BGVP Phantom SE – Vibrant & Musical
Preamble:
BGVP has been around for some time churning out many respectable sets to grace our hungry ears. While not as prominent on the scene as some others, IMHO they should be. The Phantom comes in somewhere in the middle of their product line and at $1099 USD is priced accordingly.
Each gorgeous shell includes a driver compliment of two dynamic drivers, two balanced armatures, two EST drivers and two bone conductor drivers. Unlike many other iem companies, BGVP does not shy way from naming the manufacturers of these components , BGVP listing Sonion and Knowles as the sources of the EST and BA drivers used. All of these drivers are under control of a 5 way crossover as well.
As I have said in previous reviews, it is NOT the type and manufacturer of drivers that matters but their implementation and tuning. BGVP has triumphed here and done a standout job in integrating all these different technologies into an iem that truly sings.
The Phantom SE is only moderately easy to drive and definitely benefits from a more capable source both with respect to resolution and driving power. The Phantom’s sound comes alive when adequately driven but may suffer when not. Tip selection should also not be overlooked and my listening was done using wide bored tips with a moderate stem length.
SPECS:
2x Sonion EST (Treble)
1x Sonion BA (Mids)
1x Knowles BA (Highs/Mids)
2x graphine Dynamic Drivers
2x Sonion Bone Conductor Drivers
Sensitivity: 107db SPL/mW
Impedance: 12ohm
Build & Fit:
The BGVP Phantom SE is one beautiful IEM. Pictures do not really do it justice as this iem, on top of having a flawless finish, is an eye catcher. The highly polished resin shells are topped of on one end with a gold nozzle and at the other end capped with tastefully done branding also coloured gold.
The Phantom SE is a medium sized iem with a prominent nozzle. A proper fit was easy to realize with some attention having been paid to tip selection to both achieve a good seal and better sound synergy.
I did not have the full retail kit for this review but did have the stock cable which was outstanding in its appearance and apparent quality. The included branded case was also a standout being of high quality with charming looks and finish. . BGVP definitely didn’t cut corners with the Phantom SE with the iem itself or the included accessories. All exude a high quality look and feel commensurate with its asking price. Well done!
SOUND:
Bass:
Bass is tight, clean and does go fairly deep. There is just a slight focus on the sub-bass vs the mid-bass here. The presentation here is more about quality as opposed to quantity. No the Phantom SE is NOT bass shy, but bassheads will have to look elsewhere. Those who enjoy musicality though will find much to like.
The bass does not overshadow the mid-range and yet it’s there providing a foundation. There is a richness to the tone here which could be attributed to the bone conductor drivers working in concert with the quality dynamic drivers.
Listening the “18th Street Lounging” by Marcus Miller the bass was overall satisfying but with just a few small caveats. Decay could be a touch longer and the bass here is more on the dry side. Still it is quite musical and those nitpicks did not detract from the overall experience in a way that is distracting. Listening to “Angel” by Massive attack the same characteristics were heard with nice control and adequate texturing if a little dry.
The mid-bass is quick and taught with good detail. There is little if any midrange bleed here the bass staying in its lane. The low end of the Phantom SE does satisfy but it’s tuned for musicality as opposed to over the top slam and power.
Midrange:
The midrange is open with good clarity and detail. There is a mix of both macro and micro details heard here. The lower mids do have a touch of warmth which added some meat to male vocals. The upper mids do see some pinna gain but there is no harshness. Female vocals are more forward than male though being more immediate in the mix while neither are out front. Vocals are also relayed with great coherence.
Note weight is acceptable but on some occasions I would have preferred more. This did affect timbre which again is good but at times the lack of note weight detracted from being perfect.
Layering and separation is quite good even on busier tracks. When listening to “Beautiful Lie” by Vick Lavender I was more than please with the Phantom SE’s poise and ability to present all the elements in their own space. Transients and dynamics were also managed well sounding natural.
The BGVP Phantom SE has a midrange while not perfect is suited to long listening sessions. It excels at all genres of music while being forgiving to less than well recorded tracks.
Treble:
The treble is well extended, clean with great detail and control. Fatigue free with no harshness the treble rounds out the performance of the Phantom in a beautiful way. Listening to “Vanston Place 12am” by Ronny Jordan there was ample air and sparkle heard with palpable space around the treble notes.
This is a treble presentation that is delightful
with nice sparkle and shimmer combined with a natural decay, treble energy being wonderful as well. The BGVP Phantom SE really has outstanding treble. Icing on an already delicious cake.
VERSUS:
Orilous Szalayi:
These two earphones are priced similarly yet do sound different. The Szalayi being imho the best example of a “Basshead” capable iem that these opinionated ears have heard. As such the Szalayi gets an obvious win in the bass , not just in the slam and power departments but in overall richness, detail and delivery.
Midrange is where things are much closer both offering an open and expressive midrange with exceptional clarity. The Phantom SE is a tad more forward in how it portrays the mids with the Szalayi offering an even more balanced output. The upper midrange does come off as more natural on the Szalayi though and note weight definitely sways in its direction as well.
Treble though is interesting as the Phantom SE while offering a touch more sparkle does fall behind when it comes to the natural delivery of the Szalayi.
My overall pick would be the Szalayi as it just offers that next level of organic and natural playback from the lowest notes to the highest frequencies.
CONCLUSION:
BGVP has much to be proud about with the Phantom SE. It is a tour de force of tech expertly rolled into a wonderfully cohesive and engaging sonic package. The icing on the cake is the stunning quality of this iem and its accessories.
I found the BGVP Phantom SE to be an eminently listenable iem which really does come to life when fed good quality recordings while being driven by quality gear. If you are after a beautifully manufactured iem with a detailed and mature sound that lets you get the best out of the music, the BGVP Phantom SE should be on your list. Recommended.
