Below is my review of the Simgot EM1. This review is also available on my blog.
INTRODUCTION/DISCLAIMER:
The Simgot EM1 is an in-ear monitor with a single 10mm titanium diaphragm dynamic driver per side. The EM1 is available for $59.99 on Amazon at the time of this review. Simgot provided me with the EM1 in exchange for a fair and objective review.
SOURCES
I have used the Simgot EM1 with the following sources:
Windows 10 PC > JDS Labs The Element > Simgot EM1
Pixel 3 > Fiio BTR1K (Bluetooth Apt-X) > Simgot EM1
Windows 10 PC > Fiio BTR1K (Bluetooth Apt-X) > Simgot EM1
Pixel 3 > Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle > Simgot EM1
I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium.
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The Simgot EM1 comes in a large rectangular black box. The front panel of the slipcover bears a monochromatic outline illustration of the IEMs, as well as the model name, manufacturer logo, and the Hi-Res Audio logo. The side panels show similar illustrations of the included cable, highlighting the 3.5mm jack and the Y-split, along with a sticker indicating the color of the IEM housings. I received the red/black color option, but the EM1 is also available in red/blue and all-black. The back panel of the slipcover shows an exploded diagram of the IEMs, along with specifications and manufacturer contact information.
The textured box underneath is embossed with a phoenix illustration. The top of the box lifts off to reveal a sheet of mounting foam holding the IEMs and a small cardboard box marked “Accessories.” Included with the IEMs are a 4-core 6N OFC 2-pin cable, also seen included with the Meeture MT3, a mesh carry bag, and 2 sets of eartips (3 pairs each, S, M, L). The packaging describes the eartips as emphasizing either mid-high frequencies and bass frequencies. The mid-high eartips are shorter than the bass eartips, with a wider nozzle opening. Also included are a user manual, a warranty card, and a card listing customer service contact info.
BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN
The EM1 earpieces have translucent teardrop-shaped plastic housings with two-tone metal faceplates. The outer part of each metal faceplate is teardrop-shaped, and the inner part is a polished brass circle with concentric rings. The cable connections protrude up from the housings at a 45-degree angle, and the nozzles are forward-swept as well. The outer section of the faceplate is marked with the text “SIMGOT HIGH RESOLUTION” around the inner brass circle. “L” and “1xDynamic” are printed in silver on the inner face of the left earpiece housing, and “R” and “N50 Magnetic Loop” are printed on the inner face of the right earpiece housing.
Each earpiece has a tiny circular vent in the middle of the inner face of the housing. The biggest problem with the EM1 is the location of this vent. If this vent is obstructed, the IEMs sound muffled. Every time the EM1s inserted, I had to gently tug the housings outwards to keep the vent unobstructed. However, there is no driver flex.
The nozzle is a hair over 5mm in diameter. The nozzle has a small lip for securing eartips, which worked well with both the included tips and Spinfit CP100s.
The cable connector is unique to Simgot’s IEMs, which may prove troublesome to those seeking replacement or upgrade cables compatible with the EM1.
The braided cable is flexible and non-microphonic and uses pre-formed clear plastic ear-guides. There is a choker above the Y-split for cinching up the cable. The cable uses a straight 3.5mm jack. There is no mic. “OFC X4” is printed on the Y-split housing, and “SIMGOT” is printed on the jack housing. The cable has pre-formed plastic ear-guides and “L/R” markings on the 2-pin housings. The cable is not particularly tangle prone.
COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION
The Simgot EM1 is intended to be worn cable-up only. The EM1 has a moderate insertion depth, but the housings are small enough to avoid compromising comfort. Fit is secure, but the vent issue necessitates occasional fiddling. The moderate insertion depth makes getting a good seal easy with a variety of eartips. I used Spinfit CP100s for most of my listening. Noise isolation is below average.
SOUND
The Simgot EM1 has a neutral-ish tuning that skews towards warmth.
The EM1 has visceral sub-bass with excellent extension. The mid-bass is impactful without being overwhelming, mildly elevated relative to the sub-bass and lower mids without overshadowing either. Bass is very textured.
The lower mids have a pleasant warmth but are spared from distracting mid-bass bleed. Male vocals are slightly recessed but are readily intelligible. Female vocals are clear without being over-emphasized. There is enough presence to render detail and grit without being sibilant.
The treble is smooth but grainy. There is moderate air and a hint of sparkle. Transients are realistic.
Timbre is natural sounding. Resolution is average for this price point. Instrument separation, especially in the bass region, is lacking. The soundstage is on the small side. Imaging is adequate.
MEASUREMENTS
My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing and without compensation. There is a resonant peak between 7–10k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING
With a sensitivity of 101dB and an impedance of 16ohms, the Simgot EM1 can be driven to moderate listening volumes with a smartphone or dongle but will benefit from the additional headroom provided by a dedicated source if one wants to listen at high volumes. I did not notice hiss with any of my sources.
COMPARISONS
Simgot EM1 [$60] vs Simgot MT3 [$61]
The Simgot MT3 has more elevated bass. The MT3’s bass is more textured with greater impact and slam. The EM1’s bass is slightly better articulated. Neither has much mid-bass bleed into the lower mids, but the EM1 has less mid-bass bleed than the MT3,
There is virtually no difference between the two IEMs in the lower midrange. The MT3 has a brighter, more aggressive upper midrange, which makes vocals sound more exciting at the cost of sibilance. MT3 has a thinner timbre.
The MT3’s treble is harsher than the EM1’s, but the MT3 has more air and sparkle.
The MT3 has slightly better imaging and instrument separation and a slightly wider soundstage. Sensitivity is similar between the two.
The MT3 is more comfortable and does not exhibit the venting issue that the EM1 has. The accessory sets are identical, but the EM1 has a more premium unboxing experience.
CLOSING WORDS
Choosing an IEM at the $60 price point seems to be a question of choosing which compromises you can live with. The Simgot EM1 is a well-tuned and engaging IEM with a solid set of accessories, but its technical performance is merely adequate, and the venting issue may be a deal-breaker for some. Overall, it compares well with alternatives at its price point.