Simgot “King Wonder” EN1000 – Gaze Upon A Flawed Sovereignty

Disclaimer​

• This is a my own personal unit and all opinions are original ideas, hence there’s no influences, external opinions and involvements from any 3rd-party.
• No EQ or filter presets are used throughout the whole review.
• Since this model has 3 tuning plug options, only the blue indicated plug (Balanced) will be used as a main reference throughout the whole review.

Introduction

Simgot is one of Chinese Hi-Fi (Chi-Fi) brands that has generated rapid popularity and followers in recent times with some of their models that are popular among newcomers who are just getting into this rabbit hole and senior Chi-Fi enthusiasts alike, such as the EW100P, EW200 and EA500 that offers supreme audio quality and features brilliant premium construction at an affordable price.

Established in 2015, Simgot as per quoted from their website which also means “Simple and Elegant”, originally it was not a well-known brand like it is now especially in Asia market. Starting from their first model EN700, followed by the later 700 Bass and 700 Pro models which has received numerous favorable response worldwide. Until then, the release of the EM2 Roltion which really became a “hype” in the last few years and has landed a brand new landmark for Simgot to continue strengthen it’s name into the Chi-Fi market.

Therefore, with me this time is the EN1000 model or also known by its nickname “King Wonder”, which supposed to be the successor to their first flagship EN700 Pro. This IEM, priced around $189 is equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver with a DLC diaphragm coated with a layer of beryllium plating. In addition, this IEM also comes with a package of 3 types of tuning plugs that can be replaced according to the listener’s suitability, granted that being said the main highlight in this review apart from its sound. With all the pleasantries are done, let’s continue with the review of the Simgot King Wonder EN1000.

Unboxing Experience

For starters, the EN1000 came in an all black box, decorated with rose gold lettering written all over the box. In front of it, is a realistic illustration of the IEM itself, while on the side and back of the box lies all the information about the technology that has been implemented into this IEM including the general specification info. In addition, there’s also a frequency response graph of the EN1000 alongside the effects of each tuning plugs towards the frequency response of the IEM that is interchangeable easily via plug-&-play.

Truly luxurious, was my initial impression upon opening the box of this IEM for the very first time. In terms of presentation and arrangement of all accessories including the IEM itself, were neat and tidy indirectly increases the value of this IEM, it really looks astoundingly amazing for an IEM that costs well under $200.

Upon unboxing the box, you are immediately greeted by the IEM itself, an appreciation card from Simgot which included inside was also a warranty extension card. In addition, there is also an IEM case made of synthetic leather, several cards showing wearing guides for the IEM, an illustrated tutorial on how to change the tuning plugs, a user manual and last but not least a warranty card. Simgot was very generous to provide two set of eartips of different sizes, an 8-core SPC cable that is made out of high quality, non-microphonic material and not to forget the 3 types of tuning plugs that we will discuss later below.

Specifications

• Driver: 10mm 5th Gen Dual-cavity, DLC & Beryllium-plated Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
• Impedance: 32 Ohms ± 15% (@1kHz/N-type MIRROR module)
• Sensitivity: 108 dB/SPL
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz
• Cable: 8 core 5N Silver-plated OFC, 0.78mm 2-pin connector

Build and Comfort

Captivating, one word that summed up to describe the looks of the EN1000. This IEM is not just meant to be worn, but could may as well fooled somebody and mistaken as a piece of jewellery due to their truly stunning build quality. Combined with delicate and meticulous engraved artworks that is sure to catch the eye of plenty crowd. The basic building material for this EN1000 is aluminum alloy metal and stainless steel that has undergone a 5-axis CNC machining process and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) which also be the reason the amount of heft this IEM has, which may affect the comfort during use.

Meanwhile, switching the view towards the interchangeable tuning plug technology which is one of the main highlight on the EN1000. To be completely honest, the whole unorthodox system of using a detachable plug that Simgot tried to implement inside the EN1000 was unconvincing in terms of durability for the long run. As far as it concerns me, the connection is quite loose even though it is installed tightly, not to mention the thin pins that might bend during installation/detaching process. Additionally, the plastic grooves on both sides of the plug will probably wear out, depending on how often you swap between the plugs. Where it will affect the integrity of sound quality that’s produced, even though there is an external barrel casing that acts as a tightening mechanism.

Moving into the next point, in terms of overall wearing comfort it was a rather an unpleasant experience. This is due to ergonomics, because this IEM has a short nozzle with a rather odd oval design. This makes it difficult to get a tight and secure fitting. Indirectly, this left a large impact on the isolation of the EN1000, it is difficult to get optimal tightness even with various types of eartips including the ones that have been provided. Other factors such as the two venting holes on the front and next to the nozzle of each side of this IEM also played a lesser key role to prevent external noise that can still be clearly heard.

Test Equipment

• Apple Music/Spotify + Local files via HiBy Music > Letshuoer DT02 dongle DAC/AMP (1 Vrms@32 Ohms (SE) and 2 Vrms@300 Ohms (Bal).
• Laptops
• Smart phone

Power Requirements

As far as driveability is concerned of the EN1000, it is an IEM that is both efficient and easy to drive via a low-powered dongle, or you can plug it directly to a smartphone and it’ll run just fine. For example, by using the Letshuoer DT02 dongle which has a power of 1 Vrms @32 Ohms (SE) as my point of reference, this IEM can be powered optimally and be able reach comfortable volume easily with still a lot of headroom in hand to increase the volume.

Using the in-app volume through HiBy Music as a point of reference, I only needed to increase the volume by 4 up to 6/32 to reach my personal comfortable volume for my most listening. In relation to that as well, the EN1000 stays dead silent and does not easily affected or to pick up any humming and hissing/white noises across various equipments that I have tried.

Initial Impression

For starters, the sound signature produced by the EN1000 is synonymous to a mild Harman with a moderate bass-shelf height and a little emphasis on the high frequencies/treble, in simple words the EN1000 has a sound signature focused on being a balanced-bright pair of IEM. Even so, the EN1000 is an IEM that could not be simply categorized as bright, cold or analytical, as the treble timbre of this IEM it is more sort of a cool tone with a balanced amount of low frequencies to provides a musical, slightly mellow and comfortable listening experience even for longer periods of time.

Low Frequency

Starting right away from the lowest sub-bass frequency, the EN1000 has a roll-off that causes this IEM to produce a rather lacking sub-bass performance especially with rumbles and vibrations, although that seemed to be the case this IEM was able to present a detailed texture with very good overall definition. For example in the track, Hollow (16-bit Remix) – Björk the EN1000 found it difficult to replicate the deep rumbles and vibrations of sub-bass as low as 20Hz in the first 30 seconds in the beginning of this track although in terms of dynamics, the 10mm dynamic driver (DD) on this EN1000 did its job very well.

Entering into the mid and upper bass region of the EN1000, this IEM presents a tight, energetic and dynamic bass. Every bass hit were tight, slightly bouncy, and deep with a adequate amount of weight. However, the impact of the bass hit on this IEM was more focused on a politer side and a bit less controlled, therefore the speed produced by the DD in this EN1000 were to be found slightly weak. For example, in Hunter – Björk where at the beginning of the song listeners were presented with rapid bass punch followed by reverberation in between each and sub-bass rumble in the background. The EN1000 presents the bass punch impactfully but with a slightly weaker anticipation and speed.

Mid Frequency

Next, moving into the midrange which the EN1000 presents a soft midrange presentation clean from any harshness or mud, as the IEM also presented detailed and euphonic. There is a slight tonal coloration that can be heard, thus causing the midrange including male and female vocals to sound a tad warmer than neutral. For example, in the track Whiskey Lullaby (ft. Alison Krauss) – Brad Paisley and A Poem Titled You – Taeyeon where the voices of the singers in both tracks have a slightly added tonal warmth than neutral, meanwhile presentation distance is slightly forward depending on the type of plug tuning that will be talked about later.

The quality of the timbre is also one of the strengths of the EN1000 which gives the ability to easily distinguish the types of vocals/instruments/percussions. The track Down In A Hole (MTV Unplugged) – Alice in Chains was used for this purpose. The tone of Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley on a part of the song. Where they sing several fillers with the same pitch and this IEM quite easily distinguishes their voices, Layne Staley’s iconic grundge voice was presented detailed with average texture. The harmony between all of the elements and acoustic guitar passages in the background sounded a little soft, smooth and lush due to the slightly warm tonality that this IEM posseses.

High Frequency

Finally, for the treble response it can be said that the EN1000 skewed slightly leaning brighter treble. However, although that’s being said it is more of a cool treble rather than cold, as per mentioned in initial impression. For example, in an IEM that really emphasizes high frequency tend to have a much colder, dry treble. As we continue, the EN1000 presents listener with a wide treble extension providing an airy ambience, detailed, exciting and clear clarity.

However, there was a minimal emphasis on the area around 5-6kHz could be heard right away, which causes the EN1000 to have a slightly sharp and edgy treble. For example, in the track Ignorance (Acoustic) – Paramore, Hayley Williams’s pronunciation of the words “s, sh, t, th” have an accentuated sibilance that is more inclined towards sharp than rough, sound reproduction of tambourine in the background were also accentuated yet light, a tad sharp and edgy.

As for the synergy of eartips, options like Azla Xelastec are among my favorites to pair with this IEM. These eartips are very helpful to get a perfect seal with the EN1000, allowing a wider range and deeper sub-bass extension. In addition, these eartips help to provide a darker background to the midrange of this IEM while providing fluidity and a more natural, organic tone to vocals, stringed instruments such as violin, double-bass, acoustic guitar etc.

Memory foams such as the Acoustune AT02 and Hill Audio Ergo Pro also work very well to provide a much open midrange with warmer tonality but slightly softer although its not as warm as with the Xelastec. Treble also sounds more natural, free of sibilance and helps in terms of airiness. Soundstaging became a bit wider with better element separation but detail retrieval was a tad less nuanced.

Technical Ability

From a technical point of view, the EN1000 is capable of presenting wide soundstaging horizontally and vertically with decent spatial, the movement of elements is displayed clearly but not the most pinpoint accurate. In addition, this IEM also has the ability to provide excellent detail retrieval even when the track is played at low volume. Microdetails and subtle nuances are able to be presented by the EN1000, for example the sound of the plane in the beginning of the song Hotel California (1976) – Eagles which is clearly heard from right to left.

The separation aspect of the EN1000 was also a key strength of this IEM, it can separate various elements in a track well. For example, in the track Mad About You (Live at Koningin Elisabethzaal 2012) – Hooverphonics, the EN1000 were able to give an illusion with every element in this track is neatly arranged, well separated without causing any congestion or melding. Although, in terms of layering the EN1000 could only able to perform quite decently.

Finally, in terms of dynamic range, the EN1000 presents an average dynamic range. By using the Ultimate Headphone Test – ABYSS Headphone dynamic range sample as a reference. Where the sound of drums and bells are played simultaneously as many as 7 times, but only the sound of the bells changes and becomes quieter. Out of a scale of 7, the EN1000 was able to produce a decent 5 out of 7 count clearly.

Interchangeable Tuning Plugs – Is It Just a Gimmick or a Miracle?​

“Infinite tuning possibilities”, quoted from Simgot’s appreciation card which explains the function of the tuning plugs, one of the main features of this flagship model. Long story short, these plugs turned out to actually work according to its promise that provides 3 types of distinct change of sound. Allows you to change some part of the frequency range of this IEM according to your taste likewise with Equalization (EQ). However, it is limited for only the selected part of the spectrum band only which starts from 2kHz on aggregate and all the way above.

• Black Plug (N3A000)

Its the original configuration when you receive the EN1000. In terms of sound difference, this plug provides the most forward midrange presentation, treble clarity and extension. But this effect indirectly causes the midrange of this IEM to be thin and quite shouty. This plug also makes the treble sounds marginally brighter and dry yet it presents the most clarity out of all. In consequence to it, other effects such as sibilance and treble sharpness are also a lot noticeable when using this plug. Low frequencies are also affected where they sound lighter, tighter and bass impact also skewed more towards being soft compared to the prior polite. Therefore, it is not suitable if you are sensitive to treble, or those who care about treble quality.

• Blue Plug (C3A035)

In simple words, this is the plug labeled by Simgot as “Balanced” among the three tuning plugs which is also the original EN1000 tuning. To summarize, even if you change the stock cable to an aftermarket cable, the sound signature of this IEM will by default change based on the graph with this plug. This blue plug also provides change in sound predominantly within the treble region, offering an airy and wide treble extension similar to the black plug, only slightly lower by approximately 1-2 dB.

As a result, the EN1000’s midrange sounded slightly much relaxed and shoutyness are none to be heard, with the most balanced presentation right in-between forward/recessed with softer, organic tonality compared to the black plug. Sibilance and the sharp treble can still be heard with this plug although at a much tolerable level. Low frequencies also sounded slightly fuller with greater bass weight although in overall sense this IEM is still considered bass light.

• Red Plug (C3A045)

Meanwhile, for this red plug it is opposite to the function of the black plug. For example, low frequencies have a bassier, fuller and richer impact with this plug. The midrange presentation being the least forward, much warmer/darker in terms of tonality and richer overall.

In addition, in the high frequency area it is clearly more comfortable and relaxed. Although, it loses a little treble presence and extension and treble clarity is also a bit less clear. However, sharp treble and sibilance were the least which made this combination very suitable for people who are sensitive to treble.

Comparison

TRI Audio iOne + TRI Clarion eartips (1DD – USD$279/MYR1279)​

In this comparison, iOne right from the beginning shown that this IEM has a higher bass shelf with a sound signature that focuses on the classic Harman V-shaped sound that is synonymous with the masses. With a wider sub-bass extension, more texture, definition and an emphasis on the mid-upper bass indeed presents a richer, solid bass with a heavier bass quantity compared to the EN1000. The bass on the iOne were also much agile with greater anticipation and control to the EN1000.

As for the midrange, the iOne has a more laid back and relaxed presentation due to its midrange being a lot more recessed compared to the EN1000. Although, that seems to differ the characteristics of both IEM yet they share a similar colouration despite the iOne was able to present more texture and definition on vocals especially in men compared to the EN1000 which emphasizes a light, fresher midrange with a higher amount of clarity and detail.

Finally, for treble and technicality of both IEMs have similar airiness and horizontal soundstaging but frontally there is more depth on the EN1000. Even so, the treble on the iOne is more relaxed and free from any sibilance nor harshness. Nevertheless, EN1000 were able to provide a much energetic treble and more clarity. Detail retrieval is more or less similar, however, on the EN1000 the resolution is noticeably clearer even at low volumes as expected from an IEM that emphasizes treble. Even so, the iOne has a wider and much extended dynamic range compared to the EN1000, plus the ability to display more accurate spatial imaging also favors the iOne.

Conclusion

To conclude the whole review about the Simgot “King Wonder” EN1000, it is a very versatile IEM in presenting music of various genres and presented in one quality package in my view. Its ability to provide the 3 types of sound signature that listeners want in one whole package which complimented with an astounding artistic artwork and brilliant construction, is truly able to captivate the hearts of many audiences who care about the aesthetic value of their IEMs that matches its sound quality.

Like a sovereign where there was sat a king which his fate is similar to nature of mortal beings. But, due to the existence between cooperation and synergy among his people, a prosperous and united government was built.

Similarly, as the reader are already aware of the shortcomings of this EN1000 which might attract negative reactions, but it can be helped by combining the various tuning plugs and selections of eartips that may bear a fruit of a strong synergy. Thus, this is also marks the end of my review this time. I hope you all enjoy it as I am happy to present you with this Simgot King WonderEN1000 review, hopefully we will meet in the next review!

Additional Test Track

Artemis – Lindsey Stirling 44.1kHz

添迷不悔(Zhi Mi Bu Hui) – Faye Wong DSD256

Would? (MTV Unplugged) – Alice in Chains 44.1kHz

First Love – Hikaru Utada 44.1kHz

Motherboard – Daft Punk DSD256

Something About Us 44.1kHz

Automatic – Hikaru Utada 44.1kHz