Simgot EA500 LM

Some time ago, I reviewed the Simgot EM6L, and thankfully, many people asked, "What's the difference between the Simgot EA500LM and EM6L since the price difference is minimal?" Without further ado, here's what you need to know.

Straight to the Point... Simgot EA500LM

==DISCLAIMER==​

All my impressions and reviews are subjective, adhering to the belief, "Only my savings can be lied to, but reviews must be honest." Agreed? Great. Disagree? That's fine too. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to (LOL). Important! I recommend you audition it yourself, who knows, maybe my ears need an ENT doctor, or perhaps you do (LOL).

==THIS POST IS FOR==​

- My recommended IEM around the 1 million IDR price range
- Fun and airy IEMs
- IEMs with modifiable nozzles
- Just want to read the review

==MY DAILY DRIVERS==​

- Symphonium Crimson
- Kinera Verdandi
- Sennheiser IE900
- 634ears Loak-2 OP
- Fiio Q15
- HibyDigital M300

==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT WITHOUT FURTHER ADO==​

Unboxing:
First, when I received the box, my wife commented, "Why did you buy tarot cards?" I wasn't sure either, but it turns out it's not tarot cards. The box design has a hologram that looks like tarot cards. For a price range of 1.5 million IDR, this IEM has a decent box. Inside:

• The IEM itself
• 2 braided cables (I'm quite tired of Simgot cables in this price range, they feel like sticky aquarium hoses)
• Ear tips (improved, these ear tips are more decent compared to other Simgot IEMs)
• Carrying case
• 2 additional nozzles (black-silver and red-silver, with brass already installed, making a total of 3 nozzles)
• Manual

Fitting:
Still with the metal body from Simgot, this time the body is slightly oval and a bit bulging on the faceplate compared to the flat design of other Simgot IEMs like EM6L or EW200. No issues at all when using this IEM since the body is standard, even with just a Single DD configuration. The nozzle is also standard and comfortable for mixing and matching with various ear tips.

==SOUND IMPRESSION==​

All impressions are using the Brass Nozzle because it offers the most balanced tuning. Impressions with other nozzles will be explained after the sound impression section.

Bass:
Indeed, Simgot's Single DD has a bass sound that I like for the entry-level price range. The neutral timbre is pleasant. The bass is punchy and deep but not to the level of bass-head with a moderate speed. The sub-bass rumbles with an impact that is neither too long nor too short, tuned just right without exaggeration. The low-frequency layering feels dynamic, making the quantity and quality almost impeccable at this price range, combined with engaging energy. Honestly, I have no complaints about the low frequencies.

Mid:
Neutral is the right word to describe the mids of this IEM. It has good vocal control for both male and female voices, balancing the bass and treble aspects well. With just the right power and enough engagement, the vocals are presented right in the middle but slightly recessed compared to other sounds. There's no sibilance or shoutiness; the vocals are airy and not too thick, which might feel thin for some people, but for my taste, I prefer airy sounds, making it neutral. No complaints.

Treble:
The treble tuning of this IEM is relaxed. Relaxed doesn't mean weak due to lack of power, but because the cring and sparkling sensations are tuned very safely and appropriately. Although it has a long extended treble, it doesn't make this IEM fall into the treble-head category due to the lack of a shining-shimmering-splendid impression. For non-treble-heads, this IEM is very suitable as it still delivers good treble tuning without the distraction of over-sparkling or shining.

Clarity:
One of the clearest IEMs in its price range that I've tried. Very clear and comfortable. Perhaps its weakness lies in the micro-detail, which is less prominent, so many micro-details sound thin or not at all.

Soundstage:
Above average. The airy aspect and additional sub-bass rumble enhance the impression of a wide and spacious soundstage.

Imaging:
3D holographic imaging is just standard when the sound revolves around the head, nothing special. The pinpointing of instruments is very clear due to the clear and distinct sound separation. The imaging positioning of instruments is also very good.

==NOZZLE COMPARISON==​

- Silver/Black: My favorite. Clearly my favorite because it elevates the treble frequency. This nozzle gives a more aggressive treble tuning that was previously too relaxed. The cring and sparkling sounds are firm without being piercing. Additionally, this tuning is comfortable for treble-heads seeking a more shining-shimmering-splendid sound compared to the standard brass nozzle. For the mids, one needs to be a bit cautious as the vocals might feel more piercing in some songs. There is no noticeable change in the bass aspect.

- Silver/Red: Almost no difference from the Brass nozzle with its balanced sound, just a slight variation in the treble that is tuned more safely than the brass nozzle. The effect of this tuning makes the low frequencies sound more powerful but with differences that are almost imperceptible to most people.

==PROS & CONS==​

Pros:
+ V-shape tuning leaning towards warm, which many people like
+ Good build quality
+ Neutral timbre
+ Fun tuning with a good amount of power
+ Wide soundstage
+ Comfortable fitting
+ Good clarity and coherence from the single DD
+ Modular nozzles to enhance the treble

Cons:
- The Silver-Red nozzle has almost no impact change
- Poor quality cable
- Recessed vocal positioning (preference)
- Micro-detail is not the main focus of this IEM
- No complaints for this price range

==COMPARISON==​

Many asked for a comparison with the EM6L, so let's compare. Let's also include Kefine Delci, which is currently hyped. Can it still be better? Let's see.

• **Unboxing:**

EA500LM. Better ear tips and I prefer the IEM design.

• **Fitting:**

Draw. All fit comfortably. Maybe because my ears are quite large (LOL).

• **Bass:**

EA500LM. I prefer the punchy and rumble bass that's more airy. Kefine, unfortunately, is darker in my opinion, not as airy as EA500LM. EM6L has decent bass quality and quantity, but it's just too weak, like soggy vegetables.

• **Mid:**

EM6L. Besides having more forward vocal presentation than the others, EM6L has vocals that sound more effortless and melodious. The vocals are thick but still airy, making it a strong suit of this IEM.

• **Treble:**

EA500LM with the Silver-Black nozzle. Energetic, cring, long extended treble, and slightly piercing. The best compared to the others.

• **Clarity:**

EM6L. All are clear, but EM6L has better detail.

• **Soundstage:**

EA500LM. Spacious and airy soundstage.

• **Imaging:**

Draw. All have good imaging aspects in their price range.

==CONCLUSION==​

• If you're looking for an IEM with a good single DD configuration for around $85, the EA500LM might be the best choice with a myriad of options like modular nozzles that can provide significant sound changes.
• The fun tuning with engaging power makes it very suitable for all-around songs. The quantity and quality of bass and treble aspects are clean, neutral, and coherent, making it a strong point of this IEM despite having slightly recessed vocals and not being the best for micro-detail.

That's all.
Trust Your Own Ears.
Bye.

Disclaimer

• Huge thanks to Simgot for providing a unit of the EA500 LM for me to review. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way.
• Please take this review with only a grain of salt, as everyone's hearing, fit, and gears may differ, so our experience may be different.

Price(MSRP)

• $89.99

Source(s)

• It is fairly easy to drive
• Even on the JM6 Pro, I only 30-40% volume at most, but I prefer the Topping DX1 due to its smoother nature.
  • Topping DX1
  • HiBy W3 II
  • JCally JM6 Pro
  • Truthear Shio

Ear tips

• Dunu S&S

Unboxing and Quick Summary






Packaging

• Simgot EA500 LM.
• Hard carrying pouch
  • A little big but it doesn't feel cheap.
  • Great for storing but a little harder to carry around with only your pocket.
• Standard selection of ear tips.
  • 3 pairs of generic silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
    • Looks and feels like a 07 clone, which are pretty decent.
• High-purity, silver-plated OFC cable
  • Cable is decently built for the price and is very comfortable to use.
  • It is not microphonic and it does not tangle often.
  • However, it can be a little bit thin.
• Tuning nozzles

Build Quality

• Build quality is excellent for the price, completely made out of metal, with some heft to it.

Fit

• Nozzle length and width is fairly average.
• Fits is decent, but not the best. Comfortable enough but not really that deep.

Tonality

• Bright leaning Harman

Tuning Nozzles

• Gold
  • Least shouty out of the 3.
  • Considering that this nozzle is already shouty to me, so I will use this as a default for the rest of the review.
• Silver with Red Ring
  • More shout. Nope.
• Silver with Black Ring
  • More shout. Nope.

Bass

• Bass is quite balanced between the sub bass and mid bass.
• Rumble is present but doesn't go really deep or is super thick.
• Slams and thumps have great impact and physicality to it.
• Tight, well textured, and snappy. Very satisfying to listen to.
• Overall, the bass is somehow the best part of the EA500 LM to me.
• Quantity is a little more than sufficient, pretty fun amount of bass without being too much.

Midrange

• Lower midrange comes with a little bit of warmth, yet still clean and open.
  • Male vocals sound decent. Not exactly lush and forward but not really thin or dry either.
• Upper midrange is overly energetic.
  • Female vocals just sounds too forward, which easily comes across as shouty and shrilly.
• Overall midrange performance is uneven, where lower midrange is decent but upper midrange being way too much.

Treble

• Treble is quite bright and harsh especially in the mid and high treble region.
• High hats and cymbals are emphasized a lot, plus it is quite sibilant.
• Can easily be fatiguing especially for longer listening sessions.
• Treble is very well extended but also overdone, which causes timbre to be unnatural.
• Details in the treble can be perceived well due to how bright and airy the treble is.

Technicalities/Others

• Resolution and detail retrieval is good even when compared against hybrids in this price range. However, this is also partly because of how boosted the treble is.
• Soundstage has good width but with only decent depth.
• Imaging and accuracy is decent, pinpoint accuracy in terms of stereo imaging but I didn't get that 3D holographic feeling.
• Separation and layering is good. It never really gets congested even in busier tracks.
• Note weight is on the thinner side due to the boosted upper frequencies.
• Timbre is not very natural as it has a metallic sheen to it due to the overly boosted treble and air region. Vocals are not really natural as well due to it being shrilly, especially female vocals.

Comparison

Simgot EA500 LM vs Simgot EA500

• Accessories:
  • Similar, if not, exactly the same.
• Fit and Comfort:
  • Similar, if not, exactly the same.
• Bass:
  • Quality wise, they are quite similar. Tight, snappy, and impactful.
  • A sub bass boost is very much appreciated here to balance out the already bright signature, I prefer the LM in this aspect.
• Midrange:
  • The upper midrange from the EA500 is already a little too shouty to my ears, but the LM somehow just doubled down.
• Treble:
  • Same story as the upper midrange, but due to the masking from the upper midrange, the treble actually sounds a bit less harsh on the LM, but still on the sibilant and peaky side.
• Technicalities:
  • To be honest ... technicalities are similar as well, despite Simgot claiming the driver upgrade.
• Overall, I don't really prefer either, really. They are more similar than different with only minor differences. If I have to pick one, I would actually go for the original EA500 due to the lower price tag and less shouty presentation. However, the LM does sound a bit more balanced but also costs 10 more bucks.
• Is the LM really an upgrade over the original EA500?
  • Not really.
  • More like a side grade but it isn't really too different either.

Conclusion

• Honestly, I think that the Simgot EA500 LM is a little overhyped by the community.
  • While it certainly isn't too bad, but I can definitely see how overbearing the upper frequencies are for many people.
  • Timbre and tonality wise, it isn't the most natural due to the metallic sheen.
  • As for technicalities, there are many planar IEMs nowadays for under 100USD.
• Also, the EW200 is also available for lesser than half the price of the EA500 LM if you are interested in Simgot's bright house sound.
  • Not a huge jump or improvement in my opinion, plus they share a similar sound signature to my ears.

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective.



Accessories

500LM comes with carrying case, tuning nozzles, cable, eartips and iem itself. Pretty good accessories for the price.




Build

EA500LM is fully made out of metal and comes with a pretty good quality cable. Thumbs up for build quality.

Sound-Tonality and Technicalities

I just love how this iem sounds! It’s very lively, detailed, airy and fun. Engaging to listen. Soundstage is a bit narrow but it’s not an issue for me in this price range. Midrange clarity is excellent and instrument separation is just beautiful. Vocals feels natural. Note weight done pretty good and instruments sounds colored. Especially, electro-guitars are VERY UNIQUE to listen to it in this price range… It feels just amazing….




Conclusion

I can fight for this iem… It just sounds amazing for the price. If you have money right now, go get one. im not kidding Very very good sounding and good looking IEM…. Good job Simgot!