In this article, I’m looking at the Simgot EW200 earphones. The EW200 features a 10mm dual-magnetic circuit & dual-cavity dynamic driver and polished high-density alloy shells. The price is $39.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Simgot for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.
Simgot EW200
Specifications
Driver: 10mm dual-magnetic circuit & dual-cavity dynamic driver
Diaphragm: double-sided vapour deposited silicon crystal diaphragm
Impedance: 16Ω±15% (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 126dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
Earphone Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable: high-purity silver-plated OFC cable
Design
The EW200 shells closely resemble the design of the EW100P, although they are crafted using a high-density metal alloy instead of a resin body like their predecessor. This material choice makes them lightweight and imparts a sense of durability when held.
Unlike many recent budget IEMs that utilize the 0.75mm type, the EW200 employs standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. Furthermore, the included silver-plated OFC cable surpasses the quality typically found with budget IEMs. Not only is it flexible and visually appealing, but it also exhibits an insignificant amount of microphonics.
In terms of comfort, the EW200 shells excel. They possess a compact size that allows for a flush fit in my ears, enabling me to wear them comfortably for extended periods of time. Overall, the EW200 boasts an exceptional design and build quality, especially considering its budget-friendly nature.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the HiBy R2 II, iFi UNO and Shanling UA2 Plus. You don’t need any extra amplification for the EW200 because it’s an efficient and easy-to-drive IEM. Plug it straight into your phone or dongle DAC and you’re good to go.
The tuning of EW200 combines the best elements of the Harman 2016 and Simgot classic targets, creating a sound profile that bears similarity to the popular EW100P and EA500 models. Simgot seems to adopt a Moondrop-like approach to its IEM lineup, ensuring consistent frequency responses while offering varying levels of technical performance across different price points.
The result is a U-shaped sound signature with a remarkably natural and pleasing tone, making the EW200 truly impressive for a budget-friendly IEM. Its clarity and cohesiveness, coupled with intricate detail and dynamic range, deliver an engaging audio experience that surpasses expectations. Striking a nearly perfect balance between bass, mids, and treble, the EW200 produces a clear, immersive, and well-rounded sound.
Remarkably, the EW200 manages to achieve this outstanding audio performance without obvious compromises, such as sacrificing mid-bass or overemphasizing the upper midrange. Simgot’s ability to achieve such remarkable sound quality at this price point is nothing short of exceptional.
Bass
Ew200’s bass is characterized by its punchiness and dynamic prowess, lending an infectious energy to every beat and rhythm. Whether it’s a subtle bassline or a powerful sub-bass rumble, the EW200 conveys every element with finesse.
It’s a bass presentation that delicately tips the scales above neutrality, striking a perfect balance between impact and subtlety. This meticulously tuned bass not only satisfies with its captivating punch but also ensures a non-invasive experience. The impressive depth and extension of the bass further contribute to its allure, allowing music to resonate with a sense of fullness and richness.
Midrange
The Simgot EW200 stands out with its outstanding midrange performance. The mids showcase a sublime balance that brings vocals and instruments to life with remarkable clarity and naturalness. Each note is meticulously rendered with a sense of intimacy that transports you into the heart of the music.
The midrange is beautifully rich, yet delicately nuanced, with good layers of detail and emotion in every track. It effortlessly maintains a cohesive and smooth presentation, complementing the lows and highs seamlessly. Whether it’s the soulful resonance of a guitar or the velvety texture of a singer’s voice, the EW200 delivers an immersive midrange that truly sets it apart as a top contender in the budget IEM market.
Treble
The EW200 IEM shines brightly with its exceptional treble performance. Each cymbal crash and hi-hat shimmer is rendered with precise articulation, adding a touch of airiness and excitement.
The treble is beautifully detailed and maintains a perfect balance, neither too harsh nor too rolled-off. The EW200s’ treble elevates the entire sound signature, complementing the midrange and bass with finesse.
Soundstage and Technical Performance
These IEMs boast a spacious and immersive soundstage. The EW200 showcases abundant technical prowess, demonstrating an impressive level of detail retrieval and transparency.
Instrument separation is solid, with each element finding its own distinct place within the sonic landscape. In addition to its soundstage and detail retrieval, the EW200 exhibits precise imaging and accurate instrument placement.
Comparisons
Simgot EA500
The Simgot EA500 (review here) also has single 10mm drivers and alloy shells. In terms of tuning, the EA500 places more emphasis on the mid and upper bass, resulting in a richer and fuller lower midrange. This is effectively balanced out by its boosted upper treble, creating an overall harmonious tone.
On the other hand, the EW200 showcases greater sub-bass extension and a leaner lower midrange. This gives it a slightly more V-shaped sound signature, but the treble is pleasantly warmer compared to the EA500. Though the EA500 boasts a slightly wider soundstage, the difference is not substantial.
Both of these IEMs deliver exceptional performance, especially considering their affordable price points. If you prefer a more forward midrange, the EA500 might be your choice. However, many are likely to appreciate the EW200 sound signature; it’s smooth and agreeable while offering remarkable clarity and excellent detail retrieval.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza (review here) also has single 10mm drivers but has resin shells compared to the EW200’s metal ones. When it comes to audio, the Cadenza exhibits a notably darker sound signature, primarily due to its additional sub-bass and rolled-off treble. However, this combination also leads to less definition in the bass, resulting in a somewhat muddier presentation.
Furthermore, the Cadenza’s vocals are thicker and lack the vibrancy found in the EW200, mainly because of its subdued upper midrange or presence region. As a consequence, there’s a reduction in overall detail and the soundstage feels smaller.
While it’s true that many people appreciate the Cadenza, drawn to its decent audio quality and stunning shells, in my opinion, the EW200 surpasses it on another level in terms of overall tonality, clarity and dynamics. The EW200 manages to strike a more compelling balance, making it more engaging and captivating.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Simgot EW200 proves to be truly impressive for a budget-friendly option, delivering an engaging audio experience that far surpassed my expectations. With its combination of clarity, cohesiveness, and intricate detail, it manages to achieve a nearly perfect balance between bass, mids, and treble, resulting in an immersive, and well-rounded sound.
Simgot’s ability to deliver such remarkable sound quality at this price point is nothing short of exceptional, making the EW200 a standout contender in the budget IEM market. It gets my full recommendation and earns a place on our best IEMs list.