SIMGOT EW100 DSP Earphones Review – An Upgrade From The Original EW100

How DSP Works

First things first – basically, DSP stands for Digital Audio Processing. It’s a technology used to enhance and manipulate audio signals digitally. IEMs with DSP capabilities typically have built-in processing for audio adjustments and enhancements.

IEMs with DSP technology can be easily EQ’d to the user’s preference and taste. It can also help with the IEM’s sound staging as DSPs can simulate a wider stage, making the sound more immersive for the listener.

First Impressions

Unboxing the SIMGOT EW100 DSP gave me the same experience as unboxing the EW100. It has the same box and even the design on it. 

The only thing that’s different with the packaging is on the back, as the old graph showing the Harman 2016 Target was covered by a sticker showing the Harman 2019 Target. I guess this is a smart move to reduce cost and reuse the old boxes of the SIMGOT EW100 DSP.

Opening the box shows an airtight plastic bag containing all the IEM and its inclusions such as the user manual and the silicone ear tips. Nothing’s also new with the way the earphones were packed with each earbud having its own airtight bag to keep it secured, and it’s a good thing they’re in perfect condition.

Build Quality

With the build quality, everything stayed the same with the SIMGOT EW100 DSP if we base it on the EW100. The shell is okay-ish as it’s made of plastic. However, I like that it’s transparent so I can see the insides and wirings.

In my previous review of the EW100, I said it has a thin metal sheet on the faceplate but it needed to be corrected. It was a sticker that was laser engraved with their catchphrase “Salute to Art and Science” and “SIMGOT High Resolution.”

The cable on the DSP version doesn’t have ear hooks unlike the original. It isn’t detachable because it’s DSP which throws me off as this means I’d need to buy an entirely new set if the cable becomes faulty or damaged. 

Quality-wise, the cable of the EW100 DSP is similar to that of the EW100. It’s soft and easy to loop and store. It also doesn’t get tangled easily.

Fit and Comfort

Even though the SIMGOT EW100 DSP doesn’t have ear hooks, it’s comfortable to wear. I just have to put on the earbuds and place the cable above my ears, and everything seems to be done and secured. They don’t fall off easily, and with the lightweight profile of this IEM, I don’t feel a thing at all.

I think the EW100 DSP’s shell’s shape is compatible with most ear shapes and sizes. They’re not too big or small – they’re just the perfect size. 

In addition, the length of its nozzles also helps with the fit as it slides effortlessly in my ear canal. The included ear tips also feel nice in my ears, giving a decent seal that blocks most noise in my surroundings.

For the EW100 DSP’s cable, even though they feel cheap, they don’t get tangled easily like cables from other IEMs. It throws me off when I get an annoying sticky or tangle-prone cable.

Sound Quality

The SIMGOT EW100 DSP’s packaging claims that it follows the Harman 2019 Target, which I believe because the EW100 truly has a similarity with the Harman 2016 Target as also stated on its packaging.

And guess what? SIMGOT did it with the EW100 DSP, but with just a tiny inaccuracy, which is understandable for its price.

For me, it has a balanced sound with a very engaging and energetic upper mids. The treble also has decent performance with a lot of micro details without sounding too dark. It also has a massive presentation of the bass region as it is boomy and has a punchy mid-bass.

Overall, the SIMGOT EW100 DSP has a very clean presentation but lacks clarity.

Bass 

The SIMGOT EW100 DSP presents the lower region with nice warmth but with some unavoidable shortcomings. The sub-bass presentation is surprisingly punchy but not overly done. However, I prefer it to be tighter.

For the mid-bass, it also contributes very well to the lower region. I can feel the bass guitar roaming around my head with every note.

Also, on some tracks, the mid-bass sounds like it’s more prominent than the sub-bass. I guess it’s more of a mixing issue with every song. The bass also bleeds into the mids at a very certain or specific moment.

My problem with the lower region is the bass tucks in at around 200hz which makes instruments like bass guitar sound lean and recessed.

Midrange

The midrange of the SIMGOT EW100 DSP for me is a little thin, especially with the lower mids. Male and female vocals are both forward but lack the cleanliness and the body I prefer in them. This is because of the lower region interfering with the midrange.

In terms of the instruments in the midrange, guitars, and pianos are presented nicely and have their natural timbre on them. Trumpets and violins also sound nice, but I’d prefer them with more clarity.

Speaking of instruments, instrumental separation with the EW100 is also a notable aspect. They don’t get congested or get tangled up with each other at fast-paced tracks, making the SIMGOT EW100 DSP a great choice for instrument enthusiasts.

Treble

The first thing I noticed with the treble is how it gave the tiny details in each track their spotlight. The treble presentation has maintained a nice distance from the midrange and is audible. It’s also not too bright, which doesn’t stray too far from the original EW100.

Electric guitars sound on-point, and cymbal crashes are produced with crisp and naturality but could need a little splashiness. Sibilance, although present, is minimal and doesn’t cause much harshness.

Technicalities

Technicality-wise, the SIMGOT EW100 DSP provides a much better experience than the original EW100. The sound staging is a lot better and has a decent width and sufficient height. The sound imaging also does the job as I can determine and pinpoint where the instruments are coming from.

On the other hand, separation and layering have an average performance but definitely gave me a much better listening experience.

Conclusion

The SIMGOT EW100 DSP is a lot better than the original EW100 which makes it a definite upgrade and an update. This is my first time having and reviewing an IEM with DSM and I’d say that DSPs are a breakthrough in the audiophile world as they open up a lot of potential in IEMs.

The DSP version of the EW100 kept some of the original version’s performance while the other characteristics were significantly improved and tuned.

Despite some minor issues, the SIMGOT EW100 DSP is an impressive pair of IEMs that shocked me with its sound quality and improvement from the previous release. Again, thanks to SIMGOT and Betty for making this review possible.

This post was last updated on 2025-01-07 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.