SIMGOT EA1000 “Fermat” Review
SIMGOT EA1000 “Fermat” Review
Introduction:
SIMGOT was founded in 2013 by a team of audio engineers who were passionate about creating IEMs that could deliver accurate and natural sound. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the most respected brands in the audiophile community. SIMGOT IEMs are typically made with high-quality materials, such as metal shells and premium cables. They often use multiple drivers, such as Balanced Armature (BA) drivers and dynamic drivers.
The EA1000 aka the “Fermat” is a pair of In-Ear Monitor (IEM) that use a 2nd Generation 10mm DMDC™ (Dual-Magnet Dual-Cavity) Dynamic Driver paired with a Passive Radiator. The Passive Radiator enhances the bass response of the Dynamic Driver by vibrating in Sync with it. Another highlight of the EA1000 is the SDPGD™ Technology (Sputter Deposition Purple-Gold Diaphragm Technology). The Purple-Gold Diaphragm undergoes a meticulous process involving multiple layers of transparent, custom-targeted vacuum high-temperature sputtering on a specialized base film.
The EA1000 also features 3 pairs of detachable Tuning Nozzles that allows users to customize the sound signature according to their preferences. The EA1000 “Fermat” has a stunning design with a stainless steel shell and glass faceplate. The IEM come with a High Purity Silver-Plated OFC Litz Structure Cable, a Premium carrying case, and various ear tips and filters.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank SIMGOT for providing the EA1000 “Fermat” In-Ear Monitor for review purposes. I am not affiliated with SIMGOT beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat In-Ear Monitor is 219.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat comes in a stunning purple box that reflects the premium quality and craftsmanship of the earphones inside. The box has a smooth and glossy surface that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The box features the SIMGOT logo and the name of the earphones in gold letters, along with the intriguing phrase “Fermat’s Last Theorem 1637 – 1995”. This is a reference to one of the most famous and challenging mathematical problems in history, which was finally solved after more than 350 years of efforts by countless mathematicians.
Inside the box of the EA1000 Fermat are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair of SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Detachable Cable with 2-Pin Connectors
- 3 x pairs Sound Tuning Tube Filters (Silver Red Ring, Gold Copper, Silver Blue Ring)
- 6 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips
- 1 x Spare Rings for Tube Filters
- 1 x Storage Case
- 1 x Print Material
Design & Build Quality:
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat has a stunning design that showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the brand. The monitors have a stainless steel housing with a polished mirror-like finish.
The faceplates feature a white panel with a unique geometric pattern on the top formed by raised lines and negative space with the SIMGOT brand logo right in the center area. This creates a visually interesting texture and adds depth to the overall design.
This panel has a glass cover on the top that is surrounded with a thin frame in gold that completes the visual experience.
The inner surface features a huge vent with L / R markings on the top dominating the scene. This isn’t just an aesthetic detail; it’s a cleverly disguised passive radiator, positioned to enhance bass extension and add a touch of air to the sound.
Two additional vents discreetly tucked away further optimize airflow, ensuring optimal pressure balance and eliminating the dreaded driver flex that can the 10mm diameter Single Driver unit.
Another major design element of the EA1000 Fermat is the detachable sound tuning tube/nozzle design. The EA1000 Fermat comes with 3 type of sound tuning tubes and this is a ingenious add-on allows you to fine-tune the sound signature.
At the bottom of each monitor housing is the “Fermat” branding.
On the top of the monitor shells are the 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin female connectors that do show a tight and secure connection.
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat comes with a High Purity Silver-Plated OFC Litz Structure Cable. The Litz structure of the cable is composed of individually enameled copper strands braided together to reduce skin effect and consequent high-frequency resistance. This process combined with the design of large wire diameter and multi-wire core ensures high-fidelity signal transmission. The visual appearance of the wires that can be easily seen under the Transparent PVC outer looks very esthetic.
The detachable cable comes with 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin male connectors that are protected with a glossy metal housing, where you can find the L/R makings.
There cable has a metal y-splitter with the same glossy silver finish like all other metal parts, except the chin slider that is in gold color.
The cable has a 3.5mm headphone plug that is protected by a straight profiled metal housing with the SIMGOT branding on the top, which features a transparent plastic strain relief for extra durability.
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat’s build quality is nothing short of exceptional. From the robust stainless steel shells to the intricately crafted cable, every element is well crafted.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
Despite their angular aesthetic, the earphones are pretty ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit. The smooth curves and contoured edges ensure snugness and stability within the ear canal. The passive noise isolation of the monitors is on an efficient level, ideal for the use in relative noisy environments such like a bus or train.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : EA1000 Fermat
- Driver : 2nd Gen DMDCT™ 10mm Dual-Magnetic Dual Cavity Dynamic Driver
- Diaphragm : SDPGDM multilayer sputtering Purple-Gold Diaphragm
- Frequency response : 10Hz-50kHz
- Effect frequency : 20Hz- 20kHz
- Impedance : 16Ω±15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity : 127dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
- Frequency response : 10Hz-50kHz
- Connector : 0.78mm 2-pin
- Cable : High Purity Silver Plated Oxygen-Free cable with Litz structure
Drivability & Pairing:
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat is a quite efficient In-Ear Monitor that shows an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 127dB. This values makes it compatible a wide variety of sources including USB DAC dongles, DAP’s, Smartphone’s and Tablet’s.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat
- DAP&DAC’s : Quloos MUB1, HiBy R6 PRO II, FiiO M11 Plus ESS
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat – Sound Tubes and Sonic Differences:
The SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat boasts an Interchangeable Sound Tubes that impacts the sonic character of the IEM, allowing for personalized listening experiences.
Let’s explore the three available tubes and their sound profiles:
SIMGOT-Golden 2023 Target Curve:
Material: Brass with a white silicone seal.
Sonic Impact: Warmer, smoother sound with enhanced bass presence and slightly rolled-off treble. Vocals take more center stage with increased richness.
SIMGOT-Classic Target Curve:
Material: Stainless steel with a black silicone seal.
Sonic Impact: Relative neutral and balanced sound signature with crisp highs, natural midrange, and controlled bass.
H-2019 Target Curve:
Material: Stainless steel with a red silicone seal.
Sonic Impact: Brighter and more energetic sound signature compared to the other filters with pronounced treble emphasis, lively cymbals, and sharp clarity. Bass remains present but controlled. This option suits genres like EDM and pop.
EA1000 Fermat’s Sonic Signature:
SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat promises an engaging listening experience marked by clarity, balance, and precision – a treat for those who appreciate a detailed yet non-fatiguing sound character. Its controlled bass, transparent midrange, and airy treble weave a tapestry of rich detail and nuanced dynamics, all without sacrificing balance or comfort.
Testing Methods & Equipments:
This review is based on 60 hours of burn-in using the stock cable and silicone ear tips included in the package. My sound impressions bellow are mainly based on using the “Brass Sound” nozzle with white silicone seal, corresponding to the SIMGOT-Golden 2023 Target Curve. I used the Quloos MUB1 (DAC/AMP), FiiO M11 Plus ESS (Digital Audio Player), and HiBy R6 PRO II (Digital Audio Player) as my main sources.
Bass:
The bass of the SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat is one of the highlights. It’s not the deepest or most sub-bassy IEM on the market, but it delivers a satisfyingly punchy and controlled low-end that never overpowers the mix. The SPGD (Sputter Deposition Purple-Gold Diaphragm) technology used in the driver helps to produce a clean and articulate bass response, even at higher volumes.
In tracks like Metallica’s “Dyers Eve “One More Time” the EA1000’s bass drum hits have a nice weight and slam to them, without bleeding into the midrange. The same goes for the bass guitar in Muse’s “Hysteria,” which comes through with good amount of growl without muddying up the rest of the instrumentation. Overall, the EA1000’s bass is well-balanced and tasteful. It’s there when you need it, but it never gets in the way of the other frequencies.
Midrange:
The EA1000 Fermat’s midrange is clear and natural-sounding. Vocals are presented with excellent detail and presence, making them the star of the show in most tracks. Sibilance is well-controlled, and there’s no harshness or artificial brightness to the sound. In Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” her vocals are smooth and nuanced, with every breath and inflection. The same goes for Adel’s vocals in “My Little Love”, which come through with a breathy intimacy that’s both captivating and revealing.
The EA1000 Fermat’s mildly warm midrange beautifully reproduces Don Henley’s vocals, while the relative rich lower midrange adds weight and body to the driving rhythm section.
The EA1000’s midrange also handles complex passages with aplomb. In Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, the strings and woodwinds are well-separated, even during the busiest sections. Overall, the EA1000’s midrange is a true strength. It’s clear, natural, and detailed, making it a great choice for vocal-centric music and complex classical pieces alike.
Treble:
The EA1000’s treble is clean and airy, but it’s not overly boosted or fatiguing. There’s plenty of sparkle and detail up top, but it never becomes harsh or sibilant. This makes the EA1000 Fermat a good choice for listeners who enjoy a bright and airy sound, but it’s also gentle enough not to offend those who are treble-sensitive.
In tracks like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” the violins have a lovely shimmer and shine to them, without ever becoming piercing. The same goes for the cymbals in Rush’s “Tom Sawyer”, which a nice attack and decay without being overly harsh. Ultimately, the EA1000 Fermat’s treble won me over with its fairly balanced and inoffensive nature. It didn’t just avoid fatigue; it actively enhanced the listening experience, adding a delicate sparkle and airy lift to the sound.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The EA1000 Fermat’s soundstage is surprisingly good for a single dynamic driver IEM at this price range. It’s not the widest soundstage out there, but it’s definitely wider than you would expect from an IEM at this price level. This gives the music a sense of room and airiness, making it more immersive and engaging.
In tracks like Hans Zimmer’s “Time” from Inception, the EA1000 Fermat does a decent performance of recreating the songs epic soundscapes. The instruments are spread out across a pretty wide soundstage. The same goes for live recordings like Radiohead’s “Live in Berlin.” The crowd noise and applause are placed pretty realistically.
Conclusion:
The SIMGOT EA1000 “Fermat” stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique combination of advanced technology and user-friendly customization. The SDPGD™ diaphragm and dual-magnet driver deliver a detailed yet non-fatiguing sound, while the detachable tuning nozzles empower you to tailor the experience to your exact liking. From its stunning design to its meticulously crafted accessories, the Fermat is a testament to SIMGOT’s commitment to audiophile excellence, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a truly personalized and immersive listening experience.
Pros & Cons:
- + Overall Clarity, Balance and Precision
- + Excellent level of Resolution across the Sound Spectrum
- + Decent Soundstage Atmosphere
- + 3 Types of Sound Tuning Tubes
- + Rich Set of Accessories
- + Good Fit & Comfort
- + Very well made Monitors and Cable
- + Performance at this Price level
- – Not an ideal choice for Bassheads
- – Upper Midrange sounds a bit bright with the H-2019 Sound Tube Filter
- – No Modular Headphone Plug Design
Thank you for the Read!