Though SIMGOT has been in the ChiFi scene for quite some time now, the brand isn’t exactly the first name most would think of when it comes to…well, ChiFi. To date, SIMGOT hasn’t released any particularly standout product in the very competitive space, with only a handful number of IEMs under its belt.
That being said, SIMGOT is stepping back into the spotlight this year with the EA500, which was released earlier this year. That IEM looks to be quite well-received, and in this review, we’ll find out if the newer (and more affordable) SIMGOT EW200 is worth considering too.
What It Is
The SIMGOT EW200 uses a 10mm dual-magnetic, dual-cavity dynamic driver with a SCP diaphragm; the latter supposedly provides better high-frequency control and smoother layering. This single dynamic driver IEM is going for $39.99 (about RM180) on Linsoul; the store graciously sent over this review unit.
Inside the box of the EW200, you get just about what you might expect from an IEM at this price point. You get the IEM itself, a 2-pin silver-plated OFC cable, a drawstring pouch, and three pairs of ear tips – no sight of any wide-bore or foam tips here though.
As for the shell of the EW200, it sports an all-metal body with a shiny mirror finish, supposedly machined from high-density alloy. The shell’s small profile makes it easy to get a comfortable fit with the EW200, though it doesn’t sit still in my ears. I often lose the seal after a while, requiring me to readjust the fit.
The included silver-plated OFC cable is free from microphonics and doesn’t tangle easily, which is good. I also like how the transparent white appearance of the cable goes well with the silver shells of the IEM.
How Does It Sound?
As a whole, the sonic character of the SIMGOT EW200 centres around a neutral foundation with a lively and crispy treble presentation. The mid-range and bass exhibit a slight lightness in note weight, providing a sense of airiness to the overall sound signature. This emphasis on the upper frequencies makes the EW200 great for those who appreciate a bright and energetic sound.
While the EW200 presents a decently wide soundstage, it still retains an “in-your-head” experience. However, the instrument separation remains commendable, allowing individual elements to occupy distinct spaces within the soundstage. This aspect contributes to an immersive listening experience with good depth and layering.
Another plus point for the EW200 is the fact that it is pretty easy to drive, making it a versatile option for various devices. Whether it’s connected to a smartphone, portable music player, or just your laptop, the IEM delivers satisfactory volume levels without requiring additional amplification. Also, since the EW200 has a brighter sound signature, a warmer source might work quite well in balancing the highs.
Bass
There’s more emphasis on mid-bass than sub-bass, which gives the EW200 a bit more weight, though not by much. While the bass impact is not the most pronounced, it retains ample speed and agility, making it well-suited for genres like jazz and acoustic music. Based on my testing, tip rolling to a different pair of ear tips can help boost the bass a little, while also taming the bright treble a tad.
Mids
The humble bass presentation means the EW200 doesn’t suffer from bass bleed, but that doesn’t help much when it comes to male vocals. Presentation here is light and lacking some warmth in order to approach what I personally deem natural.
It’s a similar story with female vocals; there’s a “floatiness” that makes it lack structure and body. That being said, the relatively forward mids of the EW200 bring vocals and instruments to the forefront, adding a sense of intimacy and presence to the soundstage. The sparkle present in the upper mids is also quite pleasant and well-controlled enough to not be considered shouty.
Highs
The treble energy of the EW200 is undoubtedly one of its best qualities. There are copious amounts of treble energy present with plenty of air and sparkle. With this bright presentation comes good clarity and resolution as well.
However, if you’re treble-sensitive, you might find this set borderline sibilant, though I would say it’s actually quite well-controlled…with some caveats. My personal recommendation is to not raise the volume too high as to not be bombarded by overwhelmingly sharp highs.
But as mentioned before, tip rolling is an option with the EW200, and the right ear tips could help tame the treble a bit and make the listening experience less fatiguing while still keeping most of the EW200’s good traits.
Is It Worth It?
As a product for SIMGOT to make a comeback of sorts in the hugely competitive ChiFi market, the SIMGOT EW200 is…really quite a compelling choice for those seeking a treble-focused sound signature on a budget. Its crisp and energetic presentation complements various music genres, particularly those that benefit from intricate detailing and vibrant upper frequencies.
While the EW200 offers an attractive proposition with its affordable $39.99 price point, it’s essential to consider its caveats. There’s the slight lightness in note weight, along with a bright presentation that might be too much for some listeners.
As an alternative, the QKZ x HBB Khan goes for the same price and has dual dynamic drivers instead to provide a more impactful bass response in comparison to the EW200. Basically, it comes down to whether you prefer a warmer and bassier presentation (the Khan) or a brighter and lighter one (the EW200).
Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.