BGVP Phantom - Ghost in the Shell

3.5⭐️

+ Exciting and energetic V-shaped tuning with good extension

+ DD + BCD bass response 

+ Instrument timbre

+ Treble has plenty of sparkle for those who like it

+ Comfortable shells with a unique design

+ Decent accessories

- Thin and ethereal sounding treble

- Would like more bass quantity and quality could be further improved

- Vocals could be more forward for my taste 

- Short and stubby nozzle

- MMCX (subjective)

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 product was provided for tour through the Audio Geek group. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to BGVP for providing this set for tour. 

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

● iFi xDSD Gryphon 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

BGVP is a brand not often discussed, but they have been around since 2015 and produce numerous IEMs and audio accessories, including cables and tips. The only other BGVP set I have heard is the DM8, which debuted in 2020. The Phantom is their new flagship IEM, featuring an eight-driver quad-brid configuration consisting of two dynamic, two balanced armature, two electrostatic, and two bone-conduction drivers. It currently sells for $899, and I want to clarify that this review is for the standard Phantom, not the Special Edition, which has the same drivers but a metal nozzle and slightly different tuning. Let's break down the Phantom and see if it is scarily good or hauntingly bad.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The unboxing and packaging are fairly simple and straightforward. It is a bit underwhelming for the price, but I don't have any real complaints. Inside the box, you'll find the IEMs, a smaller box containing 10 pairs of tips, the modular cable, and a case. The shells are lightweight, made of a dark blue resin with swirls of white and peach, and feature the BGVP logo on the faceplate. There is also a thermochromic pigment mixed with the resin that supposedly changes color depending on temperature. I didn't notice any color change during my use, but I do like the overall design. I have seen other users cite fit issues due to the short, stubby nozzle and lack of a lip, but I actually didn't have much issue with fit or comfort. However, because there is no lip, I did experience some instances of tips falling off and remaining in my ear when removing the IEMs, which can be quite annoying. The nozzles measure 6.5 mm near the end, but they get slightly thicker closer to the shell. The Phantom features two vents that help alleviate pressure build-up: one on the back side of the shell and one on the inside facing the concha. The stock cable is 6N silver-plated crystal copper and is a great inclusion. It's nicely braided, not too thin or thick, and has a modular termination system with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs. The versatility is definitely appreciated, but there is no locking mechanism, which is a bit of a downside. There are nine pairs of silicone tips in three varieties (bass, vocal, and balanced) and one pair of foam tips. Due to the nozzle size and shape, tip rolling can be a chore, and unfortunately, it might have to be done often because tips can fall off. I tried each variety of stock tip but settled on using my Penon Liqueurs due to their stickier nature. The branded, oval-shaped case is made of soft, white leather. It is a bit on the large side and not super pocketable, but it is also lightweight and well-built. The accessory package is rounded out with a Velcro cable tie and a cleaning tool.

Sound impressions:

The Phantom has an energetic and exciting V-shaped tuning with a boisterous, deep-reaching bass and sparkly treble. The note weight is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation for me. The weight of the bass and lower midrange is really nice, but it gets quite thin in the upper midrange and especially in the treble. So, at best, I'd say it's inconsistent. This set is not terribly hard to drive, as it can get to high volume levels with a simple dongle, but more power will definitely bring out better performance in the EST drivers, as they are notoriously power-hungry. The detail retrieval is a noteworthy aspect of the Phantom's technicalities. Subtleties and nuances are easy to pick out. The soundstage is great for the most part, but it has a little more depth than width to me, and I do wish it extended wider. To its credit, it does sound full and fills the space very well. The timbre is somewhat inconsistent similar to the note weight. The bass and lower midrange sound more natural than the higher frequencies, which are somewhat artificial. Imaging is good and accurate, but it seems better left to right and the distance detection could be improved. The frequencies are well-separated but still form an overall cohesive tuning, aside from the note weight and timbre issues mentioned earlier. The dynamics could be better, as the bass response feels lacking at lower volumes, especially the extension and rumble.

I chose to pair the Phantom with the iFi Gryphon using the STD filter. I found this DAC pairing to be the best among those at my disposal for helping to rein in some of the more troublesome treble peaks.

●Lows - While the bass is decently accentuated, I actually find myself wanting a bit more. I'd take a few decibel boost to both the mid and sub-bass, especially to help balance the bright treble. The bass is slightly more sub-bass focused than mid-bass, but not by a large margin. It has a sense of fullness and body that I attribute to the BCDs, and I quite like that quality. The texture might be a tad dry, but it's acceptable and not too detracting. The impact and slam are a tiny bit polite, and I'd appreciate a harder-hitting punch. The sub-bass can reach fairly low when called upon, but it doesn't have the best extension. The rumble and reverberation are good, but I could use more and maybe a bit longer decay to help bass notes linger and sound more natural. I don't hear any bass bleed into the midrange, and the transient from bass to midrange is good. The bass speed is not the quickest, but double bass kicks can be easily discerned. The resolution could be better, but there is more musicality to the bass due to the addition of the BCDs. Overall, the Phantom's bass does show flashes of brilliance, but I think there is room for improvement in both quantity and quality.

●Mids - I'd say the midrange is fairly well-balanced with the other frequencies, if not just a touch recessed compared to the bold bass and bright treble. The upper mids are the more accentuated part of the midrange, but not overly so, and could stand a healthy boost for my preferences. The lower mids are pretty well represented, but instruments in this range could benefit from a little more note weight to add some fullness. Vocals never get shouty, but they do exhibit a certain thinness and, as such, sometimes take on an unnatural, ethereal quality. Female artists are more forward than their male counterparts, which means they can come across a bit thinner as well. There is a hint of warmth with male vocals that I do enjoy, but I wish it permeated throughout the entire midrange. While instruments sound absolutely fantastic on the Phantom, I feel they aren't given quite enough presence to really show off what they're capable of outside of instrumental-only genres. Overall, the midrange is a bit of a mixed bag for me. While there is a certain maturity and depth to the instruments and vocals, the entire midrange feels a bit underutilized and could be brought more forward.

●Highs - The treble response is quite energetic and crisp. It is well-extended, with plenty of air and sparkle for treble enthusiasts, but to me it sounds quite thin, and there is an innate, ethereal, and wispy quality in the upper frequencies. I usually run into this problem with EST drivers, as there is something unique about this driver type's treble response that doesn't quite hit my ear right. There are, of course, some exceptions, such as the Penon Impact, which utilizes ESTs but does not sound overly thin to me. Cymbals and hi-hats are splashy, with a touch of metallic timbre. Snares and claps have a lot of energy and snap and are quite incisive in their attack, which can be wince-inducing for me. I don't necessarily think the treble is sibilant-prone for everyone; it may be a personal issue I have with ESTs, but beware of breathy vocalists, females in particular. The "s," "sh," and "t" sounds can be quite irritating and harsh to my ear. Overall, the Phantom's treble is about as far from my preferences as it gets. It sounds too thin and edgy, a bit like a screeching banshee, and it quickly becomes fatiguing for me.

Comparison: Credit to Super Reviews for the graphs.

●Dita Mecha ($900) - This matchup features two IEMs with very different driver configurations: the Phantom's eight-driver quadbrid (2DD, 2BA, 2EST, 2BCD) versus the single DD of the Mecha. The metal shell of the Mecha is definitely more durable than the resin build of the Phantom, although I prefer the Phantom's shell design as it is simply more interesting. They are similarly shaped, but the Mecha offers a slightly deeper insertion, and its nozzle has a lip, which the Phantom lacks. The Mecha is also quite a bit heavier, but I found both to be comfortable for long listening sessions. The accessories are about evenly matched, but I prefer the Phantom's leather case to the Mecha's plastic one. The Mecha has a much more satisfying sub-bass rumble and true subwoofer extension. The Phantom's bass is a bit more balanced between sub- and mid-bass, and the BCD adds a nice body and depth to the low end. The Phantom also has a slightly quicker decay and more mid-bass thump. I enjoy the Phantom's bass, and I think it's probably the strongest aspect of its tuning; however, the Mecha's bass sounds more natural to my ear and is undeniably impressive, especially considering it's a full-range single dynamic driver handling the entire frequency response. The Mecha's lower mids have a little more weight and presence in both male vocals and instruments. The upper midrange is also quite a bit more forward, better aligning with my preferences as a fan of prominent vocals. Female artists sound especially better on the Mecha as they are accentuated without being shouty or thin. The treble is where these two deviate the most for me. Now, graphs are a great tool, but they cannot tell the whole story of how something will sound, and this comparison is a good example of that. While these two graph eerily similarly in the treble, they could not sound more different to my ear. In my experience, driver type can have a big impact. Neither graph shows a ton of air or particularly bright treble, but in ear, the Mecha's upper end falls almost dead center in my preferences, while the Phantom is just way too bright and thin for me. The Mecha still has a touch of excitement in the treble, but absolutely no harshness or thinness. As for technicalities, the Phantom's soundstage is fuller, although the Mecha's is a little more expansive. Detail retrieval and imaging slightly favor the Phantom, but timbre and dynamics favor the Mecha. I think these two are more alike than different, but their differences become more obvious when doing an A/B comparison. Both have healthy bass shelves, but the Mecha has better sub-bass extension and superior rumble. While both offer good vocal presentations, the Phantom can sound a bit recessed in the upper midrange, and the treble is very bright and thin. It really is a marvel how two sets with such different driver configurations can measure similarly but sound so unique. In this case, fewer drivers are better for me, and I find the Mecha's single DD truly impressive.

My pick: Mecha 

●Letshuoer Mystic 8 ($969) - These two have the same number of drivers but share only one driver type (2DD, 2BA, 2EST, and 2BCD versus 8BA). The Mystic 8's unboxing and packaging are better, but the overall accessories are about even, although the Phantom has a modular cable. Both sets have similarly sized shells, but I personally prefer the Mystic 8's more solid build quality and overall design. It also has a lip on the nozzle, and the fit is more comfortable for me. The sound signatures of these two are quite different. The Phantom is V-shaped and exciting, whereas the Mystic 8 is neutral, almost to a fault. The Phantom's bass is much more prominent and full-sounding, with deeper extension and rumble thanks to the combination of the DD and BCD. The Mystic 8 has a bit more mid-bass impact and is slightly more resolving, but it could definitely benefit from a bass boost to suit my preferences. The Mystic 8's midrange offers superior balance, with vocals positioned more forward and instruments retaining good presence without being overshadowed. However, the Phantom's portrayal of midrange instruments in orchestral and classical arrangements is unparalleled. While neither set's treble perfectly matches my preferences, the Mystic 8 is definitely better for me. It is not thin and ethereal like the Phantom, but it still has a certain zing and energy to keep it exciting and fun. It also offers superior treble extension and more air. Technically, the Phantom's bass and lower midrange have superior note weight; however, its upper frequencies become very thin, so I prefer the Mystic 8's more even note weight. The soundstage goes to the Phantom, as it offers superior depth and fullness. Detail retrieval, timbre, imaging, and separation are all slightly better on the Mystic 8, but the margin is small. This matchup comes down to a few factors for me. The Phantom's bass is great, and the BCD adds a nice depth and fullness. The BA bass of the Mystic 8 does not reach as low or rumble the same way; however, the Phantom's upper mids and treble do not sound right to me. There is a lot of brightness and thinness that is hard for me to overlook. Unless I were to use the Phantom for instrumental music only, the Mystic 8 is a better choice for me.

My pick: Mystic 8

In conclusion:

I have not had much experience with BGVP IEMs, so I was very excited to get the opportunity to try their flagship, Phantom. I quite enjoy the bass and the implementation of the BCDs. The midrange is decent but could use a boost to help it stand out more among the bass and treble. My biggest issue with the tuning is the thin, ethereal quality of the upper frequencies. It has an unnatural quality that detracts from and undercuts the other enjoyable aspects of the tuning. I did find some small improvement after tip and source rolling, but I was still unable to dial in the treble to my preferences or get rid of the thin quality. I prefer higher-volume listening to bring out the fullness of the Phantom's bass, but of course, there is a trade-off here where the volume brings with it a brighter treble. This set may be one that is better for lower-volume listening. The Phantom's drivers are very capable and definitely of good quality; unfortunately, the tuning is just outside my preferences. The one area where I found the Phantom absolutely excels is with classical and orchestral music. It's among the best I've heard in any price range when it comes to instrumental timbre and accuracy. Personally, I'm not a big proponent of EQ, but I did add a simple boost to the bass and upper mids, and a reduction in the treble and the Phantom took it like a champ. These few tweaks made the tuning much better for me, but if I have to EQ a $900 IEM to enjoy it, it's probably just not for me. In the end, I do believe the Phantom is a strong product and one that many will like, but unfortunately, the sharp and shrill treble are like a problematic poltergeist that keep me from enjoying the rest of the tuning (that's the last ghost pun I have).