PROS:
technical chops
gorgeous and minimalist design
snappy bass with desirable heft
good treble extension
spacious sound stage
CONS:
eartip inclusions
midrange is hit or miss, too recessed for my taste
a bit hard to drive; might need extra amplification
BA timbre
INTRODUCTION:
Simgot requires no formal introduction from my end, having already reviewed several of their products that have left a lasting impression in 2023. Presenting a formidable hybrid IEM with a robust U-shaped sound profile, priced at $109, the EM6L enters the scene as a strong contender. Interestingly, it aligns with my top pick, the EA500, which sets the standard in the $100 price range. The question looms: Can the EM6L live up to the benchmark set by the EA500? Without further ado, let's dive into the evaluation.
FOREWORD:
The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Maker: Simgot
Model: EM6-L
Drivers: 1DD + 4BA
Impedance: 26ohms
Sensitivity: 119db
FR Response: 20hz-20khz
PACKAGING & DETAILS:
CASE:
The scenario here mirrors what accompanied the EA500 – precisely identical. I appreciate the spacious compartment that avoids squeezing your IEMs and the sturdy build capable of withstanding considerable pressure. While the tactile sensation might come off as generic, the case excels in fulfilling its primary purpose: safeguarding your valuable gear.
EAR TIPS:
Eartips, a critical element that can either elevate or diminish the sound profile, warrant meticulous consideration. Drawing from multiple reviews and hands-on experience with their offerings, Simgot consistently bundles their IEMs with these firm, moderately wide-bore, yet not excessively wide, balanced eartips. I find them satisfactory, but I do have a preference for some personal favorites. It seems Simgot assumes that at this price point, the discerning buyer is well-versed in the art of tip rolling, as they consistently provide just one type of eartip. Perhaps in future releases, Simgot could explore collaborations with eartip manufacturers to diversify this aspect. Nonetheless, for the entirety of this review, I stuck with the stock tips.
APPEARANCE:
The EM6L is not just an auditory delight but a visual stunner that boasts undeniable appeal. Personally drawn to all things black, the EM6L's aesthetic exudes a certain allure that captivates my eyes. Crafted with high precision through 3D printing in resin, its construction is both sleek and sexy. The faceplate, seemingly metallic, adds an extra touch of sophistication. On the right side, an emblem reminiscent of the phoenix catches attention, while on the left proudly sits the distinctive Simgot logo.
INTERNALS:
Internally, the EM6L adopts a hybrid configuration. In line with recent trends in the audio community, many hybrids have surfaced in the $100 price range. The EM6L, too, embraces this ethos, featuring a combination of 1 dynamic driver and 4 balanced armature drivers, a configuration that holds promise for a nuanced and dynamic sonic experience.
COMFORT:
Comfort deserves commendation with the EM6L. Despite a fit that doesn't delve exceptionally deep, attributed to its relatively larger nozzles compared to the norm, the stability of the grip is noteworthy. It maintains a secure hold without inducing any discomfort or soreness to the ears. Achieving a good seal is easy, effectively blocking out external noise. Worth noting is the absence of a vent hole, which might lead to a bit of pressure build-up during extended usage for some users.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
SOURCES:
Fiio M11 plus LTD
Ovidius B1
Centrance Dacport HD
Cayin RU6
Apple Music
Offline FLACs
TECHINICALITIES:
The realm of soundstage often requires a discerning ear to notice significant differences. Yet, with the EM6L, I can confidently say it's "spacious." This IEM provides that extra headroom that's not only felt but distinctly heard, elevating the listening experience.
Moving on to imaging, it falls into the realm of the usual – good and decent, but not particularly extraordinary.
Now, let's dive into the timbre. Upon initial listen, it seemed acceptable. However, the true litmus test came when I connected the EM6L to my Nord keyboard, renowned for housing one of the best-sampled pianos in the musical world. The result? The emergence of that unmistakable BA timbre. Hovering around the upper mids, a subtle sense of unnaturalness comes into play. It's not a deal-breaker, but the BA timbre makes its presence known.
Driving the EM6L demands a bit of amplification, and the 28-ohm impedance plays its part. A dedicated DAP or a reliable dongle is highly recommended for optimal performance.
When it comes to pairing, I'd advise opting for a more analog source. In my experience, the Cayin RU6 proved to be a savior in synergy. Interestingly, my beloved Ovidius B1, although cherished, rendered a sound that felt too thin in the mids when paired with the EM6L. It appears the EM6L is quite source-dependent. Thus, a bit of experimentation with different tips, cables, and sources is strongly suggested to uncover the ideal synergy.
BASS:
The bass on the EM6L carries a substantial weight, particularly emphasizing the sub-bass frequencies. Anticipate a satisfying rumble that adds excitement to genres like Hip hop, R&B, and even orchestral compositions, such as those by Hans Zimmer. This characteristic lends a dynamic and engaging quality to the overall sound. While the mid-bass remains commendable, it doesn't take a prominent role. The texture, while average, retains the subtle nuances of bass guitars without overly highlighting them. In terms of quantity, it might fall short of satisfying a basshead's preference and could be a tad much for those leaning towards a neutral sound signature. Notably, the bass exhibits excellent control, avoiding any hint of being overly pronounced. The agility and tactility are very adept and sufficient for an immersive listening experience.
Graph courtesy of Baskingshark
MIDRANGE:
The midrange might not be the EM6L's strongest suit, and as a mid-centric enthusiast, I did find this aspect a bit underwhelming. In my favorite instrumental tracks, the midrange exhibits a slight recession — a personal preference would lean towards a more forward presentation. Surprisingly, in the realm of vocals, there's a noteworthy emphasis on female voices over their male counterparts. While the texture is present, it does feel somewhat lacking. Given this tuning, a certain amount of thinness is evident. The recessed nature is tolerable, pushed back but not excessively so. It is a hit and miss depending on the track. At times the midrange is ok, at times it is lacking in weight and body.
TREBLE:
The treble on the EM6L is remarkably energetic, offering a generous dose of sparkle and air without veering into sibilance, a refreshing departure from the norm. While Simgot has a penchant for bright tuning, the EM6L stands out by maintaining tight control over its treble presentation. In contrast to the EA500, where I needed some adjustment to the treble, the EM6L instantly resonated with my preferences. If I may extend this to the upper mids, they sound a tad thin. While snare drums exhibit liveliness, I found myself wishing for a bit more body and weight. Notably, the treble is highly accommodating and caters well to treble enthusiasts and even those with sensitivity concerns. It strikes a delicate balance and I must commend Simgot for their tuning in this particular spectrum.
COMPARISONS:
Tangzu Fu Du
Fu Du steps onto the stage with a more balanced tuning, offering up lush mids that align perfectly with my personal preferences. While it may be a tad soft on note definition, the trade-off is a natural timbre that resonates well. Fu Du doesn't skimp on generosity, especially evident in the wealth of eartip inclusions. When it comes to layering, it takes the lead, showcasing an impressive depth.
In the realm of treble, Fu Du opts for a safer presentation, steering clear of any sharp edges. There's a subtle warmth that envelops the overall sound profile, adding a touch of coziness to the listening experience.
Hidizs MS3
The MS3 steps into the arena with a more energetic overall sound profile. Its bass packs a punch, and the treble dances with liveliness, although a word of caution—there's a susceptibility to sibilance. In the realm of soundstage, it leans toward the narrower side. Both the MS3 and EM6L adhere to the Harman tuning. When it comes to note definition and attack, the MS3 takes the spotlight, delivering precision.
A noteworthy feature is the versatility offered by tuning nozzles, allowing users to tailor their experience. Both portray a touch of BA timbre, albeit less pronounced in the MS3.
Binary Acoustics Chopin x Gizaudio
The Chopin gracefully follows the Harman tuning, standing out with a more prominent bass presence and less recessed mids. The treble presentation aligns closely with the EM6L. In terms of soundstage, both share a narrower profile. However, when it comes to technical prowess, the Chopin takes a step ahead.
Similar to the EM6L, the Chopin hints at BA timbre, though less pronounced. Overall, the sound profile remains almost similar, with the standout feature being the less recessed mids in the Chopin. Adding to its appeal, the Chopin proves to be more amiable in the power department, requiring no external amplification from DACs or amps.
TEST TRACKS:
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
Stepping out of my personal preference for Harman-tuned IEMs, I'll offer a more objective perspective as we conclude this review. The EM6L stands as a capable IEM, boasting commendable technicalities, a visually appealing minimalist design, and catering to a market well-versed in tip rolling and amping. If you're a fan of Harman tuning and the recessed mids aren't a deal-breaker, the EM6L warrants consideration in this price range.
It's crucial to note that personal preferences play a significant role, and for someone with a mid-centric inclination like myself, the tuning may not resonate as strongly. It's a subjective experience—hit or miss. For monitoring purposes, the EM6L didn't quite make the cut in my evaluation.
However, I'd recommend it to those who engage in casual listening, appreciate a robust bass presentation, desire good treble extension, and seek that extra headroom in the soundstage. While BA timbre is still present, it's within tolerable limits. Ultimately, whether the EM6L aligns with your preferences is a matter of personal taste and listening habits.
My heartfelt gratitude to Simgot for providing this unit, allowing me to thoroughly test, review, and scrutinize its capabilities. Their generosity is genuinely appreciated. It's worth noting that, as I pen down this review, the EA1000 has been released, catching my eye as an IEM that might align more closely with my preferences than the EM6L. Cheers, and I look forward to catching you on the next review!
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