Disclaimer:
The Simgot EM6L was sent to me as a review sample from Betty from Simgot, for which I thank her!
This is my first IEM from this brand; I must admit that I had my eye on this brand for some time. I wanted to buy the EW200 and EA500 but Simgot contacted me about their EM6L and they offered me to review them. I am very happy with this set because it particularly reflects my taste in musicality.
In this review, I will try to compare them with other hybrid IEMs like the Kinera Phoenixcall, Hidizs MS3/MS5, and GeekWold GK20.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- 1DD + 4BA Hybrid Drivers
- Tuned Towards the H-2019 Target Curve
- HiFi Earbuds for Gaming
- 3D-Printed Resin Housing and CNC-Processed Faceplate
- High-Purity OFC Silver-Plated Cable
- Impedance 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity 119dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 8Hz–40kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Earphone connector: 0.78mm QDC
Packaging:
Finally, a fairly compact but neat package. The Simgot EM6L arrives in a small box with attention to detail, with a sort of phoenix in the middle. It opens laterally, and we find protective cardboard with even padding in the IEM area. The faceplates are protected by films and I must say that attention to detail is not lacking. The package is divided into two secondary boxes with accessories and tips. Inside the package, we find:
- 3 pairs of tips
- 3.5mm cable with QDC terminals
- Hard case (unbranded)
- manual and warranty
The tips are of excellent quality; the only thing that can be said is that they could have been more. The case is anonymous and simple but it fulfills its protective function. The cable is a little thin, but I must say that it is of good quality and in perfect harmony with the lightness of the IEMs. I think this set is one of the lightest ever.
I’m trying different tips out of curiosity but the included ones are more than fine for me. I’ll also try them on balanced output.
Design/Build quality:
The Simgot EM6L is aesthetically a bit anonymous; perhaps the design is very simple. Personally, looking at it, the latest models produced by KZ come to mind. Fortunately, however, the build quality is on a completely different level. Dark resin shell (transparent would have been even more beautiful) and mirrored metal faceplate that retains quite a few fingerprints. The Simgot EM6L is as light as a phoenix feather (cable included), essentially a super light set that sounds decidedly majestic. I was surprised that there is only one ventilation hole in the faceplate of the shell.
The included tips are excellent—just a little few—and the cable is of excellent quality but some might find it too thin. Personally, a thicker cable would have added unnecessary weight to the set.
“EM6L combines an 8mm custom-designed high-polymer diaphragm dual-cavity dynamic driver to handle the mesmerizing mid-to-low frequencies. Alongside, two sets of balanced armature drivers take charge of the mid-to-high and high frequencies. With meticulously set crossover points and precise tuning techniques, we not only achieve seamless frequency response and phase coherence but also a harmonious blending of tones.”
As you can see, the nozzle is a little different than usual; it has no shape that usually holds the tips, but I didn’t have any problems.
The resin has a purple color in the sun but being very dark, it is very difficult to see the components. However, I managed to photograph some BA near the nozzle and you can glimpse the tubing; the DD also has its own dedicated one. The BA filters are inside the tubes under the nozzle.
Comfort/Fit:
The EM6L has a very simple design; the shape is classic and the dimensions are normal so you will hardly have any problems. The nozzle is the right length. Their lightness and thin cable make them almost imperceptible even after several hours of listening.
I didn’t feel the need to try other tips as the standard ones are already excellent but if I had to recommend an upgrade, I would use some good spare tips.
In the photos above, you can see how they fit with the DUNU S&S in size L. I apologize for the lower quality of the 2 photos but lately, where I live, there is very little natural light and the limitations of a smartphone camera are immediately visible.
Initial sound impression:
Holy shit! It was the first exclamation after listening to them. After the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall and the GeekWold GK20, the difference is notable. They are immediately more energetic and lively. They literally give life and enrich the song with nuances without distorting it. It is a set that is significantly more daring than the previous ones.
I had high expectations from Simgot given the other excellent sets they produced and appreciated by several enthusiasts.
Tips rolling:
As mentioned before, I don’t really feel the need to change the tips, but I still did some quick tests.
During the 11/11 period, I took advantage of the opportunity to get several discounted tips on both Aliexpress and Hifigo. I chose both “expensive” and “cheap” models.
Among the cheapest tips, I have not found results that deserved mention, while among those a little more expensive, you can get significant results.
Dunu S&S: If you want to transform them into soundstage monsters, then the Dunu S&S are the absolutely correct choice. The depth reached is embarrassing! The soundstage seems to have no more limits; the limit requires the recording of the track. Despite everything, I have not lost low frequencies so the result is excellent. Let’s be clear: there is no need to make any upgrades to the original tips.
Divinus Velvet: The Velvet have such absolute comfort that you don’t even hear them. We are at the same level of soundstage as the originals but seem to help the definition and low frequencies lightly. They are not exaggerated changes compared to the originals but the comfort in my case is better.
Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192kHz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
- Moondrop Dawn Pro ( Great pairing)
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (ESS)
- Hidizs S9 pro (ESS)
- Hidizs S3 pro (Just 55 mW at 32 ohm, and it’s all you need for EM6L)
- Muse Hifi M4 (Most Versatility)
- Ibasso Dc04Pro (Dual Cirrus) (Best pairing)
- EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
After waiting about 50 hours for burn-in, I didn’t hear any major changes; they sounded good right out of the box.
If I was surprised by the GK20, with the Simgot EM6L, I was literally left speechless. They give life to the tracks and if combined with the right DAC, they give spatiality to the sound. The details are surprising; macro and micro details literally explode. The voices are sinuous and the musical instruments have the right depth. The bass is present in a natural way; it doesn’t cover or overdo it but overall, the mix is perfect. They may be slightly brighter than the other hybrid sets I have reviewed so if you are particularly sensitive, they may not be suitable.
The care and definition of the sound are excellent, and each track is significantly more immersive than I remembered. The presence of a lot of air positively favors the soundstage, which is very close to some planar IEMs. The balanced armatures and DD work together harmoniously and the result is clearly audible.
Treble
It might be too much for you if you are sensitive because the high frequencies are not relaxed. But they are just so incredibly vibrant, defined, and rich! Every musical instrument is incredibly colorful and brilliant, and when the track calls for it, the macro and micro details literally burst into life. They literally have a fireworks effect with how musical it is.
They are so resolute that all the imperfections of the tracks or recordings come to the surface.
Mids
Even in mids, the representation is at the highest level. Everything is perfectly clear and in the foreground. The female voices are like a precious fabric. Rich, thick, and vibrant like never before, the musical instruments seem to literally come to life. I don’t know how to tell you exactly because I am so enthusiastic but in a certain sense, they vaguely remind me of the Tanchjim Zero, but they are very improved. Despite everything, it keeps an impressive naturalness in sound that can be hardly reached on planar. The overall experience is something absolutely unique and immersive.
Bass
The low frequencies are equally consistent with the rest of the tuning. Natural and defined representation with audible sub-bass. All this develops in considerable depth in the Inn reproduction tracks. I think there is a perfect separation of the frequencies. Obviously, if you are a basshead, it is not for you.
Separation/Imaging/Soundstage:
The Simgot EM6L is probably the IEM with the most crystalline image currently in my possession! The separation of frequencies by crossover undoubtedly benefits but the internal structure must have been studied in an excellent way. Such a definition and musicality are not obtained by chance.
The soundstage is very large, and the EM6L puts you at the center of your favorite songs without effort. If you choose the right DAC, it will release all its potential.
The iBasso DC04Pro brings a considerable benefit to the whole stage and sound yield; this combination squeezes every kind of detail from the traces… Even the impurities are all afloat.
Comparison:
vs Hidizs MS3
The Hidizs MS3 has fewer drivers, a slightly higher price and a higher overall build quality. The high range is much more pushed and further suitable for treble-heads. The Hidizs MS3 wins in the low-range region that is thicker. However, the highs are quite spicy and are absolutely not suitable for everyone. In terms of general performers, the Simgot, in my opinion, came out victorious. Mind you, they are “excellent sets but the representation of the EM6L is much more pleasant.
vs GeekWold GK20
The Geek Wold GK20 are equally good but the Em6L are more vivid and lively in their general representation. The Treble region is quieter for the most sensitive; both have a very high value for money. Soundstage and separation are better on the SIMGOT. The GK20 is slightly warmer and has a more present bass region.
vs Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
Ouch! The two Phoenicians absolutely disagree with each other! Two sets that recall the same bird but are currently totally different in the soul. Phoenixcalls are undoubtedly beautiful aesthetically and as long as their graph is not optimal, the result is not bad at all. They are particularly relaxed and have a less natural but, at the same time, different and pleasant representation. The Simgot Em6L loses points aesthetically but in terms of performance, it is undeniable that they recover on the final result.
Conclusion:
After having the opportunity to try an IEM of Simgot, I think I understand why so many talk about this brand. Their EW200 and EA500 models have always been among my favorites but I’ve never ended up buying them (unfortunately, I can’t buy everything I like; otherwise, I would live under a bridge).
Receiving the Simgot Em6L in review was a great surprise. I don’t want to exaggerate in saying that they are excellent but the Hidizs MP145 and the EPZ Q5 are the only ones to have left me immediately in the face. Their quality is also audible to the most inexperienced. A correct choice of drivers, crossover design, and internal structure led to a result for audiophiles. The Hires sticker in this set is not just a brand printed on the box without meaning.
I didn’t mention the Hidizs MS5 in the comparisons, as those looking in the price range around 100 USD would discard them, but I have to admit that the EM6L is better.
To see if more power would result in even greater improvements, I conducted a test using a balanced cable, but to be honest, I heard no difference. In my experience, the 3.5SE output is more than sufficient, but they could use a little more volume. They work well if your phone is new and has a decent internal DAC.
With a price that oscillates around 110 USD, I think there is very little to criticize. Personally, I consider them a decisive upgrade from the Epz Q5!
I forgot that they are also recommended for gaming and I feel like confirming this definition even if they give their best with high-resolution songs.
I thank Betty by Simgot for giving me the opportunity to try their own product!
9.3/10
Pros:
- Good and light shell
- Nice comfort and fit
- Good packaging
- Removable cable
- Hybrid drivers
- Good tips (could be more)
- Nice Bass + natural Sub-bass
- Vocals are vibrant and vivid
- Instruments are so good to be true
- Extremely good details and no harshness (could be spicy)
- Soundstage and imaging are super-defined
- Price/quality ratio
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Fingerprints magnet
- At first glance, it might seem like a cheap set, given its lightness
- Bass could be light for someone
- Few tips (not really a cons)
- The cable could be a little bit thicker (perfectly fine, in my opinion)