IEM Comparisons
I compared the EA1000s with several IEMs at hand to get a feel for how they stack up. For reference the EA1000’s required a volume of 18 on the Hiby R6P2.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
The EM6L’s are physically lighter with shells less rounded, and oddly I find don’t isolate quite as well. However the difference in comfort between them is fairly negligible. Requiring 28 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive.
I can immediately tell the EM6Ls are multi-driver hybrids since they don’t sound as coherent but it feels like they’re covering the frequency spectrum more completely.
EM6L tonality is definitely poorer with more upper midrange emphasis leading to an unpleasantly hollow sound, which comes across as slightly diffuse so the centre soundstage image doesn’t feel as solid. The EM6L stage itself feels artificially stretched wider, but is slightly deeper.
There’s common ground in the tuning of these two IEMs, but the EM6L is more strictly Harman-tuned. Interestingly the EA1000s feel cleaner & higher in resolution, and I much prefer them over the EM6Ls.
Tanchjim Oxygen – 1xDD (USD $230)
The Oxygens tiny, to the extent I have difficulty obtaining a decent seal. They’re amazingly comfortable, but heavy for their size to extent they feel about as weighty as the EA1000s. Needing 25 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive.
Mine are the older version of the Oxygens, which have had their nozzle grilles removed.
The Oxygens remind me of the EM6Ls but with an even thinner, more Harman-esque tonality with far too much upper midrange. Sub bass is impressive & reaches quite deep, whereas the EA1000 emphasises midbass more but also adds more lower midrange to make instruments sound more convincing.
The Oxygens sound like single-DDs that are showing their age, with a much narrower stage and a great deal of difficulty separating instruments during complex passages, and often come across as mushy.
Penon Dome – 3xBA 1xDD (USD $349)
Made from resin the Domes are much lighter & hug the counters of my ears better, so comfort is definitely superior. Requiring 22 on the R6P2 they’re slightly more difficult to drive.
I at once notice the Domes’ richer, more forward midrange that is Penon’s hallmark, though they can be a slightly shouty at times with more upper midrange than the EA1000s. The Domes are more coloured but also more involving & energetic, with slightly more bass quantity.
The Domes’ soundstage isn’t quite as wide but is slightly deeper, dynamics are better and resolution is slightly higher too, and they boast superior note weight. Wheres the EA1000s have a flatter reference tuning and are slightly brighter & more cohesive.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
In the ears the Turbos feel smaller, lighter and more comfortable. Requiring 26 volume on the R6P2 they’re quite a bit harder to drive. I keep all Turbo tuning switches in their default positions.
The Turbos demonstrate much higher bass quantity with more midbass in particular which helps add warmth. Characteristic of Penon their midrange is more forward with much more lower midrange emphasis creating a tonality I definitely prefer, though some could find those forward vocals fatiguing.
Turbo technical performance is in a different class with higher midrange resolution, better dynamics, a blacker background and a deeper soundstage though the EA1000’s is actually wider. I do find the EA1000s more laidback & relaxingly cohesive, but the Turbos deliver a more exciting, powerful sound.
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.