Introduction

Eternal Melody (EM) is a Chinese company that specializes in producing iems. EM was founded in 2016 by a mechanical engineer and an acoustic engineer. They offer their iems in either custom or universal form. In addition, EM allows the customization of design on their iems subject to the material availability. In this review, I will be reviewing the Eternal Melody EM-6 which is a 6 Balanced Armature (BA) drivers iem consisting of 2 BA for the high frequency, 2 BA for the mid frequency and 2 BA for low frequency. It boasts a 3 way crossover configuration. I would like to thank EM for the review unit of EM-6.

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Specifications

  • Drivers Configuration: 6 Balanced Armature Drivers
  • Sensitivity: 108 dB @ 1k Hz
  • DCR: 25 Ohm Nominal
  • Frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz

Unboxing & Accessories

The EM-6 comes in a white package with the EM logo printed on it. After opening the package, there are flight adapter, 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter, cleaning tool and a black circular hard carrying aluminium case. Inside the case, there are the EM-6 iem, 0.78mm 2 pins detachable cable and silicone tips of size S, M and L.

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IEM Build & Design

The EM-6 shell is made up of acrylic and the surface is smooth. On the left faceplate, there is the brand name and model number printed while for the right faceplate, there is the “Route 66” logo printed. Like the faceplates, the shell is transparent black. The nozzle is straight. On the inside of the right side, there is the EM-6 model name printed in gold while for the left side, the serial number is printed in gold too. The fit is very good. The housing is light-weight and overall, the EM-6 is constructed with good quality. It has a beautiful design.

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Cable Build & Design

The cable is a detachable 4 core cable with 2 pin 0.78mm connectors. On the connectors, there are blue and red dot on the left and right side respectively so users can differentiate. The connectors have an opaque black housing. The cable has a memory wire section that is enclosed in a transparent heat shrink tube. It is not very flexible due to the metal inside that helps to form the shape. The chin slider is made is made up of a transparent tube and the y splitter is made of a soft rubber material with strain relief. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled with strain relief.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The EM-6 has a moderate amount of sub-bass quantity and it is extended well. There is great stretch which demonstrates it technicality. The sub-bass reproduction does not have the most impact but it is being expressed with cleanliness. Rumble is fairly quick and helps to accelerate the bass presentation. Bass decay is pacey and there are no signs of sluggishness. Bass texture is smooth in general. The mid-bass has a moderate quantity and it does not have a lot of body to deliver a weighted slam. Each bass note is delivered with a clean attack. There is no lacking in punch even though it does not have a strong impact. The bass definition is good. In addition, there is a slight tinge of warmth which helps to add some musicality. Transition from lows to the lower mids is smooth without any hindrance. Overall, the bass demonstrates good technicality yet still being able to deliver musicality.

Mids

The midrange of the EM-6 takes on a balanced presentation. It is able to combine both musicality and technicality well and this translates to a good overall balance. The transparency is at a high standard. The lower mids does not take on a full-bodied approach but it has sufficient quantity to tackle male vocals. There are no signs of them sounding hollow. It is conveyed smoothly. For the upper mids, there is a smooth expression with excellent finesse. It has slight forwardness and showcases top-notch control by keeping the presentation of female vocals in check. There is a good cleanliness to it. The midrange displays definition and mastery at its best. The details retrieval is excellent and each note is articulated precisely.

Highs

The treble has a great extension and it is able to stretch far out. The level of details retrieval has a high level. There is no sibilance and harshness. The treble has a moderate body to it and it is articulated well with smoothness. It does not operate in a bright approach. The amount of air rendered is good and it is able to provide space at the top end. The EM-6 demonstrates its technical aspect with confidence and ease. Despite boasting excellent details retrieval, it does not overwhelm the musicality aspect and it achieves a harmonious integration.

Soundstage

The EM-6 is able to excel in its soundstage. The stage width has a moderately natural expansion. The magnitude is excellent and it helps to improve the overall positioning of vocals and instruments. The depth has a good amount of space rendered. There is an open feel with no congestion.

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Comparisons

Eternal Melody EM-6 vs Eternal Melody EM-5

The EM-5 has more sub-bass quantity than the EM-6 but the extension on the EM-6 is greater with extra stretch. The sub-bass reproduction on the EM-6 has a higher clinical standard. The mid-bass on the EM-5 sounds fuller than the EM-6 with extra body. The EM-5 is more capable of producing a weighted slam which enhances the musicality. Bass decay on the EM-6 is quicker while the bass texture on the EM-5 is smoother. Each bass note on the EM-6 has a cleaner hit. The midrange on the EM-6 has more transparency with a higher standard of details retrieval. The lower mids on the EM-5 is thicker than the EM-6 and provides a lusher feel. The upper mids on the EM-5 has extra forwardness and it is able to create an intimate female vocals presentation. In the treble section, the EM-6 is extended with more magnitude. The amount of air rendered at the top end is greater with crisp. There is no sibilance and harshness. The EM-5 treble takes on a smoother approach. Lastly, the EM-5 has a more natural expansion in its soundstage while the EM-6 excels in both the stage width and depth. The EM-6 is less closed in.

Eternal Melody EM-6 vs UM Miracle V2

The EM-6 has less sub-bass quantity than the Miracle V2 and EM-6 is able to extend slightly more. The Miracle V2 is able to express more warmth than the EM-6. The mid-bass on both has quite similar quantity but the slam brought about by the Miracle V2 has a more weighted feel. Bass decay on the EM-6 is slightly quicker and the agility improves the bass presentation. Bass texture on the Miracle V2 is smoother. The lower mids on both has similar quantity and male vocals are expressed rather well without sounding dry or hollow. The upper mids on the EM-6 is slightly more forward than the Miracle V2 and it benefits female vocals. There is a nice intimacy present. The midrange on the Miracle V2 has slightly more transparency with a cleaner approach. In the treble section, both shows similar extension and there is more crisp and sparkle on the Miracle V2. The EM-6 is able to present excellent finesse in its treble presentation. Treble is articulated with accuracy. The amount of air rendered on the Miracle V2 is slightly more. In terms of soundstage, EM-6 presents its expansion with more naturalness. The width on both has similar magnitude. Miracle V2 has better depth without being too closed in.

Eternal Melody EM-6 vs Noble Django

The Django has slightly more sub-bass quantity than the EM-6 and the EM-6 displays good extension. The EM-6 is able to extend further which showcases its technical aspect. The EM-6 has a quicker bass decay and the agility helps to expedite the impact. The bass texture of the Django is slightly more smooth. The EM-6 has the upper hand in the overall bass definition and each bass note is being articulated with precision. The mid-bass on the Django has more quantity than the EM-6 and it makes the slam sound slightly dense. On the other hand, EM-6 executes its slam quicker and the agile nature creates a constant engagement. The bass presentation on the EM-6 is more clean and the extra cleanliness creates a soothing feel. The midrange on the EM-6 has more transparency. The lower mids on the Django is slightly thicker than the EM-6 and the body helps to push male vocals which exerts a denser presence. The upper mids on the EM-6 is more clean and there is extra forwardness. Female vocals are portrayed clearly and it is moderately intimate. In the treble extension, Django has slightly more body than the EM-6 but the EM-6 extends greater than the Django with a greater amount of air rendered. The technicality aspect of EM-6 is better. There is crisp and no sibilance and harshness on both. The soundstage of Django is slightly more natural and EM-6 excels in the width magnitude. The depth is not too closed in on both. EM-6 is able to tackle busier tracks with greater ease and there is minimal congestion.

Conclusion

The EM-6 is a balanced sounding iem that is able to achieve a good mix of musicality and technicality. It has tight bass, clinical midrange and clean treble which contributes to a sublime performance. The finesse and smooth execution makes the EM-6 a delight to listen to. The EM-6 marks Eternal Melody’s flagship iem and it delivers.

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