SIMGOT EA500 - The New Queen?

[@fiddlix]

I’m going to order me a set whenever Amazon gets them back in stock. Great review Paul. Thank you.

[@PaulWasabii]

They said include the Amazon link and then I also noticed it was out of stock. I have a feeling it was there until HBB mentioned it a few times and sold out the limited stock they had in the warehouse

[@taipan75]

Ordered last week. It looks like a nice set at the price. Base was a concern looking at the graphs but the mod might be the answer. As soon as I listen to them, I'll let you know how I get on with them. Thanks for a super detailed review Paul. Cheers 👍

[@PaulWasabii]

Yep, a few people have modded with more tape. I went minimal as I just wanted to close that small gap to Olina. I think others were taking 6db or more and that will be more than Olina. Tone Deaf Monk's extreme tape mod is over 6db if I am thinking it does what I think it does. Always great to have options.

[@eloy5808]

@@PaulWasabii hi Paul... Nice review as always

[@tonedeafmonk]

Great Video Paul, Very good watch! love the Supertramp reference will add that to my playlist. Thanks so much TDM.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah Supertramps Long way home is a classic track but after you listen to it on a few different set, you get a feel where instruments should be when they are not.

[@myhificloud]

Very nice review and fully agree. The ability to EQ the Simgot EA500 to full excursion, while maintaining clarity and the presence of detail, depth, stage, extension and air makes this set uniquely impressive, and an absolute banger of a set. @10:45 Can confirm. Experienced the same issue out of the box when attaching a 2.5mm balanced 2-pin aftermarket cable to the Simgot EA500 via a 2.5mm to 4-pin XLR adapter through the Monoprice Monolith Desktop THX 788 DAC/AMP (24459), heavily configured for TinHifi P1 Max planar sessions (EQ, PEQ(1,2,3)). The result: Pillows. The initial impression was that the entire sound spectrum was rolled into a tightly contained space, covered by a thousand pillows (e.g. narrow, closed, contained, muffled, muted). Resolution: Later resolved by changing the source (factory settings/filters), producing very impressive results. Source(s) at factory settings: Enter the Monoprice Monolith Portable THX DAC/AMP (24460), and eventually reset factory settings on the Monoprice Monolith Desktop THX 788 DAC/AMP (24459). Oh My: That's when the Simgot EA500 universe of sound properly introduced itself. Expansive staging, depth with height and surround, extension with reach, subtle and bold microdetails amidst teeth shattering yet controlled bass with punch, slam and absolute authority, reaching well into the depths of sub-bass. Simgot EA500 Black filters (they are so good, not much time has been spent on the Red filters) Triple flange eartips Tape mod 2.5mm balanced or 3.5mm unbalanced 2-pin cable Monoprice Monolith Desktop THX 788 DAC/AMP (24459) Monoprice Monolith Portable THX DAC/AMP (24460) 24459 & 24460 settings: Both PEQ1 & PEQ2 set @ 50Hz, +6db, 0.5Q

[@PaulWasabii]

So I don't fully understand how that weird dac/amp synergy or lack thereof is triggered. I also couldn't figure out how to get around it on the Go Bar as I tried both outs and all the filters. It was a totally different set and not a great experience on a loaner dongle. I almost wrote to them and asked if it might be broken. Thanks for dropping a comment so I am know I am not crazy.

[@myhificloud]

@@PaulWasabii Worth testing if it's still available. "Go Bar reset: With USB power unplugged, hold down the XSpace/XBass button while turning on the unit will factory reset the device." After resetting the Monoprice Monolith Desktop THX 788 DAC/AMP (24459), the Balanced (2.5mm) via XLR adapter sound issue was resolved. At that time, I tested the Simgot EA500 on unbalanced (3.5mm), equally impressive. During the initial Simgot EA500 test, while using 2.5mm balanced via XLR adapter, the Monoprice Monolith Desktop THX 788 DAC/AMP (24459) shut down due to "Thermal Protection", after ~30 minutes of hard driving. That was actually a first for me, so not ruling out potential balanced cable issues, and/or 2.5mm XLR adapters, presenting the initial issue within the chain. Certainly caught my attention, however the Simgot EA500's are getting loads of quality time, now that all issues are resolved, This set is certainly a welcome surprise.

[@renatobdc]

I'm still divided between EA500 and Olina SE. Which would you pick? I have the Hola and think it is too laid back. I EQ hola reducing 2-3db of bass and increasing 2-3db of treble-air to have the sound I like.

[@PaulWasabii]

EA500 is the brighter one which sounds like it might be a better fit. I agree on Hola though, it needed some help sounding clearer.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

i only do that to match/simulate iem 'sound', regularly i just leave everything 0 its really clearest sound, imagine washing already top clear a18t multiple times

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

they always been i guess, clearly reveals bad sounds sort of

[@LLab71]

Lent these out for a while. When I got them back, I had 2 new to me dongles to try them on, the Moondrop Dawn Pro and the Qudelix 5k. Funny, I was going to sell the Qudelix, but when I tried it with the EA500, it hit just right for me -more so than the Dawn. Now I’m tempted to play with the EQ.

[@PaulWasabii]

Definitely play with EQ. That is infinitely cheaper than chasing new sets. Most people should do that but don't have the time to dig into it.

[@LLab71]

@@PaulWasabii, rediscovering the EA500 (with vent mod) has been grand!

[@RaoulVanDePetrucci]

@@PaulWasabii 👍EQ + different kinds of eartips is infinitely cheaper.

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Watched the whole video waiting for info. on the mod. Maybe I missed it :) At least you had a link in the comments.

[@PaulWasabii]

Right, Jason wrote it up. I used a Y1 tuning filter because I have them handy and it is a lower boost than you will get with micropore tape. Micropore is very useful for iems because it doesn't completely block airflow and it is cheap.

[@kennyvcent]

Thanks for the lovely review. Am considering getting the EA500 but am worried about the base. Am a base head and am new to IEM's so I don't know if equalizers can fill up that gap without distortion.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, that is a small gap, but an EQ like Wavelet has a bass boost preset which will be more than you need, but a great starting point if you are an Android user.

[@alvincaesar-jv6tu]

Wish I saw you there! Great show.

[@roadtonever]

I put in my personal Kiwi Cadenza EQ in your squig link and it was pretty much bang on with your target from 40-4kHz, haha.

[@PaulWasabii]

There are a few sets that are real close. Galileo was one. I probably need to tweak it again but its a decent starting point at least on the bass. 2-4k might still be high, I think that was a conversion or export issue. Thank you

[@johnhayes8476]

Can’t wait to hear these!

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hi is there any advantage to use Y filters over the micropore tape, when it comes to boosting quantity but retaining quality? I have the Y filters but tape could last longer on the iem. The filters tend to wear out. Also ehich tips do u use with the ea500? 😊

[@PaulWasabii]

The issue was that micropore boosted the bass a few too many db than I wanted so I went with the Y1. My goal wasn't to transform it, but just add a tiny boost. Y1 gave me that quantity, but I am with you, I have a limited supply of Y1 and only use them when necessary. No real reason other than that, Y1 measured and sounded fine to me without boosting to micropore level but micropore works perfectly fine.

[@Hijynx87]

@@PaulWasabii Ah shit I ordered y3/y4. How much of a boost would one of those give about? Too much? I also ordered Oxygen filters for whatever. Also ordered Kato nozzles to mess around with.

[@MR.ROBOTVOLTRON]

Simgot created the perfect IEM for me personally. It's like taking the aggressive nature of the Waner SG. Putting that in the Kato and having the nice bass and Soundstage of the Olina. 😅 I hope I'm not overhyping it. These things rock.

[@PaulWasabii]

Nah, its a crazy, out of nowhere set. I still don't get how they pulled it off between driver and tuning. 95% of companies get one or the other.

[@MR.ROBOTVOLTRON]

@@PaulWasabii this set is crazy value. I'm listening to everything on it. Even on KZbin videos. Music is great. Background atmosphere in movies is awesome. They hit a homerun.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

true2 thats correct way to put it, um ambience & 3d with sennheiser sound

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

with every area 'levelled up'

[@KmtS9]

Hey! Thanks for the review! This or the recently released 7Hz Sonus? Love both my 7Hz Zero and Wan'er - 7Hz Zero for more instrumental tracks and the Wan'er for more vocal/fun tracks. Love shoegaze and indie/alt rock music as well as math rock/jazz fusion music. The Sonus and EA500 are very close price-wise where i live ($60 for Sonus, $70 for EA500). Any insight on their differences and which would be a better buy? Also, i can get the Letshuoer S12 for about $100. Do i just jump straight to that? 😅 Thanks!

[@PaulWasabii]

The biggest complaint about EA500 and to a lesser extent EM6L as I mentioned, SIMGOT prefers more treble. On EA500, its a bit higher than generally appealing. That is why they sell a DIY kit, so people can knock it down a bit. Sonus is really balanced, not bright so it hits more generally appealing. I love EA500, but understand why a lot of people have said it is too much upper mids.

[@KmtS9]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks for the reply! Decisions, decisions. Sonus seems to be a safer choice. But I am also interested to try out something a little less safe, e.g. hotter upper mids/treble. If only budget was unlimited 😂

[@KmtS9]

@@PaulWasabii small update Paul, I finally pulled the trigger on these. With discounts during the sale, got a chance to get these for $40. No way I could say no at that point. 😅 Very excited to experience them. I will try to give a little bit of feedback how they go once I get them!

[@victorkangnz]

Thanks for the excellent review! I think I'm a low volume listener :( probably part of the reason why the treble in Olina sounds crunchy and timbre sounds subpar. Especially compared to earbuds - maybe earbuds are great for low volume listening?

[@PaulWasabii]

I think some earbuds are better at low volume. EA500 has a slight advantage as the treble is bumped a bit but I also know that I kept fiddling with the volume dial. Thanks

[@eduhmo]

Great vid! How would you compare it against Hexa?

[@PaulWasabii]

I never heard Hexa. Too many mixed impressions on Hexa and always going to be hard to beat a great DD driver.

[@traktorpro10]

Dunu Titan S comparison please?

[@PaulWasabii]

tough one too, as Titan S is for folks who like it more analytical or technical. More of a detail king set than natural set like Olina. Titan is a well executed set, but that lean signature is something you need to be looking for rather than more generally appealing sets like Olina or EA500.

[@blaze256]

Bro love from Bangladesh. I have a question. Which iem best for pubg gaming? Simgot ea500 or tripowin olina SE? Please help me..

[@PaulWasabii]

Depends on how much you value that brighter sound, sharper high frequency sounds. My gut says ea500 but if you are just gaming, look at TIN C2 for another bright set. I am not convinced it is worth paying Olina money for gaming.

[@opel2020]

How is it compare to Fiio FD3? Does it make sense to buy EA500 if I already have FD3?

[@PaulWasabii]

Never heard the FD3.

[@kryzuvalorant3132]

I have Dunu Titan S, 7hz Zero, Blon Bl03 and Qkz HBB is it a significant upgrade over my sets?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not significant but a refinement on Titan S. Like everything in this hobby, the last 5% of refinement costs a lot of money. Some people are willing to pay it, some are fine with the BL03 which is still an amazing set. The bass is closer to Titan S than BL03 though.

[@migracing8232]

It’s a significant upgrade over all these I’ve pretty much all these IEM you mentioned and I’ve ea500 Ea500 is a huge upgrade compared to them Blon is a mess, too much bass with there in ear congestion feeling I hate it the most My qkz x hbb is a significant upgrade in every metric compared to blon. Blon is poop hype

[@gynt5938]

A really nice review. Would you recommend me buying this? coming from the letshouer s12 pro

[@PaulWasabii]

Big maybe there as you own one of the best sets for the money. A well done DD is slightly different, a bit more natural but you can live without it if you have S12 Pro. Olina SE and EA500 are really the best examples in their style at $100usd. They won't take you to planar detail though and that is where planars extend beyond their price point.

[@gynt5938]

@@PaulWasabii Thank you, S12 pro really gives me the wow factor in the details department.

[@rajeebdas1724]

Is this worth getting if i already have the Dunu Titan S? Or is there a direct upgrade to the Titan S?

[@PaulWasabii]

The issue with Titan S is that the sound is on the lean side. It is a technical set, but you need to like that leaner note weight which kept it from overtaking sets like Aria or Olina SE. Same goes for EA500, it just sounds more natural with a bit more bass and it is just as technical as Titan. If you love Titam, than enjoy it rather than chasing the next thing. If you wanted a richer sounding technically capable set, then yes, EA500.

[@rioriggs3568]

Wondering if there's a huge difference in sound quality between $80 IEMs like (Tripowin HBB Olina SE, Moondrop Aria and Simgot EA500) and $20 IEMs like (7Hz Salnotes Zero, Truthear Hola and Moondrop Chu)

[@eloy5808]

Hopefully someone could answer this hahaha I am just a student and can't afford USD100 iems hahaha

[@rioriggs3568]

I’m ordering the Simgot… But won’t get it before a few weeks!

[@eloy5808]

@@rioriggs3568 oh hahaha... Good luck then

[@rioriggs3568]

The good news is apparently today’s $20 IEMs are better than most $400 sets from 4-5 years ago.

[@eloy5808]

@@rioriggs3568 what USD20 iems can you suggest then? Im a casual music guy. Well I do have a wide variety of music genres so anything that has a lil bass well be fine

[@Zen.bassoon]

I'm choosing between this and the S12 Pro... Any thoughts?

[@Mykeoguns]

Go for s12 pro. There is no contest here.

[@PaulWasabii]

Planars have their place especially if you are a detail king. Some people don't want to deal with the planar treble levels and will prefer EA500 or Olina SE which are easier on your ears.

[@ВасилНанков-р6о]

The S12 Pro competes with tri-brids over $500. So the choice is clear!

[@lrvan]

​@@ВасилНанков-р6о ​ if the choice is clear, why so many user give up with their S12? Paul wasabii has a point.

[@JtwasLuck]

@@lrvanif you really want something unique, look at the Hook-X. It competes with many sets that are sub-1000. Go with the OG as it doesn’t have the issues that Paul found with the HBB version.

[@fuzail3379]

I have S12 Pro. Should i get this one as well. Or S12 Pro is still better?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah S12 Pro is a very nice one. EA500 is a very nice 1DD, but still behind a planar unless you really have a big DD preference which some people do.

[@jamesthomas-tg6cl]

nice and I am very impressed.

[@oklonietzche2166]

Where you will put it if it's compare with salnote dioko and kz pr1 pro?

[@PaulWasabii]

Dioko is really bright, in a planar bright way. PR1 Pro a bit of the same. Well done DD sets are much more natural, not fatiguing.

[@philpeters8200]

Not so available on Amazon - what gives? Thanks for the review

[@Medsas]

most likely a linsoul exclusive

[@PaulWasabii]

No it is supposed to be on Amazon but I think after HBB praised it, they sold the limited Amazon stock

[@namnguyentran2285]

i can confirm the volume thing of the olina, that why I met doctor more often this day

[@PaulWasabii]

Certainly not the only sets that behave in that way, but you do have to be mindful how far you are increasing the volume as they will sound better well into the danger zone.

[@namnguyentran2285]

@@PaulWasabii yeah but when i turn the volume on it sound good so

[@MarsChan07]

It competes at the price range , So you mean to say it still can't compete with Tanchjim Oxygen because it is above the price range of this? Just curious .

[@PaulWasabii]

Oxygen, Olina SE, and EA500 are all very nice drivers and Olina SE is using the same driver as Oxygen, just tuned a bit different. Oxygen has an upper mid bright spot, Olina smoothed that over, and EA500 raised the treble level more into treble/upper treble. 3 flavors on a similar performing driver. I would buy one, not all 3.

[@mikha7958]

​@@PaulWasabiihello sir which one is the best olina oxygen or ea500

[@hairandcia2028]

Hi Sir, please best earphones until 20 USD best high, low and mids, little details perception, 3D effect...works in any device.

[@PaulWasabii]

Either 7hz Zero or CCA Polaris. Zero 2 if you like more bass. Polaris is a better set if you are not sure which to buy.

[@hairandcia2028]

@@PaulWasabii Thank you Sir.

[@MeLikesPie]

I heard there is a tape mob to increase bass !

[@PaulWasabii]

yeah, I am posted it right after I received it: facebook.com/groups/hopesanddriams/permalink/3465170657053259/ TDF actually wrote it up here: forum.hifiguides.com/t/simgot-un-official-ea500-cult-thread/38053/85?fbclid=IwAR0CukPHaU_dzkXVC-PlKNbH762XgPoNRHt2Uzo5tLXEt7oqUDlwgPYk_AI

[@myhificloud]

@@PaulWasabii The tape mod is real and has a noticeable impact on punch and rumble. Very nice!

[@yoditonugrahacky765]

How is it compare to Hexa?

[@PaulWasabii]

That is a good question that I cannot answer. SIMGOT recently set up a Discord server where there are quite a few EA500 owners who might be able to answer that one: discord.gg/bGKyjh4D

[@amanieux]

too bad it is a brighter olina, i'd loved a bassier olina (that solves the condensation problem)

[@PaulWasabii]

I never heard it, but I thought that is the SeekReal Airship. Same driver, but more bass and money.

[@amanieux]

@@PaulWasabii so ea500 with the front vent mod is roughly equal to oline se or better ?

[@PaulWasabii]

@@amanieux It is still slightly different due to the treble level and extension but if you can find that right bass balance, then you right there with Olina SE. I still give the edge to SE as it is good to go out of the box. I see quite a few people modding EA500. It feels a bit like original Olina period. Some liked it out of the box, others spent the time to dial it in to their preferences. If you have an amp with a bass button, that will work too or address the other end and try foam tips. I have been sitting back waiting for more people to try EA500 and talk about how they changed it or kept it stock.

[@beepover]

Sounds like my Urbanfunview without that Beryllium sparkle. EA500 has much better fit than the Urbanfunview. Safe tuning. I can see some saying perfect tuning. EA500 is a different flavor than my OG olina. It fits in the 100ish dollar category. Got mine for 63 bucks on black friday. Personally both sound close but I prefer the Urbanfunview sparkle over the EA500 but fit on the Urbanfunview is terrible. Someone please make an Urbanfunview sound signature with great fit and less QA issues...

[@PaulWasabii]

I still have my YBF. I was in the first batch pre-order before it went through revisions.

[@VinnyUnion]

That paper sheet gives me anxiety. Reminds me of governmental documents.

[@PaulWasabii]

Fan of the quad chart? I know what you are talking about but it is easier for folks in other countries to follow along and sync to the timecodes so you don't have to sit thru parts you don't care about. Not great for the KZbin algorithm or minutes watched but nice to have people get in and out of a 15 min vid with something useful.

[@VinnyUnion]

@@PaulWasabii Yes, yes. Technicalities are hard to remember with accuracy. So a sheet with all the necessary points is rather handy I suppose. Personally I would've just added it on the screen and just read it from my phone, just to maximize avoidance to glare at a paper sheet

[@momonone]

i wonder if its easy to drive?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, the sensitivity is quite high, designed to work with phones.

[@momonone]

@@PaulWasabii ok thanks Paul =)

[@MechFrankaTLieu]

Well sad to hear the caveat emptor, if it cannot work proper at low volume then it's out of the game for me no matter what , as I grew older my ear are just less tolerant to loud volume

[@myhificloud]

I believe that issue is specific to the iFi Go Bar, whereas I've tested multiple sources at nearly muted levels that produce a wide soundstage, imaging, separation, verticality and surround (3D). This set produces surprising elements at both low and high volumes that will have you looking for the source. For example, the shifting of a foot on pedal, or the pianist sliding across a bench, a slowly drawn breath from a female vocalist. Nuances with this set are real, and if you EQ, you'll be gifted with additional and welcomed surprises.

[@PaulWasabii]

Some of that is mitigated with a brighter source which I tend to not use. I have no problems with people disagreeing with me on this point and say it sounds great at all volume levels, but for me, I would turn my amp down at night, put them in for the morning and wonder why they don't sound as good as they did the night before. For me finding the balance in the volume on this set makes a big difference.

[@paulosilva8200]

Black filter. Removed the sponge filter Inside. Place a high density filter Inside. Problem solved.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yep, that should get you to proper volume. Mine is foam-free but added a damper to the nozzle. Probably not quite high density foam level but works for me

[@paulosilva8200]

@PaulWasabii ibtry dumpers in nozzles. Once the sweat comes. That's it. All block within a week. So I kisteb to both filters. Red and black the black had a sponge filter inside I pull it out. Replace with a high density filter. Place close to the end ans not the nozzle way. Tried. Perfect for my volumes.

[@ItsJustChase]

I was surprised that HBB liked this more than olina.. he said it was the best set for the $100 range. Maybe he meant excluding his own collab? I am not for sure but I will say I did order this set and because I am weird I have 3 olinas.. The OG, another with two filters (shortbus mod) and the SE. I honestly think the double mod is better because I listen to a lot of heavy metal and just the way it is recorded does sound better to me with the treble brought down a bit. Symbol strikes and vocals can be too sibilant sometimes. Only because of the recording I believe, not the set itself.

[@eloy5808]

Do you have this set already I wanna know your thoughts

[@ItsJustChase]

@@eloy5808 not yet, I ordered it off aliexpress so it may be a few weeks.. why do you want to hear from me? Just curious is all, I dont mind letting you know when I do get them though. Is it because i have all the others to compare or perhaps you like the same music?

[@eloy5808]

@@ItsJustChase bcoz you have others to compare

[@aldo-tn]

HBB doesn't exclude his collabs most of the time, maybe he actually liked this one more

[@PaulWasabii]

As I mentioned, just a preferences thing, both the drivers are special. On OG Olina, I covered the front vent too, but Olina SE I kept stock. I just prefer Olina's tuning which is why I tried to move my EA500 a step closer to Olina. If out of the box, it was closer, I'd probably pick it as well as it is a bit brighter but not bright. I think some people wanted slightly more engagement from Olina and that might be where EA500 was going with their tuning.

[@jasongibson3574]

What was going on with the Go Bar is a SINAD of about 80 lol. That's a terrible product.

[@PaulWasabii]

I have no idea, just a loaner from ifi. I think I read a couple reviews it looked ok so I said sure. I don't think the SINAD is the problem here, but something is off with it with this set.

[@HobbyTalk]

I want this real bad… maybe invite me to their discord?

[@PaulWasabii]

Simgot Audio Discord: discord.gg/PNsFMkD8ER