In this Simgot EA500 review, I’m taking a look at Simgot’s newest earphones. The EA500 features a 10mm dynamic driver, alloy shells and two different tuning filters. It’s priced at $79.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Simgot for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are based on my experience with the product.

Simgot EA500

Specifications

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

What’s in the Box

• Simgot EA500 IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm SPC cable
• Carrying case
• 2x pairs of tuning filters
• 3x pairs of silicone eartips
• 4x sets of red and black replaceable filter O-rings

Design

The Simgot EA500 features polished alloy shells that look great but are prone to smudging. Despite their shiny, unblemished finish and subtle Simgot logo on the faceplate, they feel premium and rugged due to their weighty construction.

Moreover, the EA500s are incredibly comfortable, fitting naturally to the shape of the ear and suitable for all-day wear due to their low profile. They are even great for lying down, thanks to their unobtrusive design.

In terms of connectivity, the EA500s come with a silver-plated copper cable featuring 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, a chin slider, and a right-angled plug. The cable is lightweight, has a smooth TPU sheath, and is virtually free of microphonics and tangling. Overall, it’s a decent cable for a sub $100 IEM.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Shanling UP4 2022, Soundaware M2 Pro and SMSL DO300. The Simgot EA500 is easy to drive and doesn’t require extra amplification. You can run it straight from a smartphone or low-powered dongle DAC.

Let’s get into the best part now – the sound. The EA500 has 2 sets of tuning filters: red and black. The red filters are tuned to the Harman curve and the black filters are Simgot’s own interpretation which is a slightly altered Harman target.

To my ears, the black filters are just a hint brighter and have a little boost in the presence region. I stuck with the red filters as I felt they had just the right amount of bite and detail without exceeding my tolerance for sharpness.

Bass

The Simgot EA500 boasts an engaging, punchy bass that is boosted slightly above neutral. It’s well-defined and full-bodied, never intruding or smothering the mids and highs. The sub-bass and mid-bass are balanced linearly, resulting in a natural weight and effortless transition between the two.

The bass is fast enough to keep pace with complex music while maintaining fullness and natural decay. It also offers ample texture and layering, with sub-bass rumble that satisfies all but the most demanding bassheads. One of the best aspects of the EA500 is that it doesn’t strangle or suck out the upper bass, resulting in a great sense of rhythm and richness that never feels dry or lacks engagement.

Midrange

The Simgot EA500’s midrange is a standout feature of its sound signature. The lower mids are rich and full-bodied, thanks in part to the abundance of mid and upper bass. Vocals are slightly forward in the mix, which gives them a natural presence that never feels artificial or overemphasized.

What’s impressive about the EA500’s midrange is its dynamic range. It can convey a wide range of emotions, from bright and cheerful to sombre and melancholy. The mids have a captivating quality that draws the listener in, with layers of nuance and detail that reveal themselves over time.

In the lower mids, there’s plenty of warmth and body that provides a solid foundation for instruments like guitars and pianos. The upper mids have a touch of brightness that brings out the details in vocals and other midrange instruments like horns and strings. There’s also excellent clarity and articulation throughout the midrange, which ensures that every note and detail is audible.

Treble

The treble tuning strikes a fine balance between smoothness and excitement. The EA500 boasts an exceptional treble response, with a bright and airy sound. The highs are well-refined, and percussion instruments are presented with remarkable clarity without sacrificing balance.

The treble has a decay that lingers naturally, a testament to its superior talent. The polished sharpness gives it a slightly coloured texture, yet it remains clean and generous in micro details. The treble of the EA500 is a testament to the level of detail and care that Simgot put into designing these earphones. The highs become an integral part of the overall listening experience rather than just an afterthought or an added feature. It is the perfect finishing touch that completes the full-bodied and engaging sound that the EA500 delivers.

Comparisons

Olina SE

The (review here) is a single dynamic driver IEM that boasts exceptional sub-bass extension and an uplifted upper midrange when compared to the EA500. This gives the Olina SE a slightly more V-shaped sound signature, but it lacks the engaging and dynamic experience that the EA500 provides.

While the Olina SE’s technical prowess is impressive, it fails to deliver the same level of excitement as the Simgot, especially in the bass region. The Simgot’s bass has a unique ability to capture attention that the Olina SE lacks, despite its superior sub-bass extension.

Although the Olina SE has a bump in the upper midrange and lower treble regions, the EA500’s mids are more pronounced and visceral. The treble region is also more exciting on the EA500, with sparkly highs that the Olina SE fails to match.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a criticism of the Tripowin Olina SE. Rather, it’s a testament to the fierce competition in the ChiFi market. The Simgot manages to outperform the Olina SE at a lower price point, which is a regular consequence of the current ChiFi price wars.

Moondrop Aria SE

The Moondrop Aria SE (review here) is a single dynamic driver IEM. The most obvious difference is the Aria SE’s reduced bass level. This results in more spacious lower mids and cleaner midrange in general.

The Aria SE also has more treble roll-off which again brings mids and vocals into prominence. You might think it would also reduce the detail retrieval but it’s compensated by the attenuated bass level and ends up being similar to the EA500. Furthermore, the Aria SE’s upper mids sometimes come across as shouty due to the emphasis on the upper midrange.

So, the Moondrop Aria SE has a more mid-focused tuning while the Simgot EA500 is a bit more dynamic and punchy. The Aria SE’s soundstage is narrower and has more intimate vocals whereas the Simgot creates a larger space overall. Both are great IEMs and which one is ‘best’ will come down to personal preference and taste in music.

Verdict

Overall, the Simgot EA500 is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality, yet affordable in-ear monitor. The polished alloy shells may be prone to smudging, but their premium construction and comfortable fit make up for it.

When it comes to sound, the EA500 doesn’t disappoint. The bass is engaging and well-defined, never overpowering the mids and highs. The midrange is a standout feature, with its dynamic range and captivating quality. The treble strikes a fine balance between smoothness and excitement, adding a polished sharpness to the overall listening experience.

The EA500’s two sets of tuning filters also provide versatility, allowing users to customize their sound signature to their preferences. Overall, the Simgot EA500 is a great value for its price point and firmly takes a place among the very best sub $100 earphones available today. Highly recommended.