One of the SG1 Gold owner passed me new firmware to try out, it consists of two different version, the first one is mild and the second one is rock.
And I have chosen the mild version for testing purpose, in hope for a positive change in my listening experience, especially when paired with IEM, as it was way to exciting for my liking in the old firmware.
I would say this is a game changer for me, as I can now listen the SG1 Gold with my IEM.
Although the sound signature is similar, but it is less energetic and fatigue, less of a roller coaster ride, but more like driving a Ferrari, exciting but manageable.
I am currently using SHOZY ELSA, which is a five BA CIEM for the impression.
The bass is crisp and snappy, full of energy but not overpowering, however it’s not deep and punchy.
The vocal is forward, engaging and no sign of sibilant.
The high is well extended and controlled, not too sharp.
Why I used BA IEM for impression is because I had problem with the previous firmware, it was too energetic and vivid to listen with easy to drive IEM.
The mild firmware eased the problem with my previous concern, although I still get fatigue after some period of listening, however it’s way more manageable and pleasant than the previous firmware.
Surprisingly, it still manages to drive headphone with ease, it feels like the volume increase in a convex pattern, starts small and sharp increase when crank up the volume knob, rather than a more linear approach on the previous firmware.
Despite all the positive words, there is still downside to the SG1 Gold. It runs a lot hotter than the standard SG1 with way less running time, the battery drain way faster than standard one. After all it’s hard to achieve everything in such small package, there must be trade off with all the improvement.
However, I still stand by my word in recommending the standard SG1 for IEM and on the go set up and SG1 Gold for headphone and home/office use.
Finally, a warm reminder that this firmware is only for Gold SG1 and not design for the standard version, please do not mix up the firmware.
Please feel free to PM me or contact Anson directly in aquiring the new firmware.