@@Criticalmaze I also like crinacle a lot, so homeboy stfu, I am Indian and am happy to see a guy in the audiophile space, take your dumb judgements somewhere else dimwit.
@@Criticalmaze Are YOU racist? 🤔 I would appreciate if you would be PERFECTLY honest when responding to my question: if you were walking down a street in the middle of the night, and a group of Negro men were approaching on your side of the street, while a group of Japanese guys were approaching you on the other side of the street, would you cross the road?😬 Obviously, I’m assuming that you didn’t know anything about the individuals in question - ONLY their respective race.🤓
This was an excellent review. You gave a concise and focused review on the strengths and compromises of all three iems and just under 10 minutes. I'll be giving these each a try, thanks!
This staging thing is so much subjective. I bought the hexa and returned it after 2 days just because it's so cramped and narrow sounding (though correct tonality). It just didn't have the engagement that ea500 offers. The openness of the ea500 is what sets it apart from both olina se and hexa as i tried them ,and kept ea500. I would go as far as comparing it with some planar IEMs. A jcally dac, ea500 and apple lossless = pure audio bliss IMO
You're absolutely right about the engaging nature of the ea500 but while it is airy sounding, imho it's not necessarily placing things in space as well as the hexa.
@@imwhatsnew I don't remember hexa very accurately , but when I was testing both of them with Have I told you lately by van Morrison, the sheer details of every instruments and the feeling of instruments fading in and going out. Then I played some linkin park. Goddamm I was getting emotional. THIS. Hexa misses on THIS. Agree on the positioning. It's like a 1080p video looks more precise on a phone but a movie is more enjoyable only when played on a home theatre system.
@generalframework yes cz spatial audio seems to be an apple music exclusive thing as of now so... and I'm using an android phone btw, I just take the advantage of the fact that it comes with dolby atmos
@generalframework its already happening, dolby is the next step in mastering. new weeknd and skrillex albums released completely in dolby atmos, and to get the full out of it, spatial audio is the way(in my personal experience, it actually sounds better with IEMs than airpod). now if spotify adds a hi res mode in their app ,it will be better. but then spotify subscription also costs more than apples already.
Don't know what the Hexa or Olina sound like because I haven't actually heard them, but because your Simgot description was so spot on, I feel I know them without having tried them!! WELL DONE!! 👍 The drivers in the EA500 are so much fun and CRAZY accurate for a single DD!! VERY tunable with PowerAmp EQ app; I've stopped listening to my Timeless, something I can't believe I'm actually saying!! 🤯 Just know that if you give them a try, you WON'T BE disappointed...🙏 ANOTHER great review
@@nickdawiz Ya know, I have to get a good pair of tips and revisit The Timeless. BUT, the EA500's are REALLY clean and not shouty, IMHO. And that's what's cool. They have resolve, especially for classic jazz. And detail over all PLUS, they're HELLA comfortable!! Unless I slightly adjust them, I forget I'm wearing them!
@@nickdawiz So after another listen with the Timeless, what I've realized is the overall tone across the board is there's a slight dullness that I think some people say is artificial sound. The Simgots are shoutier, but have a slightly wider sound; not as centered as the Timeless. But I think the Timeless have a level of detail to every sound, just not as bright as the EA500's. I suppose they separate differently...🤔
@@David_Watts thanks for coming back & posting your observations. I guess that artificial nature of sound is partly due to the planar driver? I don’t own one but I’ve tried S12 pro and KZ p12. And from the way you described the soundstage, I’m actually more inclined towards the wideness of the simgot. Also, a lot of people also have observed that being brighter, ea500 gives an impression that it has a great resolution. All in all, it’s still insane that you can compare ea500 to timeless considering the price difference. I think I’m gonna have to shed some money 🥲 should have just bought it during 618 event 🤦🏻♂️ (i actually had ordered it but did something silly and had to be cancelled)
I’ve watched this one more than once. It’s a very very well made comparison! I usually don’t like videos that conclude on the note “it depends on your preferences” because that gives an impression that what was the point of the video then? But you gave us the strengths and weaknesses of each of them and THAT enables one to choose :) I finally ordered simgot (cause recently i got a chance to demo a very resolving Letshuoer iem at an expo and i was intrigued, although I think the Olina SE fits my preferences more). But to be honest, I’m very tempted to buy all 3 😂
@WhatsNew Annnnd I'm blown away by simgot ea500. Beautifully tuned, sharp details (or at least it gives an impression of that) and very good at imaging! This might be my favourite IEM so far :) I was most surprised by the quality of the bass. This is a great example that specs are not everything. They achieved this with a single DD!
@@sathyaki Bass is ample. While it is not going to rattle your eardrums with heavy thump, it is a very defined smooth bass. If needed, EQ it a bit to preference, I don't. I am not a loud listener, in fact I listen at low volumes (south of 65dB) but Hexa brings out the details beautifully. One doesn't need to crank this up for it to perform well.
@@sathyaki Totally get it, on my phone I am never above 30% as well. Gotta save them ears for old age when listening to music would be the most of what I would do 😄
I had all 3, but I didn't keep the Olina SE. It has a very natural, realistic sound with high detail and good bass, but it just isn't technically aggressive enough for my music (mostly metal). I liked the FiiO JD7 better than the Olina and then I tried the EA500 and liked it better than both. The EA500 driver is very special if you can handle the lower treble emphasis, it has a very unique FR with lots of technical performance through the range, it's great for complex instrumental music. It somehow sounds bright and metallic but also warm at the same time, it feels like a baby JVC FDX1 in that way. The Hexa is the most clean and correct sounding, but Olina SE has the most natural timbre, I will give it that.
1:28 I think also important to note nozzle length cuz even the Olina SE is a bit long for me where I have to swap cables with something that has stiffer hooks to keep the IEM in my ear. ☺️
I'm SUPER HAPPY that nozzle diameter is listed, since that's a huge part of comfort. As for nozzle length, that's MUCH harder to measure because there's so much variation in where to consider the "start" of the nozzle. They way I do it, which IMO is about as good as can be done, is measure from the flat part of the IEM belly (the part of the IEM that would be touching the ear concha - the flatish part of the ear just outside the ear canal opening). While this isn't going to be universally accurate, it's the best way I've found. Some IEMs for instance seat a little deeper, or are shaped a little different, to make comparisons somewhat difficult. For instance, take the Sennheiser IE series (I have the 200, 300 and 600) which has a flat part, but then that angles towards the ear canal, and then there's a step where the nozzle then truly starts. That angled part of the body measures a mere 10.5mm in diameter, which is smaller than most size small ear tips (the SpinFit CP100 in size SS is 10.0mm, but otherwise their size S tips are 10.5mm and up). So the SE series true nozzle length (the part after the step that holds the ear tip) is actually only 3.2mm long, but from the flat to the end of the nozzle is roughly 7.2mm. The Hexa has an ear tip length of 4.6mm and measures 8.1 from the flat to the end of the nozzle. Complicating matters further are the fact that most IEMs have lots of rounded surfaces and edges, and the nozzles are angled also making them tricky to measure to. I don't have the EA500 (I opted for the EW100P instead) and it's got yet another different shape. See it's "belly" is flat but then there's a slight rise (up 3.2mm) and then another flat circular area which is 12.1mm in diameter (and likely goes into the canal opening for most people) and then shooting off at an angle is the actually nozzle which is 9.0mm at it's longest (with the last 3.8mm being the area the tip sits). That whole belly/nozzle/tip shape is somewhat reminescent of the FiiO JD7 which has a 15.3mm circular body/belly and then the angled nozzle is 9.2mm long (with the ear tip part being that last 5.3mm of that). I don't have the Olina handy (darn kids!!!) but the Mele has a roughly 6.6mm dimension from the flat belly to the end of the nozzle (with the last 4.6mm being for the ear tip). I have toddler size ear canals, so nozzle diameter is super important to me, and a decently sized minority of other IEM wearers. However, it's even less common for insertion depth to be an issue (unless we're talking Etymotics!). Also, there are a variety of tips that can change the insertion depth, less so for canal diameter. Regardless of tip size, pretty much all silicone tips add about the same thickness to the diameter - 2.7mm-3.0mm, with foam tips generally adding 3.2mm-3.5mm. However, there is much more variety in tip length (Spinfit size SS can vary as much as 4.0mm in length just within the CP series). Then there are multi flange tips (double and triple) which can sometimes be 6+mm longer than a standard single flange tip. And, a lot of IEMs can accommodate slight variation on the tip seating position. For instance, on my IE300's I don't have the tips fully seated as far as I could (I use silicone color coding rings to color code all my IEMs, and in a case like this I also use them to hold the tip out a little). This changes the sound (IMO for the better on the IE300) and is something that Sennheiser even then designed in to the new IE200 series (though I don't think it needs it and so I fully seat my tips on those). TL/DR: I appreciate nozzle diameter info because it's easy to measure consistently, and can have a huge impact on comfort (and sound, but that's a topic for a different day). Anyone measuring nozzle length would have to make some judgements on where to measure and IMO it's really only useful for comparisons to a known IEM that the interested person is familiar with. Without a reference point, the measurement alone doesn't really tell you much. As for the Olina being too long for you, have you tried different tips? I ask because if what you're using isn't creating a good seal, they'll be loose. Some tips are "stickier" than others. And, depending upon which tips you're using, there may be shorter ones, for instance, the SpinFit CP1025 are supper short silicone tips - about 3mm/30% shorter than most other regular SpinFits. Tips designed to work with TWS are pretty universally shorter than "standard" tips, because tip length is a big concern when using aftermarket tips with TWS charging cases (some tips will prevent the TWS from charging in that case because they prevent good contact with the charging connections). To give an example of TWS tips, the stock tips of my Samsung Buds 2 Pro are 5.5mm long, and the SpinFit CP1025 (in sizes M, ML, and L) are 6.7mm long. But both are designed such that some of the length extends down towards the belly, so the don't add nearly as much length as a standard tip (the comparible CP100 tips are 9.5-9.9mm, and none of that extands towards the belly). Also, if you want extremely short nozzles, most TWS would be worth considering (something like the Buds 2 Pro have nozzles that are only 2.5mm long!)
@@recuperacaorecuperacao7329 I currently have 8 sets of headphones and 40 sets of IEMs, so more than I use! As for helping you choose, I'd need to know more information to even begin, stuff like what you listen to, budget, what you like soundwise, where you're going to be using them, etc. etc. If you do Reddit I suggest starting a thread in r/HeadphoneAdvice/ or r/Headphones/ and I and others can offer a lot of advice. RU-vid just really isn't a great place to have a conversation.
I really enjoy your reviews. I love your oration - great choice of words and phrases! I'm British and maybe that nice flavour of Indian English appeals to me. I don't know, but I like it :) Keep it up. Namaste.
I agree with the SHP9500’s I have them and been using them for 3 years. The build quality is not the best imo however it has held up great to normal use. I would not throw them around because I don’t think they would be able to handle it.
i have the 3, my favorite is also olina SE but had to put a hydrophobic filter (tanya filters for example) to solve the condensation problem of olina that the other 2 does not have
I can't decide between the T3+, Hexa and Ea500. Listen to a lot of jazz, j pop, funk, a bit of metal and really like better soundstage and details. Really enjoy balanced to mild v shape sets, upgrading from 7hz zero
I usually recommend d the olina se for metal and the like... Hexa can sound a bit thin in this regard. The ea500 also does a great job unless you want a bit more sub Bass rumble as well
@@imwhatsnew hmm only a bit of metal, mostly j pop, funk, jazz. Not sure whether to get the hexa and ea500. I'm going to a place to demo the hexa then I'll decide. I'm also concerned about the fit because many iems fall out really easily for me like the wan'er, blon z300 but truthear's iems all fit really well for me. I'm up for details and soundstage with a balanced sound signature (similar to the 7hz zero, just slightly more bass and treble) btw for the ea500, which nozzle is better for what genres
Can't recommend the olina due to the shallow fit with the stock tips and condensation issues. Subjectively the hexa sounds at least just as good even if a little thin. The treble though is the most correct of the three which is something you can't really find elsewhere in this price range. With EQ can be made to sound great. Wouldn't think to long about it.
I have the og olina and ea500 and ea500lm. ea500 is a noticeable step up from olina. The lm is a step up to ea500 increasing resolution, layering, depth but gives up the ea500 close sound stage. The problem with both simgots is the treble. Both can have major silibance. The simgot treble pushing the limits yet has lost its natural treble sound. Simgot should have rounded the treble and would have been perfect.
Another question. What would be your recommendations under 75 bucks on Amazon? (Because my local postal service has big issues with other retailers.) Thanks!
I think you're gonna be really annoyed when you get the kz PR2 in your hands. They downright obliterate everything under $100 right now, imo. And they're $32 all over aliexpress Also, you have the soundpeats capsule 3's on your review list? My wife killed the anker liberty 4's I gave her, so I ordered a pair of them just now for her, curious to see if they live up to the hype for budget buds.
Thanks for the review. I've been coming back to this video several times at this point, unable to decide between the EA500 and the Olina SE. Just got an iBasso DC03 Pro, need a good iem to pair with it. Preference being thick, lush sounds and resolution, which iem would you suggest under 150 dollars?
Ok, so i'm split between the Hexa and the Olina SE, i listen to a lot of metal, so it gets a bit cluttered and i like me bass too, which one would you recommend?
I need your suggestion I, currently have the KZ ZSN Pro X ( using them for over 3 years now but its time to upgrade) and I'm looking for & 80-$100 iems....I have recently bought IFI Go Link Dac and it just made my listening experience so much better( i cant raise the volume over 20% they just made my KZs sound that much loud) but i think its time to upgrade my iems too... I Like the separation on the Kzs but its just too sharp due to the boost in siblance. What iem would you say i should buy coming from the KZ ZSN pro X..... I like sound separation and lil bass but not overwhelming(not a bass headbut casually listens to edms sometime) and mid range to be present( KZ are V shaped) .. But i also want the vocals to have that power and presence in the high pitch parts without that ear pearcing siblance of KZ that might just make me deaf if i don't upgrade soon 😂 please recommended which one out of these three
Hey, am looking for a fun sounding iems with great sub bass which doesn't make mids muddy Is kiwi ears quartret a good option? Is there something better?
Have you ever listened to the Dunu Titan s? I have that Iem and i absolutely adore it. Would it make sense for me to buy the Simgot Ea500? Or would it be very similar to the Titan S?
Spot on review. I love the EA500 but the only thing that would make it an even better iem is tapered highs. Even on the red filter it sounds a little bright. EQ does help in those regards. Can you recommend me good eartips for the EA500? Mine just comes out of my ear when I'm smiling/eating.
For mildly attenuating the highs, the general rule of thumb is to find ear tips with smaller openings or try foam tips - although many, including me, dislike foamies. I recommend you to try "TRN T-Set" ear tips (near-transparent silicon with red or black inner cores, do not confuse with TRNs regular translucent cheap ear tips), they have very good grips but not as annoying as Azla's and they also have stronger structural integrity compared to Moondrop Spring's so they don't easily collapse.
Yes I recommend kbear07 tips. It really really smoothens out harshness in high frequencies. Makes the sound pleasant to listen without loosing out the treble sparkle
Hi, i got a pretty old phone (samsung galaxy s8), do you think my phone will be abble to drive the Hexa decently ? I mean i know it will not be ideal but still wondering if maybe my phone will drive those decently without too much drawback ?
@@imwhatsnewwell that's good to know, thank you. Bought the dioko at $85 on a discount after watching some reviews telling it have some good details. Thought it's a good deal, now im not so sure..
Look if you're enjoying it then that's more important than anything else. Watch the reviews my all means but don't let reviewers(yes all of us) suck out the fun from your listening experience. Eventually you cna save up to try something more expensive like the zetian wu or something if you like planars.
The hexa is worse than the tin t3 plus. The Simgot ea500 competes with $200 iems. And the Olina se is as good as the Tanchjim Oxygen. Technicalities are even better than the Oxygen. I have used all these and can confirm it. And unit variation is not an excuse...
@@kSparrow9889 Olina SE all the way. EA500 has a bit more attack than I would prefer. If iems were superheroes, ea500 would be Wolverine and the Olina SE has a god-like presentation (wide, dynamic and bombastic)...something like Thor's elegance.
Hey what would you recommend between the Hexa, Dunu Titan S and Olina SE, if one is looking for a neutral sound predominantly, but sometimes boost bass with a EQ?
@@imwhatsnew the market is awash with some pretty damn nice sub $100 US ..on the day that the AWFL 8 is released ( to much applause 👏) Take care ☕️🍕👍 Namaste 🙏
3 to 4 hours is a long time already but if you want more, how about trying some different eartips? I know it's a vague response but they can change comfort a lot. Also, sometimes the IEM itself is just not that comfortable for you. For example, the Blessing 2 fits me like a glove. But for many people they don't. Even thought the B2 is on the bigger side, its shape is perfect for me, better than say, they Moondrop SSR which are small but a bit too small.
@@JunJunMusume i want to wear iems for a full 11 hrs. but it is kinda impossible. Ive tried spinfits, springtips and now im going to try dunu s&s. The thing is, with my wireless earbuds, I can wear them for much much longer. I was thinking maybe its the wire?
No, wireless earbuds are sometimes just more comfy.. Party doe to the lack of wire and partly (in some cases) good universal design like the airpods pro.
