AudioAccessoriesPocketables

EM2 By Simgot In Ear Studio Monitor Review

We’ve looked at a lot of Bluetooth headphones but it’s been a long time since we looked at anything wired. Simgot sent us the EM2 in ear studio monitors for review. Any audiophile still using a phone with a high end DAC or editing audio on a budget seems to be the target audience for the EM2 so lets see how they stack up.

Packaging and first impressions

IPoKuYJdkRDn wGSNddF6AO18gnqakZ1RpSIfWbtc47HKKExL kXj0Ohw2IfI7IzdNHeZKNGCS7nNiuEs5PeZSf8Hh3spdApbfAMxl1PFzR7lQilj8MMcJwtwug4A0rZl5IcoBXy4pRrVKuAPsaFf5iEebR8YR6ueM6vofaeVtWqBtSXALB1hIrf9CN2zCXTj3wHgRJ24S4kVjJYVOdV8cCWakSeV zMRdibG08XD6TwQ0bIfo19EzQII0ECWErUEt PoFqiGwdQ1zUQKBP5mYlqZBFSDdY2klxJsjMkqYefUIYCtMe4P2iR3oB1M4D18 lWUrz6b2cGNUZlagIOl5y9zBxE6i07CRNyA8dUa9OHWJPhi247Ob2aEsBEnhdKz387tKAPbd Pn8xe1lg8oWYLP1fHMTqEAlYl ogWLkifL y8xfPikMnyW11HhXcIorZnqAApyZ8 FoeXJodECZ8D14rjOCEYFeFPvDwhn8ILvGPCOyAB6X5cKUub8e15FvuSq8yMW6bWladSRqL8Hd1DrgkWMfnp2BSaPtyCS7ahU5UXg92oSs9hrkdYdAyPk7wgTuN1NSuKXWMmbBjJzvGbiIN9I2oX3horiFO2NWvFEgAqKBX6MmE 5q 13ptBZCxS0XSQDmfrVRNteW5C1Pz ze5JNgsD=w996 h560 no - for some reason we don't have an alt tag here

Unfortunately I don’t have a proper unboxing since I was in the process of moving when these arrived however they are packaged to impress. Including a leather pouch and a variety of earpieces as well as a nice silver plated cable that seems very knot resistant. The packaging does list some performance specifications along with a JAS hi-res audio label. All of the key specifications are summarized in a table below.

ModelEM2
Headphone sensitivity≥101dB
Power Rating15mW
Channel Balance<1.5dB (at 1000Hz)
Cable Length1.2M
Frequence Response Range15Hz-40kHz
Distortion Degree<1% at 101dB
Driver10mm dynamic
Impedance10Ω
Earpiece Connectors.78mm Bi Pin

EM2 Design

Starting with the cable it’s clear something is unique about the EM2. Using silver plated copper that’s individually shielded and braided gives them a very good feel as well as a resilience to kinking or knotting. The dual pin connector is a standard .78mm connector making replacements easy if required. From a finish standpoint there were no molding issues and everything is secure when the earphones are attached. The use of dual drivers should lead to a greater dynamic range than other options as well.

Sound quality

I did my most extensive audio testing hooked up to my PC. Using both the venerable Delta1010 and an the once popular ADI 1984a in the PC as well as a Motorola E5 plus and LG V40 to represent mobile use. All the audio used in primary testing is in the table below.

SongArtist
YYZRush
Don’t stop me nowQueen
Ride of the valkrieWagner
Brass MonkeyBeastie Boys

Everything was crisp and perfect and clean although the E5 didn’t keep up with the V40 that wasn’t the headphones fault. Individual voices and instruments were easily distinguishable and the EM2 excelled at everything that was thrown at them. Bass didn’t turn to mud as I’ve heard on cheaper headphones likely thanks to the dual driver design. Volume scaled well from barely audible to full blown headbanging without any need for external amplification.

Physical fit

With a selection of 3 balanced and 3 penetrating ear tips the fit of the EM2 is very customization. I found the balanced medium sized tip to fit best although your preferences may vary. I found the included selection very comfortable and the overall driver size and molded cable suitable for hours of use both as general listening and while working.

Closing Thoughts on the EM2

Reviewing the EM2 has been a bittersweet exercise. These are easily among the best headphones I’ve ever used, but with the 3.5mm as a connector it seems less likely every day that my next phone will cooperate with them. With excellent sound quality the only question left is value. Priced at 115.99 these are without a doubt the most expensive wired headphones I’ve ever examined. However looking at other names for in ear monitors puts their competitors typically in the 200 and higher bracket albiet from more household names like shure in some cases. I’m left in a position to suggest the EM2 to anyone but the most demanding of professionals(who likely have custom eartips and such for monitors costing well near 1000 dollars) Audiophiles, freelancers and creative professionals alike should find the EM2 more than capable of whatever they require.

Pocketables does not accept targeted advertising, phony guest posts, paid reviews, etc. Help us keep this way with support on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!

Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith is a full time IT administrator at a medium sized private business former FRC coach and technology enthusiast.

Avatar of Daniel Smith