Plug Type: Modular 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Sensitivity/Impedance: 104dB@1kHz / 24 Ω
Frequency Range: 20Hz – 40kHz
Total Score
Introduction – Ziigaat Arete II
Greetings to all Hifitopia readers in end-May! Today we’re reviewing the Arete II, an ambitious hybrid from ZiiGaat—a brand that’s been making waves in the Chi-Fi world lately—developed in collaboration with content creator Fresh Reviews. Following the success of the first version, this new model—which includes significant updates ranging from the chassis material to the driver architecture—is marketed for gaming performance but also holds great potential for audiophiles. So, does this potential live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
The product in my hand was sent to me by Linsoul for an independent review. Before writing this review, I spent approximately 120 hours with the Arete II (excluding burn-in).
Design & Build
Shells & Cable
ZiiGaat delivers the same high-quality build found in nearly all its models here as well.
For the Arete II, ZiiGaat has completely abandoned the plastic/resin construction of the first model in favor of a lightweight aluminum alloy housing. The build quality is quite solid and reassuring. The ear tips are medium-sized and offer an ergonomic “shallow-medium fit”; that is, they don’t go too deep into the ear canal, which enhances comfort during long listening sessions. ZiiGaat delivers the same substantial sound signature it maintains in nearly every model. Finally, the physical bass switch (tuning switch) on the back of the housing can be easily moved with just a fingernail, without needing a pin or paperclip. I really liked this because searching for a sharp, hard object to make any adjustments was truly tedious. I used to use my girlfriend’s earrings for this, LOL.
The modular cable included in the box is ergonomically well-designed (the connector grips are wide) but is somewhat prone to kinking, and the jack is quite long. I think Ziigaat needs to shorten this interchangeable jack mechanism. The cable comes with 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks.
Tips, Case & More
The silicone tips included in the box are made of liquid silicone and are of good quality. Still, you might want to consider using additional tips for a different experience. The hard case included in the box is the standard Ziigaat case, which is both durable and practical. This case features a removable organizer—a feature not commonly found in this price range but one that Ziigaat has made standard. Another such feature is the inclusion of spare nozzle filters. I really love this aspect of Ziigaat—the generous contents of the box.
Synergy
Ziigaat Arete II & FiiO BTR7
H gain, 4.4mm, Switch OFF
The Ziigaat Arete II and FiiO BTR7 combination produces a slightly warm, U-shaped sound. With this setup, I can easily observe the Arete II’s ability to create a well-defined soundstage. The entire frequency spectrum is homogeneous and has good dynamics; the bass is deep, and the drums are impactful. The mids don’t get muddled, but some cymbals in the treble range are a bit too scattered. I interpret this—which I noticed was slightly more pronounced with the BTR7 pairing—as a case of synergetic mismatch in the upper frequencies. Aside from that, the sound I hear is quite detailed and well-separated. I should note that I found the overall instrument textures to be average. My rating for this pairing is 8/10. By the way, i think the Ziigaat × Fresh Reviews Arete II might also well match with FiiO Q15.
Ziigaat Arete II & iBasso DX260mk2
M gain, 4.4mm, Switch OFF (and sometimes ON)
Compared to the previous Ziigaat Arete II pairing, the sound is now much more analytical, airy, and actually brighter in terms of tonal quality. It still has that typical U-shaped response, but it’s more balanced and even leans slightly toward the analytical side. To use an old hi-fi term, it sounds more “torquey” 🙂
Resolution and detail reproduction across the spectrum are excellent. Of course, the DX260mk2 has a significant impact here, but most of the credit goes to the Ziigaat Arete II. That’s because it responds wonderfully to iBasso’s classic neutral-bright tonal signature. The resulting sound is very satisfying in an instrumental sense, offering an exquisite listening experience, especially on Dire Straits tracks like “Down to the Waterline” and “Six Blade Knife.” The mids are both sufficiently transparent and sufficiently full-bodied. The low frequencies possess both ample bass volume and sufficient speed, with a high ability to capture rapid drum patterns. The highs are also much more cohesive and more forward compared to the BTR7 pairing. The cymbal decay is natural and effective.
Sound
Tonality & Switch
The Ziigaat Arete II features a versatile tone with a warm character. While this tone resembles a U-shaped frequency response, its overall profile is quite balanced and compatible with many music genres. In addition to this all-around tone, a switch has been included. When this switch is active, it primarily boosts the bass while adding a general warmth to the sound. It also causes a slight change in the soundstage: you can think of this as a subtle difference in intimacy and laid-back feel caused by the extensions. Of course, this is a minimal difference, but it is noticeable in tracks with a lot of instruments.
Bass
Bass: The low frequencies are fast, textured, and controlled, doing full justice to the liquid silicone diaphragm. With the switch off, the sound is sub-bass-focused, while the mid-bass is crystal-clear and seamlessly integrates with the music. When you turn the switch on, the boost to the low frequencies adds tremendous body and a “slam” effect to kick drums and explosion effects in games. While this mode boosts the fun factor, it can cause a slight bleed into the mid-range on tracks with very heavy bass. I can say you’ll get the best performance with hip-hop and EDM genres, but here it comes down to a matter of preference: less bass but sub-focused? Or more bass but with inner balanced?
Mid
The male vocals and instrument bodies on the Ziigaat Arete II are quite rich. The female vocals, on the other hand, are clean and clear; they don’t tend to sound like grating screams. In the overall soundstage, while the midrange is positioned slightly in the background, there is ample extension in this area; despite the warm tone, sufficient transparency is maintained. Moreover, it delivers adequate performance with multiple instruments. Its texture reproduction and breathing space are top-notch. The timbre accuracy is quite acceptable for this price point.
Treble
The Arete II features a smooth high-frequency response and a seamless transition from the upper mids to the high frequencies. In this regard, it offers a safe choice without compromising on technical performance. The cymbals are well-balanced in terms of extension and are successfully positioned on the soundstage. Transparency in this range is excellent, and the airy frequencies add exactly the right amount of spaciousness to the sound. The volume, extension, and impact in the upper treble are well-balanced.
Technique
When we evaluate the Ziigaat Arete II based on its technical performance, it clearly demonstrates that it is a performance-oriented Ziigaat product. The resolution and its homogeneous distribution are exceptional. Detail reproduction and texture rendering are also quite good. However, what truly stands out in this model is the soundstage: The soundstage is exceptionally well-constructed, and its positioning capability is truly impressive. Additionally, the separation and layering appear to exceed its price point. It’s not overly wide but sufficient, and the sense of depth is also successful. In addition to these, it features a versatile and warm tone, along with a highly consistent sound signature.
Last Words
Once again, Ziigaat delivers an IEM that’s well worth the price. The Arete II, developed in collaboration with Fresh Reviews, is a highly capable and competitive IEM. The Ziigaat X Fresh Reviews Arete II earns a spot on our recommended list. It offers a lot of great features for the price.
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