ZiiGaat X Fresh Reviews Arete

Introduction​

Finding good balance between gaming and music sound in one IEM is not easy. But Ziigaat and Fresh Reviews try to do that with Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete. This IEM have 1DD + 4BA setup and price is $220. It promise to give good gaming sound and high-quality music listening.

But does it really do that? Does it have deep and clear sound for gaming? Can it play music with good detail and balance? And most important, is it really worth the price?

I use this IEM for long time and test with many different songs and games. In this review, I will talk about sound, comfort, build quality, and how it perform in real use. So let’s start and see if this IEM is good choice for you!

Disclaimer​

This review is fully based on my personal experience with the Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete. I tested this IEM for long time with many different songs and also gaming to see how it perform in real use. Sound is very personal thing, and everyone have different taste, so what I like maybe not same for you.

The unit I tested was provided for review, but my opinion is fully my own. I always try to give honest review, talking about both good and bad things. My goal is to help you understand if this IEM is right for you or not.

If after reading full review, you think this IEM is perfect for you, then you can order it directly from Ziigaat official website. And if you are from Bangladesh but don’t have a dual currency card, you can contact Geek Mart for help with order.

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Key Technical Details​

• Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver (DD) + 4 Balanced Armatures (BA).
• DD: 10mm biocellulose diaphragm with neodymium magnets.
• Midrange/Mid-Treble BA: Knowles 29689.
• Upper Treble BA: Knowles 31736.
• Crossover: 3-way electronic.
• Tuning: Balanced monitor style with a 9dB bass shelf up to 300Hz.
• Intended use: Competitive gaming, and general music enjoyment.
• Key sound characteristics: Clear imaging, good separation, detailed sound, punchy bass, and neutral midrange

Build quality and Design​

The Ziigaat Arete have a resin shell with metal nozzle, which make it lightweight but also strong. The connection between resin body and metal nozzle is smooth and well joined, so I don’t think it will have issue over time. Also, Ziigaat put a dust filter inside the venting hole, so dust don’t go inside, which is really smart. Small details like this show they actually care about durability.

Now, the faceplate is where this IEM really shine. The design is beautiful and unique. It come in three color—black, blue, and white. My one is black, and I think this look best. The smoky black color with color-shifting flex make a cool effect, where light hit different angle, and it change color a bit. Inside the faceplate, there is glitter-like stuff, which make it look kinda like a galaxy. It feel premium but not too flashy.

The Ziigaat logo is placed in a way that looks simple and not too much flashy, which I like. The innershell is black and slightly transparent, so if you look closely, you can see little bit of inside parts.

Overall, the build is solid, the design is eye-catching, and Ziigaat really thought about small details. It look premium, feel strong, and it’s light enough for long time use.

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Fit and comfort​

Ziigaat make this IEM for gaming, and gamers wear IEM for long time. So they focus on making it very comfortable. And from my use, I think they really did good job. I use it for straight 6 hours, and still, I feel no big discomfort in my ears. The shell is very light, and it sit strong inside the ear, so I not need to adjust it again and again.

The innershell design is good, with no extra bulk. Because of this, it not make extra pressure inside ear, and even after long time use, I feel no pain anywhere. The nozzle is ok, and I think no one will have issue with it. The nozzle is little long, so it go deep inside ear, but for me, deep insertion is no problem. If someone have issue, just use short tips, and it will fix easy.

One more good thing, it have proper venting. So it not make pressure inside ear, and when you take out IEM, there is no suction effect. This make wearing and removing very easy and comfortable.

Many people also test this IEM from me, and so far, no one complain about fit or comfort. From what I see, this IEM check all right boxes for good fit & comfort, so it’s very good for long listening time.

Cable and Tips​

Alright, let’s talk about cable first. To be honest, the stock cable come with Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete feel kinda basic. It’s thin, light, and look little cheap for this price. There’s no interchangeable termination, which kinda downside, specially since many brand now give modular cable. It’s not like the cable is bad—it do the job, but if you use higher-end cable, you gonna feel the difference. I think Ziigaat should have include little better one here. If you already have aftermarket cable, specially silver-plated or copper-silver mix, you should try it because from my testing, it tighten up bass and add bit more air to treble. Basically, sound get better with good cable.


Now, about the ear tips—they not bad. Fit is good, and seal is okay, but stock tips don’t bring out best of the IEM. With them, the mid-bass impact feel little soft, and treble don’t have that open feel. I try swap them with Final Type E (clear one) and DUNU Candy tips, and the difference is clear. Better bass, clear mids, and more open treble. So yeah, if you really wanna get best sound, I think you should try different tips and see what work best for you.

Pouch​

Testing Source​

• Questyle qp2r
• Cowon Plenue R2
• Astell & kern SP1000M
• Cayin N3 Ultra
• Ibasso DX180
• Hiby R3 iiI
• basso DC Elite
• Cayin ru7
• Hiby R5 sabre
• Hiby R4
• Hiby R1
• F.Audio FA5
• Questyle M15
• ONIX Alpha Xl 1
• KAEI-TAP2 ( AMP )
• Shanling H5
• ifi idsd signature
• fosi k7
• fosi gr40
• epz tp35
• Hiby FC4
• Hiby fc3
• BQEYZ Lin
• Nicehck tc3

The sound Performance​

Bass Performance​

The bass on Ziigaat Arete is deep and well-extended. Sub-bass is strong, it have good rumble and goes really low. There’s a little sub-bass boost, but it never mix with the mids, so everything stay clear. In “Kill Jill” by Big Boi, those low bass hits feel powerful but never muddy the other sounds. Even when bass is heavy, you can still hear the vocals and instruments very clear.

Because of this sub-bass boost, the vocals and treble sound is slightly forward for counter this bass boost. This balance keeps the sound from getting too dark or too bassy. In “You’re All I Want” by Cigarettes After Sex, the smooth, rolling bass sound never cover the soft vocals. The bass stay strong but clean, so everything sound just right.

Mid-bass is also very good. But with stock tips, I feel the mid-bass impact little soft. When I switch to Final Clear tips, mid-bass become tighter and hit harder. In “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen, the bass guitar sound so deep and groovy. You can clearly hear the pluck of the strings and the little vibration after each note. Drums sound very natural and lively, every kick drum hit feel strong but never too much.

Mid-bass also have good depth and control. In fast and complex tracks like “Survive” by Stratovarius, the quick drum kicks and fast basslines sound clear, but I wish the bass was little faster. The attack is good, but decay stay a bit longer than I like. In “VERACITY FOUND” by Andromida, the mid-bass sound really punchy and tight. Drums hit with good weight, and the bass stay clean and well-controlled even with heavy music.

Mid-Range​

The mid-range on Ziigaat Arete sound really balanced and clean. It have natural tonality and the timbre control is very good. When I listen to songs, it feels like the mid-range sound just how the artist wanted it to sound. Mid-range sit little forward over the bass, so even in busy and complex tracks, the vocals and mid-range instruments come out clear. Sometime there is little bit of artificial touch, but honestly it’s not a bad thing. It add a sweet and soft flavor that make the mid-range sound more lively and musical.

Male vocals sound good and well balanced. It’s not too warm or too dry — just right in the middle. When I listen to “Musical Genocide” by Gregory Porter or any song by Michael Bublé, I notice their heavy and full vocals sound clean and detailed. But sometime I feel like it miss little bit of that weight and richness their voices usually have. Even though it’s not 100% perfect for my taste, the way this IEM present male vocals with clarity and musicality is still very enjoyable. I honestly didn’t mind it much because the overall sound was so pleasing.

Female vocals is where this IEM really shine. Female voices sound lively, energetic, and smooth. There is no harshness, no sibilance — just pure, natural sound. In “Thank You” by Dido and “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey, the soft and airy texture of their voices sound so beautiful. Even when the vocals go higher, there’s no sharpness or discomfort. The IEM keep the brightness and energy in female vocals without making it sound too boosted or shouty. That balance is not easy to get right, but Ziigaat Arete do it perfectly.

Another thing I notice is how well the mid-range blend with the rest of the sound. Instruments like the gentle guitar in “Thank You” or the soft piano in “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan sound clear and warm. The space between the instruments and vocals feel natural, so everything sound open and well-separated.

I have tried a lot of IEMs at this price, but this mid-range feel special. Even when I compare it with something like AFUL Performer 7, I feel ziigaat x fresh reviews arete sound more musical and enjoyable. It’s not just about technical performance — this IEM bring out the emotion in the music, and that’s why I keep coming back to it.

Treble​

The treble on Ziigaat Arete is really something good. It’s airy and well-extended, and it make sound feel open and wide. Treble have nice sparkle, but it never get harsh or too sharp. Even tho treble is little bit boosted, it stay smooth and controlled all time. There’s no sibilance or any uncomfortable peaks, which make long listening very easy and enjoyable.

One thing I really like is how natural string instruments sound. In “Mario Takes a Walk” by Jesse Cook, every guitar note sound so clear and separate. You can hear the texture of the strings and soft vibration after each pluck. The treble bring out those small details like the fingers sliding on strings, and it make the song feel alive and very real.

In “Man in the Moon (Live)” by Nils Lofgren, the treble create a beautiful atmosphere. The airy sound of guitar and the soft, sheltering vocal mix perfectly. It’s like total package for me. The light shimmer of strings and the natural space of the live performance come through so well. It really feel like you there in the room with artist.

One more thing I notice is treble never sound thin or weak. It have good weight and body, which keep the sound balanced. Even in songs with lot of high-frequency sounds, the treble stay smooth and never get too much or harsh.

Overall, the treble on Ziigaat Arete is very well-tuned. It’s detailed, airy, and musical. Whether it’s the sparkle of guitar strings or delicate high notes, this IEM deliver with clarity and finesse. It’s treble done right, and I really enjoy listen to it.

Technical Performance​

When talking about technical side, this IEM is not the most ultra-detailed or analytical, but that’s not really its goal. It’s made to keep musicality first while still giving a good amount of technical performance. And honestly, I think it does that well.

One of the best things here is imaging and dynamics. You can easily tell where each instrument is placed, and everything feels well-separated. Even in busy tracks, nothing sounds messy or jumbled together. For gaming, this kind of imaging is really helpful, making it easier to track enemy footsteps or sound cues.

Soundstage is not super wide, but it’s natural. It doesn’t try to make things sound artificially big, but there’s still a good amount of space. Everything has its own room to breathe, so different instruments don’t mix into each other.

Speed and resolution? It’s good, but not the fastest IEM I ever hear. If a track is very fast and complex, some tiny micro-details don’t pop out as much as in ultra-high-resolution IEMs. But in return, the sound stay smooth, clean, and never harsh. Macro details and clarity are still strong, so everything feels clear and natural without forcing detail in your face.

In the end, this IEM finds a balance between technicality and musicality. It’s detailed enough to keep things interesting but never feels dry or boring. If you want something that sounds clean, engaging, and still has good technical depth, this one gets the job done well.

Source compatibility​

Ziigaat x Fresh Arete is easy to drive IEM, and it not need lot of power. So yess, you can use it with almost any source device without problem. I personally test it with many devices, and it keep sound character and quality good across different sources. This is actually a strong point because Ziigaat make this IEM for both gaming and music listening. Different people will use it with different gear, so keeping sound consistent was important, and Ziigaat did that very well.

I test it with both bright and warm sources, and in all cases, sound stay good. But if you give it high quality input, its technical performance get little better. It scale well with better sources, bringing out more detail and clean sound. But even on basic devices, it still sound enjoyable and balanced.

Conclusion​

After spending enough time with the Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete, I can say this IEM is a solid mix of musical and technical performance. It don’t try to be too clinical or force extra details, but still, it’s clear, clean, and well-tuned. Whether you’re using it for music or gaming, it got enough quality to keep things fun and engaging.

The bass have good depth and punch, with sub-bass boost that add some warmth but never bleed into other parts. The mid-range is clear, slightly forward, and vocals sound natural without any weird tonality. And the treble is airy and sparkly, but not harsh, so it’s smooth to listen for long sessions. The imaging and dynamics are really strong, which make it great for both detailed music listening and immersive gaming.

Fit and comfort are really good, and since it’s easy to drive, you don’t need expensive gear to enjoy it. But if you use a better source, you can still pull out more details and refinement.

For the $220 price, there are many options in the market, but if you feel this IEM match your preference, then from Sonic Mantra team, this is a 100% recommendation at this price. Also, since I’m not a professional gamer and gaming isn’t really my thing, Dhiman Ak from our Sonic Mantra team will be posting his detailed gaming-focused review soon. He will cover everything from hardcore gaming performance to positional accuracy and latency, so if you need more info on that side, keep an eye out for his review.

Introduction: The Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete IEM presents a captivating fusion of aesthetics and performance, catering to both music lovers and gamers. Equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver and four Knowles balanced armature drivers, the Arete promises a versatile and immersive audio experience. Its blend of striking design and exceptional functionality positions it as a standout choice in its class.

The Ziigaat Arete can be purchased from the link below
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-fresh-review-arete (Non-Affiliated)

Unboxing and Accessories: The Arete arrives in a minimalist package. The included accessories are quite basic, with a thin, memory-proned cable that is comfortable but not exceptional. For a better experience, consider investing in an aftermarket cable, which can be found on platforms like Amazon or Aliexpress. Upgraded ear tips, such as Divinus velvet or Divinus Wide bore, are also recommended for optimal performance.

Build Quality and Comfort: Where the Arete truly excels is in its build and aesthetic appeal. The marbled resin faceplates are visually stunning, featuring a dark gray background with vibrant RGB hues. The craftsmanship is impressive, and the IEMs are comfortable for long listening sessions, providing good noise isolation.

Sound Signature: The Arete offers a balanced sound signature with no particular frequency overpowering the others, making it versatile for various listening environments, including gaming. However using a more powerful source like the DX320 or Onix XM5 does improve the listening experience.

Bass:The Arete emphasizes sub-bass frequencies, providing a satisfying rumble for gaming. However, the mid-bass lacks texture and impact, which might leave some listeners wanting more. While it maintains clarity and separation from the mid-range, it doesn’t deliver the visceral punch some may desire.

Mid-Range: The mid-range is a standout feature, with clear vocals and well-defined instruments. Though some instrument timbres, like strings instruments and wind inistruments, may sound wee bit off natural, the overall clarity is commendable, making it a strong aspect of these IEMs.

Treble: The treble performance is adequate, offering clarity without sibilance. However, it lacks the extension and sparkle that some might prefer. Overall, the treble is satisfactory for most uses but could benefit from improved extension.

Technical Performance: In terms of technical performance, the Arete offers adequate resolution and detail retrieval. Its soundstage is notably expansive, with exceptional height, enhancing the experience for both gaming and movies. The imaging is particularly impressive, providing pinpoint accuracy that significantly improves spatial awareness, making it especially useful for detecting subtle cues such as enemy footsteps in gaming.

Conclusion: The Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete IEM is an excellent choice, especially for gamers who value a balanced sound signature and precise imaging. While it may fall short in terms of bass impact and resolution, it offers a clear and enjoyable listening experience, complemented by its striking design.

Can we tune an IEM so that it performs better with FPS games? More importantly, can we do that without compromising its tonal balance and tonality? Apparently, ZiiGaat and Fresh Reviews believe so. Today, let’s have a look at the result of their collaboration - Arete.

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around my head, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it is not make the orchestra, violin, cellos, and pianos sound wrong.
• I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (Poor) to 3 (Good) to 5 (Outstanding). An overall ranking of 3/5 or above is considered positive.
• Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• The terminology for subjective impressions in this review is based on the Audio Wheel for reproduced sound defined in the technical report ITU-R BS.2399-0
• This review is based on a review sample from Linsoul (Thank you Carina @ Linsoul!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in ZiiGaat or Linsoul.
• The unit retails for $249 at the time this review was published. Unaffiliated link: Linsoul

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General Information​

The Arete IEM was created through a collaboration between ZiiGaat, an earphone manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, and Fresh Reviews, a YouTuber specializing in gaming peripherals and audio products. According to ZiiGaat, the goal of the Arete IEM is to design an earphone that is easy to drive and performs well across a diverse range of first-person shooter games.

The Arete IEM features a hybrid driver configuration consisting of one dynamic driver (DD) and four balanced armature (BA) drivers. The drivers are coordinated using a 3-way crossover system, which involves electrically dividing the incoming signal into three parts. Each set of drivers also has its own independent sound tube. The specific drivers used in the Arete IEM include a large 10mm dynamic driver for handling bass frequencies with strong magnets. For midrange frequencies, two Knowles 29689 BA drivers are utilized. The treble range is handled by a pair of Knowles 31736 BA drivers.

The shells of the Arete IEM are produced using 3D printing technology. The inside of the shells appears to be hollow.

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Non-sound Aspects​

Packaging and Accessories The packaging of the Arete is straightforward, without any frills. The accessories included with the product are also limited. Specifically, there are three pairs of silicone ear tips, one pair of foam tips, a thin and lightweight cable with a 3.5mm termination, and a small square carrying case. I find the cable to be flimsy and prone to tangling.











Ear Pieces Design The size of the ear pieces is medium, making them suitable for most listeners. Notably, the nozzles are thinner than average but longer, suggesting that the Arete was designed with a deeper insertion into the ear canal in mind. This design choice may be beneficial for some users, although it’s not universally applicable.









Fit, Comfort and Isolation The ear pieces of the Arete feature good ventilation, which can help to prevent pressure build-up or driver flex during use. In my tests, this was found to be effective, with no issues encountered in terms of comfort or sound quality. However, noise isolation is only average due to the pressure release mechanism used by the product. Despite this, I find it suitable for everyday listening, particularly if I prioritize comfort and convenience.



Ear Tips Recommendation To get the best fit from the Arete, you will need to use soft and smaller ear tips that allow the IEM to be inserted deeper into your ear canals. For my testing purposes, Divinus Velvet Wide Bore tips in small size were found to be suitable.

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Sonic Performance​

Testing setup:

• Sources: iBasso DX300, HiBy R3II, FiiO K7, L&P W4
• Cable: NiceHck upgraded cable for F1 Pro with 4.4mm termination
• Ear tips: Divinus Velvet Wide Bore in small size

The subjective impression is captured using the lexicon in the Sound Wheel below. I’ll clarify the terminology as I use them. If you want to see more details of the lexicon and related reference, please have a look at the technical report ITU-R BS.2399-0.



Timbre: It is helpful to think of an IEM as a filter that highlights or subdues different parts of the incoming audio signal. This effect can be measured objectively by the squiggly lines below, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs, which measure how loud an IEM is at different frequencies from 20Hz (bass) to 20kHz (upper treble). Subjectivity is how your ears and brain interpret the effect of that filter on your music and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” There are some “rules of thumb” when it comes to tonality, but most interesting IEMs usually bend the rules masterfully.



Figure shows the frequency response of Arete against the ThieAudio Monarch MkII. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Above 8kHz, the measurement likely does not match the response at the ear drum. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.

Arete has a sound signature that features a neutral tone with a noticeable subbass boost. This characteristic is evident throughout various test tracks, where the midrange is perfectly neutral and uncoloured, while the bass is emphasized above the midrange.

One of the standout features of Arete is its ability to present a balanced midrange with no additional warmth or thinness. The voice of Ed Sheeran in Shivers sounds clear and bright, without any harshness, while the instruments are layered nicely in the background. Similarly, the voice of Chiaki Ishikawa in Kiwi wa Boku ni Niteiru by See-Saw is bright and clear, without any sibilance or harshness. The tonality is neutral throughout these tracks.



However, the bass boost can sometimes make the midrange feel recessed in certain tracks, such as Now We Are Free by 2CELLOS. This is not a major issue, but it’s worth noting that Arete may not be the best choice for listeners who prefer a more even balance between frequencies.



In addition to its neutral midrange and emphasized bass, Arete also handles high-frequency details well. In Ciaccona from Bach’s Violin Partita No.2 in D Minor, performed by Kavakos, the violin’s tonality is neutral and realistic, with no hint of harshness or unnatural tone. The reverberation is fully present, but not exaggerated, giving a sense of ambience and space.

Arete also passes the “clap test” by delivering natural-sounding hand claps at the beginning of Synchro BOM-BA-YE by Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. This is a good indicator of its treble quality and ability to handle high-frequency transients without any harshness or sibilance. However, in louder sections of the track, the high brass instruments sound strangely grainy.



Finally, Arete also shows some limitations when handling piano tracks like Bach’s Goldberg Variations performed by Lang Lang. The bass line sounds a bit boomy, casting a “bloom” over the rest of the track. However, the mid and high notes are even and realistic.

Overall, I would rate the tonality and timbre of Arete as 4 out of 5 (Great). The balanced midrange, neutral tone, and emphasized bass make it a great choice for listeners who enjoy a strong subbass presence. However, the limitations mentioned above prevent me from giving it a perfect score.

Bass and perceived dynamic:

The bass performance of the ZiiGaat Arete IEM is one of its main strengths, delivering a powerful and physically visceral listening experience due to its deep subbass extension and generous amount of bass. The grip and texture of the bass notes are particularly noteworthy, making the music feel engaging and immersive. However, there’s a trade-off: the attack of the bass notes can be slightly rounded, lacking the precision and snappiness I crave.



This characteristic is most evident in tracks like “A Reckoning in Blood” from The Ghost of Tsushima OST. During the crescendo at 01:10, I felt my heart rate elevate and blood pump as the bass drop thundered through. The beats from 02:50 were powerful and thumpy, with slammy attacks that made the music feel energetic. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed that the bass presentation wasn’t super clean or precise, lacking a sharpness that would elevate it to exceptional levels.



The same characteristic is also present in tracks like “Strength of a Thousand Men (Live)” by Two Steps from Hell. The subbass had a strong presence, and the bass line felt grippy and textured. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the attack of the bass notes could be crisper and more explosive to give the music a refined and crisp presentation.

In summary, while the Arete IEM’s bass performance is certainly impressive, it falls short of being exceptional due to its slightly rounded attacks and lack of precision. Nevertheless, its deep subbass extension and generous amount of bass make for an engaging listening experience that will satisfy most listeners. Rating: 4/5 (Great)

Resolution: To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components: (1) Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above). (2) The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage. (3) The texture and details in the decay side of the notes. The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances.



I must admit that I initially underestimated the resolution of Arete, dismissing it as an IEM with a bombastic presentation that wouldn’t be capable of delivering good detail retrieval and instrument separation. However, after sitting down for a critical listen, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Arete performs in these areas. This is especially evident when listening to tracks that have complex mixes with multiple layers or rich in details.



One such track is Ciaccona from Bach’s Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, performed by Kavakos. When I focus on the micro details of this track, such as the bow catching the strings, Arete does a surprisingly good job at resolving these fine details. The upper treble details in the reverberation of the recording hall are also highlighted very well by Arete. In fact, when comparing against my reference IEMs, Moondrop Blessing 2 (rated 3/5 for resolution) and Andromeda 2020 (rated 4/5 for resolution), I found that Arete resolves a similar level of detail as Blessing 2 in the midrange information but outshines it in resolving upper treble details. However, when compared to Andromeda 2020, which is known for its exceptional nuance and detail, Arete falls short, particularly in terms of of the amount of details it can extract and present.



Another track that showcases Arete’s ability to handle complexity is ABC feat. Sophia Black by Polyphia. This track has a busy mix with multiple layers of instruments and sounds, making it an ideal test for instrument separation and layering. I was pleased to find that Arete remains surprisingly composed in this track, allowing me to easily mentally breakdown the mix into layers and follow different sounds in the mix. In fact, when comparing against Blessing 2 (rated 3/5 for resolution), I found that Arete’s instrument separation and layering are noticeably stronger than Blessing 2 in this track. However, when compared to Andromeda 2020 (rated 4/5 for resolution), Arete still struggles to keep up.



In summary, Arete has a surprisingly capable resolution for an IEM with its clean clarity, strong emphasis on detail retrieval, and ability to separate and layer overlapping sounds. However, it still falls short of the mark set by my reference IEMs, particularly in terms of nuance and detail. Overall, I would rate the resolution of Arete as 3/5 (Good).

Stereo imaging and soundstage: Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminushed by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)



The stereo imaging and soundstage of Arete are another strength of this IEM, which is expected given its design for FPS gaming. In my listening experience with various tracks, I found that the soundstage of Arete feels large, with good width. Sound elements placed on the far sides of the stereo field can appear to come from outside the shells of the IEM.



One notable aspect of the soundstage is its ability to create strong separation between foreground and background elements of a track. This is evident in tracks like Shadow of Baar Dau, where the background string section at 00:20 on the front left and the vocal chants on the front right at 00:40 are well-separated from the foreground elements. This separation makes the soundstage feel more spacious, creating an illusion that some background elements originate outside the head.



However, there are also areas where Arete falls short in its stereo imaging and soundstage. For instance, while it excels in conveying the sense of distance of background elements, the positioning of sound on the stage is not as sharp as I would have liked. Tracks like Original Sound Effect Track - Memory from Gundam Seed Destiny OST album reveal a “wall of sound” sensation with the main actions at the center of the stage, making it feel more like a 2D presentation rather than a wrap-around enveloping experience.

Despite these drawbacks, Arete still manages to impress in its stereo imaging and soundstage. Compared to other IEMs like Moondrop Blessing 2 (my reference for 3/5 level), Arete’s front-to-back placement of instruments within the “wall” of sound has a stronger contrast, making the soundstage more interesting and less 2D. However, when compared to top-tier IEMs like Andromeda 2020 (my reference for 4/5 level), Andromeda presents a more immersive and 3D soundstage.



Overall, Arete’s stereo imaging and soundstage are impressive but not outstanding. While it excels in certain aspects like spatial separation and sense of distance, its lack of sharp localisation and tendency to create a “wall of sound” sensation hold it back from achieving top-tier status. Rating: 4/5 (Great)

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DriveabilityPermalink​

ZiiGaat aims for an easy-to-drive IEM when designing Arete. In my assessment, they somewhat succeed in this goal, as the Arete can reach high volumes from most audio sources without being overly sensitive to ambient noise. However, I found that pairing the Arete with a more powerful amplifier yields even better results.

In particular, when paired with a weak source like the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (also known as the Apple Dongle), the instrument separation and layering effects are not particularly impressive. The definition of musical notes is somewhat lacking in sharpness, and the stage of the IEM does not expand as far as it could. The note attacks of the bass also suffer.



However, when paired with a device that has a stronger amplifier, such as the 4.4mm output of the HiBy R3II music player, the Arete shows a marked improvement in performance. The stage becomes more expansive, and the bass transients become noticeably crisper. This is particularly evident in the way the instrument separation and layering effects are enhanced.

To get the most out of the Arete IEM, I recommend swapping its stock cable for one with 4.4mm termination and pair the Arete with a decent USB DAC or a good small music player like the HiBy R3II can also help to unlock its full potential. Interestingly, moving up to even more powerful devices, such as the DX300, reveals further improvements across the board. However, the improvement from the Apple Dongle to the HiBy R3II is still the most notable.

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Conclusions​

I admit that my initial impression of the Arete IEM was not entirely positive. However, as I continued to listen to it over the weeks that followed, I found myself growing more fond of its sound signature.

The main theme of this IEM is entertainment, and it excels at delivering an engaging listening experience, particularly when used for gaming, large orchestral soundtracks from games, or movies. The strong subbass response adds to its entertaining nature, making it well-suited for these types of content. However, the Arete’s focus on bass does come at a cost in terms of midrange tonality. While the midrange remains relatively untainted and neutral, it can sometimes be overpowered by the bass in certain tracks, resulting in an overall tonality that suffers slightly.

Should you buy this IEM? There are several factors to take into account. First, if you’re not a fan of having more bass than midrange, then the Arete may not be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a more colored and warm midrange tonality, you might find this IEM’s sound signature too neutral.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an all-purpose IEM that delivers a fun yet still neutral sound signature, with a focus on bass and soundstage, then the Arete receives a recommendation from this reviewer.

What I like about this IEM:

• An entertaining sound signature for gaming and media consumption
• Neutral and tonally correct midrange (if you like this kind of sound)
• Powerful bass response
• Spacious soundstage
• Excellent sound localisation

What could be improved:

• Bass transients could be snappier
• Midrange can sound recessed in some bassier tracks
• Neutral midrange might sound unengaging to some listeners
• Upper midrange and treble can sound grainy with some tracks

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 4/5 - Great

Bias Score: 4/5 - I like this IEM



Updated: July 27, 2024

Introduction​

The Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete IEM is an intriguing addition to the world of gaming and music in-ear monitors. Combining a 10mm dynamic driver with four Knowles branded balanced armature (BA) drivers, the Arete aims to deliver a versatile and immersive audio experience. As someone who enjoys music, I found the Arete to be a compelling option.

The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete is available through the following non-affiliate link:

https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-fresh-review-arete

Unboxing and Accessories​

The Arete comes in a minimalist package, which, while functional, left me wishing for a bit more. The provided accessories are basic, with a thin and somewhat memory-prone cable that, which is comfortable once worn. For an enhanced experience, I recommend an aftermarket cable like the Tripowin Zonie, which is frequently on sale on Amazon. Upgraded ear tips that fit well are also essential, and I found the Divinus wide bore ear tips to bring out the best in these IEMs.

Build Quality and Comfort​

One area where the Arete truly shines is its build quality and aesthetics. The resin faceplates are stunning, with a marbled design that shimmers under light. My set features a dark gray background mixed with vibrant colors ranging from pink to blue, green, and purple. The craftsmanship is evident, and these IEMs are a pleasure to look at.



Fit and comfort are excellent. The Arete has an average-sized nozzle and provides good noise isolation, essential for both gaming and music. Once inserted, they disappear in the ears, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort.

Sound Signature​

The Arete's sound signature can be described as balanced, with no particular frequency range overpowering the others. This makes for a versatile listening experience that suits a variety of genres and gaming environments.

Bass​

The bass response of the Arete focuses on sub-bass frequencies, delivering a strong rumble that is particularly satisfying in gaming scenarios. The mid-bass is clean and controlled but lacks the texture and impact that would make it truly stand out. In busy music tracks, the bass can feel a bit underwhelming, missing that visceral slam that some listeners might crave. However, it maintains good separation from the mids, ensuring clarity and preventing muddiness.

Mid-Range​

The mid-range is arguably the highlight of the Arete. Vocals, both male and female, are clear, without any harshness or shoutiness. Instruments like guitars and snare drums are well-emphasized, though the timbre of some instruments, such as violins, saxophones, and bongos, can come across as slightly unnatural. Despite this, the clarity in the mid-range is commendable, making it a strong point for these IEMs.

Treble​

The treble on the Arete is satisfactory, though it leaves a bit to be desired in terms of extension. There is enough clarity to avoid any hint of sibilance, which is a plus, but it doesn't quite reach the sparkling highs that some might prefer. For most use cases, the treble performance is adequate and won't be a deal-breaker.

Technical Performance​

When it comes to technicalities, the Arete is a mixed bag. Resolution, detail retrieval, and separation are average, falling short compared to some of its peers. The soundstage has a good sense of width and an excellent sense of height, which is particularly useful in gaming and movies. However, this height perception doesn't translate as effectively to music.

Imaging is where the Arete excels, offering pinpoint accuracy that enhances the overall listening experience, especially in gaming scenarios where spatial awareness is crucial.

Comparisons​

Juzear 61T​

When compared to the Juzear 61T, the Arete has a different approach to bass. The 61T offers a stronger bass response with more impact and texture, though it suffers from some bass bleed into the lower mid-range, making it sound warmer. The 61T is also more detailed and has a wider soundstage with better depth. However, the Arete has a superior sense of soundstage height and more accurate imaging.

​

Binary Acoustics DynaQuattro​

The DynaQuattro, with its four dynamic drivers, outperforms the Arete in terms of detail retrieval and bass texture. Its vocal presentation is more forward and natural, likely due to the dynamic drivers. However, the Arete offers better treble extension and a more expansive soundstage in terms of both width and height. Imaging is another area where the Arete holds its own against the DynaQuattro.

Conclusion​

Overall, the Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete IEM is a solid choice, especially for gamers. Its balanced tuning, excellent imaging, and beautiful design make it an attractive option. While it may not be the most detailed or have the most impactful bass, it provides a clean and enjoyable listening experience.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Linsoul for providing this review unit.

The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete IEM can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-fresh-review-arete (no affiliate links).





SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x 10 mm biocellulose dynamic driver + 2 x Knowles 29689 balanced armature drivers + 2 x Knowles 31736 balanced armature drivers
• Frequency response: no information
• Impedance: 9 Ω
• Sensitivity: 108 dB
• Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm; no information on cable materials
• Tested at: $249 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 1 pair of foam tips
- Storage case
- Cable

For a MidFI priced IEM, the accessories are disappointing. Gear at this price point generally incorporates a modular cable or even a wider selection of eartips.




FWIW, the provided silicone tips are serviceable from a fit and sonic perspective. The foam tips tame treble and increase isolation as an alternative.




There is no information provided on the materials of the stock cable. It is however, a 2-pin one, and has some microphonics. There's a chin cinch for securing grip, though it is on the thinner side. Overall, nothing to write home about.




We have a practical square zipper carrying case. This has inner webbing and is on the spacious side, however, it isn't that rigid to withstand robust compression.

The rest of this review was done with the stock silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



The Arete is fashioned from resin, with a marbled faceplate. It is quite a standout in terms of looks, and is pretty solid.



Ergonomics are decent enough, the shells are light with no weird protrusions internally to poke the ears, and I could use the Arete for longer listening sessions without much discomfort.

Despite being vented, isolation is surprisingly good, with no driver flex detected.


INTERNALS

The Arete packs some choice drivers via a 3-way crossover system, paired with 3 independent acoustic tubes per side:

• 1 x 10 mm biocellulose dynamic driver handles the bass.
• 2 x Knowles 29689 balanced armature drivers take care of the midrange and lower treble.
• The upper treble is helmed by 2 x 31736 tweeters.

DRIVABILITY

I tested the Arete with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is easily driven with no real need for amplification.

However, the Arete is quite fussy with source pairing due to a low impedance of 9 Ω. If paired with sources with output impedance of > 1.125, based on the rules of eights, this might skew the Arete to sound more bassy and boomy than the stock tuning.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Do note, the Arete is marketed to be a specialized gaming IEM. I'm not a gamer but some of my gaming friends do think the Arete is the bee's knees for gaming. Gaming-aside, today we will discuss about the Arete's strengths and weaknesses from a music perspective.


Graph of the ZiiGaat Arete via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Tonally, the Arete furnishes an L-shaped sub-bass boosted signature, with treble veering to the darker side.

This set is sub-bass focused, with a huge visceral rumble down to 20 Hz that can vibrate the chest. It does feel like a mini-subwoofer and this is an option for bassheads that crave a big sub-bass. However, the Arete may be guilty of going for quantity over quality, as there is mid-bass bleed and the bass suffers from a one-noted untextured tone. In fast or complex bass tracks, the bass admittedly smears and isn't too nimble.

The lower mids are warmed by this big mid-bass, so this area is relatively thick and lush. With a scant 5 dB ear gain, upper mids are smooth as silk, and the anti-pinna gain gang would be very at home with the non-shouty vocals.

The smooth upper mids continue their sedate voyage in the treble. This darkish treble translates to a sibilant-free higher-end without much harshness. Trebleheads may however, lament the lack of sparkle and pizzazz, with some penalties in resolution, but the treble-sensitive amongst us will be quite happy with the tuning choice.

The Arete unfortunately has an artificial BA timbre noted in the higher frequencies. When acoustic instruments come out to play, there is a hollowness to notes found, especially for genres such as jazz and classical.

Imaging is excellent, in keeping with its intended design for gaming, but the rest of the technicalities are bang average and nothing special for a midFI hybrid. Soundstage is quite average and this IEM struggles with instrument separation when multiple competing riffs are playing; micro-detailing is veiled in part due to the recessed upper-end.

Sadly, this IEM also suffers from coherency issues. The BA drivers handling the midrange and treble are faster than the slower and boomier DD bass, so it seems there is a lag at the lower-end whenever the Arete runs into complex tracks with multifarious instrumentation.


COMPARISONS

The Arete will be compared against other hybrids around the $200ish range. Single DDs, multi-BAs, and planars, which have their own pros and cons, are left out of the comparisons.




Juzear 61T Butterfly

This is a U-shaped set that is also warm-sounding. However, it is more extended in the treble, with improved clarity and resolution, compared to the Arete.

The Butterfly also has some BA timbre, but it has a better soundstage, instrument separation and micro-detailing. Imaging goes to the gaming-focused Arete, but coherency and bass tightness go to the Butterfly.


DUNU x Gizaudio Da Vinci

The Da Vinci is another warm hybrid. It has a more pronounced upper midrange and treble, which bestows slightly more clarity.

The Da Vinci is no technical tour de force, but has a hair better soundstage than the Arete. The Arete is superior in imaging though. Coherency is better done on the Da Vinci, with better timbre and accessories too.


CONCLUSIONS



The Arete is touted to be a gaming IEM, and it may do well in this arena with the superb imaging it brings to the table. However, from a music perspective, the Arete is quite meh and faces tough headwinds with the competition on offer. Technicalities are average other than the aforementioned imaging, and during complicated passages of music, the Arete is not the best in separation and bass tightness.

Coherency is another flaw, with the slower and boomier bass DD lagging behind the faster BA drivers taking care of the upper frequencies, so music sounds disjointed on occasions. This IEM is one for bassheads - with the rumbling subwoofer like sub-bass - though purists might frown at the bass bleed and somewhat untextured mid-bass. BA timbre also rears its ugly head, so the Arete is arguably not the first option for acoustic genres that feature brasses for example, due to hollowness in the note tone.

Otherwise, this IEM is smooth and non-fatiguing in the higher registers, and is a suitable pairing for our treble-sensitive friends. Fit and isolation are also well-done, though there is a lack of accessories at this price point. While the Arete is easy to drive from a headroom point-of-view, the low impedance does mean it may be fastidious with source pairing with higher output impedance sources, as this may skew the sound signature to be even more bassier and boomy.

All-things-considered, the Arete is quite niche in tuning. It may be a soft recommendation for treble-sensitive folks who like a big rumbling sub-bass - and of course for the aforesaid gaming clique - but for pure music appreciation, it may come across as forgettable amongst the tough weekly-released competition.

Having had the possibility to try so many different sets in a relatively short time I felt obliged to go ahead and express my gratitude by trying to help some lost souls out there, just as I was when I first stumbled upon this weird hobby about wired earphones – so yesteryear! … I thought. Possibilities are seemingly endless and only by getting to meet the right people did I manage to jump onboard the train heading the 'right' direction without getting off-track thousands of times along the way. Make sure to understand the helping person's preferences and you too can find your footing and hit the ground running in no time.

An Intermezzo About Me

I won't bore you for too long with personal trivia, however my quick & short background resume goes as follows. Currently I am 27 years old and more in awe of sheer power of music by the day. I have always been moved by music just that slight bit more than average, I'd say. My spending started with a roughly 200€ Bose bluetooth speaker back in my first grade of highschool. What an extraterrestrial thing that was in early 2010s. And it keeps on playing to this day – a true testament of quality. Also sounded fantastic back then, nowadays … yeah, not so much. Lots of BT speakers, TWS, car audio speakers, IEMs, etc., later bring me to this day when I truly consider myself an audiophile. What brings me the most joy beside listening to music is singing, so I am currently participating in a choir and challenging myself with solo vocal covers (check the links in my signature to hear my projects). Unsure where all this leads, but the journey itself is marvelous and life is nothing but a journey.

Disclaimer: I have received this unit free of charge from Linsoul in exchange for a review. They had no special requests and I am in no way incentivized to speak highly of this set.

How My Reviews Are Structured

I will start off by mentioning the packaging & accessories, then continue by placing the showcased IEM in my special trademarked graph and give it a score on certain qualities to reach the final star score. Those that are seriously considering a DD and BA hybrid that is still within financial reach, please read the song examples below too to get as much of a feel on what one could expect from the Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete (going forward called simply Arete).

As sources I have been using my FiiO BTR7 on high gain and Venture Electronics RA2B-FE + Prime DAC. Certainly no lack of power and quite a different taste on both. Listening was done at a volume ranging between 75-85dB. I am using an affordable Xinhs SPC cable so I can feed it all the juice I have available and Divinus Velvet eartips.



Packaging, Accessories and Fit
Don't know why, but I was expecting an impressive unboxing experience and accessories. Possibly due to the fancy faceplate and the price, indicative of a mid-fi competitor. Alas, it was not meant to be. Box itself is meh, just lifeless. And it did not get any better afterwards. Stock cable is atrocious, honestly. Just slightly better than that of the Truthear Zero that still holds the title for the worst cable ever known to men. And tips are just barely any better. I like the yellow that tries to add some life to the mix, but they got swapped out due to feeling plasticky. There is an included case too, but I got better cases along with some sets costing less than half the price.

Fit might be an issue for some. Their lack of cutout for the helical crus in the concha is worrying. I somehow managed to make it fit well, but those with slightly smaller ears or even more pronounced outer ear irregularities will be hard-pressed.

On the right is a set I find very ergonomic - TINHiFi T5S. In comparison, you can see just how much thicker Arete is.




Let's Get Going!
Graph & Scores

This trademarked graph I came up with does not come with a thick user manual. All you need to know is that sets further left are warmer than sets further right, and sets higher up are better technically than sets lower down. Those little yellow lines on both axis represent where sets with average technicalities and neutral overall balance lay. I have also added the AüR Audio Aurora (2DD+6BA), AüR Audio Aure (1DD+6BA), Celest Relentless (1DD+6BA), and TINHiFi T5S (1DD) to help form a better perception of where the Arete slots in.



Here are my scores on the Arete in individual categories. All three subcategories of each of the frequency spectrums can be rated 1-5. Keep in mind that I am primarily scoring sonic performance, regardless of the price, so cheaper sets getting a 3 in any given subcategory is already good going! I had to approach this in a simplistic manner so to keep it easy to understand and compare sets.



Here is the quick and rough description of how I understand various star ratings:

1 star – do not even think about it
2 stars – it has too many drawbacks and gets demolished by competition
3 stars – this item has the potential but feels a bit too bland and has multiple issues
4 stars – wonderful item with rare and mostly subjective drawbacks
5 stars – eargasmic performance with all the aspects covered at an incredibly high level

Keep in mind these ratings are certainly affected by the item's price in the overall assessment too. Sometimes that will result in slightly higher score than based solely on my scoring of bass, mids, and treble, while other times it results in a slight penalty if I deem the item a tad overpriced.

Song Examples

Divine Moments of Truth, Shpongle

This is an electronic specialty with lots of musical acrobatics going on, as I like to call them. No clear structure to the song and it keeps you guessing as to where it might turn next. I listen to such songs very rarely, but Shpongle was presented to me as a recommendation from a well-known name around here. Definitely a special artist and this song is no exception. This requires a set of qualities that are different to those I value most and keep a close ear on, therefore it gives the Arete more of a chance to shine than elsewhere.

Bass being on the wetter or more forgiving side without any real focus on detail is not a real negative here. I like the quantity Arete brings and the fact it is as clearly separated from the rest is not a major flaw either. What that does is it allows for our brain to really try and catch all those other details that are presented by the 4 Knowles BAs. His voice does seem to lack just a bit of body in that beginning talk, but the lower subtones sort of make up for it and still maintain the oddity and mystery of that talk. Moving on we get a million weird sounds coming from everywhere. I would have to say that while Arete's imaging and localization are sufficiently accurate (one would hope so, these are aimed at gamers after all), its sondstage is nothing special and actually has more height than width or depth. Every now and then a sound in this song seems to come from right behind my head. Makes for an interesting moment figuring out if someone's behind you or if it's just the song playing with you. The whole stage actually seems quite far back. Mids are not really in much focus here when it comes to musicality or timbral accuracy, so I will talk about that in next examples. Treble, despite being decent quality, leaves me wanting more in both extension and precision, it lacks any of that magic better sets can provide, but I would say this is just as much an implementation and tuning problem as it is the lesser number of drivers compared to AuR Aurora or Aure which do treble nicer. This song is okay on Arete, 6.5/10.



Summer, Emeli Sande

That intro reveals lots of issues right from the get go. Mediocre stage size, inaccurate or unrealistic timbre, and merely acceptable resolution and detail retrieval that is challenged by single DDs priced half of Arete. Her vocal sounds just a tad robotic and lacks warmth she has plenty of. Back vocals can be separated okay, but the left channel's lower voice that is intentionally 'drowned out' in the mix, gets annoying quickly because it remains sat right at your eardrum and sounds hollow.

Thank goodness, bass drop is here and it makes everything else a bit more forgivable. Bass can rumble like wild and does not affect the rest of the spectrum. This works out well in this song. But when those drum kicks come in, the bass shows its lethal flaws too – it cannot punch and it sounds too wet and rounded instead of authoritative. Still, all the time the bass line is present, I could listen to this song happily. For the rest of it, it's simply meh. Treble never manages to escape outwards and feel airy in any way. I would also say the three aspects – bass-mids-treble – give me a feeling of three musicians on stage that just don't get along too well and each plays at their own command. Scored accordingly, 4/10.



Rosita, Coleman Hawkins & Ben Webster

This song was nearly unlistenable. I endured through it just to make sure that what I feel and hear is indeed correct. Neither of the instruments sound as true to life as I would like it to and it never really made me feel as if I were there in that smoky jazz club with a whisky at hand and pretty ladies around. Simply lacks any sort of emotion while also sounding flat on all imstruments. Those right-sided drums sound okay. Not enough to warrant it a good score, 3/10.



Cadabra, Undercatt

Back to electronica. This is the only genre I can truly enjoy with the Arete. But even here, this song has quite a strong midbass punch throughout that gets a bit smeared, cloudy, hazy. Okay, as the song progresses the Arete finds its pace and I can say it does a good job at separating the pieces and keeping the energy up with both the subbass heft and crisp treble that keeps on going for a good little while just slightly off center to the left. That middle part of this song is such a masterpiece. I am lacking even more excitement and note weight from the Arete there. This is one of the only songs that made me crave to turn up the volume. In doing so, bass remains very hefty and in the forefront. That continuous treble rhythm does get a bit spicy, though. Nevertheless, this is the best I have heard the Arete perform, 8/10.

To Summarize The Arete

This will unfortunately have to be a pass for anyone that has nothing but instruments in their playlist. What the Arete does well is a very niche electronica. To those who like the subbass way ahead of midbass and dislike low mids, this can be a good one to consider. Still, I would really wish for a better technical performance and sweeter mids along with shimmery and airy treble. It was not meant to be this time. I have to stay truthful and say this might be an interesting buy on the second hand market at half the price.

Thank you for reading and stay wonderful!

Introduction:

ZiiGaat is a relatively new iem brand in the Chifi world, first appearing in the end of 2023.

They may be new, but before having a name of their own, they were actually a team of engineers, silently developing OEM and ODM audio products for a lot of consumers and professional brands, so they have a lot of tricks up their sleeves. And now, by working closely with Linsoul as their retailer, they wanted to share their work and products to the community without having as many corporate restrictions as before.

They have released a few iem from various price point, first with the Nuo – their budget single DD iem, then the Cinno – A 1DD+4DD hybrids for under 100$, all the way to their recent flagship and collabs with HBB: The Jupiter – A tribrid with 1DD, 6BA and 4EST

Last time, I reviewed their Doscinco: A balanced L shaped tuning hybrid iem with 2DD for bass 3 balanced armatures for midrange and treble. And now, I have a new iem from them: The Arete. This is the iem that ZiiGaat has collabed with FreshReview – a great youtuber who is a professional gamer that also review gaming mice, headphones and in ear monitors.

By incorporating his gaming experience into the Arete, ZiiGaat is aiming to create an iem with great musical as well as gaming capabilities

Disclaimer: I would like to give Linsoul a special thanks for sending this iem over in exchange of honest review and impression.

Specification:

• One 10mm Biocellulos Dynamic Driver for bass
• Two Knowles 29689 Balanced Armatures for midrange
• Two Knowles 31736 Balanced Armatures for treble
• Three-way crossover
• MSRP: $250 on Linsoul website

Packaging

Similar to the Doscinco. Arete arrived in relatively simple boxing. The content of the box is also simple. They include the iem, a rectangular carrying case with a few pairs of tips and a cable inside of it.

Overall a very bare bone amount of accessories for the price

Design/Build quality/Comfort


The Arete shells are made out of medical grade black resin. It feels very light yet sturdy in the hands.

The faceplate of the Arete looks very minimalistic yet really nice. It has grey swirly, flowy epoxy patterns with many glistening pink-purple-ish confetti pieces. Depending on the angle, those confetti can have a different color to them.

The shells are bigger than your average iem. It doesn’t have the usual rear wings like many other universally fit iem, so to me, the Arete does need a bit of wiggle action and play around with several tips to get a decent fit. Isolation is around average level, heavily depending on the eartips and fit.

Cable wise, it’s very basic. It’s a 4 cores OFC with plastic hardwares. The outer PVC sleeves feel a bit stiff, as opposed to being soft and plush. The strands are only 2mm thick, so it’s not the thickest. The quality of the cable reminds me of some cheaper cable from Kbear or Xinhs. Although it gets the job done, I'd have preferred a thicker, higher quality cable so that it’s harder to tangle up.

Sound impression:

Source: Poco F3+UAPP, Dell laptop + Foobar 2000
Dac/Amp: Chord Mojo, EPZ TP50, Onix Alpha XI1.
Cable: Stock
Tips: Baroque eartips.

· Before diving into the sound impression, the Arete has reverse polarity right out of the box. It’s not that the left and right side are out of phase with each other. It’s just that they're in reverse phase together. How do I know this? I have an iec711 coupler and when I measure it, it shows the impulse response like this.

· My coupler was wired incorrectly(+ wire at - and - wire at +), which is usually a characteristic of a copied coupler. So any iem that measures correctly, it would have the first peak pointing downward or having a negative number on the percentage poll.

· Does it matter? Most of the time, no. As long as both sides have the same polarity, you probably won't recognize it. I personally did not recognize it until I measured it. I say this in case you’re someone who are picky about it (a.k.a me) and worry it may affect the staging and such of the iem, can just rotate the 2 pin part 180 degree and the “problem” would be solved

· If you’re wondering if it’s the cable’s fault, no it’s not. I’ve already checked the cable using the multimeter and the cable was wired correctly

That is why during the review of this iem, I've rotated the cable and listened to the iem in the correct polarity. Since I didn't bother cutting the earhook off, I just used a lighter to soften the earhooks then bend it the other way.

- Driveability: The Arete is really easy to drive. This iem already sounds quite good with the stock cable and out of the 3.5mm port of the TP50 and Onix dongle.

The channel balance is superb.

Tonality: Balance midcentric tuning

Bass:

The Arete has quite a balanced amount of subbass and midbass, although subbass is still a bit more than midbass.

Why So Serious’s bass drops and Trentemoller’s Chameleon has good texture and reverberation and air movement. It’s tight, yet JUST sound diffusing enough. It has that classic lingering sense of dynamic driver while not being over done (which would then makes the bass hits too drawn out and too sluggish)

Midbass has good authority and texture as well. It’s not the meatiest midbass region ever, but it still packs a punch. Kick drums have good presence and definition to them, evident in AC/DC soundtracks. Not just kick drums but also contrabass, cello, taiko drums all sound nice.

Overall, my tiny nitpick about the bass is that i would’ve want a bit more midbass on some songs that have many bass instruments, so that they could have more heft and body to them. However, i understand the tuning of choice for the bass of the Arete, so that it’d not masked the details of the midrange and because the bass of the Arete already sound good with 80% of my library, i’m already quite satisfied with it. General pop, or electro pop sound quite fun with the Arete. The transients of the DD also isn’t the fastest, so don’t expect hardcore metal to sound good with the Arete.

Mids

With a bass shelf that got cut flat at 250hz, the lower midrange sound very clean and clear with just a hint of warmth to it. There’s no bleed or muddiness into the lower midrange.

Instruments have quite a natural timbre to my ears. Piano notes sound very pleasant on the ears with just enough amount of resonance. Violin and viola sounds smooooth and velvety, woodwinds instruments sound a bit mellow and rich while still keeping each of their natural tone. The note weights of these instruments are surprisingly good even if the graph shows there’s a flat upperbass and lower midrange. It’s not too light and not too heavy.

Both male and female vocals are on a balancing neutral spectrum. They’re definitely not thin sounding. I’d say female vocals are a bit better than male vocals with the Arete. With male vocals, baritones sound smooth yet not quite thick sounding. Tenor sounds exactly on point to my ears, I have no complaints about this.

For female vocals, mezzo and soprano have that classic lively and engaging sound to them, while also sounding silky. Contralto, although still sound expressive, lacks just a bit of depth or chesty characteristics. At higher volume, the Arete doesn’t exhibit any shoutyness.

With “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, there’s very little amount of sibilant.

If i have to nitpick, the midrange does lack that very bit or sharpness and definition to it.

Treble

The treble to me sounds quite relaxing. It’s decently extended, just not the most airy or having a lot of sparkles and brilliance. The upper harmonics are there, supporting the rest of the frequency while not sounding too overbearing. The quality of the treble is actually quite good as it doesn’t sound harsh, splashy or spiky. There is also some slight sense of BA timbre, but after a while or when I'm not paying attention, I don't notice it as much.

With Caravan – John Wasson, cymbal crashes and hi hats just sound forward enough, still sound natural but more on a softer side. Besides the initial attack; the decaying, the tail notes extracted only slightly below the surface level. It’s not like a smooth glide where it extracts every minute detail. Because of that, I feel like the resolution is only at a decent level.

Technicalities:

Now, even with the help of FreshReview, the soundstage of the Arete isn't the biggest. All the 3 dimensions are quite above average. I’d say it has more depth and width than height.

Imaging on the other hand is great. In my opinion, it is one of the best imaging from a sub 300$ iem. I myself am not an avid gamer, so take my opinion with a heavy pinch of salt. With Apex Legend, I can easily follow the direction of where the enemies come from, the foot steps or the changes of direction when I'm moving and such.

The imaging capabilities also shows with the first 30 seconds of the track “Letter” by Yosi Horikawa, where you can just close your eyes and immerse yourself into the track itself, detecting and following those spatial cues with great accuracy.

The layering, by extension, is also good, although it’s not the sharpest, most lazer cutted layering iem.

Comparison:

1/ ZiiGaat Doscinco

Another hybrid from ZiiGaat, the Doscinco.

The Doscinco uses 2DD for the bass and 3BA for the mids and treble, rather than 1DD for bass and 4BA for mids and treble on the Arete.

For the sound, the Doscinco has a balance L shaped tuning while Arete has a more midcentric tuning

For the bass, the Doscinco has higher subbass and midbass quantity with faster transients, while the Arete sounds more balanced and has better textured bass despite having a bit lower driver speed. The bass sounds more organic and natural with that lushness happening in the bass.

For the midrange, the Doscinco is more colored/warmer than the Arete. It feels more recessed and a bit dryer, less life to the vocals than the Arete’s. Female vocals sound clearer, less veil on the Arete. Male vocals sound lusher and denser on the Doscinco.

Instrument’s timbre is more natural on the Arete as well as having more breathing room between them.

As for the treble, the Arete has more energy up top while the Doscinco sounds more laid back and smoother. The lower bass shelf of the Arete does make the details coming through easier.

Technicalities, the Arete wins in terms of imaging and soundstage. The Doscinco feels like it’s focusing on the fun factore more.

2/ Simgot Supermix 4

So the reason for this comparison is that, from a graph perspective, the Arete sort of fixes some points of the SM4 that I don't like as much. First is the lower subbass amount and second is the lower upper midrange. Together with this combo, the Arete now sounds more midcentric and more of a loud volume set to me

The bass of the Arete sounds more organic with better texture on the bass instruments. Midbass are now punchier, more authoritative, less masking by the subbass. Bass instruments have more presence to them. The bass of the SM4 excels in the cleanliness and the subbass extension.

The midrange on the SM4 feels more forward and clearer, but noticeably more fatiguing on the ear at high volume. The Arete’s midrange feels more velvety. Female vocals have higher clarity on the SM4, but shoutier than the Arete. Male vocals sound not as lean on the Arete and the Arete has a thicker note weight.

The treble on the SM4 is noticeably smoother with more detail extracted, the decaying of percussion instruments feel softer and wispier, yet it’s also plagued with the PZT timbre. The treble on the Arete is more laid back and inoffensive.

Technicalities wise, the Arete wins by quite a large margin in the imaging department, while the soundstage sounds wider and deeper.

Conclusion

Simply put, I really enjoy the Arete. I really applaud ZiiGaat for going out of their comfort zone and making iems with different sonic performances, catered to different audience profiles. Although it doesn’t have many accessories included, I do think the Arete’s performance is worth its asking price.

If you’re looking for an iem with a balanced tonality with the midrange standing more in the spotlight without the use of overly boosted pinna gain, an iem with superb imaging capability, suitable for many types of FPS game, I'd highly recommend the Arete.
As for the music, the Arete is suitable for a wide range of music such as pop, electro pop, rock and orchestras.

That’s it for my review and thank you for reading.

Ziigaat Arete (wide bore)

Shell is okay, normal box, normal accessory, black color make it looks kinda cool

If you're interested in graph comparison, here's the link
Disclamer:

+ I'm a normal asian dude with some music producing background
+ I like clean balanced sound signature with focus on sub bass and lower treble
+ Can consider myself as treblehead
+ 60-68db listening session
+ Avarage 4/10 (Quarks/ 7hz Zero), Good 6/10 (Tanchjim Kara), Endgame 8/10, Bias Endgame 10/10
: Good, but with a catch
: Worth the money
: Specialist at something else
: A Very close to perfection
: Perfect for me

Click to expand...

How to read my review: (Which bold font is x2 in score)

. TONE
- Timbre: How sounds projected, usually free score for most iem. Only GK10 would get a 2 from this
- BASS: (20hz - 500hz)

Depth	How low can i hear (physically, not graph)
" /; \; =" + "number hz"	/: rolloff, \: upward, =:flat after Hz of the highest spot i heard
Decay	Decay + Sustain, usually the mid bass and flexability of driver
Resonance (or Release)	Driver + tune. The bass after kick drum
Air	Flexibility of bass. effect by tune and driver
Tone	Based on how balanced it is
Tech	Detail (Texture, Fastness). Effect mostly by air

- MID: (500hz - 5khz)

Acoustic	Piano, Violin, Strings basically, flute, ...
Electric	Synth, Lead, Pluck, Electric guitar and Bass guitar, ...
Tone	Based on how balanced it is
Tech	Detail (Texture, Separation). Effect by tone

- TREBLE: (5khz - 16khz)

Extension	The upper end of high, quite easy to hear if you don't have hearing loss
Air	Spacing between instrument, cymbal
" /; \; =" + "number hz"	/: rolloff, \: upward, =:flat after Hz of the highest spot i heard
Sparkle	Attack and Decay of cymbal. Is tonality element
Shimmering	Sustain and Release of cymbal. Is tonality element
Tech	Detail (Texture, Separation, Transients). Effect by tone and air

- OTHERS:

Vocals	uhm. Vocals?
Drum	uhm. Drum?
Percussion	most of the clack clack click click lol. Effect by texture in mid
Resonance	The one that will let you know if transducer good with rock or not
Dynamism	Ability to make emotion
Sibilance	10 meant no sibilance.

. TECH
- Detail: Bass + Mid + Treble
- Soundstage: Rough description wall of sounds
- Imaging: {Width, Depth, Height}, {blurry, solid (better than blurry); Phantom (Good microspacing)}

Click to expand...

- Bass: Fairly lean but annouce itself when you really needed, midbass absence might work for me but not for you
- Mid: Natural.
+ Nothing much to say because it does everythings right
+ Perhaps those who like jazz and orchestra might want a little more lower mid
- Treble: Mild unorganic timbre and maybe you will notice at some tracks
+ Good cymal overall
+ Feels a little congested when cymbal hits
- Vocals: Lower midrage ...
- Soundstage/Imaging presentation: Decent soundstage, Studio like soundstage with wall of sound of a circle. Imaging is very very good, spatial cues is almost perfect. Very decent gaming experience

Thank you to Ziigat for providing this touring unit for Vietnam

ZiiGaat ARETE
Redarmoose Labs June 24th, 2024


$249.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-fresh-review-arete

ZiiGaat has collaborated with the YouTube personality Fresh Reviews in design.

Specifications:
5 Driver
Two 31736 Knowles Balanced Armatures for treble
Two 29689 Knowles Balanced Armatures for midrange
One 10mm Biocellulose Dynamic Driver bass
Three-way crossover
3D printed semi-custom build

Hello!
We have on test today the ZiiGaat ARETE. Such an IEM is actually the third ZiiGaat I have reviewed so far. The ARETE is a warm, yet balanced Hybrid IEM that is definitely big sounding and upper-midrange forward (yet smooth) and provides a wide, tall and deep soundstage. Part of the excitement comes from a fast yet profound mid-bass that holds enough bass texture though uses a slight sub-bass curtailment to arrive at this pace and definition! Included are 4 Knowles BA drivers and a 10mm Biocellulose DD to achieve this performance.

Disclaimer:
This single review came out a little different. Well in reality very different being I used other than the included cable to journey to the far reaches of audiophiledom. Yep, this review is a little crazy, though it makes complete sense to me and hopefully it will to you too. So if you’re hankering for a more straightforward review, this one is not it. Yet we are joining the ARETE with aftermarket cables and letting the ARETE beat-up a slightly lesser (but great) IEM in order to discover the true nature of the ARETE’s demeanor. This review was in-fact a fun one to do, and I guess I’m not following the cookie-cutter template to a review here, where some would suggest not to use aftermarket cables or compare a $249.00 IEM against a $149.99 IEM. So at least what we are left with here is a detour off the regular taken path……into the realm of Redcarmoose Labs doing at times just what it does.

Comparisons:
To get a grip on just how the ARETE performs I’m going to compare it to the new Simgot SuperMix 4. Yes, the SuperMix 4 is only $149.99………….yet after much debate I found that I could explain all the concepts about the two IEMs with side-by-sides. Sure the ARETE is the better IEM, yet with the SuperMix 4 being a 1 DD, 1BA, 1 Planar and 1 PZT driver..............it does really well to go ahead and simply define sound in relation to the ARETE. Where one goes left and one goes right, so to speak. I’m also going to test two cables with the ARETE as the ARETE came with only a 3.5mm cable, I’m going to see what happens when I rotate in the $69.99 SIMGOT LC7 cable and the expensive $346.82 LAVRiCABLES Master V4 pure silver cable. There may be a question as to why I’m matching this particular $346.82 with an IEM that’s less money than the cable? All I have to say to defend my choices was that I was looking for the new match for the V4 ever since I got it and reviewed it. And sure there were a few real success IEM stories in my April 27th 2024 review of the LAVRiCABLES Master V4, yet here are the addition of two more, namely the SuperMix 4 and the ARETE!

Yep, both the SuperMix and the ARETE just opened-up, the bass in both IEMs became better defined and stage was added to both. Yet while using the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 cable it doesn’t always work out wonderfully, yet here the V4 made both the SuperMix 4 and the ARETE the best they could be in my use. So how do you not report on such affairs? Plus strangely enough the cable shortened the sound differences between the two IEMs. Meaning the cable made the SuperMix 4 climb closer to what the (unarguably better) ARETE could do.

Yet in truth the Simgot LC7 is (the opposite) and thus complementary to the LAVRiCABLES Master V4. Plus the SuperMix 4 is in-a-way complementary (and opposite) to the ARETE!

What follows is my experiences with the two IEMs and the two cables. Through the experience I actually will define what the ARETE is and what the SuperMix 4 is.

My other ZiiGaat reviews:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ziigaat-cinno.26844/reviews#review-32557
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ziigaat-nuo.26845/reviews#review-32542

The other ZiiGaat IEMs besides the ARETE:

ZiiGaat Doscinco: 2DD+3BA Hybrid (Audiophile Tuning) Price 269.00
ZiiGaat Cinocotres: 2DD+3BA Hybrid (Studio Tuning) Price $269.00
ZiiGaat Cinno: 1 10mm LCP DD+4BA $99.00
ZiiGaat NUO: Single Full-range 10mm LCP driver $29.00
The Linsoul/HBB Jupiter 4EST+6BA+1DD is powered by ZiiGaat $1.599.00

My prior reviews of the two cables we are going to be using today:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/lavricable-master-silver-v4.27143/reviews#review-33691
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-lc7-iem-cable.26954/

So let’s get started shall we?

Package:

Included cable:

Build:
The ARETE weighs only 5 grams each, making it one of the singular lightest IEMs you can buy. Combine that with the correct balance of weight distribution and there is no other choice but to win here. The other surprising thing has to do with how they designed the nozzle-end. Showcasing a metal grillwork screen that actually extends farther out that the nozzle. This is also mounted to a metal nozzle tip, with a lip that will never leave the ear-tips in your ear after you have extracted the IEMs! Such fitment is one of the best I have found this year, with a no-nonsense build, really much like many IEMs to come before……..and even though this back-side shape doesn’t look like a fully involved semi-custom form, it is and fits just as good as you could ever ask for. There are red and blue rings off the side (as shown in pictures for venting). There are flush-mounted two pins and during my review process I must have changed cables 30 times, and I was always met with a firm yet workable 2Pin fitment. The faceplate utilizes a kind of metallic foil that is colored and glitters to where some have an issue with the showiness of such, yet it is not all that vibrant when the light is not striking it. Truly this is one IEM that somehow simply looks better in hand or wearing it? Each IEM duo has serial numbers identifying the pair.



A pure awg 22 silver cable like the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 (to the left) will always be much thinner than a copper plated with a smidge of silver affair, like the Simgot Audio LC7.

Back-to-back tests:
This test cycle was done with the DIVINUS VELVET ear-tips, which are from a company called DIVINUS, the Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s aftermarket firmware, and the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 pure silver cable in 4.4mm. Later I’m going to roll in the SIMGOT LC7 cable too, just to come face-to-face with how it changes the tone. Look, the included cable is nice and lets you in on 90% of the sound, sure if you wanted to simply use the included cable the ARETE it is fine.

This is Head-Fi, and there is a pretty good chance people are going to have audiophile devices to use like DAPs and aftermarket cables.

Round one:




The ARETE:
Turbonegro
Apocalypse Dudes
Get it On
This album came out way back in early 1998. Maybe it was my age when I first heard it? Yet this album is one of my all time favorites of all time, the whole album. Yep, even though it almost never gets used for IEM reviews here at Redcarmoose Labs the album “Apocalypse Dudes’ rates in my personal top grouping of albums heard in my lifetime. Here we are testing to see how both timbre and balance of frequencies go. Sure the ARETE is so balanced I could have chosen almost any album. Yet here today we are going to explore Rock (this song) EDM (Robert Miles with Children) and finally Taylor Swift with "LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO" off her reputation album. Where the most important (maybe) thing with “Get it On” is rhythm (pace) and bounce. Of course the tones need to be true to tone, but the ARETE gets there in its own special way. Most would not call this laid back, yet it is due to the fact the SuperMix 4 actually has more forward vocals. Yet here the ARETE is sporting its stuff with 2X 29689 BAs midrange to kind of display a larger size vocal displacement into the stage than the SuperMix 4. And due to this provocative large sizing we don’t need extra higher tone for detail. Nope, when an image is this big, just the size can reveal details and noticeability. Really the vocals are perfect here, yet what ZiiGaat did was down-tune the vocals avoiding the intrinsic metallic tone BAs naturally have. It’s that Sonion and Knowles as manufacturers are both rewarding modern-day IEMs with better timbre, and often this down-tune is not letting any brightness emphasize that timbre!

“Apocalypse Dudes”
Right when this song gets going at 00:14 when the guitars come in we are greeted with this idea that ZiiGaat wants to get across. Gone are those metallic guitars of 2019, we are actually blessed with great guitar timbre. Not only that, but the guitar is out in front regardless of tune. Yep, mixed with the drums and bass becoming a groove that just doesn’t stop. When I first heard this album in my friends record store in 1998 the very first thing I identified with was the guitars. It was a time when this exact guitar sound was rare, and it brought back memories of just what was possible with Rock. Really it was all I needed, and still is. Up until 00:40 there is a classic jam-out. Yep they decided just to throw a starter like the instrumental guitars, the leads, the power chords, the kitchen sink…..all into your face..............like it is nothing. After 00:40 the vocals start and we find them in the perfect zone for Rock. I mean this is the balance, but at the same time this year has had its share of forward vocals IEMs, and this is not what the ARETE is about. For any of you reading that have got burned by too hot of forward vocals with a purchase this year, have no fear, as this is both smooth and correct. Smooth enough to allow me freedom to explore a pure silver cable in the end. This is not the biggest stage, but it could be the recording? Yet inside here we find nice vocal and backing vocal placement. At 02:55 we have a breakdown, and all of a sudden the stage enlarges, which actually is a surprise, as this band can do anything it seems? At 03:40 there is a nice bass fill-in and the ARETE makes it heard. At 04:04 the song ends and we are thrilled, maybe only because I haven’t gone back to my old favorites here, but also because thrilling due to completeness, thrilling due to evenness and most of all this playback was correct.


Timestamps refer to the original song, not the Youtube video.

The SuperMix 4:
Turbonegro
Apocalypse Dudes
Get it On
44.1kHz - 16bit
A little harder to drive, but also a more forward vocal, which I already knew.

While the ARETE BAs are so down-tuned to avoid metallic-ness, though here we are swimming in slightly brighter waters, and even more forward itemization due to this brighter tone. Yep that PZT driver and Planar are doing something (and the single BA too), and this bass is good also!

Where both IEMs are portraying a style of smoothness, here there is also a gritty treble and upper midrange due to the forward vibrance, where it almost gives the illusion of more detail?

Well, if anything there is more contrast to this SuperMix 4 adventure, though at the same time the ARETE is more even and filled in, but the SuperMix 4 is going for it here, really working with this particular file to expand the stage and make it bigger than I expected? I mean yes, there is a touch of Planar grain, or PZT effervescence……..or something? To where the ARETE comes off more relaxed, but also it is a more familiar neighborhood, yet with this song that hyperactivity is great from the SuperMix 4. All and all the two IEMs are really complementary, but further studies will release more information into my ears and into keyboard words.

Round two:



The SuperMix 4:
Children
Robert Miles
Dreamland
44.1kHz - 16bit
The best part of this opening is the sub-bass frequencies found at 00:15 onward. At 00:18 they are all the deeper and appreciated here as they are so well done I would go and say this is a gift at a single penny under $150.00! Truly this is great. But I feel we are going to find out today that yes, one IEM is a little better at one style of music, and the other IEM better at another, making having them both to not in any way be a waste of money. Yet what is happening here (somehow) at 00:26……is that the bass has been separated.........why? Two instruments of course……there is a deep drone and a mallet like deep synth effect too, and we can differentiate both! Right before the piano starts there are sound effects, probably dolphin snaps, and yes, they are found in their own zone here. At 00:42 the piano starts…………and we hear it in somehow correct timbre? The SuperMix 4 has 160 hours of burn-in and that may have done some extra burn qualities to the PZT and Planar driver? At 02:21 the drums take hold……..which (in this version) is a good part of the song. As such the drums are found deep yet holding fantastic pace, with none of that big weighty bass to result in a smear of the midrange.

The ARETE:
Children
Robert Miles
Dreamland
44.1kHz - 16bit
I will let you in on a little secret, I already heard this before in testing………and I loved it. Yep the sound is just so slightly fuller and smoother. Offering up that image density that is the cat’s meow with both songs so far. So somehow we don’t have that bass synth in the beginning (at 00:18) that is separated, yet somehow there is slightly less note definition, but more thickness and moody heft that makes you not look for details. Of course the ARETE is $249.00 and we have it matched with a top notch V4 $346.82 silver cable. What that is doing is accentuating the highs, offering up more separation and delegating special places for these tracks to live. The bass is cleaner and purer, the stage wider and spread out. But part of the reason for all this is the innate ARETE smoothness.........which gives us room to grow here. Meaning I have tried this DAP and cable set-up before and it wasn’t always so smooth and approached too bright, even some IEMs where this silver energy and different DAP mixture created (treble) distortion, because the other IEMs were pushed to the brink of what they could do. But no not here, we are enjoying synergy at its finest. Thicker than the SuperMix 4 and more filled in and even due to more BAs in action, and not worrying about PZT distortion or Planar timbre. We are in-fact more conventional in design, and not experimental like the SuperMix 4. Yet for the money, and just what it does, especially with that last Rock song.........the SuperMix 4 is a total value, it is just this EDM is smoother and more of a level playing field for the magic to take place. I mean the synths are bigger and take hold of more texture to feel and gain emotion all-the-way till the end.

Round three:


Timestamps refer to original song, not the Youtube video.


The ARETE:
Taylor Swift
reputation
LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO
44.1kHz - 16bit
The beautiful chord entry at 00:00 holds absolutely zero off-timbre here. Imagine such shiny intro embellishments right at the start.........so separated and stand-out-ish? And in-fact this is a whole grouping of bright lights to here/see. Yep, sparkles and piano chords and violins. They (the production staff) are not waiting a second to introduce the theme of this number to you, and decided that a grouping of bright lights could introduce you to the song theme they were going with. And sure with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 we have just that.............sparkle and construction of elements positioned way out into sight, and close-up. These sonics make the bass seem that much more deep by contrast when it arrives. The beautiful violins remind me of a Beatles song in how they simply add this mood of drama, and maybe even revenge that Taylor seems to be on course for? Yes, I’m sure it was the Beatles as an inspiration for this opening 15 seconds! At 16 seconds the street mix style sub-bass throb hits us. Sure this is a pop song so why not throw in some Beatles and some street sounds to get the folks going.

In fact the very first we hear of the vocals, the electronic drums ride along too for a sonic intro like no other. And sitting in your chair reading this you may guess that all that prior talk about warmth and smoothness was continuing on here? When nothing could be farther from what is going down. I mean we have 5 drivers here, and all 5 mean there is a capable and effective stance at delivering whatever comes the ARETE way. Yep, there is perfect forwardness and brightness to these vocals, Because we are talking Hybrid here........there is also a separate track delivering a DD driver via a three-way crossover...........then into the separate sound tube and bass into your ears! Sure there is a lot of studio compression on her voice, like studios do always, only there is world class production in this…….and Mrs or Ms Swift is way, way out front here, as forward as I have ever heard vocals to be. More forward and more vibrant than I expected, and I like it. Sure I have used this song before, and I used to listen to it every day when it came out. But you know how popular music has a limited shelf-life……….where maybe the song LWYMMD could get boring or old, or worn-out with multiple listens? I don’t know, it has 59.3 million YouTube listens/views…….so I guess they accomplished what they were after with it?

Why is an audiophile listening to this? Well I actually had an infatuation with the production quality back in the day. The way the bass throb is positioned at 00:31. The continuation of the same style of accent at 00:35 to the left. Yes, these tricks of sonics can be super simple……not to mention the handclaps. I mean they are not real hand claps but an amalgamation of all kinds of sounds that occur just that fast. In fact these sounds also were another fascinating thing that I still give this song credit for realizing. Just at 00:37 and 00:38 there are two claps, one starting first from the right then setting-off a follow-up to the left. I mean this was the style of fireworks that got many into headphones early on….....maybe? As speakers in a room don't do this exactly.

At 00:45 we are introduced to the chorus and just by chance they are using the piano tone which was shown in use at the get go……….yep at 00:00, funny how that works.

If Taylor Swift was (in person) as many multitracks as they used here there would be a room full of Taylors singing right now.

My point? I mean what is the point of the whole paragraph and preceding paragraph? I am simply disclosing that the ARETE is clear and nimble enough to help me realize all the magic that first attracted me to this song.

And no I’m not a Taylor Swift fan, no I have no pictures of her on my computer…….wait I may have one or two, still that fact doesn’t make me a fan…….well maybe I’m a closet fan? At 01:14 she sounds almost Italian? These are the new things that can take place when you revisit a song you used to listen to all the time.

At 01:24 there are a whole lot of drums and those electronic bass throbs..........so much so that it may go against regular thought that such combinations of sounds could even go together?

I mean there was a time when vocals were left to shine, when the electronic bass was a little subdued? But maybe that’s the little secret here, that everything is happening at once. And for-sure the ARETE somehow has made a name for itself (here at Redcarmoose Labs) for replaying this correctly. I know I use the word "balanced" a lot, but I have no other word to use so I’m going to use it again anyway. Balance……balance lets every tone become heard, and somehow gives room for it all to exist here simultaneously. In fact my single word for this song is simultaneously, Taylor Swift is heard along with other Taylor Swift's (multitracked) simultaneously, along with all the rest in this sonic hodgepodge. I’m guessing the absolute service here that is given to vocals comes from mid-bass quality over sub-bass emphasis?

SuperMix 4
Taylor Swift
reputation
LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO
44.1kHz - 16bit
Here we are gifted with more sub-bass. But due to the size of everything in comparison, it is not noticeably that much more. Where sure the drops go slightly lower into the sub-bass realm, but the SuperMix 4 has a slightly smaller footprint in action. Where even the vocals hold slightly more contrast in comparison to the ARETE, but they are of smaller size. The ARETE on the other hand uses its stage immersion to gain vocal details and vocal size. So vocals come off with slightly more detail with the ARETE, even though frequency wise they are set back. Same as this bass, where the bigger footprint adds to bass immersion with the ARETE. Yet while of thinner note stance, the SuperMix 4 performs ridiculously good in its price bracket. Also there is a feature of technicalities which enables a seemingly more separated SuperMix 4 stage, held into what feels like a further spread of items (even though the items are of thinner density) these items are of incredible entertainment and holding quick transient responses. To where sure the upper frequencies of the SuperMix 4 hold a tinge of Planar or PZT flair, but the more you listen the more normal that flair becomes. Where there is a different tinge of more metallic ARETE timbre, yet it is offering less of this Planar or PZT distortion, in trade for down-home clarity.

SIMGOT AUDIO LC7:
Here we try to learn what benefits and drawbacks are found with the LC7 in use.

SuperMix 4:
Slightly less energy up-top arriving in a smoother playback. What’s wild is the added note-density found. Which was a slight issue with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4. Where these images of speed are still there, it is just everything falls slightly closer to home, as well as a slightly less contrasty playback. Vocals don’t hold that forwardness or contrast, or energy found with the silver cable. Everything is closer to home and the tone is fully more relaxed........and more laid-back. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as there will always be that crowd that are wanting a smoother less hyper style of playback........without the fireworks. Those types are also fine with the included (yet diminished) cable detail amount.

ARETE:
The LC7 is playing to the amount of stage differences here. Meaning there is added lower midrange and smoothness which makes the size of stage even more noticeable than the (distracting) treble items that we had with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4. Meaning, take away the tip-top frequency and a listener quickly realizes what stage width is provided. With the tone down of brightness we are now relying on a more cohesive and consistent stage and positioning. Bigger robust images of slightly dimmer color are illustrated to our warmer and denser stage, holding a greater lower midrange which is the LC7 personality anyway.





Cable conclusion:
Each of the test IEMs were asking for the expansion and LAVRiCABLES Master V4 lifted treble dialing in the items, positioning them into a higher realm. This truly is a story because I tested this silver cable with the ARETE and SuperMix 4 before the photographs posted here were taken, and all I could think about was how much of a profound difference the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 silver 4.4mm cable made in comparison to the SIMGOT LC7.

The striking part was using them back-to-back. Where not only was there a whole new dimension to the treble, items were sculptured and detailed into finite illustrations. The stage was profoundly wider with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 and there was a noticeable tightness to the bass rhythm, not only the rhythm, but each and every drum beat, was better defined into the stage. Sure it's a $346.82 silver cable against a LC7 $69.99 copper plated silver affair. In so many ways this too would depend on what you were after in the first place. I’m not going to argue that some want that extra lower-midrange that the $69.99 LC7 provides. Maybe even some would be repelled from the brighter illumination of details found with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 cable? I mean sure, for a lot of IEMs there is a need to get a mix going of copper and silver, as that’s the tonal balance we are striving for, only here today this was a special place with both IEMs. Even at the start of the testing process I knew I had a chance to find improvement in introducing the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 here.

And my guesses were right! It is just not everyday that circumstances allow for the IEMs you are reviewing to gain clarity and pace, definition and detail.

Disclaimer:
Some folks will read this review and take it as 1/2 a cable review, and I wouldn’t argue that fact. You see the end results are always a complete combination of everything, the IEM, the DAP………the file choice, cable and ear-tips chosen. There is no-way to get around that. Sure these extra cables cost money, and maybe more than what a reader of this review is willing to dish out. And that’s OK, because at least the reader can realize that there are opportunities to change the IEM character. Now I was waiting to arrive at these cable and IEM unions for awhile.

I needed a set of IEMs that were found on the warmer side of the street, to offer-up the freedom of choice to use the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 cable in rotation. Is the ARETE the best combo of the two?

($346.82 + $249.00= $595.82) ARETE
($346.82 + $149.99 = $496.81) SuperMix4

Or would the SuperMix 4 be better with the LAVRiCABLES Master V4? Really as far as finds go I think the ARETE and LAVRiCABLES Master V4 is the winner? The $595.82 ARETE and LAVRiCABLES Master V4 combo is totally something special and worth the money in my eyes. Of course this is all personal tonal taste and what you are after in the end. The point I’m making is that often I get an IEM in for review that has a small spike, or a section of unbalance that will not allow me to use the LAVRiCABLES Master V4. Mainly because that artifact will get blown out of proportion.

But here the ARETE is so even, complete and correct that we can have a field-day in rolling cables. And keep in mind it doesn’t have to be a $346.82 aftermarket cable to find happiness.



1st Conclusion:
So we know the ARETE has a sculpted and reserved sub-bass that allow for pace to pretty much be achieved all the time. We learned that the included ARETE BAs of two 31736 Knowles Balanced Armatures for treble and two 29689 Knowles Balanced Armatures for midrange do a great job at keeping things relatively free from off-timbre and jumpy midrange spikes that often makes an IEM unlistenable, or of limited use. We learned the One 10mm Biocellulose Dynamic Driver bass has just the right amount of emphasis without going overboard. That pretty much balance and pace was important to the ZiiGaat design team in design of the ARETE.

And finally I’m going to touch on the collaboration here. It is said the ARETE is designed with gaming in mind. Now since my gaming years were many many years ago I’m going to take the idea of smoothness and a big stage as being how they were going to make this work for gaming. That with 4 BAs all firing off, that they create an environment which lends itself to hearing spacial clues as well as the tuning of the 10mm Biocellulose driver holding back the last few dB of gaming blasts. I have only so much as glanced at Fresh Reviews YouTube channel to get a glimpse of who he is. Yet I look at this collaboration as with all collaborations, that it is a marketing ploy that is based on the reality of an individual bringing tuning skills to the table, and putting a face on what would normally be a regular guy, or group of regular guys looking at graphs in the back room. The truth of the matter is it doesn’t matter who you are or what your application is for the ARETE.

Tuning values:
Reason being that there are tuning values here that are consistent with a correctly tuned IEM for music as well as possibly gaming. One of the greatest features is you don’t have to own a DAP or a silly $346.82 aftermarket cable to find happiness here. Am I exploring how I can make the treble more audiophile with this aftermarket cable? Sure I am, but I would do that anyway regardless of the IEM in question. And that raises another question.

Would I be “OK” just using the ARETE straight out of a regular phone 3.5mm?

Regular phone use:
The truth is I waited 24 hours before trying the simple phone in use……to gain an ear-reset! I have heard better in phone use for less money. But that doesn’t mean it is not workable in a pinch. Now that doesn’t make the ARETE bad, it just owns a slight clutter and congestion that more power and resolve helps out. The stage while relatively large is too smeared and lacking pace from the bass and even the drums are a little un-exciting. Taking the 3.5mm plug over to join it with the WM1A I had sitting nearby was a breath of fresh air. In reality while holding almost the same tonal display, we are gifted with an opening-up of sorts, a separation that makes 100% difference in the end? Big display items of guitars and drums now show up on the outskirts of the stage, and even the center vocal is now left alone to shine (in place) in the center stage.


In comes the FiiO E17K Alpen 2 DAC/Amplifier:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-e17k-alpen-2-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier.20540/reviews#review-15766

Recently I have been taking the 2015 FiiO E17K Alpen 2 DAC/Amplifier out as a way to see what an IEM response would be like apart from a phone. And surprisingly it now seems when an IEM is great from a phone it sounds schiity from the FiiO E17K?

Hence my curiosity here resulting in that we have an IEM that is truly bad from a phone…….so let’s see what shenanigans take place with this alternative.

By the way I never reviewed the FiiO E17K due to feeling I couldn’t add to the reviews in a constructive way, yep all the reviews were already darn good for this little device. Now I keep my FiiO E17K Alpen 2 DAC/Amplifier protected in a case and somehow the battery always remains at full-charge? While only suppling 3.5mm output the FiiO E17K holds a medium soundstage and is slightly colored if you conclude an ample amount of warmth to be color. The other thing I did was to choose music that reminds me of gaming music.



Sure the music doesn’t provide the spatial positioning clues you get in a game, nor the blasts from FPS gun exchange, but it will have to do here. While I’ve read there is 24bit support activated with newer firmware releases, here we are using Vol 1. As such limited to 16bit instead of the fully file viable 24bit. Yet the FiiO does use the tracks 48kHz format. Here is the emotion of a blockbuster motion picture. Such wide expanses over the sonic horizon here. The deepness of the footstep sounds that turn into drums. The fast effects swaying from side to side, the deep throb of the main drum……it is all here for the taking. Call me a fanatic, but when an IEM makes the most of a dated piece of gear I can’t help but be amused. No it doesn’t quite have the stage of the Sony WM1A, but few devices do anyways. What is charming is how the ARETE makes the very most of this OST............seemingly going along with the stage size, getting the tonal balance right and most of all transferring the emotion which is expected from a Junkie XL OST.




Furiosa (A Mad Max Saga) OST
Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)
The Bear
96kHz - 24bit

The Sony WM1Z and 7Hz Aurora cable:
Curiosity got the best of this Head-Fi member. I simply started to wonder what would happen if we supplied the ARETE with more than its share of bass tone? Where the Sony 1Z is renowned for this slightly excessive thunderous bass physicality. The top-end balances that out with a more forceful treble which entails a bigger treble stage.........all combined with a slightly diminished midrange. This in fact is the polar opposite to the Sony WM1A, which holds a forward midrange and cleaner speedier bass action. The 7Hz cable is just a nice included cable with the Aurora IEM. Here we were gifted with the amusement that the sub-bass was still fully missing…….that this union was still emphasizing mid-bass and pace to surprise. What was generated though was a clarity of that mid-bass, and by chance the vocals leaped forward giving respect to positioning and realism. All and all this proves that we get the ARETE signal quality and the ARETE responds up accordingly. Truth to be told, I could listen to this one set-up for the rest of the day!



2nd Conclusion:
Get the ARETE a gaming set-up or a DAP………or anything but a simple phone and you will be happy. Of course I don’t have every phone in existence, but a quick switch over to the 3.5mm output of the MacBook Air also confirmed, you don’t want to take the lovable ARETE to this part of town. Nope, it is a friendlier and smoother signal that somehow aligns to fulfill the sonic design ambitions inside the ZiiGaat ARETE!

Look, as far as driving the ARETE ZiiGaat had specific goals in mind…….and if you provide support for the ARETE in the form of a smoother signal, you can even climb the sonic building of different cables to enhance what the ARETE is ultimately about.

Yep, this place we can get to is by far a special place and far out-weights the simple asking price of $249.00. And if you are wanting to drive the opposite direction into utilizing the ARETE with the included cable and a desktop or portable Dongle…........you are fine too. I’m not an electronic engineer, I only use this stuff so I don’t have the faintest clue as to why this is, but it’s a rainy day here at Redcarmoose Labs in addition to the month I’ve spent getting acquainted with the ARETE.

I can assure you I know and understand the ARETE forward and back. We are simply enjoying what a full-featured 5 gram IEM invention can do. The 4X Knowles BA utilization is just that, a three-way crossover supplying just the right tone to the 2 midrange drivers and the 2 treble providers, resulting in bigger imaging than you would guess. It is this size of replay that is my favorite part, that and the fact that all 4 of these Knowles BA providers have been detuned to emit a warm and fluid outcome. As such Hybrids are always my personal favorite way to go. The 10mm Biocellulose driver finishes up our thickness with analogue reverberations and perfect mid-bass pace, without the sub-bass clutter.

Remember all these parts would mean nothing at all if it wasn’t the exact tune that was ZiiGaat’s goal at the start. What I mean is plenty of IEMs cross my desk that are 80%-90% effective, but somehow the sonic engineers missed part of the tune. Yep, the sound designers left a sonic artifact which disrupted the evenness or the completeness that become the hallmarks of all great IEMs.

You see even at the midrange price-bracket of $249.00 we have that. This correctness of tone means that the ARETE makes friends with all music genres and gets a higher score than some past IEM tests. Sure the ARETE is not everything, but due to its smooth nature becomes both listenable and exciting. Heck, it even made my 9 year old FiiO E17K Alpen 2 great.

So in the end we find out it’s not how much you spend, but how you find synergy. That sure we could add the LAVRiCABLES Master V4 and have the sonic freedom to chase a new and different arena in treble imaging and itemization. I did this just to prove that the ARETE has it in it to scale-up and up. That these BAs are actually friendly to extra frequencies if you eventually want to go there. In a way I’m providing the extra midrange and treble energies to challenge what the ARETE can do.

Panache:
The ARETE has the sonic panache to go there. I invite you to take a visit to the town of ARETE, really you have very little to lose, unless you combine the ARETE with a phone output, or the straight-out of your computer output, and have expectations for success.

$249.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-fresh-review-arete

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and the ZiiGaat ARETE review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
Apple MacBook Air to USB TypeMini to FiiO E17K Alpen 2 DAC/Amplifier
Apple MacBook Air 3.5mm output

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, Doscinco and also the Cincotres which I have also tested and reviewed previously and found them to be really good for the asking price. I have the Arete 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 Doscinco and also the Cincotres. Packaging is rather minimal i would say, the stock cable, eartips, faux leather storage case and the IEM itself.
In terms of comfort, the Arete 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, Arete has been run in for roughly 20 hours, and in my opinion, the DD does benefit from the burn in.

Equipment and Software used

• Aune S9C
• Fiio M23
• Macbook Air M2
• Apple Music/Tidal/foobar2k
• Dita Navigator

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, Arete sounds quite fun and smooth to my ears. I would say its quite natural overall with a boost on the sub bass region, treble has sufficient details but not offensive. Slight warmish tonality with fairly natural timbre, still a slight hint of BA timbre is there if you pay real hard attention to it. Imaging is very impressive which is expected from a collaboration with Fresh Reviews.



Bass

• Fairly good speed and doesn’t sound bloated or muddy when listening to busy tracks such as Slipknot’s People’s = crap!, 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 very rumbly when the track calls for it
• 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 is very impactful and it is very fun when you are watching movies or gaming with it

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 Arete’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

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, Arete might not be the one for you, but its sibling (Cincotres) will be the right choice for you
• Amount of air and presence is average but this is understandable as it is the tuning that they strive for
• 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 very good as the instruments can be pinpointed easily even during busy track, certain complex orchestral track might not perform that well

Driveability

• Arete 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 Arete

Comparison (Letshuoer’s Cadenza 4)

• Slightly cleaner sounding compared to Arete, in terms of tonality
• Treble is smooth but resolution and detail retrieval capability is slightly better than Arete
• Soundstage is rather 2D-ish and narrower compared to Arete, 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 Arete 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 Arete and Cadenza 4 are good sets, so at the end of the day, it depends on your preference

Final Thoughts
As ZiiGat is stepping up on their IEM game, their releases has been interesting so far, from Cinno, Nuo, to Doscinco and Cincotres which i have tested today, they’re very interesting in terms of sonic performance as well as the price point, the Arete reminds me of the Thieaudio’s Hype 4, in a way, they are quite similar except the treble on the Hype 4 is slightly more forward in the mix with better extension and slightly more energy.
I would even go as far as saying the Arete is punching above its price point, at 249$, with the sonic performance as well as the build quality that it offers, i will not hesitate in recommending the Arete to anyone who likes this sort of sound signature that i have described in this review.

*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:

ZiiGat x Fresh Reviews Arete - Non affiliated

𝒁𝒊𝒊𝑮𝒂𝒂𝒕 𝒙 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: 𝑨 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

ZiiGaat is back after continuous releases of products despite being quite a young company into the scene. This time, they are introducing the ZiiGaat Doscinco and Cincotres’ third sibling, that being the all new Arete, with a collaboration with a gaming peripheral reviewer, Fresh Reviews over at YouTube.



Despite being similar to the Doscinoc and Cincotres, the Arete comes with a slight price decrease with a starting suggested retail price of $249 but is still within the $200 range. Additionally, unlike like it’s older siblings, the Arete is equipped with a 1DD+4BA driver configuration which actually makes sense for what I think this set’s purpose is


|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.

This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.

I don’t do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out


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𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 ZiiGaat 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆.
𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝘀. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.

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| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

The Arete comes in the simple packaging akin to earlier ZiiGaat Releases. It comes in a decently sized black box with a nice image of the IEMs themselves and some of the common bells and whistles found in most IEM packaging like branding and additional specification information.



A simple package results with a straightforward unboxing experience. Removing the illustrated cover the top lid off, you’ll be greeted with the IEMs themselves encased in dense foam for shock protection during transport and a box underneath containing the rest of the goodies included in this purchase.



𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:
Paperwork
ZiiGaat X Fresh Reviews Arete IEMs
4-core 2-pin cable(3.5mm)
3 sets of normal-bore ear tips(S/M/L)
1 pair of foam tips (Medium)
Square hard shell zippered case

As seen with the last ZiiGaat entries in this price range, it is almost a one to one comparison on how identical they are in terms of accessories. The only difference I notice is the fact that the included cable is fully black in color unlike the Doscinco.



Regardless, this is not the first time we have seen such a barebones set of inclusions in this price point, but I think it could use more additions.


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

Pretty much in line with the Doscinco and Cincotres, the Arete is made out of a translucent black resin material that feels smooth and nice in the hand with a nice amount of heft to feel quality yet still light in the ear. The design is a huge facelift compared to the minimal Cinco twins with a more intricate look with hot pink particles and a gray wavy backdrop. Depending on the angle of the light, it looks very much different as if it has depth also accompanied by the ZiiGaat logo for branding.



Form-wise the Arete is a universal fitting IEM with no grooves or fins that can be a make or break aspect for some people. The nozzle size seems to be a bit bigger than the Doscinco’s with a clear difference in the nozzle design. Both still have a lip to help the ear tip placement and ample protrusion from the body along with the single vent facing the rear. The overall size of the Arete is quite average, it doesn’t feel bulky or is a chore in the ear when worn.



ZiiGaat opted on forgoing the other DD from their 2DD+3BA Cinco twins into a 1DD+4BA driver configuration for the Arete. This change is quite deliberate and I do think they did change to make each offering different from the Cinco’s brothers isobaric configuration but instead opted for a single biocellulose driver instead. The remaining balanced armatures are spread out for the midrange and treble.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The Arete can easily block unwanted outside noise with its passive isolation with the right fit and ear tips. This can be used for commuting in a pinch whenever you are out and about.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

With the right fit and proper eartips, I was able to use the Arete for prolonged hours without any sign of fatigue. Even with drastic head turns, the Arete was able to stay in place nice and snug in my ear. The occlusion effect here on the Arete is just as severe as your average IEM, making conversations whilst worn be quite uncomfortable and annoying.


**𝗞𝗶𝘄𝗶𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼 | 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗖 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 (𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹)**


| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

I can comfortably run without much pushing of the gain, however I do suggest bumping your source up a bit as it does scale well if fed with higher power.


|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

If you allow me to describe the sound of the Arete in only just a few words, I would say that it is “neat and concise”. Arete's approach to sound is more analytical than musical, this however doesn’t make it bad in terms of music listening however.



This set has an overall very neutral and balanced sound with amazing technical capabilities. I must say that it doesn’t sound warm or cold per se, but instead sits right in the gray area of it. The sound in this set is definitely a departure from the ZiiGaat Doscinco I tried prior


| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete offers a neat and tidy bass response, characterized by very quick and fast midbass hits. The subbass rumble is minimal, contributing to a more balanced overall sound. The amount of bass present is not overwhelming, allowing for clarity in the midrange and treble.

The texture of the bass is exceptional, providing a detailed and satisfying listening experience without overshadowing other frequencies. The bass transitions well towards the midrange with no bass tuck or sudden decline in the frequency range.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

The mids of the Arete are flat, resulting in balanced vocals across the spectrum. There is little warmth, but the mids excel in airiness and extension. Note weight is average, yet instruments sound clean and very detailed. Occasionally, the timbre can come off as a bit dry, but it avoids any shoutiness, ensuring a smooth and pleasant midrange performance.


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

I was perplexed at first with the Arete, because the highs are rather relaxed rather than energetic, yet they deliver amazing detail, extension, and airiness. The treble is free from piercing peaks, making for a comfortable listening experience even during extended sessions. This balance allows for intricate details to shine without causing fatigue, maintaining a natural and refined treble presentation.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Technical performance is where the Arete truly excels. The perceived soundstage is quite wide, creating a spacious and immersive audio environment. Separation, layering, and imaging are all remarkably accurate and was never congested, making it one of the best performers in its price range.

This level of technical prowess surpasses even some more expensive IEMs, making the Arete an excellent choice for competitive FPS gaming and immersive entertainment alike.


|| 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ||

The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete is a standout IEM, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature with impressive technical capabilities. Its neat and tidy bass, airy and extended mids, and relaxed yet detailed highs make it a versatile and enjoyable listen.



The Arete’s strength lies in its technical performance, providing a wide soundstage, precise imaging, and excellent separation and layering. Whether for competitive gaming or immersive entertainment, the Arete delivers an outstanding audio experience.



Definitely worth the buy at this price range for its technical chops. The nearest thing I can compare this with is the Kiwi Ears Quintet which offers kind of like a similar experience but is more refined and less dry.