Today, I review the Simgot ET142 IEMs. The ET142 features 1 dual-symmetric magnetic planar driver and 1 piezoelectric (PZT) driver. It comes with 4 sets of tuning nozzles to create 4 different sound profiles and is priced at 219 USD.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Simgot ET142
Table of Contents
Specifications
Drivers: 12.5mm planar magnetic + multi-layer piezoelectric ceramic
Impedance: 14Ω ±15% (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 118dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Frequency Response: 8Hz–40kHz
Cable: 732-core mixed oxygen-free copper & silver-plated Litz
Connectors: 0.78mm 2-pin
Plugs: Interchangeable 3.5mm single-ended & 4.4mm balanced
Inside the Box
- Simgot ET142 IEMs
- Simgot LC7 cable
- 4.4mm and 3.5mm interchangeable plugs
- 4x pairs of tuning nozzles (Blazed Titanium, Gold-Plated Copper, Stainless Steel Red-Circle, Stainless Steel Black-Circle)
- Carrying case
- Spare o-rings
- Tuning foams
Design
Like other recent Simgot models, the ET142 features a familiar design with polished metal shells that feel premium in the hand, thanks to their smooth finish and reassuring heft. Unfortunately, that also means they share some of the less desirable traits—like attracting fingerprints and being prone to surface scratches.
The shells are comfortable in my ears, and so far, every Simgot IEM I’ve tried has been the same. Passive noise isolation is good, with no noticeable sound leakage, making the ET142 easy to use just about anywhere.
The Simgot LC7 cable boasts 732 cores, each 18AWG strand intricately woven in a coaxial Litz structure. It has a clear PVC coating that’s smooth to the touch. The cable is quite chunky and slightly stiff but it handles well and is free of microphonics. LC7 is also modular, meaning you can easily switch between the included single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm terminations.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the iBasso DX180, the FiiO Q15 and the SMSL RAW-DAC1 paired with the iFi ZEN CAN 3. The ET142 is easy to drive but it seems to perform better with more substantial (ie powerful) sources.
The Simgot ET142 has a dynamic, lively and airy sound signature – much like I would describe the Simgot house sound. This isn’t a neutral set but rather one that is tuned for some wow factor and maximum engagement. It might be too energetic for some but not more so than the models in Simgot’s EA series.
Tuning Filters: The 4 tuning filters give you the freedom to sculpt the sound profile to your preferences. They make a noticeable difference, unlike some tuning sets that all end up sounding the same. Here’s how Simgot describes each sound profile:
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.
I found the short black filters suited me best and had the right blend of vigour and restraint. Having said that, I liked all of the sound profiles to varying degrees, with the short red being my least favourite because it made the upper mids sounded a bit flat.
Bass
If you think you need a dynamic driver for a weighted, slamming bass then you haven’t heard the ET142. This planar driver hits hard but in just the right way. Both sub-bass and mid-bass are powerful and authoritative, letting you feel the rumble without smearing the details. This isn’t a shy or timid bass but one that’s ready to come out and play on demand. It’s assertive yet disciplined, adding weight and excitement without muddying the overall presentation.
Midrange
I like the way the ET142 presents midrange instruments and vocals. The note size is neutral but there’s enough underlying warmth to bring music to life. What makes this midrange tuning work is the speed of the planar driver that creates snappy and ultra-clean transients. Details are rendered with clarity and finesse, allowing subtle textures in vocals and instruments to shine through. There’s a sense of openness and separation that prevents congestion, even in busier tracks, making the ET142’s midrange feel effortless and composed, in spite of the elevated bass response.
Treble
I feel that the treble response is really the part that holds the presentation together. It needs to precise and incisive enough to cut through the warmth of the lows but it needs to stay inoffensive at the same time. I think the PZT driver is up to the task and does a good job of adding detail and clarity but I find it’s not as airy as some traditional balanced armature or EST implementations. It delivers enough upper treble to keep the stage feeling open, but it stops short of offering that expansive, ethereal lift at the very top. Still, it strikes a good compromise—resolving and articulate without introducing sibilance or harsh edges.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage feels elliptical in nature—broad and spacious across the width but with a somewhat shallower front-to-back dimension. It excels at stereo spread but doesn’t project as far out into the room.
Detail retrieval is good but not as impressive as some of the other Simgot models. The resolution and instrument separation are excellent. Left and right imaging is good but the layering in the stage is only average.
Comparisons
Simgot EA1000 (219 USD): The EA1000 has a more transparent and uncoloured presentation. It doesn’t have the same kind of impact or texture in the bass but as a result, the midrange takes centre stage, whereas the ET142 has a more bass-forward tuning, meaning the midrange has to compete for attention. It’s not overshadowed entirely, but it doesn’t step into the spotlight in quite the same way. The extra low-end presence gives the ET142 a fuller, more dynamic character, but it also means midrange elements are slightly pulled back in the mix.
The EA1000 has an airier treble and slightly better detail retrieval contributing to a wider perceived soundstage and cleaner imaging. While the EA1000’s response dips notably after its 8kHz peak, its overall elevated energy between 5-9kHz compared to the ET142 is what lends it that perceived air and sparkle, contrasting with the ET142’s smoother, more linearly declining treble.
When comparing the Simgot ET142 with the Kiwi Ears KE4, the differences in tuning become clear quite quickly. The KE4 brings more emphasis to the lower mids, giving male vocals extra weight and presence. In contrast, the ET142 leans out slightly in that area, sounding a touch cleaner but not as full-bodied.
Up top, the KE4 has a softer treble that makes it the smoother of the two overall. While that contributes to a more relaxed listen, it also means the KE4 doesn’t have quite the same level of clarity or transparency as the ET142, which comes across as more revealing and airy.
In terms of staging, the KE4 trades width for depth—it doesn’t spread out as much as the ET142, but it layers sounds with a bit more front-to-back separation, giving it a slightly more immersive feel despite the narrower image.
Verdict
In summary, the Simgot ET142 marks a successful entry into the planar driver market for the brand. It inherits Simgot’s signature design and build quality, along with their familiar house sound. However, the ET142 adds a more dynamic and punchy character while maintaining solid technical performance. It seems Simgot has nailed it once again, and I’m happy to give the ET142 another well-deserved recommended award.
