BGVP DM7 Review.

BGVP DM7

BGVP DM7 Review everyone! BGVP hasn’t looked back since the quite famous or infamous to some, DM6. Its reputation has been known all over the audiophile community to either be a total hit or just another over-hyped IEM. One thing is for sure, you have come by and have heard it being mentioned here and there by different audiophile individuals.

BGVP has since then released its successor. the DM7 which this time around features 6 Balanced armature drivers which should have been the DM6. The DM6 has 5 Balanced armature drivers but that’s just how BGVP rolls. The BGVP DM7 features Knowles BA drivers (SWFK-31376, ED-29689 and CI-22955) to handle the lower, medium and high frequencies. It is being complimented by another lower-medium frequency BA driver by Sonion (33AP007). BGVP integrates these 6 different BA drivers via a 4-way crossover and 4 channel sound bore to allow distinct channel separation.

The BGVP DM7 is spec’d out with a 10Hz to 40kHz Frequency Response, 115 dB Sensitivity and a 130 Ohm Impedance. The BGVP DM7 review unit was sent in by BGVP themselves in exchange for an honest review. There were no other monetary factors involved except the usual freight charges which we reviewers usually shoulder. You can check out all the BGVP social media platforms below; Official BGVP website, Official BGVP AliExpress storefront, Official BGVP Instagram and the Official BGVP Facebook page.

The BGVP DM7 is priced at approximately $100($289 as of the moment of writing) more than when the DM6 was launched. The anticipation of reward versus risk is also increased by as much as how its price has. There are only 2 ways to go about with this and we either win or we lose. So let’s dive in and see where we are going with the DM7.

Packaging

My BGVP DM7 review unit is the official commercial packaging and uses the signature BGVP packaging of black cardboard sleeves with the product silhouette upfront and product specifications at the back. Removing the sleeves shows us the organic brown cardboard box which houses the black foam cutouts protecting the BGVP DM7 review unit in all its entirety along with the complete set of accessories which is listed below.

BGVP DM7 accessory set

Accessories

  • 1 set translucent white wide-bore long nozzle silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
  • 1 set translucent gray wide-bore short nozzle silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
  • 1 set black wide-bore short nozzle silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
  • 1 pair of black foam ear tips
  • IEM cleaning tool
  • Plastic 3.5mm plug cap
  • Manual and warranty card

The noticeable absence of the BGVP carrying case is a move that would have been appreciated if it was included in the box. BGVP sent in their Aluminum alloy earphone case which is lined with cotton cloth for added protection. It can be purchased separately for $10 which is why I would have preferred it to be an automatic add-on, but maybe we’ll see it in the DM8.

BGVP DM7 faceplate
BGVP DM7 serial number

Build Quality

The BGVP DM7 review unit shares similar acrylic fiber resin material as the DM6 which worked. It is working great as of the moment given that I’ve had the DM6 for more than a year now. The finish is still seamless and there is no noticeable unevenness or a dead giveaway of patched surfaces. What I did notice though is the faceplate has a distinct border where the logo sits and is covered with another layer of acrylic and there’s a chance of having it pop off.

BGVP DM7 female MMCX connector
BGVP DM7 nozzles

The MMCX connector feels a bit sturdier with what I’ve experienced with the DM6 even when it was new. The locking mechanism is noticeable when turning the MMCX around and there’s an audible click when attaching and detaching the MMCX connectors. The nozzle of the DM7 is a mixed bag with its noticeable lack of a lip but instead feature a CIEM-like nozzle which made ear tip rolling a bit hard given that my usual tight and snug ear tips gets left behind when removing the DM7 off my ear.

Cable

The BGVP DM7 took strides not only on its MMCX connectors but also in its stock cable. The DM6 was offered in multiple cable options which is cool. Sometimes add to the confusion especially in terms of having a signature sound unique to its identity. I’m not against it. I do advocate for IEMs to have its own set of stock cables for uniformity across the board. The DM7’s stock cable comes in an 8 core Furukawa OCC and SPC mixed braided cable. It comes with the all-new BGVP chin slider and a discrete black Y-split, MMCX connector and 3.5mm housing. The usual L-R in red to blue indicators are present as well as the pre-molded over-ear guide. The braids on it has the right amount of tension making storage easy and cable noise at a minimum.

Sound Quality

Tonality and Isolation

The BGVP DM6 was a balanced sounding set of IEMs with an obscure high frequency performance. It was a make or break aspect to its sound character. The DM7 resembles the DM6 in regard to exhibiting a balanced sound. The high-frequency deviation is smoothed out leaving a clean and distinct balanced sound this time around. My time with the BGVP DM7 review unit also made it clear. The DM7 is indeed far superior in providing a better music experience regardless of preference. DM7’s isolation is great given its UIEM form and a fairly regular-sized shell.

I tested the BGVP DM7 using the provided black wide-bore short nozzle silicone ear tips. The Sony WM1A (3.02 FW) and the Sony CAS-1 off an MSI GF62-8RE laptop via Foobar2000 v1.4. It outputs various FLAC files which would be mentioned in the review.

Lows

Testing the DM7’s low-end performance is Depeche Mode’s No More in 16/44 FLAC. It’s apparent that the DM7 has a robust and full bass performance. It is able to create a sense of thump on its bass delivery. The sub-bass is rendered in a thick approach with a frail hint of rumble. A welcome result which is always great for those fast-paced low-end hits. While all that is great, the evident lack of that impactful thump and power. It is one of the main points to be considered when looking into the DM7.

The BGVP DM7 just doesn’t give out a clean-hitting bass. Instead shows where BGVP has improved over the years. Since their offering from the DMG which sounded great was taking things with reservation. The DM7 just pumps out clean and enjoyable lows that make one smile away. It’s a $289 price tag, at least when it’s on your ears.

Midrange

There are times when securing all the bases is a task too tall. There are times when you just hit the nail on the head and reap the benefits. The BGVP DM7 can either be considered as reaping the benefits of the driver and tuning development or plain luck. Yet its midrange performance is one to be proud of.

Churning out Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John’s “That’s What Friends Are For” in 16/44 FLAC highlights. Its full-bodied sounding lower midrange which doesn’t appear distant sounding. This very aspect is enabling the DM7 to create a stable foundation for an energetic and lively vocal presence. Male vocals sound rich and smooth with just the right amount of grip and rasp when reaching its peak. Female vocals are rendered lush and articulate which is definite enough to strike the right amount of balance between being powerful and detailed. Tracks which are heavily reliant on vocals will sound great on the DM7. It also makes a nice companion when I’m on my usual video streaming and movie binges. The upper midrange is well-controlled despite the noticeable slightly boosted sound.

Highs

This is the part that made me shake my head with the DM6. I came prepared and had my expectations set on low while tackling the highs. Off with the old and in with the new age so I decided to rock an older Maroon 5 track but still relatively young in musical age. The “Harder To Breathe” song in 16/44 FLAC. The immediate lack of that sudden peaking from the DM6 made me say “finally”. With the elephant in the room out of the way, let’s take the high-frequency performance check deeper.

The BGVP DM7 gives out a sweet and snappy treble execution which is enough to be called an improvement over its predecessor. The sudden high-frequency bursts are much more enjoyable this time around and are not annoying or sharp to the ear. This outcome is a pleasing reminder that sometimes taking a milder approach on the highs. It will do wonders but once again at the cost of somewhat leaving a doubt on treble heads like myself to be wanting more of that treble kick and bite without the screeching and sibilant aftermath.

Soundstage and Imaging

The BGVP DM7 exhibits a lesser intimate sounding soundstage with more emphasis on width than depth. The spatial panning is much more observable here than the DM6. It is also great with instrument separation and positioning which enables it to render great detail retrieval.

Both busy and intimate tracks are enjoyable on the DM7 given its coherent low-mid-high frequency performance which is evident on its ability not to allow overlapping and congestion giving the great soundstage width effect. While certainly not being a beast of soundstage, the fact that the DM7 still holds it ground in terms of soundstage and imaging is once again a step in the right direction for BGVP.

Conclusion

The BGVP DM7 clearly improves were the DM6 was lacking and that $100 price increase is justifiable. It is not enough to just improve but also to create your own identity and DM7 was able to do just that by shedding the shadow that is DM6. The DM6 might be more known as an IEM around the audiophile community but the DM7’s much more balanced sound and organized handling of the different frequencies gives it the upper edge. A clean hit of bass, the right amount of smooth and lively midrange and a relaxing high frequency certainly gives the DM7 a thumbs up for me. Add a carrying case next time though.