Shanling MG600 First Impressions
Intro
Today I am publishing a quick snapshot of the Shanling MG600, as kind of a first sound impression post. I have had the Shanling MG600 for roughly about two weeks and most of that time it has been sitting in the burn-in corner. Off and on I let them play white/pink noise with certain tones mixed in. I had about two hours listening when I first purchased the MG600 and then the long Burn-in. So, not exactly two weeks straight but many many hours. The wait is always a killer for me. Im quite positive that many of you readers have had similar waiting periods.
That being said, what I should actually call this little snippet is “My irresponsible First Impression of Shanling MG600”. I’m only partially joking. I have mostly casually indulged in this amazing earphone but like anything… sometimes you just gotta let your friends know. Anyways, the MG600 is Shanling Audio’s mid-tier Single Dynamic Driver. I won’t get into specs, fit, packaging and will very lightly touch on the sound. Oh and thank you for reading…
First off, I can’t believe how beautiful this set is. The MG600 is made entirely of stabilized Maple Wood and its design is straight up artistry. Hand painted so that none two are the same. Just beautiful. Holding the MG600 in hand and looking at them in the light gives me a quiet satisfaction which wakes up that kid in me. Coincidentally I get that same thrill anytime anything comes in the mail so I suppose that isn’t saying much. Just a gorgeous set. Obviously, I will heavily delve into the build much deeper in the full review.
First Impressions of the sound
I have been quite surprised by the MG600’s control in the bass region. It seems effortless, which is something that you won’t understand until you actually hear it. The bass sounds full and deft, robust yet nimble. Not too emphasized and very well controlled and firm. This is a resolving bass that doesn’t even try to interfere or cause unwanted bloat with the midrange. Very well done so far. I cannot wait to see how this set performs within the gauntlet that is my test tracks. It’ll be very interesting.
The Midrange is subtly warm and comes across naturally to the ear. I hear full bodied male vocals with a crisp leading edge and well-articulated. They sound wonderful. As for females, I love the MG600’s ability to render itself soft with a breathy voice or powerful when it needs to be. Once again, females are full and organic, shimmery yet never piercing. Vocals of both male and female are not too recessed and actually sound perfectly forward to my ears. Instruments sound as they should so far. Piano, strings, and percussion are so well developed. I can feel the release from a guitar string as the sound wraps around an object.
The treble region has nice energy throughout with a bit of an emphasis in the lower treble and pretty good extension up top. The treble is both smooth and crisp as it morphs into whatever the track calls for. I hear good body to notes and enough luster up top, as the treble adds just enough bright energy to uplift the whole of the spectrum. It seems that Shanling added just the right amount for me.
Details are easily discernible as the MG600 has a more balanced approach at an exciting and fun tuning. The dynamism is really great across the mix and nicely spread out across each 3rd of the spectrum. Also, the soundstage is spacious thus far which is partially due to the semi-open back build as I perceive a very wide, and deep stereo image. Imaging is impressive as well with nicely separated and partitioned off areas for each element of the stage. So far, I am happy with what I am hearing out of the MG600.
Well, that is it for my completely irresponsible first impressions. My full review will come soon, and I will dive deep into this set and seek out some issues, but also try my best to explain the MG600’s sound, build, design and even compare the MG600 with similarly priced iems. I want to thank you for reading and please be on the lookout for my full review. Take care everyone.
