Simgot EM6-L

In the world of IEMs, finding a blend of excellent sound quality and appealing design at an accessible price point can be a challenge. The Simgot EM6L rises to this challenge with grace and expertise, establishing itself not merely as a contender but as a standout performer in the audio landscape

Design Elegance

The Simgot EM6L represents a paradigm of modern headphone design—sleek, minimalistic, and elegantly understated. Crafted with a keen eye for detail, the housing is designed to be both visually appealing and comfortable for long listening sessions

The overall look is one of sophisticated restraint, making these headphones as much a fashion statement as they are a piece of audio equipment.
This minimalist approach does not detract from the device’s allure but rather enhances it

Acoustic Performance

Turning to the sound, the Simgot EM6L offers an auditory experience that is as rich as it is refined. The balance in the sound profile is masterfully achieved, with a slight V-shaped tuning that accentuates the highs and lows subtly while maintaining a full and present midrange. The high frequencies are a particular highlight, with a clarity and precision that surpass many models at higher price points. Each note in the upper registers sparkles with clarity, making classical compositions shimmer and pop tracks sizzle with energy

The mids, while not as forward, are no less impressive. They present a textured soundscape where each instrument and vocal line is rendered with distinct clarity and warmth. This quality makes the EM6L particularly adept at handling complex tracks where multiple instruments must be distinctly heard without blending into a muddy acoustic environment

The bass is tight and controlled, extending deep into the lower frequencies without ever overwhelming the other elements of the sound profile. This velvety bass response ensures that the foundation of the music is solid yet unobtrusive, providing a backbone that supports but doesn’t smother

Technical Characteristics

Driver Configuration: It uses a hybrid driver system that combines balanced armature drivers for an articulate response in the highs and mids, with dynamic drivers that provide a powerful yet controlled bass

Frequency Response: The headphones offer a broad frequency response, ensuring that from the deepest bass to the highest treble, every part of the audio spectrum is well-represented

Impedance and Sensitivity (32 Ohm): They are crafted to be highly efficient, suitable for use with a wide range of devices from mobile phones to dedicated high-resolution audio players

Purchase Recommendation

Priced under $120, the Simgot EM6L stands out as one of the best values in the hybrid IEM market. They are an excellent choice for both budding audiophiles and seasoned listeners. The high-level performance in processing high frequencies, combined with the exceptional handling of female vocals, makes the EM6L a competitive and compelling option, giving more expensive models a run for their money

Conclusion

Overall, the Simgot EM6L is more than just an attractive pair of headphones, it is a comprehensive audio solution that marries exceptional sound quality with impeccable style and solid construction. For those who are in the market for an affordable entry into high-quality audio, the EM6L represents a wise and rewarding investment, sure to enrich any musical experience. Whether your playlist includes symphonic movements, intricate jazz ensembles, or dynamic pop anthems, the EM6L is equipped to bring out the best in your music, making every listen a deep dive into the art of sound

#SimgotEM6L #Simgot

After reviewing the EW200 as one of the budget IEMs, which turned out to have a Single DD that is tuned very well for its price range, I became curious about other Simgot IEMs, what are they like?

Moved by seeing its Frequency Graph which is V-Shape with Sub-Bass slightly more elevated than its Bass, and treble which has a fairly good extension. After trying it out, the sound produced was quite surprising because it's not like the V-Shape I'm familiar with in my mind.
Let's discuss it, Here is the Simgot EM6L.

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==DISCLAIMER==​

All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief "only my savings I deceive, if I review it will be honest." Agree? okay. Different? okay. Because I review because I want to and like it, not because I need it hahaha.

• But you say this just because you're using it now? oh, of course not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe it? read it all, we'll dissect its pros and cons.
• But you say this just because it's new, probably just during the "honeymoon" period? in this "dark and toxic" hobby, it will always be like that until the end of the world. Human desire is endless. hahaha.
• But is it better to just listen and judge for yourself? you're right.

Important!! I recommend you still audition it yourself, who knows if it's my ears that need to see an ENT doctor or you who need it (hahaha)

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==THIS POST IS FOR==​

• IEMs priced at +/- $90 or around 1.5 million rupiahs that are good?
• IEM that is good for vocals with a relaxed tuning but impactful sub-bass?
• Good and clear IEM tuning?
• Just want to read a review

==THE SOUND I'M LOOKING FOR==​

• Criiinngg treble if possible a bit spicy
• Good quality and quantity bass, but not for bassheads
• Technicality, imaging, and clarity are top-notch
• Wide soundstage
• My Daily Driver: Symphonium Crimson and Kinera Verdandi

==TESTED USING==​

• Youtube Music
• Tidal
• Hiby M300
• Fiio Q15
• Lenovo Office Laptop (What series is this?)
• Simgot EM6L
• Letshuoer DZ4

==STRAIGHTFORWARD WITHOUT BEATING AROUND THE BUSH==​

Unboxing:
The box is typical Simgot EW200 but bigger with better accessories:

• - The IEM itself
• - Carrying case (standard stuff)
• - 3.5mm Jack Cable (the material is not bad like the EW200 cable. still dominated by a plastic-like layer but not sticky and more comfortable. The color is also better. Oh yeah, it's QDC pins, for some people might feel not quite suitable)
• - 3 sizes of eartips (similar to Letshuoer DZ4's eartips, soft silicone with a slightly harder middle part)
• - manual

Fitting:
Almost similar to EW200, I really like the body of this EM6L. Metal finishing with shiny black color. But typical metal will feel quite scary when scratched.
In terms of fitting, it has a wide but short nozzle. I used Azla Sedna Crystall ML size eartips and Spinfit W1 Premium without any sealing issues.

Note: My ear holes and canals are very big and long hahaha. So whatever IEM I use seems comfortable as long as I get the right eartips

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Bass:
If you look at the EM6L's graph, you will see that it is V-Shape with the Low Bass slightly lower than the Sub-bass. Also, the Bass and Sub-bass tend to be flatter towards the Mid. And true indeed, the Bass produced, although tuned well for a 1DD it has, doesn't feel Deep at all, quite loose so for bass lovers it will feel less engaging.
Interestingly, this Simgot's 1DD Sub-bass is indeed one of the best in my opinion. The Impact is tuned longer so it doesn't feel rushed and out of breath. Even though once again the power is lacking. It's a shame because with more power it would feel more majestic and fun.

Mid:
Beautiful without effort! or cool language Effortless. The sound sounds very natural, airy, and clear. Not smooth with msg but natural. Not Bold, not sibilance, not muffled. Really enjoyable. One of the best in this price range.
Maybe a little minus is its presence in the middle so for vocal lovers, they will prefer vocals that are more upfront.

Treble:
If you really like shimmering-shining-splendid but not too much or sharp? EM6L is tuned to produce such sound. The treble to upper-treble is well tuned. Micro details sound clear and extend well.
But like its Bass side, the Treble is also tuned with minimal power so for those who like treble it will feel boring.

Clarity, Soundstage, Imaging:

• Clarity: For its price range, this IEM has quite good and clear details. There is no sibilance or hissing sound in any aspect.
• Soundstage: Average and tends to be Intimate. If you expect spaciousness, you definitely won't feel it hahaha.
• Imaging: I was a bit skeptical if the soundstage was narrow the separation would be piled up. Oh, it turns out not! Separation is very good and all instruments can be felt separately. Unfortunately, it doesn't feel like a 3D holographic where the sound rotates in the head because the arrangement is very dense.

Specs:

• Driver Type: 1DD Dual-Cavity with custom-designed 8mm polymer diaphragm + 4BA.
• Frequency Response: 8Hz-40kHz.
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
• Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms.
• Impedance: 26Ω±15% (@1kHz).
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm gold-plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm QDC.
• Capsule Technology: High precision 3D printed resin capsule.
• Cable: High purity silver plated OFC copper cable.

This IEM requires slightly above average power to sing well.

=COMPARISON=​

For this price range with quite good vocals, the one I have and have reviewed is the Letshuoer DZ4. Even though with quite different driver configurations, let's just compare:

• Unboxing: DZ4 wins slightly, because the case is better. The rest is the same hehe.
• Fitting: Draw. The fitting and materials used are very good in terms of IEM and its cable. It depends on your preference whether you like an IEM with a Matte finish like the DZ4 or Metal like the EM6L
• Bass: DZ4. It has better and deeper power, but the Sub-bass is better in EM6L even though it lacks power.
• Mid: EM6L. Actually, DZ4 has really good vocals and quite balanced with EM6L. But it depends on preference, DZ4 that's bold or EM6L that's airy.
• Trebel: DZ4. If EM6L had better power, I would choose EM6L because its treble is more extended and sparkling.
• Clarity: EM6L. One of the best tunings without any annoying unclear sounds and good micro details.
• Soundstage: DZ4. Clearly DZ4 has a wider soundstage.
• Imaging: DZ4. Feels more 3D holographic.

=CONCLUSION=​

• Once again, Simgot proves that its Dynamic Driver is well tuned. Proven by its impactful, fun, and sufficiently extended Sub-Bass.
• The additional use of 4BA seems to aim to improve the technicality of micro details from its predecessor IEMs. Although tuned very well and coherent with its DD, unfortunately, the tuning on the treble and low bass sides feels less engaging and might be considered loose for some people. Although the sound produced is very clear without any sibilance
• The tuning above makes the vocal aspect feel effortless to stand out in every song played, feels airy and very natural. One of the IEMs with very good vocals in its price range.
• The soundstage, which can be said to be average, will feel just enough and suitable for songs with good recordings
• Is this worth it? For those who like effortless vocals that are good and airy, natural sub-bass rumble, and bass and treble tuning that are quite tame, this IEM is the most suitable choice. Maybe it will be suitable for ballad and Broadway songs that seek the sweetness of their vocals.

That's it.
Trust your ears.
Bye.

Introduction:
Simgot, a brand that's synonymous with blending aesthetic finesse with acoustic precision, introduces the EM6L at $110. Featuring a dynamic driver and four custom-balanced armatures, the EM6L promises a nuanced auditory canvas that caters to a variety of acoustic preferences. Simgot's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the EM6L's 3D-printed resin build and meticulous CNC machining, promising durability, comfort, and style.





Build Quality and Accessories:
The EM6L's construction is a testament to Simgot's engineering finesse, featuring a lightweight yet sturdy 3D-printed resin structure complemented by precise CNC machining. This meticulous process results in an IEM that's not only visually striking but also incredibly comfortable for extended listening sessions thanks to its light weight.

In terms of accessories, the EM6L comes well-equipped with the necessities. The package includes three pairs of silicone eartips to suit different ear sizes, a silver-plated OFC cable, and a semi-rigid carrying case to store your Simgot EM6L.





Sound Impressions:

Tested with the stock cable and eartips

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The EM6L delivers a versatile Harman-like sound profile that excels across music genres. It produces an authentic timbre that brings forth the nuances of natural sound. The low-end is substantial without clouding the mids, the mid-range is distinct and full-bodied, and the highs are smoothed out to ensure long listening sessions remain comfortable.

Technical Aspects:
Technicalities, especially detail retrieval and treble extension, aren't Simgot EM6L's strong suit. However, the EM6L impresses with its coherency. The soundstage, while not expansive, is intimate and well-placed. Imaging is decent too, albeit limited by its soundstaging capabilities. While detail retrieval and treble extension could see improvement, these are minor trade-offs for an IEM that offers such a smooth listening experience.

Drivability:
Simgot has engineered the EM6L to be efficiently driven by literally anything, from the modest Apple Dongle to higher quality sources. This easy drivability underscores the EM6L's versatile nature as a daily driver for quality sound.





Conclusion:
The Simgot EM6L is a strong contender in its price range, offering a Harman-ious (harmonious) blend of comfort, ease of use, and a sound signature that pleases without tiring the ears. It's a great pick for those new to high-quality audio or for anyone looking for a dependable daily driver that balances performance with simplicity.

Ratings:

Value rating: B+
Tuning: A
Technicalities: B-/C+
Enjoyment rating: A-/B+

Overall Rating: B- (Objective Perspective):
The EM6L's exceptional comfort and effective noise isolation, combined with its user-friendly tuning, make it an attractive option for casual listeners and avid music enthusiasts alike. While it has its limitations, this IEM is frequently my first choice for a variety of activities: streaming tunes from my phone on Spotify, connecting to my Nintendo Switch for a quick gaming break, or even during competitive gaming on my PC. Its adaptability is commendable, especially for the $110 price tag. If you're in the market for an all-rounder with a versatile sound profile, the Simgot EM6L is worthy of consideration.

Personal Rating: B- (Subjective Take):
When it comes to spending around $100usd, I find myself gravitating towards the Simgot EA500 LM, as it offers a slightly better value for my personal preferences. That said, the EM6L remains a strong contender, particularly for those who favor a smoother treble presentation. With its nearly ideal Harman-like tuning and decent technical performance, the EM6L provides an enjoyable listening experience for a wide array of genres and use cases. From music to gaming, they perform impressively, making them a great choice for users looking for both versatility and fun in an IEM.

Introduction

Simgot, the Shenzhen-based company founded in 2015, once again lives up to the meaning of its name, "Simple and Elegant", with the EM6L model. This is a 5-driver-per-capsule hybrid IEMS (1DD+4BA) tuned to the H-2019 target curve. This reference has been universally acclaimed for its three-frequency balance, accurate soundstage reproduction and precise imaging.
The EM6L combines a dual-cavity dynamic driver with a custom-designed 8mm polymer diaphragm. In addition, two sets of balanced armature transducers handle the high-midrange and high frequencies. The three frequency crossover have been meticulously tuned to achieve a coherent and harmonious frequency response. The SIMGOT EM6Ls reproduce sound perfectly with precise positioning and imaging and excel in both gaming and music playback.
The housing is made of finely textured resin, while the outer plate is CNC-processed. The whole has a mirror finish that conveys a delicate refinement.
Finally, a silver-plated OFC cable is included to ensure greater signal conductivity.
This is what the brand's presentation says. Let's see how this classic Simgot model performs.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DD Dual-Cavity with custom-designed 8mm polymer diaphragm + 4BA.
• Frequency Response: 8Hz-40kHz.
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
• Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms.
• Impedance: 26Ω±15% (@1kHz).
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm gold-plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm QDC.
• Capsule Technology: High precision 3D printed resin capsule.
• Cable: High purity silver plated OFC copper cable.

Packaging

The Simgot EM6L comes in an eminently black box, whose dimensions are 144x121x63mm.
In the top left corner is the brand name and underneath is a small slogan. At the top right is the Hi-Res Audio logo. In the centre is a logo with a flaming phoenix inside a diamond with the corners cut off. At the foot, is the model name in gold lettering. On the back is the frequency response curve compared to the H-2019 Target. In the centre is an internal exploded view of the capsule. At the bottom are the model specifications in four different languages. After removing the outer packaging, the box opens like a book, with a dark cardboard cover with a phoenix icon on the cover, including the name in vertical and gold lettering. Opening the cover reveals the capsules encased in a dense, black foam mould. The back of the lid is protected with foam to protect the outside of the capsules. The outside of each capsule is protected by a transparent plastic sheet. On the underside is a black box containing the accessories. Behind the foam mould there is another box containing the silicone tips. The complete contents are as follows:

• The two EM6L capsules.
• A two-stranded cable with SE 3.5mm plug and 2Pin 0.78mm QDC interface.
• One black zippered case.
• Three pairs of translucent white silicone tips with black core, sizes SxMxL.
• One instruction manual.

The price of the EM6L is $110. The best part of the set of accessories is the zippered case, it is oval, wide and very well designed to hold the IEMS without any problem. It only comes with a set of silicone tips, the bare minimum. The cable itself is not bad, but there is only a 3.5mm SE option. In my opinion, the set of accessories is a little bit too small for a set that exceeds 100$.



Construction and Design

The capsules of the Simgot EM6L are made of black resin and printed using a high-precision 3D printer. The outer face of the capsules is CNC processed. The finish is fine and shiny, the classic fingerprint magnet. The shape of the capsules is almost triangular, namely a right triangle in which each side has been rounded off with a sharp apex that ends in a smooth point. The right capsule has the phoenix symbol on its outer face and the right capsule the brand logo, all in white ink. Near the apex is a hole that is protected by a metal grille. The rim is relatively thick, the difference between the outer and inner side is noticeable, separated by a visible line. The 2Pin 0.78mm QDC connection interface is in between this gap. The inner face of the capsules is relatively flat, although rounded at the edges and as you approach the mouthpieces. On them is the model name and the surname "Phoenix", plus a large lettering indicating the channel, all in gold ink. The mouthpieces are made of metal, completely cylindrical, with a diameter of 6mm and a length of approximately 5mm. Their orifice is protected by a perforated metal grid.
The cable has two coiled strands, is transparent coated and shows a gold and a black conductor inside. The plug is a 3.5mm gold-plated SE plug. It has a removable plastic protective sleeve. The sleeve is a simple black microtextured cylinder, with the brand name written lengthwise in grey ink. The splitter piece is the same but half the length, there is no writing on it and it has a plastic protection at the cable entry. On the other side there is a gold-coloured ring which serves as an adjustment pin. Its inner hole is just enough to do a good job in this respect. The cable has semi-rigid over-ear guides and the 0.78mm 2Pin connections have the classic QDC transparent sleeve at an angle.
The capsules have a completely smooth and shiny texture, are soft and weigh very little. The mouthpieces are generous and metallic. The design is very elegant, they don't need to be made of metal to look durable and well-built. The size is adequate, the weight is very low and the fit and ergonomics benefit from this.
The cable is fine, its design is adequate and simple. Although I expected it to be a little thicker, a little more complex, given the scarcity of accessories such as a single set of tips. I miss the balanced cable option which should be a must in this price range.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The outer face is flat, the rim is not too thick, the size is medium, the inner face is relatively flat with rounded edges. The weight is very low. The mouthpiece is straight, metallic, of good diameter and length. Its angle is almost perpendicular to the inner side, but it is inclined enough to reach into the ear canal. They have a good projection to ensure good insertion. But their diameter is somewhat thick, something that may prevent a deeper insertion, which could be medium or shallow, depending on the size of the tips used. As usual, I have used my foam-filled silicone tips and the fit obtained is shallow, with a high level of isolation. The capsules fit my ears very well and sit perfectly in the pinna. There is hardly any rotation and the weight is negligible. The fit is immediate, firm, durable, suitable for everyday use, even for long sessions or sports. Due to the medium thickness the capsules do not protrude too much and their black colour and smooth, glossy finish is elegant.



Sound

Profile

The Simgot EM6Ls are tuned according to the H-2019 reference curve. It is a V-profile with relatively hot high-mids and highs that get softer as the frequencies increase. The result is not as exaggeratedly clear or sibilant as it might seem from that peak between 3kHz and 4kHz. And that is because of the clear drop in control that exists in the early treble. In my opinion, this characteristic also plays a role in subtracting energy in that transient hotspot between midrange and treble. On the other hand, there is also a good ability to eliminate the metallic sheen of the BA drivers. That way, it doesn't feel like a harsh or poorly tuned hybrid in this respect. But it does feel distinctly splashy.



Bass

What I find most appealing when analysing hybrid IEMS is the very low-frequency pure tone test. Especially if a "wise" configuration of the crossover filters is specified. In this case, I have to admit that Simgot has done it perfectly. What sounds when these tones are reproduced is clearly the dynamic driver, without any contamination from the BA drivers. The lower tone is slightly sensory, but not very audible. At 30Hz you already feel that mix of more realistic sonority and physical character, achieving a deeper, quite natural and powerful performance. At 40Hz, a canonical, well-represented low end with remarkable sonic characteristics is already apparent. As soon as the music plays, the EM6Ls manage to reproduce the fundamentals in a quite compact, dense and solid way. The bass doesn't feel as heavy in the mix, although it has a good representation in its energy ratio. But I don't think it's completely predominant. In this aspect, you feel that V-profile where the midrange competes in presence with the lower range, even surpasses it. There is a certain rubbery and elastic aspect, but short, the bass is well tied and does not project, nor is it prolonged more than necessary, it just has that more flexible point that gives it a more rounded, pleasant and natural aspect, which prevents it from being sterile, inert or too hard. Without reaching Bass-Heads level, the bass has a more than decent volume, it is skilful and leaves little aftertaste, as it recovers quite well, acquiring a clean behaviour and without overdoing it. Undoubtedly, this is not a neutral low end, but obviously entertaining and with a certain presence, something that can be noticed in the energy level of the bass-midrange.
Technically speaking, the lower range is quite skilful, it is quite capable of withstanding a lot of sound pressure without distortion and without losing control. In the dirty, unfiltered bass test, the EM6Ls follow complex bass lines flawlessly, executing the kick drums with precision and without intrusion of the lower range into the vocals or midrange. The result is a very accurate, realistic, very well controlled reproduction, with a remarkable sense of precision and resolution, without any loss of punch or depth. It is even able to add a certain level of texture and appreciable roughness, which still adds a superior appeal to the range, while sweetening its sonority. I like it.



Mids

Being a V-profile, the first half of the midrange feels thin and lean, lacking base, physicality and body. This feeling is further accentuated by the steep slope towards the upper midrange. The result is an initial range that is relatively distant, with little warmth, but with quite accentuated and explicit overtones. In this sense, balance and homogeneity are lost, but without becoming a clarity-seeking IEMS at all costs. It is true that the sparkle and details are more present or closer. But, as I said, it doesn't feel distinctly harsh, hard or cold. Simgot seems to have tamped down this aspect that could be much more negative, even in an area that is executed by a pair of BA drivers, which could be very susceptible to generate those adverse aspects. As I say, this has not been the case and it is right to point this out and note it in the list of advantages. Another feature that follows from this virtue is analytical trend control. The EM6Ls manage to be on the edge of musicality without losing it and of the most obvious expressiveness without falling into it abruptly and noticeably. Although, admittedly, the midrange is relatively hot and energetic for my taste. The result is that the bright details come to the foreground and are very abundant, giving a clear splashy aspect to the sound. On the negative side, the evidence of this aspect prevents the visibility of background details, not because of resolving power, but because of overlapping and close proximity of the more obvious ones. In this respect, the BA drivers are not as capable of generating layers and lose some ability to represent deeper elements of the second half of the midrange. This is the loss of homogeneity that exists between the two halves of the range.
Turning to the positive/conflicting side, the EM6Ls do not cross the red line of sibilance, as the treble control limits their energy. But it does feel that the thinness of the voices is not only present in the male voices, but the female ones also suffer from a certain body and physicality, appearing light and subtle. At times this sensation can lend the females an air of delicacy and finesse, though at others they feel sharper than they should.
In my opinion, the instrumentation lacks a certain weight that would give it a more abundant, exuberant or analogue presence. However, the zone is described as well exposed, clear, transparent, resolute and spaced. But I cannot finish without concluding that I would have liked a little less energy in the upper half, for a fuller, denser and more homogeneous sound in the central range. Also, less fatiguing.



Treble

The treble is full, fine, explicit, clear, crisp and evident. They are not hidden in their initial phase and are controlled as the frequencies grow. But that does not detract from the fact that they are sharp and penetrating in the first instance. The softness comes later, but this first phase is insistent if the song or musical genre is present in this band. This is not an IEMS to recommend for those who like their treble soft, but for those who are looking for more bite and sparkle in the upper range. In this aspect, the treble feels very well represented, with a certain BA character at its sharpest edges and losing a certain natural aspect in its execution.
Again, in my opinion, I feel that the range is beyond neutral and its energy level is a step above my tolerance for medium to long listens. Although I recognise that it can be very suitable for short, intense monitoring.
Finally, at the top end, the amount of air is just right.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is eminently frontal, with good laterality, but without much height. I miss a more pronounced sense of depth, and this perception may be more evident depending on the song or genre of music. Details feel explicit and foregrounded, while the sound lacks a certain physical grounding that would offer more grounding to the vocals and instrumentation. In this sense, the music certainly feels congested in length, offering a relatively flat scene, without too many layers. This characteristic means that elements overlap and background detail is sometimes drowned out, even if the IEMS has sufficient resolution to represent it.
On the other hand, as the sound is technically skilful and has a good analytical degree, the notes are represented in a fine and delicate way, achieving a good level of clarity, transparency and separation. But it can become a bit tiring if the volume is high.
The image has good precision in positioning, but the frontal representation and the lack of depth only allows an eminently horizontal placement of the elements.



Comparisons

TinHiFi T4 Plus

As you know, I like to compare models of a similar price and similar frequency response. In this case, I find that the TiHiFi T4 Plus can be a good contender. With a slightly higher price (119 USD), a single DD and a classic and recurrent shape in TinHifi: the cylindrical or ballistic design with over-ear crossover. The design of the two is quite different. I prefer the semi-custom capsule shape of the EM6L and its more secure ergonomics. Although the construction of the T4 Plus is quite good. TinHiFi opted for a 2Pin 0.78mm connection interface on this model, although they have now gone back to using MMCX on their latest models, which I dislike. And the cable of this model is not bad, it is thicker than the EM6L model. It also comes with a good set of accessories, with a leather-like hard case and a good set of tips (3 sets in total), including some Symbio Mandarine tips. On the other hand, the EM6L only comes with one set of tips, although it is accompanied by a remarkable zippered case.
Both models flirt with the H-2019 reference curve. However, the EM6Ls have a more V-shaped profile, while the T4 Plus are more restrained, both in bass, midrange and treble, creating a more homogeneous and balanced profile.
The T4 Plus are slightly more sensitive than the EM6L.
The first difference I feel is the lack of flesh in the first half of the EM6L midrange. It lacks body and physicality in this part, something that is noticeable in the male vocals, which sound lean, thin and more distant. A quick switch to the T4 Plus allows the gap in this area of the EM6L to be somewhat filled. The second clear difference is the midrange and the more penetrating, incisive, technical, sparkling and analytical character of the EM6Ls. Meanwhile, the T4 Plus are softer and calmer in all these respects.
In the pure tone test, the T4 Plus comes in lower and leaves a more sensory and physical presence at the lower audible end. The performance of the T4 Plus on those very low pure notes has more energy yet is more oscillating, this gives it a greater roughness as well as a more pronounced texture. The EM6Ls are smoother, technically very good, more continuous sounding, a complex skill to find. The result is that the EM6L bass is technically more skilful, faster, drier, with less aftertaste and a quicker recovery. They are also very capable in fast, dirty, complex and layered lines. The T4 Plus is softer, with an average texture, the bass shape is more rounded and simplistic. But it is more punchy and energetic than in the EM6Ls, if only slightly. They are also respectful of the midrange, as well as warmer.
In the midrange the imbalance is more evident in the EM6Ls, with that thinner, more sunken first half contrasting with a more excited, vibrant, incisive and energetic second half. TinHiFi exploited the curve of the T4 Plus in other models, raising the sub-bass or modifying the midrange, but without reaching the EM6L's level of excitement, playing on the edge of balance. The EM6Ls add this emphasis on the transition zone towards the treble, with the use of 4 more analytical, bright and splashy BA drivers, capable of generating faster, finer notes, with more precision and resolution. But they can also lead to more sibilance and fatigue. It is clear that the EM6Ls are more technically adept, their treble is crisp and extended, but they forget the base.
The image is more accurate on the EM6L, it has more separation. But its soundstage is flatter, more frontal, with less depth. The T4 Plus is more homogeneous and dense, which gives it more balance and a fuller sound.



Conclusion

Simgot has moved slightly away from its more traditional curve to approach the Harman 2019 target, but in a somewhat "hot" way. The EM6Ls are a hybrid model with an excellent dynamic driver plus 4 quite technical BA drivers. The crossover filter treatment is also outstanding, with the BA drivers being completely disconnected when the dynamic driver operates in its lower region, allowing for a splendid performance on its part. As the frequencies advance, the EM6Ls lose the good balance of the low end to generate a light and somewhat distant first half of midrange, and then rise, with emphasis, towards the treble, generating a sound more focused on the nuances, on clarity, on sparkle, causing a more splashy, cold, technical and analytical character. The EM6Ls play in a daring way, in that barrier that separates sibilance, intensity and fatigue. Many times they exploit this to their advantage, gaining in precision, resolution and detail. At other times, this energy may be too explicit for some.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• MUSE HiFi M3 II
• Tempotec V3
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus.
• Burson Audio Playmate II.
• Aune M1p.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

Disclaimer:​

The Simgot EM6L was sent to me as a review sample from Betty from Simgot, for which I thank her!


This is my first IEM from this brand; I must admit that I had my eye on this brand for some time. I wanted to buy the EW200 and EA500 but Simgot contacted me about their EM6L and they offered me to review them. I am very happy with this set because it particularly reflects my taste in musicality.

In this review, I will try to compare them with other hybrid IEMs like the Kinera Phoenixcall, Hidizs MS3/MS5, and GeekWold GK20.

However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.

I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.

So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.

Tech Specs:​

• 1DD + 4BA Hybrid Drivers
• Tuned Towards the H-2019 Target Curve
• HiFi Earbuds for Gaming
• 3D-Printed Resin Housing and CNC-Processed Faceplate
• High-Purity OFC Silver-Plated Cable
• Impedance 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
• Sensitivity 119dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
• Frequency Response Range: 8Hz–40kHz
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Earphone connector: 0.78mm QDC

Packaging:​

Finally, a fairly compact but neat package. The Simgot EM6L arrives in a small box with attention to detail, with a sort of phoenix in the middle. It opens laterally, and we find protective cardboard with even padding in the IEM area. The faceplates are protected by films and I must say that attention to detail is not lacking. The package is divided into two secondary boxes with accessories and tips. Inside the package, we find:

• 3 pairs of tips
• 3.5mm cable with QDC terminals
• Hard case (unbranded)
• manual and warranty

The tips are of excellent quality; the only thing that can be said is that they could have been more. The case is anonymous and simple but it fulfills its protective function. The cable is a little thin, but I must say that it is of good quality and in perfect harmony with the lightness of the IEMs. I think this set is one of the lightest ever.


I’m trying different tips out of curiosity but the included ones are more than fine for me. I’ll also try them on balanced output.

Design/Build quality:​

The Simgot EM6L is aesthetically a bit anonymous; perhaps the design is very simple. Personally, looking at it, the latest models produced by KZ come to mind. Fortunately, however, the build quality is on a completely different level. Dark resin shell (transparent would have been even more beautiful) and mirrored metal faceplate that retains quite a few fingerprints. The Simgot EM6L is as light as a phoenix feather (cable included), essentially a super light set that sounds decidedly majestic. I was surprised that there is only one ventilation hole in the faceplate of the shell.


The included tips are excellent—just a little few—and the cable is of excellent quality but some might find it too thin. Personally, a thicker cable would have added unnecessary weight to the set.


“EM6L combines an 8mm custom-designed high-polymer diaphragm dual-cavity dynamic driver to handle the mesmerizing mid-to-low frequencies. Alongside, two sets of balanced armature drivers take charge of the mid-to-high and high frequencies. With meticulously set crossover points and precise tuning techniques, we not only achieve seamless frequency response and phase coherence but also a harmonious blending of tones.”


As you can see, the nozzle is a little different than usual; it has no shape that usually holds the tips, but I didn’t have any problems.


The resin has a purple color in the sun but being very dark, it is very difficult to see the components. However, I managed to photograph some BA near the nozzle and you can glimpse the tubing; the DD also has its own dedicated one. The BA filters are inside the tubes under the nozzle.

Comfort/Fit:​

The EM6L has a very simple design; the shape is classic and the dimensions are normal so you will hardly have any problems. The nozzle is the right length. Their lightness and thin cable make them almost imperceptible even after several hours of listening.


I didn’t feel the need to try other tips as the standard ones are already excellent but if I had to recommend an upgrade, I would use some good spare tips.

In the photos above, you can see how they fit with the DUNU S&S in size L. I apologize for the lower quality of the 2 photos but lately, where I live, there is very little natural light and the limitations of a smartphone camera are immediately visible.

Initial sound impression:​

Holy crap! It was the first exclamation after listening to them. After the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall and the GeekWold GK20, the difference is notable. They are immediately more energetic and lively. They literally give life and enrich the song with nuances without distorting it. It is a set that is significantly more daring than the previous ones.


I had high expectations from Simgot given the other excellent sets they produced and appreciated by several enthusiasts.

Tips rolling:​

As mentioned before, I don’t really feel the need to change the tips, but I still did some quick tests.


During the 11/11 period, I took advantage of the opportunity to get several discounted tips on both Aliexpress and Hifigo. I chose both “expensive” and “cheap” models.


Among the cheapest tips, I have not found results that deserved mention, while among those a little more expensive, you can get significant results.




Dunu S&S: If you want to transform them into soundstage monsters, then the Dunu S&S are the absolutely correct choice. The depth reached is embarrassing! The soundstage seems to have no more limits; the limit requires the recording of the track. Despite everything, I have not lost low frequencies so the result is excellent. Let’s be clear: there is no need to make any upgrades to the original tips.


Divinus Velvet: The Velvet have such absolute comfort that you don’t even hear them. We are at the same level of soundstage as the originals but seem to help the definition and low frequencies lightly. They are not exaggerated changes compared to the originals but the comfort in my case is better.

Final sound impression:​

Equipment used for testing above​

Device:​

• iMac
• Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon

Software:​

• Foobar2000 24bit 192kHz (iMac)
• Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)

DAC:​

• Moondrop Dawn Pro ( Great pairing)
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (ESS)
• Hidizs S9 pro (ESS)
• Hidizs S3 pro (Just 55 mW at 32 ohm, and it’s all you need for EM6L)
• Muse Hifi M4 (Most Versatility)
• Ibasso Dc04Pro (Dual Cirrus) (Best pairing)
• EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
• EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)

After waiting about 50 hours for burn-in, I didn’t hear any major changes; they sounded good right out of the box.


If I was surprised by the GK20, with the Simgot EM6L, I was literally left speechless. They give life to the tracks and if combined with the right DAC, they give spatiality to the sound. The details are surprising; macro and micro details literally explode. The voices are sinuous and the musical instruments have the right depth. The bass is present in a natural way; it doesn’t cover or overdo it but overall, the mix is perfect. They may be slightly brighter than the other hybrid sets I have reviewed so if you are particularly sensitive, they may not be suitable.




The care and definition of the sound are excellent, and each track is significantly more immersive than I remembered. The presence of a lot of air positively favors the soundstage, which is very close to some planar IEMs. The balanced armatures and DD work together harmoniously and the result is clearly audible.

Treble​

It might be too much for you if you are sensitive because the high frequencies are not relaxed. But they are just so incredibly vibrant, defined, and rich! Every musical instrument is incredibly colorful and brilliant, and when the track calls for it, the macro and micro details literally burst into life. They literally have a fireworks effect with how musical it is.


They are so resolute that all the imperfections of the tracks or recordings come to the surface.

Mids​

Even in mids, the representation is at the highest level. Everything is perfectly clear and in the foreground. The female voices are like a precious fabric. Rich, thick, and vibrant like never before, the musical instruments seem to literally come to life. I don’t know how to tell you exactly because I am so enthusiastic but in a certain sense, they vaguely remind me of the Tanchjim Zero, but they are very improved. Despite everything, it keeps an impressive naturalness in sound that can be hardly reached on planar. The overall experience is something absolutely unique and immersive.

Bass​

The low frequencies are equally consistent with the rest of the tuning. Natural and defined representation with audible sub-bass. All this develops in considerable depth in the Inn reproduction tracks. I think there is a perfect separation of the frequencies. Obviously, if you are a basshead, it is not for you.

Separation/Imaging/Soundstage:​

The Simgot EM6L is probably the IEM with the most crystalline image currently in my possession! The separation of frequencies by crossover undoubtedly benefits but the internal structure must have been studied in an excellent way. Such a definition and musicality are not obtained by chance.


The soundstage is very large, and the EM6L puts you at the center of your favorite songs without effort. If you choose the right DAC, it will release all its potential.


The iBasso DC04Pro brings a considerable benefit to the whole stage and sound yield; this combination squeezes every kind of detail from the traces… Even the impurities are all afloat.

Comparison:​

vs Hidizs MS3​

The Hidizs MS3 has fewer drivers, a slightly higher price and a higher overall build quality. The high range is much more pushed and further suitable for treble-heads. The Hidizs MS3 wins in the low-range region that is thicker. However, the highs are quite spicy and are absolutely not suitable for everyone. In terms of general performers, the Simgot, in my opinion, came out victorious. Mind you, they are “excellent sets but the representation of the EM6L is much more pleasant.

vs GeekWold GK20​

The Geek Wold GK20 are equally good but the Em6L are more vivid and lively in their general representation. The Treble region is quieter for the most sensitive; both have a very high value for money. Soundstage and separation are better on the SIMGOT. The GK20 is slightly warmer and has a more present bass region.

vs Kinera Celest Phoenixcall​

Ouch! The two Phoenicians absolutely disagree with each other! Two sets that recall the same bird but are currently totally different in the soul. Phoenixcalls are undoubtedly beautiful aesthetically and as long as their graph is not optimal, the result is not bad at all. They are particularly relaxed and have a less natural but, at the same time, different and pleasant representation. The Simgot Em6L loses points aesthetically but in terms of performance, it is undeniable that they recover on the final result.

Conclusion:​

After having the opportunity to try an IEM of Simgot, I think I understand why so many talk about this brand. Their EW200 and EA500 models have always been among my favorites but I’ve never ended up buying them (unfortunately, I can’t buy everything I like; otherwise, I would live under a bridge).


Receiving the Simgot Em6L in review was a great surprise. I don’t want to exaggerate in saying that they are excellent but the Hidizs MP145 and the EPZ Q5 are the only ones to have left me immediately in the face. Their quality is also audible to the most inexperienced. A correct choice of drivers, crossover design, and internal structure led to a result for audiophiles. The Hires sticker in this set is not just a brand printed on the box without meaning.


I didn’t mention the Hidizs MS5 in the comparisons, as those looking in the price range around 100 USD would discard them, but I have to admit that the EM6L is better.


To see if more power would result in even greater improvements, I conducted a test using a balanced cable, but to be honest, I heard no difference. In my experience, the 3.5SE output is more than sufficient, but they could use a little more volume. They work well if your phone is new and has a decent internal DAC.


With a price that oscillates around 110 USD, I think there is very little to criticize. Personally, I consider them a decisive upgrade from the Epz Q5!


I forgot that they are also recommended for gaming and I feel like confirming this definition even if they give their best with high-resolution songs.
I thank Betty by Simgot for giving me the opportunity to try their own product!

Where to buy:​

• Simgot Official
• Amazon.it
• Linsoul Official Website
• Linsoul Aliexpress

Simgot’s single DD IEMs got countless praises but when they released a 1+4 hybrid, everyone was curious to see how they would perform, myself included. Not only that, with their 109 USD price, they would be one of the cheaper 1+4 hybrids out there. There is no need to raise the hype here since EM6L has been out for a while and some people already named it one of the best releases of 2023.

Disclaimers​

Simgot EM6L Phoenix was provided to me by Simgot for free and I only paid for the customs fee. As I always say, everyone is biased one way or another so take everything you read with a grain of salt. Also I will try to be more concise and to the point in my reviews from now on without worrying about the word count etc. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments and I will try to answer them to the best of my abilities.

Build and Accessories of Simgot EM6L​

EM6L a.k.a Phoenix is kind of an experimental product from Simgot, at least that is the impression it gave me with some of its aspects. First of all, it is a hybrid, and a 1+4 one at that. It uses a 3-way crossover and has a 3D printed resin shell instead of a metal one Simgot usually uses. Apart from these, connectors used on EM6L are the ones known as QDC or C-pin type which we are familiar with from brands like KZ. They almost make EM6L look cheap but understated dark metal faceplates look gorgeous so I don’t really mind them.
The thing I loved about the build of EM6L is the shell size; they are not huge like other hybrids I used. Ear pieces are light and very comfortable which is a huge plus. Size and shape aren’t much different to usual single DD IEMs but nozzles aren’t angled like other Simgots. A minor gripe of mine here is that nozzles don’t have any contour or lip so some tips easily slips out of the nozzles.



Box and presentation is simple yet well thought out. I loved how Simgot placed an extra piece of felt on the cover where faceplates touch. Not that they needed because faceplates already had protective film on them. Unfortunately though, the box wasn’t abundant with accessories as usual. There was only an unbranded case, a cable and a decent set of tips.

Sound of Simgot EM6L​

Tonality​

EM6L, like most of the other Simgot IEMs, aims for the Harman 2019 Target and for the most part hugs the line very closely. There are, however, some quirks which may or may not be welcome depending on your tastes or what you think about Harman tuning style.

EM6L Phoenix is bright, there is no denying that, all the Simgot IEMs I have tried are bright. But the balance on EM6L is a little different. Bass on EM6L isn’t very prominent, some may even say they are light in note weight. For me they are just a smidge dry, that’s all. For those who love EA500’s richness, EM6L might not satisfy you, after all EW200 didn’t satisfy them either. Still bass quality is pretty good, that’s what we would expect from Simgot.

Mids are forward and have a fine presence, no surprises there. But again other Simgot IEMs do a little better here tonally. EM6L has a late peaking ear gain, which I’m not a big fan of. Piano, brass instruments and electric guitars have more energy than I’m used to.

Like I said earlier, EM6L is bright, especially the upper treble is very pronounced. This makes them very technical and Simgot somehow managed it without them being too harsh. They can get fatiguing in long listening sessions for some, but I wasn’t too bothered by them. Frequency response graphs don't show the usual 8k resonance peak because there is actually a dip there. While it negates the piercing effect that occurs with drivers of inferior quality, it also makes them lack a certain snap I got accustomed too. Still I prefer this over the piercing effect.

Technicalities​

It might have come as I had a lot of negative things to say about EM6L so far, but those were nitpicks at best. They are well tuned but a little quirky, that’s all and they more than make up for those with their technical capability.

First of all, they let me hear lots of nuances I haven’t heard at this price point. They are very detailed and resolving. Like I said earlier, this is mostly attributed to the tuning which is kind of common among the high end sets. Drivers might not be of the highest quality but Simgot managed to get the best out of them. Unfortunately the timbre is slightly off. In fact it was the first thing I noticed when I put them in my ears for the first time. It’s not off putting but noticeable if you come from a very natural sounding set. Staging capabilities are fine but imaging and layering is quite good.

Comparison​

Simgot EM6L vs. Truthear Hexa​

Hexa has been one of the benchmarks below 100 USD and also being a hybrid, it was the most sensible choice for me to do a comparison.

• Hexa is mostly bass light except subbass. EM6L has more body and bass impact. Bass guitars are also more prominent on EM6L. EM6L slightly extends better in the subbass.
• EM6L is significantly brighter, and also has more vocal presence but not particularly harsh. In fact, it could be said that Hexa’s tuning is too safe. Hi-hats have a more satisfying energy on EM6L; there is also an occasional glare. Also EM6L has a dip at 8k which makes it lack a certain snap which Hexa and most other IEMs have. EM6L might get fatiguing in longer listening sessions.
• While not perfect, timbre is better and more believable on Hexa. EM6L is slightly off and nasally. EM6L is technically more capable than Hexa. It is more resolving and detailed. Also EM6L has better staging and imaging, it feels wider and deeper.

Considering how Hexa is one of the top choices below 100 usd, EM6L trading blows with Hexa is a compliment on its own.

Conclusion​

EM6L was another IEM that I enjoyed reviewing. They are very technical, especially for their price but also have some quirks. While tonally there are better IEMs in its price range including Simgot’s own offerings, I think technically they outcompete others I have heard so far. So it really depends on what you value more.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Simgot EM6L

The EM6L have been sent to me directly by Simgot in exchange for the publication of my thoughts and opinions in this review. Simgot have not made any specific requests and, as always, I will try my best to be as unbiased as possible.

You can find the official page for the Simgot EM6L here: http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/30.html

As always, this is a non-affiliate link.

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

The Simgot EM6L are a hybrid set of IEMs that feature an 8mm dynamic driver paired with 4x balanced armature drivers and a 3 way crossover. They come in at just over the 100€ mark and are said to be tuned towards the H-2019 target.

Those of you that are in the IEM world will automatically know what the H-2019 target is and probably also know if it is something you favour or not.

For those of you that have no idea what it is, it is basically the preference curve that Harman released in 2019 based on their research, which, according to them, should be favourable for the majority of the population. I am not going to go into details about the target, nor my opinion of it, so let’s get on with the important part, the EM6L.



Presentation…

The EM6L comes nicely packaged in a rather elegant box with a picture of a phoenix in flames on the front, with a logo of a phoenix on the interior box that slides out sideways. The back of the box shows the frequency response graph of the IEMs, along with a dissection of them and specifications beneath.

Inside the main box, at the top sit the IEMs in a rigid foam cut out, with an accessory box below and a box for the eartips underneath the IEMs.

As far as accessories, we get the cable, 3 sets of sillicone tips in 3 sizes, a semi rigid storage/transport case and the user manual.

There is nothing really extraordinary about the contents, they are a little sparse to be honest, but they do come well packaged and presented.



Build and aesthetics…

The IEMs are simple yet elegant, in a shiny black finish that uses a resin shell together with what seems to be an aluminium face plate, featuring the Simgot logo in a sort of titanium colour in the center, with a small ventilation hole beneath. They don’t scream “look at me” and they don’t look cheap either, as I said, they are elegant in their simplicity.

They are also compact and quite lightweight. I found that they fit me comfortably (which is obviously only relevant to me) and did not cause any kind of fatigue even when wearing them for long listening sessions.

I am also a fan of the aesthetics of the included cable. Again it is simple, just a plain twist that divides into single cores after the split but the cables are soft a malleable, with a nice choice of black and an “almost” gold colour. One thing to note is that the use the recessed 2 pin connectors on the cable, which means that if you want to change the cable, you will need to take this into consideration but I really don’t see any need to not stick with the cable that is included as it is rather nice (unless you need balanced).



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

I already mentioned in the intro that these IEMs are tuned to follow the Harman 2019 curve but let’s take our usual look at the graph and see how this tuning looks in comparison to my usual personal preference curve for reference.



I haven’t said it yet this year, maybe because this is only the second review, but my preference curve is just a basic reference, it is not a rule that determines whether I will like something or not. There are many times when I enjoy things that deviate from it and other times that I don’t enjoy models that are actually close to it in tuning.

Now let me share my usual comments when using my test track list that I always refer to when doing a final detailed listening test of whatever I am trying out (the full list can be found here).

To not break tradition, starting off with the subbass ranges and my obligatory test of “Chameleon”, there is plenty of rumble for my tastes and while the subbass is fairly clean, I find that the additional presence of midbass, which I will get to next, does subtract a little from the clarity and impressiveness of the lows in this set.

If we move to “No Sanctuary Here”, there is quite a punchy response to the midbass, again fairly clean and detailed, yet, with this track having a little more focus on the midbass, it does overshadow the lowest of notes slightly. The result is satisfying and I think it will please those who like a little more emphasis on these ranges but personally I would have preffered slightly less midbass, leaving the subbass to shine a little more.

Things are well controlled and pretty clean moving into the lower mids, with no muddyness or sensation of things being out of control. My usual midbass fatigue test with “Crazy” does show them to be a little too present in the reverb of the lower notes but not enough to actually cause fatigue, which is a very positive thing.

There is a slight lack of presence in the midrange on occasions, such as with the vocals in the track “No Sanctuary Here” that I just mentioned but it is not enough to make things sound distant, it more of a slight focus on the lows and highs rather than any absence of mids. The upper mids do climb slightly later than I am usually fond of but again, it does not affect presence of vocals, mainly due to the rather energetic higher upper mids and treble in general.

Now, I just said “energetic” upper mids and treble, yet it is not in your face. In fact, the treble, while noticeably present, still manages to be smooth and non fatiguing. I had measured these IEMs before spending time with them and based on the graph, I would have expected a much more fatiguing and harsh upper ranges than they actually deliver.

The extension is fairly decent, although not really amazing, but it is how they manage to stay focused and smooth that is the surprising part for me. My test of sibilance with “Code Cool” would place sibilance around neutral for what I have come to expect from the track. The same could be said for Lana Del Rey in “Hope Is A Dangerous Thing”, where sibilance is not reduced but is not exaggerated (which is good, because it is already quite hot in the recording).

Soundstage is not huge yet the EM6L provides a slightly holographic sensation to the sound. Not holographic as in it is being affected by distortions or giving a false sensation, more of just a slight extension of presence around vocals that makes them seem lusher and fuller.

As far as detail, they are not something that is going to blow your mind by allowing you to hear the creaking of a chair in the back of the room but they do a decent job and do not seem to try and over emphasize things to the point of pretending they are what they really aren’t.



Conclusion…

The tuning of the EM6L is not my personal preference, however, I have to say that they do a very coherent job of it and, as I just said, don’t pretend to be something that they aren’t. I think the thing that surprised me the most is how the treble manages to be present but smooth and relaxed at the same time. There are many sets of IEMs, especially with BA’s, that can come across in these upper ranges as trying to be impressive but only end up being fatiguing. That is not the case here, in fact, they don’t try to be impressive and are pretty impressive in doing so.

If you are someone who favours the Harman tuning, then I think that these IEMs can give you many hours of non fatiguing joy. The included accessories may not be up to the level of some of the competitors in this price range but, in the end (to me at least), it is the performance in the ears that matters.

__
As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

Introduction:-



Another SIMGOT iem! Today its the EM6L. Till now all the simgot iem I have tried have been good and I really liked it. This to like the other simgot iems uses a small variation of the Harman target curve. So lets find out more about it.

I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.




Would like to say a big thanks to SIMGOT for sending me this review unit, all the thoughts and opinions you are about to hear are my own.

You can buy them here (Unaffiliated link) :-

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805701995653.html

I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.

So lets start!

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Build, Comfort and Accessories:-



1. The packaging in Simgot fashion is great, thankfully like the ea1000 there is no maths here


2. They with the iem, a 2pin cable, one pair of generic tips and a very good case.


3. The retail price for this set is around $109


4. The iems are built really good, although they are a fingerprint magnet.


5. The nozzle as usual is a tad bit larger than usual, some might find it a bit too big


6. The zipper case is good and pocketable and can be easily used to carry one more iem and your dongle dacs if needed.


7. The tips although work ok for me, is a bit weak for me in terms of proper sealing and hence the bass was a bit weak for me I will be using the foam tips for my review.


8. They do not have any driver flex.


9. The EM6L has 1DD and 4BA

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Sound Impressions:-



1. The overall sound signature it follows is the Harman 2019v2 but with a bit of a variation. We can also call it a V shaped. Will talk about it more after few seconds.


2. The overall tonality of the iem despite having BA is really good!


3. I used the Fiio BTR5, Hiby FC6, Muse HIFI M4, Razer USB-C dongle dac, My smartphone


4. I do think they pair well with sort of a neutral source like the muse hifi M4


5. These surprisingly require a bit of power to drive them, they have 28ohms impedence. A decent dongle dac is suggested. They do perform well with more power.



Bass-

- The sub-bass of the EM6L is more prominent hear than the mid-bass.


- The sub-bass here follows closely to harman curve 2019v2. It has some rumble and good quantity, but what it lacks is that refinement of the bass and the tactility of the bass.


- The em6l is more sub-bass focused rather than mid bass. The mid-bass could sound a bit muddy, then again for the price point this is a bit of a nitpick


- For example when listening to crack crack crackle by classy or Idol by Yoasobi the sub-bass although has a good quantity it lacks a bit of that bite and the crispness I would like. The mid-bass too is a bit muddy and it muddles up the entire song bit, specially when there is a lot going on


- The instruments do sound good and I can pinpoint the them quite easily like the 1985 live album by Casiopea. But they do sound a bit blunt for my taste, again a nitpick for this price and the sound signature


- The overall bass here is a tad bit better than is younger brother the EW200



Mids-

- The overall mids are quite good


- The male mids as usual sit behind a bit. Singers like Chris cornell, Bill Withers thick voice has very good texture but they take the back seat a bit.


- Female vocals here sound really good! When listening to Hako Yamasaki’s “Ano yume ni” her voice is what I would expect and it sounds very intimating. But it isnt too overpowering and it does It very nicely. I would say a great set for female vocals specially J-pop. Most iem overdo it here, but the EM6l does a really good job at it and is very well controlled



Treble-

- The overall treble is done here brilliantly


- For the price they do have the right amount of air and details without sounding to shrilly


- But as usual if you do increase the volume or there are of lots of things happening in the track, it could be a bit too much for you.


- Although I would say that the treble extension could be a bit better. As in some songs I do find it a bit lacking


- But this lack of treble extension could be good for some as it could be too much. So it all depends on your choice and the type of songs you listen too.


- The treble here is a bit better than EW200



Technicalities:-

The overall technicalities is a bit average for the price in my opinion. For the price of $100 this does a ok enough job, but it doesn’t have the technical prowess like some other iems at this price point.



Soundstage:-

The overall soundstage is quite good for the price, it has exceptional depth but the width is ok for the price



Imaging:-

The imaging is really good for the price, and it is very precise. The left to right and vice versa is also very good. I am surprised as to how good it performs



Gaming Test:-

Talking about soundstage and imaging the gaming performance of the EM6L is also really good to. It performs really well when in playing fps as I can feel the environment around me decently well and the left and right of the footsteps is really awesome too. What I do find is that the movement of footsteps from left to right is quite accurate and surprising as to how well this performs. The width of the left and right is a bit cramped though and could be a bit of an issue. If you use third party cable with those boom mic, this makes a decent gaming iem for around the price of the $100.

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Comparison & Recommendation:-



- v/s Geek Wold GK20 the em6l is a more fun sounding iem. The gk20 is a technical beast at the under 100 price point. The bass on the Gk20 although less in quantity is of better quality, but the overall quantity of bass is great on the EM6l. The soundstage of em6l is superior than the gk20


- v/s younger brother ew200, the ew200 is such a fantastic iem that I see no point in upgrade to the em6l. But that doesn’t mean that there is no gap between them. The em6l has more bass but the quality of the bass is better in the ew200, the soundstage is wider on the ew200 but is much deeper in the em6l. In my opinion if you have the ew200 stick with it and if you want more bass for the ew200 then use foam tips.


- v/s the elder brother ea1000. Ea1000 is better in every aspect and beats the em6l. It is a clear upgrade. In my personal opinion if you have the ew200 rather than upgrading to the em6l I would say save more money and buy the ea1000. I know its almost double the money the of em6l, but that upgrade is worth it.


- So thats my review on the em6l, I think so its a great iem specially for the gaming crowd. I think so the upgrade path of Simgot as of this review is pretty good. The em6l makes a good purchase for the price of $100 but its younger brother EW200 is so good that I see very few points in upgrading to this from it.

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If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to Simgot for making this review possible.

Have a great day ahead

Disclaimer

The EM6L is my fifth IEM from Simgot. I got a review sample for written impressions. All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.

Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce



About me and my gear used for the review

My audio preference is neutral with increased low end, mids can be forward but not too much. I can also handle some treble spikes if it is not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned IEMs for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are Metal, Electronica, Jazz, Indy rock/metal, R&B, Pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there. I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman and Minidisc.

I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play. My wife has also played many instruments from string to wind instruments and also piano.

My current standard in Headphones is ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.

My current favorites in IEMs are AüR Audio Neon Pro, Sound Rhyme DTE900 and 634ears Miroak-II. The NEON PRO has 10 BAs, and has a near perfect tonality for me on the brighter side. DTE900 is a tribrid with 1+4+4 config, tuned W shape being energetic and lush. Miroak-II is my favorite single DD, it has a warm and bassy sound that is also very natural sounding.

Gear used in the main rig is Topping E70 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokuis I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
Portable gear used during the review is HIBY R6 Pro 2, Colorfly CMA M1P Cayin RU7.
I have a good range of cables from Clan Audio, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS, DUNU, Effect Audio and Gladiator Cables.








What do I think about EM6L

The build is with resin and metal nozzle, and it's made slightly more ergonomic than the other models. I can have problems with secure fit on Simgot models, this never happens here.
Cable is also very subtle and sounds more than okay to let your music flow.

The package is nice as always with Simgot, the tips are soft and secure. There are no tuning nozzles on this model, a positive for many.

It has been tuned close to the Harman tuning but has more warmth, and due to BA used it has a softer sound than some single DDs tuned after Harman. Maybe not for everyone, but I think it works very well here.

The EM6L is enough resolving for its price, but less than the EA500 and EA1000. But in return the sound is also more forgiving and musical.
Soundstage is open with average layering, I actually find this wider sounding than the single DD offerings. And overall it has an oval and stage like sound, I like this type of soundstage alot.

The EM6L has more warmth than what I'm used to from Simgot, and addresses my personal issue with EA500 as the balance changes some. The bass is also not as fast, in return it sounds more natural.
Sub bass reaches deep and has good rumble, and sub bass has good weight and can punch well. Bass goes also into midrange with a slope, again to my preference.

I find the midrange clean and fairly good, darker vocals are better than brighter ones. But it also has a good way of portraying females, just maybe not as clean as some prefer. Instruments taking good use of the DD and low mids are excellent, and sound really good. Going up into brighter instruments like violin or sax it lacks a little bite to them, but also means it's more forgiving.

The highs have good enough extension not to sound dark, but it also doesn't sound bright either. Personal preference is a little more energy up top, but this is also very pleasing and forgiving with a sound that is never fatiguing.



I also compared the EM6L against the Juzear 41T, another great hybrid for its price. And in the end I preferred EM6L more than 41T, mainly due to the sound being warmer and more smooth. Not that one is better than the other, both are great and come back to preference of sound.



Music I enjoyed the most with EM6L was maybe older rock and metal recordings, as it's detailed enough without being painful. Also sound very good with jazz or soul music, and bass is very addicting on electronica music. In general a well rounded sound, unless you prefer more bite.

Just a few tracks that all sound great on EM6L, just musical and fun.


















Conclusion

I do like EM6L quite much and it is my second favorite from them, EM6L price point is below what I usually use for IEMs. But even so it's so close to higher end stuff and makes you sometimes wonder, why use more for good sound?

I know that the EM6L was voted for by many as the best budget IEM of 2023, and it might be that. Well deserving, and I look forward to some higher end Simgot models coming out this year.

I give it 3.5 stars and very close to very good, for the money its a 4.5 in my opinion.

Review OF The Simgot EM6L​

Introduction​

I have personally known SIMGOT since their early days, when they released the En series, which I loved, but eventually they lost relevance in the audiophile market. However, they made a comeback in 2022 with the release of the EA2000 and EA500, which were warmly welcomed by us audiophiles and quickly rose to the top of the rankings. Later, they released even more reasonably priced sets, the EW100p and EW200, which are also well-liked by many. The EA1000, an economical variant of the EA2000, and the EM6L, their third multi-driver hybrid IEM, were just released. I had the good fortune to obtain EM6L for review; however, allow me to make a few clarifications first.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the generous people at SIMGOT, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “EM6L.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the EM6L based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

EM6L features with a multiple driver configuration consisting of 1 dynamic driver and 4 balanced armatures. Eight millimeter high polymer dual cavity dynamic drivers handle low to mid-frequency frequencies; two custom BAs handle mid-high frequencies; and the final two custom BAs handle high-ultra high frequencies. A three-way filter circuit multiple channel sound damping tuning system, housed in a three-dimensional printed shell, connects each driver. The faceplate that is used is made of metal, and the shells are made of resin. Although the shells are heavy, they fit perfectly and are comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. The high purity oxygen free copper silver plated cable that is included with the EM6L has a 3.5mm straight termination plug on one end and a two pin (QDC type) connection on the other. In addition to the IEMs and the cable, the following accessories are included: three pairs of eartips and a carrying case. Regarding the technical details, the sensitivity is 119dB and the impedance is 26 Ohms. The range of the frequency response is 20 Hz–20 kHz.

Sound​

Whether it was the EA500, EW200, or even the EW100P, the quality and tuning at the price they were offered at truly made them a steal, as the tuning typically leans toward a neutral sound with a sub bass boost response—my preferred listening style. Given that it lacks dynamics and has a flat response, I think this is the pinnacle of what a neutral with sub bass boost tuning actually is. It is more sophisticated, detailed, and enjoyable to listen to because of the conclusive and understandable response. It maintains a relatively open and airy presence while not favoring any one area over another. I mean, after listening to the Nova and the Chopin, I couldn't find any characteristics that were as well-resolved and clear. Yes, there are certain restrictions; these include the BA timbre and dynamics, but more about those later. Allow me to elaborate on the EM6L's sound.

Treble​

The treble, which surprisingly doesn't pierce your ears with any offensiveness, is the highlight of the entire response with its crisp, airy response full of precise, detailed notes. I was completely captivated by the treble response alone. Though I can understand that the treble is not as forward as it seems on the Nova and the Chopin, and that is better for a coherent and smooth response, I'm not sure why people find it lush or dark.The reason for this was my uncertainty following my examination of the EM6L frequency response graph, which revealed an unduly emphasized lower treble energy. This unnerved me because only balanced armatures with such intense energy could have resulted in piercing and metallic sound. And I was mistaken because, in actuality, the timbre control is superior to many BA configured IEMs that I have heard. I find that this IEM is far superior to any other in this price range because of the upper treble's zing and extension without using excessive energy to achieve such response. It also sounds very detailed and resolving given the price, thanks to its clarity and airy presence. The instruments sound clear and dispersed, and the vocals feel lighter and fuller without being particularly warm. With more emphasis on the vocals, the lower treble carries out the same energy. Here, the response results in notes that are more distinct and coherent by improving their clarity and sharpness. Although the subtle BA timbre is noticeable and may cause one to perceive the response as lean, the orientation of the vocals and instruments helps them to come forward without being aggressive and metallic in sound. Although it is thin and light, the notes' integrity is unassailable. Because of the treble region, the entire response really establishes a widespread and distant response. As a result, the treble response sounds clear, airy, and linear overall in its presentation.

Mid Range​

When we get to the mid range, the forward-sounding instruments and vocals are enjoyable to listen to. The response is clear and precise even though the notes don't feel warm, dense, or rounded. Even in the upper mids, where the Nova seemed more approachable, I thought there was a better sense of distinction between the notes because the notes on EM6L sound full and mature. While the vocals and instruments sound more substantial and organic, the upper mid range resonates with the lower treble and radiates the same energy. The response sounds warm and velvety, but it's actually more revealing. The vocal notes in particular exhibit an open, forward response that sounds lean but not in an offensive way; in fact, the lean quality smoothes out the balance between the sharpness and details of the notes. Conversely, the instruments have a better tonal quality and sound more prominent, but they still lack some weight. Due to the response's lack of density and warm flow, the lower mid range sounds clear and a little relaxed. It sounds better with note weight and density due to the muted qualities. Not because it lacks note density; rather, the upper mid range conveys a sense of refinement combined with a weight that is both authentic and genuine. Both the vocals and the instruments sound clear, with the instruments having a stronger sense of texture and note presence. As a result, the mid range sounds appealing, forward, and open overall in its presentation.

Bass​

I can't say that I'm a fan of the bass, but I find it interesting how it works with the whole mix. Nevertheless, the bass response sounds more textured and detailed than rich and dense, and it appears to be much leaner. Despite having a strong impact, the bass is not what you might feel. As previously mentioned, the bass resolves quickly, leaving no warm, organic response. This is because the resolvability is excellent. The warmth is diminished because the sub bass is emphasized. The deep sub bass extension produces a very faint rumbling sound in the ears, but its powerful punch response makes a big impression. But where the slams could have been thick and the thumps would have felt like they were pounding on eardrums, the mid bass lacks the weight and meatier approach. It's not dead, though, because bass-heavy tracks have a bass that just slams into you with all of its might,the bass delivers a tactile, strong, and pounding sound that is incredibly captivating. Compared to other IEMs in this price range, the bass quality is extremely good, with much better details and texture. Though the bass on the Chopin sounds more natural and in control, the note texture isn't any better than on the EM6L. Overall, the bass region is presented in a clean, controlled, and detailed manner.

Technical Performance​

At the price these are being offered at, I firmly believe that no IEM has greater technical capability than the EM6L. It sounds great, regardless of the resolution or the specifics. In actuality, I think the imaging and details are superior to the Chopin, and the stage and resolution are superior to the Nova. Let's go into more detail.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

Compared to a stereo response that is more generic, the soundstage has a more expansive and holographic feel. In particular, the stage isn't as large or far away as one might think, but excellent imaging and separation give the impression that it is a more upscale setting. The imagery is clear and crisp, but I would have thought it might have sounded offensive if there had been more contrast. I can tell exactly where the sound is coming from, but the distance between the notes is noticeable but not very great.

Speed & Resolution​

Given how quickly notes are delivered for a BA and a dd, the accuracy of the resolution and the details conveyed are impressive. I mean, all of the details—micro and macro—are sufficiently expressive, and the notes' attack and decay are timed to help resolve the issue quickly and provide a very clear strategy.

Sound Impressions​

Sources​

Sony WM1A -while using my WM1A to listen to EM6L That was such a lovely, melodic response that I was speechless. The notes had a more lively, realistic physical quality. While the notes' slender quality wasn't completely eradicated, it was sufficiently diminished to yield a more organic and natural response. The bass guitar plucking began to sound more meaty, and the bass felt bigger and more quantified. In the end, the higher frequencies seemed more subdued in the treble or mid range, with a better stage response, more relaxed and tonally superior vocals, and more rounded rather than sharp instrument notes.

Tempotec V6 - Rich with energy, the response felt largely the same as I had previously mentioned, with the exception that it was a little bit more cohesive and smoother, allowing for a less leaner sound. The response, in my opinion, felt a little too warm.

Tracks Used​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

In conclusion, I would like to say that I have a lot of appreciation for the EM6L because of its extremely refined and tactile response, which never permits any unpleasant noises and produces an impressively detailed and resolving response for an IEM in this price range. Of course, the response is not as dynamic as other IEMs, but the tuning it offers reveals better than any IEM I have heard, even above its price range. The quality that SIMGOT provides consistently leaves you feeling more than satisfied. Of course, those who prefer a neutral with sub bass boost response can get this; however, I strongly suggest the EA1000 by SIMGOT to those who lean more toward a musical IEM.

Does a recipe for making great art exist? If it does, wouldn't following it produce art that lacks originality and is no longer great?

As someone who enjoys earphones purely as a consumer I have no idea what goes into making them.

Is tuning IEMs a process of art or science, and is the final result all that matters?

Such thoughts occurred when SIMGOT reached out to me, offering to send a pair of their EM6L IEMs in exchange for a review. I assented, knowing nothing about the product and little of the brand. Whilst awaiting their arrival a friend casually mentioned a dreadful truth... the EM6L's are Harman Tuned.

If you choose to stop reading this review now you have my full understanding and forgiveness.

The Harman Curve was created by Dr Sean Olive at Harman International, and is essentially recipe for tuning IEMs & headphones in a way researchers think will please the average listener. However this article articulates many common objections to the Harman Curve, and though consumers can find the recipe pleasing experienced audiophiles often regard it with disdain.

One way or another, this is set to be an interesting review. Buckle up!

Packaging​

The USD $109 SIMGOT EM6Ls arrive in a small cardboard box, inside of which is an instruction manual, three sets of silicone eartips and a leather case that's intelligently sized - realistically pocketable, yet roomy enough if you upgrade to a chunky 8 wire cable you won't need something larger.

Speaking of cables the stock OFC silver-plated 2pin cable is disappointingly only available in a 3.5mm termination. I suppose that's not unusual for budget IEMs, but in a world of DAPs with 4.4mm balanced connections which tend to sound better than their 3.5mm counterparts one wonders if offering consumers the choice of a 4.4mm cable even at additional cost wouldn't have been appreciated.

I suppose the silver (excuse me, OFC) lining here is that only a relatively small percentage of the purchase price has been allocated to the cable, which is a fairly nondescript affair.

Ergonomics​

Ergonomically the EM6Ls are a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand their polished shells are made of resin which you'd never guess from the weight which is quite substantial, and affords the EM6Ls a feeling of quality when handled. I can't say if their durability is higher than that of other IEMs but their heft in the hand certainly lends that impression and I did not expect IEMs of this price to be finished so impressively.

It's not all good news though. The 2pin sockets are raised, jutting out of the shells in a manner that mars their sleek appearance. The nozzles also lack raised lips to prevent eartips from sliding off, though thankfully they're quite thick which mitigates that possibility to some extent. I also note the shells are vented, so pressure build-up should not be an issue.

Though small and smooth, the EM6Ls' shells are not as sculpted to human ear geometry as we see in many IEMs, and this coupled with their weight renders obtaining a strong seal slightly more difficult, impacting comfort slightly. They definitely aren't uncomfortable for me, but I wouldn't claim comfort as one of their strengths either.

Sound Impressions​

I'm using the Hiby R6 Pro II set to 28 volume in Hi-Gain, AB mode to test the EM6Ls and the first thing that hits me is the telltale sense of diffuseness I associate with the Harman Target curve they've been tuned to - but more on that later.

Bass is definitely not an EM6L strong suit given it comes across as fairly mushy with poor texture, though I can tell a DD is being used to produce it simply due to how slow it is. Bass quantity is fairly neutral with a bias towards midbass rather than sub, and I'd prefer a bit more quantity for my taste.

The midrange is where adhering to the Harman Target is heard most, with a palpable lack of warmth that lends vocals a nasal quality I don't particularly enjoy or find convincing. Strongly biased towards the upper rather than lower midrange, this may aid resolution as I can hear the intake of vocalists' breaths more easily, yet there's a real lack of weight & emotion here - the word I'm looking for is sterile.

I don't detect anything objectionable about the EM6L's high frequencies which are the least-offensive area of their presentation. Treble doesn't feel especially high quality but is kept in check enough that most listeners shouldn't find the EM6Ls fatiguing, but I'd prefer more upper-treble sparkle.

Harman Target Thoughts​

I can't review an IEM tuned to the Harman Target without a few more thoughts on the target itself.

In the case of the EM6Ls, the Harman tuning creates a sound that feels diffuse: Imagine the most precise, pinpoint imaging you've ever heard and then reverse it - that's a bit like how the EM6Ls feel, with a sense of vagueness as if there's a veil between yourself and the performance.

This does seem to artificially stretch the soundstage but results in a hollow tonality with very little note weight, that to my ears sounds lifeless and unconvincing. It's almost like crossfeed has been added and there's an odd sense of reverb, and it feels like I'm listening to a recording of a recording which severs my emotional connection with the performers.

Sadly many people think they enjoy this kind of sound - largely non-audiophiles with far less exposure to genuinelygreat sound than myself of course, but a market for Harman-tuned products persists for those who've never heard anything better.

Technical Performance​

You might assume the tradeoff for the Harman Target's unconvincing tonality might be superior technical performance, and to some extent you're correct.

Certainly the EM6Ls are quite resolving for an IEM with a modest price tag, and their soundstage is commendably wide though sadly it has very little depth. Unfortunately imaging is very diffuse & vague as I hinted at earlier, and dynamics are disappointingly flat.

IEM Comparisons​

I compared the EM6Ls with IEMs at hand to get a picture of how they fare against the competition.



Truthear Zero - 2xDD (USD $49)



Physically the Zeros are larger but quite a lot lighter than the EM6Ls, and stick out further. They also don't follow the contours of my ears much at all and I have difficulty obtaining a good seal. Requiring 29 volume on the R6P2 they're similarly easy to drive.

The Zero's feature higher bass quantity than the EM6L with an emphasis towards midbass, but bass is mushier with poorer texture and its also very noticeable how much more sluggish the Zero's bass driver is. With greater lower midrange presence I do find vocals on the Zeros more convincing, though having said that the can be a little shouty as well.

For technical performance the EM6Ls easily come out on top in most areas, with the Zeros demonstrating a much more congested sound with confused imaging, worse dynamics and lower resolution. Their soundstage is similarly wide, but in other respects they do sound like entry-level IEMs.



Kiwi Ears Quartet - 2xBA 2xDD (USD $109)



The Quartets are physically quite a bit larger than the EM6Ls but also lighter, and fit quite snugly in the ear to the extent I'd say the EM6Ls more comfortable but don't isolate quite as well. At 22 volume on the R6P2 the Quartets are bit easier to drive.

With the Quartets' tuning switches kept in their stock positions, they're much more midrange centric with more lower midrange presence in particular, and as a result I prefer their tonality. However in other areas they struggle, with sluggish bass that struggles to keep up with the music and more muted treble.

The Quartets have a similarly wide but flat stage, but in other ways compare poorly with lower resolution and much poorer dynamics in particular. They make the EM6Ls sound quite high-end in A/B testing.



ISN Neo5 - 4xBA 1x DD (USD $289)



Despite being similarly sized the Neo5s are physically much lighter & contoured to the ear more, though I find them more comfortable largely on the grounds of the weight difference. Needing 22 volume on the R6P2 they're slightly easier to drive.

The Neo5s deliver immensely higher quantities of bass with more visceral sub bass impact in particular, though bass very rarely feels bloated and is integrated into the rest of the presentation quite skillfully. Vocals have much more gravitas & presence and are more forward on the Neo5s, and although they're a little darker in the treble than the EM6Ls this doesn't seem to affect their technical performance.

The Neo5s boast a slightly deeper stage, greater midrange resolution, and have a way of portraying instruments that sound larger. Their overall tuning is one I find a lot more engaging, and indeed they're probably my favourite earphone under $500 so it's no surprise the EM6Ls suffer by comparison.



Penon Globe – 2xBA, 1xDD (USD $329)



Despite being slightly larger & sticking out quite a bit more I find the Globes lighter and a little more comfortable than the EM6Ls, and requiring just 21 volume on the R6P2 they're easier to drive.

The Globes boast greater bass quantity, though being biased towards midbass it can feel a tad hollow at times, but the EM6Ls bass' definitely feels mushier & slower by comparison. However the biggest difference between them lies in the midrange where the Globes render vocals that are far more forward, bodied and resolving to the extent they really fixates attention. Whereas the EM6Ls are more politely tuned with smoother & less aggressive vocals.

The Globes may have a slightly narrower stage but it feels a bit deeper, and they're much more dynamic with slightly higher resolution. However it's the Globes vastly superior tonality rather than any differences in technical performance that really sets the two IEMs apart.



ISN EST50 – 2xBA, 1xDD, 2xEST (USD $449)



The EST50s are much larger and also stick out a lot more, but are more sculpted to the ear & slightly lighter, though comfort is similar. Requiring 22 volume on the R6P2 they're a bit easier to drive.

The EST50s boasts deeper bass with more sub bass impact in particular, bass texture is also superior and its' DD bass driver is also faster. The EST50 has a fairly pronounced V-shaped tuning so treble is also more prominent than that of the EM6L, and thanks to its' EST drivers of higher quality as well.

Though the midrange is not the EST50's strength, it features more lower midrange prominence than the EM6L and I prefer the EST50 tonality as a result. Soundstage dimensions are similar between the two, though the EST50 has more pinpoint imaging and slightly higher resolution.

Cable Comparisons​

As always I tested the EM6Ls with a number of cables to gauge their scope for potential improvement.



NiceHCK Blacksoul (USD $50)



BlackSoul provides a slight boost to the lower midrange which generates a slightly meatier sound and note weight seems to benefit. However the treble definitely takes a hit with this cable, making the EM6L's sound less airy.

The soundstage does expand slightly and the background may be a little blacker, but overall this is a fairly underwhelming pairing.



Penon Vocal (USD $69)



As always Vocal does what you think it would - shifts more focus to the midrange, and as a result the emphasis shifts from the upper to the lower midrange with more realistic sounding instruments the result. Midrange resolution even increases slightly.

The soundstage is slightly deeper though no wider, there's a minor improvement to bass impact and dynamics also feel a little bit better.



Penon Obsidian (USD $149)



The Obsidian is a modular cable, with both Rhodium and Purple Copper plugs available so you can alter its’ performance to some extent. I find regardless of which plug is used the Obsidian improves dynamics impressively, increases soundstage depth and presents cleaner more pinpoint imaging.

With the Rhodium plug in particular the higher frequencies are more heavily emphasised and the soundstage is wider, whereas swapping to the Gold plug yields slightly more pleasing tonality as the lower midrange is given a greater boost.



Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)



This is an impressive pairing in which the midrange is more forward, with bass hitting with slightly more authority and the bass emphasis shifting more towards midbass. The lower midrange is also given a boost which "fixes" the Harman tonality to no small extent.

The soundstage now has actual depth, and although resolution doesn't seem to alter much dynamics are noticeably improved.



NiceHCK AceOrpheus (USD $258)



Another impressive pairing, soundstage depth improves markedly as AceOrpheus presents a much grander spherical stage for the performers. Instruments feel positioned further away, whereas the stock cable presents vocalists in particular closer to the listener.

Although bass impact does increase the improvement is minimal, however dynamics & background blackness also improve and midrange resolution feels substantially higher. AceOrpheus does dull the treble and even upper midrange frequencies however, though I find this leads to a more pleasing tonality.

Conclusion​

Writing negative reviews isn't fun, particularly when a manufacturer sends a product to evaluate.

The EM6Ls aren't a "bad" pair of IEMs either, I've no doubt Harman Target fans will appreciate them. Build quality in particular is excellent, so if you value clarity over tonality you may like what they offer.

Unfortunately I'm not someone who enjoys Harman-tuned earphones.

To me the Harman sound is just too hollow & lifeless to be enjoyable, and I always come away suspecting the Harman Curve was designed to create an artificially enhanced sense of clarity & spaciousness at the cost of instruments that sound real - a "hack" to give cheaper earphones boosted technical performance without adding more drivers, or improving driver quality.

As an audiophile of nearly three decades experience I'd rather spend more money on IEMs that deliver great technical performance and believable tonality, but not everyone has that luxury. The Harman Curve lets manufacturers bring higher levels of technical performance to the masses without raising prices, but to me the tradeoff isn't worth it - at this price level I'd prioritise tonality instead.

Sadly the Harman Curve has a legion of followers manufacturers must find it tempting to tap into, so this won't be the last Harman IEM we see... but hopefully the industry moves away from Harman in future.

The EM6L is the successor and an updated version of the much renowned SIMGOT EM5. It is a hybrid earphone which combines an 8mm, custom-designed, high-polymer diaphragm, dual-cavity dynamic driver to handle mid-to-low frequencies and two sets of balanced armature drivers to take charge of the mid-to-high and high frequencies. With meticulously set crossover points and precise tuning techniques the SIMGOT EM6L has been designed and tuned to adhere to the H-2019 Target Curve.

Non audio stuff

The ear-shells of the EM6L combine a black resin-compound main body with aluminum faceplate inserts that have a mirror-like finish that is elegant and beautiful but also a fingerprint magnet. The EM6L design is plain and minimalistic but with a luxurious appearance that is more premium looking than the price would suggest.

The low profile and lightweight earshells offer a stable and very comfortable fit that is ideal for extended listening sessions. Passive noise attenuation is also very satisfying.

The interchangeable cable is made from silver-plated copper wires and uses the 2-pin interface. The plugs are recessed so they attach more securely and minimize the risk of accidentally bending the pins. This is a well made cable that is soft, yet durable, and with minimal microphonic noise.

The package includes a compact carrying case and only one set of ear-tips in three sizes.



Audio stuff

The SIMGOT EM6L is pretty easy to drive (26Ω/119dB) and for this review I have mainly used the Shanling UA1 Plus and the iBasso DC03PRO.

The tuning of the SIMGOT EM6L is Harman based but with finer balance as it boasts ample bass extension but without subduing the mid-range that is followed by a smooth treble and non fatiguing treble.

The bass is deep and impactful with remarkable sub-bass extension. The tuning is not exactly neutral, there is a certain mid-bass emphasis that adds a cozy warmness to the sound and makes the EM6L suitable for listening to a great variety of bass heavy music. At the same time it manages to stay within acceptable tonal accuracy margins for reproducing acoustic bass instruments without too much unwanted coloration. The bass is weighty and full bodied and it doesn't bleed into the mid-range, it is clean and pretty well defined, with good layering for the category. It is quite fast in its recovery, tight and mostly controlled minus a touch of resonance that adds a little echo that shouldn't be there.

The mid-range is so engaging and musical sounding that you can't stop listening. Present, clean and well defined with great resolution for the category and a full bodied texture. The timbre is eminently natural and organic, full of colorful harmonies and great tonal realism. Voices and instruments are reproduced in a lifelike manner without any significant upper mid-range emphasis. The temperament is mildly warm and smooth but not too dark while the mid-range doesn't lack definition and transparency.

The smoothness extends right up to the treble which combines plenty of energy and airiness with a polite and easy going character. This is not the most extended or sparkling sounding earphone but it exhibits strong timbre realism and a lack of artificiality. The EM6L might not be the most detailed or analytical sounding earphone but it is not that sort of overall resolution.

The EM6L boasts very good timbre and texture consistency throughout the whole frequency range thanks to the excellent driver integration.

The soundstage impresses upon the first minutes of listening. It is unexpectedly holographic and grand, extending both to the horizontal and vertical axis. Surprisingly good layering for the category and a mostly accurate imagining but not with much air or blackness around the performers.

Conclusion

There is plenty to love in the SIMGOT EM6L, the balanced and easy going sound character, the strong and impactful bass, the lush mids, the smooth treble and the comfortable wearing experience. The SIMGOT EM6L is an affordable all-around earphone for everyday casual listening to all kinds of music that does most things right rather than wrong and it is truly pretty hard to dislike.

The SIMGOT EM6L was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Simgot EM6L: EW 200 on steroids?



Intro

Today's IEM bears the name of the Greek mythological bird Phoenix, and it makes me think that this is what Simgot has achieved this year: a rebirth from their ashes by offering excellent sonic capabilities in their latest releases. Today's EM6L (or Phoenix) is a $110 USD IEM (currently on sale for $100 USD) featuring a dynamic driver and four balanced armatures.


If you wish to read this review in Spanish, click here

Check out previous reviews here (or in spanish here)


Disclaimers:

• Thank you very much to everyone at Simgot, especially Fia Lam, for providing me with the EM6L for writing an honest review.
  • You can find the EM6L here: http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/30.html#!/detail (Simgot's Official Website) - https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-em6l?_pos=1&_sid=d36a6a458&_ss=r (Linsoul)
• Analysis over 4 days – Sessions of approximately 2 to 4 hours
• All music is lossless (Qobuz > 16bit – 44.1kHz)
• Gear Used: IFI Zen Air Can (AMP) + Fiio E10K (DAC)

Unboxing, Build & Comfort







Simgot EM6L: Standard construction with a CNC-machined metal faceplate (easily gets dirty) and a 3D-printed dark-tinted resin housing. Honestly, the construction didn't impress me, and the inclusion of QDC connections seems unusual for an IEM priced above $100 USD. The true value of the IEM lies within, as it features an 8mm dynamic driver and 4 balanced armatures (BA) with a three-way hybrid crossover. 5mm nozzle size.



Cable: High-purity copper, oxygen-free, and silver-plated. It comes with 2-pin connectors coated and compatible with QDC. I have no complaints about the cable itself, and it performs its function well, although interchangeable terminations would be appreciated since it only has a straight 3.5mm termination.

Eartips: 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone tips. Despite my preference for this style of tips, it's somewhat unusual to encounter only one variety of tips in a product of this caliber.



Case: A simple but appreciated inclusion. Well-executed semi-hard construction in both the base and lid to prevent crushing the contents inside.

Comfort: Excellent with minimal protrusion. Decent isolation, although it can be affected if the tips are not the right ones, requiring readjustment of the IEMs to regain an ideal seal.

Driveability: Moderately challenging to amplify. I had to increase the volume on my iFi Zen AIR CAN more than usual compared to many other IEMs I've tested (volume comparison: EW200 = 1/8 turn on the iFi Air ZEN CAN vs EM6L = 2/8 or 3/8 turn on the iFi Air ZEN CAN) – EM6L Specifications (Impedance: 26 ohms - Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz)).



Sound Description


Credits: Paul Wasabii

Bass

The separation of the bass is correct but not astounding; in songs with simultaneous reproduction of bass and subbass (electronic), they tend to blend, confirmed by tracks like Tiesto's "All Nighter" and IMANU's "Buried". Subbass has a presence greater than the bass, causing bass guitars to prevail over the kick drum of drummers. The quality and reproduction of the subbass in songs like M|O|O|N's "Hydrogen" are above average and let their rumble be felt. However, the bass presents itself as somewhat softer than it should be (a slight lack of punch), making its execution less enjoyable in songs like Martin Garrix's "Follow".


Mids

Following the typical Harman curve signature, there is a bit of bleed into the mids, although it doesn't become too intrusive. It does, however, accentuate lows and deep notes to a greater extent than usual. This bleed is more noticeable with male singers with mid-to-low-range voices, while singers with mid and high registers can overcome it and become the main focus of the scene when they choose to.

Songs like "Vivo Per Lei" by Bocelli, where singers of both genders have similar vocal ranges, female voices manage to shine a bit more. In individual scenarios and with low or absent low-frequency presence, male voices perform well, with baritones standing out more than tenors. Singers ranging from Amy Winehouse (lower range vocals) to Adele (mid range vocals) bring a very clear and natural presentation to the table, thanks to the elevation of the upper midrange, showcasing their skills in songs that lean towards the high frequencies, such as "Someone Like You".

Although the Harman curve doesn't quite align with classical music, the harmony among the different strings, winds, and percussion of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra interpreting "Sibelius: Complete Symphonies" is admirable. However, I often find myself yearning for more detailed violins in other songs, such as Fabio Biondi's rendition of Vivaldi's "Winter”. Overall, the correct cohesion achieved among instruments offers a satisfactory level of technicality, but in my opinion, it doesn't stray far enough from what a cheaper Simgot IEM like the EW200 achieves, as we will see later on.

One of the instruments best executed by the EM6L are wind instruments like saxophones and trumpets. Their reproduction leans slightly towards a laid-back presentation but retains a good amount of detail.


Treble

The tuning aims for trebles that I consider laid-back but not entirely detached from details, thanks to a correct extension but perhaps with a lack of brightness in this range. This relaxed presentation results in the cymbal splash losing some vitality (cymbals in Megadeth's "Life In Hell" and Iron Maiden's "Two Minutes To Midnight").

As a positive aspect, the sound from the balanced armatures (BA) is minimal or absent, ensuring good coherence between drivers.


Soundstage and Imaging

The EM6L boasts a soundstage of adequate width but not outstanding, and it's a bit compact in depth.

The imaging is precise, allowing for the distinction of each guitar on the sides of the singer, as evident in "Hallowed Be Thy Name". It also maintains proper separation between instruments of different types, such as winds and strings in Schubert's "Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 'The Great': I. Andante - Allegro ma non troppo" performed by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.



vs Simgot EW200



To be frank, Simgot's biggest competitor at the moment are themselves (obviously, this is a compliment). That's why my comparison is against the supposed younger sibling of the EM6L: the EW200, which costs around $40 USD.


Credits: Paul Wasabii

Observations:

-Subbass is more satisfying in the EM6L compared to the EW200, but the punch of the bass is quite similar. However, since the subbass is more elevated in the EM6L, it tends to make one undervalue the bass as the EW200 draws more attention to it. There is good separation between the two lower ranges of the spectrum in both IEMs, with a slightly better performance by the EW200.

-In the EW200, the wind instruments are a bit more aggressive (without any excess), attributed to a slightly more balanced signature that allows them to shine. On the other hand, the EM6L tends to temper the power of the instruments, giving them a touch of subtlety (this is noticeable in the instruments of Sinatra's "Come Rain Or Come Shine").

-EW200's mids provide better presence to voices and instruments, thanks to a signature less focused on the bass. Voices (and instruments) are more recessed in the presentation of the EM6L in comparison.

-The presentations of the highs are distinct, with the EW200 offering more brightness, allowing a more appropriate reproduction of cymbals, extending their sound during impact. The high frequencies in the EM6L tend to fall short in comparison, and I would say they are enjoyable for individuals who are sensitive to elevated treble. The level of detail, in contrast to the EW200, is extremely similar but with a darker tone.

-Soundstage between both (EW200 and EM6L) is virtually the same in terms of width, although the EM6L seems to have less breadth and be more compact due to its signature that retracts more of the mids. Depth is actually greater in the EW200; the difference in distance between the drum kit and the lead singer (positions behind and in front, respectively) is significantly larger.

Despite having similar signatures on paper, when listening, one could argue that the EW200 is superior for analytical listening, while the EM6L favors relaxation during sessions focused on contemporary music. That being said, I find the EW200 to be more versatile as it is not limited to a "serene" tuning, thus providing a pleasant reproduction across the broad spectrum where instruments and voices reside.



Conclusion



As a reviewer, my job is to identify and document the positive and negative aspects of the products I analyze. In this case, it may seem like the EM6L is overshadowed by the EW200, and if we strictly consider the value for money, that might be the case. However, the EM6L has its niche, being the "dark EW200" that many seek—an IEM with the ability to present treble as a gentle range, yet one where small technical nuances can still be found. It has room for improvement in its construction (QDC connection, housing and faceplate made from more robust materials), but sonically, it is on par with its price.

Simgot is, without a doubt, one of the success stories in the ultra-competitive budget-friendly side of the IEM market. Thus, there is no better IEM to wrap up the year than a Simgot IEM. Today, we have a look at EM6L, a 5-driver hybrid IEM.

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around me, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it does not get in the way of immersion.
• I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (poor) to 3 (Adequate) to 5 (outstanding). Ratings are assigned by A/B tests against benchmark IEMs, regardless of the retail price.
• Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• Terms used in my reviews are consistent with the glossary by Headphonesty
• This review is based on a review sample from Simgot (Thank you!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in Simgot.
• The unit retails for $110 at the time this review was published. Unaffiliated link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-em6l

Testing setup: Local FLAC files -> iBasso DX300 (stock player app) -> stock cable (3.5mm) -> EM6L -> SpinFit CP100 M

Unboxing​

The earpieces of EM6L are surprisingly small, especially if you consider the fact that it has 4BA and 1DD inside. I was also surprised to find that the faceplates of EM6L are plated metal rather than plastic. EM6L is one of those IEMs that look more impressive in real life than on internet photos.







The stock cable feels a bit sticky. On the plus side, it is quite soft and well-behaved. Subjective Experience ===

So, what is it like to live with EM6L?

First, let’s talk about comfort. To me, the comfort of an IEM relies on three factors: the earpieces, the nozzles, and the pressure release mechanism. EM6L excels in the first and the third factor. The earpieces of EM6L are on the smaller side of the market, which is quite impressive given that they contain 1 dynamic driver and 4 BA drivers. The pressure release is also well done. I did not hear any driver flex and did not experience pressure build in any of my sessions.

The nozzles of EM6L are where things turn south somewhat for me. When I wear IEM, I aim to reach an optimal fitting depth such that the earpieces can rest against the concha of my ears. This fit tends to make IEMs seal better and sound better by pushing the resonance peak further into the treble air region. EM6L makes it challenging to achieve this optimal fit because its nozzles are on the larger side. To put it in context, these nozzles are too large for narrower tips like Final Type E, stretch medium tips like SpinFit CP100, and perfectly match larger tips like CP145. The second challenge is the length of the nozzles. Whilst EM6L’s nozzles are not as long as the notorious ones on Etymotic IEMs or Symphonium Helios, they are still a bit too long, given the diameter. Even by the end of the review time, I had not been able to find a perfect ear tip combination for the EM6L, though the ever-reliable CP100 M does provide decent fit and comfort.



Now, let’s talk about the sound of EM6L. Since an IEM reproduces music rather than creating it, I will convey the “sound” of EM6L by describing how I hear some favourite tracks in my library with this IEM.



The first track we will listen to is “Now We Are Free”, the final track in the album SCORE by the talented and charismatic 2Cellos. Why this track? Firstly, it sounds incredible. Secondly, it highlights the timbre and tonal balance of any IEM via the way they reproduce the cellos.

My immediate impression after the opening phrase of the piece was, “Yup, it’s Harman with less lower-midrange dip.” If this is the first time you come across my reviews, let me elaborate a little. By” Harman”, I mean the frequency response target developed by scientists at Harman International that tells manufacturers how to balance different frequency bands of their headphones and IEMs to achieve a broader appeal. IEMs tuned according to the Harman target have a few standout characteristics, most of which appear in the sonic performance of EM6L.

A key characteristic of Harman-tuned IEM is the brighter and thinner midrange due to a combination of a substantial boost in the upper midrange (higher music notes and mostly harmonics) and a dip (reduction) in the lower midrange (lower notes, fundamental frequencies of string instruments). As a result, the main instruments and vocals, especially female vocals, tend to stand out with a “crystalline” clarity and presence. However, some instruments like cellos can sound overly thin,” dry”, and lacking the resonance or rumble you can hear from real-life cellos. EM6L does not dip the lower midrange to the level of a full-Harman IEM like Moondrop’s Variations, so the cellos do not sound as thin and frail but still lack body. All cellos in this” Now We Are Free” sound more like low-pitched violins (viola?) rather than cellos. On the other hand, the main cellos sound very clear and focused, with a stable position on the soundstage. The higher notes of the cellos stand out more than some other IEMs I reviewed recently that featured a more laid-back tuning.



Moving on from tonality, let’s talk about soundstage imaging. Again, the presentation of EM6L does not fall far away from the Harman root. As I mentioned, the two main cellos have precise positioning in the sonic picture painted by the recording. They are always at the centre of the stage, hovering at the front of my head. The positioning is focused and stable, meaning they don’t flicker around or randomly collapse into other recording elements and confuse me. The left-right separation and positioning of instruments are also good, evidenced by the fact that the violin section pops out on the forward-left of the soundstage, separated from the cello actions at the centre of the stage. There is also a hint of front-to-back instrument placement. However, EM6L could not create a convincing illusion that instruments are placed on different layers, from up close to far away in the background. On the plus side, in some sections of the music, such as around the 3:00 mark, EM6L can create a large and open sonic picture.



How about the resolution? Thanks to the tuning, EM6L has great perceived clarity. At a glance, the music sounds crisp, clear, and clean. There is also a slightly “grainy” artefact in how EM6L presents the midrange, creating an illusion of detail. If I put the” critical listening” hat on, I would say there is room for improvement. For example, in the hazy, misty section around 4:30, EM6L struggles with the orchestra’s definition and separation of instruments. As a sanity check, I took out the “big gun”, my 64 Audio U12T, and listened to the same section. Even in this hazy section, instruments in the orchestra can still have definition and separation if the gear is resolving enough. Is this an unfair comparison? Absolutely! But it highlights that the lack of definition and separation I pointed out was not impossible to resolve. Still, for casual listening and listeners, the level of performance and the perceived clarity of EM6L is rather good.



For the next track, I listened to” The Imperial March”, performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of John Williams himself. Why this track, you might ask. Besides being an iconic piece that is always fun to listen to, The Imperial March also serves well as a test for bass responses of IEMs. Of course, there are various ways to dissect and analyse the bass response. Still, at the end of the day, the question is straightforward: can an IEM convey the energy of a march. Too little or too much bass is both detrimental to that sense of speed and rhythm.

How does EM6L do? It’s complicated.

From a bird eye view, it seems that Simgot does little wrong with the bass response of EM6L: the bass has good extension, the dynamic driver can convey a tactical physical sensation, and the bass is adequately separated from the midrange for emphasis yet also decently blended into the midrange. All the elements of a good bass response are there. Yet, for some reason, EM6L has been unable to convey the energy and sense of rhythm I was looking for. EM6L shares the same symptoms as a few other IEMs, like the Moondrop Aria 2021 or even the Unique Melody MEST III: softer bass transients. The volume swings at the attack of bass notes are not large enough, and the “snap” at the top of the bass note is slightly rounded. To put it in context, some IEMs have transients like whip cracks. Others have transients like hitting a pillow. EM6L is in the middle, leaning more towards the pillow than the whip cracks.



For the last track, let’s listen to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Pentatonix in their Vol. IV album. As expected from a Harman-inspired IEM, vocals pop with great clarity and “lightness.” All voices are audible, including Avi’s bass line, which is usually buried by higher voices when you listen with a “true Harman” IEM. On the negative side, sibilance (the piercing whistling sound when singers sing words with “S” or “SH” or “Z”, such as the line “Shall I Stay”) was also more prominent than what I would like. I also found that all voices are concentrated in a small area in the middle of the soundstage, making it more difficult to separate and hear individual voices.

Frequency Response Analysis​

Frequency response of EM6L against the Harman in-ear target. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.



It is helpful to think of an IEM as a filter that highlights or subdues different parts of the incoming audio signal. This effect can be measured objectively by the squiggly lines above, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs, which measure how loud an IEM is at different frequencies from 20Hz (bass) to 20kHz (upper treble). Subjectivity is how your ears and brain interpret the effect of that filter on your music and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” There are some “rules of thumb” when it comes to tonality, but most interesting IEMs usually bend the rules masterfully.

The subjective impressions of EM6L closely align with its measurements. As you can see, EM6L follows the target quite well. The position and amount of upper midrange boost, peaking at 3kHz, plays a significant role in shaping the tonality of EM6L, creating that “crystalline” clarity and focused positioning of instruments and vocals that I described above.



At the same time, EM6L deviates from Harman’s target in three ways. Firstly, this IEM does not feature the dip at around 250Hz. In my opinion, filling in this gap in the Harman target was a good idea from Simgot because it neutralises part of the uncanny “thinness” in the tonality of Harman and provides a necessary counterbalance for the upper midrange boost at 3kHz.

Secondly, EM6L has slightly less energy, around 2.5kHz, than the target. This small gap might have helped pull the midrange of EM6L a touch away from the head compared to a full Harman IEM. Though I would say, this might be purely conjecture.

The third deviation from the target is the treble region. EM6L has significantly more energy, around 5kHz and 10kHz. This tuning style emphasises cymbals, hi-hats, and chimes, giving EM6L a lively and sparkly presentation. At the same time, it can be more sibilant with some recordings that have been mastered too “hot.”

Resolution​

Resolution is a fascinating subject due to the difficulty of pinning down what it really is. To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components: (1) Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above). (2) The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage. (3) The texture and details in the decay side of the notes. The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances. Smooth and well extended treble response plays a crucial role.

The listening impressions above suggest that EM6L has a decent level of resolution. How good, you might ask? To answer that question, I performed a few A/B tests with Moondrop Aria 2021 and Moondrop Blessing 2, my trusty benchmarks for adequate (2/5) and good resolution (3/5). The analysis below is based on the song “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Pentatonix.

The comparison between EM6L and Aria was straightforward, with the former outclassing the latter in all aspects. EM6L indeed has a brighter and leaner tuning, which positively contributes to the perception of separation and clarity. However, when we listen to denser sections of the recordings where all voices occupy the same centre area of the soundstage (meaning the thinner tonality cannot help improve separation), the EM6L does a noticeably better job at shaping the boundary and separation between voices. Meanwhile, Aria has never been able to create this sharp separation. Whether you prefer EM6L’s sharp instrument definition and separation over the mushy-yet-pleasing presentation of Aria is a different question. However, in terms of sheer resolution, EM6L wins.



The comparison between EM6L and Blessing 2 was more complex and required more careful listening. Again, the EM6L has an edge regarding the boundary and separation between voices. However, Blessing 2 has an advantage in terms of the richness in texture and details of the voices. Still, it would be hard to pinpoint these differences at a glance and without having two IEMs to compare side by side. At the same time, there was a clear gap between both and the next entry in my scale. Therefore, I would consider the difference between EM6L and Blessing 2 to be practically negligible and place EM6L in the same bracket as Blessing 2 (3/5 - Good)

Soundstage Imaging​

Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminushed by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. Some IEMs present a wide but flat soundstage. Some present a “3D” soundstage with layering, depth, and height. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)

The stage of EM6L, like that of most Harman-like IEMs, is good but not remarkable. To answer the question “how good”, I listened to the Winter violin concerto performed by Freivogel and Voices of Music and compared EM6L with Moondrop Blessing (3/5 - Good) and Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 (4/5 - Great).



The soundstage presentation of EM6L fits neatly between Blessing 2 and Andromeda 2020, leaning more towards the former than the latter. On the plus side, Blessing 2 and EM6L create an open orchestra representation. One way to describe the sensation is to imagine opening the doors and windows to your listening room and letting the winds come in. Meanwhile, listening to fully-sealed IEMs like Andromeda feels like closing all doors and windows and turning down the light. Another advantage of EM6L over Blessing 2 is the sense of space and distance between instruments.

On the other hand, both Blessing 2 and EM6L present a flat sonic picture that is not very immersive. Following up on the listening room analogy above, listening to Blessing 2 and EM6L is comparable to watching a large TV. On the other hand, the Andromeda feels like putting on a VR headset because it puts you in the middle of the orchestra, inside the “TV.” I needed to make some volume adjustments and get my brain “burn-in” due to the significant difference in tonality between EM6L and Andromeda. Still, the difference was straightforward to spot when everything was dialled in correctly.



Soundstage imaging with games (CS GO Gameplay by Throneful): Both pros and cons of the soundstage imaging of EM6L. On the plus side, the presentation feels wide and open, often “out-of-the-head”. The far-away gunshots sound properly distant, though only if they come from the left or the right. Due to the limitation in the depth reproduction, the front-to-back and low-to-high positioning is not great. That said, I’m sure you can use this IEM successfully in FPS games if you combine the sound with visual cues and overall situational awareness.

Comparisons​

AFUL Performer5 (Fiio HS18 tips, Nicehck black cat 4.4mm cable). Test track: Polyphia - Playing God:

• One would expect these IEMs to sound similar because both are “Harman-inspired”, yet they differ quite a bit upon close inspection.
• EM6L has a “dryer” and crisper presentation than P5. The difference is clear from the opening passage on the guitar. Even the bass of EM6L feels dry and crisp comparing to P5.
• The bass drops on P5 are thicker and indulgent. EM6L, on the other hand, has sharper attack and more textures. Which one is better? Your choice.
• Instruments feel slightly more spread out with EM6L. The stage also feels more open.
• The level of resolution, both perceived and “true”, of both IEMs are practically identical.

Rating and Conclusion​

When you look at this review at a whole, you might find it overly critical. But the fact that I can be that critical about EM6L, a $110 IEM, is a testimonial of how far and how fast the IEM industry has advanced. In just over two years since the release of the legendary Moondrop Blessing 2, the IEM that “redefines the price bracket”, we have something with similar driver configuration and compete favourably on the sonic front, whilst having a better fit and selling at a significantly lower price tag. EM6L is an embodiment of that advancement. If you prefer a faithful adoption of the Harman target with some tasteful tweaks, Simgot EM6L is a great option. Even if you don’t like Harman target, you can still be happy that something like EM6L exists, because it’s an indication that the future of our little hobby is indeed bright (pun intended) and accessible.

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 3.5/5 - Good (Tonality 3 - Bass 4 - Resolution 3 - Staging - 3)

Bias Score: 3 (I’m lukewarm about this IEM)

Value Proposition (Price / Performance): Very High





Updated: December 25, 2023

This was originally posted at avaliasom.com

Presentation


Hello, friends of AvaliaSom, I'm Marcelo Dosec, and this one I bring you is the Simgot EM6L Phoenix, a unit that I was kindly sent by Simgot. Xiè xiè, Simgot. As usual, I will only give my personal opinions about the IEM, without any obligation to say good or bad.

It's not new to anyone that Simgot is one of the brands that stood out the most in 2023. Considering the quality of the brand's IEMs that I've heard (EW100P, EW200, EA500 and now EM6L), at least for me it was the great sensation of this year, which by the way was a year of delight for audiophiles, given the almost weekly launches of new products .


“Salute to Art and Science”, is the phrase that Simgot uses in practically all of its IEMs, and in fact it is well suited to high definition pieces. After all, they bring art to their formats and the sound generated, as well as bringing a beautiful dose of science by transforming electrical impulses and air displacement into music for our ears.

According to Simgot, the EM6L is the successor to the EM5, an IEM launched in 2019 that also featured a hybrid 1 dynamic driver (DD) and 4 balanced armatures (BA), but which was nowhere near as publicized and accepted as the brand's most recent models.


The resale value of the EM6L makes it upset both headphones under 100 USD, such as the Truthear Hexa (80 USD) like earphones above this level, like the Truthear Nova (149 USD) or the Celest PhoenixCall (129 USD), some of my favorite earphones not only in this region, but also from the entire range of IEMs I've heard to date. How does the EM6L handle this pressure? Let's see.


In terms of unboxing, it is very reminiscent of the EA500, including the same size and box shape. It's a shiny black box, rigid, very well built. On the front there is a phoenix and the name of the phone, on one side there is an x-ray view of the EM6L's interior and, on the back, the graphic demonstrating adherence to the 2019 Harman curve and an explosion of the components of the IEM, as well as technical details about it.


The box opens on the side, and reveals another rigid box, with a stylized phoenix on the lid that covers the headphones in their foam cradle and a smaller box that says “Accessories ”. And by removing the headphone cradle, we have access to a smaller box marked “Eartips”, which holds a simple but competent kit of three pairs of silicone tips in small (S), medium (M) and large (L) sizes.


And back to the accessories box, inside we find a brief instruction manual, as well as the synthetic leather case, also identical to that of the EA500, with plenty of space inside and good rigidity, but at least the brand logo was missing somewhere in it.


Inside the case is the cable, a beautiful piece combining gold and black, completely covered in transparent plastic. Its material is silver-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC). It has a connector for the source, splitter and chin slider in metal. Its connections are 3.5 mm for the source and QDC 0.78 mm for the phone.


Moving on to the IEM, here we have a piece entirely in mirrored black, with a 3D printed resin body, which bears the name of the earphone and the indication of left (L) or right (R) side. Its faceplate is made of metal (processed by CNC), with the Simgot logo on one side and the stylized phoenix that we saw on the box on the other, as well as a small ventilation outlet. Its nozzle is made of metal, with a metal filter, which is very restrictive. The phone has a 0.78 mm jack jack. Overall, the construction is excellent.

The EM6L's sound comes from a hybrid set consisting of one 8 mm dynamic driver (DD) with a diaphragm made of material defined by Simgot as “high-polymer”, which takes care of the bass and mid-bass, and two pairs of balanced armatures (BA), whose manufacturer is not informed, which in turn take care of the mid and high frequencies. Everything is orchestrated by a 3-way crossover.

Comfort


The EM6L has an ergonomic body and no sharp corners, meaning it fits over the ears very comfortably. Its nozzle has a discreet diameter (0.6 mm) and allowed me to use M tips for the best compromise between sealing and comfort. The insertion is average, the seal is very good and there is no pressure generated in the ear canal. Finally, the cable hook does not bother you and is barely noticeable, even when wearing glasses.

Musical Sound

I tried the IEM on different sources, which are: iPhone SE (my “DAP”), Dell Laptop, Apple Dongle, Truthear Shio, iFi Uno, Cayin RU6 and Topping DX3 Pro+.

Note that I always listen to the earphones at low volume levels, around 55 to 65 dB according to the measurement made by the Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the “Health” App on the iPhone, so my impressions may differ from those who listen at higher volumes.

By the way, I invite you to check out my headphone test playlist on Spotify. This is a dynamic playlist, and the songs can change at any time, but they will always follow the purpose of presenting all the points I mention in my musical evaluation of the headphones.

Regarding sources, the Simgot EM6L plays easily on any source, and scales according to the particularities of each one. Just for reference, I used volume 31 on the Cayin RU6 (low gain) to hear the EM6L properly.

• Tone

To my ears and in an uncolored source, the tone of the EM6L has a neutral and slightly bright signature, very analytical, even though its curve, according to Simgot, is in line with the 2019 Harman. By the way, this is my preferred tonality, and it reminds me a lot of Truthear Hexa.

NOTE: The following notes serve as a comparison parameter only in the price range in which the phone falls.

• Bass: Level 3.5/5, Length 5/5, Depth 5/5, Speed 4.5/5, Texture 5/5

In terms of bass, the EM6L delivers what you expect from a balanced earphone: sufficient impact, beautiful depth, organic texture and a lot of coherence. One detail here is that the EM6L has more of its strength in the sub-bass, so the beats of a “What it Is” sound more visceral, even at low volumes.

Such viscerality comes in the voice of Geoff Castelluci, which the EM6L delivers in a decisive way, with a beautiful sense of depth of the tones in the spectrum. And another highlight is the bass line of a “Paranoid”, always very present and intense, with an excellent texture.

In terms of speed, the EM6L DD does not waver in the face of a “Intra Venus”, proving almost ideal for this type of music, without any perception of notes being run over.

• Midrange: Level 3/5, Presence 5/5, Clarity 5/5, Voices 5/5, Transparency 5/5

The EM6L's midrange is further back in the spectrum than the other frequencies, except the mid-highs, which stand out a lot, as per the Harman curve guide. And, at least at the volume I listen to, these mid-highs don't hurt, quite the opposite, as Amy Lee's voice is full of feeling in a “Hello”, and free from sibilance.

I say the same about Steven Tyler's voice in “This I Love”, including in the most intense vocal moments of the track (1:06 for example). The intensity and clarity that this headphone delivers in voices is remarkable, just like in instruments that use the midrange. Taking the same track as an example, the piano sounds beautiful, very organic, while the guitar comes tearing up at 2:10, and the weight of the notes in the solo is something to be applauded.

Perhaps male voices like Rodrigo Costa Félix may sound thin to some, but to me they sound perfect, and listening to Portuguese Fado with the EM6L it is a truly remarkable experience. From Portuguese guitars, to mandolins, to strumming an acoustic guitar, all of this sounds exceptional on this headphone, with a lot of presence and exemplary transparency.

• Treble: Level 5/5, Brightness 5/5, Airiness 5/5, Extension 5/5, Timbre 5/5

And when it comes to the treble, I only have one word to say: it is magnificent! To my ears, everything is in its place in the EM6L's treble. The shine is very evident, always within the tolerance limit. The airiness is superb, and the range of cymbals or higher violin notes is venerable. I'm definitely in love.

This means that listening to “September in Montreal” with the EM6L is the guarantee of having a cymbal extension that suits every treblehead. By the way, I really appreciate the treble tone here, but I understand that some more sensitive people may consider the treble to have a “BA tone” or sound too harsh. For me, it's ideal.

Listening to the violin entering “Nothing Else Matters” played by Golden Salt, it is inevitable not to go delirious with the escalation of notes, and during the chorus, the only thing to do is close your eyes and enjoy the contrast between the violin and the guitar. What a show!

• Technicalities: Sound Stage 5/5, Image 5/5, Layering 4/5, Separation 5/5, Details 4/5, Resolution 5/5

And before I talk about the technicalities, I should say that I wrote the draft of this review with Truthear Hexa and Nova on my desk, alternating them with the EM6L, and I can practically give the same compliments to the three headphones in the tone. However, it is the technicalities that separate the children from the adults. In other words, EM6L and Nova are one level above Hexa, whose soundstage is its biggest (and only) demerit.

And the EM6L's soundstage is deliciously holographic, more lateral than deep, but with a good sense of height. The image formed in a “Las Perlas de Tu Boca” is fascinating, with great perception of the location of each instrument in this imaginary spectrum. Only when it comes to layering, the EM6L doesn't get full marks, but it still provides a beautiful layered presentation.

Another area where the EM6L falls short of nirvana is in the level of detail, which even delivers some microdetails, but doesn't go much further than that. On the other hand, the instrument separation is worthy of awe, while the resolution is excellent, and owes nothing to any other headphone I've heard under 200 USD.

Sound in Games

In battle royale games, such as Warzone 2.0, the EM6L is extremely accurate in pinpointing the location of opponents on any axis of the spectrum. It even gives a good perception of the position of UAVs, including their distance. Rate 5/5.

In FPS games like CS2 (without changing the sound settings), the EM6L's tuning is excellent for delivering enemy movement across the map, even in more intense exchange situations. Rate 5/5.

In casual games, like Genshin Impact, it delivers excellent immersion, with the feeling of a living, three-dimensional world. However, some sounds (such as a very close waterfall) may exceed the limit in rare situations. Rate 4/5.

And finally, in simulation games, like F1 2023, the sound of the engines lacks a little more power, however the EM6L gave me an interesting immersive experience, both due to the good perception of the sound of other cars , as well as the notion that the engine sound is coming from behind the head. Rate 4/5.

Sound in Films, Series and Productivity

The sound of the EM6L for films and series is good, with a good reverberation from the subs in the intense scenes of a 1917, for example, but it goes better with films that feature a good amount of dialogue, like Donnie Darko.

The EM6L goes well with those looking for a good headphone for studying or listening to podcasts, as its voice sound is excellent, even when the recording is not the best. And it still proves to be a good headset for work, pairing well with a Kinera Gramr microphone for example.

Conclusion

If you take a look at My Recommendation List, the Truthear Hexa is my favorite under 100 USD, and the Nova is my favorite up to 200 USD. I thought about creating a category to fit the Simgot EM6L, maybe a “up to 125 USD” category, for example. But it would just be a way of masking the reality: at least for me, the EM6L is as good as the Truthear Nova, but costs much less.

And with that, the Simgot EM6L is the best buy under 200 USD for me. But does the fact that it's best for me mean that it's best for you? Well, if you're looking for an analytical earphone, with a passionate feel on the subs and a treble extension that deserves a medal, don't look away, the EM6L is your number.

I remember that when I tested the EA500, I put it on the same level as Hexa, but with coexistence I ended up leaving Simgot aside, while Hexa remained as my reset earphone. Well, retirement has arrived, because now this role will be fullfilled by the Simgot EM6L Phoenix.

Big hug!

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Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
• Simgot sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Fosi Audio DS1.
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock medium eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, DSP/USB-C plug, 40-60% volume,
Sound signature:

• The Simgot EM6L, like its brighter-sounding siblings the EW200 and EA500, aimed for a mildly fun, versatile, mild-U/V shaped sound signature, but now added a reasonable amount of lows. What distinguishes this from other Harman sets I've dealt with and listened to is that it manages technical and tonal balance almost evenly.

Lows:

• Despite Simgot's addition of some lows on this set, it isn't as obtrusive or bass heavy as I expected. The bass in this set is very versatile, slightly elevated than I prefer, but quick and adaptable to whatever tracks you throw at it. The lows on the EM6L were never monotonous, overpowering, or overly lean/dry. However, bassheads at heart may find the bass of this IEM lacking in quantity, as it lacks the chunky, boomy, greatly elevated bass of the 7Hz Legato.But overall, I can confidently say that the bass will be enough for most people and hobbyists, and may be more enough for those people who are seeking neutrality.

Mids:

• The mids on the EM6L are open, detailed, and free of bloat and bleed, despite not being the IEM's highlight or focus. The lower mids are notably thick and textured. Male vocals and instruments in this region have excellent definition and thickness. Upper mids are mildly elevated and exhibit excellent clarity, air, and sparkle. There are no unnatural peaks or sibilance in this IEM, which is great news for those with sensitive ears who can't get enough of the "Simgot house sound" but are wary of the EW200 and EA500's prone to sibilance and peaks when the tracks demand it. Overall, despite me being a sucker for a forward mids, I enjoyed the mids on the Simgot EM6L a lot, just like its older siblings mainly because of its resolution and versatility.

Highs:

• The treble here is mildly elevated, but not as elevated as the bass, which means that there are no instances of sibilance or pierce in this region. Trebleheads may find the air on this set slightly lacking in comparison to the EW200 and EA500, but in terms of extension and air, they are nearly identical in my opinion. Microdetails are above average and will easily render subtle nuances.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• "Excellent and easy-going" were the first words that came to mind when I heard this set. To my ears, this IEM never sounded like it struggled to render the complexity of any tracks I threw at it. The soundstage is expansive and pseudo-immersive, with plenty of height and depth. Separation and layering are excellent for the price, in my opinion, and can compete with sub-200 USD IEMs in this context. Imaging is as precise as ever, slightly more so than on the EA500 and EW200, with good rendition of vocal and instrument positioning.

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Other IEM comparisons!

VS Simgot EA500 (Black Nozzles)

• The EA500 is a more analytical, brighter sounding set when compared. Bass is tighter on the EA500 but lacks quantity on some tracks.

VS Simgot EW200

• The Simgot EW200 is also a bit brighter when compared and also has lesser bass. Technicalities are better on the EM6L, but the EW200 isn’t that far. The EW200 is also easier to drive, interestingly.

VS Letshuoer DZ4

• The DZ4 is a safer, more neutral or linear sounding set. It definitely has lesser bass, and less clean separation and layering.

VS Celest Phoenixcall

• The Celest Phoenixcall is a more fun-sounding set with a more “rounded” soundstage, if that makes sense. Bass is more pronounced and chunky on the Phoenixcall, but the EM6L has a more tight and clean rendition.

VS BQEYZ Autumn

• The BQEYZ Autumn sounds more “natural” and mature when compared, while the EM6L is “fun” yet versatile. Mids are more forward in the Autumn while the EM6L makes up for it by exhibiting the same-same thickness and smoothness. Technical performance of the EM6L is on par with the Autumn, mainly on the separation and layering.

Pros:

• Simgot’s most “well-thought” Harman-sounding IEM yet!
• All-rounder, mild U/V-shaped sounding IEM (subjective).
• Just like the EW200, this IEM managed to balance tonal and technical performance relatively evenly.
• Very cohesive sound for a multi-driver IEM.
• Elevated, versatile, well-balanced bass rendition in terms of punch and rumble.
• Open, lively, mildly smooth yet detailed mids.
• Well-extended yet non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
• Excellent, incisive technical performance that goes toe-to-toe with sub-200 USD IEMs.
• Very good fit, comfort, and isolation. Very lightweight yet sturdy!
• Visually-pleasing build quality and aesthetics! (highly subjective)
• Fairly easy to drive compared to the EW200 and scales/sounds better with an external DAC.

Cons:

• Technical performance is definitely excellent for its asking price, but it isn’t miles and leaps ahead compared to the Simgot EW200 and EA500.
• Faceplates are definitely scratch and smudge-prone.
• QDC-type connection may be a downside to some (highly subjective).
• A cleaning cloth and an extra set of eartips would be a good treat for everybody in this price point (definitely a nitpick)

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Simgot’s EM6L reminds me of a saying I’ve heard before somewhere: "If you're doing something common, make sure that you’re doing the best version of it”. Despite exhibiting a “common” sound signature, Simgot always pursues “mastering” and “perfecting” their sound target, which is true to their “Phoenix”. Most snobs may find this sound target common, but the sound the EM6L is the best version of “Harman sound” I have experienced and tested within the 150 USD and below, to my ears, at least. Again, well done Simgot!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• Eartips: The eartips are alright and enough for the most part. You may always use your preferred eartips.
• Source: This IEM is easy to drive and will sound good with a phone, but benefits well on a hifi dongle or USB DAC, mainly on its bass rendition.
• Cable: is already good as what it is, but you may use what you prefer. Normal 2-pin IEM cables will work just fine with this IEM, QDC cables will offer a bit more protection though.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated product link here!: https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-em6l?_pos=1&_psq=em6l&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Additional Photos Here:

Introduction​

After the big success of the EA500 and EW200, the EM6L that I have had in my ears for the last weeks have been something I could not avoid speaking about.
Following the same line of the other sets from Simgot, these have been appreciated by many people around, and now it’s my turn to analyze them and talk about the pros and cons after the hype is not a thing anymore.

Disclaimer: the Simgot EM6L were sent from Simgot free of charge so that I could write a honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set and it is by no means a promotional or paid content.
At the time of the review, the Simgot EM6L were on sale for about 109,99$ at Amazon, Linsoul, Tmall and Aliexpress.

Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration → 1 x 10mm DD
• Sensitivity → 119 dB
• Impedance → 26±15% Ω
• Frequency Response Range → 8 Hz – 40 kHz (effective is 20Hz-20kHz)
• Cable → 1,20m OFC high purity silver plated copper cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN QDC connectors
• Plug Type → Straight gold plated 3,5mm jack connector

Packaging​

The packaging is simple and with very few things inside:

• The EM6L
• The detachable 3.5mm cable with 0.78mm PINs
• One set of tips (S, M, L sizes)
• A hard carry case
• User manual

Design and Build Quality​

The EM6L look a bit different from the EW200 even though one could easily tell they were made from the same company because of the printed logo on the faceplate. The 3D CNC is very well built and compared to the EW200, the EM6L are enclosed in a slightly thicker, smoother and more rounded shell with no sharp edges. The glossy painting is here again though, so they are fingerprint magnets just like their smaller siblings.
There is a very small pressure vent on the faceplate (on the lower part, after the Simgot logo) and the nozzle is of average size.
The fact that Simgot decided to use a QDC connector on the EM6L and a recessed 2-PIN on the EW200 and EA500 is still a mystery, but then I have no explanation for this so who knows.

Cable​

The stock cable is great, with nice build quality and a premium feel to the touch. It is also fully covered by a protective sheath and comes with a chin slider.

Comfort and Isolation​

The EM6L are very comfortable thanks to the smooth and rounded shells that perfectly slip into the ears without any sharp edge touching the rest of the ear, but the combination between the QDC connector and the slipper shell makes them somewhat very dependent on tips, even though the company doesn’t ship a good variety of tips with the EM6L (which is one of the weaknesses of these products).
The isolation is mostly alright.

Sound​

GEAR USED FOR THE TEST

• DAC: Topping E30
• AMP: Topping L30
• Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3
• Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Truthear SHIO
• Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
• Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, ElGato Wave XLR, KZ AZ10

Do they need an amplifier?
The EM6L don’t strictly need an amplifier.

Sound signature
The EM6L are Harman-tuned with slightly more energy on top and in the lower midrange

Lows: the sub-bass is solid and has nice extension and control. The bass, on the other hand, is sometimes “soft” and lacks a bit of dynamics and viscerality that some would search for (including myself). It’s not the most textured and punchy bass due to the fact that the sub-bass focused signature tends to overshadow the textures, but it’s pretty tight and fast even though it lacks some density.
The overall low-end is well done for most genres, even though EDM and metal could lack some bite and excitement in this part of the spectrum.

Mids: the lower midrange is definitely more present than on other sets and in fact male vocals shine on the EM6L with nice depth and warmth. The midrange is usually rich and warm and this is also something that can be heard in female vocals since the upper midrange is also forward. Instruments are not recessed and in fact they sound where they are supposed to be, also thanks to the good layering that helps in portraying the right image of the stage and a good sense of depth when certain instruments and vocals are playing at the same time.

Highs: the highs are brighter than on a pure Harman-tuned set, and they pack a good amount of details and lots of energy and sparkle. It’s not a fatiguing upper end overall, but those who are usually sensitive to treble may feel the need to tame it a bit with the help of foam tips or similar solutions (given that high volumes will make these a bit annoying for many people).

Soundstage has good width but even better depth (which is usually uncommon) and the imaging is good too (they really shine in gaming sessions even though very complicated tracks can push them to the limit).

Some comparisons:

Simgot EM6L vs Celest Phoenixcall​

They basically have nothing in common since the Phoenixcall is a very warm V-shaped set and the EM6L is a more balanced and slightly brighter Harman-neutral set.
The Simgot EM6L is much more cohesive along the spectrum, with less recessed mids, better vocals and a more natural tuning overall. The Phoenixcall are instead more unique from a tonal perspective, with much more scooped mids and a more impactful, textured and forward bass. In terms of treble, both perform well portraying a good amount of details with the Phoenixcall being the one with slightly better detail retrieval capabilities (even though there are IEMs that are more revealing even at lower price), and even though the Phoenixcall seem to have a tad more upper-treble, the EM6L play in a deeper soundfield. The imaging is very good on both instead even though the EM6L have slightly better layering when it comes to more complicated tracks.
Build quality is no slouch on both, but the Phoenixcall really have a distinctive and unique design. The Phoenixcall win when it comes to isolation while comfort is on par .

Simgot EM6L vs Truthear Hexa​

Let’s say that these both run in the neutral-to-bright category, so the comparison makes more sense than the previous one.
The main difference between the two is the approach to music: the EM6L are designed to be a more musical and engaging set, the Hexa are instead a more neutral, analytical, sterile and laidback set.
The sub-bass is more pronounced on the Hexa whereas bass is reproduced at similar levels of volume in the mix. The lower midrange is warmer on the EM6L, with richer and warmer male vocals and more natural reproduction of acoustic instruments. Same applies for the female vocals, which are good on both sets but that have more “bite” and energy on the EM6L.
Imaging is better on the EM6L and same applies for the soundstage, which is deeper and wider than on the Hexa.
The treble is a bit more detailed on the more analytic Hexa, which at the same time sound more sterile and almost lifeless compared to the more vivid, open and more exciting EM6L.
When it comes to build quality, both are well built even though the EM6L look more premium. The Hexa have a more modern and “edgy” look and also have a thicker nozzle (which can be an issue for some). The comfort is better with the EM6L and the isolation is better with the Hexa in the ears.

Simgot EM6L vs Simgot EW200​

Simgot’s signature sound is for sure easy to spot on both sets: a quality-over-quantity approach and an above average clarity with a focus on vocals.
The Simgot EM6L superior after the some time that one focuses on the differences, but it’s really hard to believe that EW200 cost much less while being so close in terms of overall quality (not because the EM6L are underperforming, but because the EW200 are technically above average for their price).
Except for the sub-bass, which is a tinge more extended on the EM6L, the house sound is recognizable. The EW200 are a bit hotter in the upper midrange, they are brighter and slightly more open in the treble region, whereas the EM6L tend to have better body and warmth overall, more natural vocals and a less fatiguing sound when it comes to long listening sessions.
Details are not on very different levels and even though the treble is superiorly tuned on the EM6L, sometimes I really feel like the EW200 can portray better the smaller nuances in certain tracks.
The imaging is better on the EM6L while soundstage is wider on the EW200 and deeper on the EM6L with similar height on both. From a technical standpoint, the EM6L come out as a slightly better set but it’s not a night and day difference (which is good news for those who are willing to buy a pair of EW200).

Final Thoughts​

The Simgot EM6L are a very good set for those who like warmer signatures with sweet vocals and an overall exciting signature in a market that is now full of very safe and boring options.
If someone asked me to be nitpicky, I would have complained a bit about the bass not being as impactful as expected and about the fact that only one set of tips (that are not excellent too) is included in the box, forcing many to buy aftermarket tips in order to extract the full potential from the EM6L.

Apart from these minor weaknesses, the EM6L get my honest recommendation. Simgot has been making great products recently and I hope they will keep working their way up like this.

Introduction

Hello and thank you for reading this article where I’ll be talking about another entry from Simgot. This is the EM6L which I have no idea how they came up with a name but boy it makes it difficult to remember but anyway, this is a 1DD 4BA driver IEM coming in at $100. Before we begin I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simgot for sending this unit in exchange for my honest feedback but as always all thoughts and opinions are my own. Now that’s all out of the way, let’s talk about what you get in the box

Unboxing and Accessories

The unboxing experience is quite nice as you open the box you’ll be greeted with the logo, opening it, you can see the IEMs and a few boxes containing the accessories. The eartips accessory box is HUGE compared to what they give you which is just a set of interchangeable eartips. The other box contains the manual, a carry case which is similar to the likes of Raptgo Hook X carry cases, just really generic and inside houses the cable which is a QDC connection and this connection is often used in the budget range IEMs so that itself gives off a budget feel from the start but it’s good for pin security so it’s not a huge deal-breaker, but it’s something to note. The design of the cable terminates in 3.5mm and has this transparent wrap over a black and gold wire which I thought looks more like a bumble theme rather than a phoenix.

Design

The design of the IEMs are really plain and simple. Just a black gloss finish with the logo of simgot and the phoenix logo at each faceplates. I like the fact this IEM has its own logo to establish its own identity, but thinking of the phoenix I was expecting some fiery red or some flaming color schemes but I guess this is more representative of the ashes of the phoenix rather than the flames of the bird. Either way, if you like plain and simple, it doesn’t get any simpler than this

Fit and Comfort

For fit and comfort, this IEM has a compact shell so it fits in my ears no problem and I can wear them for hours no problem so I’d conclude that this IEM is relatively comfortable to wear.

Sound

Bass
Bass is the highlight of the phoenix. It’s not the most impactful bass note I’ve heard from a dynamic driver, but on most tracks I listen to with the EM6L, the bass is the most audible aspect of it. It accompanies the track, there’s sufficient punch and impact to keep the engagement of the music, the notes are full and there’s some weight behind it as well, there’s some rumble coming in from the deep end. All in all, it’s a pleasant bass experience and if you like a bit of bass emphasis from your track, the phoenix keeps the fire going

Midrange
However, like the phoenix it can be a bit overwhelming in a way that the bass does bleed ever so slightly into the midrange but it does contribute in providing a warmer, fuller sound to the notes. If you prefer a lean or clean midrange experience then that’s not something you’d get from the EM6L. It’s a bit of an all in one kind of presentation where the vocals and background music share the same plane, with maybe the vocals taking a small step forward. The overall presentation is on the forward side so it’s closer to your ears but it doesn’t sound shouty.



Treble
I’d be happy to recommend this to treble sensitive people. Maybe put a very very small caution but I wouldn’t think it would hurt because it’s really smooth. Air instruments does sound a little recessed. It’s missing a little bit of that sharpness in its attack. Trumpet is missing the openness to its sound and I lean towards the EA500 more on these regions as the EA500 presents them clearer. However as mentioned earlier, if you prefer or want something that won’t pierce your ears too much, the Phoenix will be gentle

Technicalities
Imaging and detail retrieval is about average on the EM6L, I feel the attack on the details is a little smoothed out and there’s more emphasis on the bass which I feel can sometimes mask some of the micro nuances in the track so I wish there was just a touch more emphasis on the details to cut through all that bass. Soundstage is on the narrower side as well with it’s slightly forward presentation but it’s not claustrophobic. All in all, technicalities of the EM6L is decent but nothing groundbreaking.

Power

The EM6L surprisingly needs power, for it to properly shine I’m on the 11 o clock dial on my Hifiman EF400 on the 3.5mm termination

Conclusion

So to sum it all up, Simgot has been on an impressive run lately and the EW200 and EA500 is some of my favourite release from Simgot. The Simgot EM6L presents a safe tuning presentation but at an affordable price compared to its competitors and I feel it’s adequately priced for what it offers. It didn’t wow me as the EW200 or the EA500 but I can see how many people will be able to pick these up and enjoy these. I’m very curious however on how the EA2000 sounds like but that’s another video, if the opportunity arises but until then, I’m curious to know your thoughts. Will you be flying with the phoenix or is there a 1DD 4BA IEM that you think will triumph over the EM6L, comment below, let me know and with that all said, thank you again to Simgot for this opportunity and to all of you for reading this article.



If you like to watch this article in the form of a video, feel free to check out the video below. Thank you!

Intro
Simgot has been on a winning streak and just might own this year with its recent releases. If you've been living under a rock and have yet to hear a Simgot set then it is well overdue. They seem to find their house sound, revolving around various Harman FR tunings and giving it their own flavor, in which have succeeded and garnered the majority of IEM enthusiasts as part of their rotation. With the majority of its lineup not offending audiophiles, the EM6L Phoenix though seem to came in to be the black sheep... or rather the blackbird of the family as it seem to be the contrast to their house sound. It's still based on the Harman tuning but overall providing Simgot's smooth take and warm tilt, setting it apart from their lineup. If you favor a somewhat non-offensive, no-peaks, somewhat balanced but with energetic, airy treble set then read on.


Packaging
The Phoenix comes in a squarish black box with the some signature Simgot detailing. Inside, you have the IEMs, a black oval zip case that seem to be similar to that of what comes with the EA500 and 3 pairs of eartips, which seem to emphasize and fit right accordingly with the intention of the target sound. The cable, somewhat feeling a little flimsy and thin, seem to be capable and functional, terminating into 3.5mm SE. Overall, barebones and minimalistic of what you need. It doesn't scream or gives a hint of its Phoenix namesake though on the product itself.


Formfactor, Tech, and Sound
The IEMs themselves look minimalistic yet classy with its glossy shells. Very lightweight but feels solid and seem to have a comfy fit. Its in a 4BA+1DD hybrid setup with the overall sound having coherency as a whole without apparent BA timbre. You would notice that it'll take a few more turns on the volume knob to get it loud compared to your other sets so it does need some bit more juice and a DAC/amp dongle really do help. Again, I'm no measurebator and will tell the sound as it is. To simplify, if you want a neutral set but still want that liveliness and energy at the top end then this is for you. Think of a Harman tuning that caters to the majority but with smoothness and warm tilt, then you have the Phoenix. It has just enough bass quantity (even more at times) but not as defined and not as fast as its siblings implementation, which favors neutral-warm lovers. The midrange are somewhat track dependent, at times being recessed but never too far in the back. Male vocals are a bit lean thoigh still lush but really shines with female vocals. This is Harman tuning done so well to be pleasing to our ears. None of that dryness and analytical flavor that would at times bore or tire you. It may have difficulty in handling busy tracks at times but otherwise it is still a capable set with most genres.


Comparisons & Conclusion
If you want the very technical, energetic, neutral-to-bright Simgot signature then you are definitely better off with the EA500 and EA1000, bringing every upbeat music genre to life and have you dancing to your toes but if you do prefer a more subtle, subdued but never boring take to even the most fun genres then the EM6L fits your bill. It's not as neutral as say the MagicOne but both of these sets cater to those who want it smooth yet will not make you snooze or fatigue to even with long listening sessions. It may not come in ablazing like a dragon breathing fire but is warm enough to naturally rise to the occassion with the grace of Phoenix as its namesake. At around $100, it does what it does differently enough to be part of your Simgot collection or the set you go if you want to feel warm and cozy.