Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
Jaytiss
Jaytiss
Nice review Moose.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@Jaytiss,
The IEM may in fact be interpreted as more balanced then the EA500?
Jaytiss
Jaytiss
I think so, I think it has a better base than the ea500. But just listening to it now to formulate opinions. What do you think?
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@Jaytiss,
Ultimately SIMGOT is flexing their tuning abilities here. They are saying “Well if the EA500 is too aggressive you can choose a different tuning direction.” Where in the end I (myself) choose the EA500, with nothing more than the red nozzles. But tuning is personal and especially where the EA500 is hot. But while yes, the EA500 is more of a brute, it’s technicalities and bass performance are so perfect for me? There are so many variables too, different ear-tips, different cable, different DAP.......maybe even EQ. I haven’t tried the medical tape-mod?
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@Jaytiss,
Sure there are going to be those that migrate over to the EW200 and set-up camp.....even with owning the EA500, and that’s ok. Though I hope they would at least put optimum effort into at least going down all the possible EA500 paths. The EA500 (to me) is price point leading. But also the EW200 is price leading too in it’s segment, really right now SIMGOT can do no wrong!
carliber1
carliber1
Thanks for your review.
Question: any idea how good (or not) EW200 might pair with ISN CSO2 cable? Too bad the CS02 was not one of the cables tested, besides Penon's Space Vocal and Bass.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
Hi @carliber1,
Yes I will test the ISN CS02 and get back to tomorrow. Best regards.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
Normally the CS02 will truly add separation and push itemization of details forward adding a style of clarity, like with the ISN Neo 5.......adding overall realism and clarity. But I’m not so sure the CS02 is the best for the Simgot EW200. Compared to the Simgot LC7 in 4.4mm the LC7 gave it more balance, yet inside of that was more midrange air.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
So the CS02 ends in being slightly smoother with the EW200, but also adding a wild top end detail through separation. Meaning part of the treble is set back, then another area is forward and still smooth but separate and darkly detailed. Where my issue is the mids with the CS02? They need more energy, and while the mids still are less congested, I’m not sure they are the best, or better than the Simgot LC7? Cheers!
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
So it isn’t just that the CS02 is wrong with single full-range DDs, as with the TINHIFI Mars T5S, it was very smooth yet, to be offering a correct midrange and overall stage stature. So when comparing single DDs with the CS02, it really depends on both the tuning of the individual DD and where the midrange sits, maybe? Because while holding much of the sonic attributes of the CS02 with the Mars, it was sounding relatively even and correct, so it makes the EW200 almost a strange combination with the CS02?
carliber1
carliber1
@Redcarmoose,
Thanks man for testing CS02 paired with the EW200, and for suggesting the LC7 as a good option. Very interesting your detailed observations and deduction in testing the CS02 this time around, I am glad I asked. I will certainly pickup the LC7 for one of my fave IEM.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
See the whole reason I used the LC7 was because it is a relatively un-colored cable, so it offered a baseline when I compared. Where it is not the most resolving, yet at the same time it is low cost and is well made. The surprise was that the CS02 didn’t go well with the EW200? In fact from memory the EW200 sounding too dull and strange was the first time I have ever had the reaction with the CS02? If you would like I could test the EW200 along with the ISN G4, the Penon Space and the White Whale cable? I mean I choose the LC7 due to the included cable not being 4.4mm and the LC7 being 3 in 1 modular. It may depend on what you are after sound wise, but be happy to test a few more cables, if you want? Plus I don’t know your collection, but the CS02 is normally really, really cool.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
I could even test the ASOS and ASOS+ if you want? How much do you want to spend on a cable? It also just depends on how much time, energy and effort you want to spend on the EW200. There is nothing wrong with being in love with the EW200, you may want to make it near the very best it can be?
carliber1
carliber1
@Redcarmoose
I had a hunch CS02+EW200 might be a good match but it was not to be; from what I've read, it seem to have a certain sonic allure, hence my original question. I happen to have a modest, varied collection of cables, Type-C DAC dongles --collectively, my sound tuners. I've since tested some of my cables and liked the results with two of five: a UP-OCC SPC+Graphene, and a UP-OCC+UP-OCC SPC --both single crystal variety. Listening to large scale orchestral/symphonic works or piano/vocal recitals with the Penon Totem Type-C DAC in the chain is simply sublime! It doesn't seem prudent to purchase a $100 cable for a $40 IEM, no matter how favored the IEM may be. Again, thanks for all the help.
Cheers!
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
Yes, I mean the ISN CS02 does color the sound and with the right set-up that color is kind a adding both a midrange thickness, realism and spacious quality, to where it can go the other way (EW200) too..................like with some IEM tunings. But put the ISN CS02 with the Neo 5 and watch-out.

That's great you have the Totem in the chain, that is one piece of equipment I have not heard, though I have the Totem cable and adapter 4.4mm x 4.4mm. Yes, there is nothing wrong with the LC7 and in many ways the White Whale, the Space and and LC7 are closely the same. They don't really color the sound and do well in my use, being 4.4mm. Though with brighter IEMs and with more treble activity.........you can start to differentiate between the White Whale, the LC7 and the Space.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@carliber1,
Still the LC7 is probably special being it is thick, yet still has great ergonomics......ear-hooks etc, etc. Plus the extra wire and 4.4mm adds to the EW200 stage, over the included cable. Cheers!
carliber1
carliber1
@Redcarmoose
It is no small matter when synergy is found with an IEM and its ancillary components, apparently Neo 5/CS02 for example. Totem DAC, if thoroughly aged, will beautifully handle nuances, dynamics, and exhibit high-level refinement; nice to have the cable though, indeed. I'm not surprised that Space doesn't color the sound, why? I use the OS133 (its little bro), at times with the OS133 DAC for certain genres of music, just love their see-through ability with the stage. Besides, this duo pairs admirably with many of my DD IEMs, the JD7 for example.
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