Simgot EM6L - Phoenix Rises

 4⭐️

+ Fun, thumping mid bass adds warmth

+ Clear and organic vocals

+ Treble extension without sibilance

+ Musical but also detailed without sounding cold/sterile

+ Ergonomic, lightweight shell

- Stock cable is just OK

- Shell build quality below other Simgot models

- Too bassy for neutral/treble heads

- Not mid centric enough for vocal purists

- Occasional BA timbre

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This set was provided by Simgot in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

● Kiwi Ears Allegro 

● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:

Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:

Simgot is a Chinese manufacturer that's become a very prevalent player in the lower budget tiers the last couple of years. Some of their offerings include the EA1000, EW200, and EA500LM, all of which have garnered a lot of praise and attention. They have even recently branched out and released a dongle DAC/amplifier as well. The EM6L, also called Phoenix, is a hybrid iem composed of a single dynamic driver and 4 custom balanced armature drivers. It debuted in the late summer of 2023 and has received mostly positive reviews. It is currently available on Simgot's website and Amazon for $109.99. Let's see if the Phoenix soars above other offerings in today's market.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The unboxing of the EM6L is quite satisfactory considering the price point. The packaging exudes a sense of elegance and quality. Upon opening the box, the earphones are neatly nestled in the foam cutouts. Beneath them, a smaller box contains the zipper carrying case, the cable, and three pairs of silicone tips. The shells are black in color and are composed of solid resin with a metal faceplate. They feature an understated, elegant, and mature design. The EM6L faceplates feature the Simgot logo on one and the Phoenix symbol on the other. They utilize QDC connectors which is a bit of a letdown. In my opinion, the shells would look much better and more sleek with flat 2 pin connections. They are very lightweight and easy to wear for long periods but they don't quite feel as sturdy or premium as the EA500LM or even the EW200. The metal nozzle is maybe a bit on the wide side but the fit and insertion depth for me is perfect. Unfortunately, they don't have a lip for the tips to grab onto, although I had no issues with tips staying in place. There are only 3 generic silicone tips included which is pretty mediocre for a set upwards of $100. For audiophiles like me who tend to try a variety of tips, it's not a big deal, but I still think it's best to include more than the bare minimum for the average consumer. I found the best fit and seal using my trusty large size Penon Liqueur tips (seriously I can't recommend these enough, they are fantastic). The stock cable is similar to the one included with the EA500LM but with QDC connectors instead of the standard 2 pin. It's a serviceable enough cable but it feels a bit thin and rubbery for my tastes. A solid black cable would have paired really well with the shell aestetic. There is also a generic, black, semi-rigid zipper case in the box. It's a nice inclusion but the addition of either the Phoenix or Simgot emblems to the case would have been a great way to take it up a notch.

Sound impressions:

The frequency response of the Phoenix graphs very close to the H2019 target curve. It's essential a V-shaped profile with a boost in the bass and upper mids/lower treble with a fairly well extended treble roll off. The soundstage width is above average with nice depth as well. Detail retrieval is excellent for the price tier. It's not on the same level as the EA500LM but definitely better than a lot of sets in the same price range. The EM6L have a very musical and engaging tuning but still have great details. They are fairly easy to drive but will need extra power to get to very high volumes and they do scale well.

●Lows - The sub bass doesnt extend super low as the Phoenix features a more mid bass focused tuning. A bit more sub bass rumble would be welcome but to my ears it is sufficient as it stands. The bass is punchy with a good rumble and texture. There is fast attack and the decay could be consider a bit on the slow side. This can lead to the bass lingering a bit long on busier tracks where the decay isnt long enough for each thump to quite end before the next begins. There is minimal bleed into the lower mids but I think my nitpicks would have been alleviated with slightly better separation. The bass presentation isn't muddy or blooming per se but I think just draws my attention and is more prominent at times. To my surprise, I actually found that the bass can be ever so slightly fatiguing over longer sessions due to this constant mid bass energy. Although that will really depend on the musical genre of choice and each individuals affinity for mid bass. For me it never really detracted top much from the music and the mid bass adds a nice warmth to the overall tuning that I enjoy.

●Mids - The upper mids/lower treble is accentuate but stays clear of being shouty or overbearing. Vocals are very smooth and slightly pushed forward, females a bit more so compared to males due to the prominent midbass. I typically prefer a vocal presentation that's better seperated from the midbass but overall I really enjoyed the vocals on the Phoenix and there's little to complain about here. The timbre of instruments and vocals is mostly natural and organic with a very slight, occasional BA timbre. I couldnt hear it that often so for me it's easily overlooked. Theres plenty of details and nuances to be heard but overall it leans towards a more musical presentation over a resolving one.

●Highs - Treble is elevated to balance the boosted bass frequencies. There is good extension with plenty of air and sparkle for me, but trebleheads will most likely be asking for more. Sometimes the edges of certain words and notes have a bit more energy and could be considered slightly harsh but it doesn't quite approach true sibilance. Again, I could pick up on some slight BA timbre, mostly on string instruments and percussion but still an enjoyable presentation. To my ear, the note weight does present a bit thin on some tracks but that could just be my preference for warmth.

In conclusion:

In folklore, the phoenix is said to rise from the ashes to be reborn. In a similar vein, the EM6L has proven to be a transformative experience. Other Simgot iems that I've tried tend to have a brighter sound signature, which doesn't align with my personal preferences. As a result, the EM6L has reignited my curiosity in the brand. There is very little to complain about with its mature tuning. The bass is fun and punchy, the mids are mostly clean with excellent vocal timbre, and the treble is well extended without being sibilant. The soundstage is large and the detail retrieval is great, though not quite on par with the EA500LM. The little nitpicks I do have are the occasional BA timbre, the separation between bass and mids could be better defined, and the shells and stock cable could be of higher quality. Also, the extra midbass presence can be a bit much at times but this is still my favorite Simgot to date. The extra warmth in the low end goes a long way to tame the highs without losing their extension and sparkle. In my opinion, they sound great for pop, rock, R&B, and soft rock/pop. I also think they are a decent enough all-rounder too, as long as you don't find the extra mid bass thump too fatiguing. I give the EM6L a solid recommendation. In my opinion, the Simgot Phoenix has risen and allows the music to soar.