Simgot EA500 Review (C.Love’s take)

Simgot EA500 ($79)

Intro 

Today I am reviewing the Simgot EA500 which has undergone an inordinate amount of hype and praise over the last couple months. I can only liken it to the Blon BL03 madness of a few years ago or possibly the Olina craze last year. I think the difference is that the community now is slightly smarter than in those Blon 03 days. We aren’t comparing the EA500 to $1000 sets like some did with the BL03. Thread after thread and in multiple Facebook Groups, and even in different platforms we see my friends and fellow hobbyists gleefully showing off their new EA500 to the rest of us. I’ve seen many modifications already and many various tuning nozzle choices. What’s the deal? Is there any truth to the splendor of this new phenom? All I can do is give you my take and hope it helps someone to make a purchasing decision. 

Simgot

Simgot is not the most well-known of Chinese brands, but they have had their fair share of notoriety with some decent to good iems since their genesis. Sets like the Simgot EN700 Pro (among others) reached some pretty notorious acclaim but it’s the newer sets which have gotten the hobbyists reeling nowadays. Starting off with the lower budget tier with the set I’m reviewing today, the EA500, and going up in price to the EN1000 and the EA2000. We have seen quite a bit of solid substantiated buzz and truthfully for anyone that has had their finger on the pulse of the hobby of late, I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. The point is, Simgot is on to something special with ridiculously good build quality, designs and most importantly the sound quality within their latest line of iems. 

Brouhaha? 

This hobby is inundated with a constant churning of hysteria, fanfare, puffing, some people even call it “flimflam” and “brouhaha”… believe it or not. Of course, those people were probably born in the early 1920’s, but I digress. The word which is used most to describe this phenomenon is… “HYPE”. Some people carry some great disdain for those who hype a product. They roll their eyes. They raise their audiophile noses to the sky and look down in disgust. Perhaps they have forgotten the joy that this hobby brings. I get it though; you don’t want people to mislead out of pre-hype honeymoon auditory bliss.

Seriously though, this is where I insert the “take it like a grain of salt” reference. Also, what’s true to one person may not be true to the next, let’s try to remember that. You may not think this blurb has anything to do with the iem I am reviewing but… I beg to differ. This set ‘was’ and ‘is’ hyped to the moon, flim-flam was spread far and wide. I think it’s warranted.

Everyone is always right

I have a different take and it all revolves around the fact that in this hobby everyone is always right. These “gushing posts” are kind of like personal testimonies if you will. The truth to their claims is only true to themselves. Whether you are a seasoned reviewer with audiophile understanding and endless audio knowledge or you are a newbie, fresh in the hobby. Neither are wrong. Today we are looking at and examining the latest of the hype trains and I hope to relay my truth to all of you.

I have to be honest, I waited much longer than usual to pick this set up. I wanted to get outside of the hype bubble and try to look at it from a different lens. Waiting and waiting with constant voices from relentless audio groups and threads gushing with childlike fervor and passion. Which is great! Passion for the hobby is what it is about. Relentless is the wheel which constantly turns in this audio game, dropping set after set, leaving reviewers and hobbyists clamoring to get the word out first. Hence my waiting. Anyways… 

All Hype?

I thought for sure it was all “hype”. Like, what could this set possibly be that we haven’t seen or heard before? Have we not heard it all?  Every style, every tuning, what could possibly surprise folks nowadays. The people within this hobby have never been more knowledgeable in this audio game and they’ve seen the push from companies and reviewers. Basically, we’ve done this “hype” thing many times before. So, what is so special about this under $100 budget set that has so many people rushing to speak on it. 

Could the EA500 stand a chance against the likes of the Tripowin Olina OG (filter. Mod) or Olina SE, Truthear Hexa, Fiio JD7, the Celeste Pandamon, Dunu Titan S (or Bqeyz Topaz? These are some of the sets which sit nicely within my top under $100 (Still have yet to check out the Titan S). Each has its place with me, and each is special in its own way. In truth I could expound quite a bit and add a handful of other sets (ie: Moondrop Aria, Hidizs MM2, Hidizs MS2 etc.) which really do well under $100. I know there are plenty more I haven’t named. This is the vein with which I am judging the EA500. I want to know, is the EA500 at or near the top, for me. 

We shall see…

Not all hype trains are merely hype my friends. Sometimes the hype carries a semblance of justification, and sometimes… it’s flat-out justified! The EA500 certainly has some big shoes to fill if it is going to usurp some of the best. The Simgot EA500 everyone…

Please visit mobilaudiophile.com and check out Mahir’s thoughts on the Simgot EA500 HERE.

EA500 Pros

-Price 

-Exceptional build quality

-Fantastic design

-Tuning nozzles 

-Overall sonic neutrality & balance 

-Overall clarity

-Quality of bass 

-Vocals are clean and lush

-Nice sense of space to the overall sound

-Treble is open sounding and airy

-Good extension up top 

-Well textured across the mix

-Technicalities are easily distinguished 

-Great for modifications

EA500 Cons

-Can be shouty at times

-Instances of light sibilance

-Bass Lite for those who enjoy big bass

-Treble can have slight grain

-Fingerprint magnet

-The Shells can easily scratch

Gear used 

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4

–Ifi Go Blu

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2 

–Shanling M6 Ultra 

Later Comparisons:  Moondrop Aria / Tripowin Olina (Filter Mod) / BQEYZ Topaz

Packaging 

The EA500 arrived in a medium sized box with a pretty understated and minimalist design on the cover which I can appreciate very much. Just a black box with a dreamy rectangular picture of the colorful night sky and some brand writing and the brand name, nothing too crazy. Good job Simgot. On the back is a couple frequency graphs per nozzle as well as a bunch of writing that I don’t understand at all. I like every little artistic touch that Simgot added and while I’d be perfectly happy with a simple brown box, I must admit that a well laid out and designed unboxing is always a small & short little treat. 

Open the box and you’ll notice a little flap which says “Don’t try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years“. I have to imagine that Simgot correlates the wonderful sound of this set to adding joy and life to your days. I can’t say I disagree, now I don’t know how much an earphone helps in this venture but, it’s a nice saying. Open the flap and the beautiful EA500 is staring back at you. Below the earphones is a box which contains the carrying case and the cable. Another box which sits under the EA500 has the eartips inside. I do appreciate the simple packaging, yet I can also appreciate the class with which it is put together. 

Cable

The cable that Simgot chose to include with this $79 product is actually quite nice. It’s a 2-pin, 2 core, white OFC silver plated cable with a more rigid feel to it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cable provided but I did switch out cables for balanced sources and used the KBear Chord cable for those purposes. The cable that Simgot provides is decently pliable and isn’t microphonic and I really don’t see any issues with it. Basically, I don’t think you will need to upgrade cables unless you are choosing to listen on a balanced source, as I normally do. Also, the EA500 does capitalize on giving this set a bit more power and a balanced source will ‘usually’ do just that. 

Carrying case

The case provided is a good sized oval black zipper case not unlike many others I’ve gotten throughout the years. It has almost an imitation leather covering it and is mostly utilitarian in its look. Nothing to get excited about but nice to have. I normally don’t use the cases provided with any earphones, however if I would use a case such as this one, I’d say it is of good enough size. I do believe you have just about enough room for the EA500 plus a small dongle dac. Not bad by any means, the case is a nice addition. 

Eartips

The eartips which come with the EA500 are decent in build and pretty useful. Simgot provides three pairs of opaque white tips (S, M, L). They are semi-wide bore with a moderately firm flange. Of course, I couldn’t use the included tips in my ears, I just don’t get that good seal.  

One thing I’ve noticed is that the EA500 simply are marvelous at reacting to different tips. As with every earphone I’ve ever put in my ears I must go through every eartips that I own. I have gone through every type of tip you could imagine. Wide-bore shallow, medium-bore KBear 07 types, narrow-bore Final E’s, Spinfits and everything in between. I finally ended up using (subject to change) a pair of Hybrid silicone/foam tips with a medium-bore and Final E-tips. The upper-midrange glare is slightly leveled off a bit using both of these different sets of tips, while the dynamism, stage width, and extension that I enjoy with the EA500 remains. So, play around, everyone is different. One thing I can promise is that you will see a variety of changes based upon the tips you do choose. 

Build / Design / Internals / Fit 

Build

The Shells are made of all metal alloy by way of melting and casting and then polished to a mirror finish and capped off with CNC engraving of the logo on the faceplate area. It appears that one screw holds two halves together which is a nice touch. Simgot added female threads as well so that the tuning nozzles may be screwed on or off to suit your taste and tuning preferences. 

Something you will notice the second you pick up the EA500 is the awesome feel of this set. Something just screams “premium” with the EA500. All metal builds are nothing new and we have seen plenty in the budget arena but there is something which sets the EA500 apart from the rest. Maybe the design has a lot to do with that, but the build is absolutely fantastic. Holding the EA500 in hand it is easy to assume there is great durability here. The only slight negative which goes along with a mirror finish is fingerprints. I suppose it’s not really an issue but a minor annoyance. Actually, it doesn’t bother me at all but I assume it may bothersome. 

Design

The minimalist and sleek design is not unlike some other sets we’ve seen recently but most of those reside in higher price tiers. The look and feel of the EA500 is very nice for the price. It’s all class with a very unembellished and modest appearance which just so happens to be the beauty of it. There is an elegance that is simple yet refined, a tastefulness or a certain charm which comes with Simgot’s design of the EA500. I like a nice aesthetic and I feel the EA500 looks like it doesn’t belong in the under $100 crowd. 

Actually, of late build quality has stepped up in the budget scene but I do think that the EA500 takes that a step further. A beautifully crafted set which takes artistry and an understanding of the market with a good eye for what looks… well… just dope. The EA500 is just that. 

Tuning nozzles

I love stuff like tuning nozzles as I’m naturally attracted to easy and simple modifications, even if it’s just a gimmick. In the case of the EA500, Simgot provides two different sets of tuning nozzles which provide two different target curves. To be honest there isn’t a world of difference but there are enough differences to justify the addition of the nozzles. Not just a gimmick here. 

Red and Black 

Nozzle #1 is the “Red Nozzle” which is supposed to mimic the 2016 Harman curve. Nozzle #2 is the “Black Nozzle” which is supposed to get the EA500 closer to the Simgot house sound. The black nozzle actually has a piece of foam inside which softens some of the bite of the red nozzle. Simgot does say that they will continue to add different tuning nozzles in the future which should follow other popular target curves. If you ask me this is pretty neat and kind of extends the intrigue of the set past the usual short attention spans of hobbyists. To be perfectly honest, the life expectancy of a “hyped” budget set is normally not much longer than a few weeks but if we are going to be seeing different nozzles in the future… What a brilliant move. 

The included nozzles are easy to screw off and install with threaded ends. The actual size of the nozzle piece is large enough to actually get your fingers on. This is actually a great thing. I can name a number of sets with tiny tuning nozzles which are next to impossible to simply and easily screw on and off without pulling one’s hair out. 

Internals

Simgot went with a quality 10mm Dual-Magnet Circuit and Dual Cavity structure using both internal and external N52 magnets and a 4th generation DLC (Diamond-Like-Carbon) Composite Diaphragm. We have come to know how well DLC drivers perform as they are very light but have strong rigidity which is theorized to enhance the transient capabilities of an earphone among other things. Many earphones use DLC drivers and every other driver material that one can imagine but in the end it all comes down to the tuning and implementation of those drivers. Simgot seems to have gotten it right and they should be proud of this set. 

4th Generation DLC Composite Diaphragm
The DLC composite diaphragm of EA500 incorporates 3 kinds of different materials, which are used to build different parts. DLC is characterized by strong rigidity, high damping, and light-weight, and is used as a dome that determines the characteristics of treble.

Simgot Promotional

Fit

Fit is always something that I question in my reviews. Like, “Why am I adding this?” Seriously, not many people have the exact ear structure and to explain the fit to you doesn’t really make much sense to me. However, I must do my ridiculous due diligence. I think the fit can be slightly tricky. I do have to fiddle a hair to get the seal I want but it is easily attainable for me. Isolation turns out being pretty good with very slight sound leakage once you have the EA500 sealed well and sitting comfortably in your ears. 

Drivability 

The EA500 is rated at 16 ohms and a sensitivity of 124 dB’s which make them pretty sensitive. It’s one of those sets which are very easy to drive from most any source but definitely scales up with added power and they scale to the “quality” of the source as well. The EA500 is very versatile and does a great job at mimicking the tonality of the source device as it adapts to anything I attach it to. Any different source flavor will be replayed through this special set. For instance, the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 has that snappy and near neutral sound which in turn makes the EA500 accentuate the Dawns tuning. It sounds fantastic. Going from low gain on the Dawn to high gain only adds a level of dynamism and energy to the sound yet without causing undue distortion or without exaggerating the peaks. 

The same can be said of the more warm, smoother, and bodied sound of the IFi Go Blu. I find there is a slight boost in note thickness while note edges seem to flatten a bit and smooth over. Also, using the iBasso DX240, I had a similar reaction from the EA500 as when I used the Dawn. This time the EA500 just tightened up and became a bit more vibrant. On some songs there is an element of almost breaching into shouty territory but falls just short of that. 

Best Combo

Now, my favorite pairing is with the Shanling M6 Ultra with its velvet AK4493SEQ dac chip and powerful amp circuit. These two were meant for each other it seems. You can still reach a level of shoutiness but all in all the sound is very natural and coherent with a boost in the low-end and silky vocals. To go back to the question of “Drivability” I would like to think that almost anything can power this set to good fidelity, but if you can, get a nice Dongle Dac at the very least and enjoy. 

Quick Sound Impressions 

What does the EA500 sound like? To me, the EA500 is like a working taser, just sparking, sputtering, zapping and flickering with energy. There is a controlled fervency which is kept in check while sounding enthusiastic yet clean. A mostly inoffensive vibrancy yet also a particularly enthralling earphone. Almost like it’s pent-up with lively vigor, though when released there is structure and order to it. Between the 20’s I hear a wonderfully cohesive and open sounding set, but is it worth all the brouhaha? I can only answer for myself, and I won’t beat around the bush friends. To me the EA500 is worth all of the hype. 

Sound

The EA500 has something closer to a U-shaped tuning, even teetering on a W-shape with a slight boost to the low-end as well as the upper-midrange and lower treble then nice extension up top. I hear a warm-neutral leaning sound with great enthusiasm and a nice balance across the spectrum. As far as the tonal color… I picture the EA500 slightly leaning to the left, almost dragging its toes in some subtle and slight warmth. It walks this line between neutrality and warmth, lush and thin, smooth and crisp. A widespread field of sound that carries as much weight at the outskirts of its presentation as it does in the center of it. You could call it a wall of sound and you wouldn’t be wrong, but the wall created through the EA500 almost wraps me in a half circle of mellifluous musicality. 

Quick Overview 

When I think of the EA500 I picture the bass, mids, and treble holding hands in harmony with each other. Each 3rd of the mix plays a supporting role to the others, and none truly takes the lead for me. Ya know, every earphone has its identity or point of emphasis, well most do anyways, but the EA500 has this uncanny ability to simply represent as a whole. I can’t help but think that this uniformity is instrumental in casting a wide reaching and harmonious scope of sound. I don’t want to get too far into praise and to dial it back I will say that the EA500 isn’t perfect and does have some drawbacks, but they are few and far in between. 

The frequencies 

The bass region has good impact yet some claim it has a slightly tame bass response. I love some good bass and the EA500 is certainly enough for me but I’m positive that some may need a little more. I could use a bit more. Adding a filter to the front vent does help in this regard. I know because it is one of the first things I did upon receiving the EA500. However, this is a review of the original and authentic sound of this set, mods are for later. 

The midrange is uplifted in soothing levity, it’s full & forward with females located a titch more forward than males. Vocals sound great, lush and smooth yet centered and defined with a nice presence. The treble is crispy, yet not grainy or tizzy, or sheened out, or too sharp. I hear decent body up top with equally decent extension into the upper parts of the frequency. The stage is above average in size and Imaging is very well drawn out with good separation. There are also some drawbacks to the EA500 but all in all this is a bona-fide STUD of a set in the under $100 price point. Heck, I’d even scale that up to $150.

Nozzles

A quick note, I will mostly describe the sound of the “Red” nozzle as I simply enjoy the controlled vibrancy and openness and mostly prefer it a hair more. However, I do like the black nozzle as well. In truth, both nozzles don’t offer some huge “world of change”. Let’s put it this way, you aren’t getting two different sets in one using the different nozzles. There are certainly subtle differences which do flavor the sound, but these changes are very minor. Maybe the red nozzle is a hint more abrasive in the upper midrange on some tracks. Furthermore, it sounds more holographic, possibly more energetic yet it’s just as balanced. Perhaps the black nozzle will offer better details but that is definitely up for debate. I go back and forth between the two by the day and while both nozzles aren’t stark differences, they are nonetheless differences. 

Bass Region

The low-end of the EA500 comes with average quickness as the transient attack and decay has a nicely atmospheric replay but also, it’s very clean with nice density. On top of that I hear a thumpy and rounded boom on kick drums and bass drops for genres like hip-hop etc. It isn’t greatly escalated with emphasis but it’s good. For some the EA500 will not be enough to satisfy their bass head tenancies, and this is understandable as the low-end is ever so slightly held back. In truth this serves the EA500 very well as the surrounding frequencies seem to open up with a cleaner sound. The bass is rich and has nice surface texture. It’s not some “one-noted” type bass replay. It serves my library well and leaves me satisfied. 

Sub-bass

I hear a sonorous and deep enough haptic buzz down low as there is still a good and rumbly vibration. The sub-bass is moderate in its effective resonant droning hum, and it comes across as full bodied, full toned and rotund. While not Bass-Boi levels, the sub-bass doesn’t lack, it isn’t hollow or empty in its replay and it’s effective at stretching the field of sound with nice extension down low. 

This shows itself very well in “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard. The song begins with a deep bass riff that sets the tone for the song. This should be edgy and grizzly and just flat out dirty and the EA500 replays it with some girth down low. The surrounding melody is nicely separated with great timbre as it seems that each pluck of the guitar has its own ecosystem of sound, and each finger slide contrasts beautifully against the sub-bass backdrop. There is a rolling density and clean separation from the rest of the mix that is refreshing and adds nice depth. 

The EA500 sub bass does exactly what the song tells it to do and faithfully replays with a thick layered tapestry of this guttural bassline. It sounds great my friends! Timbre is not bad here either. At least to my ears anyways. Of course, it’s been a while since I’ve sat “live” and listened to a track such as this. Still there is a naturalness down low that permeates everything on the EA500 which I find addicting. 

Midbass

The mid-bass is pretty nice too. Yes, there is that impactful and speedy slam which differentiates itself nicely from the sub-bass. Note definition and clarity are well done with a solid attack and note outline. I can’t help but notice the decently concentrated substance within the bass, packed tight as though it has solidity. Not the most elevated… but thick…and boldly structured enough for a faithful and fun playback which sounds great when listening to the EA500 as a whole.

Midbass cont… 

In “Home Sweet Highway” by Ashley Mcbryde the song starts right out the gate with a meaty bass line that extends all the way through the track. The EA500 booms with depth on this song. As though I hear actual texture and tactile imagery. I hear a warm and round and moderately deep grumble that has a pretty good slam to it. Again, the bass isn’t too far elevated. It is well textured and layered with depth and it does this without needing to be overdone or exaggerated. The bass sounds great. This is what I mean when I say natural. It isn’t hollow or soft or muddy. It isn’t digital sounding or plastic and certainly isn’t wooly which is a nice thing to hear. Plus, the mid-bass is pretty clean with defined note edges for the price point which helps the EA500 to have a decently detailed low-end. 

Midrange 

The midrange is simply a musical delight to my ears. I love the natural note weight in this region which can play multiple styles and genres and represent each with a sophisticated versatility. Note weight isn’t necessarily thick, but there is a lushness in this region. I hear a near neutral sounding midrange which is articulate for the price. Both males and females share this space well as both are forward and highlighted. 

Instrumentation simply has this unprocessed and nimble musicality which carries good resolution. Perhaps they could use a bit of blunted weight and a bit more of a robust emphasis on different instruments, but I can’t help enjoying the open sound with great imaging and separation. Perhaps the timbre isn’t completely perfectly spot-on either, but I don’t think it’s necessarily off at all. In fact, I really enjoy it. There is simply a vibrance added to the timbre which almost adds a glow. I realize that probably made no sense but… Let’s pretend it did. 

Lower-midrange 

Male vocals are well represented and come across pretty clean yet at times they can sound a hint thin. At times they can even be a bit abrasive. Some higher register tenors can sound a bit sharp depending on the track and source, but this is where I will stop in my complaints. 

Honestly, I enjoy most of the male vocals that I hear, especially on a song like “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton. His voice has great southern gusto and good presence with a distinctness and the EA500 does well to replay his naturally edgy vocal delivery. It does his voice great justice and displays Chris’s edgy, raspy, but distinct sound so very well. It sounds clean and just forward enough to illuminate the scratchy, strident and coarse southern richness of his voice while adding just enough boisterous underlying levity to the harmonics. The inflection in his voice is precise and timely as the accentuated wave like intonations that Chris sings with stays at the foreground of the melody and balances nicely with how I envision this recording was meant to be heard. 

Males cont… 

Males on the EA500 can also sound reverberant with a rotund with bassy fullness when needed, like with Avi Kaplan in the song “First Place I go“. The EA500 has just enough help from the low end to bolster and display his baritone voice in a very round, poignant and emotional way. His voice can so easily be exaggerated and overly sonorous on many sets but the EA500 has this nice way of keeping the timbre and tonality in line. As if there is just enough warmth to contrast the overall lustrous neutrality of this tuning. This is not unprecedented in the budget space, but it is simply a nice attribute of the EA500. Of course, with the black filter his voice is a little richer but also without a certain liveliness that the red filter conveys. Both ways are great, red or black. 

Lower-mids cont… 

The lower midrange may come across a hint thin with a hair too much vibrance and not everyone enjoys an energetic and lively sound. Some may prefer a smoother and more laid-back velvety sound. Still, once your brain adjusts, male vocals can be very nice. Again, this is where it may make sense to pull out the black nozzles which add a nice balance and smoothen out the coarseness that the red nozzles can have. Of course, there are other implications from this setup, but I could see many hobbyists enjoying the benefits of the foam filled black nozzles which mimic the Simgot “House Sound”. 

Upper-Midrange 

Females come alive on the EA500. Truthfully, I love the way females sound on this set. The EA500 had me running through my library and seeking out solo acoustic performances or female led tracks. Whether the voice has a softer, whispery and breathy sound or a resounding and powerful ballad type female voice the EA500 just sounds clean and spacious. There is a lushness to females which never comes across too thick or weighted. They aren’t thin or lean either. I think the natural replay comes from females having a good presence and a certain sweetness. Of course, that good presence can also be accompanied by some pinna glare at times. Again, this may be a moment to check out the black nozzles which do help a bit. Or check out one of the many modifications that some really smart people have come up with. Look and you’ll find them. 

“Mariana Trench” by Gabrielle Aplin is a song which highlights her breathy sweet voice. However, there is this underlying power in her vocals. The EA500 really shines and presents this song very vividly and with fantastic resolution. Or Noah Cyrus in “Unfinished” the EA500 does a good job at presenting her tense yet moving voice in a very astute and forward manner while steering clear of anything harsh or too edgy. This is awesome control for the price. Timbre is what I would call “off-natural” as it sounds organic yet with some resounding enthusiasm added in. 

Instruments

Instrumentation like strings have enough weight to produce a natural sounding pluck of a guitar string along with the finger slides which offer their own harmonics. Piano can be a hint too vibrant at times, but this really comes down to the recording. Percussion like the fundamental frequency of a cymbal strike sounds compact and not tizzy, they sound pretty well bodied and not splashy. The secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike located mostly in the treble region decay in a natural way as well. Snares pang with plenty of body and come across with the correct sharpness to my ears. Of course, all of this can be affected by what source you are using as well as the track being played. 

Slight issues

If I were to pick anything within the midrange to list as a possible con, I would have to say that there is an ever so slight sibilance which can rear its ugly head on some tracks. It’s very minimal and I really don’t even think about it until I’m listening for it. Not bad though. Also, there is some pinna gain energy which can become too sharp and glaring with the right track as well. Again, it doesn’t bother me too much, but it is there.

Many people have already begun modding their EA500’s with “Y3” Filters placed over the front vent or gone with different tips or even nozzle filters. The great thing is the flexibility the EA500 has with any modification or change. Timbre isn’t 100% natural either (off-natural) though because the sound is so resolute and clean it almost doesn’t matter to me. I think the sound fantastic on this set. 

Treble Region

The treble comes across energetic and airy, with nice pacing and timing and good transient behavior to my ears. The treble region has a very nice balance with the rest of the mix in my opinion. Note definition is on the cleaner side however those same note outlines can be spicy at times. Instrumentation in this region is well bodied and does have enough bite and adds a nice element to the sound. The treble is elevated enough to bring upon some levity to the entire mix with a nicely rendered slope through the upper-treble region showing good extension, or at least appropriate extension to my ears. 

There is a snappiness to the sound here, almost a boldness as well in the attack on most notes. Texture is evident too from the lower treble to the highest of highs. In truth the EA500 does a superb job at this area of the mix. Details are very easy to discern as the balance is just right, the transients are great, and the resolution is very good. No one frequency topples over any other which leaves plenty of room for both macro and micro details. 

Nice Energy

The brilliance region of the treble has a lot of presence and is very detailed as well. There is a controlled sheen to this region which does well to add this vivacious liveliness to any recording which is an attribute I happen to really enjoy. It’s amazing how a good treble region can act as the “Icing on the cake” and we are seeing that on the EA500. Like I said, extension past 8k is nice and leaves no information lost into an attenuated abyss. It’s actually the contrary, as the EA500 manages to catch even subtle things that you may not pick up on with other sets. 

Technicalities 

Soundstage

I find no faults with the psycho-acoustic stage size of the EA500. I hear very nice width with above average height and good depth to my music while listening with the EA500. There is this feeling of space and an open nature to the sound which creates this effortlessly wide dynamic. The depth of field spatial cues is really great for a single Dynamic Driver earphone. Soundstage is certainly a strength of the EA500 in my opinion. 

Separation

The EA500 has this uncanny ability to create nice layers within the imaginary stage that I hear. There is a sense of space, that’s for sure. However, inside that space is distinct and partitioned off elements of that stage which sound as though they are localized fixtures and sit isolated in their own little space. So, Separation is great, which brings us naturally to imaging. 

Imaging

Everything has its place in the stereo image. We like to overuse the words ‘pinpoint’ when describing imaging on some sets, but I can say for sure that the imaging on the EA500 is pinpoint in its ability to form each element of the stage, whether it be voices or instruments. The only time I have heard any issues in either of these areas is in very complicated music passages. Really complex tracks may trip up the EA500 a little bit but it’s nothing that comes across as a con. This is a single DD and as far as single DDs under $100 goes… It Is truly in the ratified air of the best of the field. 

Details

I’ve already covered the details earlier in this review, but I will quickly go over my thoughts again. The EA500 obviously has some good drivers, speedy transient attack and decay, a wide stereo image and fantastic clarity and resolution throughout while being tuned in a very nicely balanced way. This is all a perfect recipe for a detailed playback. I do think the black and red nozzles both fares well in the detail arena but the black nozzle for whatever reason seems a hair leaner up top along with being a tad drier in this region which leads to better micro details. Both nozzles perform well here so I certainly wouldn’t go nuts trying to spot the differences.

Comparisons 

Moondrop Aria ($79)

The Moondrop Aria is quite possibly Moondrop’s most infamous earphone. Resting cool in the under $100 segment the Aria has been a class leader in overall enjoyment and euphoric price to performance. The Aria sports a 10mm Dual cavity single DD with an LCP Diaphragm. Just like the EA500 it has an all metal housing and that’s about where the similarities cut-off. The Aria is a solid choice for that Harman sound and does so almost to the tee. 

Low-End

Starting off with the bass, the Aria is much more elevated yet in that elevation there is a more pillowy attack edge while there is certainly more sub-bass quantity. The EA500 simply sound more realistic with a more controlled and speedier slam. 

Midrange

The midrange is more euphoric on the EA500 with a more forward nature and a thicker and more lush note weight while the Aria sounds much tamer in comparison. There is more vibrance on the EA500 and at the same time there is more shimmer too. The Aria has that nicely non-fatiguing and easy to listen to sound but between the two it’s the EA500 that sounds more organic and cleaner. 

Highs

The EA500 treble certainly has more of an attack bite in the treble region. I hear a more elevated treble section but also a better extended treble section. I’m quite positive that there will be more than a few who would enjoy the Aria’s more laid-back vibe. For the rest of us I think it is obvious that Simgot created a finely tuned set which trumps the Aria in many categories and certainly the treble is one of them. 

Between the two the EA500 certainly has the more detailed and technically adept playback with a more lustrous and lush sound along with a much tighter and snappier replay as well. Soundstage goes to the EA500, imaging is pretty close to a draw between the two but the EA500 does edge out the Aria. Separation goes to the EA500. 

Tripowin Olina (OG, Tanya Filter) ($99)

Oh Olina, you amazing single DD. Before all others, the Olina actually does punch above it’s $99 asking price. This is another comparison with a famous set that thousands have enjoyed, and which doesn’t get left off of many “best under $100” lists. The Olina has a single 10mm Carbon Nanotube Diaphragm Dynamic Driver which is famously used in the single DD “Crown Prince ” the Tanchjim Oxygen. Or some variation of that driver. I absolutely adore the sound of the Olina OG, but I am comparing the EA500 against the modified version of the Olina with Tanchjim Tanya Filters replacing the stock filters at the nozzles. I know many of you have this exact setup so, sorry that it isn’t the stock Olina. 

Differences (low-end) 

When comparing these two the first thing I notice is that the EA500 is a little more on the bright or neutral side whereas the Olina is a slight bit warmer. The bass of the EA500 does carry about the same quantity of bass oomph and slam as the Olina but the EA500 seems as though it may hit with a titch more authority. I believe this is a deception though, due to the stark difference from the brighter contrast of the EA500 upper frequencies against the warmer and hearty bass, it simply sounds more authoritative. In fact, it sounds as though the EA500 has the more dynamic and energetic bass region because of this. In truth it is very hard to like one more than the other. Both hit plenty hard, and both represent the bass rather well for the price point. 

Midrange

As far as male vocals are concerned, the EA500 and the Olina both have roughly equal note weight but the EA500 seem to have a hint more presence. I do also think that the EA500 has the more natural timbre but again, this is debatable as “natural” is a subjective opinion. Female vocals sound a hint more forward than the Olina and with more shimmer in the upper midrange. Also, the Olina has a bit better control of this area and resolution is great on both sets. Again, hard to pick one over the other for me. Pick your poison I suppose. The Olina is a bit more reserved but highly resolute and packed with details while the same can be said of the EA500 yet with a slight bit more shimmer to the same songs. 

I suppose the difference is the way these two are presented in the midrange. Certainly, one is not necessarily better than the other. The EA500 simply sound more vivacious and with more presence while the Olina are control freaks. The Olina has that tight and structured dynamism that is a bit better balanced as a whole than the EA500, which in turn lends the sound to be a bit less sprightly and bubbly. Again, pick your poison. I feel the Olina is a hair less captivating and engaging in its replay here. 

Treble

The EA500 sounds as though they have the lusher timbre in the treble region to the Olina’s more detailed and better controlled sheen up top. Note weight sounds the slimmest of hairs thinner on the Olina while also having a softer note attack in this area. Most certainly the EA500 has the brighter tonality here which does uplift the whole of the spectrum a bit more than Olina. The EA500 has a special treble region that has this engrossing and refined nature to it. The Olina is no slouch though, certainly the less fatiguing of the two and perhaps the more astute and timelier of the two. Basically, Olina is the responsible one, if that makes sense. Less enthusiastic in vibrancy and more disciplined in its delivery. 

The EA500 just comes across with a more rapid snappiness that is more instant in attack but more atmospheric in decay/sustain. The Olina sounds a bit less sharp in attack and quicker to release. 

Technicalities 

Details seem to be a bit more illuminated on the Olina but please don’t confuse my words… both sets bring upon macro and micro details very well. Soundstage goes to the EA500, without question. I hear matching widths and close in height with the EA500 sounding a bit taller and certainly deeper in its replay. The EA500 sounds more 3D, which is saying something because the Olina has a fantastic stage. Both imaging and separation is great on both sets. 

Honestly this is a hard one for me, I suppose it depends on my mood which one I’d like better. It may be that one set ranks #1 and the other #1A. I guess that is the beauty of this hobby. If anything, I would say that the EA500 is the more musical of the two and simply more dynamically engaging and charismatic in its boisterousness. The Olina is the consummate professional who may sound a hair duller but it’s wise and steady and correct and detail oriented. 

BQEYZ Topaz ($89) 

Another set I adore, the BQEYZ Topaz. Somehow it comes in at under $100. Though I could say that about every set mentioned here. Anyways, the Topaz is a Hybrid 9-layer piezoelectric driver and one 13mm single Dynamic Driver. What a set! BQEYZ is one of those companies who seem to not ever get things wrong. They begin a project and run it until completion. 

Differences 

The differences between these two, if I were to break it down, is the style and type of engagement that each set offers. Both are engaging and engrossing for different reasons. The EA500 has that energetic vibrancy with its holographic staging while the Topaz has this enthralling lush and juicy timbre that just sucks me in. At the beginning of this review, I characterized the EA500 as a working taser just spattering with wild controlled energy. I stand by that, but on the flip side I think the Topaz has this warm and more emotionally pulling sound which can really perform at the peak of the under $100 price point. 

Low-end 

As far as the bass is concerned, the Topaz have quite a bit more in quantity with a deeper and fuller rumble and slam. The EA500 has a less colored low-end with a more speedy, punchy and organic sound. Both are quality for the type of bass as well as the emphasis each has down low. The Topaz effect the midrange a bit more while the EA500 stays in its lane and doesn’t disrupt anything. So, tight and clean, textured and punchy, or boomy, full, resounding and impactful. 

The Mids

The midrange of both sets has their own charming qualities. The EA500 has the more forward mids with a more natural take on this region. The Topaz on the other hand is dense in lush tapestry with velvety cleanliness that has depth and weight. Shimmer and levity and resolution goes to the EA500 while the Topaz is completely in-offensive and completely smooth with lush timbre. The EA500 is more technical on almost all fronts and perhaps this is where we can start to see it pulling ahead for good. 

Up Top

The treble region of the Topaz is much more laid back but still it is fantastic for a warmer presentation. It has body and a nicely softened attack edge and bite while remaining non-fatiguing all the way through. Whereas the EA500 is all energy all the time with details popping up everywhere. The EA500 has depth to the treble region that we really shouldn’t ever expect at this price and there is great natural sounding levity with a boisterous and vivacious character. 

Technicalities 

Again, technicalities easily go to the EA500. From details to separation to soundstage the EA500 takes all prizes in this regard. What it can’t do as well is the fun factor when it comes to massive bass drops and bass guitar riffs. It can’t draw the emotion from a woman’s breathy voice as well as the Topaz and males don’t have the same full-figured sound with that type of weight yet remaining clean and resolute. Two different types and two different styles of tuning. This hobby is the best my friends. The truth is, I love both of these sets for different reasons and in my collection, they complement each other perfectly.

Is it worth the asking price? 

I would be very hard pressed to find another iem under $100 which punches above its price point quite like the EA500 does, in my opinion. I’d say there are a couple sets which truly play above their segment, like the Olina’s of the world and a couple others. Yes, this set can duke it out with the best of the best in its price point and could even take on pricier sets, and I say that without batting an eye. This of course all depends on if you enjoy this type of sound signature. The return on your investment here is almost unprecedented in the hobby when it comes to actual auditory joy. Again, you have to enjoy this type of signature. This can’t go unsaid.

Not everyone will be a fan of the ultra-energetic neutral/bright sound signature. In fact, if I reviewed this even two years ago, I’d say that the EA500 isn’t worth the money. So, everything has its caveats. Everything! There isn’t any one thing which is for everyone, except maybe new socks. If you don’t enjoy new socks, then… Well…chances are you are some form of an alien or something, you definitely aren’t human, that’s for sure. 

Worth every penny!

Yes, yes, yes, the Simgot EA500 is worth every penny! It is a holographic, fundamentally sound, technically adept baddie which is lathered in joy-inducing musicality and doesn’t entirely skimp on low-end rumble. It’s tight, concise, engaging to the core, it’s wide and deep, and it’s about as open and clear to the ear as anything under $100. I could’ve paired it against quite a few other sets. I was going to include the Truthear Hexa, Fiio JD7, Hidizs MS2 among others, but I don’t think it would’ve helped anyone. Of course, I could always go back and edit this review and add some more comparisons if requested. Yes, the EA500 is a bona-fide STUD which in my opinion easily sits in my ‘top 3’ of best under $100. Simgot, you certainly outdid yourselves and you are single handedly upping the game of every company in the hobby by releasing iems at the caliber they are at in the price segment they are at. Great job. 

Ratings  (0-10)

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles. In the case of the EA500 I considered $50-$100 iems in any driver configuration. 

Aesthetic 

-Build Quality:                     9.5

-Design:   9.5

-Accessories:   8.0

–Overall:                    9.0           

Sound Rating  

-Timbre:                             9.5

-Bass:                                9.0

-Midrange:                          9.5   

-Treble:                               9.3 

-Technicalities:                8.9        

-P2P:                                  10.0   (Price to Performance)         

Overall:                      9.4       

Conclusion 

To conclude this lengthy review, I have to urge you all to try to get other perspectives of the EA500. I say it in every review that…we are all different, no two are perfectly the same. It is always good to seek out as many perspectives as possible. Everyone has different likes and dislikes, music libraries, hearing ability, and not everyone has been down the same audio journey as me. We are all different. I would seek out getting to know some reviewers that you feel you can trust and get to know their preferences. This will help greatly in a purchasing decision. 

I have had such a great time during this review process. Personally, I feel that the EA500 could take on sets much pricier and is such a bargain at $79. Heck, the EA500 actually goes on sale from time to time as well. I honestly feel that you can’t go wrong here. Just a joy to have as part of my collection. Well, my friends, I want to thank anyone who has chosen to read my review here and I do hope it helps at least a few of you during your deciding process. Please try to take good care and stay safe.