of you, but I’d like to dispel any of that now.

Explain Yourself! ​

The rating which will always be an issue is the “Bass” rating. I gave it a “9.5” for how clean, deep, speedy, and impactful it is while keeping such nice definition. I could see bassheads saying I’m full of it. Conversely, I could see those who enjoy a much less emphasized bass, even snappier, more lie a good BA bass not vibing with my rating. Another is the “Treble” rating. Yes, I gave this set a “9.8” rating against any treble of any set from $40 to $90. That is saying alot. There were a few which stood next to it but a 9.8 out of 10 is pretty darn good. Still, those who can’t stand an even semi-bright treble will obviously not agree with me. To be honest, I explain this stuff because we are all so different and because I was asked to do ratings. Always there will be some ratings which make zero sense to somebody. I just want to urge you to never give any weight to any rating system you ever see. Always a grain of salt. Too many variables, too much subjectivity, and way too many iems coming to market everyday for any ratings to make sense for any length of time. With the exception of Kilo-Buck sets.

Conclusion ​

To conclude my full written review of the Simgot EW300, I want to first thank the good people of Simgot for providing the Simgot EW300 in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have had an absolute blast reviewing this set folks. It’s been a joy. I get so much gratification from writing my thoughts down and hoping they help you. That joy wouldn’t have been realized without Simgot. First off, they make the best earphones for their respective price points. They believe in their products and so they don’t ask to pre-read any of my reviews. They’ve never tried to offer money or asked me to skew my words. Never. Always on the up-and-up. I’m just very thankful to them and of course my subjectivity cannot hide my obvious fandom towards Simgot. I promise that these feelings don’t change my words, and I speak from the vantage point of a consumer. Also, I have to thank you for reading this review and clicking the link to get here. Mobileaudiophile.com thanks you too. Every click helps and every minute you spend here helps tremendously. We are trying to get better everyday and cannot do that without you. So, thank you.

Other perspectives ​

Now that you’ve read this review, I hope you will click some more links and check out other reviews of the Simgot EW300. This is such a subjective and personal hobby folks. No two people are exactly alike. We all have different tastes, different likes and dislikes, different gear, different music libraries, and we all haven’t been down the same journey through audio. So, I do hope you take the time to read other thoughts. There are so many amazing reviewers who also want to help and may make it easier for you to find where you want to spend your hard-earned money. With that, I’m done! I hope each of you are doing well and good. Take care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!