The BGVP Phantom is a high-performance in-ear monitor designed to deliver a superior audio experience.
Known for its cutting-edge technology and premium build quality, the BGVP Phantom is aimed at audiophiles and professionals who seek superior sound clarity and precision.
A Brief Review of the BGVP Phantom
The BGVP Phantom is a new in-ear monitor (IEM) that features an impressive driver configuration.
It features two balanced armature drivers for the midrange and highs, two dynamic drivers for the lows, two EST drivers for the highs, and two bone conduction drivers for the sub-bass frequencies.
Priced at $899, the BGVP Phantom promises a premium audio experience. Let’s take a closer look at the sound and review of the BGVP Phantom.
If you’re looking for an end-game IEM in the $1,000 range, the BGVP Phantom should be on your list. It offers a balanced sound with a slightly warm, yet natural tone.
BGVP has done a great job creating the Phantom, but it may not be getting enough attention in today’s crowded market. If you have a chance to listen to the BGVP Phantom, it is worth your time and money.
About BGVP brand
BGVP is a Chinese experienced IEM company founded in 2015 and has released a variety of IEMs ranging from the multi-BA DM7 to the Tribreed with EST DM9 to the bone conduction Tribreed like the recently reviewed DMA.
It really caught my attention with its sound value and enjoyable bass musicality.
In the past, BGVP has released IEMs that have been either successful or unsuccessful in terms of tonal balance, but they have always tried to improve the sound value with new technology implementations.
Two years of experience have paid off, and there seems to be a sweet spot for bright and vibrant tones that highlight the technical capabilities of the IEM, while the tuning balance has been greatly improved.
BGVP Phantom Review 2024
Build quality
The Phantom has a thermochromic dyed wood bark that turns a bright color (~36 degrees) when it touches your skin.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is still very cool, because it is a basic design and BGVP does not charge extra for it like other brands do.
The finish of the Phantom is very well executed, and the stainless steel nozzles on top of the DM9 (which are very well finished) hold the eartips perfectly in place.
It looks more premium and competes a league or two above its price point in terms of build quality.
You won’t find a solid wood shell for under $1000, and if you do, you’ll only find it from high-end manufacturers like Noble Audio and JH Audio.
The wood shell is carved on a 5-axis CNC machine and stained to highlight the wood grain, grain, and color. It’s then lacquered with a clear coat and polished to a glossy finish.
The DM9 has an MMCX socket, a BGVP logo on the faceplate, vents on the top and inner walls, and four sound bores.
Cable
The Phantom’s stock cable is a 4-core high-purity 6N single-crystal copper silver-plated cable with interchangeable 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm jacks.
The jack, MMCX connector, and Y-split are all made of metal and are very flexible with minimal pulling force.
The interchangeable jack is very convenient and I am very happy to see BGVP trying to offer interchangeable jack cables for most of their IEMs, even budget IEMs under $200.
Fit, Comfort, and Isolation
The shell is quad-breed and quite small considering it houses 10 drivers (2DD + 2BA + 4EST + dual BC). It has a semi-custom shell shape and fits my ears very snugly and provides a comfortable fit.
A variety of stock eartips are available to adjust the fit and comfort to your preference, and the stainless steel nozzle with lip holds all types of eartips very well.
The DDs have vents on the top and inside the shell, but the noise isolation is particularly impressive.
Performance
The Phantom has commendable technical performance for a sub-$1000 IEM.
The Phantom has excellent resolution and detail retrieval, but what really impresses me is its immersive and deep soundstage with boundaries that extend much wider than most benchmark IEMs in this price range.
Another IEM that matches this breadth and imaging of hard-panned instruments in this price range is the Custom Art FIBAE 5.
The instruments in a very well-mixed rock song like Porcupine Tree’s ‘Harridan’ have a vivid presence with very good separation and definition across the soundstage.
The overall soundscape and stage created in a well-made EDM song like Chainsmoker’s ‘Somebody’ was a completely different listening experience than what I usually hear from other non-BCD mid-fi IEMs.
The instruments in the song were very well separated and the sub-bass rumble sounded like it was coming from a black background rather than being two-dimensional like most typical bass-boosting IEMs.
There’s something really special about the dual Sonion BCD drivers, and I think they’re very good at providing a more immersive stage presentation by allowing for more powerful imaging and depth layering.
Sound Quality
The BGVP Phantom delivers a balanced sound. The bass is booming and satisfying, the midrange is realistic, warm, and detailed, and the highs are smooth and musical.
The soundstage is wide and holographic, and the imaging is accurate. It is easy to drive with a portable dongle but can be expanded with more powerful sources.
Overall, the BGVP Phantom is a securely tuned IEM that will suit most audiophiles.
Bass
The Phantom’s double dynamic drivers have a very natural tone and timbre, and the BCD adds technical performance to it.
I have heard the bass go deeper into the soundstage, like a subwoofer in a live PA setup, with a punch and rumble coming from behind against a black background, due to the effect of the BCD.
When the bass is mixed in stereo, it goes deeper and spreads into the background, so especially with EDM songs, when the song has stereo bass, it goes deeper on stage but does not take up or occupy all the space like a typical bass head IEM.
If you have never heard an IEM with DD and well implemented BCD like the Phantom, it is quite a different experience as the presentation offers a stronger 3D imaging and a more holographic presentation.
So it is a bit more dynamic and three-dimensional (for lack of a better word) than the 2D bass that is always right in front of your face, and similar to a speaker setup with a well-calibrated subwoofer.
Of course, since it is an IEM, the staging is not as wide as a speaker setup, but it is a different listening experience.
Midrange
The midrange can sound neutral to slightly richer depending on the tip and desired fit.
The midrange offers about 9dB of ear gain, allowing for instrumental forwardness and strong definition. Both offer a natural tone, but the instrumental body is slightly richer.
High range
The Phantom is sparkly in the lows and slightly neutral and warm in the highs.
I personally would have liked a bit more air and extension in the upper mids, but the sparkle balances the bass boost well, and with open bore tips like the Azla Sedna Standards/Short the Phantom actually feels like a slightly neutral bright IEM, with other tips it feels slightly neutral warm(ish).
This is why I highly recommend tip rolling with the Phantom, as different tips can provide a different experience.
When I finally did the graphs, I actually enjoyed them, as I wasn’t expecting a warmer graph in the highs. The graphs only tell part of the story and show how different FR regions can affect perception.
FAQ
What materials are used in the construction of the BGVP Phantom?
The BGVP Phantom is constructed using high-quality materials that enhance durability and aesthetics. The shell is usually made of lightweight yet sturdy metal or resin, giving it a solid and premium feel.
The faceplate often features intricate designs or finishes that add to the overall visual appeal.
Additionally, the cable is typically made of high-purity materials such as silver-plated copper, ensuring superior signal transmission as well as extending the life of the product.
What is the overall design and aesthetic of the BGVP Phantom?
The BGVP Phantom boasts a sleek and modern design that appeals to both audiophiles and casual listeners. The shell has a sleek and ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the ear.
The faceplate often features sophisticated patterns or finishes such as brushed metal or custom artwork, giving the IEM a unique look.
The overall aesthetic is functional and stylish, making the BGVP Phantom a visually appealing accessory for any music lover.
Is the BGVP Phantom comfortable to wear for long periods of time?
Comfort is an important consideration in the design of the BGVP Phantom. The IEMs are ergonomically designed to fit the contours of your ear, reducing pressure points and ensuring a secure fit.
A variety of sizes and materials of eartips, including silicone and memory foam, are available to help users find the perfect fit for their ears.
This customization enhances both comfort and noise isolation, allowing the BGVP Phantom to be worn comfortably for long listening sessions without fatigue.
What is the overall sound signature of the BGVP Phantom?
The BGVP Phantom is known for its balanced and natural sound signature. It aims to provide a neutral listening experience with a slight emphasis on clarity and detail.
This balanced tuning ensures that no single frequency range overpowers the others, resulting in a cohesive and enjoyable sound across a wide range of music genres.
How well does the BGVP Phantom fit a variety of ear shapes and sizes?
The BGVP Phantom was designed with ergonomics in mind, allowing it to fit a variety of ear shapes and sizes comfortably.
The IEMs feature a contoured shell that conforms to the ear canal, providing a secure and stable fit.
This design minimizes the risk of the IEMs falling out during use, making them suitable for a variety of activities including walking, commuting, and light exercise.
The lightweight construction further enhances comfort, allowing users to wear them for extended periods of time without discomfort.
How does the BGVP Phantom perform in terms of noise isolation?
The BGVP Phantom is excellent at noise isolation, thanks to its ergonomic design and a variety of eartip options.
When properly worn, the IEMs create a good seal within the ear canal, effectively blocking out external noise.
This passive noise isolation is especially useful in noisy environments such as public transportation, busy streets, or crowded cafes.
This allows users to enjoy music without the need for high volume levels, protecting their hearing over time.
How durable is the BGVP Phantom with regular use?
The BGVP Phantom is built with durability in mind, featuring high-quality materials such as a metal or resin shell and a robust detachable cable.
The IEMs are designed to withstand regular use, including frequent insertion and removal from the ear, and tangling and untangling of the cable.
Thanks to its rugged construction, the BGVP Phantom can withstand the rigors of everyday use, making it a reliable choice for long-term ownership.