ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews VS Simgot ET142

SIMGOT’s ET142 pairs a planar driver with a PZT, delivering a bright-leaning, lively all-rounder that feels like a more mature, slightly more detailed take on the original S12 tonality. Treble is the surprise: it carries bite and air without the usual planar “sizzle”, landing closer to a well-implemented PZT sheen. Micro-nuance on cymbal work is improved, vocals are open, and technical performance is among the best heard from planars in this bracket. The 2 kHz region can read a touch shy, while overall treble sits above Harman, so expect sparkle and energy rather than warmth.

Volume and fit matter. At mid levels (~60–65 dB) the ET142 sounds engaging and airy; push past ~70–75 dB and the upper energy can turn fatiguing, with forward vocals and sharper highs on busy tracks. Tip choice is critical: treble-boosting tips can be too much, whereas wide-bore, smoother tips (e.g., “Senai Wide”) keep the top end in check. Both included nozzles measure and sound essentially the same—an opportunity missed for a second, tamer tuning. Genre-wise, rock, indie and slower pop benefit from the speed and air; dense electronic can edge bright, while K-/J-pop stays bouncy at moderate volume.

Bass is quick, punchy and clean with tight decay and excellent separation—don’t expect DD-level rumble or lingering reverb, but do expect balance and definition. Versus safer, more relaxed tunings (S8/S15/S12 2024), the ET142 is the more exciting pick; against neutral all-rounders (e.g., “Pilgrim”), it trades smoothness for air and sparkle; compared to sets like “Dusk,” it’s livelier with less treble fizzle but a more forward top end. At around $200, build is excellent (metal shells, braided cable) and the value strong—competing with some $300–$400 options. In short: choose ET142 for a bright, technical, energetic listen; skip it if a laid-back or dark tilt is the goal.

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