BGVP Phantom Special Edition Review-Scubadevils(head-fi reviewer)

Can you actually have your cake and eat it?!

Pros: > Engaging Sound: Strikes an excellent balance between technicality and musicality
> All-rounder: Performs well across a wide range of genres, and really excels with higher-quality recordings
> Comfortable design: Exceptional fit for extended sessions
> Premium build: Stunning aesthetics and high-quality finish
> Stock accessories: Comes with an excellent cable, case and nice selection of tips
> Value: Competitive pricing for its level of performance (perhaps a sub $1,000 price point would be even more attractive… $999 is so much more appealing vs $1,099 from a psychological perspective!)
> Unboxing Experience: Wonderful! 🙂

Cons: > Recording sensitivity: Can highlight flaws in older or lower-quality tracks, at times leaning thin or harsh
> Jack: No modular option to choose 3.5mm

BGVP Phantom SE
Configuration: 2x DD / 2x BCD / 2x BA / 2x EST

RRP: $1,099 – available from BGVP directly HERE or MusicTeck HERE

Introduction

I have been aware of BGVP for a while but never tried any of their products until now. I saw launch details of the special edition version of ‘Phantom’ which was released earlier this year, and was immediately drawn to the overall design, but even more intrigued when I saw the driver configuration (noted above).

I would like to thank BGVP for sending me the Phantom SE for review and as always, no input from the brand on the words and photos that follow…

About Me…

I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).

My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!

I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I’ve bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus’ infamous ‘Traillii,’ UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.

While I’ve been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much – especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.

I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly “bad” IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.

About BGVP (from their website…)

BGVP – A pro headset brand founded in 2015 ,is the subordinate brand of Dongguan Nengjiang technology limited company, the company is located in ChangPing Town, Dongguan City. BGVP mainly produces and customizes various high-end HIFI earbuds, earphones and other electronic products. In the process of development, BGVP has never forgotten to master the core technology capabilities, independent research, development and sales. BGVP is committed to providing high-quality HIFI headsets for consumers around the world. Music is the monologue of the soul. BGVP is committed to presenting you with higher quality, purer and more infectious sounds using advanced and professional acoustic technology. We hope that when you wear headphones made by BGVP, you can experience the joy of integrating music. BGVP is committed to creating outstanding and extremely versatile product dialogue users with exquisite engineering and rigorous testing systems. With the ingenuity of the company, the company insists to the ultimate in cost-effectiveness, and adheres to the principle of putting customers in the first place, and has the most cost-effective model at all prices.

BGVP is more focused on earbuds and flat heads. After years of research and development, BGVP insists on exploring the future and continues to introduce new TWS and electrostatic earbuds this year. We believe that sky is the only limit of us. BGVP is here to satisfy your critical auditory nerve.

Driver Configuration

• 2x Sonion Bone Conduction Drivers
• 2x Double DC + Graphene Dynamic Drivers
• 1x Knowles Balanced Armature (RAD Series)
• 1x Sonion Balanced Armature (2300 Series)
• 2 x Sonion EST

Specifications

• Cable: 4.4mm / 2-pin OCC Silver-Plated
• Impedance: 12Ω
• Sensitivity: ≥107dB/mW
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-40kHz

Unboxing & Accessories

Phantom SE definitely falls into that more premium and highly pleasing unboxing experiences, that is of course if you care about that – as is probably clear for those of you who have read my previous reviews, I am an absolute sucker for a good unboxing and BGVP certainly hit the mark here.

As always, easier for the pictures to do the talking…

Bundled accessories:

• Case
• Cleaning brush
• Bass, vocal, and balanced tips in S/M/L
• 1x set of M foam tips
• Cable

Fit & Design

The first thing that struck me when I opened the box was how beautifully finished Phantom SE are, the (close) second thing that struck me was how incredibly small they are… how the heck have they squeezed 8 drivers into each of these?!

The feel premium to touch too, and quite light at the same time – along with the small form factor, they are incredibly comfortable in my ears and I never encounter any sense of fatigue. I must note however that I have experienced slight pressure build, but that now appears to be more broadly with any BCD set as I’ve had the same experience with SHOCK and more recently Durandal from Nostalgia Audio… I can resolve by tip experimentation, but I’m curious as to why this might be… please drop a comment if any insights on why this might be occurring!

I’m not sure if any of my shots quite capture this, but the shells actually change colour when exposed to heat for a while, i.e, in your ears, and of course when you take them out for a bit until they revert to normal… I’ve not timed how long this takes tbh, but the marble effect becomes even more evident.

Cable

The stock cable is finished to a very high standard, terminated to a 4.4mm jack and 2-pin IEM connectors. Unlike the OG Phantom, the SE doesn’t have a modular system and is only available with 4.4mm.

It has a relatively soft feel, not too heavy and little in the way of microphonics which makes it perfect for any listening scenario, be it in bed or out walking. I can see no reason to switch cables, but I appreciate many of you have preferred options to reach for.

Listening Impressions

I’ve had the privilege of trying many IEMs over the last few years, with 2024 seeing an uptick in my activity as a reviewer. More often than not, once a review is complete, the set ends up tucked away in a drawer or, if I’ve purchased it for review, listed on classifieds to free up cash for the next shiny new toy… the hunt is always on.

I can confidently say the Phantom SE will suffer no such fate. This is a remarkable set that has the possibility of landing in the elusive “one and done” category… capable of excelling with virtually any genre in any listening environment. It strikes a fantastic balance between musical engagement and technical prowess while remaining compact and comfortable.

That said, it’s worth noting that older or poorly mastered recordings can sometimes feel a touch flat or lifeless. This is typical for more resolving sets, so it’s not unexpected. I’ll cover more on this later!

The Phantom SE certainly thrives when paired with high-quality, modern recordings, making it a natural partner for detailed, intricate genres within various segments of electronic music. However, its capabilities certainly extend to other genres, my listening bias with IEMs revealing itself here! With its balance of precision and musicality, it adapts seamlessly to virtually any genre, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience no matter what album I choose… perhaps this is where BGVP were going with the colour changing shells, adapting to the environment!

There is a delicate and cohesive sense of placement, emphasizing atmosphere and immersion. This approach results in a highly engaging and beautifully layered presentation, particularly suited for complex tracks, but indeed the presentation really does shift to suit the music… I’ll cover more on this in the track test segment.

Bass

I am a huge fan of sets where there are 2x DDs deployed for the low end, typically providing wonderful distinction between sub and mid bass, which is indeed absolutely my experience with Phantom SE. The BCDs I suspect play a critical supporting role here too, delivering a low end that feels utterly distinctive and refined. Sub-bass, when present, captivates immediately with its precision and depth, adding immersion without overwhelming the rest of the signature. Mid-bass steps up to the mark when called for too, I have been surprised on the quantity available on tracks with heavier beats in say techno or house as I wouldn’t describe Phantom SE as a bass-heavy set, yet it delivers.

Midrange

The midrange continues the theme of precision and refinement, offering a highly detailed presentation with excellent clarity. Vocals and instruments are rendered with a natural and delicate timbre, contributing to the set’s ethereal quality. The mids sit comfortably in the mix, neither overly forward nor recessed, but with an emphasis on maintaining the balance of the overall tuning. This ensures a coherent delivery that works well across multiple genres. I find both male and female vocals sound authentic and no real bias towards one or the other – a revisit to Beck just this week was phenomenal, as was some time spent with the often sultry vocals of the various female guest vocalists with Nouvelle Vague.

Treble

Treble is detailed, crisp, pristine, and extended without veering into harshness. There’s an airiness to the highs that enhances the sense of space, contributing to the atmospheric presentation. While it doesn’t emphasize an overly bright or aggressive treble, the level of detail retrieval is impressive, ensuring even the smallest nuances in a track are brought to life. I’m a huge fan of ESTs for the treble, and Phantom SE are very well executed.

Technical Performance

The Phantom SE shines in its technical performance, especially in creating an immersive and cohesive soundstage. While it trades the razor-sharp imaging of some competitors (looking at you TSMR SHOCK) for a more delicate and atmospheric placement, this approach enhances its ethereal and atmospheric signature, leading to a more cohesive presentation. Layering and depth are particularly impressive, with instruments and elements positioned naturally within the mix. Detail retrieval is exceptional, and the cohesive interplay of the BCDs and other drivers ensures an engaging, captivating, and highly engaging listening experience.

Test Tracks – Including Comparison with TSMR SHOCK (stock setting)

The tracks I’ve chosen for this test drive all come from the remarkable AnotherLateNight and LateNightTales series—compilations that span nearly 25 years and hold a special place in my heart. These albums have been the soundtrack to countless late-night sessions, car journeys, and relaxed dinners over the years. They’ve introduced me to many incredible artists and offered fascinating insights into the influences of the curators behind each edition. A true treasure trove of discovery and inspiration for over two decades!

Roots Manuva – Witness (Walworth Rd. Rockers Dub)

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=2018783002

Jumping straight to a track that truly highlights the remarkable bass quality I described earlier, Witness by Roots Manuva is an excellent showcase. The track immediately reveals the bass’s distinctive texture and depth, all while maintaining a cohesive overall signature. The presentation is breathtaking, especially as other elements pan seamlessly across the soundstage.

vs SHOCK…

Switching to SHOCK, I note a drop in resolution and stage size—it immediately sounds more intimate, with the incredibly distinct ‘in-your-head’ imaging that SHOCK does so well. It’s not confined entirely to inside your head but does sound as though it collapses somewhat, for want of a better articulation. The sense of airiness, precision, and that ‘ethereal’ presentation of Phantom SE is immediately lacking in comparison. To be fair, Phantom SE is almost twice the price, so there’s that to consider. SHOCK, however, is no slouch, and I’m reminded of that fact—still a beautifully smooth, engaging set with spectacular imaging.

Don Ray – Standing in the Rain

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=647961243

Let me start by saying what an absolutely outstanding track this is… I cannot listen to this without a big smile coming to my face and indeed a desire to get up and dance wherever I happen to be (which actually never happens just to be clear!). Such a happy, funky, feel-good song! It features on the spectacular Groove Armada AnotherLateNight from 2002, one of my most played in the series over the years. It really reminds me of my first house back then… many great parties, though I’d say my neighbours hated us.

Regardless of being an older track, this actually sounds fantastic on Phantom SE. The sense of space, clarity, and immersive nature is just stunning. The lyrics sit central and a touch forward, while the accompanying instruments pan out left and right with a wonderful sense of depth. It’s perhaps not as vibrant or full-bodied compared to a more recent recording, but an excellent job overall.

vs SHOCK…

Pretty much a rinse-and-repeat of the above in terms of stage size, resolution, and detail. I also note that the lyrics step back a touch in the mix, and interestingly, the overall sound has a touch more body. I guess this is because SHOCK is less resolving. To be honest, with either offering, this track sounds wonderful, albeit different.

Low – (That’s How You Sing) Amazing Grace

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=1458085902

It’s thanks to the Trentemøller edition from 2011 that I discovered Low… definitely a case of better late than never, as I’ve been a massive fan ever since. I was deeply saddened when Mimi passed away in 2022; her voice will forever haunt me when I listen to any of their work.

Again, we have this wonderful spacious presentation. While it is apparent that BCDs are at work, they don’t overpower, instead playing what feels likea supporting role to the other drivers. Everything sounds cohesive, yet precise and incredibly clear. You can easily focus on individual parts, but they never sound out of place. Both Mimi’s and Alan’s vocals are in this somewhat intimate, central position and just a touch forward.

vs SHOCK…

I don’t know if it’s fair to use this word, but it’s what springs to mind once I switch: “veil.” I do feel like a veil has been lowered over the track, initially reducing the listening experience. However, with a bit of adjustment, I appreciate the comparative smoothness and intimacy on offer. SHOCK provides a warmer, smoother, and I guess “easier” presentation. But flipping back to Phantom SE, there’s an undeniable wow factor in the step-up in performance. Again, it’s important to remember the near-2x price gap.

Sasha – Baracus

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=3524005

Moving to a more recent production, and quite different from most of the series in that the entire collection is by Sasha… a master of electronic music since the early ’90s as both a DJ and producer. I have many old mixtapes of his from the ’90s stashed in boxes in my attic, and occassionaly dig them out for a bit of listening nostalgia.

This is a great album to really showcase the mix of drivers loaded up in Phantom SE, especially being a more recent and well-produced recording. The sense of space and precision in each element of the track is unbelievably captivating. When the kick drum lands, it does so with spectacular authority, reinforcing my earlier point about the bass: the low end can be deceiving in terms of capability but shines when needed. This track demonstrates that wonderfully. I again note the sense of cohesion and the presentation of an overall body of music… you can zoom into the details but are equally drawn to the bigger picture. That’s something I really love about Phantom SE.

vs SHOCK…

Bit of a broken record here, but consistency is key for the sake of comparison. As you might have guessed, the details drop off and everything seems to close in. However, with adjustment, that’s perfectly okay and offers a different flavour that’s incredibly enjoyable. I would never have described SHOCK as an intimate set, but indeed that’s the word that springs to mind when I switch. Also worth mentioning: SHOCK appreciates more power versus Phantom SE, requiring me to turn the volume up a few notches with each switch. The pinpoint imaging with SHOCK is again highly evident here, albeit again more in-my-head.

Kiasmos – Orgoned

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=32627482

This track features on the Ólafur Arnalds offering from 2016, and it’s another that showcases Phantom SE’s capability with high-quality electronic recordings. The set immediately reveals its spectacular ability to provide a detailed, immersive, engaging, and cohesive overall frame of the music. It’s hard to find the right words to fully articulate what I’m hearing. Phantom SE is just so well-tuned for tracks like this.

vs SHOCK…

Rinse and repeat: SHOCK steps back in some ways but still provides a wonderfully captivating listening experience. One thing’s certain… I plan to reach for SHOCK a lot more once I’ve cleared my current review backlog!

Pablo – Roll Call

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=1060687127

This track is from the Rae & Christian collection from 2001, one of my favourites in the series. It’s possibly the most cohesive as an overall mix, playing like a DJ set that evolves over the course of the album… the tracks seamlessly connect and build to a crescendo.

Roll Call always felt like a peak energy moment, bringing a smile to my face, especially now as I recall a youth that feels increasingly distant with each passing year. That said, this track does present a challenge: the older recording falls victim somewhat to Phantom SE’s resolving nature and can sound a touch harsh. This isn’t a fault of the IEM, just a natural result of its technical capabilities, and I wouldn’t classify the track as anywhere near unlistenable, just a touch harsh at times.

vs SHOCK…

SHOCK does a better job here due to being less resolving. The limitations of the older recording are still evident but less harsh. I can listen on both, but I’d choose SHOCK. This track highlights why it’s difficult to own just one set in this hobby/addiction. What makes one set great can sometimes be a drawback, becoming a complementary feature on another. While we often seek more resolving sets, that can certainly become an issue at times.

Giorgio Moroder – Chase (Midnight Express)

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/size=large/minimal=true/track=2788142091

A rather apt track to close this segment, perhaps a nod to the journey many of us are on in this hobby, a ‘chase’ to find that ever elusive ‘end-game’, or just seeking out new tunings to excite our senses, and perhaps distract from an increasingly turbulent world… I know that is certainly applicable to me. Anyway, let’s not get all doom and gloom, there is music to be listened to on wonderful equipment… and from the electronic legend that is Mr Moroder.

While an old track, Phantom SE steps up to the mark here remarkably well, presenting a fantastic representation of this classic 70s gem that featured in the legendarymovie Midnight Express. While it isn’t vibrant, again with being an older recording it does sound somewhat thinner, but yet still manages to captivate and present with an excellent sense of cohesion and detail. Moroder was certainly a trailblazer in electronic music, and definitely a massive influence in my musical journey…

Conclusion

When it comes to IEMs, I’m not sure that the saying ‘you can have your cake and eat it’ ever fully rings true. Getting a ‘perfect’ blend of technical performance and musical engagement for every single genre is tricky, and my time with Phantom SE over the last few weeks really had me pondering how close to the elusive cake-eating the set really is. I’d say very close, but there are certainly scenarios, as I’ve noted in the track analysis, where the higher resolution isn’t a great match for older or lower-quality recordings – this is simply a fact that can’t be avoided and an inevitable trade-off in this hobby. Hence, it can be very tough to find just one set for everything. However, where Phantom SE falls short, it has not, in my experience, been a scenario where the track becomes unlistenable. More so, it can come off as a bit thin or flat, and a smoother, less resolving set such as SHOCK steps up here nicely.

Overall, the Phantom SE for me is an easy 5/5 review – a set that is beautifully engaging, with excellent technical capabilities, and a superb all-rounder for pretty much any genre. Coupled with a stunning design, incredible comfort, and an excellent stock cable, you really do get a complete package that once again demonstrates the extent of the value on offer at comparatively lower price points.

I’ve enjoyed many sets throughout 2024, and it will be a tough job ranking them, but Phantom SE will absolutely feature in the top 5 segment.