Simgot EP5
The Simgot EP5 presents an attractive proposition for the enthusiast looking for performance without additives.
Simgot's approach with the EP5 is an exercise in well-understood minimalism. By dispensing with any superfluous elements in terms of design or electronics, the brand focuses all resources on the transducer and an impeccable metallic construction. It is a headphone designed for those who already have a competent amplification source and are looking for a direct, honest, and uncomplicated design performance.
They have not set out to reinvent the headphone, but they have shown that, moving from a catalog of IEMs to circumaural headphones, they have plenty of capacity to continue surprising the most demanding audiophiles.
Let us recall, briefly, the good feeling that the EA500LM set left us, a pair of IEMs (also with metallic construction) featuring a very refined sound and impressive build quality.
Construction and Design
Aesthetically, it is a rather sober design, yet no less attractive for it. The black finish and the matte gloss that highlights the construction make it look much more expensive than it actually is, and the quality of the materials and construction confirm that, even given its low cost, we are dealing with a well-manufactured piece of equipment.
The earcups are completely machined from a high-density metal alloy. This provides excellent internal acoustic rigidity to prevent parasitic resonances and notable durability for everyday use. On the back part, that is, the one facing outward, we find a machined plate with multiple ports that Simgot has "tuned" to provide the driver with space and air, with which they hope to achieve (in combination with the acoustic chamber contained in the headphone earcup) a wide soundstage and minimal sound leakage to the outside. That is to say, they wanted to combine the advantages of a closed-back headphone format with those of an open-back format. A difficult goal, don't you think?
Ergonomically, the shape is quite successful. The metal and leather headband offers good grip without excessive pressure, the earcups fit the ear well and are interchangeable, which always offers options. The weight, even being metallic, is suitable and does not generate fatigue in long sessions.
In this headphones, all the spotlight goes to the 50 mm dynamic transducer with an aluminum "paper" (no, not the silver foil for wrapping your sandwich... but similar) and polymer diaphragm. The response promises to be quite good and, according to the house, with very present and full-bodied bass.
Under each earcup, a 3.5 mm TRS connector allows for multiple connectivity options. As an example, the EP5 is offered in a configuration with a microphone integrated into the cable, to cover the needs of users who enjoy video games or who require equipment that enables simultaneous communication and listening. The cable provided by the brand, made of high-purity oxygen-free copper, is more than suitable and sufficient. Although its termination is unbalanced, the dual TRS configuration of the headphones allows for a balanced connection simply by purchasing another cable.
How It Sounds
To evaluate the real potential of the EP5, we connected them to our equipment in the following way: through an iFi Audio ZEN DAC 2. This small DAC ensured a clean current delivery and sufficient amplification power to make the EP5 (with their low impedance) sound wonderfully well. The cable used was the Arachne Audio dual 3.5 mm TRS to 6.3 mm.
I can already tell you that the sound profile stood out for a very mature tonal balance, with a smooth "U" presentation that respects the midrange while providing notable extension at both ends.
Andrea Motis – "He's Funny That Way" (Emotional Dance): The reproduction of the midrange frequencies is extremely organic. Motis's voice is perceived forward, with an organic texture and without that artificial sibilance that usually plagues headphones trying to fake detail. The trumpet has just the right brightness, silky yet informative, demonstrating that Simgot has worked conscientiously on the control of high frequencies to avoid auditory fatigue.
Oscar Peterson Trio – "You Look Good To Me" (We Get Requests): The instrumental separation capability is surprising. The initial tinkling of the triangle floats at the far right of the stage with crystalline sharpness, while Ray Brown's double bass enters with a very well-defined specific body and weight. The soundstage is not gigantic, but it is very precise in width, allowing the three musicians to be perfectly placed in the recording space.
The Smile – "Wall of Eyes" (Wall of Eyes): Here we test the speed against complex mixes. The EP5 manage the textures of the acoustic guitar and the subtle string arrangements with impeccable timing. The dynamic transducer proves to be fast, stopping and starting with agility in response to the drum syncopations. The bass is dry, controlled, and does not contaminate the lower-mid zone, keeping the cleanliness of Thom Yorke's voice intact.
Technical Data
Diaphragm Unit: 50 mm ultra-magnetic broadband dynamic transducer
Frequency Response Range: 15 Hz – 50 kHz
Effective Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Diaphragm: Multilayer composite diaphragm
Impedance: 32 Ω
Sensibility: 113 dB/Vrms (@1 kHz)
Cable Material: Oxygen-free copper (OFC) core
Cable Length: Approximately 1.5 m
Headphone Weight: Approximately 300 g (without cable)
Conclusions
The Simgot EP5 demonstrate that minimalism can be the best ally of acoustic performance. They offer a balanced, detailed sound with a dynamic that will satisfy those looking for a faithful listen without sacrificing comfort. If you already have a good DAC or a headphone amplifier (it doesn't need to be very powerful) and are looking for an honest, robust headphone with a timbral refinement uncommon for its price, the EP5 establish themselves as a very sensible option in our experience with them.
With a price starting at less than €90, it is difficult to imagine a fair comparison in its price range. Not only that, the backing of Linsoul guarantees fast shipping, a good warranty, and excellent service, as well as the opportunity to (if your setup allows) order the headphones with the 4.4 mm balanced connector cable and take full advantage of your amplification's power and quality for the headphones.
That said, the headphones are available on Linsoul at this link.
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