Good review Monk.
1 Like
Eric with the Ghost
My Video is up for the Joyodio Shine
Here for you visual nerds:
And lots of words here:
Joyodio Shine
February 22, 2023
9:42 AM
Joyodio Shine - 1st. Attempt
Pros:
- Premium Look and feel
- Included case is great and useful
- Included tips actually work for this IEM
- Cable works and is tangle free
- 16 Different tunings
- Female vocals
- Big card to describe in part what the switches do
Cons:
- Male vocals a tad thin.
- Way too many tuning switches a bit confusing
- Not a excellent performer in technicalities
- Needs power to get the DD going with the higher impedance
Now let’s get into it: The Techy Stuff
1x 7mm DD and 2 BA
SHOUT OUT TO LINSOUL for providing me this review sample.
More information can be found here and non-affiliated link: JOYODIO SHINE 1DD+2BA Hybrid Driver In Ear Monitor – Linsoul Audio
Subjective Part of my Audio Review -
Truthear Hola - Paid for by my Dog Kilo who sacrificed his weekly toy so I could buy this IEM - Thanks Kilo!
Hello Ladies & Gents: Thanks for reading my feedback.
I share my impressions as I hear them with my ears.
As all our ears are different shapes & size so what I hear as bright or bass heavy -you might hear as dull and Vise-Versa; just something to be mindful of.
My version of what my perfect balanced IEM is: Good Sub Bass, with a warmer tone weight but faster and a nice transition into lower bass that adds the correct note weight to male vocals without too much bleed to effect female vocals with too much added thickness. I want to hear guitar plucks sounding with good intensity and tone.
Male vocals should sound correct and female vocals not to thin or forward.
Highs need to good extension and no sign of sibilance.
Instruments need to have correct tonality and sound natural.
For reference my favorite IEM is the Xenns Mangird UP with it’s EST drivers that add sparkly enhancement only and not forced in a smooth natural way I prefer the fast speedy bass of the Beryllium Coated Driver.
My music Library is widely varied from; Metallica, Great White, Cowboy Junkies, Pink Floyd, Adelle, Melisa Ethridge, Fleetwood Mac, Five for Fighting, Manskin, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Chopin, The Crystal Method just to name a few. When not listening to my test tracks the majority is Jazz or Alternative Rock especially Female Rock. Lorde, Halsey, Alanis Morrisette, Evanescence.
All depends on my mood. If I want to chill out I listen to artists like the, - The Who, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Dire Straits and Dead Can Dance just to name a few.
If I want to have a beer and just get lost then some Jazz , Miles Davis, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Ray Brown Trio.
If I want to rock out then some AC/DC, Bad Co, Great White, Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Metallica.
And Those Times I want to get into vocals then Lorde, Halsey, Biff Naked, Alanis Morrisette hit the spot.
I mention all this so you get a sense of my library and what I like when I make my audio impressions other than the playlist
Sources: E1DA SG3, Shanling UP5, Geshelli JNOG J2 with AKM4493 chip. Truthear SHIO (Dual Cirrus Logic 43198 DAC Chips)
DAP/TRASPORT: From Lenovo Laptop with Tidal, iBasso DX160 (Dual Cirrus Logic 43198 Dac Chips), Samsung S22 Ultra with DSD Files.
Amps: LoxjiP20 & XDUOO MT-604 tube hybrid amps and Topping A90D Amp 4.4 Pentagon Balanced Out - Unless stated
Tips Used for the Shine were the stock Large turbine looking ones that are wide bore.
My Format that I like to use is that I will list the music tracks I used & why with my musical impressions of the playback using that track with the notes I took during my time with the Joyodio Shine.
*My Notes are not meant to be full sentences just my thoughts written down at the time and transposed.
Remember these are critical listening notes write it as I hear it, not overall impressions
***Listening done with setting 1001 on the toggle switch R&B/Rock 4,4 balanced off of Topping A90D with iBasso DX160 as transport DAC.
Total Time 2:09:51 27 Tracks
#1 “Beautiful Blue” by Holly McNarland
(I love Holly’s vocals should be crips clear vocals with the right edge to here vocals)
“A bit recessed . BA timber can be heard here adds shine not terrible, Drivers don’t have perfect cohesion seems to not blend in well.”
#2 “Give Me One Reason” Tracy Chapman
(I love her voice and the way it is recorded listen for the strums on the guitar - I have seen Ms. Chapman live a few times; so In my mind, I try and remember how she sounds like 5ft from me as I was blessed to experience)
“Vocals were good. Instrumental a bit veiled, bass shy for my liking.”
#3 “Paradox” by M.E.B.
(Great female vocals listening for accurate piano at 0:11, bass hits at 0:28 and vocals at 2:00)
“Bottom end was there a bit tubby. Not bad for this track, Vocals forward in mix.”
#4 “House Of Broken Love” & “Rock Me”
(80’S Baby, Double Kick drums at the beginning of the first track I am listening to how fast it hits how solid is the bass and what’s the decay like. An ideal replay here would be fast, powerful bass with nice note weight to feel it in your chest so to speak if you were at a concert.) ( With “Rock Me” same thing but I am listening for the bass guitar drops on this track it should be quite low)
“Shouty at 2:30 turned it down, Bass tightened up at 2:30 switch to balanced cable, pillowy at low volumes”
#5 “Wheat Kings - Remastered” by The Tragically Hip
(Sense of stage and Male vocals)
“Stage height good, Vocals forward in mix , now getting a sense of the shine.”
#6 “Chemical Mentalist” The Crystal Method
(Bass, more bass fast and lots of it - How does it do end of the story - Huge Smile or poo emoji?)
“EDM good w power shouty without but not sibilant.”
#7 “Its Time” by Labrinth, Sia, Diplo
(3 very different singers and their voices come together. I use this because it’s a cool track and at higher volumes lesser IEM’s get sibilant. Piano doesn’t get washed out and Vocals at 2:30 should blow your little mind) “NOPE”
“Vocals ok but showing its weakness in technical chops.”
#8 “All My Friends Are Here” Joe Satriani
(In this track you can hear Joe playing dead Center with the busy and very separated L & R licks added in and then he brings you back to center with some crazy and very hard-to-play Descending A Major rifts! As Joe described this song as “A rock guitarist trying to control a wild beast”
“Very congested stage , excitement not there just a more mellow replay.”
#9 “The Antidote Is In The Poison” GoGo Penguin
(Modern Jazz at its best. Powerful, Dynamic track full of emotion and snappy bass. Fantastic track to listen to how well Micro Dynamics are conveyed and get a good sense of the IEM’s ability to convey that to the listener.)
“SEE ABOVE”
#10 “Angel” by Massive Attack
(Say it with me - massive textured bass drops )
“Soft replay bass not really”
#11 “Bring Me Some Water” by Melissa Ethridge
(I like this track to hear Melissa’s voice and see if the transducers (speakers) reproduce her voice to how edgy I think it should be.)
“Vocals are fine missing a bit of edge to her voice, guitar didn’t come through as it should.”
#12 “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” Annie Lennox
(A Bach-inspired Hammond Organ M102, I seriously love it and its unique sound with Annie’s voice this is so cool)
“Missing the sparkle but vocals ok.”
#13 " So Cold " Holly McNarland
( Vocals on this track are further back in the track and L & R upfront good track for testing depth of stage and vocals - Sub Bass at the very beginning has a nice drop.)
" Same as #12"
#14 “Shape Of My Heart” Sting
(in this track I am listening to the sound of the guitar pulls and slides. How well does the IEM give an emotional presentation of the mix between the vocals and the bass.
“Male vocals missing a bit of note weight pulls the same thing.”
#15 “Wishing You Would Stay” by The Tea Party with Holly McNarland
(Love this track. With this song and this band, it was the first time having a guest vocalist. Holly McNarland has a great voice and I have seen her live a few times front and center getting sweat on. Listening for Holly’s voice being forward in the mix and not sibilant.)
" Ok vocals overall good compromise."
#16 “Avenue A” Tom Cochrane and Red Rider Live from the Symphony Sessions
(This track with more resolving IEM’S you can hear the guitar pulls and slides with a sense of open spaciousness and grandeur)
“Narrow average stage.”
#17 “Eden” Hania Rani
( The way Hania has recorded this track with the mics on the strings in the body of the piano is incredibly unique and such a unique presentation you can hear the string’s tension at the beginning, Bass kicks in at 1:40 and goes low that’s what I am listening for.)
“Piano lacks note weight.”
#18 “Summertime” Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
( This Track has both legendary artists Simply listening to Louis and Ella’s voices and of course, the Piano and trumpets how accurate and lifelike.)
“Trumpets lost there sharpness not correct here.”
#19 “Blue Train” Poncho Sanchez
( Trumpets here are silky or should sound that way with good timbre, overall mix how does it present, and of course Poncho’s drums )
#20 “ My Girl “ Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
(Listening for instrument placement and stage and this track gives a good sense of dynamics and excitement with lots of dynamics in the mix)
" Missing both ends bass treb."
#21 “Iconic” by Alanis Morissette
(More edgy female vocals to give you the chills)
#22 “The Day That Never Comes” Metallica - Live with the SFO from S&M2
(Big open stage good depth of stage excellent recording with a excellent orchestral opening)
“Stage sounds like playing in a GYM not huge venue.”
#23 “Tricycle” by Flim & BB’s
(Turn this one up and wait till 0:28 seconds- Have Fun Dynamics test)
“Gone Missing.”
#24 “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
(Great song to listen for stage and imaging)
“Thrillless.”
#25 “Team” by Lorde
(Female vocals if your lover of those this is a great track)
“Two thumbs up on vocals.”
#26 “ Wake Up “ Oliver Mtukudzi
(Oliver Mtukudzi is an African Musician and prolific guitarist and Vocalist. He sings with a mix of South African styles sometimes in English sometimes mixed like in this track and includes the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore. TUKU MUSIC at its finest – Listening for vocals, bass lines, and clarity – and because it is just fun! Right at the beginning you have some very cool snaps and instrumental)
“Missing the excitement.”
#27 “Brothers In Arms” by Dire Straits
(Intro and dynamics or distant thunder, and Iconic Mark Knopfler’s vocals Bass hits at 2:12)
“Intro soft bass , Mark’s voice needs more weight.”
SUMMARY & FINAL THOUGHTS FOR: Joyodio Shine
I think on Joyodio’ s first attempt into the congested IEM market they achieved their goal bringing a overall value package to the table with a nice presentation , case, Cord was tangle free, nice tips and a top of tuning options directly aimed at the novice person to this hobby. Overall I think they achieved their goal and for a first attempt great effort!
What puts a negative spin on this IEM is probably with the tuning switches it added a certain impedance load where the average person who wants to drive this off of their mobile device will be left disappointed. As is the Joyodio Shine is power hungry and its overall performance will depend on how much juice you can feed into the thing.
Overall I would have preferred a warmer replay but again that is my subjective preference for my music.
Louis Armstrong was a classic example of thinner vocal weight in the fact that he didn’t sound like Loui.
The Shine is not the most technical set nor did it try to be and certainly not at this price point should it be.
Stage was average but had some tracks that presented higher than average.
If you are just stating out and want a good overall package to get you going and help you figure out what your preferred sound signature you like then maybe you should take a look at the Shine.
Round #2 I would love to see a Bigger DD for more bottom end maybe a tad warmer for male vocals and get rid of the fancy packaging and a greater focus on tuning.
I think Joyodio tried to be a allrounder to beginners so on attempt #1 you have to give them some credit and provide feedback to help them improve for round #2
Thanks so much, Cheers from the Tone Deaf Monk.
More information can be found here and non-affiliated link: JOYODIO SHINE 1DD+2BA Hybrid Driver In Ear Monitor – Linsoul Audio
Video is up sorry a long but deserving one with detailed track analysis and comparison to OH10 and IE200.
SIMGOT EA500 - Full Metal Jacket
A crazy long impression. I added the Aune Jasper in comparisons as well.
Pros:
- Full Metal Jacket Shell so beautifully constructed premium looking.
- Great nozzle length for me and angle made it a great fit isolation was outstanding for me. ( Subjective )
- 2 Tuning nozzle’s with lots of extra o rings in both colors
- Tuning nozzle’s not a gimmick quick and easy to actuality change sound signature (Red - SIMGOT House Sound)
- Natural Vocals
Both Male and Female vocals produced naturally with correct tonality and weight no compromise for either.
- Organic balanced sound signature
Musical without added warmth or artifacts
- Extremely resolving in macro and micro details ( Has the ability to bring emotion into the passage or track to create the excitement of the recording or playback as artist or producer intended.)
- Not source dependant for quality playback.
- Plays all Genres I threw at it not bass intense like rap.
- Very technical resolving high quality Dynamic Driver being used.
- Stage is very 3D not huge kept within your headspace with good depth and width sounded very spacious not just L + C + R
- Mid Bass changes its texture and was noticeable on well recorded tracks with quality playback - sometimes thick sometimes fast with nice decay and varied not just one flavour of bass.
- Highs were well extended with nice extension and air.
- Non sibilant with RED nozzle. and a tad bit for me on poorly recorded tracks
- Very nice useable caring case & Tangle free cable.
Cons:
- Not for Bass heads
- Not for Treble heads
- Some sibilance with Black Nozzle for me on poorly recorded tracks
- Lack of Sub Bass extension evident with tracks with that very low frequency energy.
- Cable does not have balanced or modular option.
- Intimate stage some might find with using narrow bore tips.
- Maybe too resolving for some looking for a super casual listen.
- Might be too large for small ears.
SIMGOT EA500 SPECS:
4th Generation Single 10mm Custom DLC dual-magnetic-circuit & dual-cavity driver.
Full CNC Shell
High quality mirror plated finish
Dual Detachable Tuning Nozzle’s
Silver Plated OFC 3.5mm Cable
Semi Recessed 0.78 2 Pin receptacle.
Easy to drive 16 Ohm resistance
Very High 123-124 db/Vrms sensitivity needs very little power to get loud
Frequency response range is listed as 10Hz-50KHz
Useable Frequency response rage is listed as 10Hz-20KHz
SHOUT OUT TO SIMGOT for providing me this review sample.
More information can be found here and non-affiliated purchase link: https://amzn.to/3lTSPgl
YouTube Video Review can be found here: SIMGOT EA500 - Full Metal Jacket - YouTube
Subjective Part of my Audio Review -
I share my impressions as I hear them with my ears.
As all our ears are different shapes & size so what I hear as bright or bass heavy -you might hear as dull and Vise-Versa; just something to be mindful of.
My version of what my perfect balanced IEM is: Good Sub Bass, with a warmer tone weight but faster and a nice transition into lower bass that adds the correct note weight to male vocals without too much bleed to effect female vocals with too much added thickness. I want to hear guitar plucks sounding with good intensity and tone.
Male vocals should sound correct and female vocals not to thin or forward.
Highs need to good extension and no sign of sibilance.
Instruments need to have correct tonality and sound natural.
For reference my favorite IEM is the Xenns Mangird UP with it’s EST drivers that add sparkly enhancement only and not forced in a smooth natural way I prefer the fast speedy bass of the Beryllium Coated Driver.
My music Library is widely varied from; Metallica, Great White, Cowboy Junkies, Pink Floyd, Adelle, Melisa Ethridge, Fleetwood Mac, Five for Fighting, Manskin, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Chopin, The Crystal Method just to name a few. When not listening to my test tracks the majority is Jazz or Alternative Rock especially Female Rock. Lorde, Halsey, Alanis Morrisette, Evanescence.
All depends on my mood. If I want to chill out I listen to artists like the, - The Who, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Dire Straits and Dead Can Dance just to name a few.
If I want to have a beer and just get lost then some Jazz , Miles Davis, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Ray Brown Trio.
If I want to rock out then some AC/DC, Bad Co, Great White, Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Metallica.
And Those Times I want to get into vocals then Lorde, Halsey, Biff Naked, Alanis Morrisette hit the spot.
I mention all this so you get a sense of my library and what I like when I make my audio impressions other than the playlist
Sources: E1DA SG3, Shanling UP5, Geshelli JNOG J2 with AKM4493 chip. Truthear SHIO (Dual Cirrus Logic 43198 DAC Chips)
DAP/TRASPORT: From Lenovo Laptop with Tidal, iBasso DX160 (Dual Cirrus Logic 43198 Dac Chips), Samsung S22 Ultra with DSD Files.
Amps: LoxjiP20 & XDUOO MT-604 tube hybrid amps and Topping A90D Amp 4.4 Pentagon Balanced Out - Unless stated
Tips Used for the EA500 were the JVC FX09 Spiral Dots that are very wide bore.
Cable I used Stock and Hakugei Joyful voice Tri-Element 4.4 Balanced
My Format that I like to use is that I will list the music tracks I used & why with my musical impressions of the playback using that track with the notes I took during my time with the EA500
*My Notes are not meant to be full sentences just my thoughts written down at the time and transposed.
Remember these are critical listening notes write it as I hear it, not overall impressions
***Listening done with RED NOZZLE and 4,4 balanced off of Topping A90D, Geshelli AKM J2 Dac as source with iBasso DX160 as transport only 3.5mm to COAX Dig out.
Total Time 2:34:29 - 33 Tracks
#1 “Beautiful Blue” by Holly McNarland
(I love Holly’s vocals should be crips clear vocals with the right edge to here vocals)
“A bit thin on ESS and super clean dacs doesn’t need it already resolving enough, perfect voice”
#2 “Give Me One Reason” Tracy Chapman
(I love her voice and the way it is recorded listen for the strums on the guitar - I have seen Ms. Chapman live a few times; so In my mind, I try and remember how she sounds like 5ft from me as I was blessed to experience)
" Guitar was bang on tone and perfect vocals, tons of air and extension, backup singers were nicely presented in the mix"
#3 “Paradox” by M.E.B.
(Great female vocals listening for accurate piano at 0:11, bass hits at 0:28 and vocals at 2:00)
“Bass hits were nicely done fast with a surprisingly warm decay”
#4 “Rock Me” by Great White
(80’S Baby, Double Kick drums at the beginning of the first track I am listening to how fast it hits how solid is the bass and what’s the decay like. An ideal replay here would be fast, powerful bass with nice note weight to feel it in your chest so to speak if you were at a concert.) ( With “Rock Me” same thing but I am listening for the bass guitar drops on this track it should be quite low)
“Bass had some nice note weight on RED nozzle Not as much with Black one, Bass goes lower than graph would suggest. Intimate stage very open still and the bass hits were faster.”
#5 “Wheat Kings - Remastered” by The Tragically Hip
(Sense of stage and Male vocals)
Very 3D stage , nice extension in the highs lots of wicked vocals and guitar details."
#6 “Chemical Mentalist” The Crystal Method
(Bass, more bass fast and lots of it - How does it do end of the story - Huge Smile or poo emoji?)
“Love the hits , so sweet with this track, can be played very loud great for music like this.”
#7 “Its Time” by Labrinth, Sia, Diplo
(3 very different singers and their voices come together. I use this because it’s a cool track and at higher volumes lesser IEM’s get sibilant. Piano doesn’t get washed out and Vocals at 2:30 should blow your little mind)
“Good separation + Back up details , clear separation and tonality of all three vocals. You could tell when there was one singer or all in the mix. One of the best presentations of this track I have heard. Piano has the correct sound and could clearly be heard in the mix and did not get washed out”
#8 “All My Friends Are Here” Joe Satriani
(In this track you can hear Joe playing dead Center with the busy and very separated L & R licks added in and then he brings you back to center with some crazy and very hard-to-play Descending A Major rifts! As Joe described this song as “A rock guitarist trying to control a wild beast”
“Massive width + good depth you can hear L + R effects closer to the front and main track in center farther back. Descending A Major rift was perfect and clearly discernable!”
#9 “The Antidote Is In The Poison” GoGo Penguin
(Modern Jazz at its best. Powerful, Dynamic track full of emotion and snappy bass. Fantastic track to listen to how well Micro Dynamics are conveyed and get a good sense of the IEM’s ability to convey that to the listener.)
“Very 3D , plucks + air are nice bass was surprisingly present because the resolving power is fantastic of the dynamic driver brought it out effortlessly.”
#10 “Angel” by Massive Attack
(Say it with me - massive textured bass drops )
“The EA500 didn’t have the lowest extension this song deserves , but and a big one - the bass and droning , cascading hits were presented with very nice texture well done SIMGOT - Metal Cavity magic ?”
#11 “Bring Me Some Water” by Melissa Ethridge
(I like this track to hear Melissa’s voice and see if the transducers (speakers) reproduce her voice to how edgy I think it should be.)
“Guitar and bass at beginning was epic, OMG Vocals!”
#12 “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” Annie Lennox
(A Bach-inspired Hammond Organ M102, I seriously love it and its unique sound with Annie’s voice this is so cool)
“Amazing Extension and sparkle.”
#13 " So Cold " Holly McNarland
( Vocals on this track are further back in the track and L & R upfront good track for testing depth of stage and vocals - Sub Bass at the very beginning has a nice drop.)
“Very Well done”
#14 “Shape Of My Heart” Sting
(in this track I am listening to the sound of the guitar pulls and slides. How well does the IEM give an emotional presentation of the mix between the vocals and the bass.
“Perfect Pulls , as was Sting voice.”
#15 “Wishing You Would Stay” by The Tea Party with Holly McNarland
(Love this track. With this song and this band, it was the first time having a guest vocalist. Holly McNarland has a great voice and I have seen her live a few times front and center getting sweat on. Listening for Holly’s voice being forward in the mix and not sibilant.)
“Vocals were wicked but the dynamics and playback were outstanding in every song I get the felling the E500 presents with huge passion as long as it is instilled into the mix”
#16 “Avenue A” Tom Cochrane and Red Rider Live from the Symphony Sessions
(This track with more resolving IEM’S you can hear the guitar pulls and slides with a sense of open spaciousness and grandeur)
“Big stage so natural like you are in the middle of concert 100’ from stage . Tom’s voice was real. Strings at 1:30 so nice!”
#17 “Eden” Hania Rani
( The way Hania has recorded this track with the mics on the strings in the body of the piano is incredibly unique and such a unique presentation you can hear the string’s tension at the beginning, Bass kicks in at 1:40 and goes low that’s what I am listening for)
“Piano notes were perfect , the secondary mics were clearly noticeable with the special way Hania Rani records her music not a easy thing to pick up.”
#18 “Summertime” Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
( This Track has both legendary artists Simply listening to Louis and Ella’s voices and of course, the Piano and trumpets how accurate and lifelike )
“Trumpets have perfect bite + tone , Ella + louis were perfect.”
#19 “Blue Train” Poncho Sanchez
( Trumpets here are silky or should sound that way with good timbre, overall mix how does it present, and of course Poncho’s drums )
“Macro-dynamics were huge Drums are so great.”
#20 “ My Girl “ Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
(Listening for instrument placement and stage and this track gives a good sense of dynamics and excitement with lots of dynamics in the mix)
“Xylophones were cool in the mix really came out at the beginning , Big stage and so smooth yet dynamic. What a great listen, volume keeps going up.”
#21 “Iconic” by Alanis Morissette
(More edgy female vocals to give you the chills)
“Oh yes , Amazing at 0:38 Alanis’s voice changes with the mic position. This so cool first time I heard this and not will be listening for it on everything.”
#22 “The Day That Never Comes” Metallica - Live with the SFO from S&M2
(Big open stage good depth of stage excellent recording with a excellent orchestral opening)
“Yeah huge stage 3D 0:56 Bass hits fast + nice weight.”
#23 “Tricycle” by Flim & BB’s
(Turn this one up and wait till 0:28 seconds- Have Fun Dynamics test)
" Not the best replay missing some authorities at high volume was very good almost there."
#24 “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
(Great song to listen for stage and imaging)
" Great 3D stage not sibilant on RED at beginning on Black YES."
#25 “Team” by Lorde
(Female vocals if your lover of those this is a great track)
“Very unique presentation SIMGOT House Sound coming to life.”
#26 “ Wake Up “ Oliver Mtukudzi
(Oliver Mtukudzi is an African Musician and prolific guitarist and Vocalist. He sings with a mix of South African styles sometimes in English sometimes mixed like in this track and includes the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore. TUKU MUSIC at its finest – Listening for vocals, bass lines, and clarity – and because it is just fun! Right at the beginning you have some very cool snaps and instrumental)
“Natural vocals at beginning + Oliver’s voice was perfect , good depth between singers front Back Up female vocals and Male Main.”
#27 “Brothers In Arms” by Dire Straits
(Intro and dynamics or distant thunder, and Iconic Mark Knopfler’s vocals Bass hits at 2:12)
“Thunder at beginning was well presented not droned out + Mark Knopfler was perfect again.”
#28 “Keith Don’t Go” - Live Version by Nils Loftgren
(Acoustical Guitar absolutely amazing recording - Tonality and male vocal clarity)
“You have to listen to this live recording , the Music that belted out of EA500 was breathtaking to listen to.”
#29 “Somebody I used To Know” by Goyte & Kimba
(A huge stage and Vocals listen for excellent separation and stage, Vocals at 1:38 and female 2:38 and micro-dynamics
" Just Wow love vocals the unique way it is replayed back on the EA500 just love the way it does the stage."
#30 " Flight Of The Cosmic Hippo" by Bélla Fleck & The Fleckstones
(Excellent recording and Bango bass should hit hard and low with nice mic of piano weight)
" The EA500 going to make me a banjo fan."
#31 " New Orleans Is Sinking " By The Tragically Hip."
Listening to Gord’s Voice without enough MB his voice will sound thin on this song.
" Great male vocals as well know Canadians rep so well! EH!."
#32 " T.V. Song" By The blue Man Group
The whip at beginning has to sound real, then the PVC B.M.G. stereo separation and then 10’ big ass drum hits at 1:26
" Not bad but showing the EA500 one weakness for sub bass big hits"
#33 “Electrified II” by Yello
How well does the playback just trip you out and pull you into the stage and presentation think Ferris Bueller’s` Day Off on LSD
“Yello oh hell YES!”
COMPARISIONS FOR REFERENCE:
Sennheiser IE200: $200
On the IE200 the stage is more L+R , more intimate yet the stage sounds closer to you and more like a studio recording rather than live. Whereas the EA500 changes its stage per song and is more true to the recording.
The IE200 plays lower in sub frequencies but not nearly as authoritive in its bass texture.
Vocals more recessed on the IE200 whereas the EA500 vocals are slightly forward in comparison to the two.
IKKO Obsidian OH10: $120-$150 now FEB 2023
The OH10 has a wider stage not nearly as 3D as the SIMGOT.
Both ends of the music spectrum Bass and certainly more high frequency energy you can expect from the OH10.
The OH10 has more bass and with greater speed.
The EA500 plays with a more neutral playback whereas the OH10 sounds more colored.
The EA500 beats the OH10 in detail retrieval and resolution.
AUNE Jasper: $299 Thanks Eric Lab “NymPHONOmaniac” for your loaner for this comparison.
The EA500 has a tad more bass , but with more texture.
Vocal clarity is just slightly more resolving and natural because of the added mid bass on the EA500 with a slightly more forward presentation both have outstanding vocals.
The Mids are slightly warmer on the Aune Jasper - my personal preference.
There sounds like a bit more air and extension in the highs of the Simgot EA500 making female vocals clearer.
The Jasper cant quite keep up with the 3D stage of the EA500 both are excellent but I give the nod to the SIMGOT here.
The shorter nozzle of the Aune Jasper makes it harder to get a good seal and more tip dependant.
The Jasper needs twice the power to get to the same volume level defiantly harder to drive.
SUMMARY & FINAL THOUGHTS FOR: SIMGOT EA500
I reached out to Simgot for this one in part because I saw it online , It looked so premium and well built and it peaked my curiosity so Simgot sent me one and I am sure glad they did and here we are 5 days later 16 Hours in ears and 100 hours burn in.
First thing I will say about the EA500 is that is not a Harman tuned typical sound , well it sort of is but throw in a bit of house SIMGOT sound tuned two alternate ways and you have this wonderful IEM being born.
I saw these IEM’s and what can I say there is a special place in my heart for full on metal shells, it certainly does something special for the IKKO Obsidian OH10 and the same exact thing can be said for the EA500!
There should not be as much bass with the weight it has looking at the graph curve.
The vocals both male and female on a warmer source is perfectly weighted and hits a very rare balance between weight and airiness.
At first listen I thought the EA500 sounded warm, after lots of hours they seemed to become more natural in a very neutral balanced way and my favorite tuning was the RED Nozzle’s sound signature.
I am treble sensitive and the EA500 hits the perfect mix for me of highs without and fatigue or sibilance.
Stage is very 3D and the EA500 presents it in a very Intimate in your head space with nice depth and width as well as good height if the tracks was meant to be played back like that.
Whatever the EA500 uses for its DD it’s a wonderfully resolving unit. Very rare from my observation to find such as driver and certainly not at this price point. If you can pick out the micro dynamics and emotion of the music with a neutral clean playback, true to its recording and without adding or changing the music - that’s special in my opinion.
Rock, Jazz, EDM, Orchestral, Vocal, all great on the EA500 , you noticed I left out some bass heavy genre for good reason its not for those and wont give you the correct playback.
Final takeaway: I has been a very long time when reviewing a IEM where I just zoned out because I was enjoying the music and forgot I have something in my ears. When listening to the EA500 that happened more than once. That’s a very powerful statement and the ultimate testimonial to how much I enjoy these IEM’s.
I can see a EA500 CULT being born and have a following like the OH10 a IEM that you wont ever sell.
Thanks so much, Cheers from the Tone Deaf Monk.
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Build quality does look nice but shame about the poor tuning 
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I am sure there are some who will think it’s the holy grail of planar I see some glowing reviews … And leave it at that.
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Great Video from No Borders Audiophile on the GS Audio SE12!
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I can send you the original. I have a set
Holy smokes those skits at the end killed me 
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I definitely think the LinLong/LingLong is a very successful IEM from KZ. Definitely a departure from their typical, V-snapped, bloated tuning. Very nice video, man 
Hisenior Mega 5P
$399.00 Retail
$239.00 Current pricing
Single 10mm Dynamic Driver
4 BA
4 way crossover.
19 ohm impedance.
112 dB
10Hz-22kHZ frequency response.
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Preamble:
I’m a bit late to the party reviewing the Hisenior Mega 5P.
Originally released summer of 2022, here in North America they finally received limited attention around November of the same year, when they enjoyed a brief burst of reviewer and consumer praise and recognition.
Admittedly, despite mostly positive and enthusiastic commentary when I first became aware of the Mega 5P, I passed it over simply because it was an unfamiliar brand to me at the time.
It was only by good fortune and circumstance that I recently crossed paths with the HiSenior brand, when a fellow enthusiast loaned me his Hisenior T2 for evaluation.
I was immediately impressed by the T2. Following that experience, I decided to purchase the Mega 5P to further familiarize myself with what the brand had to offer. -
Fit, Build, Packaging, etc.
Fit for me is very good, I would identify the shells as mid sized, which is in keeping with general expectations for a 5 driver hybrid. They are molded with a mild “wing” on the shell. I know some don’t like these, but they typically work well for me maintaining proper alignment for nozzle angle, and this is the case with the Mega 5P
The metal nozzles are not overly long, but insertion depth is adequate for me to get a good seal and anchor using Large Sedna Xelastecs. The “standard” 5.5mm nozzle diameter (6.5mm at flange) means most 3rd party tips will fit, allowing for a wide and varied selection of tip options.
The build quality is nothing short of exquisite, the resin shells are smooth with no sharp angles or edges. The faceplates are fully integrated with the shell, the seam is invisible and undetectable. There is a single vent, that is professionally finished with a metal insert that is flawlessly flush with the exterior of the shell, you can run a fingernail over it and not catch an edge.
Hisenior dispenses with flashy packaging. Plain brown cardboard box, and inside is a sturdy “Pelican” style plastic case. The IEM’s and all accessories are inside.
The case is fitted with an insert to protect the IEM’s, and a zippered nylon pouch is secured on the inside of the lid for storage of accessories.
A nice assortment of tips, a two pin cable terminated 3.5mm, cleaning tool and cloth are included.
This is a case you can toss in your backpack or kit bag and subject it to daily abuse without worrying about your IEMs.
The only downside is; it is large enough that it is not readily pocketable.
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Equipment:
Hisenior Mega 5P Hybrid, 100+ hours aged.
AK SP2000T OP amp mode, 4.4 balanced.
Eletech Prudent 8 core SPC terminated 4.4mm.
Sedna Xelastec wide bore ear tips.
(Additional equipment used identified below under “sources”) -
Sound:
Mega 5P has a fairly balanced tuning.
I wouldn’t call it a fully neutral sound signature, but it isn’t heavily coloured in any frequency range, and for the most part, accurately follows the recorded source. There is a bit of sub bass boost that carry’s some warmth into the mids, and fills the head stage.
The dynamic driver allows the sub bass to extend low providing good bottom and mid/upper bass is full and thick with the ability to provide good thump and boominess when called on.
There is a bass “over reach” that fills the head stage, it’s there and carry’s some warmth, but doesn’t overwhelm. The mid/upper bass is well defined and detailed, on stringed bass instruments, you will hear string slap, and lingering string resonance with well recorded sources that take you there. Lower mids are recessed but upper mids recover nicely, and are clear and highly detailed. They are clean, open, and uncluttered, they extend nicely above the lows, but are not overly forward.
Vocals are clear, detailed and concise, with a natural and commanding presence. Beth Hart’s voice has a breathy, wispy timbre in her song “Without words in the way” and it sounds like she is in the room with you singing in your ear.
Highs are bright, clear and detailed. Snare drums are crisp, and cymbals have nice sizzle, but highs do roll off early. This prevents any hint of harshness or sibilance in the high frequencies, but does limit micro detail, air, and energy in the upper registers to some degree.
Being somewhat treble sensitive, the highs work very well for me, but treble aficionados will likely want for more. -
Head Stage:
Width is just outside the head.
Height is good, sub bass extension draws it low, but the early roll of the highs does place some limit on airiness in the upper reaches.
Depth is average. Mids and vocals present only moderately forward which does limit 3D perception on the Z axis.
Imaging and layering are very good left to right and top to bottom. It is easy to place and identify individual instruments.
Separation is good, individual instruments and vocalists have “room to breath”. On complex busy tracks the head stage can become “close” but I never found it cluttered or congested. -
Technicals:
Tonality is very good and natural. Despite the sub bass warmth in the head stage I find overall tonality does lean slightly toward bright.
Timbre is also very good. Personalities of individual instruments are well defined and identifiable. Listening to a violin sonata from Silk Baroque it is easy to differentiate between individual violins by the notes played.
Dynamics are excellent, even with extreme differences in loudness between different instruments, each retains its presence and individuality. -
Summary:
For me the Mega 5P is a standout for build quality, and the sound quality and tuning suit my personal listening preference very well.
This is nit picking a wee bit, but a little less roll off on the ultra highs could add more micro detail and air.
And, there is room for just a touch more attack on Tom, Kettle, and Kick drums.
The Mega 5P is easy to drive, but not over sensitive, and it synergized nicely with all of the sources I paired it with. I also found it works well with a wide variety of genres.
I refrain from outright recommending any ear gear, there is too much subjective personal preference involved. What I like, may not suit someone else.
But imo the build quality, accessories, and sound of the Mega 5P qualify it as worthy of consideration.
I’m not shilling for Hisenior but FYI.
At the time of preparing this review Hisenior is offering an additional discount code and upgraded cable as part of their spring sale. Check it out if interested.
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Other Sources:
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iPhone 13 with lightning to 3.5mm adapter. Stock 3.5mm cable. **Streaming Apple Lossless on iPhone.
Mega 5P drives very easily straight off the phone. Good listening volume is attainable below 50% volume.
The bass is excellent, there is some reduction in detail and resolution in the mids highs, but still very good. -
iPhone 13 with Colorfly CDA M1, 3.5 mm stock cable.
The bass gains some additional definition and note weight. Mids and highs recover some detail and resolution. Not on par with DAP, but a nice improvement. -
iPhone 13 with FiiO BTR7 on AAC Bluetooth connection. 3.5mm stock cable.
For starters, better volume control on BTR7 than iPhone.
Bass is deep and rich with very good detail in the mids and highs. An excellent pairing. -
Shanling M9, low gain, 4.4mm Eletech SPC cable.
The Shanling is a warmer and more powerful DAP than the AK SP2000T. Bass is very full and rich, the tonality is a bit less bright but retains clarity and detail in the mids and highs. Head stage is more inside the head, but vocals are a bit more forward providing some additional stage depth.
Very nice pairing. -
FiiO M11Plus ESS, high gain, 4.4mm cable.
The FiiO is also a warmer source thanks to the THX amps. It is less powerful than the M9 so I upped the gain to high.
Very similar experience as the Shanling M9.
Another very nice pairing. -
A bit about me and the music types used for evaluation below.
If you give a cats meow about that stuff.
** note: I try to be objective, but I am biased somewhat by my personal preference for sound signature. I lean toward a more balanced sound with perhaps a slight mids forward bias, good bass, good mids, good treble.
I am somewhat treble sensitive in the 8-9K range.
I do NOT consider myself a professional/career reviewer as I have no formal training as a sound engineer or musician.
- i.e. the thoughts presented here are strictly personal opinion based on my hearing, your mileage may vary.
** My hearing taps out at around 12.5 kHz, I can hear 12.5 but it’s more a background sound. I think it is fair to note this.
“Air” is typically a reference to treble that is present above 12.5 kHz, it is therefore beyond my hearing capability. When I reference “air” in a sound evaluation I’m referring to where I perceive the positioning of the upper treble ranges, ie. where they present themselves within the sound stage/head stage.
*** I have large ear canals, and typically the stock tips included with most IEM don’t fit well for me. I have a selection of third party ear tips that fit well in most cases so I default to these. I will identify my tips of choice, but unfortunately, seldom can I comment on the stock offerings.
- Music:
varied selection of tracks from my playlists played from SD card. FLAC 44 through 192 and DSD 2.8 (64) through 22.4 (512)
My mainstay are Blues, Rock, Jazz, Country, Classical.
I also streamed Apple lossless for electronic, R&B, Death Metal, etc. to get a well rounded experience of how well this IEM handles a variety of genres.
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