BGVP EST8
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Rating: 8.7
Sound: 8.5
Intro
The BGVP EST8 (6*BA & 2*EST) is the smaller brother of the EST12 and tries to hold its own despite the almost halved price. We get the basic features of the EST12 also with the EST8, especially the relaxed music presentation. The EST12 has the greater technical potential and also has the more balanced tuning, but for audiophile music enjoyment the EST8 is definitely suitable and also brings a fun component. Considering the equally priced MOONDROP S8, the price tag is a bit too steep, even compared to the alternatives. But if you can't get along without the EST driver in the high frequency range, you'll have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Handling
A 2-pin connector seems to be reserved only for BGVP's flagship models and so the EST8 comes with a MMCX connection as usual from BGVP.
The scope of delivery is nearly the same for all models in the ArtMagic series. Only the cable varies and also the included transport case. Otherwise there is a pair of foam tips, standard, vocal and bass silicone tips, as well as a cleaning tool. In this case the cable is taken from the EST12/V12, which is one of my favorites from BGVP.
The EST8 appears a bit clunkier than the EST12, due to its wider sound openings and the slightly larger body. The EST12 feels a bit more filigree despite its generous dimensions. Nevertheless, the ergonomics are as good as with all BGVP products, which has a positive effect on the wearing comfort, but also on the sealing. The passive isolation is excellent, also due to the closed construction.
The EST8 also uses a 3 dip-switch system, which allows the sound to be influenced according to personal preferences.
Klang
The EST8 is a "Smooth Operator"! So is the EST12, but it is much more versatile with its tuning switches. The EST8 is not so keen on experimenting and so it is more about finer details than big changes. The review refers to the setting 000, as I like this setting the most and it seems to be the most natural, just like with the EST12.
Although the EST8 has basically the same drivers, only in different numbers, the tuning is quite different. But where both meet on the same level is the bass, especially in terms of quality. I think the EST12 has a little more sub-bass but basically the two don't take each other too much, which also gives the more than half cheaper model a mature and organic bass, which can't be influenced by the tuning switch as much as the EST12. Basically the frequency response can only be adjusted from 100 Hz. I don't long for more bass in the basic setting, but would rather allow the midrange to have more level. I achieve this with the 3rd switch. There is hardly anything to complain about on the bass, if you ask me I would only wish for a bit more depth, a bit more clarity and a more solid kick. Apart from that I am very satisfied and grumble on a high level.
In the mids the EST12 and EST8 go their separate ways. The EST8 is more present in the 1-2 kHz region, the EST12 is 2.5-4 kHz instead. This makes it sound a bit fuller and a bit darker compared to the EST12, because the energy is missing in the upper mids and lower highs. The EST12 therefore sounds more "In Your Face", especially with vocals, but the EST8 is not shy in this area, just a bit more reserved, which integrates vocals more into the mix, without sounding nasal or unnatural due to the preferred frequencies around 1-2 kHz. Nevertheless, I still lack a bit of energy and liveliness. I get this with the 3rd switch, but then the EST8 is a border crosser and becomes uncomfortable in the long run. So I prefer to accept the compromise and give up more energy in the mids in favour of a better audibility.
On the one hand I find dip switches interesting, but on the other hand I curse them a bit. Somehow I stress myself a bit to have a choice instead of a well tuned IEM, which I take as it is. Dip-Switches are not equalizers and I can rarely influence an area in a targeted way, but I can iron out a subjective weakness, but usually open a new construction site.
Actually I would like to use configuration 001, but I not only boost the mids, but also the lower highs. To counteract this I could add the 2nd switch, which damps the high frequencies, with the actual intention to bring the bass into the foreground, but then I lose too much level in the 4 kHz region and so on and so forth. In the end, I always end up with the basic configuration and could therefore do without the customization options, as they do more to make things worse than to bring a noticeable added value (I'm only talking about my preferences here).
Long talk short. The trebles are already "perfect" in the basic configuration and a reduction would let them drift too much into the dark, an increase into a tolerance range that is not to be assumed by everyone.
They are extremely detailed, but the drivers are working a bit on the limit for my feeling in the basic tuning, because it becomes rather unpleasant with more volume than better. The EST12 had this problem as well and it seems to be a general problem of the EST drivers used.
Without any changes the treble can score with transparency and accuracy without pressing it in your face. But it lacks a little bit of liveliness.
The stage is not as expansive as the EST12, but still very spatial. It looks a bit more intimate, but just as strong in the 3D image. On the technical side you can expect fine separation as well as clean imaging.
More dip switch impressions:
100: Trebles are emphasized. Sibilants become a problem.
010: Mids and highs are attenuated. Bass comes to the fore, but the sound is colored and becomes dull.
001: Midboost that extends to the lower trebles. Actually a recommended setting, but the mids can be a bit demanding.
111: Here, one switch tries to iron out what the other is messing up. In itself the most lively, but also most demanding setting together with 100.
Outro
The EST8 fulfills my audiophile demands, as it presents me enough information without being obtrusive (000) or preferring one area too much. It sounds grounded and organic, but at the same time it lacks a bit of bite over the whole range. So we get a quite relaxed and slightly darker tuned IEM compared to the EST12, which finds a very good balance between intimacy, separation and imaging without artificially overdoing it. But if you are looking for something for professional use within BGVP, you should have a look at the V12, or EST12, which are technically maybe a bit more potent. However, these IEMs are twice as expensive and a bit more exhausting in the long run.
The EST8 doesn't pick me up completely, because I lack clarity and positive hardness and the midrange is sometimes a bit spongy, but I can work with it for hours, without any signs of fatigue (000), with a controlled bass and pleasant high frequency. Despite the somewhat darker tuning, the EST8 doesn't have to hide too much behind the EST12 technically and has the upper hand in the audibility.
Thanks to OARDIO for the review unit.
___________________________________________________________
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Sound: 8.5
Intro
The BGVP EST8 (6*BA & 2*EST) is the smaller brother of the EST12 and tries to hold its own despite the almost halved price. We get the basic features of the EST12 also with the EST8, especially the relaxed music presentation. The EST12 has the greater technical potential and also has the more balanced tuning, but for audiophile music enjoyment the EST8 is definitely suitable and also brings a fun component. Considering the equally priced MOONDROP S8, the price tag is a bit too steep, even compared to the alternatives. But if you can't get along without the EST driver in the high frequency range, you'll have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Handling
A 2-pin connector seems to be reserved only for BGVP's flagship models and so the EST8 comes with a MMCX connection as usual from BGVP.
The scope of delivery is nearly the same for all models in the ArtMagic series. Only the cable varies and also the included transport case. Otherwise there is a pair of foam tips, standard, vocal and bass silicone tips, as well as a cleaning tool. In this case the cable is taken from the EST12/V12, which is one of my favorites from BGVP.
The EST8 appears a bit clunkier than the EST12, due to its wider sound openings and the slightly larger body. The EST12 feels a bit more filigree despite its generous dimensions. Nevertheless, the ergonomics are as good as with all BGVP products, which has a positive effect on the wearing comfort, but also on the sealing. The passive isolation is excellent, also due to the closed construction.
The EST8 also uses a 3 dip-switch system, which allows the sound to be influenced according to personal preferences.
Klang
The EST8 is a "Smooth Operator"! So is the EST12, but it is much more versatile with its tuning switches. The EST8 is not so keen on experimenting and so it is more about finer details than big changes. The review refers to the setting 000, as I like this setting the most and it seems to be the most natural, just like with the EST12.
Although the EST8 has basically the same drivers, only in different numbers, the tuning is quite different. But where both meet on the same level is the bass, especially in terms of quality. I think the EST12 has a little more sub-bass but basically the two don't take each other too much, which also gives the more than half cheaper model a mature and organic bass, which can't be influenced by the tuning switch as much as the EST12. Basically the frequency response can only be adjusted from 100 Hz. I don't long for more bass in the basic setting, but would rather allow the midrange to have more level. I achieve this with the 3rd switch. There is hardly anything to complain about on the bass, if you ask me I would only wish for a bit more depth, a bit more clarity and a more solid kick. Apart from that I am very satisfied and grumble on a high level.
In the mids the EST12 and EST8 go their separate ways. The EST8 is more present in the 1-2 kHz region, the EST12 is 2.5-4 kHz instead. This makes it sound a bit fuller and a bit darker compared to the EST12, because the energy is missing in the upper mids and lower highs. The EST12 therefore sounds more "In Your Face", especially with vocals, but the EST8 is not shy in this area, just a bit more reserved, which integrates vocals more into the mix, without sounding nasal or unnatural due to the preferred frequencies around 1-2 kHz. Nevertheless, I still lack a bit of energy and liveliness. I get this with the 3rd switch, but then the EST8 is a border crosser and becomes uncomfortable in the long run. So I prefer to accept the compromise and give up more energy in the mids in favour of a better audibility.
On the one hand I find dip switches interesting, but on the other hand I curse them a bit. Somehow I stress myself a bit to have a choice instead of a well tuned IEM, which I take as it is. Dip-Switches are not equalizers and I can rarely influence an area in a targeted way, but I can iron out a subjective weakness, but usually open a new construction site.
Actually I would like to use configuration 001, but I not only boost the mids, but also the lower highs. To counteract this I could add the 2nd switch, which damps the high frequencies, with the actual intention to bring the bass into the foreground, but then I lose too much level in the 4 kHz region and so on and so forth. In the end, I always end up with the basic configuration and could therefore do without the customization options, as they do more to make things worse than to bring a noticeable added value (I'm only talking about my preferences here).
Long talk short. The trebles are already "perfect" in the basic configuration and a reduction would let them drift too much into the dark, an increase into a tolerance range that is not to be assumed by everyone.
They are extremely detailed, but the drivers are working a bit on the limit for my feeling in the basic tuning, because it becomes rather unpleasant with more volume than better. The EST12 had this problem as well and it seems to be a general problem of the EST drivers used.
Without any changes the treble can score with transparency and accuracy without pressing it in your face. But it lacks a little bit of liveliness.
The stage is not as expansive as the EST12, but still very spatial. It looks a bit more intimate, but just as strong in the 3D image. On the technical side you can expect fine separation as well as clean imaging.
More dip switch impressions:
100: Trebles are emphasized. Sibilants become a problem.
010: Mids and highs are attenuated. Bass comes to the fore, but the sound is colored and becomes dull.
001: Midboost that extends to the lower trebles. Actually a recommended setting, but the mids can be a bit demanding.
111: Here, one switch tries to iron out what the other is messing up. In itself the most lively, but also most demanding setting together with 100.
Outro
The EST8 fulfills my audiophile demands, as it presents me enough information without being obtrusive (000) or preferring one area too much. It sounds grounded and organic, but at the same time it lacks a bit of bite over the whole range. So we get a quite relaxed and slightly darker tuned IEM compared to the EST12, which finds a very good balance between intimacy, separation and imaging without artificially overdoing it. But if you are looking for something for professional use within BGVP, you should have a look at the V12, or EST12, which are technically maybe a bit more potent. However, these IEMs are twice as expensive and a bit more exhausting in the long run.
The EST8 doesn't pick me up completely, because I lack clarity and positive hardness and the midrange is sometimes a bit spongy, but I can work with it for hours, without any signs of fatigue (000), with a controlled bass and pleasant high frequency. Despite the somewhat darker tuning, the EST8 doesn't have to hide too much behind the EST12 technically and has the upper hand in the audibility.
Thanks to OARDIO for the review unit.
___________________________________________________________
More reviews: CHI-FIEAR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHIFIEAR/
DallaPo
@Audio Fun:
I would say the same, together with the EST12. The two are also difficult to compare, as they have completely different signatures.
That's why I always write that I don't see much added value to the VG4, whether it's the EST12, V12, or EST8. I am curious about the DM8!
I would say the same, together with the EST12. The two are also difficult to compare, as they have completely different signatures.
That's why I always write that I don't see much added value to the VG4, whether it's the EST12, V12, or EST8. I am curious about the DM8!
My background - I am a professional musician, producer and audio engineer with experience in the performing, recording and pro-audio industry. I test products on a technical and musical level and try to write reviews as simple as possible from a music fan’s perspective.
Genre preferences - I majorly listen to rock, acoustic, pop, metal, and occasionally popular EDM songs.
About the company - BGVP is a company based out of Dongguan, China. They manufacture and sell a wide range of products like in-ear monitors, earbuds, cables, cases, etc. They came into prominence with successful products like DMG and DM6. Now, they’ve launched an even wider range of products including EST hybrids ES12 (4EST+8BA) and ES8 (2EST+6BA), V12 (12 BA), DM7 (6BA), VG4 (4BA) and DH3 (2BA + 1DD).
Disclaimer - The products were provided to test and review. I am not affiliated with the company or its sellers in any way and write this review with my best unbiased opinion regardless of how the review turns out.
You can buy the EST8 from BGVP's Official Store on AliExpress – BGVP EST8
Technical Specifications -
Included in the box - Since BGVP sent me a couple of their earphones together, I had them ship it to me without branded packaging for ease of sending them in one box. As a result, earphones along with all accessories were sent to me in cute little earphones cases. I was surprised to see that they fit everything in their small rectangular cases.
Here is a list of everything I got, most of which will be available in the official package as well.
Official Packaging
Build Quality - According to the company’s description, all the shells are developed using German Envision TEC 3D-printing equipment and use PMMA acrylic fiber (resin) made of medical grade materials.
To my surprise, BGVP sent me customized shells (different from default stock shells) and I dig them. The craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality are all very high, one of the finest I’ve tested recently. The shell curves are ultra-smooth and are designed to snugly fit the shape of the concha. The faceplate and shell integration is so smooth that you can’t differentiate them being 2 parts that are glued together.
My EST8 shell has a classic red and blue combination with a retro funky twist. It has resin nozzles and the shells are bigger than EST12.
Fit and Comfort - EST8 has semi-custom shaped shells. EST8’s shells are substantially bigger than EST12’s, even though the driver count is less. I asked BGVP about the same to fulfill my curiosity and they got back to me saying that EST8 uses different drivers and are arranged differently which makes EST8’s totally volume bigger.
Moving on to fit, EST8 isolates outside noise pretty well but with the shells being bigger, feels slightly more weighted and protrude outside my ear, more than EST12’s. That’s not a con by any means, just an observation but people with small ears may have a problem fitting the big shells in.
Sound Analysis – You would imagine that EST12 and EST8 being siblings 4 drivers apart would be tuned similarly because of having similar tech, but that is not the case.
In comparison to EST12, EST8 is ‘relatively’ darker, with a ‘relatively’ intimate soundstage and has a peak presence in 1-2kHz range which primarily differentiates it from EST12. What defines it is a balance tilted slightly towards the lower spectrum with bass and lower mids playing a fun role and a signature that is targeted towards an audience that likes a smoother and intimate presentation with an X-factor, which is resolution without overly boosted treble.
EST8 sounds as if you’re listening to the band in a old wooden room with an intimate audience but with a decently wide soundstage. Very earthy and organic. What may sound contrary to the tech used is the treble being rather smooth even though EST8 uses 2 EST drivers which are specifically designed and famous for treble duties.
Switches – EST8’s switches are not as effective as EST12. Most modes besides 000 did not sound as good to me, so I’m going to keep this simple and write the sound analysis based on the 000 combination which is alright by itself.
Volume power – Before starting the sound analysis, I’d like to point out that EST8 needs more volume power than EST12 and sounds best at average to slightly louder volumes. As soon as you reach its sweet spot, it’ll show you what it’s got with full zeal.
Soundstage, Imaging and Separation - EST8 has a slightly intimate soundstage compared to EST12. Overall the soundstage is still decently wide, wider than average, and has good depth too but the warmer character increases the feeling of intimacy. Imaging and resolution are also very good but fall short of how well EST12 does it. Of course, EST8 is half the price of EST12, yet for the price, EST8 does this section well.
Comparisons - I’ll be comparing EST8 with all switches in off position (000).
Gear used for testing and review -
Genre preferences - I majorly listen to rock, acoustic, pop, metal, and occasionally popular EDM songs.
About the company - BGVP is a company based out of Dongguan, China. They manufacture and sell a wide range of products like in-ear monitors, earbuds, cables, cases, etc. They came into prominence with successful products like DMG and DM6. Now, they’ve launched an even wider range of products including EST hybrids ES12 (4EST+8BA) and ES8 (2EST+6BA), V12 (12 BA), DM7 (6BA), VG4 (4BA) and DH3 (2BA + 1DD).
Disclaimer - The products were provided to test and review. I am not affiliated with the company or its sellers in any way and write this review with my best unbiased opinion regardless of how the review turns out.
You can buy the EST8 from BGVP's Official Store on AliExpress – BGVP EST8
Technical Specifications -
- Drivers: 2 EST + 6 BA “Knowles & Sonion”
- Switches: 3 Tuning Switches (9 style options)
- Sensitivity: ≥109dB SPL/ MW
- Impedance:28 Ω
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-40kHz
- Distortion Rate: ≤0. 5% (1 KHZ)
- Channel Difference: ≤1 dB
- Rated Power: 9mW
Included in the box - Since BGVP sent me a couple of their earphones together, I had them ship it to me without branded packaging for ease of sending them in one box. As a result, earphones along with all accessories were sent to me in cute little earphones cases. I was surprised to see that they fit everything in their small rectangular cases.
Here is a list of everything I got, most of which will be available in the official package as well.
- Earphones
- 8 -core Furukawa OCC + silver-plated mixed braided cable
- Black silicone ear tips – SML
- Grey silicone ear tips – SML
- Blue silicone ear tips – SML
- Foam ear tips – 1 pair
- Cleaning tool
- Carry case
- Manual and warranty card
Official Packaging
Build Quality - According to the company’s description, all the shells are developed using German Envision TEC 3D-printing equipment and use PMMA acrylic fiber (resin) made of medical grade materials.
To my surprise, BGVP sent me customized shells (different from default stock shells) and I dig them. The craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality are all very high, one of the finest I’ve tested recently. The shell curves are ultra-smooth and are designed to snugly fit the shape of the concha. The faceplate and shell integration is so smooth that you can’t differentiate them being 2 parts that are glued together.
My EST8 shell has a classic red and blue combination with a retro funky twist. It has resin nozzles and the shells are bigger than EST12.
- Sockets – EST8 uses MMCX connectors. The sockets are of very good quality. You hear a nice reassuring loud click when you plug the cable in. They are nice and tight and yet easier than other MMCX sockets with unplugging cables. I swapped cables a lot of times and in my tests the MMCX showed no signs of wear and tear.
- Cable – EST8 comes with BGVP’s 8-core cable Furukawa OCC + silver-plated mixed braided cable. It’s a looker and feels ultra-soft and flexible but sadly this is the same cable that comes with DM7 and VG4, which are way cheaper than EST8. I would’ve loved it if BGVP would’ve provide a nice UP-OCC Litz cable in the package instead.
Fit and Comfort - EST8 has semi-custom shaped shells. EST8’s shells are substantially bigger than EST12’s, even though the driver count is less. I asked BGVP about the same to fulfill my curiosity and they got back to me saying that EST8 uses different drivers and are arranged differently which makes EST8’s totally volume bigger.
Moving on to fit, EST8 isolates outside noise pretty well but with the shells being bigger, feels slightly more weighted and protrude outside my ear, more than EST12’s. That’s not a con by any means, just an observation but people with small ears may have a problem fitting the big shells in.
Sound Analysis – You would imagine that EST12 and EST8 being siblings 4 drivers apart would be tuned similarly because of having similar tech, but that is not the case.
In comparison to EST12, EST8 is ‘relatively’ darker, with a ‘relatively’ intimate soundstage and has a peak presence in 1-2kHz range which primarily differentiates it from EST12. What defines it is a balance tilted slightly towards the lower spectrum with bass and lower mids playing a fun role and a signature that is targeted towards an audience that likes a smoother and intimate presentation with an X-factor, which is resolution without overly boosted treble.
EST8 sounds as if you’re listening to the band in a old wooden room with an intimate audience but with a decently wide soundstage. Very earthy and organic. What may sound contrary to the tech used is the treble being rather smooth even though EST8 uses 2 EST drivers which are specifically designed and famous for treble duties.
Switches – EST8’s switches are not as effective as EST12. Most modes besides 000 did not sound as good to me, so I’m going to keep this simple and write the sound analysis based on the 000 combination which is alright by itself.
Volume power – Before starting the sound analysis, I’d like to point out that EST8 needs more volume power than EST12 and sounds best at average to slightly louder volumes. As soon as you reach its sweet spot, it’ll show you what it’s got with full zeal.
- Bass – EST8 has nice organic and impactful sounding bass. Imagine a nicely aged vintage Gretsch kick drum’s sound. What is cool is that like in EST12, you can precisely hear the boundaries of the room reverb when used in the track, but the feeling of space is different. As I said above, it sounds as if the band is performing in a nice sounding wooden studio room. For example, listen to Niall Horan’s Slow Hands. You can hear the boundaries of the warm drum room in the intro kick drum very accurately. Bass guitar is well present, with sub-bass and mid-bass taking the spotlight more than high-bass. It has good rumble, sustains well but is not as fast as EST12. It gives you the illusion as if a Dynamic Driver is handling bass duties but is actually done by Balanced Armatures.
- Mids – Lower mids are pretty neutral but a little warmer. It doesn’t make anything muddy, just warm. I hear the curve starting a gradual linear dip around 100-120Hz, dipping lowest at around 700-800Hz, very linearly. This keeps the lower mids decently clean from bloat or mud. Post 800Hz, the curve further rises to make up the peak which lies around 1-2kHz. Technically, big peaks in this area tend to make some instruments sound a little honky and vocals a bit nasally, but luckily, EST8’s peak is not too prominent and vocals sound nice, intimate and very organic (Reference – Chris Cornell’s unplugged version of ‘I Am the Highway’ Live at Queen Elizabeth Theatre). Snare body is portrayed with good authority in songs like Muse’s Panic Station and Karnivool’s Simple Boy. They have the smack and presence but not the peaky upper mids which makes you cringe every time a rock snare is slammed in a song when listening at louder volumes. Sometimes those same upper mids can feel slightly lacking because the 3-4kHz region's peak comes a bit early at 1-2 kHz, but this completely depends on your liking of the upper mids boost. I hear another small peak around 5kHz but again it’s not too prominent and keeps the organic warm character of the IEM intact, though does help stringed instruments like acoustic guitars and orchestral instruments like horns and strings shine. It also helps drum shells with nice attack.
- Treble – Treble is again pretty smooth and warm. It feels a bit rolled off in songs which are demanding of the treble sizzle but then also helps make EST8 a very easy listen without tiring one’s ears in long sessions. It is not for people who look for a bright V-shape sound in an IEM or extra clarity with boosted treble. It is more like how old vinyl records sound; sound that is associated with vintage instruments and analog tubes.
But if you are someone that likes extended treble and some exciting sizzle, EST8 is not for you. You should look towards the EST12 instead because that’s the IEM with great balance, clarity and openness throughout the frequency spectrum.
Soundstage, Imaging and Separation - EST8 has a slightly intimate soundstage compared to EST12. Overall the soundstage is still decently wide, wider than average, and has good depth too but the warmer character increases the feeling of intimacy. Imaging and resolution are also very good but fall short of how well EST12 does it. Of course, EST8 is half the price of EST12, yet for the price, EST8 does this section well.
Comparisons - I’ll be comparing EST8 with all switches in off position (000).
- Campfire Audio Andromeda ($1099) – Andromeda has 5 BAs and is Campfire Audio’s most successful product. It is a widely loved IEM. Build wise, Andromeda has a metal shell whereas EST8 and EST12 have resin shells. Resin shells are not a con, they’re just different. Tech wise, EST8 is a hybrid and have many more drivers. Both are starkly different. EST8 has a smoother relatively darker signature with more bass presence and smoother treble. Andromeda on the other hand has cleaner and tighter bass, very detailed mids and sparkly upper treble.
- Fearless Roland ($1000) – Tech wise, Roland is a tri-brid with 1DD + 2BA + 2EST. Roland is more expensive than EST8. Sound wise, Roland with its darker presentation is a good competitor to EST8, though sounds slightly darker. EST8 has more sub-bass and mid-bass presence, a peak in the 1-2kHz range and another one around 5kHz. Roland on the other hand has very nice neutral-ish bass, a peak around 2.5kHz and another one around 4kHz. EST8 has slightly more treble presence but Roland maintains a good balance of a darker presentation whereas EST8’s sound signature falls mid-way. Both do a good job in their own way.
- ItsFit Fusion ($950) – Fusion is a very cool tri-brid with 1DD + 2BA + 1 Magnetostatic driver from ItsFit Labs, which is a new company, hardly a few months old, and is already making waves in the community. It is also the first I’ve come across which uses a magnetostatic driver. EST8 and Fusion are again quite different. Fusion sounds very modern, energetic and lively whereas EST8 sounds warmer. Both do bass very well but Fusion has a dynamic driver with higher resolution, nicer character and energy. Fusion has better mids with more resolution, better details and more liveliness. Fusion’s treble has more sizzle, sparkle and energy whereas EST8 is smoother, more natural and warmer.
- Shozy Pola39 ($900) – Tech wise Pola39 has a 1DD + 2EST drivers. It’s the newest flagship from Shozy, which is a cool brand from Hong Kong making innovative products, some in collaboration with brands like AAW. EST8 and Pola39 are starkly different with EST8 being smoother and Pola39 being open and airy with some sparkle up top. EST8 has more bass presence, meatier mids and controlled clear treble whereas Pola39 has good refined bass, thinner mids and treble with nice energy and sparkle.
Gear used for testing and review -
- Logic Pro X session with hi-res test tracks played through Universal Audio Apollo or Focusrite Clarett Pre X audio interface headphone out.
- Hiby R6 Pro
- Oneplus 7 Pro
- Foo Fighters – The Pretender, Best of you & Everlong
- Coldplay – Paradise, Up in flames & Everglow
- Ed Sheeran – Thinking out loud, Bloodstream & Galway Girl
- Chainsmokers – Somebody, Sickboy, This Feeling & Closer
- John Mayer – Slow dancing in a burning room, Stop this Train & Say
- Gavin James – Always & Hearts on fire
- Switchfoot – Meant to live & Dare you to move
- Linkin Park – Papercut, Somewhere I belong & Talking to myself
- Maroon 5 – She will be loved, Payphone & Lost stars
- Lifehouse – All in all & Come back down
- Niall Horan – Slow Hands, Mirrors & The Tide
- Breaking Benjamin – Diary of Jane
- Karnivool – Simple boy & Goliath
- Dead Letter Circus – Real you
- I Am Giant- Purple heart, City limits & Transmission
- Muse – Panic station
- James Bay – Hold back the river
I tried almost every demo unit from BGVP line up, apart from the DM8, ED12, ZERO and some new model.
I personally think the VG4 is the best in thier entire line up. It seems like you also own pair of VG4, how do you think about it?