Truthear Nova VS SIMGOT EG280

Youtube Video Summary

The Truthear Nova comes in a large, glossy blue shell with glittery faceplates, smooth lacquer finish and recessed 2-pin connectors that feel secure and well built. Despite the appealing aesthetics, the shell volume, bulbous inner body and relatively thick nozzle make the fit borderline for many ears, often requiring reseating and making it unsuitable for walking, running or gym use. The stock cloth-sheathed cable looks nice and resists tangling, but the short ear hook, hard edge around the ear and extra microphonics make it more comfortable as a stationary setup rather than an everyday on-the-go IEM.

Sonically, the Nova follows a Harman-neutral style tuning with a clear, open presentation, but the bass is on the light side with focus on sub-bass rather than mid-bass, leading to gentle slam and reduced impact even on bass-heavy tracks. The lower mids show very good separation from the bass and vocals come across as extremely transparent, yet male voices, piano, cello and other instruments lack the expected body and richness, giving the midrange a lean, somewhat thin character. Upper mids sit close to the edge of shoutiness and can sound slightly glary or even a bit shrill with some female vocals, reinforcing the overall impression of a very lean, clinical tonality rather than a warm or natural one.

The treble is arguably the strongest aspect, with natural-sounding cymbals, hi-hats and drum strikes that are neither overemphasized nor dull, helping the Nova avoid harshness while maintaining clarity. Soundstage and imaging are simply average for the price, offering a standard in-head stage and adequate positional cues without any special sense of expansiveness or pinpoint separation, and overall technical performance sits solidly in the mid-pack. Taken as a whole, the Truthear Nova is a very well tuned, detail-leaning Harman IEM that offers excellent sound quality and value around $150, but its thin bass, lean timbre, average technicalities and fit issues mean it best suits listeners who enjoy a lighter, reference-leaning presentation and are willing to tailor it with EQ rather than those seeking slam, warmth and all-day comfort on the move.

Youtube Video Summary

The Simgot EG280 is a compact hybrid gaming IEM priced around 79 dollars, packaged with multiple narrow and wide bore tips, a pocketable zipper case and a 3.5 millimeter cable with inline microphone. The resin shell with metal faceplate feels sturdy yet light, the small earpieces and integrated wing provide a secure fit, and passive isolation is above average, which helps the presentation feel more immersive in noisy environments.

Tonality is best described as a balanced allrounder. Bass is forward and full with satisfying mid bass punch and a smooth gliding character that avoids muddiness, while mids are slightly warm with excellent vocal clarity so voices sit clearly in the mix and instruments stay natural and full bodied. Treble is clean and boosted enough to pull out micro details and add sparkle, but on some tracks it can come across a little sharp or too forward, so treble sensitive listeners may want to take advantage of EQ.

Technical performance is described as solid, with notably solid imaging and overall resolution that sits roughly midway between sets like the Moondrop 22 and Truth Ear Nova on the usual technical scale. The included USB dongle is more powerful than the typical USB C cable on competitors, integrates with the Simgot control app for presets, a ten band parametric EQ and microphone gain control, and can even be used with other IEMs for extra versatility. Versus the Moondrop Rays, overall resolution and sound quality are quite similar, so the EG280 feels redundant for existing Rays owners, but for new buyers who plan to tame the upper treble with EQ, it offers a comparable sound at a lower price with a very flexible dongle based feature set.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Nova takes a very safe Harman route: clean, well-separated bass with neutral mid-bass and not enough sub-bass to deliver that bouncy, textured thump. The result is a vanilla low end that stays in the background—great for clarity, not for slam. Midrange is open and sweet for female vocals, while male vocals can feel a touch light. Treble is a highlight: smooth, well-extended, and free of awkward peaks—more refined than sets like Performer 5 and some planars, and less boosted (thus less fatiguing) than EM6L.

On technicalities, Nova sits around EM6L tier with slightly better separation and perceived clarity, trading away sparkle for ease. It keeps its composure in busy mixes like rock and metal, but the missing mid-bass weight dulls drum and bass-guitar impact. For pop, ballads, acoustic and cleaner libraries, the signature is inoffensive, smooth, and tidy—pretty much the “don’t offend anyone” take on Harman (aside from bassheads).

Comparisons: for a warmer, fuller and punchier listen, Performer 5 (and similar “Fudu” style sets) bring more impact but give up treble cleanliness. EM6L is a more energetic, slightly warmer Nova with hotter upper-mids; sensitive listeners will prefer Nova’s restraint. Kara plays smoother, airier, and scales at higher volumes but isn’t as resolving. Heyday adds treble detail and mid-bass for liveliness (planar timbre caveat), while Hexa and Sonus feel similar in bass (also vanilla) with Nova bringing more detail. Think of Nova as a mini Blessing 3 with a touch more sub-bass, not a Variations understudy. Best use cases: upgrading from cleaner budget sets (e.g., 7Hz Zero) for better technicalities, or adding a clean Harman-neutral piece to a collection. Skip if the library leans hip-hop, EDM, rock/metal, or if a Hexa/Sonus is already on hand.

Youtube Video Summary

SIMGOT’s EG280 comes tuned as a balanced all-rounder with a touch of upper-mids/vocal emphasis. The bass is thumpy, full, and clean—adding weight without bleed or warmth bloat—while a slightly forward midrange brings clarity and presence to voices. A purposeful 4–8 kHz dip keeps the set from turning shouty, and the treble—handled by planars—stays natural without the zingy “planar timbre.” Extension is adequate to mildly airy, revealing small details without sounding artificial.

There is a caveat: a 13 kHz peak can pop up on brighter K-/J-Pop or lean mixes, so mid listening levels (~70–75 dB) are the sweet spot. Technically it sits above EW300 but slightly below EA500 LM/EM6L, trading max microdetail for a more natural, less bright tonality. Genre fit is broad—from pop and indie to electronic—so long as volume isn’t cranked. Tip pairing favors smoother or bass-adding tips (e.g., Final E, Softears Ultra Clear) over anything that pushes treble further.

Imaging is a standout for the price, giving gunshots and footsteps extra pop without harshness, which makes the EG280 surprisingly solid for gaming. The lightweight build and low-microphonic cable boost comfort for long sessions. Overall, think safe, balanced, and versatile rather than showy “special sauce”: a set that’s easy to live with, competitive in value, and a smarter pick for mixed music + gaming than brighter, sharper peers—just mind that upper-treble spike on hot masters.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Nova comes in as a 4BA + 1DD hybrid around $150 with a resin shell that’s a touch more ergonomic than Zero, plus an iridescent blue faceplate. The stock “shoelace” cable is light and comfy but tends to tangle, fixed to 3.5 mm. The kit is generous—case with clip and a spread of tips; foam tips get a slight nod for comfort, though performance differences for competitive play are minor.

On performance, Nova presents a brighter, airier, more open tuning with de-emphasized mid-bass, trading thump for clarity. Imaging, depth, and verticality are strong, and positional cues are easy to map in chaotic moments; however, compared to the Truthear x Crinacle Zero, Nova’s cues feel less urgent—footsteps and distant gunfire don’t slam as hard. For gaming tiers, Nova makes the Wall Hack Certified list but sits below Zero for tactical shooters and Apex-style titles. If a cleaner, more sterile-leaning presentation is the goal, Nova delivers; if maximum cue emphasis is the priority, Zero keeps the edge.

Youtube Video Summary

The SIMGOT EG280 makes a strong first impression for budget gaming with a curve reminiscent of Harman 2019: footsteps (both low and upper registers) and gunfire pop through cleanly, giving deathmatch sessions a snappy, almost B+-tier feel. However, once the action shifts to coordinated 5v5 play, the mix starts to blur—layering behind walls turns into a “mashed potato” effect, and horizontal cues lack the tactile edge that marks exact peeks and thresholds.

In Valorant and Apex, the same pattern holds: respectable general imaging, but depth perception and separation take noticeable hits when the battlefield gets chaotic. Smokes, thermites, ultimates, and sustained gunfire mask lighter cues—leading to those “where did this guy come from?” moments—and vertical readouts feel approximate rather than pinpoint. Overall placement sits around a B- for both titles: a pleasant, airy presentation that’s easy to enjoy in lighter modes, but not the clearest tool for high-level competitive awareness when the screen fills with abilities and crossfire.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Nova reads like a remix of Truthear’s hits: the bass weight of the HOLA, the clean technicals of the Hexa, and the lively treble sparkle of the RED. Tuning tracks a preferred target by about 95%, with a tasteful sub-bass lift and a mild extra push around 4–6 kHz that adds clarity without harshness. Resolution and detail feel a step up from prior budget favorites, delivering an “easy listening” tonality that still holds up for gaming. Across a broad library, the Nova comes across as balanced, energetic, and impressively refined for the price.

Build and accessories punch above class. The smooth, shiny shell fits comfortably; nozzle diameter measures about 5.1 mm (vs. RED ~5.6 mm, Hexa ~5.0 mm, HOLA ~4.4 mm). The new case is a favorite—soft interior with a practical clip—and the tip kit is generous: six sets total (3 silicone, 1 foam, and 2 double-flange, the latter being new to the lineup). Fit proves secure and ergonomic, with overall build quality comparable to bigger-name sets while staying compact enough for daily carry.

On graphs and in practice, Nova feels like a “leveled-up RED” with fewer quirks (no impedance adapter shenanigans) and more perceived resolution, while also edging the Hexa in sub-bass authority and upper-mid/low-treble presence. It’s a strong pick for newcomers and Truthear fans alike: great tone, good tech, and an all-rounder character that suits most genres. Final verdict: a confident 92/100 and an easy recommendation in its bracket.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Nova arrives as a budget hybrid built to spar with Moondrop’s Variations: a 1DD + 4BA set in that signature blue shell, anime-clad packaging, and a surprisingly nice-feeling stock cable that, unfortunately, is plagued by heavy microphonics and a rigid ear-hook. Tuning skews Harman-ish and very close to Variations, but with tweaks for a slightly more balanced presentation. Bass quality is excellent—clean sub-bass rumble and tight mid-bass punch—yet overall bass quantity sits a touch low versus the prominent upper mids, making the Nova better for low-to-medium volume listening and less ideal for bass-centric EDM or modern pop. Mids lean on the lighter side: lower-mid warmth is restrained, so male vocals and cellos can lose body, while female vocals and acoustic strings cut through with clarity. Treble impresses for the price—crisp, detailed, and generally non-sibilant—though ultimate air and openness are limited.

Where Nova truly struts is technical performance. Perceived resolution is standout for the class, pulling background cues forward and rendering percussion texture and micro-details with ease. Separation is strong on simpler passages, imaging is precise (left/right/center and angles lock in), and speed & dynamics keep the presentation lively; in complex mixes the smallish stage (especially depth/height) can bunch things up, tempering “real” resolution. Taken against Variations, it’s a blow-for-blow trade with the big differentiator being price—Nova undercuts significantly, making it the more sensible recommendation. With a cable swap to fix microphonics and a touch more low-mid/bass level, a hypothetical “Nova Red” could dominate sub-$200. As it stands, this is an affordable technical king for J-pop/K-pop, anime OSTs, and anything that thrives on clarity over heft.

Youtube Video Summary

The Nova comes in with a hybrid setup (1DD + 4BA) and a look that echoes the old Truthear Zero—glossy lacquer over a plastic shell that feels more budget than its $150 tag suggests. The semi-custom shape is chunky and fills the concha; isolation and security are excellent, but comfort depends on ear volume. The nozzle is narrower than past Truthear sets, yet the body’s size still dominates fit. The included cloth cable behaves well and is a bit longer than average, though it’s mildly microphonic; the shortened earhooks have firm edges that can rub the back of the ear.

Tuning is a near dead-match to Harman: elevated sub-bass, a carved lower-mid trough, and smooth upper presence. In practice that reads as thin, dry, and polite—inoffensive and free of sibilance, but not very engaging. Kick-driven tracks without deep sub content feel light due to the scooped mid-bass; when sub-bass hits, it can come off a bit droning. Vocals are clean and forward, occasionally bordering on shrill, while treble is well-controlled and easy on the ears. Technicals tick up slightly over HEXA with better imaging and a touch more 3D placement, yet overall resolution and separation remain more competent than exciting.

Against Truthear’s own HEXA, the Nova offers a small technical bump but gives up HEXA’s richer, more relaxed tonality and nicer-feeling build—while costing roughly twice as much. Versus Tanchjim Kara, performance feels broadly comparable: Kara has fuller bass but softer definition; Nova is smoother up top but still on the lean side. As a by-the-book Harman execution the Nova is fine, but for musicality and value, alternatives in and below the price class remain more compelling.

Youtube Video Summary

Simgot EG280 is a gaming focused in ear monitor at around 79.99 USD that aims squarely at PC and mobile titles, with a sound signature that is clear and bright without becoming sharp or muddy. Gunshots and bursts have good attack and strong low end punch with quick decay, so impacts feel clean and snappy, while close range sounds are emphasized and distant cues remain tidy with fast echo feedback. Footsteps, weapon cues and squad markers are easy to follow thanks to the elevated upper mids and practically zero latency from the built in USB C DAC, and the long lightweight cable and integrated microphone help the set disappear in actual gameplay.

Compared with a more expensive 249 USD multi driver gaming model that prioritizes a very airy 3D surround stage, EG280 trades some ultimate spaciousness for stronger impact and tighter timing, making explosions fuller and positional information more immediate in chaotic firefights. The tuning leans V shaped with elevated mid bass and upper mids, which gives bombs and gunfire a thicker body while keeping voices natural and treble bright and transparent without harshness, though ambient environmental sounds can sometimes feel a bit distant and slightly separated from on screen action. Overall, the wide stage, clear imaging and thoughtful hardware design combine into a near perfect gaming set at this price that feels easy to recommend to players who value clarity of footsteps and reliable positional accuracy above everything else.

Youtube Video Summary

Hybrid gaming set built around a 10 mm dynamic driver and a 6 mm planar, plus a USB-C DSP dongle and a 1.7 m cable. Stock tuning follows a Harman-style balance with a modest bass shelf and a slightly brighter upper range, which favors imaging, FX clarity, and footsteps in shooters. Technical performance is solid for the class: the planar adds resolve without obvious planar timbre, making the set feel more like a clean hybrid than a pure DD.

The idea here is presets: SIMGOT provides app control and WalkPlay hosts multiple music and game modes as well as community uploads, so the EG280 is best treated as a flexible DSP platform. For music, a gentle low-Q tilt (bass up a few dB, treble down a touch) yields a more fun, less fatiguing listen; stage is serviceable rather than wide, while detail retrieval and positional cues remain a strength. Overall, it is a capable, EQ-friendly gaming hybrid that can double for music with minimal EQ, but out-of-box brightness means it benefits from presets to shine.