REVIEW - BGVP DMG
Specifications
- Driver(s): 2 dynamic drivers & 4 balanced armature; 4-way crossover
- Sensitivity: 110dB @ 1mW
- Impedance: 18 ohm @ 1kHz
- Frequency response: 15Hz~45kHz
- Cable: 1.2m; detachable MMCX connectors
Price: U$139.
Design
Build quality on the
BGVP DMG seems very good, with the shells made of solid metal alloy (supposedly
aluminum and magnesium mix). They consist of a two metal pieces well attached
together which appear to be thick enough and do carry some extra weight, but
not much as to affect the comfort. The shape is quite unusual for a universal
IEM, with a custom in-ear form meant to offer a more natural and ergonomic fit.
Apart from the two pieces joint section, the finish is very smooth with
metallic matte color.
There are two small
vents, one on the upper part close to the cable socket and a smaller one on the
inner side of the shell. The DMG feature a simple tuning system with 3
different nozzles. The nozzle has a standard width but a bit short so the fit
is a bit shallow; however, the unique shape may block most of the outer ear area.
While the shells are a bit large holding 6 drivers per side they sit very comfortable.
The isolation is around average or a may just a bit above and no driver flex
noticed with any ear tips used.
The 3 nozzles are
identical in shape and the only difference is on the mesh material used (or
lack of) just below the nozzle grill. The gold one which provides the strong
bass amount has a thicker mesh, while the blue (red or black) has a thinner one
for a more balanced sound. The silver has no extra mesh inside which gives more
treble quantity and less bass.
The included cable is
quite good, at least on this non-mic version. It consists of two strands with a
silver-plated copper wire inside and clear plastic (TPU?) outer sheath. It is
soft and looks very nice too. The 3.5mm L-plug is well relieved and has a small
extra metal cover. The MMCX connectors are not the standard ones; instead they
have a small split on them in order to give a much stronger grip, so once
attached they won't rotate around the earphone socket unless some extra force
is applied.
Sound
Main equipment used: iBasso IT01 & IT01s,
Dunu Falcon-C, final E4000, FLC 8N.
Sources: Fiio M3K, Shanling M0, iBasso DX120.
With a multiple driver
hybrid setup of 2 dynamic and 4 BA units per side, the BGVP DMG brings a
powerful sound with very solid technical abilities. While not a completely balanced
sound, the DMG is fun (and maybe very fun), wide and carries good clarity and
separation, putting the accuracy a bit as a second priority.
Despite the 3 included
exchangeable nozzles, the sonic differences are not major. Noticeable when
going from one nozzle to the next one, but still keep the same overall sound
characteristics. The blue one (or red or black, depending on the IEM color) has
the more v-shaped sound, balancing lows and highs to a similar level, while the
gold gives a warm/darker response. The silver one has the clearer sound with
more effect from the BA units and a cleaner bass response. Blue and silver
nozzles are very close in overall balance, though the bass on the blue is
similar to the gold filter. Gold nozzle gives the most bass impact and smoother
and laid back midrange and treble.
Regardless the filters
used, the DMG has v-shaped response with a strong bias towards the low
frequencies and overall warm tonality. The bass emphasis is very strong, full
and thick in texture, rich and dynamic. The strong impact is mainly on the
mid-bass region; not too overwhelming or unnatural heavy bass, but definitely
highly enhanced. However, it's not just a mid-bass lift; there's plenty
sub-bass rumble and good control and extension. The quality is very good; it
has good separation and nice layering. Speed is normal with a natural attack,
if a bit slow decay to completely match the BA units speed.
Midrange is a bit recessed,
mainly in the lower mids, whereas the upper mids can maintain a good balance
with the bass and treble. The strong bass impact has some effect on the
midrange tonality; gives more fullness, texture and weight on lower instruments
but affects the separation. Also sounds drier on the lower midrange, with less
quality for male singers. Upper midrange is more articulated, richer and
cleaner. Not completely smooth but very good control and handles sibilance
well. Female vocals are more highlighted too and carry sweeter texture. Despite
the v-shaped response, it's still an enjoyable midrange.
Treble presence is more
dependent on the nozzle filter used. Very smooth with the gold one, still
detailed but more forgiving and laid-back. With the blue (red/black) and silver
nozzle it is more forward and lively. A bit smoother at the treble top on the
blue option, and more extended and effortless with the silver; either way,
there is plenty of sparkle and energy. I find the gold and silver to have the
best quality; they're opposite in the treble presentation, but sound more
natural, while the blue filter compromise the timbre. Quality is good, has
control and speed, though not the most accurate and refined.
The soundstage is
probably one of the best characteristic of the DMG, surprisingly very wide for
the ~$100 price, open and spacious. Even just out of the Fiio M3K which has a
small stage, the DMG is still wider than many IEMs for the price (e.g., IT01,
E4000). Scales better with the M0 and much higher with more solid DAPs. The
extra width may affect the imaging, and the DMG is not best in coherence for a
hybrid setup. It is more about fun, detail and musicality.