dbstechtalk
- May 18
- 7 min read

Simgot EM6L Phoenix - aka Simgot Safe Zone - Honest Audiophile Impressions

Simgot has a lot of options available in the budget ranges of the IEM universe. A lot of the Simgot offerings feature a single DD driver and some have tuning nozzles. But Simgot has veered from the norm with the EM6L by adding 4 BA to the mix and not including tuning nozzles. What has Simgot done? Did they produce an IEM that is unique & different or did they produce an IEM that keeps everything close to the vest in a safe zone? These are my Honest Audiophile Impressions!

I want to thank Simgot for providing the EM6L for review, much appreciated. Simgot, you rock!

More Information: http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/30.html#!/detail

Linsoul (non-affiliate link): https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-em6l?_pos=1&_sid=00c4215f2&_ss=r#shopify-section-template--16716324536537__c5d34f9a-08cd-4dc6-8285-fe5fe01ff341

The Simgot EM6L is a 5 driver hybrid that will set you back $110 from your bank account. The Simgot EM6L has a 1 DD (size unknown) and 4 BA (mfg unknown) driver configuration. Impedance of 26Ω, Sensitivity of 119dB and a Frequency Response Range of 8Hz-40kHz.

The unboxing experience is pretty lackluster. Though the box is somewhat nice looking. Inside you get a generic black pill case and a set of s/m/l silicone tips.

The cable that is included is OFC and connects with a QDC connection. The cable is well controlled, doesn't twist or tangle that much.

The ear hooks have too much tension, they curl up on themselves but they do keep the cable tucked behind the ear. The major complaint I have is the QDC connection is a bit chunky and causes fit issues for me, but I have this issue with all QDC cables.

The EM6L itself is made of resin. The shell is not the most premium feeling, especially coming from Simgot. But it isn't the worst built shell.

The faceplate is a fingerprint magnet and has some subtle logos.

The back of the shell is curved and smooth, not completely flat but pretty close. The nozzle has an average angle and a medium length.

The fit of the EM6L is about average for me. I don't really have any complaints but I don't have any real praise either, it just fits. Now the QDC cable causes some issues with the fit and I am constantly fidgeting with the EM6L ear hooks.

The isolation of outside noises isn't very good, probably somewhere around 50%, it will muffle some outside noises but most are still audible.

The comfort is about an hour or so before I have to take a break.

The EM6L is fairly easy to drive and isn't very source picky. The impedance of 26Ω sensitivity of 119dB makes the EM6L driveable on most dongles, DAP and desktop. I didn't hear any hissing on desktop gear.

How does the Simgot EM6L Phoenix sound?

My Review Process: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/honest-audiophile-review-process

My Reference Music: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions

My Terms & Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide

The Simgot EM6L is tuned to the Harman Target 2019 preference curve.

The bass of the EM6L is what I would say is pleasing to most. But as we all know, you can't please everyone. The bass has adequate sub bass extension but doesn't have much rumble and grumble; there isn't a lot of GRRRR. The mid bass has enough impact and slam to keep the music engaging but there isn't a lot of authority or power. The upper bass has a little less impact and slam than the mid bass but it isn't tucked or overly present. The bass has enough to not be boring but not enough to be exciting and authentic. The bass leans neutral but doesn't have the body and authority to be accurate natural.

The mids of the EM6L are pleasurable in their own uniquely flawed way. The lower mids have a bit of body and warmth as that little bit of presence from the upper bass bleeds in lightly. The main mids are recessed and sound thinner. The upper mids are elevated, have more presence but also are a bit spicy. The main mids and upper mids lack some noteweight and don't sound as full as the lower mids. The mids are pleasant but do lack a bit of cohesion. If you go through the octaves with a piano, guitar, brass and woodwind you will notice the change in note weight and how the timbre becomes a little more metallic the higher you go.

The treble of the EM6L is very good even though it has a few flaws to note. The lower treble is more dominant than the rest but it isn't intrusive. There is some exuberance in the lower treble that comes across as a bit hot at times. As you go further into the treble it isn't as energetic and excitable but there is still a satisfactory amount, may be too much for the treble sensitive. Extension of the treble is adequate, it doesn't lack air and space but it could some more air at times. The lower treble has moments of metallic timbre similar to the upper mids. Also, the note weight is thin like it is throughout most of the bass and mids.

The technical abilities of the EM6L are rather impressive. The stage has good width as it portrays the size of venues from small, medium to large and even gives that occasional grand feeling. The depth is adequate, not the deepest but you can see far enough in that the layering doesn't get all muddled and confused. The imaging of the EM6L tracks well from side to side without any stutters, jittering or gaps. The placement of details is fairly accurate, not laser perfect, but in the neighborhood. The detail retrieval of the EM6L is top of the line for the price point, you aren't going to miss anything. The resolution of the EM6L is pretty good, there is a bit of harshness, glaring and smearing at times in the upper mids and lower treble. The tone and timbre is also decent but it isn't the most natural with the thinner note weight and the metallic timbre but it isn't off-putting.

How does the Simgot EM6L compare to other 1DD 4BA hybrids?

vs Tanchjim Kara

The more expensive Tanchjim Kara is an interesting comparison. The Kara is leaning toward a stage monitor presentation. The Kara doesn't have as much sub bass presence as the EM6L and the mid bass is similar. The upper bass of the Kara isn't quite as elevated as the EM6L and it doesn't bleed into the lower mids. Speaking of the mids, the Kara has more noteweight and is a little fuller. The upper mids aren't as elevated on the Kara and they aren't as bright. The treble of the Kara extends further and has more air and space. The hotness of the EM6L isn't present in the Kara. Soundstage of the Kara isn't as wide but still does a good job of presenting venue size differences. The Kara has a little more depth and the layering is more defined and direct. The details retrieved are similar but the Kara is more refined, defined and focused with resolution. The tone and timbre of the Kara is more natural and accurate, especially in the upper mids and lower treble.

vs Ziigaat Cinno

The Ziigaat Cinno is the same price as the Simgot EM6L. The Cinno is a warmer presentation. The bass has more impact and slam and hits with more authority. The mids of the Cinno are thicker and fuller sounding, not as elevated in the uppers. The Cinno treble is more controlled than the EM6L but doesn't have as much energy, especially in the lower treble. The soundstage of the Cinno is closer than the EM6L but doesn't sound cramped or crowded. The depth of the Cinno is similar but the EM6L is slightly better layered. The detail retrieval of the Cinno is good but can't compete with the EM6L, but the resolution of the details is slightly better on the Cinno. The tone and timbre of the Cinno is more natural and accurate.

So in conclusion. the Simgot EM6L Phoenix is a good offering from Simgot. It differs from their normal 1 DD offerings. The tuning is mostly a safe presentation with a few little niggles that keep you on your toes when listening. The EM6L is content on just about any source and with most genre of music. Most listeners will enjoy the presentation of the EM6L but if you are a "basshead" or "vocal lover" the EM6L may disappoint. I like the Simgot EM6L quite a bit; it is the safest sound that Simgot has produced in my opinion. Honestly, if Simgot had named the EM6L the Safe Zone it would make sense.

This has been Dave the Honest Audiophile, thanks for reading and I will catch you on the next one.

I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.

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The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing

Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide

Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions

Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl

Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f