Disclaimer:
Hello, dear readers, Today we have in our hands the Simgot ET142, the brand new planar hybrid IEM from Simgot. Among the many brands, Simgot is the manufacturer that rarely makes a mistake in the product. After the EW300, we finally have this novelty: a planar driver coupled with a piezoelectric. I must say that even this time the expectations were not disappointed. It is a very particular hybrid pairing that, thanks to Simgot’s experience, sounds fabulous. We can say that it is close to the quality of the Simgot EA1000 Fermat.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Drivers: 12.5mm planar magnetic + multi-layer piezoelectric ceramic
- Impedance: 14Ω ±15% (@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 118dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response: 8Hz–40kHz
- LC7 Cable: 732-core mixed oxygen-free copper & silver-plated Litz
- Connectors: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plugs: Interchangeable 3.5mm single-ended & 4.4mm balanced
Packaging:
The Simgot ET142 packaging is in full style of the brand. They are all made in the same very elegant way but, above all, well-accessorized.
- Hard Case
- High quality LC7 Modular Cable
- Excellent and many tips
- 4 Different pair of tuning nozzles
- Material such as tuning sponge, o-ring
I really appreciate the amount of accessories they include in their packages, and the fact that they also include materials for customizing the sound does them credit. The modular cable is the LC7 model that they themselves sell for about 70 USD; with everything else, I think it comes to almost half the value you pay for the final product.
Design/Build quality:
The Simgot ET142 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. I believe the shell is a metal fusion with CNC machining. Judging by the weight of the shells, I do not believe it is a CNC machining of an aluminum block. Honestly, even if they are slightly heavier than the competition, they have never given me any problems once worn.
The beauty of this IEM with a mirror finish is difficult to capture because of all the reflections it causes but I think I have captured enough details to be able to give you an idea of its shapes. The detail that immediately catches the eye is certainly that titanium nozzle with particular and unique colors. On the shell we have laser writing in 2 points and 2 ventilation holes in the classic positions. The screws on the faceplates give a touch of personality to the minimal design. The quality does not stop at the IEM itself but is also found on the accessories; the cable has very high quality, like the tips, which are really numerous and well made. The presence of materials to experiment with different tunings and customize them is an additional factor that shows the attention to detail.
Initial sound impression:
From the first moment, the Simgot ET142 captures your attention thanks to the clarity of the sound. Surprisingly, you are also assailed by the deep bass that the previous Simgot did not show. The possibilities, being there are 4 nozzles plus materials to create combinations, are almost endless. I tried the various nozzles in rotation and in my opinion, the biggest difference is created by the foam and the length of the nozzle. In a certain sense, I feel that the titanium one gives more breath to the driver and suppresses less dynamics. It can be a bit spicy but if you want, you can insert a tuning sponge to smooth out some peaks. They don’t give me problems but they can be very bright. We’ll see the various nozzles later.
After a long time, Simgot decided to return to planar drivers and to avoid falling into monotony, he decided to make a hybrid. An excellent choice given the amount of planar IEMs that are now available, this one is certainly different.
Equipment used for testing the above:
Device:
- OSX
- Poco M4 Pro
Software:
- Amazon Music UHD 24bit 96kHz
DAC:
- Fosi Audio K7 (Best option to test the driver capabilities)
- EPZ TP35
- Creative Soundblaster G8
- Fosi SK02
- Muse Hifi M4
- Fiio KA11
- Fiio KA17
- Fosi DS2
- Simgot DEW4X
- EPZ TP50
- Creative SoundBlaster X5
Comfort & Fit:
In all honesty, the Simgots fit almost all the same; even if aesthetically they have some variations, they probably manage to maintain similar geometries and I don’t find any difference in wearing them. There are no edges that create discomfort even in long use. The presence of long and short nozzles makes no difference; you still manage to have good sealing that results in excellent acoustic insulation.
Tips & Cable Rolling?
The eartips included in the package are really of excellent quality. However, no one forbids you to experiment with different tips, as they give even more difference than the tuning nozzles. The black and white ones are of the 07 type; the totally black ones are like the SS20, while those with the orange detail have a narrow nozzle. I personally would never tighten the exit hole so I would use the first two at most. However, I wanted to try with the Divinus Velvet and I had an increase in bass and a sort of smoothing of the treble. Above all, the combination of titanium nozzle and Divinus Velvet gives a notable boost to low frequencies.
While I was at it I also tried the premium Effect Audio Ares II cable but that’s more for personal whim. The included LC7 cable is already really very good.
Tuning Nozzles:
“The ET142 offers interchangeable nozzles for personalized sound:
- Blazed Titanium Nozzle (Transparent Silicone Ring): Extended treble and airiness for classical and instrumental focus.
- Gold-Plated Copper Nozzle (Yellow Silicone Ring): Warm and balanced tuning, perfect for versatile listening.
- Stainless Steel Red-Circle Short Tube Nozzle: A refined sound profile with enhanced clarity and precision.
- Stainless Steel Black-Circle Short Tube Nozzle: Smooth and dynamic tuning with a balanced response across the frequencies.”
The difference between the titanium one and the gold one is minimal in terms of aesthetics and dimensions. Perhaps the real difference is made by the material used, which has a different resonance. Even reading in black and white that the gold one has a warmer signature, honestly, I can only actually perceive less air with a sort of loss of some macros and micro details. I can’t explain the difference but the titanium one definitely increases the bass and also the clarity in the mids.
As for the other two, it must be taken into account that the length of the nozzle also counts; both have sponges inside and you can actually perceive a more controlled and balanced response on both. The red one seems to suffocate the dynamics of the drivers a bit too much, while the enra one could be a good compromise for those who want a more relaxed and fluid tuning. I’m going with the titanium one intended by Simgot as “Golden 2023 Target, probably.
Final sound impression:
With the faithful Fosi Audio K7 in hand, I tested the drivers of these Simgot ET142, noting a high equalization capacity. The bass can become super boomy at truly absurd levels. I do not notice any notable decomposition; there is excellent tolerance and honestly, even raising the treble, I did not find sibilance. Let’s now return to the direct and pure mode of the Fosi Audio K7, which is my favorite.
As in all Simgot, the tuning is very versatile but they prefer good R&B or blues compared to more electronic and driven genres. But I must say that with the ET142 and the EW300, I found them much more tolerant, even towards these musical genres. I have read contrasting opinions about this model but honestly, I am liking it a lot.
Bass
The bass hits positively, especially with the long titanium nozzle. Probably a certain resonance is generated that gives meat to the bass. The bass is deep and always very fast. If the track requires extra bass, you can hear how the driver also pushes a lot of air with certain pressures. Even before I realize it, a fairly bass-heavy track starts and the Simgot ET142 digests it like an appetizer. The bass is full, energetic, and of a notable density. What is nice to hear is that sort of rumble that you expect from a titanium sports exhaust. The rumble it is almost tangible.
Mids
In terms of mids, I think there are some planars that emphasize the mids better but the difference is especially noticeable by putting the short nozzle. Reading here and there on the forums I noticed how many had inserted the replacement tuning sponges in the long nozzles, finding a middle tuning solution. Since I still had an EA500 tuning kit with perfect tuning sponges, I decided to insert the less dense ones in the titanium one. Now the trebles seem slightly more rounded and the upper mids calmer, with a gain in the presence of the mids that are still rich and quite natural for the type of drivers.
Treble
I would like to point out that I am much more sensitive to low frequencies that involve air volume movements. The treble of the Simgot ET142 even with the most open nozzle does not bother me at all. I do not find them harsh or sibilant like IEMs at all; in fact, I also added a +6 dB to the treble without experiencing any problems. Obviously, on long listening sessions, keeping the peaks under control can only help to prolong listening without fatigue. The presence of micro and micro details is notable and there is a good presence of air. If the treble is a problem, you should opt for the short nozzles that make the entire frequency response more fluid.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Maybe I would have expected something wider in terms of soundstage but for the rest, the quality is high. The imaging and the layering are precise and clear in all circumstances. You can capture all the nuances and details, along with their origin and directionality. Maybe there are more holographic IEMs but this one is definitely really pleasant.
The soundstage is not as huge as on other planars, perhaps because that driver does not cover the entire spectrum by itself or has less space inside the shell to create air volume. Not being an engineer, I do not know what the truth is but in any case, the Letshuoer S12 2024 ED for example, does slightly better.
Comparison:
I would need some more hybrid planar IEMs for a fair evaluation but I would say that examples with planar drivers are also fine.
The Letshuoer S12 2024 ED could be defined as more balanced and natural. It has its own balance that is more appreciated. Compared to the original S12, the difference is huge. Overall, the mids are more defined and do not have a sometimes cold tone. As for the trebles, they are slightly more controlled so if you love trebles, the ET142 is superior. In terms of bass, I think the texture above all is superior on the S12 2024 ED. Let’s say that each has its own strong points.
The price of the Simgot ET142 is very close to that of the EA1000 Fermat so which is better? Honestly, to date I have yet to find a single DD as good as the EA1000. The driver used and the mastery of the tuning are at the top both for the price range and for a single driver.
The Simgot ET142 is positioned in the same price range, but with a hybrid pairing of special drivers. The roundness and softness of the dynamic driver are difficult to reproduce with planar drivers and piezos. The EA1000 has a more accentuated and focused representation of the mids, while the ET142 emphasizes the low frequencies (in terms of bass texture, the EA1000 seems slightly better) with a less bright tuning. In both cases the details are really a lot, although in terms of soundstage perhaps I would have imagined more from the planar driver. Overall, the clarity and precision of the ET142 seem superior to the EA1000.
Conclusion:
Simgot has decided to return to planar drivers after a long time, not with a simple planar IEM but with a hybrid. In my opinion, the choice is right because there are so many planar IEMs now and bringing something different can be a winning strategy.
The Simgot ET142 exceeded my expectations. While reading other reviewers’ thoughts, and they say it is really bright, especially with some nozzles. I honestly do not find them harsh with any nozzle; in fact, I am using the one that is supposed to be brighter. I am not sure how to explain it, but the titanium nozzle gives the bass a fuller reverb than the other nozzles. Using the DIvinus Velvet, the treble seems improved, probably because the nozzle has been considerably lengthened.
My playlist is fairly diversified; it ranges from D&B to R&B, but in both situations, even though the nozzle is labeled for classical music, it appears to be the one that limits less the drivers’ capability. In the background, you may perceive a little suggestion of artificial timbre that could be the piezo, but I think that it could simply be its clean bright signature, which highlights numerous nuances. If you get a similar sensation, simply switch to a short nozzle; the red one is the best balanced nozzle. The provided tuning sponges are replacements for the short nozzles, while the ones used on the EA500LM (not included) should be used in the long ones.
Considering the quality of the included accessories, the price is correct.
8.4/10
Pros:
- Typical Simgot shell quality
- Good packaging
- LC7 Simgot Modular cable
- Really nice aesthetics
- Tuning nozzles
- Natural, bright with warm tendency
- SIMGOT-Golden 2023 target curve
- High resolution effect, clear and rich sound
- Clear and luscious voices, sparkly treble
- Bass and subbass are deeper
- Impressive separation and layering
- Good soundstage
Cons:
- Some nozzle are spicy
- Fingerprint magnet & scratch on silver chrome finish
- Sometimes it seems to hear the planar timbre but I think it is more from the piezo.
