I recently had the privilege to spend some time with the Simgot EA1000 as part of a tour, following are my impressions. Many thanks to Simgot and @Damz87 for making the tour happen!!
The Simgot EA1000 IEM shells are rather small, with a short nozzle that doesn’t fit me particularly well. Using L size stock tips worked kinda ok, but I wasn't always getting the best seal without manually holding the IEMs in my ears. I tried around 10 other types of tips, they were all worse- JVC SpiralDot, Final E, Azla Sedna EarFit, SpinFit 145, all sealed poorly. I think this is because of the short nozzles that have a distinct bend to them; if that bend does not fit your ear properly then, like me, you may be out of luck with this IEM.
Up close, the EA1000 is a pretty nice IEM...
...but compared to the Dunu SA6 MkII on the left, and the 64 Audio U6t in the middle, you can see just how tiny the EA1000 actually is. The former 2 IEMs are typical sized universals that have been designed to fit the vast majority of ears, mine included.
One thing I definitely noticed during all of my tip-rolling with the EA1000 is the dynamic drivers sometimes crinkling and flexing when I put these in my ears and adjusted them. I know that many IEM makers will say that driver flex doesn’t matter and shouldn’t damage the drivers, but I then have to question how it is that so many other companies have made IEMs using dynamic drivers that don’t flex. This is always a bit of a red flag for me, and unfortunately Simgot have some work to do here to correct this.
So now the bad stuff is out of the way, I can say that when I did get a good fit with the EA1000, it’s got a nice combination of a lively, energetic tuning coupled with above-average technical performance for the $220 price point.
Bass is well controlled, and has very good quality with reasonable sub-bass depth, if lacking a bit in quantity. Bass-heads may wish to look elsewhere, however the relative restraint in the bass complements the rest of the FR very well. Midrange is “correct” with just enough emphasis in the lower mids to cast a pleasing warmth across the upper frequencies. My preference is always for more lower-mid warmth, but I think this is more in line with what the majority of listeners would prefer. It’s in the treble where I think the EA1000 really shines with a lively energetic presence that avoids any nasty peaks or harshness.
On the technical side of things, the EA1000 is a well above average performer at it’s price point. The stage image is wide with decent height, however let down a bit with somewhat flatter depth, which makes dynamics ok, but not great. It’s in the details and resolution where the EA1000 really shines. You’re getting a very clean, tight sounding performance all across the FR that lets you really focus in on whatever part of the music takes your interest. Leading edges are precise and controlled without a hint of any sibilance.
An acoustic track like Adrianne Lenker’s “Free Treasure” is a real delight with the EA1000. The finger-picked acoustic guitar to the left of stage is perfectly clear and articulate in the higher registers, while the accompanying guitar off to the right has a lovely richness in the lower mids. Adrienne’s tender vocal performance is of course excellent, and the EA1000 conveys all of the emotion perfectly.
Changing gears to Meadbodies’ “Move”, and the EA1000 is absolutely in it’s element. EA1000’s control is on display with the cacophony of the electric guitars, percussion and vocals all presented with a clarity and articulation that lets a track like this sweep the listener away on a psychedelic trip. Fun!!
And getting into some EDM, Bolis Pupul’s “Kowloon” is also a real treat. I suppose my only real gripe is that EA1000’s sub-bass doesn’t hit quite as hard as this track deserves, and leaves me wanting just a little bit more. But the detail and tactility of the synths, and especially the percussion is outstanding.
Bottom line is that the Simgot EA1000 is a pretty great IEM at its price point, but do be aware of potential fit issues.
