ZiiGaat Lush
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Review Of The Ziigaat Lush
Introduction
It’s been a while since I’ve tried any Ziigaat IEMs, even though I’ve always been following their products and various IEMs they’ve released since their debut of two IEMs, Nuo and Cinco, one and a half years ago. Ziigaat has released quite a few collaborated IEMs with reviewers and their own tuned IEMs. It’s not unknown to this community that they’ve had a significant presence in the market and have been loved by many for their products like the Cincotres, Doscinco, Estrella, Arcadia, and so on. As mentioned before, they’ve also collaborated with YouTube reviewers, notably Hawaiian Bad Boy, Fresh Reviews, and Jays Audio, on many projects, including their flagship IEM Jupiter and other mid-segment IEMs like Estrella, Arete, and Arcadia. While I’ve tried the Estrella and Arcadia, I don’t know how the other IEMs sound except by reading reviews from other reviewers. However, I’ve come to understand that Ziigaat is a very competent and achieving brand that releases many excellent products in a span of one and a half years. Now, they’ve continued to provide their hot takes on IEMs and recently released two new IEMs, the Arcanis and Lush. Fortunately, I was able to get my hands on the Lush, which is the more affordable of the two. Before proceeding further, I’d like to clarify a few points.
Disclaimer
*Maybe since I started writing reviews, I have endeavored to maintain a consistent pattern in my review writing, incorporating minor adjustments as necessary. However, I have decided to make a significant departure from this approach, ensuring that the essence and honesty of my reviews remain intact. I am confident that this revised approach will enhance the clarity and resonance of my content with my readers.
*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Lush.”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Lush based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*Please understand that all opinions expressed in this review are my personal perspective and are not intended to offend anyone’s beliefs or experiences. Therefore, I kindly request a respectful and thoughtful approach to this review, even if it differs from your viewpoint.
Specification
So, the Lush is another of their multi-driver IEMs, housing five drivers on each side. Each side has four balanced armatures and one dynamic driver. From what I understand, all the drivers are custom drivers, but their origin is unknown. I assume they were custom-tuned and made according to their tuning specialists.
Now, let’s talk about the driver configuration. The Lush uses dual custom composite full-range balanced armature drivers for the midrange, dual tweeter balanced armature drivers for the treble, and a 10mm PET diaphragm dynamic driver optimized to work as a dedicated subwoofer.
As for the shells, they are pretty average size for an IEM. I had no issues wearing them; in fact, they’re surprisingly ergonomic. I asked my family and friends to try them on and they all said they were beautiful and very comfortable. I personally felt the same way. The reason is the elongated nozzle, which extends out more than any other IEM but not so much that it feels deep inside the ears.
However, such a shape does start to hurt inside the ears after a while because most of the weight is forced onto the earhole by the nozzle. But it’s only felt after quite a while. I remember having a bit of discomfort starting after 3 and a half hours of use, but it also depends on how deep you insert them and if there’s tension on the cable itself.
Aside from the fit and comfort, the fit also provided an isolated seal. I also used my specific ear tips for better adjustment and found my peace with them. The shell’s body is black, and the name of the IEM is imprinted above the nozzle with a serial number and indications of the left and right sides. The indication is mentioned as L and R before the serial number below the IEM’s name.
The faceplate is sparkly with yellow and blue accents above a black canvas. It looks as beautiful as my friends said. The center of the faceplate has the brand’s logo or name imprinted. The cable provided is a simple, generic cable that feels less premium for the price but functions flawlessly. It features a chin-cinch that is practical and holds its place. The cable complements the black accent of the IEMs and enhances their professional appearance. This two-pin 0.78mm cable terminates in a straight 3.5mm plug.
Regarding accessories, I believe brands should take note of this. While I wasn’t impressed with the three pairs of silicon eartips in different sizes, a pair of medium-sized foam ear tips, or even the cable itself, the carrying case is thoroughly made with practical and convenient use. It’s one of the best practical cases I’ve seen.
Inside the case, there are two nets overlapping each other, made to hold small accessories like ear tips. It’s beautifully flocked on one side with a slit in between the two nets, ensuring that one entire side of the case is fully covered, preventing any movement or removal of the accessories unless the user chooses to do so.
The second surprising feature is the zip line, which I believe has a water-resistant covering that makes it somewhat water-resistant to a more extreme level. I tested it by dipping it in water and splashing water on it. The only concern I had was the wear and tear on the pleather patches on the case.
Technical specifications include an impedance of 17 Ohms and a sensitivity of 103dB. The frequency response spans from 20Hz to 20kHz, with distortion less than 0.52%.
Sound
Lush is a unique sound that I’ve come to understand how it responds to the listener. The response can be perceived differently when the volume is varied. Of course, I’m referring to low or moderate volume levels. I usually listen to music at a low volume, around 30-40% on high gain. However, I sometimes increase the volume to 60-70% for further evaluations. That’s when I noticed a difference in the response.
Regardless of the volume level, the response leans towards the same meta tuning. It has a slightly less warm and heavy bass and more emphasis in the upper frequencies. While this may not be a significant difference, the forwardness of the response does enhance clarity and openness compared to other IEMs like the Kiwi Ears KE4. The smooth consistency is spread across the spectrum, and it sounds comforting and natural from my perspective.
However, listening to it at lower volumes brings life and magic to the sound. The dynamic range seems to enhance, engaging the entire response to sound fuller, richer, wider, and airier. Each element of the sound has its own individuality and characteristics, never overlapping in their range of scale. Although there are slight bends occasionally, I’ll mention those later.
The extension is superb, with great panning, width, and depth in both the upper and lower frequencies. However, it’s not as deep and prominently advocated in the bass region. The way these sound at lower volumes and how they represent such a magical-like experience comes from their tuning.
The tuning produces a warm, smooth, and natural-like sound that I might say is the safest out there, but it is also quite revealing in a sense. The treble has decent details and clarity, but it produces a smooth and expansive response. Being quite prominent, especially in the upper treble, brings the notes more weight and value, adding to the listening experience and conveying a consistent and open response. Perhaps this is due to how the lower treble doesn’t accost to forwardness that most tunings leverage for better and sharper notes.
The midrange section of the mix exudes a sense of air, vividness, and openness, making it prominent enough to reveal most aspects of vocals and instruments. It strives to maintain a cohesive connection with the overall tonality. Interestingly, the instruments sound just as forward as the vocals, which is a rare occurrence in many tunings where instruments tend to be positioned in the background and vocals have a broader space. The vocals and instruments are expertly positioned to create a fuller and cleaner sound, with ample room for breathing. I rarely encountered instances where the vocals were separated from the harmonic presentation to add that sense of air and space between each note, but it was there and felt a bit off.
The bass has a light yet noticeable prominence in the mix, rather than adding deep and fun bass, it leans towards providing warmth while keeping the texture and details intact, that the listener notices and helps him/her evaluate the dynamic quality of each note and what instrument it is. There are certain areas and aspects where the bass does lack the weight and revelation, but more on that later on.
Lush is not a product that will captivate your appetite for intricate details and clear analytical sound like the Performer 5, Aether, EA1000, and so on. However, it strikes a fair balance between tonality and technicalities. The notes have a sense of life, and the surrounding space creates a unique listening experience. If I were to compare it to KE4, it definitely takes the lead in overall aspects, unless someone is seeking a warmer and richer sound.
This is my personal opinion, but many would agree that the positioning of notes are great. However, the way the vocals are presented sounds a bit detached from the overall presentation, which is to say that the sense of airiness and spaciousness around the vocals and instruments revealed in the midrange.
Despite this, I still believe that these IEMs have the best tonality in their segment, regardless of how the details are conveyed or how the vocals are presented. The smooth and consistent flow of sound, the balanced proportion of note revelation, and the cleverly tuned midrange make them sound magical.
Vocals
The vocals are the smoothest-sounding I’ve ever heard, devoid of any offensive characteristics. Despite this, the notes sound incredibly revealing, airy, and fuller. While they lack the clarity and sharpness in the details, the tonal quality of the notes is dynamic and vivid.
Whether it’s the smooth, natural, and fuller vocals of Takahashi Honoka in “Lilas,” the captivating vocals of Indila in “Love Story,” or the powerful and revealing male vocals of Rammstein in “Sonne,” each song resonated with my description. The vocals on “Lilas” and “Love Story” were so smooth and natural that they didn’t sound pushed or aggressive. On the other hand, the male vocals on “Sonne” had a weight and were so revealing that they caught on all the subtleties. They never sounded dry, dull, or vague, nor were they enticing or vibrant.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” showcased the unique vocals and individuality of each vocalist in their layered mix. The song had a great energy and was distinct. However, certain parts felt hollowed out when the notes sounded at the back of the track, and the instruments sometimes weighed in, which diminished the focus of the vocal presentation. On the other hand, Travis’ “Love Will Come Through” offered a clean and close approach to each note, preserving the space and air around them. It almost sounded like a live session.
The catch here is that the vocals don’t have a sharp sound and don’t seek attention from the listener. I wouldn’t say these are the ones you’d look for as a vocal enthusiast. However, the listener is always aware of the harmonious and accurate representation of the entire response, which enhances the listening experience. Both the vocals and the entire presentation are delightful to ponder upon, and nothing stands out and sounds well-balanced.
Instruments
The instruments possess a presence that produces full and clean notes that are well-positioned and easily discernible across the spectrum. The clean and clear sound is prominent without overpowering the vocals. However, there are instances where the cymbals or percussion drown out the light and airy vocals that aren’t as dynamically present in the mix, but they don’t completely overpower them. Additionally, the instruments in the lower frequencies tend to weigh differently, resulting in a somewhat vague response.
The track “Akuma no Ko” by Ai Higuchi offers a rather revealing response. The instruments have a better grasp on producing subtleties more effectively due to their closer approach. When it comes to the low notes, they are sufficiently heavy to sound distinctly impactful. The separation between the instruments ensures that each instrument sounds distinct, and this separation also enhances the cleanliness and individuality of the vocals.
The opening theme track from Sakamoto’s days, “RUN SAKAMOTO RUN” by VAUNDY, sounds energetically authentic. The electric guitars sound energetic but not overly sharp or metallic. The drums have a light impact, while the cymbals reveal themselves effectively, capturing the listener’s attention.
On the other hand, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana lacks the energy and vibrancy of the previous track. While it’s not devoid of energy, it feels more subdued than expressive. The instruments across the track sound controlled, enhancing each element’s character. However, the energy is insufficient to recapture the original track’s vibrancy.
I recently listened to some pop and electronic music that I found well-spread out and with great panning. One song that caught my attention was “Promicious” by Nelly Furtado. The sub bass hits in the chorus of “Promicious” sound fantastic with a good texture and a revelation when compared to the rest of the low drops in the mix. The synths, percussions, and drums fill up the entire spectrum, yet they leave enough space for the vocals to breathe and sound expressive enough. Another song I listened to was “Relax, Take It Easy” by Mika. The guitar panning in “Relax, Take It Easy” is very well-noticed and is nicely exposed. Every section of the song separates and distinguishes a proportionate experience of all instruments with a swift and clean approach.
The catch is the same as the vocals—the sharp details and vibrancy are not experienced. The tactility of the notes is missing, leading to a somewhat soft response. The prominence and attention, especially on drums and low notes, are less, yet it sounds nicely textured and revealing. Sometimes, it tends to bring a lifeless sound or make the listener feel as if it is bearing enough to sound noticeable.
Technical Specification
In my opinion, this isn’t a detail monster, but it possesses sufficient technical qualities to preserve the note’s integrity and tonal balance. While the stage isn’t spread out in the traditional sense, it’s ample in the broader sense, creating a spacious sound.
The imaging is clean but not sharp, while the layering is exquisitely developed, with clear separation between notes that sound distinct and isolated, making it easy to pinpoint the source of the sound.
The resolution is good, as the macro details are well-pronounced and revealed, while the micro nuances still struggle to surface. The pacing of the notes, whether the attack or decay, is fast enough to sound clean and quite resolving.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - While listening to the pairing of WM1A and Lush, the response sounded better. It had more weight in the bass, sounding more bodied while retaining the same characteristics as all other pairings. The midrange, particularly the vocals, sounded more expressive and better at revealing the airiness and high notes. The instruments, while retaining the same rounded body of notes, sounded much more present in the mix. The bass sounded richer and more dynamic, which was more lost in other pairings. The tamed energy in the treble does bring a bit of a laidback response, but the revelation of instruments isn’t lost. It sounds particularly distinctively revealed, while some less prominent notes were either sounded vague or lost in the mix. Overall, the stage had more space and air to make the vocals and instruments sound fuller and smoother.
FiiO M15S - While listening to the pairing of M15S and Lush, the response sounded more constrictive and centered than spread out, which didn’t sound less revealing or airy. Instead, the notes were closer but clearer and enigmatic. The bass had more control, which helped it sound a bit articulated yet still felt lacking in weight. I would say the bass sounded lean, controlled, and textured. The midrange and treble had a more upfront presentation, where the vocals felt more prominent than the instruments. It almost felt like the instruments were complimenting the vocals. The notes that felt soft in some pairings felt sharper and had bite when revealed. It’s quite a refreshing experience with such a clearer and controlled response.
iPod 5.5 Gen (RockBox) - While listening to this pairing of 5.5 Gen and Lush, I was surprised to find that the vocals had a more revealing nature. It felt as if the instruments blended seamlessly, producing a cohesive response. The stage seemed wide but positioned more in front than in the back. However, there were certain areas where the instruments felt less distinct and individual, while the vocals were exceptionally expressive. Regardless of whether it was the treble or midrange, the vocals stood out as the star of the show. This emotional response was further enhanced by the smooth blending of the instruments into the mix, creating a nostalgic and favorable sound. The bass had more impact and boominess, adding a fun element to the mix. Overall, I believe this pairing is more fun and engaging than the rest.
Celest CD-2 - While listening to this pairing of CD-2 and Lush, the response had a more immersive presentation. The most prominent elements of the tracks were beautifully and expressively showcased, allowing the vocals to sound closer and clearer, while the instruments radiated boldness. The upper frequencies were well-revealed, coming strong and rich, while the lower frequencies felt prominent and impactful. The drops were powerful enough to sound warm. Overall, this response exuded a playful yet rich and energizing quality.
Other Tracks
Hana Hope - Destination of the Journe
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
majiko - Kokoronashi
Uru - Kamihitoe
Anly - Sukinishinayo
LONGMAN - spiral
Kohana Lam - a few sentimental
RADWIMPS - The Great Escape
milet - Anywhere Anytime
Arika - Cigarette
Arika - blan_
The Sixth Lie - Shadow is the Light
Hiroyuki Sawano - 4eVR
Saiki - Tactics
Creepy Nuts - Nidone
Beat Crusaders - woh i nee
Awich - Frontier
Rokudenashi - Eureka
Indila - Love Story
Rammstein - Sonne
Cutting Crew - I just Died in Your Arms Tonight
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy
Tom Petty - Free Fallin’
U2 - With or Without You
The La’s - There She Goes
Oasis - Wonderwall
Toto - Africa
Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Zeal & Ardor - Kilonova
Zeal & Ardor - are you the only one
TOOL - Vicarious
Thy Art Is Murder - Keres
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Jay-Z - Run this town
Kanye West - Stronger
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - The Seed (LIve from the Royal Albert Hall)
AURORA - Runaway
Skrillex - MOSQUITOTOUILLE
Skrillex - MORJA KAIJU
Skrillex - Recovery
The Toxic Avenger - Aside From You
Zeds Dead - RSIH
Shangai Doom - Viridian
Dion Timmer - The Best Of Me
Conclusion
This is a no-brainer if the person is seeking a safe tuning with a neutralish-warm sound. Honestly, I can’t quite feel like it’s the new meta tuning, but it is what it is. Every nuance is spread out for the listener to experience with the smooth and natural-like tonality. Despite its lackluster quality in sharp details and lively energy, it still brings a melodic blend of both vocals and instruments. I did feel the weightlessness in the lower notes, but the texture of the notes made it up for me. Now, the only question is whether the listener wants a smooth, rounded, and tonally rich-sounding IEM at the cost of sharp and tacky details. Personally, I own the Prestige LTD and have never felt lacking in any perspective. If the Lush, at such a price, provides a different experience from what I listen to while owning a detailed-sounding IEM, I would definitely keep the Lush as my EDC.
INTRODUCTION
Friends, hello everyone, today in this review we will look at hybrid headphones from ZiiGaat company costing $179.
And they come in a small box with a very nice design, where on the front side there is an image of headphones, the company logo and the name of this new model, namely Lush, and on the side there are technical characteristics of this model.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVERS: 1 x 10mm diameter dynamic driver + 4 armature drivers
SENSIVITY: 103dB
IMPEDANCE: 17Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz-25kHz
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S INCLUDED
1.High quality audio cable with 2 pin connectors and 3.5 mm jack.
2.Branded headphone storage case.
3.Silicone eartips and foam tips.
4.IEM.
The headphones are quite small made entirely of resin, and in my case have a very beautiful coloring with abstract blue design and sequins that shimmer beautifully in the light, and the company logo on both headphones completes the design concept of these headphones well.
And here they have a standard 2 pin connector for cable connection, and next to it there is a single compensation hole protected by a metal mesh, and on the inner part there is the name of this model, there is a channel marking and serial number of my copy.
And the nozzle in these headphones is metal, has a diameter of 6 mm, has received a clear edge for better fixation of the ear tips, and is protected by a metal mesh.
One of the nice things about the ZiiGaat Lush is its compact body. Unlike many of the more bulky hybrids, they are really very small, and thanks to this they fit in your ears just fine. The fit is very deep and secure, which gives you both good sound isolation and comfort even when listening for long periods of time. And their plus is that they almost do not protrude from the ear, so in everyday use do not interfere and look quite neat.Well, as for the ear cushions, as always, I would recommend you to try options with a wider opening, as they slightly reveal the supply at the edges of the range.But the complete headphones in these headphones are also selected very well they fit well, provide a secure fit and already out of the box give a very balanced and expressive sound that is listening to the headphones with them can be without problems.
TUNING AND CONCEPTION
Now let's talk about how the hybrid headphones ZiiGaat Lush sound, and this is how their frequency response graph looks like, these headphones have a 6 dB bass boost, with a very early transition to the lower midrange, and the main accent at 2.5kHz in the upper midrange perfectly matches my target, so for me these headphones in this area certainly do not sound too sharp or energetic, and the high frequencies here in terms of duration are very good and already smoothly fade out after 15 kHz, which is absolutely normal, in general it is purely basic maximally balanced and neutral tuning, and now let's better discuss the sound of ZiiGaat Lush in more detail!
LOW FREQUENCIES
Overall impression of the lower frequencies: softness, balance, neatness.
And the first thing you feel in the sound of Ziigaat Lush is warmth. Not intrusive and not vague, but exactly soft, smooth and cozy base in the low frequencies, which does not seek to impress you with a huge amount, but immediately sets a confident and balanced tone. It's not a basshead push, but rather a quiet confidence - the bass here doesn't draw too much attention to itself, but is always present where it's needed, with precise dosage and good body delivery.
Subbass: unpressurized depth, clarity, control.
And the sub-bass in these headphones goes deep enough to be felt not only by the ear, but also by the body, but not as pressure, but as a very smooth, ingratiating filling from below. It does not swell as in basshead headphones, does not buzz, and does not overhang the lower middle, but on the contrary, it sounds clean, transparent and very restrained, as if softly enveloping the overall sound, but not overwhelming. Each of its layers can be read separately, and at the same time I like how the whole lower base remains whole and organized.
Mid-bass: juicy and natural, excellent readability.
The midbass is probably the strong point of these headphones. It works with a good body, and at the same time, it is emphatically accurate without excessive punch. Drum, kick, tom - everything sounds juicy enough and with a characteristic warmth, but definitely without excessive weight or extra boost. There is no bloated volume or murky meat here, but on the contrary everything is very collected and natural. And in saturated tracks the bass here does not float and does not muddy the middle as if giving it a greater sense of breathing.
Textures and nuances: the bass is lively, voluminous and varied.
And it is especially nice how these headphones work with texture, the bass here is not flat and not monotonous in perception. It manages to be so to say different on acoustic instruments you can feel the wood of the body, and on synthesizers elastic texture and very pleasant analog saturation. And all this is presented not through brute force, but through subtle articulation. And there is both musicality and attention to small details.
Attack and fade: smooth transitions, good articulation, clean presentation.
As for the attack, it is fast enough, but not sharp as for example in planar headphones, each blow is felt with a slight but pleasant elasticity. It so to speak does not shoot out, but very softly and accurately pierces with a smooth response, and a well-controlled impulse.And the attenuation remains though short, but not cut off, with a neat departure to the middle frequencies, so that the bass does not smear the overall picture, and sounds really clean and abstracted, which is very important.
Сonclusion!
And finally, the bass in Ziigaat Lush is an example of very correct warm and mature tuning. There is no super ostentatious bassiness or overdrive here, everything sounds very even, balanced and comfortable. Such bass is not tiring, and does not argue with other frequencies, and naturally embeds into the overall sound picture, creating a solid but weightless foundation, bassheads will probably not have enough bass here and then I advise you to consider buying Zigaat Arcanis, but for everyone else I'm sure that the bass here will be more than enough.
MID FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: warm, neutral and relaxed presentation without harshness or brightness.
The middle in Ziigaat Lush sounds calm and confident, it does not try to stand out too obviously, does not pull the blanket on itself, but at the same time remains fundamentally important. It is a warm, neutral and very comfortable presentation, in which everything is in its place: there is no harshness, no aggression, no hint of any brightness. Such sound is easy to perceive and does not tire even at long listening at high volume, that is, I'm not kidding guys these headphones really can be listened to very loudly, because after all here is not Harman tuning and the area of the upper middle has been slightly weakened, which gives us such a great opportunity to give us a good volume so that lovers of listening louder will definitely be satisfied.
Vocals: soft, bodily, without sibilants and clamping. Male vocals are deep and rich, female vocals are smooth and comfortable.
And look what's interesting in comparison with Arcanis, the middle here is not so analytical and less emphasized, and is presented as softer and enveloping, with a fleshy base and relaxed character. It's not dry, but it's not smeared here either, you can hear the natural texture of voices and instruments, but without any intrusive emphasis. Female vocals sound smooth, smooth, without sibilants and fatigue. And male vocal sounds quite rich, with good depth and chest main, and without any clamping, deafness and excessive mass.
Instruments: lively, natural, no coloration and no bright peaks.
And instruments sound with a special character, guitars with a lively, and warm body, piano with a soft attack and a pleasant after-sound, and strings are natural enough, and without excessive sharpness or brightness. That is, in these headphones there are absolutely no bulging accents and additional coloration in the sound, everything is smooth and stable and very pleasant.
Resolution and presentation: not super-detailed, but musical, organic and with an emphasis on sound integrity.
Yes, in terms of resolution Lush is of course inferior to Arcanis and for example ZiiGaat Odyssey, as there is not the same degree of transparency and airiness and such fast transitions. But at least the Lush's presentation despite all this feels natural, mature and musical. That is they don't try to show you maximum details or look how I can, but they manage to keep the integrity and evenness of sound. The music reveals itself softly and effortlessly, and I think that's its charm.
Conclusion!
I mean friends, let's put it this way, the middle in these headphones is not about some wow effects and exciting listening experience, but about a very smooth atmosphere and trust. It doesn't overload your perception, doesn't require you to listen, doesn't tire you out even after two or three hours.And that's why the midrange in Ziigaat Lush is perceived as a good and precise base, not flashy, but very important, smooth and very musical.And that's the whole point of it, you don't start analyzing and parsing the music here like in more serious top hybrid models, you just listen to it. And this feeling of correct, calm sound stays with you for a long time.
HIGH FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: the upper frequencies are slightly darkened, soft, rounded and completely non-aggressive.
The treble in Ziigaat Lush has a calm, and slightly darkened character. They certainly do not try to come to the foreground here and do not add excessive brightness or shine to the sound. This is a very soft, rounded presentation, which lacks sharp accents, sibilants and even the slightest hint of aggression. And this top end fits perfectly with the overall relaxed and musical character of these headphones, allowing you to listen to them for a very long time, even at high volume.
Technicality and presentation: the treble here is more about smoothness and softness than micro-detail and attack.
And to the ear, the high frequencies in these headphones seem smoother rather than more detailed and technical, they don't accentuate your attention to some microscopic nuances and textures like the Arcanis do, nor do they fully reveal the smallest of aftertones, especially in cymbals or percussion. However, the timbres are kept quite clear, and the aftertouch is presented here softly and naturally, without any residual dryness or distortion.
Instruments: cymbals sound neat, pianos sound warm, synthetics sound smooth and comfortable.
And the instruments in the upper range are not lost somewhere in the background, but do not draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Cymbals sound neatly, without bulkiness, piano is not sharp, but rather warm, and various synthetic elements so to say do not prickle, and very smoothly woven into the overall sound. And even in rich orchestral arrangements or electronic tracks there is no feeling of any overload in the upper part of the range as for example in brighter and lighter headphones, but again it's all a matter of taste.
Airiness and stage: the top end is not super technical, but contributes softly to spatiality.
And despite the fact that the technicality of the Lush will be simpler, but the top, which is present here still plays a small but important role in the creation of the scene. It adds some air and depth, but it does it as if imperceptibly, without artificially inflating the space. Fades of sounds sound softly, smoothly, and in this you can feel not some sterility, but exactly lively and refined musicality. Of course, there is no monitor precision here, but there is the right tonal balance, in which nothing protrudes and does not tire.
Conclusion!
And as a result, the treble in Ziigaat Lush is primarily about comfort. They sound so that they do not interfere, do not distract, but harmoniously blend into the overall sound picture. Without lightness, without aggression, but with a natural tone and a little added airiness. And this is not analytical, but very musical top, a little warm, slightly darkened, but due to this very pleasant and relaxing.
SOUND STAGE
The general character of the scene: chamber, cozy and intimate.
The sound stage in Ziigaat Lush is more chamber-like and intimate compared to the large-scale presentation of Arcanis. Here there is no feeling of such a wide openness, the space is presented more compactly, with a neat arrangement of images, and more focused on the frontal zone. But at the same time everything sounds natural and very logical, the stage is not shrunk, but rather gathers closer to the listener, creating a cozy and musically rich field.
Vocals and Echeloning: vocals are centered, closer and more spacious, with emotional presentation.
And it is especially noticeable how in this scene the vocal stands out first of all, as it is clearly put forward, sounds closer, more voluminous and emotional, literally appears in the center of attention. This gives the pitch additional involvement and makes the sound more human and tangible. And the other instruments form layers a little deeper and wider, without merging into a heap, as the separation of plans here is quite confident, even though the overall transparency is a little lacking compared to the older Ziigat models.
Depth and readability: the scene is of medium depth, but perceived naturally without artificial expansion or compression.
And the depth of the scene here is expressed moderately, but it is perceived believably, as there is no artificial stretching, but also no flattening of images. The space between sounds is normally readable, and various layers and reverb tails are drawn well enough to understand the overall structure of the mix. And even in more saturated tracks the structure is preserved, each element stays in its place, images are not blurred, and localization is quite confident.
General perception: the stage is not about wow-effect or maximum analyticism, but about a lively, organic space.
And as for me, the scene in Lush is not about some wow-effect or maximum detailing of microplanes, but about organic and very pleasant musical presentation. Where there is a strong feeling of natural space, albeit a bit chamber-like, as if you were not in a huge concert hall, but in a small home studio or club, where everything sounds alive and close to your perception.
Conclusion!
And as a result, the stage in Ziigaat Lush can be described as cozy and integral. It doesn't impress you with huge scale or super analytics, but at the same time it doesn't give you a feeling of unnecessary stiffness. Everything breathes, everything is in its place, and the main thing is the presentation, in which it is easy to immerse yourself in the music, not getting lost in details, but just listening and enjoying.
MY CONCLUSION OF THIS HEADPHONES!
ZiiGaat Lush is without any doubt a great hybrid headphone, with a really studio and neutral tuning, with a little bit of bass boost but with enough mass and depth, very neat and warm mids but with good information and transparency, and complete this case very comfortable but quite extended treble with extremely confident detailing, and for this price, friends, this is a great choice and these headphones I safely recommend for all true fans of neutral and warm tuning, when you do not pour excessive details in your face when listening and you just literally dissolve in this smooth and musical flow!
Buy ZIIGAAT LUSH on LINSOUL Official Website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-lush
Friends, hello everyone, today in this review we will look at hybrid headphones from ZiiGaat company costing $179.
And they come in a small box with a very nice design, where on the front side there is an image of headphones, the company logo and the name of this new model, namely Lush, and on the side there are technical characteristics of this model.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVERS: 1 x 10mm diameter dynamic driver + 4 armature drivers
SENSIVITY: 103dB
IMPEDANCE: 17Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz-25kHz
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S INCLUDED
1.High quality audio cable with 2 pin connectors and 3.5 mm jack.
2.Branded headphone storage case.
3.Silicone eartips and foam tips.
4.IEM.
The headphones are quite small made entirely of resin, and in my case have a very beautiful coloring with abstract blue design and sequins that shimmer beautifully in the light, and the company logo on both headphones completes the design concept of these headphones well.
And here they have a standard 2 pin connector for cable connection, and next to it there is a single compensation hole protected by a metal mesh, and on the inner part there is the name of this model, there is a channel marking and serial number of my copy.
And the nozzle in these headphones is metal, has a diameter of 6 mm, has received a clear edge for better fixation of the ear tips, and is protected by a metal mesh.
One of the nice things about the ZiiGaat Lush is its compact body. Unlike many of the more bulky hybrids, they are really very small, and thanks to this they fit in your ears just fine. The fit is very deep and secure, which gives you both good sound isolation and comfort even when listening for long periods of time. And their plus is that they almost do not protrude from the ear, so in everyday use do not interfere and look quite neat.Well, as for the ear cushions, as always, I would recommend you to try options with a wider opening, as they slightly reveal the supply at the edges of the range.But the complete headphones in these headphones are also selected very well they fit well, provide a secure fit and already out of the box give a very balanced and expressive sound that is listening to the headphones with them can be without problems.
TUNING AND CONCEPTION
Now let's talk about how the hybrid headphones ZiiGaat Lush sound, and this is how their frequency response graph looks like, these headphones have a 6 dB bass boost, with a very early transition to the lower midrange, and the main accent at 2.5kHz in the upper midrange perfectly matches my target, so for me these headphones in this area certainly do not sound too sharp or energetic, and the high frequencies here in terms of duration are very good and already smoothly fade out after 15 kHz, which is absolutely normal, in general it is purely basic maximally balanced and neutral tuning, and now let's better discuss the sound of ZiiGaat Lush in more detail!
LOW FREQUENCIES
Overall impression of the lower frequencies: softness, balance, neatness.And the first thing you feel in the sound of Ziigaat Lush is warmth. Not intrusive and not vague, but exactly soft, smooth and cozy base in the low frequencies, which does not seek to impress you with a huge amount, but immediately sets a confident and balanced tone. It's not a basshead push, but rather a quiet confidence - the bass here doesn't draw too much attention to itself, but is always present where it's needed, with precise dosage and good body delivery.
Subbass: unpressurized depth, clarity, control.And the sub-bass in these headphones goes deep enough to be felt not only by the ear, but also by the body, but not as pressure, but as a very smooth, ingratiating filling from below. It does not swell as in basshead headphones, does not buzz, and does not overhang the lower middle, but on the contrary, it sounds clean, transparent and very restrained, as if softly enveloping the overall sound, but not overwhelming. Each of its layers can be read separately, and at the same time I like how the whole lower base remains whole and organized.
Mid-bass: juicy and natural, excellent readability.The midbass is probably the strong point of these headphones. It works with a good body, and at the same time, it is emphatically accurate without excessive punch. Drum, kick, tom - everything sounds juicy enough and with a characteristic warmth, but definitely without excessive weight or extra boost. There is no bloated volume or murky meat here, but on the contrary everything is very collected and natural. And in saturated tracks the bass here does not float and does not muddy the middle as if giving it a greater sense of breathing.
Textures and nuances: the bass is lively, voluminous and varied.And it is especially nice how these headphones work with texture, the bass here is not flat and not monotonous in perception. It manages to be so to say different on acoustic instruments you can feel the wood of the body, and on synthesizers elastic texture and very pleasant analog saturation. And all this is presented not through brute force, but through subtle articulation. And there is both musicality and attention to small details.
Attack and fade: smooth transitions, good articulation, clean presentation.As for the attack, it is fast enough, but not sharp as for example in planar headphones, each blow is felt with a slight but pleasant elasticity. It so to speak does not shoot out, but very softly and accurately pierces with a smooth response, and a well-controlled impulse.And the attenuation remains though short, but not cut off, with a neat departure to the middle frequencies, so that the bass does not smear the overall picture, and sounds really clean and abstracted, which is very important.
Сonclusion!And finally, the bass in Ziigaat Lush is an example of very correct warm and mature tuning. There is no super ostentatious bassiness or overdrive here, everything sounds very even, balanced and comfortable. Such bass is not tiring, and does not argue with other frequencies, and naturally embeds into the overall sound picture, creating a solid but weightless foundation, bassheads will probably not have enough bass here and then I advise you to consider buying Zigaat Arcanis, but for everyone else I'm sure that the bass here will be more than enough.
MID FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: warm, neutral and relaxed presentation without harshness or brightness.The middle in Ziigaat Lush sounds calm and confident, it does not try to stand out too obviously, does not pull the blanket on itself, but at the same time remains fundamentally important. It is a warm, neutral and very comfortable presentation, in which everything is in its place: there is no harshness, no aggression, no hint of any brightness. Such sound is easy to perceive and does not tire even at long listening at high volume, that is, I'm not kidding guys these headphones really can be listened to very loudly, because after all here is not Harman tuning and the area of the upper middle has been slightly weakened, which gives us such a great opportunity to give us a good volume so that lovers of listening louder will definitely be satisfied.
Vocals: soft, bodily, without sibilants and clamping. Male vocals are deep and rich, female vocals are smooth and comfortable.And look what's interesting in comparison with Arcanis, the middle here is not so analytical and less emphasized, and is presented as softer and enveloping, with a fleshy base and relaxed character. It's not dry, but it's not smeared here either, you can hear the natural texture of voices and instruments, but without any intrusive emphasis. Female vocals sound smooth, smooth, without sibilants and fatigue. And male vocal sounds quite rich, with good depth and chest main, and without any clamping, deafness and excessive mass.
Instruments: lively, natural, no coloration and no bright peaks.And instruments sound with a special character, guitars with a lively, and warm body, piano with a soft attack and a pleasant after-sound, and strings are natural enough, and without excessive sharpness or brightness. That is, in these headphones there are absolutely no bulging accents and additional coloration in the sound, everything is smooth and stable and very pleasant.
Resolution and presentation: not super-detailed, but musical, organic and with an emphasis on sound integrity. Yes, in terms of resolution Lush is of course inferior to Arcanis and for example ZiiGaat Odyssey, as there is not the same degree of transparency and airiness and such fast transitions. But at least the Lush's presentation despite all this feels natural, mature and musical. That is they don't try to show you maximum details or look how I can, but they manage to keep the integrity and evenness of sound. The music reveals itself softly and effortlessly, and I think that's its charm.
Conclusion!I mean friends, let's put it this way, the middle in these headphones is not about some wow effects and exciting listening experience, but about a very smooth atmosphere and trust. It doesn't overload your perception, doesn't require you to listen, doesn't tire you out even after two or three hours.And that's why the midrange in Ziigaat Lush is perceived as a good and precise base, not flashy, but very important, smooth and very musical.And that's the whole point of it, you don't start analyzing and parsing the music here like in more serious top hybrid models, you just listen to it. And this feeling of correct, calm sound stays with you for a long time.
HIGH FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: the upper frequencies are slightly darkened, soft, rounded and completely non-aggressive.The treble in Ziigaat Lush has a calm, and slightly darkened character. They certainly do not try to come to the foreground here and do not add excessive brightness or shine to the sound. This is a very soft, rounded presentation, which lacks sharp accents, sibilants and even the slightest hint of aggression. And this top end fits perfectly with the overall relaxed and musical character of these headphones, allowing you to listen to them for a very long time, even at high volume.
Technicality and presentation: the treble here is more about smoothness and softness than micro-detail and attack.And to the ear, the high frequencies in these headphones seem smoother rather than more detailed and technical, they don't accentuate your attention to some microscopic nuances and textures like the Arcanis do, nor do they fully reveal the smallest of aftertones, especially in cymbals or percussion. However, the timbres are kept quite clear, and the aftertouch is presented here softly and naturally, without any residual dryness or distortion.
Instruments: cymbals sound neat, pianos sound warm, synthetics sound smooth and comfortable.And the instruments in the upper range are not lost somewhere in the background, but do not draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Cymbals sound neatly, without bulkiness, piano is not sharp, but rather warm, and various synthetic elements so to say do not prickle, and very smoothly woven into the overall sound. And even in rich orchestral arrangements or electronic tracks there is no feeling of any overload in the upper part of the range as for example in brighter and lighter headphones, but again it's all a matter of taste.
Airiness and stage: the top end is not super technical, but contributes softly to spatiality.And despite the fact that the technicality of the Lush will be simpler, but the top, which is present here still plays a small but important role in the creation of the scene. It adds some air and depth, but it does it as if imperceptibly, without artificially inflating the space. Fades of sounds sound softly, smoothly, and in this you can feel not some sterility, but exactly lively and refined musicality. Of course, there is no monitor precision here, but there is the right tonal balance, in which nothing protrudes and does not tire.
Conclusion!And as a result, the treble in Ziigaat Lush is primarily about comfort. They sound so that they do not interfere, do not distract, but harmoniously blend into the overall sound picture. Without lightness, without aggression, but with a natural tone and a little added airiness. And this is not analytical, but very musical top, a little warm, slightly darkened, but due to this very pleasant and relaxing.
SOUND STAGE
The general character of the scene: chamber, cozy and intimate.The sound stage in Ziigaat Lush is more chamber-like and intimate compared to the large-scale presentation of Arcanis. Here there is no feeling of such a wide openness, the space is presented more compactly, with a neat arrangement of images, and more focused on the frontal zone. But at the same time everything sounds natural and very logical, the stage is not shrunk, but rather gathers closer to the listener, creating a cozy and musically rich field.
Vocals and Echeloning: vocals are centered, closer and more spacious, with emotional presentation.And it is especially noticeable how in this scene the vocal stands out first of all, as it is clearly put forward, sounds closer, more voluminous and emotional, literally appears in the center of attention. This gives the pitch additional involvement and makes the sound more human and tangible. And the other instruments form layers a little deeper and wider, without merging into a heap, as the separation of plans here is quite confident, even though the overall transparency is a little lacking compared to the older Ziigat models.
Depth and readability: the scene is of medium depth, but perceived naturally without artificial expansion or compression.And the depth of the scene here is expressed moderately, but it is perceived believably, as there is no artificial stretching, but also no flattening of images. The space between sounds is normally readable, and various layers and reverb tails are drawn well enough to understand the overall structure of the mix. And even in more saturated tracks the structure is preserved, each element stays in its place, images are not blurred, and localization is quite confident.
General perception: the stage is not about wow-effect or maximum analyticism, but about a lively, organic space.And as for me, the scene in Lush is not about some wow-effect or maximum detailing of microplanes, but about organic and very pleasant musical presentation. Where there is a strong feeling of natural space, albeit a bit chamber-like, as if you were not in a huge concert hall, but in a small home studio or club, where everything sounds alive and close to your perception.
Conclusion!And as a result, the stage in Ziigaat Lush can be described as cozy and integral. It doesn't impress you with huge scale or super analytics, but at the same time it doesn't give you a feeling of unnecessary stiffness. Everything breathes, everything is in its place, and the main thing is the presentation, in which it is easy to immerse yourself in the music, not getting lost in details, but just listening and enjoying.
MY CONCLUSION OF THIS HEADPHONES!ZiiGaat Lush is without any doubt a great hybrid headphone, with a really studio and neutral tuning, with a little bit of bass boost but with enough mass and depth, very neat and warm mids but with good information and transparency, and complete this case very comfortable but quite extended treble with extremely confident detailing, and for this price, friends, this is a great choice and these headphones I safely recommend for all true fans of neutral and warm tuning, when you do not pour excessive details in your face when listening and you just literally dissolve in this smooth and musical flow!
Buy ZIIGAAT LUSH on LINSOUL Official Website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-lush
THE ZIIGAAT LUSH - NOT JUST FOR THE STUDIO
Introduction
The Ziigaat Lush markets itself as being a “studio set”. What does this entail, really? To my mind, it means it should have a relatively neutral tuning with a transparent sound capable of retreiving even the smallest of details. It means it should be able to be used by professionals in a studio for making and editing music, or any sound really.
But I’m not a professional musician or sound engineer, I’m barely even an audiophile, so what can the Lush do for me? That’s the perspective I’ll be taking in this review: simply someone who loves listening to a lot of different music for enjoyment’s sake.
At a 175 dollar retail price, it enters quite a competetive price range, most of all through the Kiwi Ears Aether which seems to have taken both the audiophile community and the general market by storm. Yet, its promise of a studio sound is a unique selling point and is often attributed to more expensive equipment than this, but I also think this selling point might scare off potential casual listeners who are looking for “fun”. A studio sound, or a neutral sound, is often, probably too often, equaled to boring in discussions of sound profiles.
Well, I can say that even for a casual like me, the Ziigaat Lush has not been boring. I would say it’s actually been really pleasant. It even packs some punch when called upon! But before I tell you all about that, let me first talk about its packaging and looks.
Accessories
The Ziigaat Lush is a bit of a let down when it comes to its accessory package. You don’t get much, and what you do get is mostly below average. The case is large enough and is fine on the inside, but it really smells of chemicals and plastics, and the zipper has soft, near-microscopic teeth that easily snags.
You get a set of S-M-L silicone eartips with three pairs and one pair of foam eartips (that also reeks of chemicals), the same as I got in the Ziigaat Doscinco package. The tips are actually very nice sounding, boosting the bass performance nicely. The material is a tad much on the dry side for my liking, causing hot ears for longer listening sessions. It’s not a big no-no though, and after extensive tip-rolling, I ended up liking the sound of the stock tips the most.
The cable is fine, though below average at this price point. I don’t use cables to adjust sound, so I’m strictly speaking from a feel and quality-of-materials standpoint. It’s made of a hard, plasticky material with tight braiding. It’s quite similar in feel and color to the Kiwi Ears Aether cable actually, although even thinner. It is an upgrade on it’s older brother Doscinco’s cable, however, as I rarely find the Lush cable to get tangled or jumbled up, and it’s got enough flex to not feel stiff.
In addition to its quite bland branding (where’s the Ziigyatt waifu??), the Ziigaat does not offer a super exciting unboxing experience unfortunately, so if you value this kind of thing, you might look elsewhere. If you’re only into the main product itself, the IEM, then you won’t disappointed, as we’ll get to later.
Fit, comfort and looks
The nozzles are the stubby and wide kind. If you have small ears or have had fit issues with larger nozzles in the past, you may want to reconsider the Lush. With the medium stock tips, I find the Lush to still be decently comfortable. With how the nozzle and shell is formed, insertion can be quite awkward sometimes, but once you have a seal, it easily stays in place since it’s quite lightweight too.
Looks are in the eyes of the beholder. For my taste, the Silver Blue Lush’s looks are just fine. The coloring and pattern on the faceplate are too subtle for my liking as it in most lighting just ends up looking monotonously black. And while its shape is fine, it doesn’t stand apart from its other Ziigaat family members in any way. If anything though, it does look sleek and professionally designed, which I can’t say for 50% of IEMs that I think looks like it was designed by an old elementary school aunt in Paint using those clip-art marble textures that ran wild in the 90s. Like Twilightian vampires, they do actually sparkle quite beautifully once the sunlight (or was it moonlight?) hits them. The Ziigaat’s do therefore pass the “would I be seen with these in public” test.
Bass
The Lush is marketed as a neutral set, but to my ears, it definitely has a bit of a warmish tonality. While it’s not tuned to be a bass-head set, it actually provides a physical rumble when required on sub-bass heavy tracks like (L)oublie by Serane, surprisingly matching the rumble of sets like the Doscinco and the Explorer. The mid-bass got a small kick to it, but it’s definitely less physical than the sub-bass, and focuses more on articulation than power. In this sense, a set like the Explorer goes deeper and punchier overall.
For music that isn’t explicitly bass-focused, the Lush has just the right amount of bass I find. The most amazing part is that you can hear the bass so clearly that you can easily follow its chord progressions and such without it in any manner drowning out the other elements of the track. Tracks I’ve heard a billion times before therefore gained a new dimension for me after using the Lush.
I also find it really enjoyable to use on busy metal productions like on the industrial metal-core bands vein.fm’s “This World is Going to Ruin You” and Loathe’s “I let it in and it took everything”. Despite not having that kick you’d maybe want from your blast-beats, the bass guitars just come through the extremely noisy mixes so clearly and well articulated that it’s almost a miracle.
Mids
Now, the Lush’s mids are the stars of the show. It’s honestly so refreshing in a world where most IEMs scoop their mids to have a set where the mids are, relatively speaking, front and center. Synths, guitars, pianos, you name it, all comes alive when using the Lush. They sound exactly how you’d expect them to when listening to a live band, with a touch of bass flavor as you’d expect at a cozy live venue. Excellent for listening to rock and jazz.
If you like listening to stuff that has a lot going on in the instrumental department, most of which happens to be in the mid region, then the mids of the Lush will be sure to please. Not much else to say really. Present, smooth, detailed - just top of its class.
Treble
Now, the lower-treble region is not receded on the Lush. Electric guitars and female vocals, for instance, are sharper than on a set like the Explorer or a Tangzu Fudu Verse where some people complain of vocals sounding far-away. The latter is not the case with the Lush. However, with the mids being so transparent and the bass at quite a generous level too, paired with the sets excellent detailing and imaging, it does sometimes feel like vocals are fighting for space with the other elements in the mix.
I think most of us who are not music producers or trained musicians are used to listening to recorded music by focusing mainly on the vocals. Doubly so when it comes to pop music or other mainstream genres. It might therefore be strange to listen to a set where the instrumentation takes just as much space and spark as the vocals if you’re not used to analytical listening.
As a treble sensitive person, I have no issues with the treble on the Lush. In 95 percent of cases, there is no sibilance or BA timbre. For synths, electrical guitars and other electronical instruments, the treble is actually quite crisp.
The one big issue I have, however, is the lack of air and sweetness. Vocals, snares/high hats, and other reverbarating high-pitched acoustic instruments can therefore come off as quite dry and tight sometimes, lacking that sweetness we all so enjoy. In sparse, vocal dominated tracks, this can quickly lead to a bit of a boring or dead sound that some reviewers speak of. It’s not optimal for casual listening to casual music, but it’s better for me than the tinnitus-inducing shrillness that many V-shaped IEMs sport at the very least.
Soundstage, details, cohesiveness etc.
Now, one of the main reasons to get the Ziigaat Lush is it’s unbeatable technical performance for its price. If you only own IEMs around or below the Lush’s price range, they will open up a whole new world for you in terms of detail in your songs. The only IEM in my collection that can match it in terms of soundstage and detail is the Ziigaat Doscinco which is 100 dollars more expensive, and otherwise only my Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are in the same ballpark.
All of this makes the Lush an excellent set for analytical listening, where you want to sit down and really listen to each and every element of a track. It’s also nice when you want to replicate a bit of a live feel, at a live venue where the sound guys actually know what they’re doing mind you. I don’t produce music, but I would think that the Lush would be more than good enough for this purpose with the amount of detail it can produce.
The Lush are, however, not the most neutral neutral set out there. It’s definitely a neutral set that leans warm, in comparison to some Tanchjim sets (or most neutral IEMs out there really) that are neutral leaning bright. In some cases, on bass heavy mixes, the bass can definitely flavor the upper regions a decent amount, but it would be overly harsh to label this as bleed or muddiness as the mids and treble still comes through clearly.
I was a bit sceptical for the sets cohesion and neutrality when reading that it was a hybrid with 4BAs, but it honestly sounds just as cohesive as a single DD or Planar set, with all drivers in sync. Except for the aforementioned dryness of the upper treble/air region, the tuning is elegantly done, with no obvious wonkiness.
Gaming
The Lush has life-like imaging and a comfortable sound profile, so it’s not a surprise that it works really well for gaming. Oblivion Remastered came out recently, and the Lush has been in my ears for all 30 hours I’ve spent on it in the last week. That should be a testament to itself how good it is for gaming. I have quite normal-sized ears, so the large nozzle is not an issue for me, and the shell is light enough so that I barely notice its precense.
Much less fatiguing than a headset, that’s for sure! No annoying sibilance issue when sharp effects are played, and no bloated booms that drown out important audio cues. I don’t really play competetive games these days, but for immersive single player gaming, the Lush is an excellent choice.
Thanks to AudioAmigo for the charts. Check out his Youtube channel, it's really great for IEM reviews.
COMPARISONS
Kiwi Ears Aether vs. Ziigaat Lush
These are quite different sets in terms of driver configuration, the Aether being a single planar and the Ziigaat being a DD+4BA Hybrid. However, it makes sense to compare them as they’re roughly in the same price range, and both have similar profiles offering smooth listening experiences.
From extensive testing, I think they’re overall quite evenly matched. The main differences comes down to bass response and treble quality, the Lush having better bass and the Aether a more lively treble. The Aether also finds itself somewhere on the middle of the spectrum between musical and analytical, while the Lush is firmly on the analytical side.
The bass of the Lush is simply more powerful and textured than the Aether. This is especially noticable in the sub-bass region. The Aether’s bass is tight and capable, but the Lush is equally tight while providing more punch, rumble, and viscosity.
The mids are more alive and present on the Lush than on the Aether, although this can overshadow vocal performances, which at the end of the day are the heart of the majority of tracks out there. The Lush definitely sounds like it’s for “the studio”, while the Aether has more of a normal radio feel.
I did find the treble to be more enjoyable on the Aether, especially for vocals. Both sets provide a smooth treble experience, but the Aether additionally manages to provide spark, tingle, and acidity to vocals, whereas the Lush’s often comes off as quite dry in comparison, especially for female vocals. The Aether is slightly more prone to sibilance, but it’s still relatively rare.
Lush has the upper hand in technicals, although the Aether is no slouch in this department either. The Lush has a deeper, taller, and wider soundstage, and slightly better detail retrieval. This can, of course, be a double-edged sword, as for some, the amount of detail on the Lush can become overwhelming, especially for a set with such a linear frequency graph.
I prefer the Aether for vocal-focused tracks and simple/plain compositions like you find in pop, indie rock, folk, classical with few players etc., while Lush is more enjoyable for metal, IDM, math rock, shoegaze and experimental genres with more complexity and texture.
Winner: Kiwi Ears Aether. The Lush has other strengths and is surprisingly close, however.
Ziigaat Doscinco vs. Ziigaat Lush
Personally, I enjoy the Lush much more than the Doscinco despite the latter being a hundred dollars more expensive. The Lush simply has a much cleaner sound while also being about equal to the Doscinco in terms of detail and soundstage.
The Doscinco is tuned to be quite V-shaped with a big bass boost, but overall I find its tuning and driver cohesiveness to be messy. The bass is powerful and more impressive on first impression, but bloated and slow. The upper mids sounds crackly and sharp, and female vocals are often drowned out.
The Lush in comparison is perfectly clean and cohesive, and has no issues at all with BA timbre, sibilance, bloat etc. that I find in the Doscinco. It’s also much more versatile, handling a larger and more varied music library better.
However, others have had much more positive to say about the Doscinco, so do take this with a grain of salt. It might be due to unit difference or ear difference, who knows. I will say, however, that the Lush is probably a much safer buy and better value for money than the Doscinco by most objective measures, especially if you’re still new to the hobby and don’t know your preferences. Of course, they do aim for very different sound profiles, so use your own judgment on this.
The Doscinco might have an edge when it comes to hip-hop, but for everything else, I’d go for the Lush.
Winner: Ziigaat Lush
Aful Explorer vs. Ziigaat Lush
Explorer is the favorite set I own regardless of price. It has just the kinda curve that I find ideal for relaxing, with a nice and clean bass boost, slightly receded mids, and a smooth treble. Can the Lush compete? Yeah, kinda.
They’re quite equal when it comes to bass, though Explorer might have a slight edge when it comes to punch and general physicality. The Explores bass just reverberates a tad deeper. The Lush does produce some more detail in the mid-bass region, however, but it’s not world’s apart.
The Lush got fuller and more transparent mids, for better and for worse. The Lush sounds really good on tracks that are cleanly mixed, but if the mix is crusty, like some of the 90s J-rock I listen to, it will also reveal that crustiness in painful detail. But again, you can’t fault a set that aims for a studio-like transparency too much for that. The Explorer’s mids definitely sound quite shallow compared to the Lush, but it willl be smooth and relaxing almost regardless of what you throw at it.
The treble difference is the hardest to judge as they’re both going for similar vibes. They’re both quite polite when it comes to female vocals. They sound clean, but not very intimate, although I will say that the Lush’s vocals might be a step more front and center, maybe a step more for nasally voices. Bells and pianos have more bite on the Lush as well. I do find high hats and cymbals and such to sound more alive on the Explorer than the Lush, however, probably due to the lack of air on the Ziigaat.
Ultimately, the Explorers are a more relaxing and safer set with a sliver of an edge in bass power, while the Lush is still safe, but overall much more detailed and fuller-sounding. The Lush is also slightly brighter in the upper-mid/lower-treble region, but drier in the upper treble region. The Explorers fits me and my library better for daily driving and going out and about, but the Lush will probably be my go-to-set for more analytical, focused listening while still being suited to relaxing due to its smooth sound.
Winner: Draw. Similar weaknesses (vocals), different strengths.
Notes from the music test
Best tracks:
Kokorotravel - Snail’s House (Kawaii Bass): Full and wonderfully articulated synths. Airy mids, details aplenty. Comfortable. Satisfying sub-bass.
Squall - Pasteboard (Shoegaze, Dream Pop): A normally beautiful, but congested and noisy track slathered in effects sounds LUSH like summer’s evening on the Lush. Despite the noise, all the elements come clearly through in the mix.
Tomori - ARForest (Artcore, Ambient EDM): Bass hits. Sound is so textured and detailed you can almost feel it on your skin. Cavernous soundstage.
Worst track:
Kokoro ni Kumo wo Motsu Shonen - Sunny Day Service (Indie Rock, JRock): Vocals and guitar lacks sparkle, the open and sparse mix sounds naked/exposed, overall a lack of life.
CONCLUSION
The Lush isn’t a perfect set, but it’s pretty damn good and well-rounded. I personally enjoyed my time with it a lot and will be keeping it in my collection, to be used as a reference set, and more than anything for analytical listening and for gaming which are the two use cases where it really shines for me.
Its one serious issue to me is the dryness in its upper treble region, especially for vocals. Although they’re crystal clear and far from receded, they lack that sweetness and sparkle that makes a great vocal performance or shrieking guitar truly tickle your brain.
Its wealth of detail and 3D soundstage can also be two-edged swords for casual listening, as it might be overwhelming for extended sessions.
The unboxing experience and accessory package is also quite disappointing for the price and drags down its overall score for me.
Overall, however, the Lush is a very valid choice in the 150-200 dollar range, even if you never intend to touch a DAW, mixing board, or music instrument and just want to kick back with some good tunes. It produces a ridiculous amount of detail that rivals some 250 dollar plus sets, and it’s perfect for those sessions where you’d want to close your eyes and really focus on what you’re listening to.
In use, the Lush is also by far the most non-problematic set I own, which really should count for something. Minimal sibilance, BA timbre, wonkyness etc. Although it’s definitely a studio set, its rumbly, reedy bass keeps it from being boring and definitely rivals some lower-budget “bass-head” sets. With the right tracks, (I’m thinking mid-focused EDM/IDM) it can actually be quite a banger of a set.
For a warmish analytical set, the Lush is an excellent value proposition that can potentially open you to a whole new dimension of your music. It can take any type of music with little issue, but it definitely shines the most for instrumental tracks, EDM/IDM, soundtracks, classical, or any genre that has a lot of texture and complexity really. Not just a studio set, but a great additon to any music lover's arsenal!
Overall score: 4,1/5 (relative to price)
Disclaimer: I received this set from Linsoul in exchange for a review. I strive for honesty in everything I do, so the review contains my unbridled, unbiased opinions.
Used with stock cable, stock medium silicone tips.
Sources: Old motorola smartphone, Tanchjim Luna Asano Tanch edt., Hiby R4 X Evangelion. Tidal and local FLAC files.
Introduction
The Ziigaat Lush markets itself as being a “studio set”. What does this entail, really? To my mind, it means it should have a relatively neutral tuning with a transparent sound capable of retreiving even the smallest of details. It means it should be able to be used by professionals in a studio for making and editing music, or any sound really.
But I’m not a professional musician or sound engineer, I’m barely even an audiophile, so what can the Lush do for me? That’s the perspective I’ll be taking in this review: simply someone who loves listening to a lot of different music for enjoyment’s sake.
At a 175 dollar retail price, it enters quite a competetive price range, most of all through the Kiwi Ears Aether which seems to have taken both the audiophile community and the general market by storm. Yet, its promise of a studio sound is a unique selling point and is often attributed to more expensive equipment than this, but I also think this selling point might scare off potential casual listeners who are looking for “fun”. A studio sound, or a neutral sound, is often, probably too often, equaled to boring in discussions of sound profiles.
Well, I can say that even for a casual like me, the Ziigaat Lush has not been boring. I would say it’s actually been really pleasant. It even packs some punch when called upon! But before I tell you all about that, let me first talk about its packaging and looks.
Accessories
The Ziigaat Lush is a bit of a let down when it comes to its accessory package. You don’t get much, and what you do get is mostly below average. The case is large enough and is fine on the inside, but it really smells of chemicals and plastics, and the zipper has soft, near-microscopic teeth that easily snags.
You get a set of S-M-L silicone eartips with three pairs and one pair of foam eartips (that also reeks of chemicals), the same as I got in the Ziigaat Doscinco package. The tips are actually very nice sounding, boosting the bass performance nicely. The material is a tad much on the dry side for my liking, causing hot ears for longer listening sessions. It’s not a big no-no though, and after extensive tip-rolling, I ended up liking the sound of the stock tips the most.
The cable is fine, though below average at this price point. I don’t use cables to adjust sound, so I’m strictly speaking from a feel and quality-of-materials standpoint. It’s made of a hard, plasticky material with tight braiding. It’s quite similar in feel and color to the Kiwi Ears Aether cable actually, although even thinner. It is an upgrade on it’s older brother Doscinco’s cable, however, as I rarely find the Lush cable to get tangled or jumbled up, and it’s got enough flex to not feel stiff.
In addition to its quite bland branding (where’s the Ziigyatt waifu??), the Ziigaat does not offer a super exciting unboxing experience unfortunately, so if you value this kind of thing, you might look elsewhere. If you’re only into the main product itself, the IEM, then you won’t disappointed, as we’ll get to later.
Fit, comfort and looks
The nozzles are the stubby and wide kind. If you have small ears or have had fit issues with larger nozzles in the past, you may want to reconsider the Lush. With the medium stock tips, I find the Lush to still be decently comfortable. With how the nozzle and shell is formed, insertion can be quite awkward sometimes, but once you have a seal, it easily stays in place since it’s quite lightweight too.
Looks are in the eyes of the beholder. For my taste, the Silver Blue Lush’s looks are just fine. The coloring and pattern on the faceplate are too subtle for my liking as it in most lighting just ends up looking monotonously black. And while its shape is fine, it doesn’t stand apart from its other Ziigaat family members in any way. If anything though, it does look sleek and professionally designed, which I can’t say for 50% of IEMs that I think looks like it was designed by an old elementary school aunt in Paint using those clip-art marble textures that ran wild in the 90s. Like Twilightian vampires, they do actually sparkle quite beautifully once the sunlight (or was it moonlight?) hits them. The Ziigaat’s do therefore pass the “would I be seen with these in public” test.
Bass
The Lush is marketed as a neutral set, but to my ears, it definitely has a bit of a warmish tonality. While it’s not tuned to be a bass-head set, it actually provides a physical rumble when required on sub-bass heavy tracks like (L)oublie by Serane, surprisingly matching the rumble of sets like the Doscinco and the Explorer. The mid-bass got a small kick to it, but it’s definitely less physical than the sub-bass, and focuses more on articulation than power. In this sense, a set like the Explorer goes deeper and punchier overall.
For music that isn’t explicitly bass-focused, the Lush has just the right amount of bass I find. The most amazing part is that you can hear the bass so clearly that you can easily follow its chord progressions and such without it in any manner drowning out the other elements of the track. Tracks I’ve heard a billion times before therefore gained a new dimension for me after using the Lush.
I also find it really enjoyable to use on busy metal productions like on the industrial metal-core bands vein.fm’s “This World is Going to Ruin You” and Loathe’s “I let it in and it took everything”. Despite not having that kick you’d maybe want from your blast-beats, the bass guitars just come through the extremely noisy mixes so clearly and well articulated that it’s almost a miracle.
Mids
Now, the Lush’s mids are the stars of the show. It’s honestly so refreshing in a world where most IEMs scoop their mids to have a set where the mids are, relatively speaking, front and center. Synths, guitars, pianos, you name it, all comes alive when using the Lush. They sound exactly how you’d expect them to when listening to a live band, with a touch of bass flavor as you’d expect at a cozy live venue. Excellent for listening to rock and jazz.
If you like listening to stuff that has a lot going on in the instrumental department, most of which happens to be in the mid region, then the mids of the Lush will be sure to please. Not much else to say really. Present, smooth, detailed - just top of its class.
Treble
Now, the lower-treble region is not receded on the Lush. Electric guitars and female vocals, for instance, are sharper than on a set like the Explorer or a Tangzu Fudu Verse where some people complain of vocals sounding far-away. The latter is not the case with the Lush. However, with the mids being so transparent and the bass at quite a generous level too, paired with the sets excellent detailing and imaging, it does sometimes feel like vocals are fighting for space with the other elements in the mix.
I think most of us who are not music producers or trained musicians are used to listening to recorded music by focusing mainly on the vocals. Doubly so when it comes to pop music or other mainstream genres. It might therefore be strange to listen to a set where the instrumentation takes just as much space and spark as the vocals if you’re not used to analytical listening.
As a treble sensitive person, I have no issues with the treble on the Lush. In 95 percent of cases, there is no sibilance or BA timbre. For synths, electrical guitars and other electronical instruments, the treble is actually quite crisp.
The one big issue I have, however, is the lack of air and sweetness. Vocals, snares/high hats, and other reverbarating high-pitched acoustic instruments can therefore come off as quite dry and tight sometimes, lacking that sweetness we all so enjoy. In sparse, vocal dominated tracks, this can quickly lead to a bit of a boring or dead sound that some reviewers speak of. It’s not optimal for casual listening to casual music, but it’s better for me than the tinnitus-inducing shrillness that many V-shaped IEMs sport at the very least.
Soundstage, details, cohesiveness etc.
Now, one of the main reasons to get the Ziigaat Lush is it’s unbeatable technical performance for its price. If you only own IEMs around or below the Lush’s price range, they will open up a whole new world for you in terms of detail in your songs. The only IEM in my collection that can match it in terms of soundstage and detail is the Ziigaat Doscinco which is 100 dollars more expensive, and otherwise only my Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are in the same ballpark.
All of this makes the Lush an excellent set for analytical listening, where you want to sit down and really listen to each and every element of a track. It’s also nice when you want to replicate a bit of a live feel, at a live venue where the sound guys actually know what they’re doing mind you. I don’t produce music, but I would think that the Lush would be more than good enough for this purpose with the amount of detail it can produce.
The Lush are, however, not the most neutral neutral set out there. It’s definitely a neutral set that leans warm, in comparison to some Tanchjim sets (or most neutral IEMs out there really) that are neutral leaning bright. In some cases, on bass heavy mixes, the bass can definitely flavor the upper regions a decent amount, but it would be overly harsh to label this as bleed or muddiness as the mids and treble still comes through clearly.
I was a bit sceptical for the sets cohesion and neutrality when reading that it was a hybrid with 4BAs, but it honestly sounds just as cohesive as a single DD or Planar set, with all drivers in sync. Except for the aforementioned dryness of the upper treble/air region, the tuning is elegantly done, with no obvious wonkiness.
Gaming
The Lush has life-like imaging and a comfortable sound profile, so it’s not a surprise that it works really well for gaming. Oblivion Remastered came out recently, and the Lush has been in my ears for all 30 hours I’ve spent on it in the last week. That should be a testament to itself how good it is for gaming. I have quite normal-sized ears, so the large nozzle is not an issue for me, and the shell is light enough so that I barely notice its precense.
Much less fatiguing than a headset, that’s for sure! No annoying sibilance issue when sharp effects are played, and no bloated booms that drown out important audio cues. I don’t really play competetive games these days, but for immersive single player gaming, the Lush is an excellent choice.
Thanks to AudioAmigo for the charts. Check out his Youtube channel, it's really great for IEM reviews.
COMPARISONS
Kiwi Ears Aether vs. Ziigaat Lush
These are quite different sets in terms of driver configuration, the Aether being a single planar and the Ziigaat being a DD+4BA Hybrid. However, it makes sense to compare them as they’re roughly in the same price range, and both have similar profiles offering smooth listening experiences.
From extensive testing, I think they’re overall quite evenly matched. The main differences comes down to bass response and treble quality, the Lush having better bass and the Aether a more lively treble. The Aether also finds itself somewhere on the middle of the spectrum between musical and analytical, while the Lush is firmly on the analytical side.
The bass of the Lush is simply more powerful and textured than the Aether. This is especially noticable in the sub-bass region. The Aether’s bass is tight and capable, but the Lush is equally tight while providing more punch, rumble, and viscosity.
The mids are more alive and present on the Lush than on the Aether, although this can overshadow vocal performances, which at the end of the day are the heart of the majority of tracks out there. The Lush definitely sounds like it’s for “the studio”, while the Aether has more of a normal radio feel.
I did find the treble to be more enjoyable on the Aether, especially for vocals. Both sets provide a smooth treble experience, but the Aether additionally manages to provide spark, tingle, and acidity to vocals, whereas the Lush’s often comes off as quite dry in comparison, especially for female vocals. The Aether is slightly more prone to sibilance, but it’s still relatively rare.
Lush has the upper hand in technicals, although the Aether is no slouch in this department either. The Lush has a deeper, taller, and wider soundstage, and slightly better detail retrieval. This can, of course, be a double-edged sword, as for some, the amount of detail on the Lush can become overwhelming, especially for a set with such a linear frequency graph.
I prefer the Aether for vocal-focused tracks and simple/plain compositions like you find in pop, indie rock, folk, classical with few players etc., while Lush is more enjoyable for metal, IDM, math rock, shoegaze and experimental genres with more complexity and texture.
Winner: Kiwi Ears Aether. The Lush has other strengths and is surprisingly close, however.
Ziigaat Doscinco vs. Ziigaat Lush
Personally, I enjoy the Lush much more than the Doscinco despite the latter being a hundred dollars more expensive. The Lush simply has a much cleaner sound while also being about equal to the Doscinco in terms of detail and soundstage.
The Doscinco is tuned to be quite V-shaped with a big bass boost, but overall I find its tuning and driver cohesiveness to be messy. The bass is powerful and more impressive on first impression, but bloated and slow. The upper mids sounds crackly and sharp, and female vocals are often drowned out.
The Lush in comparison is perfectly clean and cohesive, and has no issues at all with BA timbre, sibilance, bloat etc. that I find in the Doscinco. It’s also much more versatile, handling a larger and more varied music library better.
However, others have had much more positive to say about the Doscinco, so do take this with a grain of salt. It might be due to unit difference or ear difference, who knows. I will say, however, that the Lush is probably a much safer buy and better value for money than the Doscinco by most objective measures, especially if you’re still new to the hobby and don’t know your preferences. Of course, they do aim for very different sound profiles, so use your own judgment on this.
The Doscinco might have an edge when it comes to hip-hop, but for everything else, I’d go for the Lush.
Winner: Ziigaat Lush
Aful Explorer vs. Ziigaat Lush
Explorer is the favorite set I own regardless of price. It has just the kinda curve that I find ideal for relaxing, with a nice and clean bass boost, slightly receded mids, and a smooth treble. Can the Lush compete? Yeah, kinda.
They’re quite equal when it comes to bass, though Explorer might have a slight edge when it comes to punch and general physicality. The Explores bass just reverberates a tad deeper. The Lush does produce some more detail in the mid-bass region, however, but it’s not world’s apart.
The Lush got fuller and more transparent mids, for better and for worse. The Lush sounds really good on tracks that are cleanly mixed, but if the mix is crusty, like some of the 90s J-rock I listen to, it will also reveal that crustiness in painful detail. But again, you can’t fault a set that aims for a studio-like transparency too much for that. The Explorer’s mids definitely sound quite shallow compared to the Lush, but it willl be smooth and relaxing almost regardless of what you throw at it.
The treble difference is the hardest to judge as they’re both going for similar vibes. They’re both quite polite when it comes to female vocals. They sound clean, but not very intimate, although I will say that the Lush’s vocals might be a step more front and center, maybe a step more for nasally voices. Bells and pianos have more bite on the Lush as well. I do find high hats and cymbals and such to sound more alive on the Explorer than the Lush, however, probably due to the lack of air on the Ziigaat.
Ultimately, the Explorers are a more relaxing and safer set with a sliver of an edge in bass power, while the Lush is still safe, but overall much more detailed and fuller-sounding. The Lush is also slightly brighter in the upper-mid/lower-treble region, but drier in the upper treble region. The Explorers fits me and my library better for daily driving and going out and about, but the Lush will probably be my go-to-set for more analytical, focused listening while still being suited to relaxing due to its smooth sound.
Winner: Draw. Similar weaknesses (vocals), different strengths.
Notes from the music test
Best tracks:
Kokorotravel - Snail’s House (Kawaii Bass): Full and wonderfully articulated synths. Airy mids, details aplenty. Comfortable. Satisfying sub-bass.
Squall - Pasteboard (Shoegaze, Dream Pop): A normally beautiful, but congested and noisy track slathered in effects sounds LUSH like summer’s evening on the Lush. Despite the noise, all the elements come clearly through in the mix.
Tomori - ARForest (Artcore, Ambient EDM): Bass hits. Sound is so textured and detailed you can almost feel it on your skin. Cavernous soundstage.
Worst track:
Kokoro ni Kumo wo Motsu Shonen - Sunny Day Service (Indie Rock, JRock): Vocals and guitar lacks sparkle, the open and sparse mix sounds naked/exposed, overall a lack of life.
CONCLUSION
The Lush isn’t a perfect set, but it’s pretty damn good and well-rounded. I personally enjoyed my time with it a lot and will be keeping it in my collection, to be used as a reference set, and more than anything for analytical listening and for gaming which are the two use cases where it really shines for me.
Its one serious issue to me is the dryness in its upper treble region, especially for vocals. Although they’re crystal clear and far from receded, they lack that sweetness and sparkle that makes a great vocal performance or shrieking guitar truly tickle your brain.
Its wealth of detail and 3D soundstage can also be two-edged swords for casual listening, as it might be overwhelming for extended sessions.
The unboxing experience and accessory package is also quite disappointing for the price and drags down its overall score for me.
Overall, however, the Lush is a very valid choice in the 150-200 dollar range, even if you never intend to touch a DAW, mixing board, or music instrument and just want to kick back with some good tunes. It produces a ridiculous amount of detail that rivals some 250 dollar plus sets, and it’s perfect for those sessions where you’d want to close your eyes and really focus on what you’re listening to.
In use, the Lush is also by far the most non-problematic set I own, which really should count for something. Minimal sibilance, BA timbre, wonkyness etc. Although it’s definitely a studio set, its rumbly, reedy bass keeps it from being boring and definitely rivals some lower-budget “bass-head” sets. With the right tracks, (I’m thinking mid-focused EDM/IDM) it can actually be quite a banger of a set.
For a warmish analytical set, the Lush is an excellent value proposition that can potentially open you to a whole new dimension of your music. It can take any type of music with little issue, but it definitely shines the most for instrumental tracks, EDM/IDM, soundtracks, classical, or any genre that has a lot of texture and complexity really. Not just a studio set, but a great additon to any music lover's arsenal!
Overall score: 4,1/5 (relative to price)
Disclaimer: I received this set from Linsoul in exchange for a review. I strive for honesty in everything I do, so the review contains my unbridled, unbiased opinions.
Used with stock cable, stock medium silicone tips.
Sources: Old motorola smartphone, Tanchjim Luna Asano Tanch edt., Hiby R4 X Evangelion. Tidal and local FLAC files.
Attachments
Ziigaat Lush
ZiiGaat has been an OEM company for some time and later created its own brand. Since its inception, ZiiGaat is perhaps best known for its collaborations such as the Estrella, Arete, Arcadia and Odyssey. The Lush featured here is a hybrid IEM (1DD + 4BA) and retails for around £137 ($179).
The Packaging
The Ziigaat Lush comes in a compact rectangular with a printed sleeve featuring a large image of the IEMs overlaying a repeating product name in an outline font. The Ziigaat logo appears at the top centre and the product name, "Lush" in a bold font at the bottom left. The other sides of the box carry specifications and product features and the rear shows company information.
When the sleeve is removed, a plain black box with a metallic silver Ziigaat logo in the centre can be seen. Inside, the IEMs are presented in a cut-out below which there is a black box containing the zipped carrying case, inside which you will find the cable and tips.
In all the package contains:
● Ziigaat Lush IEMs
● 2-pin 4-core black braided cable with 3.5mm termination
● Three pairs of grey silicone tips (S,M,L)
● One pair black foam tips (medium size)
● Zipped branded carrying case
Design and Build
The Lush is constructed from a shiny 3D printed medical grade black resin. The faceplate is decorated with a hand-painted geometric design and sparkly grey texture and features the Ziigaat logo. The recessed 2-pin sockets accept a standard 2-pin connector. There is a small circular vent with a mesh on the back of the earpiece and there is channel identification on the underside. The earpieces feel solid and well made and are not too heavy, although they are a little bulky.
The Lush employs a 10mm dynamic driver with a PET diaphragm for the bass which covers the 20Hz to 200Hz region. The midrange frequencies from there up to 1kHz are handled by a custom dual balanced armature and a dual balanced armature tweeter combination takes care of the high frequencies which top out at 25kHz. The sensitivity is quoted as 103dB with an impedance of 17 Ohms and a THD of 0.52%.
The black braided 2-pin 4-core cable is slightly stiff and the cable material is not specified in the supplied product information. The 3.5mm plug is finished in black with the Ziigaat name and there is a matching Y- split and ring-shaped chin slider. I did find the cable tended to tangle fairly easily.
Fit and Isolation
I found the Lush to be very comfortable to wear and although the earpieces are bulkier than say, the Kiwi Ears KE4, they remained securely in place. Using the medium size of the supplied silicone tips, the earpieces fitted securely and snugly in my ears with good isolation and maintaining a good bass response.
Sound Impressions
A burn-in period of 100 hours, with music from a wide variety of genres, was carried out before evaluation using a Ruark R1 digital radio. A Samsung smartphone was also used during testing and a number of different sources were tried. Because of its accurate and neutral character the Lush was able to differentiate between the sources and I spent quite some time choosing one which provided the best synergy. I started with an Xduoo X20 DAP. Although some pieces sounded excellent, there was a lack of consistency with this device. I then switched to a Hidizs AP80 Pro X DAP as a transport in conjunction with the Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro DAC/AMP. This was more successful with a more lively and engaging delivery but it emphasised the technical qualities to the detriment of the music. I found the "sweet spot" with the AP80 Pro X and the Penon OS133 USB-C dongle and the review was carried out with this combination. The Lush produced adequate volume in this mode and I did not need to use additional amplification. The stock cable and medium silicone tips were fitted.
Tonality
The Lush is marketed as a neutral, "studio grade" IEM and in general the delivery conforms to the "Meta" philosophy but with just a little more energy in the upper mids and treble. Bass is tight, speedy and extended although sub-bass could benefit from a little more depth and mid bass has a nice "kick" while not interfering with the lower mids. The midrange is the highlight, being open, natural and accurate. Vocals are well projected and solo instruments stand out clearly from their accompaniment. The treble segues smoothly from the mids. It is detailed, airy and clean and is more energetic than might be expected from the Meta style of tuning. A little more sparkle would have made it perfect. Soundstage is another area where the Lush excels with a spacious presentation and excellent imaging.
Bass
The Lush's bass was rich, resonant and clean with a high degree of resolution. There was a definite quality of speed and impact and the extension was also very good, although a little more visceral "rumble" would have been welcome. Mid bass was also entertaining and snappy with a healthy kick and there was no evidence of "bass bleed".
"Escales” is a colourful suite of lively orchestral pieces by Jacques Ibert depicting exotic locations. The third movement, “Anime” is inspired by the city of Valencia in Spain. Full of characteristic Iberian rhythms and melodies, the full range of the orchestra is exploited in a dynamic and powerful performance. In the wonderful recording by the Minnesota Orchestra under Eiji Oue, the bass drum displayed excellent depth and impact as well as an impressively natural decay. The initial strike was clean and incisive and the ambience of the recording venue was beautifully rendered.
"From Above" appears on the album "Earth to Infinity" by Jennifer Galatis. The album portrays an imaginary journey to the star Omicron Ceti. Electronic sound effects and smooth synth patches introduce the piece, providing an atmosperic background to the piano arpeggios which alternate between major and minor keys. Produced in a reverberant acoustic, the solo instrument is supported by a deep bass element which the Lush reproduced with texture, depth and resonance. There was a real sense of weight to the bass which was beautifully balanced with the piano and keyboards, resulting in a most satisfying experience.
Midrange
The Lush excelled in the midrange with a balanced, open and detailed delivery, a natural timbre, high levels of detail and pinpoint imaging. Vocals were particularly notable with the solo performers clearly presented in front of their accompaniment. The pinna gain was very well judged, providing just the right amount of presence without straying into harshness and was succeeded by a gentle rise into the lower treble. The whole effect was relaxing without being anodyne.
"Love song After JE" comes from the album "In a Landscape" by Max Richter. It begins with a chordal progression in the minor key on the piano. Soon a violin plays a doleful melody redolent of the theme from "Schindler's List" and a bowed cello accompaniment in the lower register is added. All three instruments displayed an accurate and natural timbre while at the same time being in perfect balance and dovetailing beautifully, creating a melancholy but enchanting effect. The Lush really excelled here and this track was testament to its neutral and "reference" quality.
Ian Lynn is a British pianist, composer and producer. "Celebration" is the third in a trilogy of albums inspired by the seasons. "Time Was" is a beautiful, nostalgic and evocative ballad introduced by delicate DX7 keyboards. The vocal was centrally placed with a good impression of height and the Lush reproduced every detail with clarity and precision. Breath and lip sounds were clearly audible and the diction was well defined, while the reverb on the vocal was very evident. The balance between the voice and backing was perfectly judged. Just near the conclusion of the piece an acoustic guitar solo appears and the tonality was very natural.
Treble
The treble was somewhat linear in nature, with only a minimal rise in the upper mids and lower treble, after which the level was maintained evenly to beyond audibility. Detail retrieval was excellent and there was no evidence of harshness or unnatural timbre. Although displaying a neutral profile, there was no lack of involvement and the smooth, natural tonality encouraged extended listening.
Violin Concerto No.1 by Jeno Hubay is a colourful and melodic work. In the version by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Chloe Hanslip, the violin was clearly presented in front of the orchestra with a clear sense of space around it. The tonality of the solo instrument was conveyed very naturally by the Lush and there was enough detail to show the high harmonics on the violin helping to produce a natural timbre. Towards the end of the movement, the interplay between the violin and the woodwind was attractively handled with an excellent balance between them.
Robert Carty is an electronic music artist based in Utah. He has more than 40 albums to his name and his style of music follows the "cosmic" genre with long epic tracks reminiscent of Tangerine Dream. "Beautiful Attractor" is an complex piece from his album "In Neptune's Wake". Placed within a wonderfully spacious acoustic, swirling electronic effects form an intricate background for the meandering synth lead. Crystalline percussive elements filled the stage, with other effects circling around it. To complete the scene, a richly-textured bass drone provided a solid foundation. The detail, separation and projection of the high frequencies was a joy to hear with so much occurring all at once, but the Lush managed to presentbit all in an organised way without being too technical.
Soundstage and Imaging
Along with the midrange, this was another highlight of the Lush's performance. The stage was wide and deep with also a good impression of height. Imaging was particularly fine, with orchestras laid out in a most authentic way with an accurate perspective while both separation and layering impressed in equal measure.
The intricate and spacious production of Pink Floyd's "High Hopes" from "The Division Bell" was a good example of the Lush's ability to organise multiple elements and bring them together in a cohesive fashion. Piano chords, tolling bells and nature sounds filled every available space in the image and the Lush was able to place the various sounds in their allotted positionsls, producing a wonderful spacious effect. David Gilmour's vocals stood out clearly from the background with the reverb on his vocal track very well-rendered and his slide guitar solo came over very impressively even in the presence of the complex backing.
Stuart Mitchell’s “Seven Wonders Suite” is an imaginative collection of pieces inspired by the famous monuments of the ancient world. “Mausoleum at Halicarnassus” begins with romantic string chords and innovative use of percussion. The main theme, played on the flute, floated delicately above the orchestral accompaniment with breath sounds clearly conveyed and the ambience of the recording venue adding to the atmosphere, especially at the end of the track where the powerful strike and natural decay of the timpani could be heard in the distance. The beautiful recording by the Prague Symphony Orchestra under Mario Klemens really showed its quality, underlining the Lush's accurate "reference" tuning.
Comparisons
For comparison, I have chosen two hybrid models from Kiwi Ears, in the same price range as the Lush.
Kiwi Ears KE4 (£150)
The KE4 uses two 10mm dynamic drivers for the bass frequencies, arranged in an isobaric configuration. The midrange is handled by a custom RAB 32257 vented balanced armature and the treble is covered by a Knowles RAD 33518 BA. There is a three-way passive crossover system and a network of three sound tubes channeling the sound.
The KE4 has a natural timbre, a well-balanced profile and no particular frequency band e1mphasised above the others. It is a good example of the "Meta" philosophy. The bass is deep and solid and the midrange is clear and open. Add to this an airy and well extended treble and it results in a very musical presentation with a seamless transition between the drivers and a consistency of tonality across the range. The soundstage is expansive and enveloping.
Compared with the Lush, the KE4 has a warmer character and is more musical in its presentation, whereas the Lush, with its neutral tonality, has a more natural and accurate balance. The warmer quality of the KE4 does take the edge off dynamic passages but results in a very relaxing sound. The Lush provides a little more detail and its imaging is more precise. Its "reference" tuning makes it amenable to a wider range of genres while the KE4 is not at its best with more exciting material, slightly blunting the impact.
Kiwi Ears Airoso (£129)
The Airoso is also a hybrid design with the same configuration as the Lush, 1DD + 4BA. It employs a dynamic driver with a composite LCP and PU diaphragm covering the bass frequencies, two "custom" balanced armatures for the high frequencies and twin "custom" BAs for the ultra-high frequencies. It uses a combination of physical and RC crossover technology.
The Airoso has a solid, speedy bass, an open and spacious midrange and a detailed and extended treble. The five drivers are well integrated giving the impression of a single unit and the overall shape might be termed "W" with a slight forward emphasis in the mids and somewhat elevated lower bass and upper treble. The staging is very good with a notable three dimensional effect and roughly equal width, depth and height. Imaging and movement are well rendered and there is a good balance between the musical and technical. C
Compared to the Lush, the Airoso sounds brighter and more immediate, with a lively presentation and considerably more energy in the high frequencies. The bass is tighter and faster but rolls off earlier, reducing the sub-bass. This results in a slightly thinner sound. Mid bass is more emphasised than the Lush and there is some influence in the midrange. Because of the forward nature of the mids, the soundstage sometimes loses a little depth. The resulting W shaping is very entertaining, but the upper range can become a bit intense with certain material. The Lush, actually, falls almost exactly between the Airoso and the KE4 in tonality, giving the best of both worlds without the disadvantages.
Conclusion
The Lush walks a perfect line between the warm/neutral "Meta" tuning and an energetic W or V profile. It is neutral without being boring and accurate without being too technical. As a result it suits multiple genres of music and is a talented all-rounder. Because of its "reference" style of tonality, it fares better with high quality recordings, tending to show up defects in poorer material, but when you think about it, that is how it should be.
There are not many negatives here, perhaps there could be a bit more weight in the bass and some extra sparkle in the treble. The accessories are fairly modest, and it would have been nice to see a modular cable included at this price level. The supplied cable is disappointing and tends to tangle easily.
Overall though, an IEM should be judged on its audio performance and the Lush certainly delivers in this regard.
ZiiGaat has been an OEM company for some time and later created its own brand. Since its inception, ZiiGaat is perhaps best known for its collaborations such as the Estrella, Arete, Arcadia and Odyssey. The Lush featured here is a hybrid IEM (1DD + 4BA) and retails for around £137 ($179).
The Packaging
The Ziigaat Lush comes in a compact rectangular with a printed sleeve featuring a large image of the IEMs overlaying a repeating product name in an outline font. The Ziigaat logo appears at the top centre and the product name, "Lush" in a bold font at the bottom left. The other sides of the box carry specifications and product features and the rear shows company information.
When the sleeve is removed, a plain black box with a metallic silver Ziigaat logo in the centre can be seen. Inside, the IEMs are presented in a cut-out below which there is a black box containing the zipped carrying case, inside which you will find the cable and tips.
In all the package contains:
● Ziigaat Lush IEMs
● 2-pin 4-core black braided cable with 3.5mm termination
● Three pairs of grey silicone tips (S,M,L)
● One pair black foam tips (medium size)
● Zipped branded carrying case
Design and Build
The Lush is constructed from a shiny 3D printed medical grade black resin. The faceplate is decorated with a hand-painted geometric design and sparkly grey texture and features the Ziigaat logo. The recessed 2-pin sockets accept a standard 2-pin connector. There is a small circular vent with a mesh on the back of the earpiece and there is channel identification on the underside. The earpieces feel solid and well made and are not too heavy, although they are a little bulky.
The Lush employs a 10mm dynamic driver with a PET diaphragm for the bass which covers the 20Hz to 200Hz region. The midrange frequencies from there up to 1kHz are handled by a custom dual balanced armature and a dual balanced armature tweeter combination takes care of the high frequencies which top out at 25kHz. The sensitivity is quoted as 103dB with an impedance of 17 Ohms and a THD of 0.52%.
The black braided 2-pin 4-core cable is slightly stiff and the cable material is not specified in the supplied product information. The 3.5mm plug is finished in black with the Ziigaat name and there is a matching Y- split and ring-shaped chin slider. I did find the cable tended to tangle fairly easily.
Fit and Isolation
I found the Lush to be very comfortable to wear and although the earpieces are bulkier than say, the Kiwi Ears KE4, they remained securely in place. Using the medium size of the supplied silicone tips, the earpieces fitted securely and snugly in my ears with good isolation and maintaining a good bass response.
Sound Impressions
A burn-in period of 100 hours, with music from a wide variety of genres, was carried out before evaluation using a Ruark R1 digital radio. A Samsung smartphone was also used during testing and a number of different sources were tried. Because of its accurate and neutral character the Lush was able to differentiate between the sources and I spent quite some time choosing one which provided the best synergy. I started with an Xduoo X20 DAP. Although some pieces sounded excellent, there was a lack of consistency with this device. I then switched to a Hidizs AP80 Pro X DAP as a transport in conjunction with the Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro DAC/AMP. This was more successful with a more lively and engaging delivery but it emphasised the technical qualities to the detriment of the music. I found the "sweet spot" with the AP80 Pro X and the Penon OS133 USB-C dongle and the review was carried out with this combination. The Lush produced adequate volume in this mode and I did not need to use additional amplification. The stock cable and medium silicone tips were fitted.
Tonality
The Lush is marketed as a neutral, "studio grade" IEM and in general the delivery conforms to the "Meta" philosophy but with just a little more energy in the upper mids and treble. Bass is tight, speedy and extended although sub-bass could benefit from a little more depth and mid bass has a nice "kick" while not interfering with the lower mids. The midrange is the highlight, being open, natural and accurate. Vocals are well projected and solo instruments stand out clearly from their accompaniment. The treble segues smoothly from the mids. It is detailed, airy and clean and is more energetic than might be expected from the Meta style of tuning. A little more sparkle would have made it perfect. Soundstage is another area where the Lush excels with a spacious presentation and excellent imaging.
Bass
The Lush's bass was rich, resonant and clean with a high degree of resolution. There was a definite quality of speed and impact and the extension was also very good, although a little more visceral "rumble" would have been welcome. Mid bass was also entertaining and snappy with a healthy kick and there was no evidence of "bass bleed".
"Escales” is a colourful suite of lively orchestral pieces by Jacques Ibert depicting exotic locations. The third movement, “Anime” is inspired by the city of Valencia in Spain. Full of characteristic Iberian rhythms and melodies, the full range of the orchestra is exploited in a dynamic and powerful performance. In the wonderful recording by the Minnesota Orchestra under Eiji Oue, the bass drum displayed excellent depth and impact as well as an impressively natural decay. The initial strike was clean and incisive and the ambience of the recording venue was beautifully rendered.
"From Above" appears on the album "Earth to Infinity" by Jennifer Galatis. The album portrays an imaginary journey to the star Omicron Ceti. Electronic sound effects and smooth synth patches introduce the piece, providing an atmosperic background to the piano arpeggios which alternate between major and minor keys. Produced in a reverberant acoustic, the solo instrument is supported by a deep bass element which the Lush reproduced with texture, depth and resonance. There was a real sense of weight to the bass which was beautifully balanced with the piano and keyboards, resulting in a most satisfying experience.
Midrange
The Lush excelled in the midrange with a balanced, open and detailed delivery, a natural timbre, high levels of detail and pinpoint imaging. Vocals were particularly notable with the solo performers clearly presented in front of their accompaniment. The pinna gain was very well judged, providing just the right amount of presence without straying into harshness and was succeeded by a gentle rise into the lower treble. The whole effect was relaxing without being anodyne.
"Love song After JE" comes from the album "In a Landscape" by Max Richter. It begins with a chordal progression in the minor key on the piano. Soon a violin plays a doleful melody redolent of the theme from "Schindler's List" and a bowed cello accompaniment in the lower register is added. All three instruments displayed an accurate and natural timbre while at the same time being in perfect balance and dovetailing beautifully, creating a melancholy but enchanting effect. The Lush really excelled here and this track was testament to its neutral and "reference" quality.
Ian Lynn is a British pianist, composer and producer. "Celebration" is the third in a trilogy of albums inspired by the seasons. "Time Was" is a beautiful, nostalgic and evocative ballad introduced by delicate DX7 keyboards. The vocal was centrally placed with a good impression of height and the Lush reproduced every detail with clarity and precision. Breath and lip sounds were clearly audible and the diction was well defined, while the reverb on the vocal was very evident. The balance between the voice and backing was perfectly judged. Just near the conclusion of the piece an acoustic guitar solo appears and the tonality was very natural.
Treble
The treble was somewhat linear in nature, with only a minimal rise in the upper mids and lower treble, after which the level was maintained evenly to beyond audibility. Detail retrieval was excellent and there was no evidence of harshness or unnatural timbre. Although displaying a neutral profile, there was no lack of involvement and the smooth, natural tonality encouraged extended listening.
Violin Concerto No.1 by Jeno Hubay is a colourful and melodic work. In the version by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Chloe Hanslip, the violin was clearly presented in front of the orchestra with a clear sense of space around it. The tonality of the solo instrument was conveyed very naturally by the Lush and there was enough detail to show the high harmonics on the violin helping to produce a natural timbre. Towards the end of the movement, the interplay between the violin and the woodwind was attractively handled with an excellent balance between them.
Robert Carty is an electronic music artist based in Utah. He has more than 40 albums to his name and his style of music follows the "cosmic" genre with long epic tracks reminiscent of Tangerine Dream. "Beautiful Attractor" is an complex piece from his album "In Neptune's Wake". Placed within a wonderfully spacious acoustic, swirling electronic effects form an intricate background for the meandering synth lead. Crystalline percussive elements filled the stage, with other effects circling around it. To complete the scene, a richly-textured bass drone provided a solid foundation. The detail, separation and projection of the high frequencies was a joy to hear with so much occurring all at once, but the Lush managed to presentbit all in an organised way without being too technical.
Soundstage and Imaging
Along with the midrange, this was another highlight of the Lush's performance. The stage was wide and deep with also a good impression of height. Imaging was particularly fine, with orchestras laid out in a most authentic way with an accurate perspective while both separation and layering impressed in equal measure.
The intricate and spacious production of Pink Floyd's "High Hopes" from "The Division Bell" was a good example of the Lush's ability to organise multiple elements and bring them together in a cohesive fashion. Piano chords, tolling bells and nature sounds filled every available space in the image and the Lush was able to place the various sounds in their allotted positionsls, producing a wonderful spacious effect. David Gilmour's vocals stood out clearly from the background with the reverb on his vocal track very well-rendered and his slide guitar solo came over very impressively even in the presence of the complex backing.
Stuart Mitchell’s “Seven Wonders Suite” is an imaginative collection of pieces inspired by the famous monuments of the ancient world. “Mausoleum at Halicarnassus” begins with romantic string chords and innovative use of percussion. The main theme, played on the flute, floated delicately above the orchestral accompaniment with breath sounds clearly conveyed and the ambience of the recording venue adding to the atmosphere, especially at the end of the track where the powerful strike and natural decay of the timpani could be heard in the distance. The beautiful recording by the Prague Symphony Orchestra under Mario Klemens really showed its quality, underlining the Lush's accurate "reference" tuning.
Comparisons
For comparison, I have chosen two hybrid models from Kiwi Ears, in the same price range as the Lush.
Kiwi Ears KE4 (£150)
The KE4 uses two 10mm dynamic drivers for the bass frequencies, arranged in an isobaric configuration. The midrange is handled by a custom RAB 32257 vented balanced armature and the treble is covered by a Knowles RAD 33518 BA. There is a three-way passive crossover system and a network of three sound tubes channeling the sound.
The KE4 has a natural timbre, a well-balanced profile and no particular frequency band e1mphasised above the others. It is a good example of the "Meta" philosophy. The bass is deep and solid and the midrange is clear and open. Add to this an airy and well extended treble and it results in a very musical presentation with a seamless transition between the drivers and a consistency of tonality across the range. The soundstage is expansive and enveloping.
Compared with the Lush, the KE4 has a warmer character and is more musical in its presentation, whereas the Lush, with its neutral tonality, has a more natural and accurate balance. The warmer quality of the KE4 does take the edge off dynamic passages but results in a very relaxing sound. The Lush provides a little more detail and its imaging is more precise. Its "reference" tuning makes it amenable to a wider range of genres while the KE4 is not at its best with more exciting material, slightly blunting the impact.
Kiwi Ears Airoso (£129)
The Airoso is also a hybrid design with the same configuration as the Lush, 1DD + 4BA. It employs a dynamic driver with a composite LCP and PU diaphragm covering the bass frequencies, two "custom" balanced armatures for the high frequencies and twin "custom" BAs for the ultra-high frequencies. It uses a combination of physical and RC crossover technology.
The Airoso has a solid, speedy bass, an open and spacious midrange and a detailed and extended treble. The five drivers are well integrated giving the impression of a single unit and the overall shape might be termed "W" with a slight forward emphasis in the mids and somewhat elevated lower bass and upper treble. The staging is very good with a notable three dimensional effect and roughly equal width, depth and height. Imaging and movement are well rendered and there is a good balance between the musical and technical. C
Compared to the Lush, the Airoso sounds brighter and more immediate, with a lively presentation and considerably more energy in the high frequencies. The bass is tighter and faster but rolls off earlier, reducing the sub-bass. This results in a slightly thinner sound. Mid bass is more emphasised than the Lush and there is some influence in the midrange. Because of the forward nature of the mids, the soundstage sometimes loses a little depth. The resulting W shaping is very entertaining, but the upper range can become a bit intense with certain material. The Lush, actually, falls almost exactly between the Airoso and the KE4 in tonality, giving the best of both worlds without the disadvantages.
Conclusion
The Lush walks a perfect line between the warm/neutral "Meta" tuning and an energetic W or V profile. It is neutral without being boring and accurate without being too technical. As a result it suits multiple genres of music and is a talented all-rounder. Because of its "reference" style of tonality, it fares better with high quality recordings, tending to show up defects in poorer material, but when you think about it, that is how it should be.
There are not many negatives here, perhaps there could be a bit more weight in the bass and some extra sparkle in the treble. The accessories are fairly modest, and it would have been nice to see a modular cable included at this price level. The supplied cable is disappointing and tends to tangle easily.
Overall though, an IEM should be judged on its audio performance and the Lush certainly delivers in this regard.
ZiiGaat Lush Review: The Reference Choice!
OVERALL SCORE: 6.53 / 10
PRICE: $179 (PHP. 9,990)
PROS:
- Neutral reference tuning under $200, making it an affordable option for audiophiles.
- Well-balanced sound signature suitable for detailed and relaxed listening.
- Smooth, refined tonality with inoffensive treble and present mids.
- Excellent for K-Pop and J-Pop genres, correcting common mixing issues.
CONS:
- Large shell size may be uncomfortable for people with smaller ears.
- Cheap-feeling cable and limited eartip selection for the price.
- Lack of engaging technicalities, making it less immersive.
- Struggles with jazz, funk, and soul genres, lacking punch and attack.
WHO THIS SET IS FOR:
- Audiophiles looking for an affordable reference-neutral IEM.
- Listeners who want a smooth, refined, and non-fatiguing sound signature.
- Fans of K-Pop and J-Pop who struggle with thin, bright mixes.
- Those who prefer evaluating music with a neutral and balanced tonality.
WHO THIS SET ISN'T FOR:
- People with small ears who may find the large shell uncomfortable.
- Listeners who prefer an immersive, technical, and dynamic sound presentation.
- Fans of jazz, funk, and soul who want a more punchy and tactile sound.
- Those who expect premium cables and accessories at this price range.
RECOMMENDED GENRES:
- J-Pop
- K-Pop
- Modern Pop
- Brighter mixed pop
SHORT REVIEW
The ZiiGaat Lush is a rare reference-neutral IEM under $200 that offers a refined, smooth sound signature with excellent balance, but its large size, disappointing cable, and lack of engaging technicalities make it more suited for critical listening than fun, immersive experiences.FULL REVIEW:
Sometimes, it’s nice to have a set that’s dead neutral as a “reference” when listening to music. A set that won’t overemphasize anything and just sound good. The problem? It’s kind of hard to find a proper “reference” set without spending a fortune. The cheapest that I’ve personally tried is the Softears Studio 4, and that’s a rather hefty $400.
But with the release of the ZiiGaat Lush, can we finally have a slightly more affordable “reference-tuned” set that’ll fulfill all your audio needs?
Hush Hush!
Out of all of Linsoul’s “flagship” brands, ZiiGaat has been one that I’ve been fascinated with as they seem to play a similar game to Thieaudio but tackling the lower price range. This is a fascinating proposition since Thieaudio IEMs have been hyped to death for years and a brand offering similarly tuned products but being far more affordable is great for the consumers.However, the quality of the product is king at the end of the day. If ZiiGaat cannot deliver in that front despite offering similarly tuned and sounding products, what’s the point? That’s what we’re here to find out with the $179 Lush which contrasts their usually aggressive and musical offerings with a studio-like sound. Let’s see how well this set performs!
UNBOXING
Maybe I’m spoiled with other brands, but I was really disappointed with the unboxing experience of the Lush.Here’s a full list of accessories:
- IEMs
- Carrying Case
- Cable
- Eartips
- Paperwork
I mean, $179 for this much? I’ve seen worse but it doesn’t mean this has to be the norm. The case is unique but ridiculously hard to use, even after weeks of ripping it open and closing. The eartips remind me of Letshuoer’s 07 style eartips which are great, but do not fit the sound of the Lush. I think they could have added at least more eartip selection.
BUILD & FIT
The Lush is your typical resin-built hybrid IEM with a sparkly faceplate, minimal branding and a large shell size.
If you held this in front of me, I cannot tell you what this IEM is. That’s not a bad thing, especially for people who don’t really want to stand out with their IEMs. But it means that in the sea of resin built IEMs, these won’t stand out.
Where this would stand out is in its size. Despite just being a 5 driver set, it is massive. People with larger ears would probably find this comfy, but people with smaller ears will suffer. I have a friend who bought a lush for themselves and found it very uncomfortable. Personally, with the right eartips, these will fit my ears right. Definitely not with the stock eartips, though.
The cable is functional but very disappointing for the price. It’s light and thin, but feels very cheap and tangle prone. It feels like those cheap $5 Jcally cables. But at least it’s comfortable and does not irritate my sensitive skin.
SOUND
Sound Signature
The Lush is, quite literally, one of the flattest IEMs I’ve ever heard. There’s a bit of subass emphasis sure, but the rest of the frequency is so deadpan flat that I might even say that this is one of the first true “reference” IEM under $200. The mids are intimate and full-bodied without sounding too warm and bloated and the treble is inoffensive but present with decent extension. Admittedly, you can hear the limitations of the drivers at this price with the very very slight plasticky timbre on certain tracks, but it’s so minimal it doesn’t bother me at all.
Source Pairing
Very easy to drive and responds minimally to sourcesVolume Scaling
Despite being a flat IEM, this is one of the few IEMs that I really don’t mind at lower listening volume. At the same time, this is a set that scales really well with volume. At lower volumes, the subbass stands out more than the mids and treble, but equalizes the higher volume you listen.Listening Experience
Most IEMs usually have a distinctive quality, especially nowadays with many sets trying to get that “perfect balance” tuning that often has a hefty subbass emphasis and an ever so slightly energetic treble presentation. This makes it a “versatile” tuning for most genres, except for one. Or should I say, one style of mixing.K-Pop has always been problematic for me. Being a treblehead, I can never properly “enjoy” K-Pop music on its own because the mixing of 90% of the K-Pop that I listen to sounds too thin and brittle. This mostly has to do with the emphasis on female vocals and compensating on the device being played, from headphones to crappy phone speakers. If it sounds decent on one, it should sound decent on another. But I don’t like listening to K-Pop because of that reason.
Until I listened to K-Pop on the Lush. It almost felt like a part of my life I’ve been missing was revealed to me. It actually sounded listenable. The bass is finally brought up to a balanced level, the mids sounding “right” and the treble does not sound as abrasive and rough like on most IEMs I listen to. It sounds correct.
Obviously, we still have to compensate for the compression and limiter to ensure the dynamic range is compressed to sound good on whatever headphone or speakers which the Lush still unfortunately presents. But at the very least most of the K-Pop I listen to is actually listenable at higher volumes with an acceptable sound quality.
My current obsession is with UNIS, the latest 5th Gen Group that has been taking the K-Pop world by storm (there are 2 Filipinos so I have to support them) and their mixing is your typical K-Pop style mixing but improved from the ye olden days of Twice and their extremely thin and brittle mixing. This means a track like SWICY still has tendencies of sounding a little bit thin, especially on the vocals and percussives. Not on the Lush. The Lush can present the vocals in a bodied but not overly warm manner while presenting the bass and treble in a euphonic way that doesn’t intrude on the rest of the mix. The bass goes deep enough and sounds clean enough to make the more bassy sections of the track sound immersive but non-intrusive and the treble is very safe, smooth and free from any sibilance or harshness. Vocals, in particular, are a highlight because despite the energetic mix, vocals still have a good level of emphasis and detail that I found most audio gears nowadays tend to sound congested. Obviously, the mix is 90% to blame why the song sounds like this and not even parametric EQ can fix the fundamental flaws in K-Pop mixing. But the fact that the Lush can somehow provide a satisfying and enjoyable listening experience when I genuinely could not enjoy K-Pop on its own before is a feat on its own.
But obviously, it’s just K-Pop that is affected by this presentation. Brighter mixed songs, especially J-Pop benefit from the more “lush” sound and allows for the rest of the mix to be heard while toning the overly emphasized parts of the mix. Something like Giga’s Remix of Ado’s Ussewa. Giga is infamous for his complex and occasionally edgy mixing with a lot of emphasis on the treble. I don’t usually like listening to his music on higher volumes with most sets that I have, but the Lush makes listening to his music genuinely enjoyable. I would mention more specific songs, but I don’t know Japanese to tell you their titles. Just know that if it’s a Giga track, it’ll sound great on the Lush.
However, the tides shift ever so slightly once you move into jazzy, funky and soul tracks. I don’t know about you, but I think those genres enjoy a nice, tactile and physical sound with a strong attack. The Lush has none of these and present music in a linear but engaging enough manner to not be stale. This means that throwing this into something like Vulfpeck or Woody and Jeremy would sound decent, but it’ll almost sound like you’re monitoring the music itself rather than enjoying it. Not to say you can’t enjoy them on the Lush, but I’ve heard sets play back those two artists better than the Lush.
Its main strength is also its main weakness. Linearity, smoothness and neutrality with a slight subbass boost is great if you’re trying to hear everything in the mix. But the way the Lush presented it is a little too smooth and a little too toned down. Bass is deep but not very tactile or punchy, the mids are forward and present but lack the crispness and openness than more technical sets have and the treble, while totally inoffensive without sounding dark or rolled off, is very tame and doesn’t give that level of “brilliance” that I look for in IEMs. And that’s not a bad thing. I love sets that can do a lot of things decently. It makes the set a versatile and safe set to use and recommend. Plus, isn’t it nice to have a set that you can use when you’re evaluating new music without the fear of feeling like the set you’re listening to might not present the music in at least a presentable way?
That makes this rather lackluster technical ability all the more forgivable. It’s not a distracting set nor is it a set that you use to pick apart the music. It’s a set that you use to just relax, chill and have a lush listening experience. But I will clarify that this is not a technically inept set. Far from it. I’ve heard sets that are less capable than this for more money. It’s more along the lines of presenting the essentials and no more than that. That’s the essence of a studio reference set and that’s what the Lush is. No immersive stage and imaging, no exceptional separation and layering. But one thing is for sure. This thing sounds refined as heck. It doesn’t sound forced nor does it sound unresolving. It’s not energetic or “lively” but it doesn’t sound too dead either.
It’s a proper reference neutral sound that doesn’t do any more than it has to do. Versatile, refined and smooth. Not quite the flagship level of nuance and detail, but I’d argue that it doesn’t need to do that.
Maybe a small nitpick would be the slight metallic timbre, but it’s minor enough that I don’t really want to count it as a con. But it’s still something worth noting, especially if you’re a stickler for timbre.
COMPARISON
vs Kiwi Ears KE4
If you’ve seen my KE4 review, you would know how I think the KE4 is a solid balanced set that suffers from excessive warmth on certain tracks. The KE4 is actually one of the few sets that play through K-Pop and brighter mixed tracks, but the midbass is so bothersome that I still think the warmth affects my overall enjoyment. The Lush fixes that issue and actually sounds pretty balanced. However, as a whole, the KE4 is the more fun set for more genres and the warmth helps make it sound more immersive compared to the Lush. The KE4 stands as your “meta” option while the Lush stands as your “reference” option. The difference? KE4 tries to sound fun and the Lush doesn’t.
vs NiceHCK NX8
Even warmer and more colored than the KE4, the NiceHCK NX8 is the option for people who found the KE4 too boring. This means that compared to the Lush, the contrast is even stronger with the NX8 making music sound thick and engaging with a bit of sparkle to give energy to vocals and instruments. The NX8 is also more technically capable and revealing compared to the Lush. However, the Lush is the more refined, smooth and tonally superior set with better timbre than the NX8.
vs Dunu Kima 2
Besides the Lush, the Kima 2 is the other set that I’d consider to be reference neutral in the sub $200 range. The main difference being the Kima 2 having more warmth and lushness in the sound compared to the Lush (ironically). The Kima 2 is also less technically capable than the Lush, but has better timbre thanks to the single DD by nature being more coherent than the 5 driver hybrid of the Lush. This means that, depending on what kind of neutral you enjoy, the Kima 2 and the Lush are your two best choices for reference sound.
vs Letshuoer Galileo
This was the OG reference set in the sub $200 range and it did its job really well with the exception of sounding unresolving. As a whole, the Lush is basically a better version of the Galileo in every single way as a reference neutral set.
vs Simgot Supermix 4
From the distant Harman lands, the Supermix 4 is the more technical, detailed and engaging set at the cost of sounding like a Harman IEM. The Lush made me dislike traditional Harman sets for certain genres because of its subdued upper mids and treble making music sound so much more listenable. However, the Supermix 4 also made me appreciate the added liveliness and energy in certain genres that need that energy. The two contrast each other pretty well and comes down to preference and your use case.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Lush does its job of being a studio reference set really, really well. And considering its price, it almost feels like the Lush is a first of its kind. I haven’t heard of an IEM in this price range that achieves this level of neutrality without compromising a specific part of the sound. Some may call this neutral, but I’d say that’s by design. I found this set to excel especially for people who want to enjoy their favorite K-Pop or J-Pop at higher volumes and with better timbre.
However, the most disappointing part of the Lush is arguably the non-sound factors. For a 5 driver set, this thing is massive compared to other 5 driver sets. Tip rolling may help some people, but the large size will not accommodate people with smaller ears. Additionally, the cable and eartips are just disappointing for the price and not what I’d imagine would come with a $179 IEM. The case got better after a few weeks of use, but it’s still occasionally troublesome.
But if you don’t care about all that and just want the best reference neutral set under $200, I cannot think of a better set than the Lush.
Thank you for reading my review on the ZiiGaat Lush.
WATCH REVIEW HERE:
INTRO
How are you all? I hope you're doing well. Today's is another IEM from the ZIIGAAT brand. You've probably heard of it because they've already released many. I'd say they're saturating the market, although honestly, they're all good products. Each one has its own flavor, and honestly, if you do things right, at an appropriate price, with these striking and beautiful designs, then go ahead... keep doing it.
Today's the Ziigaat Lush. 4 balanced armature drivers and 1 dynamic driver. In principle, a standard configuration, but coming from this brand, I think it might be okay... so let's see how this sounds.
Ziigaat Lush's Review
General/Packaging/Comfort/Build
ZiiGat is a relatively new brand which is sold by Linsoul exclusively. The brand has released several IEMs, namely the Cinno,Nuo, which lies on the budget range, Doscinco and also the Cincotres from the mid tier in which I have also tested and reviewed previously and found them to be really good for the asking price. I have the Lush with me today which has the following configuration: 1DD+4BA.
Build quality is very solid and features beautiful faceplate as well, metal nozzle, it is neither short nor long for my ear anatomy. The shell size is similar to the Arete which i also reviewed some time ago . Packaging is rather minimal i would say, the stock cable, eartips, faux leather storage case and the IEM itself, mostly similar in terms of presentation across the Ziigaat’s range.
In terms of comfort, the Lush does not have any sharp edges and I use them for several hours a day and I did not feel any discomfort throughout my listening session, the shell is quite identical to both the Doscinco and Cincotres that i have reviewed as well.
Prior to writing this review, Lush has been run in for roughly 20 hours, and in my opinion, the DD does benefit slightly from the burn in.
Equipment and Software used
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far
Sound Impression
Upon first listening impression, Lush’s sound signature is leaning towards more neutral with a slight boost on the sub bass. I would say it is quite natural overall with rather clean and natural mids. There’s a slight hint of BA timbre but it is very very minimal overall
Bass
As ZiiGat is stepping up on their IEM game, their releases has been interesting so far, from Cinno, Nuo, to Doscinco, Cincotres, Arete and Lush which i have tested today, they’re very interesting in terms of sonic performance as well as the price point. At 179$, with the sonic performance as well as the build quality that it offers, i will not hesitate in recommending Lush to anyone who likes this sort of sound signature or would like to try and find out what Meta sound signature is all about.
*A big thanks to Linsoul for sending this over for the purpose of this review. Thanks for the support and opportunity as always
Head over to their store if you are interested in getting a pair:
ZiiGaat Lush - Non affiliated
ZiiGaat LUSH, Budget Meta
ZiiGaat LUSH, Budget Meta
Disclaimer
I got a free review sample, and I can say whatever I want without any guidelines from ZiiGaat or Linsoul.
All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.
Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce
My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.
My audio preference is neutral with some warmth, I can also like forward midrange and treble if not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned gears for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to most genres and enjoy it.
I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with my entry being Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to saxophone without getting far, this due to not having the biggest patience in learning to play.
My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and HFA Dahlia.
My current favorites in IEMs are LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 and THIEAUDIO Valhalla.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.
Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the AUNE S17 Pro EVO headphone amplifier. I also use tube amplification with Cayin HA-2A, perfect to change up the sound.
Portable gear being Shanling M8T and iBasso DX180, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and ifi GO pod Kensei.
So what is ZiiGaat LUSH
ZiiGaat is one the brands distributed by Linsoul, they have a wiide range of models from the cheapest CINNO up to their new flagship ARCANIS.
The LUSH is in the middle of their pricing at $179, it is delivered with a 1DD and 4BA configuration. The bass driver is a 10mm PET dynamic driver, and then it has 2 balanced armatures for midrange and 2 for the highs. The BA drivers are custom made in house, that is also most likely why they can sell the LUSH for this price.
This model follows the so-called meta tuning that is popular lately, a natural tuning that is not overly aggressive.
The box is a branded sleeve with some information about the product, the inside has a black card box with foam insert. Nothing special but also enough so it feels like a good product, I also like that the box is not overly large.
The included storage box is of okay quality okay, just enough space for the IEM with a cable and some reserve tips or a small dongle.
ZiiGaat has delivered this with everything you need to start listening, without feeling the need to upgrade cable or tips. The cable is a little thin and doesn't feel very premium, but for the sound it is okay. The tips are medium bore in S M L, the bore is also a little firm so it should work for most folks. There is also one pair of foam tips in medium/large, personally I much prefer silicon tips.
The design of the IEM is minimalist and stylish, the black shell with the faceplate design is done well without being too much. You also get a serial number with the brand model on each earpiece, with the ZiiGaat brand name on the face plate in a subtle silver that is almost a little hard to see.
The shells have a little less ergonomic curve than models from Kiwi Ears or Thieaudio, the size is similar but the ear grooves in the shell are smaller on ZiiGaat models. The shell is also very light, and could be seen as a con or pro depending on the user. The nozzle is also of average length and width, measuring 6.2mm in width. Overall I think this is a very ergonomic shell, even though I prefer a little more aggressive curves on the shells.
Sound impression
Most of my listening has been with the ifi GO bar Kensei, this to have a neutral source that is very transparent. I do think it sounds even better with Shanling M8T or HIBY FC6, but this moves the sound more over to the euphonic and warm side.
Going to use the ranges here in review:
Details and soundstage
Detail in IEMs is down mostly to quality driver and how it amplitudes the frequencies, when the drivers is faster it increases the resolution you hear.
The LUSH is average, not a champion of technicalities or soundstage. Instead it delivers a fairly average soundstage depth and width, with micro details being also average.
This is mostly down to the tuning, the meta tuning isn't pushing a lot of clarity and detail into your ears. Instead you get a more fatigue free and smoother listening experience, the drivers themself I think are good with some softness to the transients.
Timbre
So when I talk about timbre I think about how accurate it sounds like, the so-called meta tuning is very accurate at sounding natural. So this is also true for the ZiiGaat LUSH, it is what I consider neutral sounding without anything being emphasized or aggressive sounding. This also means the sound can be a little soft and boring for some, personally I love this tuning as it works well over a wide range of music and is perfect for long listening sessions.
Bass is textured and reaches deep into the sub bass, the mid bass is there but not overly emphasised and has a little lingering decay.
Midrange is natural with good balance, its open and not congested. My only con is that it could have had some more warmth from the bass making it LUSHer, but that would have made the sound more congested. The upper midrange is also safe, almost a little smooth and safe on instruments like brass or bright vocals.
Treble is also well extended, but without being aggressive and bright. Just giving music natural harmonics to sound airy and natural.
Comparisons with ESTRELLA and ARCANIS
When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly capable, together with volume matching to take away loudness variance.
Added measurement from Best Reviews, aligned by dB.
The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences, this is a subjective evaluation and reflects what I prefer.
All of these are similar, in fact the ARCANIS and ESTRELLA even have the same driver configuration with just a double 10mm DD for bass.The other difference is that ESTRELLA and ARCANIS have branded BAs, unbranded custom drivers. The shells and accessories are the same, and are more correct quality accessories for an IEM of the price of the LUSH.
The sound is different among all of them, we could say the LUSH is the most natural as there is almost not any coloration and the tuning is close to flat sounding.
Bass quality is a small step up on ESTRELLA and ARCANIS, same for treble clarity and quality. The sound is a little clearer in general with both, the LUSH is instead more smooth on transients giving it a softer sound.
Tuning is like this:
ARCANIS is more bright, it has a neutral bright tuning. ARCANIS also has more full bass that can slam and rumble more. Midrange is also more forward with more energy and clarity on ARCANIS.
ESTRELLA is even more energetic and has a V shaped tuning, with much more bass and treble than LUSH and even more than ARCANIS. But it also need that bass as it has much more treble as well, this comes at the cost of making the midrange a little scooped out.
Even if all of them are a little different, they have a similar quality to them. LUSH is just a small step behind.
Music
Click here for Audio with Leo playlist
When comparing IEM’s I have used the tracks listed here and more, I will also provide some music I have enjoyed during the review time.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/427236190?u
In general the LUSH is excellent for Jazz, unless you want more bite and energy.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/195672004?u
Similar as the single above, Nala Sinephro records sound beautiful on LUSH if not a little to safe.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/123002076?u
Myrkyr with Folkesange has a traditional style that us nordic folks are very familiar with it, smooth and beautiful midrange on LUSH.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/328421256?u
Another single, the J-pop anime style music is nice on LUSH. I often find it quite tiresome so the balance on LUSH is very good.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/208626970?u
I must admit the LUSH is not my favorite for this, mostly due to bass and noteweight. What it does well is being open and well separated, so it can even handle quite complex and busy passages in rock/metal.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/393536966?u
LUSH is also very nice with the typical popular pop music, I could have liked a little more bass weight but its not always needed for pop.
Summary
ZiiGaat has released a good neutral tuned iem in the sub $200 price range, the use of custom unbranded balanced armatures is a good choice to keep price down and be competitive.
This set is for the folks who want a so-called meta tuned iem for cheap, there are other IEMs also doing this like the KE4 but the LUSH is better in my opinion. You get natural sound, that's tuned neutral with good extension in both the lows and highs. Midrange is very nice, in a subtle way that's smooth and relaxed. The sound might not be super impressive from the first session, but it is more an IEM that you find better over time. This since it's safe with not a ton of energy or clarity, but also since bass could lack some note weight if you're coming from warm IEMs.
It has been hard to rank this one, I think the tuning is good and better than some other ZiiGaat models. But it lacks some clarity that the more expensive models have.
I will still rank it the same with 4 stars as I did for ESTRELLA, even though that one is more technically capable. What LUSH does better than both is a more natural smooth sound, and also delivering even better value for the money. Personal ranking is 64/100, very acceptable for a set this price.
The models is available from Linsoul or directly from ZiiGaat.
Ziigaat Lush Review (vs. Arete) – A Neutral, Technical Gem Under $200
ZiiGaat Lush – A step away from the ordinary
Thanks to Linsoul for the chance to review these. All thoughts are my own and not influenced in anyway.
ZiiGaat have been making waves in the IEM sea for the past year, I’ve been a big fan of their other models (I own most of them) so was excited to get to try out the Lush! It’s a little different to their other sets, advertised for studio engineers and stage musicians.
Who am I? Just someone who loves music and the devices we use to play it. I own a large collection (124 IEMs and 114 full-size HPs at the time of writing) ranging from budget to TOTL. I write these reviews in the hopes that it helps someone make the right choice for them – either for a one and done, or to round out their collection. I moved past the point of needing more equipment a while back but still love getting a new item and seeing what it can offer. Despite owning so many I’m still constantly surprised by what I discover with a new tuning, and how good some of the more budget friendly sets are getting.
I used the Lush as my daily driver for two weeks since receiving it, I used it from several devices over the two weeks. Most of the review is based on its pairing with the HiBy R4 (being an appropriately priced pairing) however I’ll talk to a different source later as it does scale quite well.
The Lush comes in standard ZiiGaat packaging. You get the IEM’s, a cable (this one was 3.5mm), a nice little zip case, and some tips. I find the ZiiGaat tips to be great and used them for the duration.
I listen to a little bit of everything, some mainstays during the past two weeks were Paul Simon, Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria, Kendrick Lamar, The Doors, Lana Dely Rey, and A Perfect Circle.
On to the sound:
Clean. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when listening with these. At their price point you get a clear presentation across the spectrum. I generally break everything down by Bass / Mids / Treble to start with, however I want to talk through the opening of a track experienced on these before I do that:
A Perfect Circle – The Doomed:
Track starts with a sound appearing just behind my left eye, then the drums kick in smack bang in the centre. Vocals then start swirling, beginning on my right and then moving around. These three separate parts continue, with the sound on the left getting louder, until we get a different drum pattern on the left, then quickly some drums kick off, louder, in the centre. MJK then starts singing.
The Lush delivers these sections of the track perfectly to your ears, like you would experience on studio monitor headphones. The difference being that there is a little more bass here than you would generally get on those which make them better for everyday use. They lack a bit of excitement due to this tuning, which isn’t a negative, but needs to be called out. On to the standard breakdown:
Bass:
The sub-bass is boosted, which can provide a rumble without overpowering the mix. It's clean and textured. The mid-bass is little more restrained, offering a natural and relaxed presentation. Kick drums and deeper male vocals sound full and uncolored, blending seamlessly with the rest of the frequencies.
Mids:
The midrange is neutral and uncolored. Vocals and instruments have a natural timbre, with no particular emphasis. I didn’t have a preference between male or female vocals on these, I found that they really brought out what was recorded, for better or worse. I really enjoyed well recorded tracks on these, something like Fortnight by Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone sounded superb, with Taylors vocals sounding magnificent on these. The ‘I love you, it’s ruining my life’ back and forth between the two artists was a particular stand out for me.
The mids are smooth and free from any shoutiness, making for fatigue-free listening sessions. I could listen to these all day, and for the most part I did.
Treble:
Treble frequencies are crisp and extend well, contributing to an airy and spacious soundstage. They lack some sparkle, but overall I found them very nice to listen to. Even on treble-sensitive tracks, the Lush remains smooth and non-fatiguing.
Technical:
I found the soundstage to extend just slightly outside of my ears on these, there is some depth however not a lot. Even with that said, I found the imaging and precision to be superb on these, with probably the best imaging I’ve heard at this price point. I could pinpoint every instrument exactly with these, and listen to each part independently. I didn’t find them falling over themselves/blending with busier tracks. A good test for me is always ‘The Becoming’ by Nine Inch Nails. On many IEMs everything gets busy and the sound blends together, with these I could pinpoint the multiple vocal tracks, synths, drums etc. Extremely well done.
Subjective:
I enjoyed these a lot, quite different to what the standard IEM offers today. The imaging is a standout at this price point, which paired with their neutral’ish sound make them an easy recommendation for me if you’re after something neutral. I used them with the HiBy R4 for the most part, however where I really enjoyed these the most was with the Cayin N3 Ultra using the classic tube mode. This opened up the stage and depth quite a bit, which elevated these up a tier. Paired with the N3 Ultra these are competing above their price bracket. The N3 Ultra also adds some tube warmth to the sound.
The perfect combo:
Overall:
An easy recommendation. I’ve read some criticism of ZiiGaat and their many releases, however for anyone who’s taken the time to listen I think you’ll find that they all offer something different. This one stands alone in their lineup, and gets a gold star from me (well, four and half of them). Well done!
Soundstage would get a boost to 4.5 out of the N3 Ultra.
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
Ziigaat Lush : The smooth Operator with Studio-Grade Sensibilities
The Ziigaat Lush doesn’t come storming into the room with a spec sheet that screams for attention or a fancy modular cable to show off. In fact, it might even fly under the radar at first glance. But give it some time—actually listen—and you’ll discover that this is an IEM that plays the long game. It doesn’t need to shout to make a statement. There’s a quiet confidence in how it handles your music, like it knows exactly what it's doing—and it does it really, really well.
This isn’t the kind of gear that relies on gimmicks or over-the-top marketing. The Lush earns its stripes the old-fashioned way: by delivering a satisfying, polished sound that keeps you coming back. It's the kind of IEM that might not wow you in the first five seconds, but wins you over in the next five hours.
Whats inside the box? here is my quick unboxing video of the Ziigaat Lush.
Unboxing and Accessories
The Lush arrives with a solid set of accessories, including a pair of foam tips and multiple sizes of silicone tips—one of which features a bright orange core that surprised me in the best way. It’s rare that I stick with stock tips, but after some tip rolling (narrow bore, wide bore—you name it), I kept circling back to these. They strike a great balance in seal, comfort, and acoustic synergy.
What really caught my attention, though, was the case. Ziigaat didn’t go the cookie-cutter route here. Instead of the usual compact clamshell. you get a flatter, wide square-shaped case with a mesh compartment inside. The elastic mesh holds accessories securely, preventing that usual tangle of tips and adapters we all know too well. It’s a small thing, but it speaks to a kind of thoughtful design that I appreciate.
Build and Fit
The shells are made from a glossy resin, and they carry that signature Ziigaat ergonomic shape. They nestle into my ears comfortably with no hint of pressure or fatigue even after hours of listening. The design is slick—stealthy, almost Gotham-esque. The dark, moody faceplates give off a Bruce Wayne-on-vacation kind of vibe: understated but with style.
The cable is... okay. It’s a glossy, braided affair that’s a bit stiff for my taste, and the version I have uses a 3.5mm non-modular termination. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t match the finesse of the shells or the tuning. Swapping it out might be worth considering if you’re into cable upgrades.
Under the hood, the Lush sports a 1DD + 4BA hybrid setup, and it’s marketed as a studio monitor. That can mean different things depending on the execution—but in this case, Ziigaat nailed it.
Tuning and Tonality
This is a neutral-balanced set done right. The Lush is transparent, smooth, and natural, with no one frequency trying to steal the spotlight. There’s a real sense of honesty to the sound—it doesn’t embellish, it just presents. And that’s something I didn’t think I’d enjoy so much.
I’m usually drawn to thicker, richer, more emotive tunings. I like my sound a bit romanticized. But the Lush made me pause. It helped me better understand what a well-implemented neutral tuning could do. It doesn’t demand a curated playlist. It doesn’t cherry-pick genres. It simply plays everything well—and that’s rare.
If you’ve ever felt like certain IEMs dictate what you listen to (I definitely have), the Lush breaks that cycle. You don’t need to chase the perfect track. Just hit shuffle and go. Whether you're focusing or multitasking, it delivers a consistent and non-fatiguing sound that's even great for background music.
Bass
The bass on the Ziigaat Lush feels like a thoughtfully tuned foundation—never overbearing, never undercooked. It strikes a nice balance between subbass and midbass, giving you just enough of both to keep things grounded and engaging.
The subbass isn’t the kind that rattles your skull, but it’s definitely there when the music calls for it. It offers a gentle, well-controlled rumble that adds depth without drawing too much attention to itself. Think of it as a subtle floorboard vibration rather than a ground shake—it supports the music without stealing the spotlight.
The midbass, on the other hand, carries a bit more personality. It’s got a warm, textured presence that gives kicks and bass guitars a satisfying thump—nothing bloated, just enough punch to feel lively. The decay is tastefully done too, trailing off naturally so the notes breathe a bit, but never feel sluggish.
What really stands out is the control. The bass knows its boundaries. It doesn’t bleed into the mids or create any sort of unwanted bloom. It complements rather than competes with the rest of the frequency range, which is exactly what you want in a well-tuned IEM. This kind of restraint shows that the Lush isn’t trying to impress with brute force—it’s going for finesse, and it mostly nails it.
Midrange
This is where the Ziigaat Lush really starts living up to its name. The midrange is, quite simply, a pleasure—smooth, natural, and emotionally grounded in a way that keeps you listening longer than you planned.
Vocals are a standout here. Whether it’s the smoky depth of a male singer or the delicate shimmer of a female voice, the Lush captures them with a sense of realism that feels effortless. Tonality is spot on—nothing feels pushed or hollowed out. They’re positioned just right in the mix, never shouting in your face but never hiding in the shadows either. It’s that “just right” kind of tuning that makes voices feel honest and present.
Instruments come through with an organic, textured character that feels tactile and believable. Guitars have body and string definition, pianos sound full and nuanced, and acoustic elements in particular really shine. There’s a gentle warmth in the mids—not syrupy or overly rich, but enough to breathe life into the music and smooth out any digital harshness. It doesn’t cross into coloration, though. The warmth is subtle, serving emotion rather than altering the intent of the track.
What ties it all together is the linear smoothness of the presentation. There's no weird dips or peaks here—just a consistent, easy flow that makes the Lush a perfect companion for longer sessions. It doesn’t fatigue, and it doesn’t try to impress with over-sharpened detail. Instead, it focuses on delivering a clean, emotionally honest performance. And really, that’s often what makes the difference between a good IEM and one that quietly earns a place in your daily rotation.
Treble
The treble on the Ziigaat Lush plays it cool—smooth, measured, and mature. It's definitely on the safer side of the spectrum, but that’s not a weakness. In fact, it's one of its strengths. This is the kind of treble that invites you to keep listening, hour after hour, without fatigue creeping in.
There’s a sense of control here that’s easy to appreciate, especially if you've ever dealt with an IEM that tried too hard to dazzle with sparkle and ended up feeling harsh or fatiguing. The Lush doesn’t go for that kind of flashy presentation. Instead, it offers just the right amount of air and lift to keep things feeling open and detailed, without ever crossing into sharpness or sibilance. It’s refined, not restrained.
Extension is solid—maybe not up to the level of a detail monster, but enough to render ambient cues, trailing cymbals, and spatial information with a nice sense of finesse. There’s clarity and layering, but it never comes off as clinical or overly analytical. This treble is more about complementing the overall balance than drawing attention to itself.
You won’t find a ton of sparkle or shimmer here, but that’s by design. It’s a well-mannered treble that plays nice with the warm, textured mids and the controlled bass. It helps create a cohesive, musical presentation—one that favors comfort and naturalness over aggressive detail. For many listeners, especially those sensitive to high frequencies, this kind of tuning will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Soundstage & Imaging
The Lush impresses with a soundstage that leans wide, especially left to right. It doesn't have that deep, three-dimensional layering that some planar or open-back designs aim for, but it still manages a nice sense of space. Imaging is accurate with solid separation—each instrument occupies its own spot without congestion, making it easy to follow complex arrangements.
Ziigaat Lush vs Kiwi Ears KE4: A Tale of Two "Meta" Tunings
Both the Ziigaat Lush and the Kiwi Ears KE4 fall under a similar tuning philosophy "meta" a neutral-balanced with studio-monitor intentions. But how they execute that vision differs in subtle but important ways. On paper, they might seem like siblings, but in practice, they have distinct personalities.
The Ziigaat Lush takes a smooth, softly neutral approach. It’s extremely balanced and inoffensive, the kind of tuning that just lets the music happen without pushing any frequency forward. The KE4, while still playing in the same neutral space, adds a bit of extra flavor—particularly in the subbass and upper mids.
Think of the Lush as the calm, detail-focused studio engineer, while the KE4 is the slightly enthusiastic assistant who still wants to stay accurate but adds just a touch of drama for fun.
Bass
Both IEMs are tight and controlled in the bass, but:
• The KE4 adds a noticeable subbass lift, which gives it more low-end presence, especially on genres like EDM, hip-hop, or cinematic scores. It’s still clean and doesn’t bleed, but the emphasis is there. It’s a bit more visceral when the track demands it.
• The Lush, in contrast, is more even-handed. The bass is split almost evenly between sub and midbass, with enough warmth and punch to stay musical but without stealing attention. It’s more about accuracy and texture than slam.
If you prefer a more grounded, balanced bass, the Lush has the edge. If you want a little more rumble and energy, KE4 might suit your taste better.
Midrange
Both sets have very solid mids, but again, they approach it differently.
• The Lush is all about natural tonality. Vocals—male or female—sound organic and lifelike, with just the right amount of warmth. It doesn’t feel colored or enhanced, just honest and smooth. Instruments like guitars and pianos come across with texture and space, but never edgy or forward.
• The KE4 pushes the upper mids slightly more, which gives female vocals and certain instruments more shine and presence. It's not shouty, but it’s more vibrant. This gives it a slightly more energetic and lively feel, which can be engaging, but sometimes borderline fatiguing at higher volumes or longer sessions, depending on your sensitivity.
So if you lean toward vocal-centric music and want a more lively and forward midrange, the KE4 delivers. If you’re after natural smoothness and long-session comfort, the Lush is the better companion.
Treble
Treble is one area where these two sets diverge in philosophy.
• The Ziigaat Lush plays it safe and smooth. It has enough extension to retain detail and air, but it never feels bright or piercing. It’s not a sparkle monster—it’s more about control and a fatigue-free presentation.
• The KE4 offers a bit more brilliance, especially around the lower treble. There’s more perceived detail and edge to cymbals, hi-hats, and micro-detail, which might appeal to those who want that extra bit of zing and clarity. However, it can come off a bit edgy depending on the track.
If you’re treble-sensitive or prefer mellow top-ends, Lush is your friend. If you enjoy a bit more energy and excitement up top, KE4 steps in.
Soundstage & Imaging
This is where things level out a bit.
• The Ziigaat Lush has a wider soundstage, particularly left to right. It gives a nice sense of space without artificial reverb or exaggeration. Imaging is precise and clean, with good separation and layering.
• The KE4 isn’t quite as wide, but it compensates with a slightly more intimate and engaging stereo image, especially for vocals and smaller ensemble pieces.
Both sets have excellent imaging for their price point, with the Lush pulling slightly ahead in overall spatial realism, while the KE4 offers a closer, more immediate presentation.
So which one should you go for?
Choose the Ziigaat Lush if:
• You want a truly neutral, studio-style tuning with no added coloration
• You prioritize long-term listening comfort and fatigue-free treble
• You listen to a wide variety of genres and want something versatile and smooth
• You value natural vocals and a relaxing presentation
Choose the Kiwi Ears KE4 if:
• You like a more energetic sound with subbass presence and a bit of treble bite
• You want more lively female vocals and upper-mid presence
• You prefer a closer, more engaging soundstage for vocal-heavy music
• You’re okay with slightly more aggressive tuning in exchange for excitement
In the end, both IEMs are excellent examples of how neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. The Lush is the laid-back precision tool, while the KE4 adds just enough flavor to keep things spicy. You can’t go wrong with either—it just depends on your preferred flavor of “truth.”
Final Thoughts
The Ziigaat Lush isn’t here to chase the latest hype or compete in a game of who can pump the most bass or crank the sharpest upper mids. It takes a different path—one that's a lot more rewarding if you're willing to listen. Instead of shouting for your attention, the Lush earns it quietly, with a sound that feels refined, mature, and genuinely satisfying.
What you get here is a studio-grade tuning that's true to the source, but never sterile or lifeless. It's transparent enough to reveal the finer details of a mix, yet still musical and inviting enough for those late-night sessions when you just want to relax and get lost in the music. It's a tricky balance to pull off, but the Lush walks that line with confidence.
This is an IEM built for the long haul. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or exaggerated tricks to impress you in the first 30 seconds. Instead, it’s the kind of gear that wins you over slowly, revealing more of its strengths the longer you live with it. From its smart, tasteful tuning to its easygoing, genre-flexible character, the Lush feels like a natural fit for daily use—whether you're deep-diving into a favorite album or just soundtracking your day.
If you've ever wondered what "neutral" really should sound like—not flat and boring, but clean, organic, and genuinely musical—the Ziigaat Lush offers a pretty compelling answer. It’s one of those rare IEMs that doesn’t just perform—it becomes part of your listening routine without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. And honestly, that's a harder and more impressive achievement than any spec sheet will ever show.
Non Affiliated Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/zi...B2lZvnK8pDTVKBTUWZdkZzTaW21YFwWXCXA6bpT9ev9n3
ZiiGaat Lush Review - A neutral set for under 200$
Today's the Ziigaat Lush. 4 balanced armature drivers and 1 dynamic driver. In principle, a standard configuration, but coming from this brand, I think it might be okay... so let's see how this sounds.
UNBOXING SECTION
The unboxing is similar or the same as the Ziggat models. We've already seen some, so I'll be briefer than usual. A simple unboxing with just the bare minimum. The carrying case is like that of all the brand's models. It's a little larger than usual and semi-rigid; the cable is pretty decent, but, again, plain. If you have a better cable, replace it. The stock one isn't bad, but it's a bit tight. The tips come with the ones we're all familiar with by now... As for the tips, I use the medium-sized ones and the silicone ones.
What does change is the design. Despite having fewer drivers than, for example, the Estrella, it's a slightly bulkier IEM. It's slightly thicker than the ODISSEY, although visually it looks practically the same. The fit feels practically the same and I find it adequate and comfortable. Good passive isolation... and... How do they look? Well, Ziigaat wanted to play with that dual touch of bright blue and white colors that suits them very well and gives them personality. The truth is that this brand's models, if you change the cable, look very nice. This one is no exception. I really like how it looks and gives that feeling of a more premium product, at least because of its look, which I like so much.
What does change is the design. Despite having fewer drivers than, for example, the Estrella, it's a slightly bulkier IEM. It's slightly thicker than the ODISSEY, although visually it looks practically the same. The fit feels practically the same and I find it adequate and comfortable. Good passive isolation... and... How do they look? Well, Ziigaat wanted to play with that dual touch of bright blue and white colors that suits them very well and gives them personality. The truth is that this brand's models, if you change the cable, look very nice. This one is no exception. I really like how it looks and gives that feeling of a more premium product, at least because of its look, which I like so much.
SOUND SECTION
In terms of sound, Ziigaat has sought to distance itself slightly from the festive or hyper-musical feel of products like the Estrella, from the bass-head bass of the Doscinco or Arcadia, and from the more audiophile and musical profile of the Ziigaat Odissey. The Lush is basically an Odissey with less fun, more controlled, and yes, somewhat less technical sound. However, one thing this Lush does is present the sound in a purist, referential, and smooth manner. I could categorize this IEM as neutral, and perhaps, without fear of being wrong, it is an evolution of Simgot's EM6L. The Lush is not the most optimal IEM if you're looking to enjoy music, nor the most resolute IEM in the sub-250 range, but it is one of the most referential, coherent, and generally technical...although we'll get to that later.
SOUND SECTION – BASS
SOUND SECTION – BASS
The bass response speed is quite good, and it doesn't feel muddy or saturated when listening to tracks with complex, fast-paced arrangements. It handles fast-paced drums and kick drums with great precision, without muddying or interfering with the midrange frequencies. Everything remains well-defined even during intense passages.
The sub-bass extends very well into the lower frequencies and can generate a vibration or rumble when the song demands it. This is less than, for example, the Odissey, but at a medium-high volume, it's sufficient. Personally, I find it to be a pleasant bass, although I wouldn't consider it geared toward those looking for an excessively bass-focused sound signature.
The transition between the sub-bass and mid-bass is very well achieved. The mid-bass retains the necessary punch and feels full-bodied, while both bass ranges—sub-bass and mid-bass—integrate coherently and smoothly.
As for the bass texture, it's rich and well-defined. It doesn't feel loose or uncontrolled. Despite having only one dynamic driver, the bass performance is powerful. It has a good level of impact, making it very enjoyable for watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music.
SOUND SECTION – MIDS
The sub-bass extends very well into the lower frequencies and can generate a vibration or rumble when the song demands it. This is less than, for example, the Odissey, but at a medium-high volume, it's sufficient. Personally, I find it to be a pleasant bass, although I wouldn't consider it geared toward those looking for an excessively bass-focused sound signature.
The transition between the sub-bass and mid-bass is very well achieved. The mid-bass retains the necessary punch and feels full-bodied, while both bass ranges—sub-bass and mid-bass—integrate coherently and smoothly.
As for the bass texture, it's rich and well-defined. It doesn't feel loose or uncontrolled. Despite having only one dynamic driver, the bass performance is powerful. It has a good level of impact, making it very enjoyable for watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music.
SOUND SECTION – MIDS
The midrange frequencies have a very balanced presence: they don't feel too forward or too distant, which is perfect for my ears. The placement of the voices is very well done; it gives the impression that the male or female singer is a few steps away, creating a natural and believable soundstage. I'll talk about this later, but honestly, the sound doesn't feel boxed in or compressed.
Both the male and female vocals have a good texture, with a bit of room for improvement but still decent. Personally, I wish the female vocals had a little more "bite" or character like other Ziggat models, but considering the overall tuning of the Lush tends toward the soft and relaxed, this more restrained approach is understandable.
Something that surprises me, and one of the IEM's strengths, is that the frequency separation is well managed, allowing the vocals and midrange instruments to breathe and stand out clearly.
Interestingly, the midrange frequencies convey a sense of spaciousness or "air" that isn't very common. This ethereal quality could be inspired by the IEM's name, Lush.
SOUND SECTION – TREBLE
Both the male and female vocals have a good texture, with a bit of room for improvement but still decent. Personally, I wish the female vocals had a little more "bite" or character like other Ziggat models, but considering the overall tuning of the Lush tends toward the soft and relaxed, this more restrained approach is understandable.
Something that surprises me, and one of the IEM's strengths, is that the frequency separation is well managed, allowing the vocals and midrange instruments to breathe and stand out clearly.
Interestingly, the midrange frequencies convey a sense of spaciousness or "air" that isn't very common. This ethereal quality could be inspired by the IEM's name, Lush.
SOUND SECTION – TREBLE
The treble has a smooth, non-aggressive presentation, making it very pleasant for extended sessions at higher volumes than usual. Despite this softness, they retain enough energy so that the overall sound doesn't sound dull or lifeless.
The high-frequency extension is quite good for this model, although this may depend on individual user preferences. If you're someone who wants to hear even the smallest details in each track, the Lush probably isn't the best choice.
That said, the amount of air and presence in the treble is surprisingly good, providing a sense of space and openness to the soundstage without resorting to excessive brightness.
SOUND SECTION – TECHS
The high-frequency extension is quite good for this model, although this may depend on individual user preferences. If you're someone who wants to hear even the smallest details in each track, the Lush probably isn't the best choice.
That said, the amount of air and presence in the treble is surprisingly good, providing a sense of space and openness to the soundstage without resorting to excessive brightness.
SOUND SECTION – TECHS
The soundstage is perceived slightly outside the head, giving it a rather pleasant sense of expansion. The perception of width, depth, and height is well achieved, offering a convincing and enveloping spatial presentation. It doesn't excel in this, but it does excel in the separation between instruments... it's very good considering this model's price range. In fact, I'd say it's above average in its category, allowing you to easily distinguish the different elements of the mix without them overlapping. Sometimes I feel it separates better than the Odissey, although it has a better distributed soundstage.
As for stereo imaging, it also offers remarkable performance: it's possible to precisely locate the position of instruments within the sound space, even in fairly heavy tracks. However, in very complex orchestral pieces, it may not be able to maintain the same level of definition or control.
As for stereo imaging, it also offers remarkable performance: it's possible to precisely locate the position of instruments within the sound space, even in fairly heavy tracks. However, in very complex orchestral pieces, it may not be able to maintain the same level of definition or control.
SUMMARY SECTION
The Lush is a product that I'm glad is different from. It moves away from those musical profiles, or those inflated bass profiles, or those profiles more oriented solely toward technical aspects… This IEM reminds me of the more affordable HiFimans. A sound that may not be the most musical or technical, but overall, they do everything well and that's why they stand out… they have hardly any obvious weaknesses.
The Ziigaat Lush isn't the most musical, but honestly, I've had a great time with powerful genres, jazz, and Spanish pop… I'm not wrong when I say it's one of the most versatile IEMs I've tried. There's no genre that this IEM doesn't match.
It's not the most technical. Less resolution than the Odissey or the Aether, but sufficient, and very good instrumental separation.
Tight bass, mids that have a quite pleasant character, spaciousness, and highs that are smooth and pleasant…
Yes, at this price, design, sound, and purpose, I definitely recommend it. It's very versatile and suitable for everything: games, movies, stage monitors, and films.
I you want that product you can buy here
That's it for the review, see you later.
COMPARISONS
• Ziigaat Estrella: The Estrella is a fun version of the Lush. Slightly better in technical aspects, better dynamics, bass, separation, more musical. The Lush is more versatile, less fatiguing, more coherent and natural.
• Ziigaat Odissey: The Odissey is superior. Simple as that. More bass and sub-bass, better texture, a little more body and more resolution. It's not as linear or smooth as the Lush, but I honestly like the Odissey more.
• KiwiEars Aether: A similarly priced IEM, but with a planar driver. I find the sound more musical (on the other hand, it has more color) and is, overall, more technical. However, I feel the Lush is more all-rounder, more beautiful, and less fatiguing.
The Ziigaat Lush isn't the most musical, but honestly, I've had a great time with powerful genres, jazz, and Spanish pop… I'm not wrong when I say it's one of the most versatile IEMs I've tried. There's no genre that this IEM doesn't match.
It's not the most technical. Less resolution than the Odissey or the Aether, but sufficient, and very good instrumental separation.
Tight bass, mids that have a quite pleasant character, spaciousness, and highs that are smooth and pleasant…
Yes, at this price, design, sound, and purpose, I definitely recommend it. It's very versatile and suitable for everything: games, movies, stage monitors, and films.
I you want that product you can buy here
That's it for the review, see you later.
COMPARISONS
• Ziigaat Estrella: The Estrella is a fun version of the Lush. Slightly better in technical aspects, better dynamics, bass, separation, more musical. The Lush is more versatile, less fatiguing, more coherent and natural.
• Ziigaat Odissey: The Odissey is superior. Simple as that. More bass and sub-bass, better texture, a little more body and more resolution. It's not as linear or smooth as the Lush, but I honestly like the Odissey more.
• KiwiEars Aether: A similarly priced IEM, but with a planar driver. I find the sound more musical (on the other hand, it has more color) and is, overall, more technical. However, I feel the Lush is more all-rounder, more beautiful, and less fatiguing.
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ywheng89
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Solid build and pretty face plate
High price performance ratio
Easy to like sound signature and relatively safe sounding
Airy/lush midrange
High price performance ratio
Easy to like sound signature and relatively safe sounding
Airy/lush midrange
Cons: Stock cable (looks thin and cheap)
General/Packaging/Comfort/Build
ZiiGat is a relatively new brand which is sold by Linsoul exclusively. The brand has released several IEMs, namely the Cinno,Nuo, which lies on the budget range, Doscinco and also the Cincotres from the mid tier in which I have also tested and reviewed previously and found them to be really good for the asking price. I have the Lush with me today which has the following configuration: 1DD+4BA.
Build quality is very solid and features beautiful faceplate as well, metal nozzle, it is neither short nor long for my ear anatomy. The shell size is similar to the Arete which i also reviewed some time ago . Packaging is rather minimal i would say, the stock cable, eartips, faux leather storage case and the IEM itself, mostly similar in terms of presentation across the Ziigaat’s range.
In terms of comfort, the Lush does not have any sharp edges and I use them for several hours a day and I did not feel any discomfort throughout my listening session, the shell is quite identical to both the Doscinco and Cincotres that i have reviewed as well.
Prior to writing this review, Lush has been run in for roughly 20 hours, and in my opinion, the DD does benefit slightly from the burn in.
Equipment and Software used
- Aune S9C
- Fiio M23
- Apple Music/Tidal/foobar2k
- Questyle M18i
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far
Sound Impression
Upon first listening impression, Lush’s sound signature is leaning towards more neutral with a slight boost on the sub bass. I would say it is quite natural overall with rather clean and natural mids. There’s a slight hint of BA timbre but it is very very minimal overall
Bass
- Fairly good speed and doesn’t sound bloated or muddy when listening to busy tracks such as Slipknot’s People’s = crap!, Duality, Metallica’s Lux Aeterna, it handled the speed drumming and kick flawlessly, without sounding muddy nor bleeding into the mids
- Sub bass has good extension and does rumbly when the track calls for it, it does sounds fun based on my preference but i wouldn’t say this is something for bass head
- The transition from sub to mid bass is very good, the mid bass doesn’t lack punch and the sub and mid bass complement each other very well
- The bass has good texture and doesn’t sound “loose”
- Despite having only 1 DD, the bass does have plenty of impact and watching videos or gaming with it is pretty fun
- The mids are neither too forward nor recessed, just right to my ears,
- Vocal positioning is just nice, just imagine the artist is probably 5-6 steps away from you
- Male and female vocal has good texture to it and doesn’t sound thin, i would prefer the female vocal to have a little bit more bite, but given the overall smooth nature of Lush’s tuning, this is understandable
- The bass doesn’t bleed into this range which is good
- Pinna gain is rather safe and never shouty even when the volume is being cranked up
- The mids somehow has some airy kind of perception to it, akin to the IEM’s name, Lush, i wouldn’t say the mids is very lush, but it does sound quite lush in my opinion (possibly due to my source?)
- Treble is smooth and non offensive, but retains enough energy to not sound dark
- Despite having a smooth treble response, treble extension is quite good for this set depending on your personal preference, if you are someone who wants to hear every single detail in the track, Lush might not be the one for you, the higher end Arcanis might be for you
- Amount of air and presence is good surprisingly
- Detail retrieval is good enough, but not for critical listeners
- Soundstage is slightly out of your head with good width, depth and height perception is good
- Separation is good for the asking price, i would say it is above average for the price point
- Imaging is good as the instruments can be pinpointed easily even during busy track, certain complex orchestral track might not perform that well
- Lush is not hard to drive but it does scale well with more power, in terms of dynamics and bass control
- Most of the entry level/mid range dongles will do just fine but desktop setup will squeeze every bit out of the Lush or add a certain degree of coloration to the sound signature
- Cleaner sounding compared to Lush, in terms of tonality, it is overall flatter sounding
- Treble is smooth but resolution and detail retrieval capability is slightly better than Lush
- Soundstage is rather 2D-ish and narrower compared to Lush, imaging is not as good
- Mids has good body and vocals are not too recessed nor forward in the mix, it is the star of the show for Cadenza 4
- Upper mids are not perceived as shouty as well
- Very natural timbre overall and note weight is neither thin nor overly thick
- Lesser bass quantity but good quality bass, and the focus of bass is more on the mid bass rather than sub bass, whereas Lush has a smooth transition between the sub and mid bass, hence both the sub and mid bass is very good, also, slightly more in terms of bass quantity
- Overall, Cadenza 4 is tuned differently and targeted at different audience, both the Lush and Cadenza 4 are good sets, so at the end of the day, it depends on your preference, Cadenza 4 is leaning towards vocal/mids lover
As ZiiGat is stepping up on their IEM game, their releases has been interesting so far, from Cinno, Nuo, to Doscinco, Cincotres, Arete and Lush which i have tested today, they’re very interesting in terms of sonic performance as well as the price point. At 179$, with the sonic performance as well as the build quality that it offers, i will not hesitate in recommending Lush to anyone who likes this sort of sound signature or would like to try and find out what Meta sound signature is all about.
*A big thanks to Linsoul for sending this over for the purpose of this review. Thanks for the support and opportunity as always
Head over to their store if you are interested in getting a pair:
ZiiGaat Lush - Non affiliated
Leonarfd
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Neutral meta tuning
Excellent value
Bass has good texture and extension
Clean and smooth midrange
Extended natural treble
Good for long listening sessions
Minimal and clean design
Lightweight
Excellent value
Bass has good texture and extension
Clean and smooth midrange
Extended natural treble
Good for long listening sessions
Minimal and clean design
Lightweight
Cons: The tuning may come of as boring
Could have had some more bass weight
Not the most premium shell feel
Stock cable is a little thin
Ergonomics could be better
Could have had some more bass weight
Not the most premium shell feel
Stock cable is a little thin
Ergonomics could be better
ZiiGaat LUSH, Budget Meta
Disclaimer
I got a free review sample, and I can say whatever I want without any guidelines from ZiiGaat or Linsoul.
All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.
Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce
My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.
My audio preference is neutral with some warmth, I can also like forward midrange and treble if not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned gears for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to most genres and enjoy it.
I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with my entry being Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to saxophone without getting far, this due to not having the biggest patience in learning to play.
My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and HFA Dahlia.
My current favorites in IEMs are LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 and THIEAUDIO Valhalla.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.
Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the AUNE S17 Pro EVO headphone amplifier. I also use tube amplification with Cayin HA-2A, perfect to change up the sound.
Portable gear being Shanling M8T and iBasso DX180, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and ifi GO pod Kensei.
https://www.ZiiGaat.com/products/ZiiGaat-LUSH
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ZiiGaat-LUSH?srsltid=AfmBOooWmSc8iwxu3V0Cv65ZgE9B5eDITWZvoV55H0eX0hiDUZrq2FEA
https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM8T.html
https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-bar-kensei
https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-s17-pro-evo_110409_1235/
https://en.cayin.cn/features/7/59/619.html
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ZiiGaat-LUSH?srsltid=AfmBOooWmSc8iwxu3V0Cv65ZgE9B5eDITWZvoV55H0eX0hiDUZrq2FEA
https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM8T.html
https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-bar-kensei
https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-s17-pro-evo_110409_1235/
https://en.cayin.cn/features/7/59/619.html
So what is ZiiGaat LUSH
ZiiGaat is one the brands distributed by Linsoul, they have a wiide range of models from the cheapest CINNO up to their new flagship ARCANIS.
The LUSH is in the middle of their pricing at $179, it is delivered with a 1DD and 4BA configuration. The bass driver is a 10mm PET dynamic driver, and then it has 2 balanced armatures for midrange and 2 for the highs. The BA drivers are custom made in house, that is also most likely why they can sell the LUSH for this price.
This model follows the so-called meta tuning that is popular lately, a natural tuning that is not overly aggressive.
The box is a branded sleeve with some information about the product, the inside has a black card box with foam insert. Nothing special but also enough so it feels like a good product, I also like that the box is not overly large.
The included storage box is of okay quality okay, just enough space for the IEM with a cable and some reserve tips or a small dongle.
ZiiGaat has delivered this with everything you need to start listening, without feeling the need to upgrade cable or tips. The cable is a little thin and doesn't feel very premium, but for the sound it is okay. The tips are medium bore in S M L, the bore is also a little firm so it should work for most folks. There is also one pair of foam tips in medium/large, personally I much prefer silicon tips.
The design of the IEM is minimalist and stylish, the black shell with the faceplate design is done well without being too much. You also get a serial number with the brand model on each earpiece, with the ZiiGaat brand name on the face plate in a subtle silver that is almost a little hard to see.
The shells have a little less ergonomic curve than models from Kiwi Ears or Thieaudio, the size is similar but the ear grooves in the shell are smaller on ZiiGaat models. The shell is also very light, and could be seen as a con or pro depending on the user. The nozzle is also of average length and width, measuring 6.2mm in width. Overall I think this is a very ergonomic shell, even though I prefer a little more aggressive curves on the shells.
Sound impression
Most of my listening has been with the ifi GO bar Kensei, this to have a neutral source that is very transparent. I do think it sounds even better with Shanling M8T or HIBY FC6, but this moves the sound more over to the euphonic and warm side.
Going to use the ranges here in review:
Details and soundstage
Detail in IEMs is down mostly to quality driver and how it amplitudes the frequencies, when the drivers is faster it increases the resolution you hear.
The LUSH is average, not a champion of technicalities or soundstage. Instead it delivers a fairly average soundstage depth and width, with micro details being also average.
This is mostly down to the tuning, the meta tuning isn't pushing a lot of clarity and detail into your ears. Instead you get a more fatigue free and smoother listening experience, the drivers themself I think are good with some softness to the transients.
Timbre
So when I talk about timbre I think about how accurate it sounds like, the so-called meta tuning is very accurate at sounding natural. So this is also true for the ZiiGaat LUSH, it is what I consider neutral sounding without anything being emphasized or aggressive sounding. This also means the sound can be a little soft and boring for some, personally I love this tuning as it works well over a wide range of music and is perfect for long listening sessions.
Bass is textured and reaches deep into the sub bass, the mid bass is there but not overly emphasised and has a little lingering decay.
Midrange is natural with good balance, its open and not congested. My only con is that it could have had some more warmth from the bass making it LUSHer, but that would have made the sound more congested. The upper midrange is also safe, almost a little smooth and safe on instruments like brass or bright vocals.
Treble is also well extended, but without being aggressive and bright. Just giving music natural harmonics to sound airy and natural.
Comparisons with ESTRELLA and ARCANIS
When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly capable, together with volume matching to take away loudness variance.
Added measurement from Best Reviews, aligned by dB.
The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences, this is a subjective evaluation and reflects what I prefer.
All of these are similar, in fact the ARCANIS and ESTRELLA even have the same driver configuration with just a double 10mm DD for bass.The other difference is that ESTRELLA and ARCANIS have branded BAs, unbranded custom drivers. The shells and accessories are the same, and are more correct quality accessories for an IEM of the price of the LUSH.
The sound is different among all of them, we could say the LUSH is the most natural as there is almost not any coloration and the tuning is close to flat sounding.
Bass quality is a small step up on ESTRELLA and ARCANIS, same for treble clarity and quality. The sound is a little clearer in general with both, the LUSH is instead more smooth on transients giving it a softer sound.
Tuning is like this:
ARCANIS is more bright, it has a neutral bright tuning. ARCANIS also has more full bass that can slam and rumble more. Midrange is also more forward with more energy and clarity on ARCANIS.
ESTRELLA is even more energetic and has a V shaped tuning, with much more bass and treble than LUSH and even more than ARCANIS. But it also need that bass as it has much more treble as well, this comes at the cost of making the midrange a little scooped out.
Even if all of them are a little different, they have a similar quality to them. LUSH is just a small step behind.
Music
Click here for Audio with Leo playlist
When comparing IEM’s I have used the tracks listed here and more, I will also provide some music I have enjoyed during the review time.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/427236190?u
In general the LUSH is excellent for Jazz, unless you want more bite and energy.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/195672004?u
Similar as the single above, Nala Sinephro records sound beautiful on LUSH if not a little to safe.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/123002076?u
Myrkyr with Folkesange has a traditional style that us nordic folks are very familiar with it, smooth and beautiful midrange on LUSH.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/328421256?u
Another single, the J-pop anime style music is nice on LUSH. I often find it quite tiresome so the balance on LUSH is very good.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/208626970?u
I must admit the LUSH is not my favorite for this, mostly due to bass and noteweight. What it does well is being open and well separated, so it can even handle quite complex and busy passages in rock/metal.
https://tidal.com/browse/album/393536966?u
LUSH is also very nice with the typical popular pop music, I could have liked a little more bass weight but its not always needed for pop.
Summary
ZiiGaat has released a good neutral tuned iem in the sub $200 price range, the use of custom unbranded balanced armatures is a good choice to keep price down and be competitive.
This set is for the folks who want a so-called meta tuned iem for cheap, there are other IEMs also doing this like the KE4 but the LUSH is better in my opinion. You get natural sound, that's tuned neutral with good extension in both the lows and highs. Midrange is very nice, in a subtle way that's smooth and relaxed. The sound might not be super impressive from the first session, but it is more an IEM that you find better over time. This since it's safe with not a ton of energy or clarity, but also since bass could lack some note weight if you're coming from warm IEMs.
It has been hard to rank this one, I think the tuning is good and better than some other ZiiGaat models. But it lacks some clarity that the more expensive models have.
I will still rank it the same with 4 stars as I did for ESTRELLA, even though that one is more technically capable. What LUSH does better than both is a more natural smooth sound, and also delivering even better value for the money. Personal ranking is 64/100, very acceptable for a set this price.
The models is available from Linsoul or directly from ZiiGaat.
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Leonarfd
@jbfps116 at times it can be a little to sharp for me, but not sibilant unless the music is already recorded with alot of sibilance.
cqtek
As usual, very good review.
Just a note that you put a picture of the technical details of the Arcanis, instead of the Lush.
Just a note that you put a picture of the technical details of the Arcanis, instead of the Lush.
LateNightUnboxing
New Head-Fier
Pros: Neutral, smooth tuning: Balanced signature with a subtle bass lift and relaxed treble.
Exceptional soundstage: Wide, deep, and holographic for under $200.
Clean, airy midrange: Vocals and instruments sound natural and well-separated.
Comfortable fit: Lightweight resin shells with excellent isolation.
Value for money: Competes with IEMs above its price in technical performance.
Exceptional soundstage: Wide, deep, and holographic for under $200.
Clean, airy midrange: Vocals and instruments sound natural and well-separated.
Comfortable fit: Lightweight resin shells with excellent isolation.
Value for money: Competes with IEMs above its price in technical performance.
Cons: Driver flex, mild crackling when inserting (non-intrusive but noticeable).
Cable and pouch lack premium feel for the price.
May disappoint those craving sparkle or excitement.
Cable and pouch lack premium feel for the price.
May disappoint those craving sparkle or excitement.
Ziigaat Lush Review (vs. Arete) – A Neutral, Technical Gem Under $200
Watch the full video review here for sound demos, comparisons, and measurements!
Introduction
Ziigaat’s Lush ($199) and Arete ($249) are hybrid IEMs sharing striking similarities: both feature a 1DD + 4BA driver configuration, identical resin shells, and matching accessories. However, their tuning philosophies diverge, catering to different preferences. After extensive testing, here’s how they stack up.
Unboxing & Accessories
Both models include the same accessories: a zippered pouch, orange silicone tips, foam tips, and a basic silver-plated cable. While functional, the cable and pouch feel underwhelming for the price bracket.
Build & Fit
The Lush and Arete share identical 3D-printed resin shells, offering excellent comfort and isolation. The only physical differences are the color (Lush: gray, Arete: blue) and nozzle finish (Lush: matte, Arete: polished). The Lush’s nozzle is marginally wider, and unlike the Arete, it exhibits mild driver flex—a minor annoyance for some, but negligible in daily use.
Driver Configuration
Sound Comparison
Bass
The Lush shines with its soundstage—wide, deep, and holographic, outperforming many sub-$300 rivals. Imaging is precise, and resolution rivals the Arete despite cheaper drivers. The Arete’s brighter tuning aids in track dissection (e.g., studio monitoring), but the Lush feels more refined for casual listening.
Measurements
Who Should Buy?
Cons
Conclusion
The Ziigaat Lush is a standout at $199, offering a spacious, neutral-warm signature with exceptional technical chops. While the Arete appeals to bassheads and treble enthusiasts, the Lush’s balance and staging make it the more versatile choice for critical listening. If you value nuance over excitement, the Lush is a steal.
Check out the video review for direct sound comparisons and deeper analysis!
Questions? Drop them below!
Watch the full video review here for sound demos, comparisons, and measurements!
Introduction
Ziigaat’s Lush ($199) and Arete ($249) are hybrid IEMs sharing striking similarities: both feature a 1DD + 4BA driver configuration, identical resin shells, and matching accessories. However, their tuning philosophies diverge, catering to different preferences. After extensive testing, here’s how they stack up.
Unboxing & Accessories
Both models include the same accessories: a zippered pouch, orange silicone tips, foam tips, and a basic silver-plated cable. While functional, the cable and pouch feel underwhelming for the price bracket.
Build & Fit
The Lush and Arete share identical 3D-printed resin shells, offering excellent comfort and isolation. The only physical differences are the color (Lush: gray, Arete: blue) and nozzle finish (Lush: matte, Arete: polished). The Lush’s nozzle is marginally wider, and unlike the Arete, it exhibits mild driver flex—a minor annoyance for some, but negligible in daily use.
Driver Configuration
- Lush: 10mm PET diaphragm DD + 4 unspecified BA drivers.
- Arete: Bio-cellulose DD + Knowles BAs.
The Arete’s premium drivers justify its higher price, though the Lush holds its own with impressive technicalities.
Sound Comparison
Bass
- Lush: Tight, controlled, and slightly elevated. Fast decay keeps the midrange clean. Less impactful than the Arete, but avoids bloat.
- Arete: Deeper sub-bass rumble, thicker texture, and longer decay. Better for bassheads or energetic genres.
- Lush: Neutral, airy, and remarkably clean. Vocals sit naturally, with excellent separation. Upper mids avoid shoutiness, favoring smoothness.
- Arete: Brighter, with a 1kHz lift adding clarity but occasional grain. Vocals feel recessed compared to the Lush’s forward transparency.
- Lush: Relaxed, non-fatiguing, and slightly rolled off. Detailed without sharpness.
- Arete: More aggressive upper treble, enhancing detail retrieval but risking sibilance on hot tracks.
The Lush shines with its soundstage—wide, deep, and holographic, outperforming many sub-$300 rivals. Imaging is precise, and resolution rivals the Arete despite cheaper drivers. The Arete’s brighter tuning aids in track dissection (e.g., studio monitoring), but the Lush feels more refined for casual listening.
Measurements
- Lush: Follows a “Meta” tuning with a neutral midrange, gentle bass shelf, and relaxed treble.
- Arete: +3dB bass boost, elevated 1kHz, and hotter treble.
Who Should Buy?
- Lush: Ideal for neutral-leaning listeners prioritizing soundstage, air, and long-term comfort. Perfect for jazz, acoustic, or orchestral genres.
- Arete: Suits bass enthusiasts and those craving an energetic, V-shaped signature (EDM, hip-hop, gaming).
Cons
- Lush: Driver flex, basic accessories, subdued treble for thrill-seekers.
- Arete: Brightness can fatigue, midrange occasionally harsh.
Conclusion
The Ziigaat Lush is a standout at $199, offering a spacious, neutral-warm signature with exceptional technical chops. While the Arete appeals to bassheads and treble enthusiasts, the Lush’s balance and staging make it the more versatile choice for critical listening. If you value nuance over excitement, the Lush is a steal.
Check out the video review for direct sound comparisons and deeper analysis!
Questions? Drop them below!
tombrisbane
500+ Head-Fier
Pros: Exceptionally clean and coherent tuning
Outstanding imaging for the price
Smooth, fatigue-free mids
Great with well-recorded music
Scales with source gear
Outstanding imaging for the price
Smooth, fatigue-free mids
Great with well-recorded music
Scales with source gear
Cons: Less exciting than others
Treble lacks a little sparkle
Depth/stage can feel flat on some sources
Treble lacks a little sparkle
Depth/stage can feel flat on some sources
Thanks to Linsoul for the chance to review these. All thoughts are my own and not influenced in anyway.
ZiiGaat have been making waves in the IEM sea for the past year, I’ve been a big fan of their other models (I own most of them) so was excited to get to try out the Lush! It’s a little different to their other sets, advertised for studio engineers and stage musicians.
Who am I? Just someone who loves music and the devices we use to play it. I own a large collection (124 IEMs and 114 full-size HPs at the time of writing) ranging from budget to TOTL. I write these reviews in the hopes that it helps someone make the right choice for them – either for a one and done, or to round out their collection. I moved past the point of needing more equipment a while back but still love getting a new item and seeing what it can offer. Despite owning so many I’m still constantly surprised by what I discover with a new tuning, and how good some of the more budget friendly sets are getting.
I used the Lush as my daily driver for two weeks since receiving it, I used it from several devices over the two weeks. Most of the review is based on its pairing with the HiBy R4 (being an appropriately priced pairing) however I’ll talk to a different source later as it does scale quite well.
The Lush comes in standard ZiiGaat packaging. You get the IEM’s, a cable (this one was 3.5mm), a nice little zip case, and some tips. I find the ZiiGaat tips to be great and used them for the duration.
I listen to a little bit of everything, some mainstays during the past two weeks were Paul Simon, Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria, Kendrick Lamar, The Doors, Lana Dely Rey, and A Perfect Circle.
On to the sound:
Clean. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when listening with these. At their price point you get a clear presentation across the spectrum. I generally break everything down by Bass / Mids / Treble to start with, however I want to talk through the opening of a track experienced on these before I do that:
A Perfect Circle – The Doomed:
Track starts with a sound appearing just behind my left eye, then the drums kick in smack bang in the centre. Vocals then start swirling, beginning on my right and then moving around. These three separate parts continue, with the sound on the left getting louder, until we get a different drum pattern on the left, then quickly some drums kick off, louder, in the centre. MJK then starts singing.
The Lush delivers these sections of the track perfectly to your ears, like you would experience on studio monitor headphones. The difference being that there is a little more bass here than you would generally get on those which make them better for everyday use. They lack a bit of excitement due to this tuning, which isn’t a negative, but needs to be called out. On to the standard breakdown:
Bass:
The sub-bass is boosted, which can provide a rumble without overpowering the mix. It's clean and textured. The mid-bass is little more restrained, offering a natural and relaxed presentation. Kick drums and deeper male vocals sound full and uncolored, blending seamlessly with the rest of the frequencies.
Mids:
The midrange is neutral and uncolored. Vocals and instruments have a natural timbre, with no particular emphasis. I didn’t have a preference between male or female vocals on these, I found that they really brought out what was recorded, for better or worse. I really enjoyed well recorded tracks on these, something like Fortnight by Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone sounded superb, with Taylors vocals sounding magnificent on these. The ‘I love you, it’s ruining my life’ back and forth between the two artists was a particular stand out for me.
The mids are smooth and free from any shoutiness, making for fatigue-free listening sessions. I could listen to these all day, and for the most part I did.
Treble:
Treble frequencies are crisp and extend well, contributing to an airy and spacious soundstage. They lack some sparkle, but overall I found them very nice to listen to. Even on treble-sensitive tracks, the Lush remains smooth and non-fatiguing.
Technical:
I found the soundstage to extend just slightly outside of my ears on these, there is some depth however not a lot. Even with that said, I found the imaging and precision to be superb on these, with probably the best imaging I’ve heard at this price point. I could pinpoint every instrument exactly with these, and listen to each part independently. I didn’t find them falling over themselves/blending with busier tracks. A good test for me is always ‘The Becoming’ by Nine Inch Nails. On many IEMs everything gets busy and the sound blends together, with these I could pinpoint the multiple vocal tracks, synths, drums etc. Extremely well done.
Subjective:
I enjoyed these a lot, quite different to what the standard IEM offers today. The imaging is a standout at this price point, which paired with their neutral’ish sound make them an easy recommendation for me if you’re after something neutral. I used them with the HiBy R4 for the most part, however where I really enjoyed these the most was with the Cayin N3 Ultra using the classic tube mode. This opened up the stage and depth quite a bit, which elevated these up a tier. Paired with the N3 Ultra these are competing above their price bracket. The N3 Ultra also adds some tube warmth to the sound.
The perfect combo:
Overall:
An easy recommendation. I’ve read some criticism of ZiiGaat and their many releases, however for anyone who’s taken the time to listen I think you’ll find that they all offer something different. This one stands alone in their lineup, and gets a gold star from me (well, four and half of them). Well done!
Scorecard (at ~$179 USD)
| Category | Score (/5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 4.2 | Clean sub-bass with restrained mid-bass. |
| Mids | 4.7 | Smooth, natural, and fatigue-free. |
| Treble | 4.2 | Well-extended and crisp, but not the most sparkly. |
| Soundstage | 4.0 | Width is good; depth limited unless scaled with better gear. |
| Imaging | 4.8 | Among the best under $200. Precise and engaging. |
| Build & Fit | 4.5 | Solid, ergonomic design with good tips. |
| Value | 4.6 | Great if you're after clean, reference-style tuning. |
Soundstage would get a boost to 4.5 out of the N3 Ultra.
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
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Ianbanz
New Head-Fier
Pros: • Smooth, neutral-balanced tuning with no glaring peaks
• Excellent fit and comfort for long sessions
• Great case design with practical storage
• Surprisingly good stock tips
• Natural mids and controlled, clean bass
• Excellent fit and comfort for long sessions
• Great case design with practical storage
• Surprisingly good stock tips
• Natural mids and controlled, clean bass
Cons: • Cable is a bit stiff and not modular
• Treble might be too safe for some sparkle lovers
• Doesn’t have the deepest soundstage
• Treble might be too safe for some sparkle lovers
• Doesn’t have the deepest soundstage
The Ziigaat Lush doesn’t come storming into the room with a spec sheet that screams for attention or a fancy modular cable to show off. In fact, it might even fly under the radar at first glance. But give it some time—actually listen—and you’ll discover that this is an IEM that plays the long game. It doesn’t need to shout to make a statement. There’s a quiet confidence in how it handles your music, like it knows exactly what it's doing—and it does it really, really well.
This isn’t the kind of gear that relies on gimmicks or over-the-top marketing. The Lush earns its stripes the old-fashioned way: by delivering a satisfying, polished sound that keeps you coming back. It's the kind of IEM that might not wow you in the first five seconds, but wins you over in the next five hours.
Whats inside the box? here is my quick unboxing video of the Ziigaat Lush.
Unboxing and Accessories
The Lush arrives with a solid set of accessories, including a pair of foam tips and multiple sizes of silicone tips—one of which features a bright orange core that surprised me in the best way. It’s rare that I stick with stock tips, but after some tip rolling (narrow bore, wide bore—you name it), I kept circling back to these. They strike a great balance in seal, comfort, and acoustic synergy.
What really caught my attention, though, was the case. Ziigaat didn’t go the cookie-cutter route here. Instead of the usual compact clamshell. you get a flatter, wide square-shaped case with a mesh compartment inside. The elastic mesh holds accessories securely, preventing that usual tangle of tips and adapters we all know too well. It’s a small thing, but it speaks to a kind of thoughtful design that I appreciate.
Build and Fit
The shells are made from a glossy resin, and they carry that signature Ziigaat ergonomic shape. They nestle into my ears comfortably with no hint of pressure or fatigue even after hours of listening. The design is slick—stealthy, almost Gotham-esque. The dark, moody faceplates give off a Bruce Wayne-on-vacation kind of vibe: understated but with style.
The cable is... okay. It’s a glossy, braided affair that’s a bit stiff for my taste, and the version I have uses a 3.5mm non-modular termination. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t match the finesse of the shells or the tuning. Swapping it out might be worth considering if you’re into cable upgrades.
Under the hood, the Lush sports a 1DD + 4BA hybrid setup, and it’s marketed as a studio monitor. That can mean different things depending on the execution—but in this case, Ziigaat nailed it.
Tuning and Tonality
This is a neutral-balanced set done right. The Lush is transparent, smooth, and natural, with no one frequency trying to steal the spotlight. There’s a real sense of honesty to the sound—it doesn’t embellish, it just presents. And that’s something I didn’t think I’d enjoy so much.
I’m usually drawn to thicker, richer, more emotive tunings. I like my sound a bit romanticized. But the Lush made me pause. It helped me better understand what a well-implemented neutral tuning could do. It doesn’t demand a curated playlist. It doesn’t cherry-pick genres. It simply plays everything well—and that’s rare.
If you’ve ever felt like certain IEMs dictate what you listen to (I definitely have), the Lush breaks that cycle. You don’t need to chase the perfect track. Just hit shuffle and go. Whether you're focusing or multitasking, it delivers a consistent and non-fatiguing sound that's even great for background music.
Bass
The bass on the Ziigaat Lush feels like a thoughtfully tuned foundation—never overbearing, never undercooked. It strikes a nice balance between subbass and midbass, giving you just enough of both to keep things grounded and engaging.
The subbass isn’t the kind that rattles your skull, but it’s definitely there when the music calls for it. It offers a gentle, well-controlled rumble that adds depth without drawing too much attention to itself. Think of it as a subtle floorboard vibration rather than a ground shake—it supports the music without stealing the spotlight.
The midbass, on the other hand, carries a bit more personality. It’s got a warm, textured presence that gives kicks and bass guitars a satisfying thump—nothing bloated, just enough punch to feel lively. The decay is tastefully done too, trailing off naturally so the notes breathe a bit, but never feel sluggish.
What really stands out is the control. The bass knows its boundaries. It doesn’t bleed into the mids or create any sort of unwanted bloom. It complements rather than competes with the rest of the frequency range, which is exactly what you want in a well-tuned IEM. This kind of restraint shows that the Lush isn’t trying to impress with brute force—it’s going for finesse, and it mostly nails it.
Midrange
This is where the Ziigaat Lush really starts living up to its name. The midrange is, quite simply, a pleasure—smooth, natural, and emotionally grounded in a way that keeps you listening longer than you planned.
Vocals are a standout here. Whether it’s the smoky depth of a male singer or the delicate shimmer of a female voice, the Lush captures them with a sense of realism that feels effortless. Tonality is spot on—nothing feels pushed or hollowed out. They’re positioned just right in the mix, never shouting in your face but never hiding in the shadows either. It’s that “just right” kind of tuning that makes voices feel honest and present.
Instruments come through with an organic, textured character that feels tactile and believable. Guitars have body and string definition, pianos sound full and nuanced, and acoustic elements in particular really shine. There’s a gentle warmth in the mids—not syrupy or overly rich, but enough to breathe life into the music and smooth out any digital harshness. It doesn’t cross into coloration, though. The warmth is subtle, serving emotion rather than altering the intent of the track.
What ties it all together is the linear smoothness of the presentation. There's no weird dips or peaks here—just a consistent, easy flow that makes the Lush a perfect companion for longer sessions. It doesn’t fatigue, and it doesn’t try to impress with over-sharpened detail. Instead, it focuses on delivering a clean, emotionally honest performance. And really, that’s often what makes the difference between a good IEM and one that quietly earns a place in your daily rotation.
Treble
The treble on the Ziigaat Lush plays it cool—smooth, measured, and mature. It's definitely on the safer side of the spectrum, but that’s not a weakness. In fact, it's one of its strengths. This is the kind of treble that invites you to keep listening, hour after hour, without fatigue creeping in.
There’s a sense of control here that’s easy to appreciate, especially if you've ever dealt with an IEM that tried too hard to dazzle with sparkle and ended up feeling harsh or fatiguing. The Lush doesn’t go for that kind of flashy presentation. Instead, it offers just the right amount of air and lift to keep things feeling open and detailed, without ever crossing into sharpness or sibilance. It’s refined, not restrained.
Extension is solid—maybe not up to the level of a detail monster, but enough to render ambient cues, trailing cymbals, and spatial information with a nice sense of finesse. There’s clarity and layering, but it never comes off as clinical or overly analytical. This treble is more about complementing the overall balance than drawing attention to itself.
You won’t find a ton of sparkle or shimmer here, but that’s by design. It’s a well-mannered treble that plays nice with the warm, textured mids and the controlled bass. It helps create a cohesive, musical presentation—one that favors comfort and naturalness over aggressive detail. For many listeners, especially those sensitive to high frequencies, this kind of tuning will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Soundstage & Imaging
The Lush impresses with a soundstage that leans wide, especially left to right. It doesn't have that deep, three-dimensional layering that some planar or open-back designs aim for, but it still manages a nice sense of space. Imaging is accurate with solid separation—each instrument occupies its own spot without congestion, making it easy to follow complex arrangements.
Ziigaat Lush vs Kiwi Ears KE4: A Tale of Two "Meta" Tunings
Both the Ziigaat Lush and the Kiwi Ears KE4 fall under a similar tuning philosophy "meta" a neutral-balanced with studio-monitor intentions. But how they execute that vision differs in subtle but important ways. On paper, they might seem like siblings, but in practice, they have distinct personalities.
The Ziigaat Lush takes a smooth, softly neutral approach. It’s extremely balanced and inoffensive, the kind of tuning that just lets the music happen without pushing any frequency forward. The KE4, while still playing in the same neutral space, adds a bit of extra flavor—particularly in the subbass and upper mids.
Think of the Lush as the calm, detail-focused studio engineer, while the KE4 is the slightly enthusiastic assistant who still wants to stay accurate but adds just a touch of drama for fun.
Bass
Both IEMs are tight and controlled in the bass, but:
• The KE4 adds a noticeable subbass lift, which gives it more low-end presence, especially on genres like EDM, hip-hop, or cinematic scores. It’s still clean and doesn’t bleed, but the emphasis is there. It’s a bit more visceral when the track demands it.
• The Lush, in contrast, is more even-handed. The bass is split almost evenly between sub and midbass, with enough warmth and punch to stay musical but without stealing attention. It’s more about accuracy and texture than slam.
If you prefer a more grounded, balanced bass, the Lush has the edge. If you want a little more rumble and energy, KE4 might suit your taste better.
Midrange
Both sets have very solid mids, but again, they approach it differently.
• The Lush is all about natural tonality. Vocals—male or female—sound organic and lifelike, with just the right amount of warmth. It doesn’t feel colored or enhanced, just honest and smooth. Instruments like guitars and pianos come across with texture and space, but never edgy or forward.
• The KE4 pushes the upper mids slightly more, which gives female vocals and certain instruments more shine and presence. It's not shouty, but it’s more vibrant. This gives it a slightly more energetic and lively feel, which can be engaging, but sometimes borderline fatiguing at higher volumes or longer sessions, depending on your sensitivity.
So if you lean toward vocal-centric music and want a more lively and forward midrange, the KE4 delivers. If you’re after natural smoothness and long-session comfort, the Lush is the better companion.
Treble
Treble is one area where these two sets diverge in philosophy.
• The Ziigaat Lush plays it safe and smooth. It has enough extension to retain detail and air, but it never feels bright or piercing. It’s not a sparkle monster—it’s more about control and a fatigue-free presentation.
• The KE4 offers a bit more brilliance, especially around the lower treble. There’s more perceived detail and edge to cymbals, hi-hats, and micro-detail, which might appeal to those who want that extra bit of zing and clarity. However, it can come off a bit edgy depending on the track.
If you’re treble-sensitive or prefer mellow top-ends, Lush is your friend. If you enjoy a bit more energy and excitement up top, KE4 steps in.
Soundstage & Imaging
This is where things level out a bit.
• The Ziigaat Lush has a wider soundstage, particularly left to right. It gives a nice sense of space without artificial reverb or exaggeration. Imaging is precise and clean, with good separation and layering.
• The KE4 isn’t quite as wide, but it compensates with a slightly more intimate and engaging stereo image, especially for vocals and smaller ensemble pieces.
Both sets have excellent imaging for their price point, with the Lush pulling slightly ahead in overall spatial realism, while the KE4 offers a closer, more immediate presentation.
So which one should you go for?
Choose the Ziigaat Lush if:
• You want a truly neutral, studio-style tuning with no added coloration
• You prioritize long-term listening comfort and fatigue-free treble
• You listen to a wide variety of genres and want something versatile and smooth
• You value natural vocals and a relaxing presentation
Choose the Kiwi Ears KE4 if:
• You like a more energetic sound with subbass presence and a bit of treble bite
• You want more lively female vocals and upper-mid presence
• You prefer a closer, more engaging soundstage for vocal-heavy music
• You’re okay with slightly more aggressive tuning in exchange for excitement
In the end, both IEMs are excellent examples of how neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. The Lush is the laid-back precision tool, while the KE4 adds just enough flavor to keep things spicy. You can’t go wrong with either—it just depends on your preferred flavor of “truth.”
Final Thoughts
The Ziigaat Lush isn’t here to chase the latest hype or compete in a game of who can pump the most bass or crank the sharpest upper mids. It takes a different path—one that's a lot more rewarding if you're willing to listen. Instead of shouting for your attention, the Lush earns it quietly, with a sound that feels refined, mature, and genuinely satisfying.
What you get here is a studio-grade tuning that's true to the source, but never sterile or lifeless. It's transparent enough to reveal the finer details of a mix, yet still musical and inviting enough for those late-night sessions when you just want to relax and get lost in the music. It's a tricky balance to pull off, but the Lush walks that line with confidence.
This is an IEM built for the long haul. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or exaggerated tricks to impress you in the first 30 seconds. Instead, it’s the kind of gear that wins you over slowly, revealing more of its strengths the longer you live with it. From its smart, tasteful tuning to its easygoing, genre-flexible character, the Lush feels like a natural fit for daily use—whether you're deep-diving into a favorite album or just soundtracking your day.
If you've ever wondered what "neutral" really should sound like—not flat and boring, but clean, organic, and genuinely musical—the Ziigaat Lush offers a pretty compelling answer. It’s one of those rare IEMs that doesn’t just perform—it becomes part of your listening routine without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. And honestly, that's a harder and more impressive achievement than any spec sheet will ever show.
Non Affiliated Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/zi...B2lZvnK8pDTVKBTUWZdkZzTaW21YFwWXCXA6bpT9ev9n3
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avishifi
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Neutral tuning with sub-bass boost, makes it easier to listen for long, with no fatigue, a neutral take on the "new meta", if you will.
Bass sounds natural, where it is not too boosted, but not the most prominent.
Mids are not too forward, makes it easy on the ears, but still give body and shine for vocal and instruments, and stay uncolored.
The treble is well extended, open, and airy.
Natural sounding in general, reference like, uncolored.
Good imaging, soundstage and separation.
Beautiful and comfortable shell, no pressure buildup or whatsoever.
Large carrying case with secure place to keep a dongle or ear tips.
Bass sounds natural, where it is not too boosted, but not the most prominent.
Mids are not too forward, makes it easy on the ears, but still give body and shine for vocal and instruments, and stay uncolored.
The treble is well extended, open, and airy.
Natural sounding in general, reference like, uncolored.
Good imaging, soundstage and separation.
Beautiful and comfortable shell, no pressure buildup or whatsoever.
Large carrying case with secure place to keep a dongle or ear tips.
Cons: The mid bass is not the most prominent here in terms of impact, but it does give body and depth for instruments and vocals, not Harman like. (that's what makes it sounds "natural" IMHO).
You might find this tuning boring, as these are meant to be "studio monitors", be aware if you seek for a fun or V/U shape IEM.
Treble might be spicey in some tracks (a rare case, it depends).
Has slightly driver flex.
You might find this tuning boring, as these are meant to be "studio monitors", be aware if you seek for a fun or V/U shape IEM.
Treble might be spicey in some tracks (a rare case, it depends).
Has slightly driver flex.
Hello dear readers! I am happy to see you here again in another review.
Today I am going to review the brand new ZiiGaat Lush, a 1DD 4BA drivers IEM, that was sent to me by courtesy of Linsoul Audio in exchange for my honest review.
Let's jump into it!
My goal in my reviews is to make it easier for everyone to understand the terms audiophiles often use, so even if you are a beginner and this is all new for you, you can feel comfortable understanding all the terms and make a better decision for yourself.
I mainly listen to pop music and instrumental music, such as Lindsey Stirling. I am also an EDM lover, who enjoys both sides of the spectrum: bass and treble. My favorite artist, for example, is Snail's House, and I also listen to a lot of monstercat releases. Are we audio soul mates?
This iem is a hybrid IEM, featuring 1DD and 4BA configuration, where the Dynamic Driver is being used as a subwoofer, 2BA for mids, 2BA for highs, in a three-way passive crossover.
A passive crossover in IEMs is a passive electrical circuit that splits the audio signal coming from the amplifier into different frequency ranges, so each driver knows what it needs to play. So, in this case, the DD gets to play the bass, 2BA gets to play the mids, and another 2BA gets to play the highs.
ZiiGaat (Zero In Ideas, Grow and Achieve All Together) market this IEM as a "Studio Grade Hybrid IEM". But does it deliver? Let's find out!
In the box you will find:
The carrying case provided here is large, and surprisingly pocketable. It has enough room to store the IEMs and has a secure place to house a dongle and/or ear tips. Moreover, it is branded with the ZiiGaat logo and feels premium. Overall, great case, I like it.
The silicon ear tips provided here are pretty good. That said, you get only one type of them, in 3 sizes, and that's it. But in my opinion, it is enough if they are good. And yeah, they are. The medium ear tips worked well for me. There are also 2x foam ear tips provided, which I tend not to like, but if you are into it – you are given this option.
The cable provided here is good, beautifully branded with the ZiiGaat logo. Feels quality, with a working chin slider in the Y split. But I found it to tangle sometimes and to have memory. But I always say, this is something that can be replaced later, it is not the end of the world, but it does need to be mentioned.
The IEM is made of resin and has beautiful triangley, glittery and sparkly faceplate. They do not catch lots of attention but still look pretty. They have a vent on the top, and I did not notice any pressure build up while wearing them. But one thing I must mention that is they do have slightly driver flex, which means, when you wear them, they will make a plasticky noise. It is not loud but noticeable. Is this bad? Not really, you won't notice it while using it. The nozzle might be big for some, but for me, it wasn't, and I could wear them for long. Overall, except for the driver flex, they get a pass here.
You can find the graph here.
As you might see from the graph, these IEMs are following the "new meta" tuning, which means, neutral with a bass boost, where the boost is more on the sub bass rather than the mid bass. To me, they do sound warm/neutral and uncolored. But as always, let's break it down.
The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.
The sub bass on these IEMs is well boosted, but not too much, it goes to the point that you do get a lot from it, but it is clean and doesn't take all the attention from the rest of the frequencies. Overall, well done for a neutral IEM.
The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.
The mid-bass here, in contrast to the sub bass, is not very boosted. It doesn't have that punch and impact that you might find in V-Shaped IEMs, but rather a relaxed and natural mid-bass. For example, kick drums and male/low vocals sounds full and natural, relaxed, and not shouty, very uncolored. It goes well with this tuning, as I found it makes it easy on the ears, and blends well with the rest of the frequencies. And at the same time, it gives a little warmth to the music, the little touch that makes everything sound very natural to my ears.
One thing to mention, the mid bass here was fast enough to handle the crazy drums of BABYMETAL, this is something many IEMs I tried failed to do, and to me this is a test for how fast the mid-bass is (but still, it is not the most impactful and punch, I would say neutral).
The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.
The midrange here is, act surprised, very neutral. Nothing stands out here in contrast to each other, vocals are not too forward, instruments sound full bodied and natural. Not shouty, has little warmth.
It sounds reference like. For example, listening to the Wicked soundtrack was an experience, the soundtrack sounded so lively, so engaging, everything has body and depth, it was like sitting inside the concert and experiencing the movie again. The vocals sounded so natural, the vocals didn't stand out too much from the instruments, they blended so well altogether. It is not something that any IEM can deliver, IMHO.
The neutral/warm midrange is well appreciated, as someone who likes U/V shape tuning more, it was a new thing to explore and made me love it. The ability to listen for a long time with no fatigue, no shouty, it’s a first for me.
But I must warn you, if you are looking for a fun midrange, more V/U shape, it might not fit you well. The midrange here is very uncolored, reference like. But you might appreciate it if you already own a well V/U-shaped IEM, this could be a great addition to your collection. But still, I think you should be aware of what you are getting into. Neutrality is not for everyone, but something nice that I think is nice to experience.
Well, I talked too much, but to sum up, the midrange presentation for no surprise do sound neutral and warm, nothing is too forward, very uncolored, great for instrumental music or live concerts.
The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.
It might not seem like it from the graph, but the treble here is well extended. It is airy, open, but not too much. Cymbals crashes, violins, etc.... sounded natural and well separated from the rest of the frequencies. Surprisingly, I find these also to work well with Snail's house music, where he loves to put a lot of synth and lows. But for EDM, I would probably look elsewhere to a more U/V shaped IEM. But still, I am surprised that this IEM can be that versatile and play well with this complex, trebly tracks. There is a good contrast with the bass, so it doesn't sound bright overall. Again, the tuning of this IEM is intended to be neutral, and in my opinion, it does deliver that.
A little warning, to anyone who is listening to music such as Snail's house, which has a lot of synths, and is sensitive to treble, it might be spicy, to my ears at least. I can handle it, but if you know you can't, then be aware. That said, it is a rare case, and if you don't listen to a lot of EDM and music that has tons of synths in general, you are good. Most of the other EDM music I listened to, didn't have this problem.
Imaging is the ability of the IEM to separate the left or right positions, put anything in the correct direction.
The imaging capabilities of this IEM are very good, you can pinpoint easily where everything is located within the stage, and it is well executed in this IEM and matches the performance expected withing its price range.
Usually in IEMs this term is overused, but in general the soundstage is the feel of openness and wideness of the sound. For example, if the IEM provides a congested feeling to the sound, everything sounds in the middle, this is bad soundstage.
The soundstage in this IEM is wide and open, in live recording it sounds very spacious and lively, a whole experience.
Layering & Separation is the ability to deliver you any piece of instrument or vocal in its own place, separately. The better it gets, the more resolving the IEM will be.
The layering in this IEM is good, but it is doesn't stand out in my opinion. It is good, but not the most prominent point of this IEM. On the other hand, the separation is good, and you get good separation between the bass, mids, and treble. Vocals are not too forward in contrast to instruments, which makes it sound more neutral and natural, just how you are going to experience it in real life.
Given this neutral tuning, you do get good detail retrieval. As it lets each frequency shine on its own, and no frequency steals the show from each other.
Comparisons could give you a better idea of where this IEM stands within the market.
The Kiwi Ears Aether is a 15.3mm Planar IEM. Well, well, well. This one is interesting for me. There is 10$ price difference, which might make it hard to choose between the two, so I will try my best to make it easier for you to choose between the two. The Aether in comparison to the ZiiGaat Lush is leaning towards being V-Shaped, it has better bass punch and impact, also has relaxed upper midrange and relaxed treble that is open and airy. I find the imaging on the Aether to be better than the ZiiGaat Lush, and stage a little more open, but not that much. For EDM and pop music, I ended up picking the Aether more, as it offered a more fun experience with its V-Shaped tuning, that was also not very shouty. But still, there is something special about this ZiiGaat Lush, the reference sound, that nothing stands out from each other, and made it fun to listen to live recording, or in long listening sessions with not fatigue.
Do you want neutral sound? Relaxed sound? Experience the "new meta"? Do you listen to live recordings a lot? ZiiGaat Lush is for you, for sure.
Do you want a more V-Shaped sound? Forward vocals? Impactful and punchy bass? Fun IEM for EDM? Then get the Aether, it will fit you better, and you will probably find the ZiiGaat Lush too boring to your preference.
The Sliivo SL41 Mk2 is also an hybrid IEM, featuring 1DD and 4BA's driver configuration. Compared to the ZiiGaat Lush, it sounds more U-Shaped, where you get a lot of bass and a lot of treble. The midrange, especially vocals, sounds more forward in the SL41 compared to the ZiiGaat Lush, and the treble is much more boosted. The bass on the SL41 also goes deeper, but the mid bass feels recessed. I would say, the choose between the two is just as the Kiwi Ears Aether, you can ask yourself the same questions. The ZiiGaat Lush will offer you more neutral and relaxed listening experience, while the SL41 will be more fun to listen to.
There is still a question that hasn't been answered yet: Is it really studio grade IEM?
Just so you know, there is no clear definition of what "studio grade" is, but there are some standards that most of the professionals agree on:
So yeah, the ZiiGaat Lush indeed delivers what it promises to deliver.
The ZiiGaat Lush is a great IEM for anyone who is seeking for the most neutral, uncolored, IEM. With its well boosted sub bass, and neutrality from the mid-bass to the treble, the ZiiGaat Lush does stand out from its competitors, and take the crown of being a solid neutral option under 200$. I could easily listen to the music for a long time with no fatigue, even with complex tracks that has tons of energy, it was able to reveal all the details from them without sounding shouty, very reference like. That said, you might find the tuning of this IEM boring, as nothing really stands out. If you are used to U/V-Shaped IEMs, this will give you a different experience, as they do what they are claimed to do – being a studio grade IEM. Listening to live recordings, such as the soundtrack of the Wicked movie, was a whole experience; Very lively, natural, like I am in the concert.
The technical performance of these IEMs are very good, and does meet the expectations from an IEM in their price range: good imaging and stage, good separation.
That said, it should be noted that these IEMs do have slightly driver flex. Is that terrible? Not really. Except that, their fit and comfort was good for me, and I didn't feel any pressure buildup or whatsoever, and I could wear them for long.
Overall, I think it is a solid option for a studio grade/neutral IEM under 200$, and if you already own many U/V-Shaped IEMs, it might give you another tuning to explore in your collection, something different. Listening to music with no added color is interesting but could be boring. Something to explore.
The ZiiGaat lush can be found in Linsoul Audio store for 179$ in this following link (unaffiliated)
Big thanks to Linsoul for making this review possible, and thank you – the dear reader, for reading this review. I hope to see you in my next reviews!
– Avishai (avishifi) ♥
Today I am going to review the brand new ZiiGaat Lush, a 1DD 4BA drivers IEM, that was sent to me by courtesy of Linsoul Audio in exchange for my honest review.
Let's jump into it!
Disclaimer
I received the ZiiGaat Lush from Linsoul Audio in exchange for my honest review, but still – my opinions about the IEMs are personal and written based on my own experience with them, and I was not paid for this review.My goal in my reviews is to make it easier for everyone to understand the terms audiophiles often use, so even if you are a beginner and this is all new for you, you can feel comfortable understanding all the terms and make a better decision for yourself.
A little bit about myself
I thought it could make it easier for you to understand what I am listening to, and if we are audio soul mates, maybe this review will talk to you more personallyI mainly listen to pop music and instrumental music, such as Lindsey Stirling. I am also an EDM lover, who enjoys both sides of the spectrum: bass and treble. My favorite artist, for example, is Snail's House, and I also listen to a lot of monstercat releases. Are we audio soul mates?
A little bit about this IEM – ZiiGaat Lush
This iem is a hybrid IEM, featuring 1DD and 4BA configuration, where the Dynamic Driver is being used as a subwoofer, 2BA for mids, 2BA for highs, in a three-way passive crossover.
A passive crossover in IEMs is a passive electrical circuit that splits the audio signal coming from the amplifier into different frequency ranges, so each driver knows what it needs to play. So, in this case, the DD gets to play the bass, 2BA gets to play the mids, and another 2BA gets to play the highs.
ZiiGaat (Zero In Ideas, Grow and Achieve All Together) market this IEM as a "Studio Grade Hybrid IEM". But does it deliver? Let's find out!
What's in the box?
In the box you will find:
- Large carrying case.
- One type of silicon ear tips (S, M, L).
- 2x foam ear tips
- 3.5mm cable.
- The IEMs themselves.
Carrying Case
The carrying case provided here is large, and surprisingly pocketable. It has enough room to store the IEMs and has a secure place to house a dongle and/or ear tips. Moreover, it is branded with the ZiiGaat logo and feels premium. Overall, great case, I like it.
Ear Tips
The silicon ear tips provided here are pretty good. That said, you get only one type of them, in 3 sizes, and that's it. But in my opinion, it is enough if they are good. And yeah, they are. The medium ear tips worked well for me. There are also 2x foam ear tips provided, which I tend not to like, but if you are into it – you are given this option.
Cable
The cable provided here is good, beautifully branded with the ZiiGaat logo. Feels quality, with a working chin slider in the Y split. But I found it to tangle sometimes and to have memory. But I always say, this is something that can be replaced later, it is not the end of the world, but it does need to be mentioned.
Build Quality & Fit and Comfort
The IEM is made of resin and has beautiful triangley, glittery and sparkly faceplate. They do not catch lots of attention but still look pretty. They have a vent on the top, and I did not notice any pressure build up while wearing them. But one thing I must mention that is they do have slightly driver flex, which means, when you wear them, they will make a plasticky noise. It is not loud but noticeable. Is this bad? Not really, you won't notice it while using it. The nozzle might be big for some, but for me, it wasn't, and I could wear them for long. Overall, except for the driver flex, they get a pass here.
In Terms of Sound
You can find the graph here.
As you might see from the graph, these IEMs are following the "new meta" tuning, which means, neutral with a bass boost, where the boost is more on the sub bass rather than the mid bass. To me, they do sound warm/neutral and uncolored. But as always, let's break it down.
Sub-Bass
The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.
The sub bass on these IEMs is well boosted, but not too much, it goes to the point that you do get a lot from it, but it is clean and doesn't take all the attention from the rest of the frequencies. Overall, well done for a neutral IEM.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.
The mid-bass here, in contrast to the sub bass, is not very boosted. It doesn't have that punch and impact that you might find in V-Shaped IEMs, but rather a relaxed and natural mid-bass. For example, kick drums and male/low vocals sounds full and natural, relaxed, and not shouty, very uncolored. It goes well with this tuning, as I found it makes it easy on the ears, and blends well with the rest of the frequencies. And at the same time, it gives a little warmth to the music, the little touch that makes everything sound very natural to my ears.
One thing to mention, the mid bass here was fast enough to handle the crazy drums of BABYMETAL, this is something many IEMs I tried failed to do, and to me this is a test for how fast the mid-bass is (but still, it is not the most impactful and punch, I would say neutral).
Mids
The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.
The midrange here is, act surprised, very neutral. Nothing stands out here in contrast to each other, vocals are not too forward, instruments sound full bodied and natural. Not shouty, has little warmth.
It sounds reference like. For example, listening to the Wicked soundtrack was an experience, the soundtrack sounded so lively, so engaging, everything has body and depth, it was like sitting inside the concert and experiencing the movie again. The vocals sounded so natural, the vocals didn't stand out too much from the instruments, they blended so well altogether. It is not something that any IEM can deliver, IMHO.
The neutral/warm midrange is well appreciated, as someone who likes U/V shape tuning more, it was a new thing to explore and made me love it. The ability to listen for a long time with no fatigue, no shouty, it’s a first for me.
But I must warn you, if you are looking for a fun midrange, more V/U shape, it might not fit you well. The midrange here is very uncolored, reference like. But you might appreciate it if you already own a well V/U-shaped IEM, this could be a great addition to your collection. But still, I think you should be aware of what you are getting into. Neutrality is not for everyone, but something nice that I think is nice to experience.
Well, I talked too much, but to sum up, the midrange presentation for no surprise do sound neutral and warm, nothing is too forward, very uncolored, great for instrumental music or live concerts.
Treble
The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.
It might not seem like it from the graph, but the treble here is well extended. It is airy, open, but not too much. Cymbals crashes, violins, etc.... sounded natural and well separated from the rest of the frequencies. Surprisingly, I find these also to work well with Snail's house music, where he loves to put a lot of synth and lows. But for EDM, I would probably look elsewhere to a more U/V shaped IEM. But still, I am surprised that this IEM can be that versatile and play well with this complex, trebly tracks. There is a good contrast with the bass, so it doesn't sound bright overall. Again, the tuning of this IEM is intended to be neutral, and in my opinion, it does deliver that.
A little warning, to anyone who is listening to music such as Snail's house, which has a lot of synths, and is sensitive to treble, it might be spicy, to my ears at least. I can handle it, but if you know you can't, then be aware. That said, it is a rare case, and if you don't listen to a lot of EDM and music that has tons of synths in general, you are good. Most of the other EDM music I listened to, didn't have this problem.
Technical Performance
Imaging
Imaging is the ability of the IEM to separate the left or right positions, put anything in the correct direction.
The imaging capabilities of this IEM are very good, you can pinpoint easily where everything is located within the stage, and it is well executed in this IEM and matches the performance expected withing its price range.
Soundstage
Usually in IEMs this term is overused, but in general the soundstage is the feel of openness and wideness of the sound. For example, if the IEM provides a congested feeling to the sound, everything sounds in the middle, this is bad soundstage.
The soundstage in this IEM is wide and open, in live recording it sounds very spacious and lively, a whole experience.
Layering & Separation
Layering & Separation is the ability to deliver you any piece of instrument or vocal in its own place, separately. The better it gets, the more resolving the IEM will be.
The layering in this IEM is good, but it is doesn't stand out in my opinion. It is good, but not the most prominent point of this IEM. On the other hand, the separation is good, and you get good separation between the bass, mids, and treble. Vocals are not too forward in contrast to instruments, which makes it sound more neutral and natural, just how you are going to experience it in real life.
Given this neutral tuning, you do get good detail retrieval. As it lets each frequency shine on its own, and no frequency steals the show from each other.
Comparisons
Comparisons could give you a better idea of where this IEM stands within the market.
Kiwi Ears Aether
The Kiwi Ears Aether is a 15.3mm Planar IEM. Well, well, well. This one is interesting for me. There is 10$ price difference, which might make it hard to choose between the two, so I will try my best to make it easier for you to choose between the two. The Aether in comparison to the ZiiGaat Lush is leaning towards being V-Shaped, it has better bass punch and impact, also has relaxed upper midrange and relaxed treble that is open and airy. I find the imaging on the Aether to be better than the ZiiGaat Lush, and stage a little more open, but not that much. For EDM and pop music, I ended up picking the Aether more, as it offered a more fun experience with its V-Shaped tuning, that was also not very shouty. But still, there is something special about this ZiiGaat Lush, the reference sound, that nothing stands out from each other, and made it fun to listen to live recording, or in long listening sessions with not fatigue.
Do you want neutral sound? Relaxed sound? Experience the "new meta"? Do you listen to live recordings a lot? ZiiGaat Lush is for you, for sure.
Do you want a more V-Shaped sound? Forward vocals? Impactful and punchy bass? Fun IEM for EDM? Then get the Aether, it will fit you better, and you will probably find the ZiiGaat Lush too boring to your preference.
Sliivo SL41 Mk2 (FULL REVIEW HERE)
The Sliivo SL41 Mk2 is also an hybrid IEM, featuring 1DD and 4BA's driver configuration. Compared to the ZiiGaat Lush, it sounds more U-Shaped, where you get a lot of bass and a lot of treble. The midrange, especially vocals, sounds more forward in the SL41 compared to the ZiiGaat Lush, and the treble is much more boosted. The bass on the SL41 also goes deeper, but the mid bass feels recessed. I would say, the choose between the two is just as the Kiwi Ears Aether, you can ask yourself the same questions. The ZiiGaat Lush will offer you more neutral and relaxed listening experience, while the SL41 will be more fun to listen to.
There is still a question that hasn't been answered yet: Is it really studio grade IEM?
Just so you know, there is no clear definition of what "studio grade" is, but there are some standards that most of the professionals agree on:
- Flat frequency response graph as possible.
- No coloring to the sound.
- Good separation and low distortion.
So yeah, the ZiiGaat Lush indeed delivers what it promises to deliver.
To Sum Up
The ZiiGaat Lush is a great IEM for anyone who is seeking for the most neutral, uncolored, IEM. With its well boosted sub bass, and neutrality from the mid-bass to the treble, the ZiiGaat Lush does stand out from its competitors, and take the crown of being a solid neutral option under 200$. I could easily listen to the music for a long time with no fatigue, even with complex tracks that has tons of energy, it was able to reveal all the details from them without sounding shouty, very reference like. That said, you might find the tuning of this IEM boring, as nothing really stands out. If you are used to U/V-Shaped IEMs, this will give you a different experience, as they do what they are claimed to do – being a studio grade IEM. Listening to live recordings, such as the soundtrack of the Wicked movie, was a whole experience; Very lively, natural, like I am in the concert.
The technical performance of these IEMs are very good, and does meet the expectations from an IEM in their price range: good imaging and stage, good separation.
That said, it should be noted that these IEMs do have slightly driver flex. Is that terrible? Not really. Except that, their fit and comfort was good for me, and I didn't feel any pressure buildup or whatsoever, and I could wear them for long.
Overall, I think it is a solid option for a studio grade/neutral IEM under 200$, and if you already own many U/V-Shaped IEMs, it might give you another tuning to explore in your collection, something different. Listening to music with no added color is interesting but could be boring. Something to explore.
The ZiiGaat lush can be found in Linsoul Audio store for 179$ in this following link (unaffiliated)
Big thanks to Linsoul for making this review possible, and thank you – the dear reader, for reading this review. I hope to see you in my next reviews!
– Avishai (avishifi) ♥
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K
kagamirrors
So this is the best boring IEM for studio stuff?
avishifi
I personally don’t know anything else like this for under 200$, maybe the truthear Hexa
