Simgot EA500LM 

Intro 

Hello, today I have with me the latest from the audio brand Simgot named the Simgot EA500LM. I was very happy to learn that Simgot would be sending me this under $100 single DD iem. I have been on a Simgot tear of late as I’ve been steadily reviewing some of their sets. One thing I’ve learned over this time period is that Simgot excels in creating sets which garner great price to performance. Always top-notch build, design and sound quality in context to each set’s respective price points. I’ve reviewed the Simgot EW200 (EW200 Review), the Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review), the Simgot EM6L (EM6L Review), and I’m in the process of reviewing the Simgot EA1000 as well. Each of these sets are set-apart for various reasons and each of these sets have a reasonable stake at the best in their price tiers. Granted, there are a lot of great iems which exist alongside Simgot’s offerings. However, not every brand has been able to capture the adoration of so many hobbyists so regularly, in so many price points and with so much fanfare and hype. Like I always say… sometimes the hype is justified. 

Simgot

Simgot has been doin’ their thang… So to speak, for quite some time now. However, it wasn’t always so. In fact, not long ago one would’ve thought that the audio brand Simgot was all but gone, defunct, out of the game, or a thing of the past. We all saw the popularity of past iems like the Simgot En700 Pro light off like a firecracker only to fizzle out, till it was seemingly the last item remaining still on the market shelves. Like the last and final straw. Forgotten. We saw sets like the Simgot EM2, EM2R, EK3 still hanging around but they werent the biggest draws in the community. Still good iems but simply didnt push the needle. In comes the Simgot EN1000 and the Simgot EA2000. All it took was a few reviews coming from the right people to send the lifeblood back into this company’s fortunes. They found their niche along the way and discovered the blueprint. Ever since then (2 yrs ago) they have been on one of the greatest tears through audio that I know I’ve ever seen. I think it’s fair to say that Simgot is now a treasured and lauded company with copious amounts of praise for a job well done over and over and over again. 

Uphill Climb

I think it’s fair to say that even though this newest Simgot treasure is thought of as the latest and greatest… the EA500LM still has an uphill climb if it wants to sit comfortably perched atop the best under $100. Heck, it’s an uphill climb to be crowned the best under $100 within its own brand. Is it the best single DD under $100? That lofty and heralded price segment that garners the interest of most of the world. Without question the most popular price range rests between $50 and $100 and one thing is clear… you won’t find many top five lists without a “Simgot” earphone involved. Will the EA500LM usurp the OG? Not if the EA500 has anything to say about it. It shall be interesting to say the least and I’m all for it folks. After all, not much brings the anticipation quite like a new Simgot release anymore. With that said, I don’t want to waste any more time. Let’s get into it. The Simgot EA500LM everyone… 

Non-Affiliated Purchasing links 

–Linsoul

–Amazon

Disclaimer:

I received the Simgot EM6L from Simgot  in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a sample iem. Simgot has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Simgot and thanks for reading. 

EA500LM Pros

-Build Quality is as usual… Great

-Appearance/design

-Working tuning nozzles x3

-Resolution is really fantastic 

-Nicely balanced & fun approach at a technical sound

-Punchy and well extended bass that has good and solid impact

-Midrange great for vocalists

-Airy and detailed treble region

-Details per the tuning

-Separation / Imaging 

-Nice sized stage

EA500LM Cons 

-Not for bassheads

-Can be a bit shouty with certain nozzles and the right track

-No other real cons at this price

Gear used for testing 

–Ifi Go Blu 

–Aful SnowyNight 

–EPZ TP50

–Fiio Q15 

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2 

–Shanling M6 Ultra 

Packaging / Accessories 

Unboxing 

The Simgot EA500LM came to my home packaged in a slick looking box that is kind of hard to even try to explain. It has a very artsy graphic on the cover that doesn’t seem to describe anything about the EA500LM, but more about just showing off a cool looking design. At any rate, the box has two hands as though something is going to be placed in them. Above them is lines which shoot outward from those hands with what appears to be stars above. Eh, folks I have zero clue what this box is depicting, but it’s cool looking. As you open this box you are greeted by the EA500LM nestled nicely in some foam layered cardboard cut-outs. Next to those is a box which contains some accessories. Those accessories are the two extra tuning nozzles, the carrying case, some O-ring gaskets for the tuning nozzles, eartips and the cable. It’s actually a great unboxing for the price. Very artistic and weird, but also pretty cool. 

Eartips

Included in the packaging Simgot added three pairs of eartips (S, M, L) of pretty good quality. They are white silicone tips with a black stem. The bore size is similar to that of the KBear 07 tips. There’s a firm flange and a rigid stem as well. I find these tips great and if they fit your ears will pair well with the EA500LM. I actually enjoy the EA500LM “as-is” with the included tips, who’da thunk it? There really isn’t much else to say as the EA500LM is identical to the OG’s shape and size, so many of you already know what tips will or will not work for you. With the OG EA500 I used the 07’s, and since these tips are very similar, I went with them. However, for just that last little bit of comfort I went with the Divinus Velvet eartips for the entirety of this review. Again, I found zero issue with the included tips but trying out the Divinus tips was just too nice for my ears.

Carrying case 

Included in the packaging you will also receive a handy carrying case to transport your precious iems safely. The case that they provide is the same black Simgot case that you have seen before. It is a faux leather covered zipper case that is just about big enough to house the earphones, a cable and a small dongle dac. Nothing crazy to report here actually. I never really use cases, but this is a nice addition if you are one who does. 

Cable

The cable is exactly the same cable that was handed out with the Simgot EM6L. It is a white, yellow and black twisted cable. To be exact, it is a 2-pin, 3.5 single ended cable made of high-purity silver plated OFC copper. It’s actually a nice wire which doesn’t seem to be microphonic or annoying to wind-up. Also, it looks pretty nice paired with the EA500LM. However, I only used this cable for use with single ended sources. Despite how nice this cable is, I primarily used the Letshuoer M5 cable in 4.4 balanced for use with my balanced sources. I feel the M5 pairs absolutely perfectly in both sound as well as aesthetic. Truly a match made perfect. Coincidentally, this is the same cable I used for the EM6L Review. If for whatever reason you are not able to upgrade the cable, please understand that this is not a necessity. The included cable is perfectly fine for use with this set. It works as intended and even looks good. 

Build / Design / Internals / Fit

Build Quality 

One thing is a given with any Simgot iem (not named EM6L) is that the build quality will be second to none. The EA500LM has an all-alloy (possibly stainless steel) shell with a CNC engraved body and is absolutely built to last. In the hand it is quite obvious that the EA500LM is durable and finely crafted. Made with a precise internal acoustic cavity which helps to give this set its particular sound. The EA500LM also has one back vent as well as one vent closer to the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, this set comes with three of them to choose from and each are medium length and not too short or too long I wouldn’t think. Let’s do a quick rundown of those tuning nozzles… 

Silver Nozzle “Black” ring gasket

This nozzle has less of a bass impact and authority and sounds brighter and has much more of a penchant to get sharp or harsh in the right tracks. However, this is also the nozzle with the best resolution and clearly defined note structure. It isn’t my favorite as it is the least musical of the three. 

Gold Nozzle

The gold nozzle is the one I used most in this review as it flattens the spikes up top and smooths the sound to a degree. I still hear much better than good resolution and the details still emerge quite well. I do feel this is the closest to my listening preferences but in truth, I like them all. I’m a sucker for all signatures. The gold simply beats the others out for me. It’s the warmest (if you call this warm) and it is the most musical. 

Silver Nozzle “Red” ring gasket

It’s kind of hard to place this one. I would say that it is somewhat of an in between as far as smoothness and sharpness is concerned. I honestly really enjoy this one, but it can get a bit hot at times. Details are fantastic, resolution is fantastic, stage is a bit wider than the gold with this one too. However, I simply don’t think it fits me as well. 

*Note: so, you all are aware, I only used the Gold Nozzle for review purposes and so any of my thoughts regarding the sound of the Simgot EA500LM came from my experience with that nozzle. 

【𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞&𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬】
The EA500 LM comes with extra one inbrass and two stainless steel nozzles. By quickly disassembling and installing the nozzles of different tuning cloth systems, users can change different tuning styles. When the filter is blocked after a long time wearing, users can replace the filter themselves, which can extend the service life of the product and increase the scope of adaptation.

Simgot Promotional

Design

Folks, I have to say, the original EA500 is still a beautiful iem. It just is. That mirror finish is just gorgeous. It would take something pretty special to trump the look of that set. Fortunately for us consumers, Simgot knew exactly how to do just that. Like I said the EA500LM has an all-alloy, mirror finish with an engraved logo on the left faceplate and “LM” artistically engraved on the other faceplate area. This is a very elegant iem looking just as dapper and handsome as the EA500, but this time the EA500LM comes in a gunmetal chrome look rather than straight silver. Again, we have a high polished look, but this time Simgot chose to spice up the color, only a bit. They went with this gorgeous brown tinted alloy that is just precious looking. If I may speak in my most sophisticated tongue… It doth look DOPE! Look at this set folks! It is absolutely sweet looking! Paired with the right cable will make this set pop like it’s some rare jewel. Just gorgeous. Give the designers of the EA500LM a hearty pat on the back from me please. The shape is also exactly the same as the OG and so it shouldn’t be a surprise how well this set will fit in comparison. 

Redefining Hi-Fi Elegance
The EA500LM sets a new benchmark in entry-level Hi-Fi, blending state-of-the-art finite element simulation with artisanal craftsmanship. It meticulously optimizes every aspect, from diaphragm design to ear shell acoustics, achieving a sound that rivals top-tier flagships. Encased in a high-density, CNC-engraved alloy body, it offers robust durability and an elegant aesthetic, with a unique internal structure that ensures purity of sound. Despite minor aesthetic variations inherent to its meticulous crafting process, the EA500LM stands as a paragon of performance, durability, and refined beauty, marking a new era in affordable high-quality audio. 

Simgot Promotional

Internals

Simgot decided to switch things up a bit with this set. The OG EA500 actually had a DLC dynamic driver. They had to come with something special on this latest set and so Simgot decided to use a 2nd generation 10mm single dynamic driver with a Lithium-Magnesium Diaphragm with dual magnets and sitting in a dual cavity. It is quite obvious that we are dealing with a very capable driver as the sound is pristine and shows no signs of distortion at high volumes. I don’t think I have any sets with a Lithium-Mag driver and so I’m liking what I’m hearing. 

The Second Generation Of Dual-Magnet & Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver
Building on the EA1000’s 2nd-generation DMDC™ technology, the enhanced dual-magnet and dual-cavity design has evolved through meticulous optimization of factors like magnetic circuit structure and volume ratio. This advanced DMDC™ system incorporates both internal and external magnetic circuits, a novel approach that generates a potent effective magnetic flux. This significant enhancement boosts the transient response and expands the bandwidth of the headphones, ensuring low distortion across all frequencies. When compared to its predecessor, this refined system offers superior control over high frequencies. The EA500LM utilizes this sophisticated technology to deliver exceptional dynamics and a profound sense of realism. It stands out for its intricate layering, silky smoothness, and airy feel, coupled with remarkable ductility in the high-frequency domain. 

Simgot Promtional

Fit / Isolation 

As far as fit is concerned, you’ll have the exact fit as you did with the OG EA500. If that doesn’t help you then I would say that it may take some fiddling with this set or some seeking out of the perfect eartips. The fit is good and should seat well in most ears without issues. For me, this set fits like a dream, but I’m not you. I really have no issue at all. Isolation from outside noises is about average (as one should expect). This set only offers passive noise isolation (as one should expect). Not bad at all Simgot.

Drivability 

The Simgot EA500LM is a very easy to drive iem with an impedance of roughly 21 ohms and a sensitivity around 124 db’s. I have had zero issues driving the EA500LM from any source. Furthermore, I feel this set sounds great attached to just about everything I have. I really had no issues whatsoever. I usually try everything on the Fiio UTWS5 for a spell just to see if it’ll drive them properly and lo & behold, it actually sounded great. Even off of my iPad I was happy with the volume. However, like most iems a little bit more juice will sometimes help to bring them to best fidelity. I definitely found this to be true with the EA500LM. 

Mobile Listening 

Listening with the IFi Go Blu is a great option for a bluetooth dac/amp and together they sounded great together. Warm/neutral paired with warm/neutral works. As far as dongle dacs I primarily used the Aful SnowyNight and the EPZ TP50. Both devices use dual CS43198 dac chips, but the SnowyNight really stole my heart attached to this set. It has a slightly more dynamic presentation which was great. However, neither was bad by any means. I used other dongle dacs as well and I really enjoyed them all. I don’t usually say this folks. The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus, Moondrop Dawn 4.4, even the Fiio KA3. Though the KA3 was a bit too sharp and cold in the upper regions. So okay, maybe not all of them, but you get the idea. For the most part the EA500LM is not prejudiced as to what source you use. I think it has to do with the warm/neutral sound which will usually go with more devices from my experience. 

More juice

As far as my more powerful sources are concerned. I used my iBasso DX240, Shanling M6 Ultra and Fiio Q15. All great. Each gave the EA500LM its own tone and hue to my music. Out of these I feel the Shanling M6 Ultra was the best pairing but all three rocked. I have come to a conclusion, the EA500LM will certainly adapt to a bit more power. Without question the sound field tightens up, you’ll have more dynamism, and the bass has a bit more snap and control. The dynamic range is just that more expressive and you can hear it quite easily. 

What you need

All you need is a good dongle dac. What do I mean by “good”? Well, do you like your dongle dac? Okay, that’s good. Like I said the EA500LM will sound good with most any source and so if you enjoy the tonality and timbre of your dongle dac then it’ll work. You don’t need crazy power but a bit more juice does help. If you cannot afford anything but the EA500LM then don’t worry, you will be fine from a phone.

Sound Impressions 

I just want to preface this entire sound portion of my review by stating that I did burn this set in for around 50 hours. The truth is, I have zero idea if this was necessary or not. I don’t feel I heard any change, but I could be dreaming that up. All listening was done with flac or better files stored on my devices using UAPP or Hiby Music Player. 

Tonality / Timbre

One thing which impressed upon me about the OG Simgot EA500 was the fantastic natural timbre that it had. If you asked me, timbre was one of its superpowers. Now, if you’d ask me if the EA500LM is an upgrade in the timbre department, I’d probably say yes, and no. We all have our idea of what organic and natural sounds like and trust me it is not an across the board understanding. No matter how much reviewers try to convince you of that. The way I see it is like this, the EA500LM has a tinge more warmth in its sound which to me does help it to sound more organic. I feel the OG was just a bit too vibrant as it toed-the-line of neutral and bright/neutral. The EA500LM on the other hand keeps that crazy good dynamism, clarity and adds even better control, possibly better resolution and a slightly more authentic portrayal of what a human voice sounds like and what instruments sound like. My opinion folks. I feel the timbre on the EA500LM is one of the best in the price point too. I don’t like speaking about anything in absolutes and that is about as close as you’ll see me get. “One of the best” doesn’t roll off my lips with ease. I need good experiential knowledge and time to give that type of merit to… well… anything. 

Slight V?

The EA500LM comes across with good crispness in its note definition but carries the weight of each note with nice smoothness and a realistic body. The type of crispness I’m referring to is not “coarse” or “knife-edged”. When I say crisp, I mean it’s defined to a knife point at the crest of a note. Note delivery is glass lined and clean. You won’t hear any fuzz, grain, sibilance or metallic timbre. Now, the EA500LM is a V-shaped iem but if you ask me… I’m barely comfortable calling it that. The midrange does not have a crazy recession as it comes across with very good presence, equaling the dynamic intensity of the bass and the treble. Perhaps a slight bit more dialed back but only in bass heavy tracks. I’m actually more apt to call this a U-shaped sound more than anything. However, the graph shows V-shaped, and the graph is bible in this audio game… that’s a joke folks. I’ve heard recessed iems and this is not that. I’ll split hairs and say it’s a slight V-shaped sound with a warm/neutral tonal coloration. 

Sound between the 20’s 

I use this section for folks who want to quickly just know what the sound is and don’t feel like dredging through my mindless babble. Beginning with the bass we have a slight emphasis in the mid-bass which keeps rising through the sub-bass. The sub-bass has nice extension and gets pretty deep. The mid-bass isn’t as full and bodied, but it is very punchy and impactful. The midrange has a very nice presence in the mix, great for vocalists with a nicely airy, open and detailed sound. Note weight is lean-lush at best and may even come across a bit lean for some folks’ taste. The treble region is also airy and well extended with a very nicely detailed sound. There’s even adequate treble bite and structure to treble notes and a nice balance with the bass to not sound oversaturated or too much. I do hear some shout and sharpness in some tracks, especially at higher volumes. Just like the OG EA500. However, if this is all the further you read just know that the EA500LM is a fantastic sounding iem that is very well tuned and easily should make many “best under $100” lists. 

Bass Region 

Like I said, the bass region is slightly emphasized while owing the greatest portion of its strength to the sub-bass. I hear a tightly controlled low-end that can take on speeder bass tracks with relative ease. The low-end does have some slam to it but it’s more balanced dynamically with the rest of the mix. Not overpowering but transients move tightly with dialed in energy that doesn’t die-off as it maneuvers through different tracks. It just isn’t the most grandiose. Again, it certainly won’t overtake any other area of the mix… to any great degree. Unless there is a heavy sub-bass presence in a track that is meant for this presence to be there in the 1st place. For the most part this is a very well-defined bass, not even close to one-noted and very clean. Bass notes generally have a harder edge to them as they aren’t pillowy, soft or fuzzy at attack and decay is speedier, agile, and more condensed than it isn’t. This is not the most elevated low-end and you’ll hear that in the mid-bass for stuff like kick drums (at times) etc. But for the most part I hear substance in the note weight that replays a track with its own brand of sound. Not clinical but… clinical. Detailed but not thin or dull. Not analytical either, but instead it’s a perfect blend of technical and musical or… “technically musical”. 

Sub-bass 

The EA500LM fixed one of the issues I had with the OG EA500 in that it had a roll-off in the sub-bass which really cut-off a lot of haptic info from my music. It simply didn’t have the growl I’d liked it to. In comes the EA500LM which was tuned to correct this widely understood issue. On the EA500, I used many different modification techniques which brought the sub & mid-bass to more fun levels. Thankfully the EA500LM has plenty and can rumble very well. In fact, I could almost see a few folks considering this amount of presence as, too much. Now, I don’t think that Simgot “Over-Corrected” but certainly many hobbyists loved the OG EA500 just as it was. I know, because I still love that set. However, the extra meaty sub-bass on the EA500LM is welcome. 

The sub-bass has a deep pitch vibratory drone when called upon and does so with very nice definition for a set costing only $89. It isn’t sloppy and it isn’t a mishmash of inarticulate sub-bass dissonance. When a recording asks for it the EA500LM’s sub-bass stays condensed and tight to the note outline. If that makes sense. It is strange that when you hear actual clean and condensed bass notes that the bass will almost become more strident or easier to discern. Not like sloppy bass regions which seem to melt into the sound. This sub-bass is distinct, it’s defined, it is never one-noted (at least that I’ve heard) and simply great for the cost. Listening to “Wolves” by Big Sean is a perfect example of a sub-bass drone that is so tightly wound that it comes across more detached from the rest of the mix. This is a good thing. It adds an element of depth and separation that sounds…Realistic. 

Sub-bass cont…

Another track is “Baby Queen” by the Gorillaz. Once that bass drop and rolling, pounding bass greets my ears I am instantly gratified for the wait. There aren’t many English words to describe “density” but I will try my best to not sound reiterative. Here we go; the Simgot EA500LM’s sub-bass representation of this track has actual mass. Tactile and textured mass. It isn’t the most emphasized, but it doesn’t need to be. Hard in its note body and without the usual fuzzy veneer or veil which so many budget sets naturally have. We don’t even pay attention to it. Of course, source will make a difference, eartips will make a difference and the track you are playing will make a difference too. That said, to generalize the sub-bass I would call it concentrated, weighted, clean and accentuated. 

Mid-bass 

Now, the mid bass follows suit with the cleanliness to a degree. It is much less emphasized and bulbous and so those who want that hard booming bass drop will probably be left wanting. I don’t mind this because kick drums still have heft and a good hollow thud to them. Bass guitar plays well as the haptic recognition is there from the sub-bass but less imposing how it’s articulated. Still good though. However, I like the tuning because it helps the EA500LM’s further frequencies come across cleaner. You don’t have that convexity of weight pushing into the midrange which sometimes is good, but in this case, it would mess up the tuning. My opinion. Still, I don’t mind a mid-bass that is as agile as the EA500LM’s mid-bass. This is one bass response that can take faster moving bass passages with a smile. Transient decay on this set isn’t like a planar or BA bass, as it still maintains that slight decay lag for a more organic and real-to-life replay. Folks, this is a good DD bass which sounds how a good DD should sound. The note outline is unsullied, and glass lined. Less like a fuzzy sock and more like a hard enamel. Just less intense. 

Mid-bass cont…

Listening to “Feel Loop” by Gaz Coombes shows off how ductile the EA500LM’s bass can sound. Almost like it has viscosity as it can follow the rise and fall of a bassline like a wave in the sea. The EA500LM easily and confidently carries an authority even in its less robust state. This track offers a bass that flows up and down as it gains amplitude and loses it just as fast with a sort-of grainy and distorted undulating flow of bass. The EA500LM sounds great. Yes, I said great. Perhaps some folks would require more intensity and more volume to the bass, but I feel it’s awesome. What it doesn’t do is cover the vocals or the drums casually beating along on the left side of the sound field. Each is separate, resolute and compartmentalized. His voice is not masked in any way from the persistent bass groove. Yet I still feel and hear satisfying and clean lined bass. Is it perfect? Um, no. No, it isn’t. Perfect is a subjective thing, a personal thing. However, I will say that it is very good. I don’t think many can argue that. Possibly some people would want an even tighter and snappier bass like that of a balanced armature but, I think it’s great. 

Downsides to the Bass Region 

The only real downsides here is the fact that some people simply want more. They want more in quantity. Bassheads will not be happy as this is not a bass heavy or bass dominant sound. It’s dynamically balanced. Meaning the greatest portion of the treble is level with the greatest portion of bass. Bassheads usually want a warmer, meatier and more deafening guttural growl and sonorously booming slam. This is not that at all. The EA500LM has some maturity to it. Like a perfectly responsible adult who likes to have a little fun from time to time, within reason. The bass quantity is enough for most genres but maybe not enough for most people. I’ll be the first to state that I’d like a bit more mid-bass slam or dynamic feel to the mid-bass. We can’t have it all though, especially at $89. The other person who will not be pleased with the bass region is for those folks who like a flat and speedy bass that treats sustain as though it isn’t there. Those people who want no bass intrusion at all. Speedy, tight, and more of an afterthought. Thise folks will probably think we have a bit too much in the sub-bass tank on the EA500LM. Despite those objections, friends, I think the bass sounds very good. I don’t want to go any further in my admiration. I don’t want to be labeled a “hyper”. Because I actually have joy over something. That would be horrible. 

Midrange 

The midrange on the Simgot EA500LM could be considered a bit laid back compared to the OG EA500. The original had a more energetic, bright/neutral display that simply came across more accentuated and pristine due to the lack of bass and treble presence. I’d call it clean-bright or glassy. I don’t know how that makes sense to me, but it does. Moving on. The newer LM version is still very resolute and still very capable of a pristine replay of the midrange, but it simply has some more bass presence to take up some of the sound field. That’s it. I’d probably say that the OG presents an ever-so-slightly cleaner rendition of the midrange than the LM, but it’s very close. Also, that is seriously up for debate. However, the OG also had a more forward tilt and was crisp over smooth which turned into coarseness at times and could be slightly glaring up top a bit easier. Great note definition but not as smooth in its note outline. Not as clean in its delivery of each note. To me anyways. Not taking anything away from the OG, I freaking love that set. But this is not a comparison. Back to the LM. 

Distinct w/good presence

EA500LM on the other hand is somehow more leveled off, easier on the ears, not as bright. It’s smoother with a better note body. Likely due to the bass level. It has more of it. It also has more treble too. Naturally the midrange seems a bit less forward. So, If that’s what you call recessed, then yes… It’s recessed. However, I don’t call it that because the midrange still has plenty of dynamic presence. The mids are still forward, still energetic, still well-manicured and distinct. I consider a recession when a set actually sounds attenuated in this region or having “less volume”. I promise you people, the LM is not that. Yes, on songs which have more bass or more blaring treble then the midrange will be masked to a degree, but not attenuated. There’s a difference. On top of that the EA500LM has decent note weight in a lean-lush style with good and clean note definition and (depending on the track) it has good detail retrieval with an open feel to it. I feel another great strength is the LM’s resolving capabilities as resolution is crystal clear in this region. To add to that, I hear very good layering and depth to my music. I also hear a fantastic tonal balance that comes across organic to my ears. A special midrange for a V-shaped iem. Heck, for any iem. 

Lower-midrange 

The lower mids present male vocalists in a more realistic and clean manner than most iems in this price bracket in my opinion. Every male singer seems to be casually highlighted against the canopy of music surrounding them. There is a corporeal and tangible feel to male voices. Listening to “Till it Feels Right” by Logan Ledger, I find the EA500LM gives his voice good substance and texture with a clean delivery and a natural sound to his voice. Obviously there are quite a few iems in the price point which can do such a thing in their own way. Still, there’s a depth to his vocals as well as the melody which surrounds his voice. It all just sounds so organic and never sounds as though there is a flat plane of sound in front of me. The bassline coasts along with a melodic tune and Logan’s voice sits on a pedestal with a pristine sort of crispness. Not edgy or grainy at all, but instead it comes across like smooth marble in my ears. “Till the Flame Turns Blue” is a track on The Paper Kites latest album which shows off the layering and positioning of instruments as well as the lead singer’s vocals. He sounds very smooth, very melodic and again, not pushed back or distant. Deeper pitch baritone singers like Avi Kaplan sound absolutely awesome with the LM’s ability to pull off a sonorous voice. There’s an acute type of succinctness to the inflections of his voice which almost sounds penetrative. I would guess that’s how he’s supposed to be heard. Males sound very nice folks. 

Upper-Midrange 

Moving onto females which primarily reside near the mid-mids to upper-mids. They are more forward than males and have more of a lustrous quality with a sort of solidity and controlled shimmer. I feel that females sound very nice. I find the EA500LM has very nice note weight mixed with a lush type of vibrance that I find to be highly addictive. Listening to Lake Street Dive in the track “Use Me Up” is just so very resolving. The instrumentation is spot on and very lifelike; the bass guitar and drums share equal footing with the lead’s beautiful and highlighted vocals. She sounds as though her voice is uplifted yet still has some density and weight as well. It’s a charming sound. Somehow resounding yet at the same time it’s also soothing. The drums which follow her voice make a perfect backdrop as the bass guitar drones along with the melody. What I get in this track is that depth I’ve been talking about. There are effortless layers to the sound which comes across almost holographic to my ears. The track “Lost Cause” by Pink features her powerful voice which comes across emotionally charged even in a slower song like this which is only followed by a piano. Her note delivery on the EA500LM is really pristine and again, effortless. 

Instruments 

I will be pretty general in describing instrumentation as they’re a very “broad strokes” sort of element to try to explain. So much can alter how we perceive instruments. I feel the only proper way to explain them is to either break down every song which features them or simply use… broad and generalized strokes. Strings have plenty of energy with very nice harmonics. There is a sharp type of edginess when called upon and I find it easy to pick out each and every detail most of the time. Percussion comes across strident and snappy at the attack and the quicker decay/sustain helps to give the feeling of controlled intensity. Cymbals do have body and aren’t splashy. They are a tough thing to get right in my opinion. Snares pang with realism and pep. Violin has a silvery type of reverb and brilliance but just as easily the LM will show off how melodic a violin can sound. Woodwind instruments sound natural to my ears as well as very mellifluous too. Honestly, I find most instruments to simply sound like I envision they are supposed to sound. There is good texture to almost all of them and with that texture is separation, air and the full sound of the instrument. Again, this is a ridiculously simple-minded explanation, but I think you get the idea. 

Downsides to the Midrange 

Something I haven’t brought up when describing the midrange is the fact that along with the natural and well layered and melodic playback, it can also be a tad harsh at times. Much less apparent than the OG EA500, but it can still get there. So, forgive me for only right now pointing that out. Without question it is not to the degree that I am bothered by it. Of course, you are not me and I’m not you. You may be very bothered by it. Warm and dark lovers who seek a fully smooth, fully warm and almost veiled sound, with richness and lushness taking center stage in their hearts, those folks may not dig the playback here. People who desire an analytical and ultra snappy midrange will also not find the EA500LM’s midrange perfect either. However, I would think that these people are not the majority. To me, the midrange is very well done for what this set was tuned to be. Adding bass, adding treble, coming across more V-shaped can spell doom for some mids. Despite that, the EA500LM has a wonderfully vivid sound, with clean resolution, good note body, unblemished note outlines and a very well detailed midrange. 

Treble region

Simgot saw fit to add some more treble emphasis this time around giving the LM version some extra sparkles up top. At least one would think. However, I find the addition of some extra bass to be a perfect counter to that treble rise. The result is a nicely smooth treble which doesn’t grate at my ears and has an adequate amount of bite with very nice extension to the sound up top. This extension sort-of stretches the sound field which helps the sound to feel more open and airier. Another thing which I find to be absolutely wonderful is that this is not a fatiguing treble region. At least for me and my taste it isn’t. I have plenty of iems with treble that will cause some folks to want to rip the earphones out of their ears. The EA500LM is not like those. There is a balance to the sound that Simgot seems to get right no matter the sound signature. They always balance the peaks, smooth the rough spots and reign in the graininess, edginess and harshness. It isn’t easy for a single DD to have this sort of detailed retrieval as well. Obviously, there are planars, balanced armature drivers, electrostatic drivers which will out duel this DD any day of the week. However, those don’t always have the natural and organic timbre. However, I really feel that Simgot was able to pull everything out of these drivers that they could, and the result is a very clean, smooth and detailed treble that doesn’t sacrifice musicality and emotion in the process. 

Talented

Another thing which is a testament to Simgot’s ability to squeeze every last ounce of talent out of their DD’s is the EA500LM’s well done mix of organic timbre and transient speed. Listening to one of the tracks I routinely use for the treble region is “Ice Bridges” by Billy Strings. His banjo speeds along at a breakneck clip and only a well-controlled treble region can really catch up without coming across like a mishmash of treble gleam. Many sets will do just fine but the EA500LM does so with pretty tight control and timbre that doesn’t sound out of whack. Each note is pretty darn distinct. Not perfect, but distinct. Another track is “The OH Zone” by Django Django. Each treble note within this song sounds prominent and decisive, which is great. But the EA500LM also shows off some haptic bite to the sound as well. “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is also a track I usually use to test how my earphones sound (among about 75 others in my treble playlist) and one I usually add to my reviews. I do so because of the great amount of treble activity from many different instruments. The EA500LM does about as well as a single DD can do at the price it’s at folks. It all comes across nicely detailed and extended with fantastic separation for a single DD, but the kicker is… The timbre is great. 

Downsides to the Treble Region 

Obviously, you aren’t going to get a perfect treble region, or any region for that matter because of the slight shortcomings using a single dynamic driver. This set will not make treble junkies jump for joy. I think this set is way too warm with far too much bass emphasis to even be considered by treble heads. Not to mention they’d probably like a bit more treble punch and brilliance up top too. I did detect the slightest bit of sibilance as well but nothing that bothers me at all. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see some of my fellow hobbyists looking at the EA500LM and wishing it had less of a rise up top and a sooner roll-off. Nothing is for everyone, even the great sets. To me, I really have to look hard to find real issues at $89. For all the EA500LM does right I find it difficult to complain. Detail retrieval is nice, separation is nice, timbre sounds good, and the treble does a marvelous job of lifting the rest of the mix bringing some levity and openness. All things considered; this is a very impressive treble region folks. 

Technicalities 

Soundstage 

The Simgot EA500LM presents a nice sized stage in all directions. Nice width, good height, closer to the listener but full and with obvious depth. Certainly, above what I would consider to be “average”. Then again, I don’t really know what average is, but I’d probably say that the LM is better than it. Of course, source plays a big part in the size and scope of a psycho-acoustic stage as well as other factors that aren’t worth discussing here. For instance, listening with the Fiio Q15 the stage was narrower than when I listened with the Shanling M6 Ultra. Just a thought to consider, sources do matter. However, in general the EA500LM actually has a very nice sized stage. Still, no matter the source I never heard a cramped or congested stage. There is always air to the sound, always a sense of partitioned-off (separated) and blemish-free instruments and voices. 

The EA500LM has good extension both ways. With an extended sub-bass lift, a dynamically charged sound, and an extended treble, it’s easy to perceive a bigger stage. However, I feel the best quality is the EA500LM’s depth. I don’t hear a 2D sound, or a flat plane of sound in front of me. Instead, I hear a very full sound, a forward sound, but also a sound which fills my mindscape. I hear good extension to each side, and I hear good depth for layering. Now, there is a cap to this “depth” and “width”. These are iems and so I wouldn’t be expecting a miracle, like a stadium experience. Still, the stage is very nice and adds a more pleasurable listening experience than some other sets in its price point. 

Separation / Imaging 

Separation of instruments and vocals is certainly above your average set of iems. The EA500LM does have very nice resolution! When I consider the cleanliness of notes, and the lithe, nimble, and dexterous micro-dynamics shifts, which collect even subtle lower volume and faint sounding information on certain tracks I have to believe the LM is no slouch. That cleanliness, the transient snappy decay, the wider & deeper stage and the fantastic note definition all have a part in helping instruments to sound salient or transparent and set apart from what is surrounding them. Nonetheless, track selection will play a big role in how well separation and imaging are perceived to the listener. Yes, there is a good balance of sound, but it’s also a dynamic sound. Bass heavy jams will certainly mask over some of the separation. Congested tracks will also obviously not separate perfectly either. This should go without saying though. I assume you all are well aware that a single DD under $100 is not going to pick apart everything. At the same time, I definitely feel the EA500LM does compete with most any other single DD in this price group. 

Great w/some caveats 

With all that said, separation of the elements in an imaginary pshyco-acoustically rendered stage most certainly come across differentiated and partitioned off from each other. Be reasonable in how well you feel this set “should” perform and try to understand that you won’t find many better while also coming across very musical. Imaging follows suit. I find imaging to be almost spot on… all the time. This set simply has the recipe and attributes to make imaging a success. Despite all that good stuff I want to remind you that there are caveats. I’ll say it again, in bass heavy jams there will be some masking, in complicated tracks where any one side of the frequency is providing the most volume, you will not get a perfectly laid-out sound field. Of course, this goes for most iems and price isn’t a factor with that statement. Granted I’ve only heard a couple Kilo-Buck sets in my time. Obviously, some sets will be better than others and a single DD probably has the least going for it as far as separation tools. However, for a technically-musical single DD iem under $100…it does well. 

Detail Retrieval 

As far as details are concerned. This set is not crafted to be a detail monster. Of course, when you figure in everything, I’ve said in the above then I’m sure you know what I am about to say. The Simgot EA500LM does a very nice job at distinguishing all the subtleties in my music. Maybe not as well as the original EA500 but very good all the same. I would hate to take away some of the musicality of this set for some minor details. Macro-details are phenomenal and micro-details are just like the other technical stuff between the 20’s; it all depends on the track. So much is riding on whether the bass is more prominent, or the song is too congested. Again, I don’t think the EA500LM is bad at illuminating the finer stuff, but I also don’t think you will be blown away either. This is a musical sounding iem first in my opinion and that shouldn’t be sacrificed for anything. Again, my opinion. 

Comparisons 

Simgot EA500 ($69)

The Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review) is the first set I’ll be using for this section. I’m sure you all expected this set to show up in the list of comparisons. Of course, I’ve already conducted a comparison in multiple places in this review, so I’ll keep it short. The Simgot EA500 was one of the breakout success stories for the brand Simgot last year and thoroughly ran through the community like a brush fire. Still highly regarded. So much so, there are plenty of folks who still have that set above this latest LM version. The EA500 is a single DD with an DLC diaphragm and an all-alloy build. 

Differences 

Not much to report here. The first difference is the colorway which has the OG EA500 with a morro polish chrome looking design while the LM version has an almost gunmetal chrome mirror polish look. The next difference is the driver material which has the new LM with a Lithium-Magnesium driver while the OG has a DLC driver. Everything else is close to identical. 

Sound Differences 

I’ll make this quick. Both sets share a common trait in that they are both ridiculously resolving and clean sounding. However, the new LM version is simply a slight bit more authoritative down low in the bass as well as a bit brighter up top. Other than that, the new version has better sub-bass extension as well as upper treble extension. I do find the OG EA500 has a bit better shot at coming across harsh and too strident and sharp in the upper midrange to treble areas. I also find the newer version to have a smoother sound throughout with better or thicker note weight, by a very small margin. Soundstage is a bit vaster on the EA500LM too, but I find detail retrieval still a bit better on the OG. 

Further thoughts on this comparison 

I guess the only thing anyone would really need to know is if the EA500LM is worth purchasing if you already have the EA500? My answer would be… of course. Then again, I’m probably the worst person to provide an answer to this as I’d buy the new LM anyways. Is the new LM version an upgrade? Yes, I do believe it is for a segment of hobbyists. For others, it isn’t. For most, it’s probably a side grade with a slightly different signature. I honestly love them both and never want to part with either set. I love the “Simgot sound”, and every variation of that sound. These two are much more similar than they are different, but from my humble perspective I certainly do find the LM to be an upgrade to a slight degree. 

Fiio JD7 ($65-70)

The Fiio JD7 (JD7 Review) is one of those iems that slipped under almost everyone’s radar and has remained there. Except for a small minority of people who understand how good it is. The JD7 is a single 10mm dynamic driver in an all-alloy housing with a familiar look to past Fiio iems, but dope all the same. This is a set that I’ve tried to open folks up to as it truly plays well for the price and personally finds itself in my top five under $100. 

Differences 

As far as differences, there are more than a few between the two of these iems. First, the EA500LM is a hair more expensive, of course it’s also older by now. Maybe a year old. Both sets are built using all metal, both built like tanks and but the EA500LM is quite a bit larger. The JD7 would definitely be considered a small ear set. The JD7 has a semi-open design with a cylindrical design whereas the EA500LM is typical with most iems. As far as looks, I like them both quite a lot. Both are absolutely gorgeous in design. The EA500LM has a better unboxing experience with marginally better accessories. Honestly, both iems have a premium feel and premium look in my opinion. Let’s check out the sound differences. 

Sound Differences 

Both sets come across warm/neutral with a clean representation of my music. Both have very good resolution, and both can be used across most genres. The EA500LM does have a bit more sub-bass rumble while the JD7 has a bit more mid-bass slam. These differences are very minimal though. I find the EA500LM to have a tighter low-end with slightly better depth and timbre. The JD7 is slightly fuzzier. The lower midrange of the JD7 is pulled forward a hair more with more presence for vocals yet also has less note weight. The EA500LM has the more shimmery upper-mid delivery and a slight bit more forward, but also, I just feel that females sound better on the LM. The treble of both sets is sparkly and open sounding with the EA500LM having just a touch more realistic bite and brilliance up top. The EA500LM has a slightly wider soundstage but both sets have that good depth for layering and to add a holographic sense to my music. Detail retrieval comes across easier to discern in the JD7’s midrange while the EA500LM illuminates the subtleties easier in the treble. Both do very well in this regard. Separation is a hint better on the EA500LM and imaging is slightly better too. 

Further thoughts on this comparison 

I love them both. I really do folks. It would be very hard for me to say that one set is night and day better than the other. That just isn’t true. The JD7 is a fantastic iem friends. However, this new EA500LM is quite special and a true performer under $100. I suppose if you were looking in this price range the less expensive JD7 may appeal to you. However, I do think the EA500LM is probably the better set. It does have a slightly more musical nature and comes across slightly smoother too. That said, don’t sleep on the JD7, it’s good. 

By the way, I could not find a graph comparison of these two sets, here is the frequency graph of the Fiio JD7:

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 with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Simgot EA500LM ratings below, that would be $60-$100 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $60-$100 US is a decent sized scope of iems and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me. 

Aesthetic 

–Build Quality:     9.4   Built very well.         

–Look:                      9.5   What a nice looking iem! 

–Accessories:         9.6 Awesome unboxing 

–Overall:                9.5🔥🔥🔥                                 

Sound Rating     

–Timbre:                  9.8    Top of class timbre (my opinion).    

–Bass:                      9.5    Quality over quantity. 

–Midrange:              9.3   Very resolute, very musical.   

–Treble:                     9.3   Energetic, detailed, sparkly, clean. 

–Technicalities:      8.9   Technically very good.    

–Musicality:             9.7     Musicality is superb.                                                     

–Overall:                   9.4🔥🔥🔥

Ratings Summary:

Looking at these ratings, you’ll see that, instead of keeping the ratings to just “single dynamic driver” iems, I instead decided upon any driver configuration to use for rating the EA500LM. The reason you ask. Because if I were only judging against single DDs under $100 then the EA500LM would get darn near the highest rating in more than a few categories. Even with all driver configurations it scores ridiculously high. I only know when I’m done and look back at my notes and tally them all up. A “9.4” overall is a very high score. That’s “jack of all trades” type territory. In fact, if I’m being totally honest, I could’ve scored the LM higher in a few categories. I just couldn’t bring myself to put it over a 9.5. This set is very well tuned and actually just very well done across the board folks. 

Explain Yourself! 

I don’t think there’s much to further explain here. Maybe the “bass” category might need some explanation. I could see bassheads wondering how in the world I would give the EA500LM a super lofty “9.5” when the quantity isn’t even that huge. I could see that. Obviously, I am grading this set for the quality of its bass rather than the amount of visceral rumble and slam. “Technicalities” is another area where I wouldn’t be surprised to get a DM about how high of a score that is when the detail retrieval is only just above average. The truth is… Because the detail retrieval on the EA500LM is just above average I had to knock it down to a “8.9”. Every other Rating pretty much explains itself, at least I would think. Please message me or comment below your thoughts. 

Is it worth the asking price? 

This will be short. Folks, I don’t know another set so deserving of a higher price tag. I could probably come up with a few that are close but the Simgot EA500LM is one of those iems that excels almost everywhere. Even against a field of iems in this enormously competitive price point. I simply don’t see many sets that outright compete in every area quite like the EA500LM. To be totally honest, I would’ve purchased this set for a whole lot more money than what Simgot is asking. In fact, the EA500LM is almost as good (in my opinion) to its older and even more polished brother, the Simgot EA1000 (Review soon). It’s closer than the price differential indicates, that’s for sure. Truly a phenom of a set that I hope can make it into everyone’s collection. 

The Why… 

The biggest reason the Simgot EA500LM is worth every penny is because it only costs $89. The price to performance is outstanding. Again, my opinion. However, that doesn’t exactly tell you why the EA500LM is worth the asking price. My reasons go like this; starting with the unboxing and quality accessories, I feel the EA500LM is one of the best in this regard within the price range. Actually, I wonder how Simgot does it. The build quality is exceptional. Much like any other Simgot iem, it’s built like a tank! Also, the aesthetic is so cool. The gunmetal was the colorway I didn’t know I needed. Hats off to the designers. However, the biggest and best reason that the EA500LM is worth every penny is because the sound quality is fantastic to my ears. I love the warmish-neutralish sound as it is very engaging to me. The bass is deep, tight, not oversaturated and has good control and note definition. The midrange is nice for vocals with natural note weight, good note separation, Imaging, and realistic timbre. The treble is sparkly and well extended. It uplifts the entire mix and perfectly counters the bass shelf. You don’t miss many details and the sound has distance depth wise, with good layering for a single DD at this price. I’ve been impressed since the 1st day I put the EA500LM in my ears. They are worth every penny. 

Conclusion 

To conclude my full written review of the Simgot EA500LM, I want to thank the good people of Simgot for providing the EA500LM in exchange for a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com with a full written review. This is one of the easiest REC’S I’ve given out. There simply aren’t many issues, no matter how you look at the EA500LM. When considering the price that is. It has been an utter joy to spend time with this set. Again, thank you to Simgot and please do me a favor. Please give all who worked on this set a huge pat on the back with a good fist bump. Well done! 

Other perspectives 

I feel this is the no-brainer pick of the year so far, but I do ask you all to check out other reviews of the EA500LM. It’ll only help you to make an informed purchasing decision. Basically, don’t just take it from me. Many others have given their thoughts and it’ll only help you. Thankfully, I can finally look at those thoughts as well. I hope each and every one of you are doing well and in good health, please take care and always…God Bless!