Sound
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Before going into the details about the EST8’s sound performance, we must first understand the tuning settings. The instruction inside the white envelope tells us how to use the switches accordingly, and it also tells how they appeal to different genres of music precisely.
Tuning Settings (BGVP Claims)
Fully On: suitable for rock, hip&pop, male pop vocal
Fully Off: suitable for female vocal, ACG
1 On 2 On 3 Off: suitable for female vocal, ACG, electronic music
1 On 2 Off 3 Off: suitable for dual-band and brass band music
1 On 2 Off 3 On: suitable for strings and vocals
1 Off 2 Off 3 On: suitable for dance music
1 Off 2 On 3 On: suitable for pop, hip&pop music
The main function of each switch is:
1. Overall Sound Field
2. High Frequency
3. Low/Mid Frequency
Tuning settings aside, if I would explain the EST8’s sound character overall, I would say warm, organic, non-fatiguing and bold, regardless of the setting. You can customize the sound in 7 different ways but the overall presentation does not change drastically. The EST8 keeps sounding warm and soft at all times whatever you choose to set. However, the frequency response changes according to the setting.
I’m personally not a fan of tuning switches in an IEM. Because in my opinion an IEM’s sound should be a single one with the best possible tuning. Yes, this technology allows you to have different sound settings if you listen to many genres at once. But I think this system compromises the overall experience and overall sound quality somehow. The best IEMs I’ve listened did not have any tuning knobs or switches most of the time.
Moreover, no matter how many settings you have to change the sound of an IEM, you usually end up with one setting and stick to it anyway. I think this method puts the listening experience in a complicated situation, or more complicated than necessary in my opinion.
Anyhow, let me explain the sound of the EST8 with each setting so you would have a basic understanding about its traits.
BGVP EST8
Switches Fully On
This setting gives a very strong mid-bass presence, a very warm sound presentation with a low detail and “too smooth” tuning. There’s not enough sparkle in the treble region, and there’s not much space between the instruments. So overall I think this setting sounds quite congested and unimpressive.
Switches Fully Off
This is basically the stock configuration, and I think the EST8 sounds much better with this compared to the “fully on” setting. The sound opens up and gains more space, sparkle and resolution. I really liked this setting as it sounds very coherent, consistent with great tonality. The treble performance is much better as well. This once again reminded me the unnecessity of the adjustable tuning concept.
The timbre and vocal focus with this setting is impressive. The treble is not very apparent with the EST8, but the presence is enough for the most part, if you’re not a treble-head. Bass is controlled and has good texture. Dynamism is also very nice and the speed is at its best state at this setting.
1 On 2 On 3 Off
This setting is good for EDM music with a big bass response (mostly mid-bass) but the bass is bloated and it creates a veil over other frequencies. It is the worst setting to me, which might only appeal for EDM as I said.
BGVP EST8
1 On 2 Off 3 Off
This is a bit better then the tuning above with a better bass control with more coherency. However the sound is still too warm and lifeless with low dynamism. The bass still overshadows the mids and treble.
1 On 2 Off 3 On
Terrible coherency with an unimpressive and unbalanced presentation.
1 Off 2 Off 3 On
This way the sound becomes more energetic with a livelier character and you get more intimacy. Mids become more apparent with a fuller approach. However, I think the coherency is still missing with this tuning.
1 Off 2 On 3 On
This setting is better than the above setting with more sparkle up top with good sense of space and sound-stage. But again, the cohesiveness is not good and the sound feels disjointed.
So overall, I think the best configuration for the EST8 is the stock one with the 0-0-0 setting. Hence, the question remains. Was the tuning switch concept necessary?
The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
