In-ear monitors that not only inspire hi-fi fans, but also gamers? The LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280s come in at an unbelievable price and, as hybrid IEMs, aim to inspire all camps. Our test clarifies whether this is possible and what speaks for the purchase.
Technical data
| The product | EG280 |
| Driver | 1 dynamic driver + 1 planar driver |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm ±15%(@1kHz) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Connection | 3.5 mm and USB-C |
| Cable length | 1,7m |
| Most important functions | Hi-fi sound; USB-C DAC; 32-bit/384 kHz |
| Price | € 73.79 * |
LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280 review: Why in-ear monitors?
Why should you choose in-ear monitors with cables over wireless in-ear headphones? Compared to conventional in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors offer numerous advantages that are particularly relevant for musicians and fans of high-resolution sound. They enable more precise sound reproduction as the sound is transmitted directly into the ear. This ensures clear, unadulterated sound.
In terms of sound quality, in-ear monitors offer clear advantages over normal in-ear headphones. They are specially designed to deliver a sound image that is as unadulterated and detailed as possible. Most in-ear monitors have several drivers for different frequency ranges, which results in a more balanced and finer sound reproduction than with simple in-ear headphones.
In the case of the LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280, the manufacturer combines a 6 mm annular planar magnetic driver for the high frequencies with a 10 mm dynamic SSPC driver, which is designed to reduce distortion and combine clear, detailed mids with rich bass.
The in-ear monitors are therefore not only aimed at hi-fi fans, but also at gamers, as a gaming DAC is also integrated. The DSP audio decoding chip supports high-resolution 32-bit/384 kHz PCM audio sources and delivers customized EQ tuning enhancements for various gaming genres, including FPS, MOBA, rhythm games and AAA titles.
Another advantage: thanks to the cable connection, there is virtually no latency in sound transmission compared to wireless in-ear headphones.
Design and workmanship
The EG280 has a relatively discreet but high-quality appearance. The housings have a matt finish, which reduces reflections and fingerprints. The transitions between the housing parts are clean and the quality is well above what you would normally find in this price range.
The design follows classic in-ear shapes, without fancy wings, fins or very pronounced ergonomic elements – which on the one hand looks simple, but on the other hand ensures that the headphones fit easily in many ears.
The supplied detachable cable system with 0.78 mm 2-pin plugs is a big plus point. The EG280s are connected using the classic 3.5 mm jack. And since many modern smartphones (with the exception of the Sony Xperia 1 VII) no longer offer a jack connection, a practical 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter with integrated DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is included in the scope of delivery. This setup allows flexible use on PCs, mobile devices or consoles with USB-C output.
The cable material feels high-quality – supple, not too stiff, with proper kink protection on the plug. The USB-C plug is solidly edged and looks harmonious with the headphone housing.
The scope of delivery includes various silicone ear tips in different sizes and two colors, with the white ones being slightly wider than their black counterparts, as well as a carrying case. Even if the case doesn’t look extremely robust, it is sufficient for everyday use and protects the earphones from scratches and cable tangles. Overall, the accessory package is appropriate and generous in relation to the price.
Daytime comfort and insulation
The earphones are compact enough to fit comfortably in most ears. With the matching silicone tips, a secure fit can be achieved that does not slip immediately, even with slight movements (e.g. when gaming or tilting your head to the side).
Anyone who is used to wireless earbuds will have to get used to an in-ear monitor with a cable. Nevertheless, I really like the wearing comfort, which is also due to the pleasant shape and low weight of the LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280.
The edges of the housing are rounded and without sharp edges, which reduces friction on sensitive ear areas. Nevertheless, in-ears always remain a compromise between stability and comfort – and very sensitive users may feel a slight pressure after a while.
The passive noise isolation is solid: in quiet environments or quiet rooms, the EG280 noticeably dampens external noise – conversations, room noise or office noise are greatly reduced, but are still much more perceptible than with many modern in-ear headphones – even without active noise suppression. Particularly low-frequency noises (engine noise, vibrations) penetrate.
LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280: Sound quality
The Simgot EG280 uses a hybrid driver arrangement: a dynamic driver (with a larger diameter) in combination with a planar-magnetic (or “ring”) driver. This combination aims to combine powerful bass response with good control and detail in the treble range.
The EG280’s bass is remarkably present – explosions or deep sounds in games or action scenes are given a noticeable punch. However, the sound remains pleasantly clean without excessive booming. The dynamic driver delivers the volume without overlaying or distorting other frequencies.
The mid-range is quite focused: vocals are pleasantly detailed and clear without standing out too much. In mixed tracks with dense instrumentation, the mid-range remains relatively clear without bass or treble overpowering it.
The treble or upper frequency range is rather restrained. This is primarily intended to avoid sharp sibilants or shrill peaks, which the EG280 masters excellently and clearly reproduces even fine details. The airiness is fine, although the sound image is rather narrow
This clearly shows that the LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280 is a hybrid that aims to cover the gaming sector and music listening in equal measure. In my opinion, the in-ear monitor does this very well.
Spatiality and gaming
The LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280s impress with their excellent spatial imaging, which enables a deep and wide sound image to be achieved. The in-ear monitors are excellent at localizing individual elements in the room, which is a clear advantage, especially in competitive gaming titles.
A major advantage of the EG280 is its wired connection, especially in USB-C mode with integrated DAC. This solution promises very low latency, which is important in competitive games.
In gaming use, the EG280s once again surprised me positively. I have already mentioned the excellent spatiality. In conjunction with the DAC and equalizer, however, the result is a powerful and detailed sound image that copes very well with all genres.
Competitive shooters in particular benefit from the gaming equalizer, which highlights important acoustic cues such as footsteps and thus provides a noticeable advantage.
Switching between gaming and hi-fi mode (via software/EQ) contributes to flexibility and allows the sound profile to be adjusted to suit the situation. The app is available free of charge for Android in the Google Play Store, but a web application is required for iOS, for which access must be requested from the manufacturer’s support team. A little cumbersome, but it works.
LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280 microphone test recording:
The built-in microphones also sound really good and reproduce your own voice clearly and in great detail, which is absolutely sufficient for gaming chat. However, in my opinion they could do with a lot more gain, as the voice reproduction is comparatively quiet – while a constant background noise is perceptible.
LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280 test: Conclusion
With the LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280, you get really good-sounding in-ear monitors for surprisingly little money. The IEMs impressively demonstrate how versatile an in-ear can be in its price range.
One particularly positive aspect is that Simgot has not just launched a typical gaming headset with exaggerated bass and a harsh treble, but has also created a balanced, well thought-out sound profile that is equally convincing when playing games and listening to music. The spatial representation is also pleasingly realistic for an in-ear – sound sources can be easily located, which supports both immersion and gaming precision.
In addition to the sound, the overall package is also impressive: the workmanship is extremely high-quality, the cable system is particularly flexible thanks to the option of switching between 3.5 mm jack and USB-C DAC, and the accessories are absolutely satisfactory considering the price.
Of course, there are also some minor limitations: The passive isolation does not come close to high-quality noise-canceling systems in very loud environments, and the housing can become noticeable when worn for long periods of time. The treble is also not overly brilliant, which might disappoint hi-fi enthusiasts in particular – but this is a coherent hybrid at a great price.
- USB-C DAC
- Stylish design
- High wearing comfort
- Hybrid drivers
- Rich, lively sound
- Very good spatiality
- Unbeatable price
- Isolation only average
- Treble could be more brilliant
LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
90/100
Comfortable fit, impressive sound, USB-C DAC and vibrant soundstage: the LINSOUL SIMGOT EG280 are pretty impressive gaming IEMs for little money
