In this article, I review the Simgot EM10 IEM. The EM10 is a ten-driver hybrid IEM with 1 dynamic driver, 8 balanced armatures, and 1 piezoelectric driver. Codenamed “Dream,” it’s priced at $439. Let’s see if this ambitious design can live up to its name and deliver a truly dream-like audio experience.

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

Simgot EM10

Specifications

Driver Configuration: Single-sided 1 DD + 8 BA + 1 PZT
Impedance (DC): 41.6Ω ±15%
Sensitivity: 120dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Frequency Response Range: 8Hz-40kHz
Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Interface: 0.78mm 2-pin
Shell Craftsmanship: High-precision Resin 3D Printing
Cable Material: Litz Structure High Purity Oxygen-free Silver-plated Copper Wire
Plug: 3.5mm Single-Ended / 4.4mm Balanced Interchangeable Gold-plated Plug

In the Box

• Simgot EM10 IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs
• 6* pairs of silicone eartips
• Carrying case

Design

While Simgot’s IEMs are primarily all-metal, the EM10 features resin shells with aluminium alloy faceplates. The right earpiece has a black faceplate with a stylized Dream logo, and the left earpiece has a silver faceplate. This mixed colour scheme might upset some people but I don’t mind it at all.

The build quality is outstanding. Every join and edge is machined exactly with no unsightly blemishes or inconsistencies. A single vent on the lower faceplate feeds oxygen to the dynamic driver and prevents pressure build-up in the ears.

On closer inspection, we see triple-bore nozzles, presumably one for each driver type. The 2-pin connectors sit flush with the surface of the shells.

I have found all of the Simgot IEMs that I’ve tested comfortable but the fit of the EM10 suits my ears especially well. The length and angle of the nozzles feel perfect while the contours of the resin housings hug my ears almost akin to a custom IEM. Passive noise isolation is average.

The stock high-quality Litz-structured oxygen-free copper silver-plated 0.78mm cable is white intertwined with golden threads and looks very classy. It’s also modular and comes with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations in the box.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the SMSL RAW-MDA 1, Cayin RU6 and iBasso DX180. The Simgot EM10 is fairly easy to drive but I found it really starts to open up as you feed it more power, especially in the midrange.

My first impression of the Simgot EM10 is one of musicality and technical prowess. The bass is deep and textured, the midrange is vibrant and articulate and the treble is light, airy, and smooth, even during demanding passages.

This is not an IEM for audio purists who demand absolute transparency or neutrality. It’s for music lovers who want maximum engagement without compromising on overall fidelity.

Bass

Given Simgot’s penchant for tonal balance and moderate bass levels, I was surprised to hear the EM10’s unapologetically boosted, fun lows. With an emphasis on the sub-bass, the EM10 can shake things up when needed. However, it doesn’t just blast everything with bass – it adapts itself to every individual track and delivers just the right amount of thump and rumble.

The mid-bass doesn’t get neglected either and it has plenty of impact and presence, even if it’s not as boosted as the sub-bass. It’s a high-quality bass with plenty of texture and definition, although the leading edges of bass notes are slightly blunted. Most of all, it’s a natural analogue bass that’s engaging but doesn’t intrude on the midrange.

Midrange

The midrange is a bit more serious in its demeanor compared to the bass. Yet, there’s ample warmth and note size to create a lifelike and immersive space. It’s not the most forward or revealing midrange presentation – it leans further on the musical rather than analytical side of the line, yet it’s still detailed, articulate and free of congestion.

It’s a smooth midrange, free of graininess and sibilance. Belting female vocals never become shouty and male vocals sound chesty but never muffled or thick. Instruments have just the right size and each is distinct and well-defined.

Treble

I’m usually wary of piezo treble due to its distinct timbre but in this case, it’s done nicely. There’s no splashiness or brittleness in the highs – an inoffensive treble tuning. But at the same time, it’s not the most vivid or striking treble. There’s a slight softness to the treble, ensuring it’s non-fatiguing but treble lovers may wish for a bit more bite and shimmer.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The soundstage has fairly large dimensions, more so with proper amplification. Instrument separation and layering are decent but not outstanding – the space between instruments isn’t completely black or empty as some blending of sounds occurs due to the musical tuning.

Comparisons

Simgot Supermix 4 ($149)

The Simgot Supermix 4 (review here) features a 1DD+1BA+1PM+1PZT quad-driver configuration. It’s very similar in terms of build and comfort to the Simgot EM10 – the only major difference is the thinner aluminium faceplates and the placement of the vents.

The SM4 has less bass impact but more upper treble, which gives it a slightly brighter tonality than the EM10. Both IEMs have a similar sound signature, but the SM4 isn’t as resolving. In addition, it’s less forgiving of sibilants and poor recordings. Conversely, the EM10 has more overall resolution, is slightly warmer, and is smoother.

Another difference is in the timbre of vocals and instruments, where the EM10 outmatches the SM4 in regards to naturalness and accuracy. Furthermore, the SM4’s upper mids sound more tinny at higher volumes.

While both IEMs offer a similar soundstage, the EM10’s audio quality stands out due to its superior resolution, resulting in better separation and imaging. Although the difference in audio quality is noticeable, it’s not a drastic transformation. This is a perfect example of diminishing returns in audio where, in this case, you’re paying around $300 extra just to squeeze out minimal gains. Whether or not the upgrade is worth the cost to people will depend on their burning desire for audio quality or the depth of their wallets.

Earsonics ONYX ($533)

The Earsonics ONYX (review here) is a hybrid quad-driver IEM with 1DD+3BA. It has an earthier tonality than the EM10 with more fullness in the upper bass and a laid-back treble.

The core midrange is more recessed than the EM10’s yet vocals seem more forward and intimate on the ONYX. Female vocals may exhibit a touch of sharpness on the ONYX, whereas the EM10 presents them with a smoother, albeit less vibrant, quality.

Both IEMs are close in resolution and detail retrieval. ONYX has more stage depth and a slightly more 3D-holographic feel to its imaging.

Verdict

The Simgot EM10 continues to showcase Simgot’s expertise in the budget to mid-tier IEM market. While its audio quality surpasses the Supermix 4, the relatively small improvements might make the additional cost difficult to justify for budget-conscious audiophiles.