Design & Build Quality
Shell
Like the DMG, the BGVP DMS is made of metal. It feels equally good to the FiiO F9 Pro, but falls a little short under the FH5 for example. It looks and feels sturdy, enough to withstand harsh uses or even the test of time.
Acrylic IEMs, such as the DM7 and DM6 are keener to the hand, less to the eye. I personally prefer the overall design of the DMS : solid black housing, silver accent coming from the outer grill, or the fact that you feel how robust this IEM is.
Like the DM6, the BGVP DM7 is made of acrylic, like most CIEMs and modern IEMs. This material gives you the perfect blend of comfort and durability, even if models such as the FiiO FH5 keep the lead in terms of sturdiness. Yet, at the end of the day, I’ll always prefer acrylic. It’s comfier and feels much more natural to the ear, at least in my opinion.
Compared to the DMG, the visual difference isn’t striking. Sure, the faceplate is now harboring a metal grill – it’s a hybrid – but, apart from that, the BGVP DMG and DMS share a lot of traits.
Build quality
BGVP never failed us so far, and the DMS follows the same path created by its siblings. The shell is supremely robust and you know those IEMs will last longer than your ears.
If the DM6 and DM7 were 3D-printed, the BGVP DMS and DMG are CNC milled. The prior is created by adding matters, whereas the latter are produced by removing matters. A little difference in the making, but a big difference in the hand: the DMS looks and feels indestructible.
The shell is made of two parts, tightly assembled together, but without the tube swap seen on the DMG. Even if I’ve seen pictures of a modular version of the BGVP DMS on the internet, the one I received refused to let go. Damn it!
The cable is made of the usual 5N single crystal copper with silver-plated wire. MMCX connectors are still the norm, so you’ll be able to change the cable for any model you like. Be it from BGVP, or another tier-party.
I kept the original one: it’s robust, tangle-free and microphonic proof (so far). Of course, if you want to get another cable, that’s up to you.
Bundle and Comfort
Inside the box
BGVP is not renowned for their product box. They keep it plain and simple, and that’s still the case with the DMS. The IEM comes in a paper box, with no frills so you know they put all the money on the earphone, not the box.
Inside the box you have:
- the BGVP DMS
- six pairs of silicon tips + Comply foam
- one 3.5mm MMCX cable, the 5N OCC + Silver L-Shaped
- a set to clean your DM6
Again, there is no pouch or case provided with the IEM. If it’s your first purchase, you may want to buy one, even if the BGVP DMS can be thrown at the bottom of a bag-pack.
Additional accessories
On their website, BGVP offers one after-market cable : an impressive looking 6N plated copper silver cable. The plugs are all made of metal and the MMCX pins – if you ask me – look nothing less than amazing.
Sold around 38€, it’s available in MMCX, 2-pin and you can even get a 4.4mm plug to connect it to your new balanced player. I ordered one, out of curiosity so I will keep you updated as soon as I receive it.
There are pricier cables of course, with better performance, but for a 150$ IEM, I don’t think that’d be relevant. Again, your ears, your choice.
Comfort
Metal-made IEMs are slightly less comfortable than acrylic ones, at least to my ears.
The DMS shares the same shape with the DMG, so once you find the right tips (medium for me), it fits nicely. It’s just colder than acrylic made models at the insertion, but after a few minutes, the difference is practically invisible.
The cable remains one of the best in this price range. Light, solid and a good keeper against microphonics. A good match overall.
Isolation
Aie… the BGVP DMS has the same issues found in the DMG : isolation is sub-optimal, at best.
In the train and subway, the IEM did not block out unwanted noises. It’s not as bad as wearing earbuds, but it’s definitely not good either. When the DMG only had a small vent-hole for the dual dynamic drivers, the DMS get a fully open faceplate…
If isolation is mandatory, check the DM6 and DM7.
The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.