SIMGOT ET142 review: a versatile planar IEM with a full sound

SIMGOT’s last planar headphone, the open-back ET1000, arrived six years ago. The ET142 brings the company’s planar work into an in-ear design, combining a 14.2mm planar magnetic driver with a piezoelectric unit. The pairing sounds unusual on paper, but the tuning is mature and balanced. More unusually, SIMGOT supplies enough interchangeable parts to make meaningful adjustments without buying an aftermarket cable or tips.

A striking finish and an unusually generous box

The dark packaging has a subtle sheen that changes with the light, setting it apart from the white boxes common to portable audio. Inside, the earphones and case are presented in separate compartments.

The mirror-black finish looks even better in person than in product photos. The alloy shells have reassuring weight, though their smooth surface can slip if handled carelessly. They also feel cool against the ear at first in cold weather, and fingerprints are unavoidable; a quick wipe keeps the finish looking sharp.

Fit is excellent once the correct tips are selected. Isolation is strong enough to make the ET142 suitable for desk work, study and seated commuting. Two hours of wear produced no significant discomfort, including on smaller ears. There is one caveat: when the cable hangs freely, its weight can pull on the shells and become tiring. Routing the cable over the ear or supporting some of its weight helps.

The included 1.2-metre cable has interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs and uses a 732-core, 18AWG Litz construction with silver-plated oxygen-free copper. It resembles an upgraded version of SIMGOT’s LC7 cable, with a bright metallic finish and a soft, manageable feel.

The accessory set is exceptional. Three tip designs come in three sizes, alongside four additional black tips. Four metal nozzles are also included: blue titanium, gold copper, stainless steel with red rings and stainless steel with black rings. Spare rings and tuning foam are provided. These options give listeners useful ways to adjust the presentation rather than simply adding box-filling accessories.

Balanced, quick and surprisingly fun

The listening notes below use the blue titanium nozzle with the white tips. At very low volume, the ET142 does not reveal its strengths as easily; it comes alive closer to a normal listening level. Despite the planar driver, it is not especially difficult to drive, and most modern midrange USB dongles provide enough power.

The overall tuning is even and clean, with fine-edged transients and a notably enjoyable sense of atmosphere. It does not exaggerate one instrument or genre. Instead, it builds a solid, moderate-width stage, gives vocals natural space and rounds the treble enough to avoid glare. The result is balanced without feeling bland.

Pop recordings have a natural stage and firmly placed vocals. Céline Dion’s high notes remain powerful and controlled, with a smoothness that can almost suggest an EQ adjustment. Modern K-pop brings the ET142 to life: bass has real impact, while density and detail keep busy productions intelligible.

On Anne-Sophie Mutter’s violin recordings, the low end provides a foundation that lets the upper strings sound finely textured. The analogy is a well-made bowl of ramen: the broth supplies depth, while each noodle remains distinct and the surface catches the light. Transients are quick, and notes stop cleanly rather than dragging behind the beat.

Electronic dance music is similarly satisfying. Bass is firm and clean, and each kick lands with physical weight without leaving excess energy in the mix. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major shows how well the ET142 handles a climax: the final section feels tightly wound, with rapid attacks and controlled decays carrying the orchestra through to the end.

Nozzles and tips make a real difference

The blue titanium nozzle with white tips gives a moderate stage, solid images, quick transients, smooth treble and clear musical lines. Swapping to the black tips increases perceived openness, dynamic energy and high-frequency detail. Grey tips bring images closer, add speed and resolution, and make the balance brighter.

The gold copper nozzle with white tips softens the presentation and adds body, making it a useful choice for vocals. The other tips tend to follow the same direction as their corresponding titanium-nozzle pairings.

For most music, the blue titanium nozzle with black tips was the preferred combination: it opened the sound and improved dynamic impact and treble detail. For Cantonese classics, older Mandarin pop and other vocal-led recordings, the gold copper nozzle with white tips added welcome thickness and warmth.

A strong choice in its class

Most modern dongle DACs can drive the ET142 well, and a full-size digital audio player has power to spare. Its finish and sound both stand out in the sub-$200 class. The mirror surface will collect fingerprints, but that is a small cost for listeners who enjoy the look; after a few days, a quick wipe becomes second nature.

The SIMGOT ET142 combines the speed and detail expected from a planar design with enough bass weight and tuning flexibility to suit a broad library. Its many included options are useful rather than ornamental, and the underlying tuning remains coherent across pop, classical and electronic music.

Specifications

Drivers

14.2mm planar magnetic driver and piezoelectric driver

Cable

1.2m 732-core, 18AWG Litz silver-plated OFC, interchangeable 3.5mm/4.4mm plugs

Connector

0.78mm 2-pin

Tuning options

Four metal nozzles and multiple ear-tip sets

Top Audio verdict

8.7 / 10

The ET142 combines a fast, clean planar presentation with satisfying bass and a highly adjustable treble balance. It is a versatile IEM whose carefully chosen tips and nozzles can tailor the sound to different recordings.

Where to buy

Buy SIMGOT ET142

Reference price$199

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