SIMGOT EA500LM | Early contender for sub $100 IEM of the year?!

[@vincentmcgaw5828]

I have just ordered it along with the moondrop Dawn Pro dac. I am sure it will be a good pairing.

[@thenewshoppingchannel]

I bought them because of this review and just wanted to say they are exactly how you described them. I was looking for an upgrade from the Moondrop Aria and was not disappointed. Thanks!

[@TonyA-ex1sj]

Do you think that is worthy to buy these headphones if I already have the Simgot EW200? Thanks

[@ReganCipher]

They are a decent upgrade from the EW200

[@TonyA-ex1sj]

@@ReganCipher thanks for the answer dude. I want a new iem that has a good Bass but without being basshead and a I want it to be under 80$ . Which one can you recommend me?

[@ReganCipher]

@TonyA-ex1sj no problem! IMO the three top picks are this, the Dunu Titan S2 and Kefine Delci. If you like a meaty old school style bass, Dunu Titan S2 is good, especially as you get loads of tips and an excellent cable. It's got a big v-shape and bigger staging. The SIMGOT is more Harman-tuned, it has more subbass but slightly less midbass so it sounds a bit more punchy. You can change the nozzles on it to adjust the sound without EQ'ing, which is a big bonus. If you like a thicker subbass and a warmer midbass, Kefine Delci is a great choice. It sounds slightly more relaxed - I like these more in the evenings when I'm winding down a bit. All three are good choices, hopefully the descriptions help!

[@_-Z-]

I have the EM6L so I think I'll pass on these but it sounds like Simgot is continuing to learn and improve with every release rivaling their previous well received models for a fraction of the price. Thank you for another awesome review! 👍

[@hokagoteatimereviews]

Hello! Great review as usual. These seem like a great iem. Love the design of the box.

[@ColinHopperRevival]

I really liked the ea500, but found it a tad dry, I have just bought the LM version based on your and other reviews that talk about a little more warmth. The original ea500 I found changed a little with use, and a BlackCat copper cable, seemed to have more warmth

[@ReganCipher]

Great, I hope you like it. I agree with you, I didn't quite jive with the original EA500 but much prefer this one

[@nhennessy6434]

I have it and I love it. I swapped out the tips for Divinus Velvets and that gives me better blockage of my ear canal. None of the included tips seemed to do that. With the Velvets, they're extremely lifelike in timbre, but lack some soundstage size, specifically height and depth. Given that I'm using it mostly for male vocals, I'm ok with that. I have other IEMs for orchestral and female vocal, so these fill their niche superbly and I'm really happy with them.

[@ReganCipher]

Good summary! Thanks for commenting 🙌

[@amanieux]

For ea500 owners who did the front vent mod to boost bass, is ea500lm worth the upgrade in your opinion ? thanks

[@SiddharthSharma-to8cf]

Nope

[@chompa1945]

Would this, the kefine delci be suitable for R&B music? Or do you recommend another iem under $100?

[@ReganCipher]

There isn't really a 'better for r&b' necessarily because we all have our preferences as to how we like to hear it. The LM are more technically capable but less musical than the Delci, which are warmer with a thicker note weight. Personally, I would get the Delci AE as you can always switch out the nozzle and brighten it if the default, thicker sound isn't to your liking

[@chompa1945]

Thanks so much🙏🏾

[@calvinyip364]

I already own the galelio do you think the LM is an upgrade? How does the female vocals sounds on the LM?

[@ReganCipher]

Slight upgrade. Technical performance better on the LM. LM are also a bit more versatile across genres. Vocals are very nice on both 👍

[@calvinyip364]

@@ReganCipher I already own the galelio though do you think it's a different sound compared to the galelio ? The upgrade is it noticeable? I already ordered the LM

[@ReganCipher]

@@calvinyip364 yeah it's a different sound. The treble is more prominent than the Galileo. I found the Galileo was a nice monitor-style set but not very versatile i.e. only really good for vocals.

[@calvinyip364]

@@ReganCipher so it sounds like it's an overall upgrade. Compared to the galelio. How does kpop and female vocals and piano sounds on the LM?

[@kazu2391]

strictly speaking in terms of technical performance, would you say the letshuoer s12 or the ea500lm is better?

[@ReganCipher]

I haven't forgotten to reply, I think I need to listen to the S12 again to try and make my mind up because they are both very competent technical sets in their own ways

[@mayonotes9849]

Hello, I'm curious how would these compare with the EPZ Q5? I have it and my Dawn Pro is arriving soon, I'm curious as whether the LM is a good pick up or not. Would be interested to also know if they're good for gaming, the Q5 and EA500LM that is.

[@ReganCipher]

Q5 are leaner in the bass, a little bit brighter in the upper mids. I don't mind the 5k peak but I know some people aren't so keen - it's much more apparent on the Q5. LM note weight is thicker and LM is better technically than the Q5. Q5 is better than EW200 though. LM is good for gaming. Q5 is also good, but not as good as LM. EM6L is marginally better than both for gaming

[@mayonotes9849]

@@ReganCipher Thanks for the fast reply! I personally don't mind the 5k peak because it doesn't really affect me (although I do have it plugged to the Abigail). I'm looking forward to grabbing the EA500LM once it's available here. I'm not really a heavy gamer (at most I play Lethal Company with friends) so it's not as important for me as people who usually play fps. I mostly listen to songs and soundtracks anyway so I think the LM will fit me quite well.

[@ReganCipher]

@@mayonotes9849 I think you'll be happy with it, I was surprised how good they were but I did also really like the Q5 too - both very good sets. Enjoy and thanks for reaching out! 🙌

[@mayonotes9849]

@@ReganCipher You earned yourself a sub. Looking forward to your future reviews! I just hope our local sellers will have them in stock soon. Can't wait to get the LM.

[@msd1611]

Is there a way to add a microphone to these for zoom calls?

[@ReganCipher]

You could just use a cable with built in mic then an adapter to go into your sound card. Or something like the Kimura

[@lukebrindle507]

In terms of non competitive gaming, where I'm not so worried about hearing footsteps and more just want everything to sound really great and immersive, are the EM6L's or the EA500LMs superior? I have a set of the EM6Ls ordered with amazon but i've just seen this new release and I like the metal build and the recessed connector quite a bit, as my main worry with the EM6Ls are the build quality that people are talking about in amazon reviews where they come apart or the tips fall off due to no lip etc

[@ReganCipher]

I prefer the LM for all the things you've said there: the build, the fit and the recessed connectors. The build quality of the EM6L isn't bad - I don't know what people are doing with their IEMs to destroy them so much - but for me metal wins every time. With respect to the sound, the LM are a bit more dynamic - the trebles aren't as smooth but they are a bit more natural sounding. The bass gives the sound a slightly thicker tone. Both are excellent but I think the LM are better value

[@lukebrindle507]

@@ReganCipher Awesome thank you! I ended up ordering the EA500LMs as well since there were only 2 left on amazon and i didnt wanna miss my shot xD I have the EM6Ls in hand now and they sound really good, I think I'm gonna just listen to both of them for a couple of days and then return whichever one i like least. I know I'm gonna prefer the build of the EA500LMs for sure, it's my first proper IEM so I'm not exactly sure what im looking for sound wise, so I guess it will be good to try both anyway so I understand my preference

[@ReganCipher]

@@lukebrindle507 they sound quite similar so will be interested to hear which one you opt for after trying them both! Whichever you pick they are both great choices especially for a first IEM. You could easily spend £200 and be far less satisfied 👍

[@lukebrindle507]

@@ReganCipher Yeah as someone with no prior experience or point of reference, I am really loving the EM6Ls. Just running around in hogwarts legacy, the spells that are meant to sound deep and bassy sound deep and the more basic spells sound super sharp and quick. I did find an issue with some buzzing/hissing when plugged into my xbox controller, which i think might be down to the 3 pole aux cable that it came with, since I plugged it into a ground noise isolator with a 4 pole coming out of the other end and the sound went away (and im assuming its not ground noise since its wireless lol). Both the EA500LMs and the aftermarket 4 pole cable with in line mic will arrive tomorrow, once I've had some time with them I'll let you know my thoughts :> thanks for your help

[@lukebrindle507]

@@ReganCipher Ok, with both in hand, i can comfortably say I much prefer the sound of the EM6Ls, which I wasn't really expecting. The EA500LMs seem like they might have some more detail maybe, but the bass doesn't seem as prominent and something about it was quite fatiguing, almost making me wince a little bit with certain sounds, it was weird but yes. Sadly I don't think that I will be keeping either, despite how much I love the EM6Ls sound, IEMs in general seem to have some weaknesses for my usecase. When talking to friends the bone conduction effect is very uncomfortable, and I spend a lot of my desk time talking to friends, when I play on my own i mainly play on the couch using an xbox controller, however when I plug the IEMs into an xbox controller they produce a hissing sound unless plugged into a Ground Noise Isolator, which I don't want to always have on my lap when playing games on the couch xD It is a shame because the sound quality is leagues above my wireless headset, but for practicality reasons I don't think that they are for me

[@renatobdc]

Is it smoother than ea500 on upper-mids and treble?

[@ReganCipher]

It is, certainly with the gold nozzle. The overall sound is more balanced, and Simgot have also smoothed out some of the peaks on the original - it's a much better experience IMO

[@amanieux]

is it your top iem pick under $150 ? what dac would you recommend for iems exclusively ? thanks

[@ReganCipher]

DAC - depends on how much you're willing to spend and what you're hoping to do with it. For me, I am quite happy with some of the budget models like Akliam PD4 and Penon Tail. Simgot have a new DAC coming if your budget stretches further (DEW4X). Regarding best IEM under $150 - lots of good options like Hidizs MP145 and Letshuoer S12 that occasionally drop below $150 but I would always favour a good 1DD IEM due to versatility and the LM is definitely that. Hope it helps?

[@amanieux]

@@ReganCipher yes thanks it helps - is my dawn 4.4 close in term of sound quality to pd4 and penon tail (all are dual cs43131) ?

[@ReganCipher]

@amanieux I haven't tried the Dawn but it looks good!

[@reveme]

Great review, and great timing :) I'm really in doubt between this and Truthear Hexa, as I've read that this Simgot is even better... how is it possible that a single DD outperforms in technicalities and resolution 1DD+2BA? I've always thought that BA technology was unmatched in details and low distortion...

[@ReganCipher]

Thanks! I'd love to get into the weeds about driver composition etc but probably not the place for it and I'm definitely no expert! Some good discussions on Headfi though, including this one: www.head-fi.org/threads/iem-dynamic-vs-balanced-armature-bass.911504/

[@reveme]

@@ReganCipher what an interesting read! As usual it became a war between BA and DD pretty quickly 😂 Thanks for the link and for the response 😊

[@beepover]

I have lots of hybrid iems. Well over a dozen chifi iems including monarch, clairvoyance, oracle, fh3, legacy3, on and on. The ea500 is one of my main go to iems. Near perfect tuning. Its that good!

[@fuzailkhanazmi2135]

​@@beepoveryou are lying. Having monarch and clairvoyance, and prefer ea500 over them. Lol

[@ericheinz7375]

First! Nice job - started to see a few reviews for this appear now. I already got the ea1000, should I have waited?

[@ReganCipher]

Thanks, haha 😅 I guess it depends how much you paid for the EA1000! EA1000 is technically better and the bass texture is.... well, different, thanks to the passive radiator. LM is warmer, not as bright. Both are great and different in their own ways. If you already bought the EA1000 then you certainly shouldn't sell it for the LM, but if you had both in your collection I don't think you'd be upset at them being too similar

[@starrims]

Do I need DAC to drive this from PC or the Motherboard internal chip is enough? And IF you used Sennheiser IE200, can you tell me which is better for the same price?

[@ReganCipher]

They drive fine with a dongle and the jack on my Sony Xperia 1 IV phone. Pretty sure motherboard will be fine. They are IMO superior to the IE200 in tone, technicalities and tuning. The IE200 is harder to drive

[@starrims]

@@ReganCipher Thanks!

[@ravindra09ravi]

Is it better than kz zsn 10 pro?

[@ReganCipher]

Hard to compare as it's 1DD vs 1DD & 4BA, but I prefer the SIMGOT. The mids are too recessed on the KZ for my liking anyway.

[@Gadgetibles]

How do i get this ?

[@ReganCipher]

Released next week. I'll update with purchase links when it's released but I'd imagine it'll pop up on Linsoul first

[@singsbadly]

Why is em6l better than ea500lm for gaming

[@ReganCipher]

Sounds like footsteps and gunshots have a bit more definition and direction to them. All very marginal though

[@rsvp9816]

too bad no sub extension.

[@ReganCipher]

Bass texture is good, weight and slam are good too. Not a basshead set though

[@Mixail747]

Matte > Glossy

[@ReganCipher]

I always love glossy on the marketing material and you realise they're destined for a life of smudges and finger marks 😭

[@angelaagrusti6507]

Mi

[@bojack3827]

Still using wires?? This is 2024!

[@mayonotes9849]

IEMs or just wired audio products are not for people like you.

[@ReganCipher]

I do like using TWS for the convenience but a good IEM blows away my better sounding TWS for technicalities and staging

[@kokop.1610]

Hmm?

[@zeissiez]

Recently wired earphones got ever further away from the performance of TWS.

[@miscwork-qb7pd]

​@@kokop.1610You can listen to more details, and the sound comes from all around you instead of just from within your head (better sound stage) Having recently joined the hobby, I have to say my 20$ IEMs blow away my Bluetooth earbuds in sound quality, and even surpasses my Sony XM4 headphones in treble detail