Sound Performance
I used a Hiby R6 Pro II set to hi-gain in AB mode with a volume level of 18 to test the EA1000s.
I’m a cable snob who refuses to use 3.5mm single-ended cables, so instead used a fairly basic 4.4mm Penon Globe silver-plated stock cable to make comparisons easier.
The EA1000s are very cohesive with a clear, clean tonality that’s impressively transparent. They’re quite neutral, but unlike many ‘reference’ tuned IEMs don’t flat or boring – instead they’re lively & dynamic.
They do a fantastic job of conveying the coherency of a single dynamic driver, yet deliver most of the technical performance you’d expect from a multi-driver hybrids.
Bass is unmistakably DD-fueled with the kind of impressive texture you’d expect from a dynamic driver, delivering ample thump to make bass dominant genres satisfying – just don’t expect basshead levels of quantity, because Simgot have decided to prioritise neutrality. Sub bass is emphasised a little over midbass, preventing added warmth being injected to keep the presentation sounding ‘clean’.
Shifting to the midrange the priority is clarity over warmth, with vocal articulation being very impressive. There is a slight bias towards the upper midrange but not enough to bother most listeners, as there’s enough lower midrange to provide a pleasing sense of fullness & note weight for male & female vocals.
I was concerned the EA1000’s Harman origins might result in the thin, hollow tonality that’s always made me dislike Harman-tuned IEMs, but thankfully Simgot have avoided that. What I really like is instruments & voices are portrayed to sound quite large on the EA1000s, whereas on many budget IEMs they often feel small & diminished. This also aids EA1000 midrange resolution which is excellent.
Treble on the EA1000s is adequately resolving given there’s no BAs or ESTs, and Simgot have been careful not to overcook the quantity to avoid any potential sibilance. Treble does not feel rolled off however, with sufficient presence even for electronic music.
Given the EA1000’s very capable bass & midrange performance I’d be hard pressed to expect more in this area from just one DD, and if anything would argue Simgot has achieved an excellent balance.
Technical Performance
EA1000 technical performance is far above the levels I associate with less costly single-DD IEMs.
The soundstage is impressive even by the standards of even fairly expensive IEMs, with surprisingly expansive width considering just two drivers are present. Stage depth isn’t nearly as strong, but avoids being paper-thin as we often see with more affordable IEMs.
Resolution is very solid given the price range & modest driver count, in fact resolution on vocals is quite pleasing but the EA1000’s definitely aren’t resolution monsters like multi-BA hybrids.
Imaging is quite good which may be largely a virtue of the wide stage giving instruments a fair amount of room to position themselves, though I wouldn’t label it pinpoint as the background isn’t quite inky black.
Dynamics are excellent. Sounds really jump out from the background in a pleasing manner, and as someone who’s always felt dynamics go a long way towards a convincing portrayal of real instruments this quality alone helps ingratiate the EA1000’s with me.
Tuning Nozzles
The EA1000 nozzles unscrew easily, and two additional nozzles which alter the tuning are included. They’re even supplied with a nicely-finished metal holder they screw into – a thoughtful touch.
Silver (stock)
The stock nozzles are made from stainless steel and deliver a very balanced, neutral sound. These are my favourites for most genres.
Silver (alternate)
Also stainless steel, these deepen bass with more midbass in particular added, bringing vocals forward & embodying them with more presence to increase the overall sense of fullness. These are my preferred choice for vocal genres, but the soundstage doesn’t feel as open & there’s a slight loss of transparency.
Gold
The gold nozzles are made from brass which may in itself alter acoustic properties. They sound more airy, but though the stage feels slightly wider the perception of note weight diminishes & some of the lower midrange warmth feels removed. I like these for classical music.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Performance, Technical Performance & Tuning Nozzles
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
This is the most accurate review of ea1000 over all others.