ZiiGaat Lush

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)​

Soundstage would get a boost to 4.5 out of the N3 Ultra.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

ZiiGaat Lush Review: The Reference Choice!​

WATCH REVIEW HERE: ​

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 sources

Volume 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.

Non-Affliated link:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-lush

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 (vs. Arete) – A Neutral, Technical Gem Under $200

Watch the full video review here for sound demos, comparisons, and measurements!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Midrange

• 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.

Treble

• 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.

Technical Performance
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.

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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.

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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).

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Cons

• Lush: Driver flex, basic accessories, subdued treble for thrill-seekers.
• Arete: Brightness can fatigue, midrange occasionally harsh.

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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!

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!

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 personally
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?

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, to answer that I needed to ask my friend who is working in a studio and asked to remain anonymous. I described to him my feelings and impressions on these IEMs, and combining with their graph, he approved them to meet his expectations of being a studio grade IEM. Boring, doesn't try to impress you too much, just reveal the music with no added color. Reference like.

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) ♥

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.





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.

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

Foreword
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

Mids

• 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

• 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/Imaging

• 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

Driveability

• 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

Comparison (Letshuoer’s Cadenza 4)

• 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

Final Thoughts
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
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.