Simgot Game EG280 HiFI IEM in-ear monitors Review
Featuring a hybrid 1DD + 1 planar driver design, the SIMGOT EG280 delivers precise sound positioning, rich detail, and powerful performance for both gaming and Hi-Fi listening, with a built-in USB-C DAC and extended 1.7m detachable cable for seamless, lag-free audio.
While most people are now opting for wireless earbuds or headsets, the purists out there want to stay firmly jacked-in and remain purely analog, which always means lag-free and lossless audio.
Breaking down Simgot’s EG280’s description above, it means that these earbuds have two speaker drivers, carefully positioned for great sound, works with the included USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, and have a long twisted cable to reduce EM interference. The key point being made is the USB-C DAC enhances the capabilities of the earbuds by allowing high quality audio and EQ via the companion app.
Specifications
Technical Details
Model
EG280
Driver Configuration
1 Dynamic Driver +1 Planar Driver
Impedance
32Ω±15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity
119 dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Connector
0.78mm 2-pin
Cable
High-Purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
Cable Length
Approx 1.7m
Plug
3.5mm & USB-C
Inside the Box
- 1 × SIMGOT EG280 IEM
- 6 × Pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L, black and transparent)
- 1 × Pair of foam ear tips (S/M/L)
- 1 × 2-pin 3.5mm Cable
- 1 x USB-C Adapter
- 1 × Carrying case
- 1 × Warranty card
- 1 × Wearing diagram/user instruction card
Source: Linsoul official website.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The high sheen box is difficult to photograph, being highly reflective, it is also difficult to read the text under direct light.
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The earbuds were presented prominently in a foam carrier, whilst the box underneath contained the silicon and foam ear gels. The additional box contained the carry case with cable and required reading.
The cable quality and design is good, with no sign of loose twists or inconsistent windings. However the case is of poor quality, with weak plastic canvas material that is clearly glued in with a single loose stitching around the edge. It is adequate for what it needs to be, but the lining will likely break down after a few years.
Under the microscope, we can see there is very little going on inside the ear buds, with essentially two speakers, the main driver directly in the ear canal, and the 2nd smaller speaker off to the side and plenty of room for the acoustics behind them.
Comfort and Fit
The ear gels are great, but very much run-of-the-mill and otherwise unremarkable.
Comfort and fit is quite simple to achieve with the supplied gels, and there is no immediate physical fatigue felt after an hour of wearing the earbuds, but due to the weight, it may be fatiguing after some time. Additionally, volume must be carefully set as it has a tendency to be a bit intense on some devices.
The intention is to wear the wire over the ear to provide support, but this is optional and doesn’t seem to make much difference, other than keeping the cable out of the way.
Audio Quality
Analog
The output sound pressure level feels a bit high, depending on the device, both at the bottom and top end, in accordance with the frequency response. Some discomfort can be felt in some scenarios.
The tone and clarity is fairly good, but at ~30% volume, most appreciable signal rolls off, with only the very top and bottom at 15%.
USB-C
The audio quality feels a bit more curated via USB-C, and perhaps more balanced. The bandwidth is likely increased slightly due to the USB bus power, but from a frequency response, it seems more or less the same and consistent with the frequency response chart.
The bass can be a bit intense, but tuneable via supported apps or playback device EQ.
Overall
The quality and profile would be ideal for RPG and dialog driven games and music without any adjustment, whilst action shooters and anything with deep rich explosions would highly benefit from tuning the EQ.
Final Thoughts
The Simgot EG280 offers a familiar but underwhelming sound profile when compared to other ear buds and headsets. For listeners who want more ‘air’ in the sound profile, the EG280 has the perfect amount and sounds more natural than many other counterparts.
Sound pressure levels can be a bit intense at 100% volume on a PC and would require roll off that would affect the mid-range and presence dramatically even in the 40-70% range.
Fundamentally a flawed design, the two pin connector having the same pinout for active and ground means that most users will experience an inverted, 180 degrees out of phase sound with the other ear and this will lead to headaches and a feeling that something is ‘off’. Instead, the designers should have used two different pin sizes to prevent this.
Indicated by a red and blue dot, there is little in the way to distinguish which earbud belongs to which, it seems like an afterthought to hide the fact that the L and R on the plastic is difficult to see. Nevertheless, matching the orientation of the coloured dotted side between the earbuds allows for phase matching of both ear buds.
Considering that the EG280 only supports analog connection for Xbox One and Switch, and includes a lesser quality case; The value of the EG280 should be considered in comparison to other earbuds or headphones that may have better sound profiles, higher quality cases and more utility overall.
Summary: Middle of the road sound profile out of the box. Easy to connect one side out of phase with the other and includes an average case. Capable, but needs the right volume and EQ tweak to be 'right' and is otherwise less practical than a good headset.
3
Middle road!
About the Author
Scott De Lacy Scott has a professional IT background spanning over 18 years, is an hobbyist electronics designer, talented musician, holds qualifications as a trainer and experience in emergency and community services sectors. He reviews Movies, PC and XBOX One games, and hardware.
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