Simgot EG280 is a gaming-oriented IEM (in-ear monitor). It features two drivers: one dynamic and one planar. It comes with an extra-long 1.7-metre cable and a USB-C adapter. It’s priced around 75 USD.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
- Bright and crisp
- Modest bass presence
- Spacious sound
- Detailed and tight
As mentioned, the EG280 is a hybrid driver design, which is quite common when it comes to IEMs. The 10mm dynamic driver handles the lows and mids. It uses an LCP diaphragm (Liquid Crystal Polymer) and features a powerful magnetic circuit and dual-chamber system.
The treble is handled by a custom 6mm annular planar magnetic driver. Planars are often used for high frequencies in IEMs.
The 1.7m OFC cable is 0.5m longer than most IEM cables. It connects to the IEMs with standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and has a 3.5mm analogue termination that is compatible with the USB-C adapter.
The shells are made of semi-transparent smoke-coloured resin/polymer with a metal faceplate – making them look very elegant. They are of average size and fit very nicely in my ears.
DAC/AMP AND APP INCLUDED
The included USB-C DAC/Amp (adapter) works with both computers and smartphones, boasting near-zero latency, and offers customisable EQ for FPS, MOBA, and more through the Simgot Control app.
The app seems nice and it is clear that some real effort was put into it. The only thing I do not like is that you cannot adjust the EQ parameters while you listen, you need to change all parameters and then click activate. With the presets this is not an issue though.
SIMGOT EG280 SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver +1 Planar Driver
- Impedance: 32 Ohms ± 15%(@1kHz)
- Sensitivity: 119 dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Connector fit cable on IEM: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Cable: High-Purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
- Cable Length: 1.7m
- Plug: 3.5mm with USB-C adapter
IN THE BOX
- 6 pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L, black and transparent)
- 1 pair of foam ear tips (S/M/L)
- Detachable cable (1.7m)
- USB-C to 3.5mm adapter
- Carrying case
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: Simgot EG280
- Linsoul: Simgot EG280
Disclaimer: We were sent the review item in exchange for an honest opinion.
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
Associated equipment:
- Source – DAC/Amp: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
- Tips: NICEHCK C04
Meslange de musique latine by Sophie de Bardonnèche Destinées
This string piece sounds quite upfront yet smooth, very detailed with great imaging.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
Nice string timbre, excellent detail and texture without sounding unnatural.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
This is bright, in a good way, and rather crisp. The strings have bite and attack but also sounds good.
Jambi by Tool
Richly textured guitars, tight bass. Clean, clear vocals.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Tight bass, slightly crisp vocals with hints of sibilance.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
Tight bass, upfront and somewhat sharp sounding trumpet. Spacious and detailed.
Spontaneous Compositorius by Thomas Agergard
The saxophone has a nice but somewhat dry timbre. The bright percussion is rather crisp and quite sharp but not piercing. The bass is tight and detailed.
Like Suicide by Soundgarden
Very tight percussion and bass. Clear vocals, great separation of instruments.
Never Enough by Loren Alred
This is my go-to track for checking out how an earphone handles badly mixed vocals. Despite the EG280 leaning on the brighter and crisper side, it handles the vocals very well, sounding natural and smooth enough.
Midnight City by M83
Very tight and well separated. The bass is modest in quantity but of good quality. The busy parts are handled very well.
Rambling Man by Laura Marling
Delicate, brittle vocals – not the warmest or lushest. The busy parts are handled very well. Instrument separation is impressive.
Sunrise by Norah Jones
The vocals are textured and detailed, a bit crisp and dry compared to warmer sounding earphones. The bass is polite but tight.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
Crisp, clear vocals. Spacious. The massive bass is of modest quantity and handled averagely.
New Life Baby Paris by Mala
Very spacious and detailed. Modest bass.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The EG280 is what I would call neutral-to-bright. It is crisp and clear with a relatively modest bass presence.
Treble
The treble is crisp and detailed, slightly dry and can be a tad sharp.
Midrange
The midrange is detailed and textured. It can sound crisp and brittle rather than lush, smooth and warm.
Bass
The bass is of modest quantity but generally of high quality. It mostly sounds tight and in control.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is very open and imaging is precise, with excellent depth and spatiality for the price.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
Detail level is generally high. Dynamics are good enough, but not mind-blowing – the modest bass might be the main reason.
The timbre is on the crisper and drier side, which enhances textures and detail rather than giving a smooth and lush experience.
COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
SIMGOT EA500LM vs EG280
The EA500LM is a dynamic single driver IEM, with a sleek full metal shell, priced around 99 USD.
Compared to the EG280, the EA500LM is warmer, smoother and more musical. The detail level is similar, but the EG280 brings texture and detail more upfront.
I wrote a dedicated comparison: Simgot EG280 vs EA500LM. Here’s my full EA500LM Review and some more EA500LM Comparisons
SIMGOT EM6L vs EG280
The EM6L is a hybrid IEM using one dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers. It has a resin shell and is priced around 125 USD.
When comparing the EG280 to the EM6L, they are mostly very similar, but the EG280 sounds a bit more textured and dry than the EM6L, which has a bit more bass, a slightly more rounded midrange and somewhat smoother highs.
I wrote a dedicated comparison here: EG280 vs EM6L. You can also check out my full EM6L Review or other EM6L Comparisons.
- Amazon: Simgot EM6L
- Linsoul: Simgot EM6L
SIMGOT EW300 vs EG280
The EW300 is a tribrid driver IEM with one dynamic driver, one planar magnetic driver and one piezoelectric driver. It has a full metal housing and costs around 79 USD.
When it comes to sound, the EW300 is warmer, fuller and smoother sounding, while still retaining a similar detail level.
I didn’t write a dedicated comparison, but here’s my full EW300 Review and other EW300 Comparisons.
- Amazon: Simgot EW300
- Linsoul: Simgot EW300
CONCLUDING THE COMPARISONS
All these IEMs are in the same ballpark when it comes to detail and technicalities, with the biggest difference being the tuning. Ranking them from “dry and crisp” to “warm and full” , the order would be EG280, EM6L, EA500LM and EW300. For music listening I definitely prefer the EA500LM and the EW300. If you want more apparent texture and less warmth, the EM6L and the EG280 offer that.
AMPLIFICATION
I tried out several desktop amplifiers and did not find the detail level or technical capabilities of the EG280 to change much, but some amplifiers give it more warmth than others, which I find to be a positive thing.
With regards to portable options, the supplied EG280 DAC/Amp from Simgot does a good job from my Android smartphone, but it’s not endgame. I tried the Letshuoer DT01 Pro, which I found to sound a bit better, the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini angled adapter more so. The Fosi DS3 and the xDuoo Link2 Bal2 does a great job, with warmer and more detailed sound. In other words – the EG280 scales with the source.
The Simgot Control app only works with the supplied DAC/amp, though. It offers many presets and a very good customisable EQ. A drawback with the EQ is that you have to set the values first and then push a button to activate, which means it is difficult to tune the earphone by ear.
CONCLUSION
The Simgot EG280 is primarily tuned for gaming. It is crisp and clear. Details are easy to pick out and positioning and imaging are great for the price. However, when it comes to enjoying music, there are other alternatives, also from Simgot, that I would prefer.
That said, the EG280 is still quite good for music. If you would like a different tuning, EQ can help with that to some degree, with or without the Simgot Control app.
All in all, the Simgot EG280 performs well and with the included DAC/amp and the extra-long cable, it might be a great choice.
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- Amazon: Simgot EG280
- Linsoul: Simgot EG280
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