--- title: "Simgot EM6L Review: A $109 Hybrid IEM With Five Drivers" description: "Simgot EM6L review: one dynamic plus four BAs at $109, chasing the Harman 2019 target with a weirdly big stage. Mid-bass bloats a little. 7.6/10." url: "https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/simgot-em6l/" type: "article" section: "Headphones" author: "Jakub Charkiewicz" published: "2024-05-13T00:00:00.000Z" modified: "2024-05-13T00:00:00.000Z" checked: "2026-09-19" tags: ["In-Ear Monitor", "Hybrid", "Simgot", "Budget"] product: "Simgot EM6L" brand: "Simgot" score: 7.6 score_max: 10 verdict: "Recommended" --- > Markdown rendering of https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/simgot-em6l/ > Canonical URL to cite: https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/simgot-em6l/ > Generated from the published page. Text and links only; see the HTML for layout. Breadcrumb: [Home](https://theaudiostuff.com/) > [Reviews](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/) > [Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/) > Simgot EM6L # Simgot EM6L Review: Five Drivers, $109, and a Weirdly Big Soundstage A budget hybrid IEM with 1 dynamic + 4 BA drivers, a 3-way crossover, and an attempt at the Harman 2019 target - mostly successful, with a fun 'weirdly big' soundstage. Simgot By [Jakub Charkiewicz](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/) $109 Reviewed May 13, 2024 Checked Sep 2026 Score 7.6 out of 10 Recommended higher than 17% of everything we have tested Distribution of every score on the site, 6.5 to 9.3, median 8.1. This review is in the 7.5-8.0 band, which holds 14 of them. Value Excellent. It is one of the best-value pieces we have scored. - **Standout**: 1 dynamic + 4 BA drivers with hybrid 3-way crossover - **Watch out for**: Mid-bass has extra energy that can sound bloaty - **Better alternative**: [HIFIMAN RE800 Silver](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-re800-silver/): scores 0.4 higher. [What the verdicts mean](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#verdict-scale) Is it for you? - Buy it if you want a big, out-of-your-head stage - Buy it if you want the most performance per dollar on the list - Skip it if you want vocals right in front of you Read 3 min Watch 4 min Pick **#4 of 4** in our [Best Budget IEMs](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-budget-iems/) guide. This [IEM](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/iem/) contains multiple drivers with a 3-way [crossover](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/crossover/), and tries to achieve the Harman 2019 target. It all sounds very promising, as marketing materials usually do. But how well does it actually perform in practice? The Simgot EM6L is priced at $109, which I would consider to be in the budget range for an IEM, although some people might call it mid-range. ## Is It Comfortable? Small Shells, Standout Cable {#is-it-comfortable-small-shells-standout-cable} [Watch this part (0:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=34s) It features a glossy black shell that's made with a high-precision 3D printing process. There are no visible imperfections or rough texture, making it impossible to tell that it was 3D printed. The IEM shell is rather small, making it a great fit for those with smaller ears. I believe that their round shape prevented them from falling out by increasing the contact area and thus creating a bit more friction. [![The Simgot EM6L's small glossy black 3D-printed shells and silicone ear tips](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/simgot-em6l-shells-eartips-1152w.avif) (view larger)](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/simgot-em6l-shells-eartips-1536w.avif) *The small glossy 3D-printed shells and silicone tips.* It has a [2-pin connector](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#2-pin-connector) and comes with a fantastic, for this price range, cable. It's made out of oxygen-free copper and is silver-plated. Some of you might not care about what it's made out of, but I appreciate the effort put into making sure that the entire signal path is of high quality. It's braided as well, to minimize interference and make it look better. On the visual side, it perfectly complements the IEM with its gold and black color scheme. It has great ergonomics and doesn't cause any discomfort like some cheap cables do. Overall, it stays out of the way and doesn't interrupt the listening experience. [![The Simgot EM6L's silver-plated, gold-and-black braided cable with 2-pin connectors](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/simgot-em6l-braided-cable-1152w.avif) (view larger)](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/simgot-em6l-braided-cable-1536w.avif) *The silver-plated gold-and-black braided cable.* ## Technical Specifications: 1 Dynamic + 4 Armatures {#technical-specifications-1-dynamic--4-armatures} [Watch this part (1:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=105s) In terms of the drivers, there is one [dynamic driver](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/dynamic-driver/) and four [balanced armature](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#balanced-armature) drivers, which are controlled by a hybrid [three-way](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#three-way) crossover. The [impedance](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/impedance/) of the IEM is listed as 26Ω, and the [sensitivity](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/sensitivity/) is rather high at 119dB/V. All of the drivers work together to produce a [frequency response](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/frequency-response/) of 8Hz to 40kHz, which is beyond the typical human hearing range - but that's a very good thing, especially in the lower limit. It indicates that there's very little or virtually no low-frequency roll-off. ## Sound Quality: Near-Harman, with Mid-Bass Bloat {#sound-quality-near-harman-with-mid-bass-bloat} [Watch this part (2:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=144s) Looking at a frequency response graph, you can see that the treble and [sub-bass](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#sub-bass) are mostly in line with Simgot's goal of achieving the Harman 2019 in-ear curve. The lower end of frequencies is lifted to match that target. However, in the mid-bass, there's some additional energy, that can be perceived as bloaty. It surely makes for some additional [warmth](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#warmth) - if you're into that and you don't mind its muffling effect on vocals, obscuring some of the finer details and clarity. Treble is pretty smooth in terms of peakiness, however, its amplitude is not being compromised in any way, besides not extending exactly to 20kHz. Finally, we come to the [soundstage](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/soundstage/), which is where things get intriguing. The EM6L can be described as having a "weirdly big" soundstage. A wide soundstage typically enhances the listening experience, creating a sense of spaciousness and immersion. However, we lack a bit of pinpoint precision in the placement of instruments within the sound field. Although it can be wide, it doesn't provide a sense of large scale, which some people desire. This is usually challenging to achieve in in-ear monitors, and these ones are no exception. But what it does provide is great [channel separation](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#channel-separation), which in IEMs is often very good, as there's very little sound leakage. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes! These in-ear monitors can do one more thing pretty well: [punch](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#punch). Not necessarily [slam](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/#slam) (meaning a large surface hit), but they can punch you with a concentrated and small surface type of hit. ## Sound signature {#signature-heading} Derived from the words this review uses: each axis runs between two opposite descriptors, and the shape leans toward whichever side the writing does. - Warm ↔ Bright Neutral, no clear signal in the review language - Relaxed ↔ Analytical Neutral, no clear signal in the review language - Polite ↔ Aggressive Leans aggressive - Lean ↔ Bass-heavy Neutral, no clear signal in the review language - Intimate ↔ Wide stage Leans wide stage Hear what "aggressive, wide stage" means: a short synthesised loop, flat and then with those leanings. **An illustration of the words, not a recording of the EM6L.** Not sure which signature suits you? [Find yours with a blind A/B test](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/sound-signature-finder/) ![Jakub Charkiewicz, founder & lead reviewer at The Audio Stuff](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/jakub-charkiewicz-112w.avif) Reviewed by ### [Jakub Charkiewicz](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/) {#rv-author-box-title} Founder & lead reviewer · on The Audio Stuff since May 2023 [Everything by Jakub](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/) [@TheAudioStuff (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/@TheAudioStuff) [LinkedIn (opens in new tab)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-charkiewicz) [Testing methodology](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#methodology-title) [Report a correction](https://theaudiostuff.com/contact/#report-correction) Read next: review [KBEAR KB02](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/kbear-kb02/) Scored 6.9, the nearest headphones review to this one by class, price and brand line. ![The KBEAR KB02's detachable braided 2-pin cable, gold 3.5mm plug, and silicone tips](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/kbear-kb02-braided-cable-160.avif) [Read next: review KBEAR KB02](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/kbear-kb02/) ### Pros {#rv-pros-heading} - 1 dynamic + 4 BA drivers with hybrid 3-way crossover - Frequency response 8Hz-40kHz - excellent low-end extension - Glossy 3D-printed shell with no visible imperfections - Small shell - great fit for smaller ears - OFC silver-plated braided cable included (rare at this price) - Treble is smooth without losing amplitude - Wide, 'weirdly big' soundstage with great channel separation - Concentrated, focused punch in the bass ### Cons {#rv-cons-heading} - Mid-bass has extra energy that can sound bloaty - Bass bleed slightly muffles vocal clarity - Lacks pinpoint precision in instrument placement - Doesn't provide a sense of large scale - Treble doesn't extend exactly to 20kHz ### At a glance {#glance-heading} - **Price**: $109 Budget - **Type**: Hybrid In-Ear Monitor - **Score breakdown**: Sound 7.3 Technical performance 7.6 Build & comfort 7.8 System fit 7.7 Value 8.0 0.5 below the 8.1 average across all 30 headphones reviews. From 11 of this review's pros and cons, weighted to the published rubric. [How a score is built](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric) - **Rank**: [#23 of 30 headphones by score - see the full ranked list](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/#top-rated) by score, of all headphones we've reviewed [Above Sivga Robin SV021 Score 7.8 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/sivga-robin-sv021/) [Below OneOdio Max 1 Score 7.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/oneodio-max-1/) - **Value**: Excellent Top 14% for the price in headphones ### Specifications {#specs-heading} **Key specifications for the Simgot EM6L** | | | | --- | --- | | Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature, 3-way crossover | | [Impedance](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/impedance/) | 26 Ω | | [Sensitivity](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/sensitivity/) | 119 dB/V | | [Frequency response](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/frequency-response/) | 8 Hz - 40 kHz | | Connector | 2-pin | Manufacturer figures, from [Simgot's official site](https://www.simgot.com), unless a measured value is noted. [See an error? Tell us.](https://theaudiostuff.com/contact/#report-correction) Calculator Will my amp drive these headphones? About 4.8 mW to reach 110 dB peaks, which is a phone jack or any dongle. From this review's 26 Ω and 119 dB/V. [Reproduce this in the Headphone Power Calculator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/headphone-power-calculator/#h=simgot-em6l) ## Watch the video review {#video-heading} [Subscribe on YouTube (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/@TheAudioStuff) Prefer to read? The written review above covers everything in the video. [Watch 5 Drivers, yet AFFORDABLE - Simgot EM6L IEM Review on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0) 1. [0:00 The BEST Budget HiFi IEM? (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=0s) 2. [0:34 Build Quality & Comfort (Small 3D Printed Shell, Round Shape, Connector, OFC Silver Plated Cable) (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=34s) 3. [1:45 Technical Specification (DD + BA Drivers, Impedance, Sensitivity, Frequency Response) (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=105s) 4. [2:24 Sound Quality (Tonality, Treble, Mids, Bass, Sound Separation, Sound Stage) (opens in new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVXqanAMs0&t=144s) ## Common questions about the EM6L {#rv-faq-heading} 1. ### Is the Simgot EM6L worth it? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-is-the-simgot-em6l-worth-it} Yes, for the right listener. It scored 7.6/10, Recommended, higher than 17% of everything we have tested, against a catalogue median of 8.1. On value it rates excellent: top 14% for the price in headphones, so it is one of the best-value pieces we have scored. Price: $109. 2. ### Who should buy the Simgot EM6L, and who should skip it? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-who-should-buy-the-simgot-em6l-and-who} Buy it if you want a big, out-of-your-head stage, and you want the most performance per dollar on the list. Skip it if you want vocals right in front of you. 3. ### What amplifier does the Simgot EM6L need? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-what-amplifier-does-the-simgot-em6l-need} The Simgot EM6L is a 26 Ω load, so the matching rule is the rule of eighths: an amplifier's output impedance should sit at or below 3.3 Ω, an eighth of the headphone's, or its frequency response shifts audibly and usually in the bass. That is a property of the amp rather than its power rating, so a high-output-impedance tube amp can fail it while a phone jack passes. About 4.8 mW to reach 110 dB peaks, which is a phone jack or any dongle. [Load the EM6L into the headphone power calculator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/headphone-power-calculator/#h=simgot-em6l) 4. ### What else have you tested around the price of the Simgot EM6L? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-what-else-have-you-tested-around-the-price} We have not run it head-to-head against anything yet. In the same category and the same rough money we have scored the HIFIMAN RE800 Silver at 8.0/10 and the Flare Audio E-PROTOTYPE at 8.0/10, which is the nearest thing to a shortlist until a matchup page exists. 5. ### Does the Simgot EM6L hit the Harman target? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-does-the-simgot-em6l-hit-the-harman-target} Mostly. Looking at the frequency response, the treble and sub-bass line up well with Simgot's stated goal of the Harman 2019 in-ear curve, and the low end is lifted to match. Where it departs is the mid-bass, which carries extra energy that reads as bloaty. That adds warmth if you like warmth, and it comes with a cost: a muffling effect on vocals that obscures some of the finer detail and clarity. 6. ### Is the EM6L's cable worth keeping? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-is-the-em6l-s-cable-worth-keeping} Yes, and it is unusual at this price. It is oxygen-free copper with silver plating, braided to reduce interference and to look better, on a standard 2-pin connector. You may not care what a cable is made of, and I appreciate the effort of keeping the whole signal path to a decent standard rather than saving a few dollars at the last step. Ergonomically it stays out of the way and causes none of the discomfort cheap cables do. 7. ### Will the EM6L fit small ears? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-will-the-em6l-fit-small-ears} Yes - the shell is rather small, which makes it a good fit if bigger in-ears have defeated you. The rounded shape also seems to help it stay put, increasing the contact area and with it the friction. The shell is 3D printed at high precision with a glossy black finish and no visible imperfections or rough texture; you genuinely cannot tell it was printed. 8. ### What is 'weirdly big' about the EM6L's soundstage? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-what-is-weirdly-big-about-the-em6l-s} The width is there without the scale, which is an odd combination to describe. It is wide, spacious and immersive - genuinely more so than you expect at $109 - but instrument placement lacks pinpoint precision within that space, and it never gives the sense of large scale some listeners want. That last part is hard for any in-ear to achieve and these are no exception. What they do have is excellent channel separation, which in-ears manage well because so little sound leaks between sides. 9. ### How does the EM6L handle bass impact? {#review-simgot-em6l-faq-how-does-the-em6l-handle-bass-impact} It punches rather than slams, and the distinction matters. There is no large-surface wallop here - what you get is a concentrated, small-surface hit that lands cleanly and precisely. The frequency response starts at 8Hz, which tells you there is virtually no low-frequency roll-off, so the extension underneath is genuinely there. It is the mid-bass energy above it, not the extension below, that causes the bloat. ### If you're interested in this {#rg-heading} [All 30 headphones reviews](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/) Step up - [![The HIFIMAN RE800 Silver's small aluminium earbud-style shell, fixed cable, and metal 3.5mm plug](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-re800-silver-earbud-cable-160.avif) HIFIMAN RE800 Silver scores 0.4 higher Scored 8.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-re800-silver/) ### Comparisons to explore {#fi-nearby-heading} - [HIFIMAN RE800 Silver vs Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite 8.0 vs 8.0](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-re800-silver-vs-kiwi-ears-orchestra-lite/) ### Featured in {#fi-guide-heading} - [Best Budget IEMs #4 of 4](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-budget-iems/) - [Best IEMs #7 of 7](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-iems/) ### Published around it {#fi-adjacent-heading} - [Previous Flare Audio E-PROTOTYPE Scored 8.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/flare-audio-e-prototype/) - [Next HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth Scored 8.8 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/) ### Tools for this gear {#fi-tools-heading} - [What should I buy? Help Me Choose: Audio Gear Finder Quiz](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/help-me-choose/)