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Review: Simgot EW100P – The Shadow Assassin

Mahir Efe Falay

Having a low profile makes the Simgot EW100P brilliant.

Thanks to Simgot and Linsoul for providing the EW100P, originally intended for domestic markets, for review purposes. Simgot EW100P is the missing ring in the Simgot iem range. (An absolutely TOTL piece is still missing, yet) 

Company Overview 

In China, a group of audio enthusiasts and professionals founded Simgot in 2015. The company was established with the goal of creating high-quality audio products that offer excellent value for money. While the specific names of the founders are not widely known, Simgot’s team is composed of experienced engineers and designers who have a passion for music and audio technology.

Technical Specifications 

TL:DR________

PROS

CONS

Packaging 

The packaging shows an illustration of a shark on the front side, and it’s coated with a shiny aluminum-like folio. The backside presents the frequency graph, technical details, etc.

In the box 

Cable

Somehow thin, but metallic-looking, and a thin film of silicone is added to it. The result is a very slim looking shower cable.

Comfort

I had no issues regarding comfort. It didn’t even fill my whole M sized concha.

Simgot EW100P Sound

I am hearing an equal mix of technicalities and fun in this budget player. The background is black. 3D imaging is partially okay. Instruments are pretty separated with the stock tips. (Standard, red bored Sony eartips aren’t going this well with it) Extensions can make you forget its meager price tag. The soundstage is wide, to the point of immersion (which not all the records manage to accomplish, though). However, I have to accept that there is only one venting hole in the 3D-printed shell. The layering is lacking; I shouldn’t expect to hear a trio or quatro of descending keyboard presses. 

Bass 

I have to listen to low-end-oriented stuff to speak about its bass. This is an indicator of its bass control. They are slightly bleeding into other frequencies with the bass impact. I heard no bass thump in smooth jazz, and that’s a gold medal deserving indicator. However, despite its price and DD nature, I am hearing a soft cushion (bass shelf) beneath the other stuff in electronic music. The rest is filled with its dark to neutral timbre.

Midrange

The midrange is worth some trophies. While the FR graph says so, the midrange quality is separating artificial from natural. Arcade Fire – Laika has the maximum folk rock chaotic beauty it’s $20 tag allows. Jazz requires lots of midrange. And it’s not repeating the tuning mistakes of other 20-buck IEMs with the delicate music. The male vocal texture is perfect,  and I haven’t heard sibilance through each genre.

Treble 

I would be lying if I said the treble of Simgot EW100P is rich like the stars above us, or busy like the chorus of crickets in any forest. Despite the relatively powerless treble, they are helping to create enough treble for Therion, Degiheugi, Alice Cooper, etc. Actually, Indepence Dave is one of the songs on which Simgot EW100P shines.

Image courtesy of hatena

Comparisons

  1. KZ ZSN Pro X: The KZ ZSN Pro X is a popular in-ear monitor at a similar price point to the Simgot EW100P. It features a hybrid driver configuration and a detachable cable. Compared to the EW100P, the ZSN Pro X has a slightly more V-shaped sound signature with boosted bass and treble frequencies, killing the naturality. The ZSN Pro X also has a wider soundstage and more detailed instrument separation, but the EW100P has a more natural tonality and better vocal clarity.
  2. TRN ST1: The TRN ST1 is another option at a similar price point, and it features a single dynamic driver and a lightweight design. Compared to the EW100P, the ST1 has a slightly warmer and more laid-back sound signature with a smooth midrange and a slightly recessed treble. The ST1 also has a wider nozzle for a better fit and improved isolation, but the EW100P has better overall clarity and detail retrieval.
  3. SENFER DT6: The SENFER DT6 is a budget in-ear monitor that features a single dynamic driver and a stylish design. Compared to the EW100P, the DT6 has a slightly more bass-heavy sound signature with emphasized mid-bass frequencies. The DT6 also has a more recessed midrange and less detail retrieval compared to the EW100P, but it has a wider soundstage and better overall imaging. But everything would change if I put the Dt6 of 2016 against it. I would highly doubt it when declaring a winner.
  4. SIMGOT EA500: The expected comparison. The EW100P is dubbed as the little brother of the EA500, and It truly deserves that statement. I heard a low end loaded soundscape at EA, but EW has more elegant playback without any bass bungs. Soundstage widths are roughly the same. Clarity wise EA is two notch below EW. But having a more than two notches clearer approach is what makes the EW winner.
  5. DUNU TITANS: Okay, it’s an irrational comparison. But it was crucial for partially showing the eartip effect and partially showing EW’s limitations. TITANS is better at many aspects, but they can only totally surpass the EW100 when its equipped with the EW’s stock eartips. The red bores on the Sony eartips contribute only to the overall bass volume while compromising a wide range of other aspects. And the result is telling me that the at least x4 price difference isn’t reflected in the SQ.

Where to Buy 

Conclusion 

I have yet to find an IEM that compares to this one in terms of its studio quality approach and affordability of about $20. It was a smart decision for SQ to merge their technicalities and fun into one cohesive package. The newer generation of iems, like the brother of the EA500, truly impress me and leave me excited for the future. While the EA500 was impressive, this newer model is truly exceptional. I would recommend it for every personal audio enthusiast.

90/100

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