Introduction to the ZiiGaat Arete II review
There is no shortage of IEMs in the $250-300 range. On one hand, that’s a great thing – the sheer number of options gives buyers plenty to choose from. On the other, it also means the competition is absolutely fierce. Standing out in this segment is anything but easy.
The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II, priced at $279, enters this crowded space as a collaboration with fellow reviewer Fresh Reviews. Positioned right in the middle of this price bracket, expectations are naturally high – especially considering that it follows up on the original Arete, a model that was widely well received.
According to the manufacturer, the new iteration brings several notable changes, including a redesigned low-frequency driver, updated build quality, and a refined tuning. On paper, that sounds like a meaningful step forward – but as always, the real question is how these changes translate into actual performance. Additionally, the Arete II is marketed as being particularly suitable for gaming, which makes it all the more interesting to evaluate in both music and practical use scenarios.
Packaging & Build Quality
The ZiiGaat Arete II arrives in a very well-presented box, with a generous set of accessories inside. One element that immediately stands out is the hard carrying case, finished in eco-leather. Inside, there is a molded section covered in velour, designed to keep the IEMs securely in place and prevent them from knocking against each other. It’s a thoughtful and practical solution. The only minor issue is that the logo on top isn’t perfectly centered – something that might bother the more detail-oriented users – but in practice, it’s a negligible flaw.
Inside the package, we find the IEMs themselves, a cable with interchangeable terminations (both 4.4 mm and 3.5 mm included), six pairs of silicone eartips, and a single pair of foam tips. Overall, it’s a very complete bundle, and it’s difficult to find anything to complain about here. The silicone tips are of good quality, with one set featuring a slightly tacky texture reminiscent of SpinFit-style designs, which I, personally, appreciate. The foam tips aren’t quite on the level of brands like Comply or Dekoni, but they are perfectly serviceable.
The cable is fairly simple – black, understated, and without any unnecessary flair. It does its job well, although the outer housing of the interchangeable jack system could be a bit more compact. As it stands, it’s moderately long, which might raise durability concerns if used with a portable player in a pocket.
As for the IEMs themselves, the ZiiGaat Arete II is very well constructed. The shells are made from CNC-machined, aerospace-grade aluminum (whatever that may precisely imply in practice), finished in black. They are relatively heavy, but this actually contributes to a more premium in-hand feel. The overall design is clean and minimalistic, although I’m not particularly fond of the visible branding on the shells – it slightly disrupts the otherwise refined aesthetic. The model is available in two color variants, red and blue, and I opted for the red version, which stands out more distinctly within a collection.
Tech inside reviewed ZiiGaat Arete II
From a technical standpoint, the ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II introduces several updates focused on both driver design and tuning compared to the OG Arete.
The low end is handled by a second-generation dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm. According to the manufacturer, it is designed to deliver deeper sub-bass and stronger impact, supported by a refined crossover that ensures smoother transitions into the midrange. A new 10 mm driver with a liquid-silicone suspension and stronger neodymium magnets is also said to provide tighter, more controlled bass with a more “subwoofer-like” character.
For the midrange and treble, the Arete II uses four balanced armature drivers from Knowles. Two ED29689 units handle the mids, which are slightly elevated for better vocal presence, while a refined 3 kHz region aims to improve clarity. The treble is managed by SWFK 31736 dual tweeters, designed to extend the upper frequencies and increase the sense of air and openness.
The IEMs feature a fully CNC-machined aluminum shell and come with a silver-plated OFC 2-pin (0.78 mm) cable, intended to provide solid durability and reliable signal transmission.
Sound of the reviewed ZiiGaat Arete II
The ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II presents a tuning that feels quite deliberate but also somewhat uneven depending on the specific aspect of the sound you focus on. It’s an enjoyable signature, yet not without its clear limitations. However, in my opinion, the ZiiGat Arete II is a very great option for many listeners, especially considering its not-that-high price and superb build quality. What’s important is those IEMs like some power. I wouldn’t advise using them with the cheapest portable DAC/Amp, but I’d take a look at something like the iFi hip-dac or Cayin RU6. Those can power Arete II properly and draw the best out of them.
Starting with the bass, it is overall well-developed and carries a satisfying sense of presence, but it also reveals a certain softness – particularly in the sub-bass region. There is depth here, but it comes across as slightly muted or “hollow” at the lowest registers, lacking the kind of tight, physical rumble that truly defines top-tier low-end performance. This becomes noticeable in tracks like Limit to Your Love, where the sub-bass should feel deep and controlled. On the Arete II, it reaches low but doesn’t fully convey the weight and authority the track is capable of delivering.
The mid-bass performs better. It is fuller, richly saturated, and brings a welcome sense of body to the overall presentation. In tracks like HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar, the bassline has a satisfying presence and helps anchor the mix. However, the kickbass itself isn’t the fastest one. It is rather sloppy, with a slower response. Personally, I prefer a slightly faster bass, but considering the price – it’s in a good place.
This can be heard in more rhythm-driven material such as Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, where the kick should be tight and defined – here it leans more toward a softer, less controlled presentation.
What’s essential, and should be noted by everyone who’s interested in ZiiGaat Arete II is the switch on the back of the earphones. Switching it off the improves control noticeably. The low end becomes tighter and more disciplined, but at the cost of losing a significant amount of mass and presence, making the overall presentation feel thinner and less engaging. It’s not a bad thing, as we can easily adjust that with a warmer sound source or bass enhancements, which may work in a more delicate way.
Moving into the midrange, the lower mids are slightly recessed and smoothed out. They are pleasant and easy to listen to but can sometimes fall behind the mid-bass, especially in denser mixes. Vocals, however, remain relatively natural in tone. Michael Kiwanuka, for example, retains a believable timbre, though his voice can occasionally feel a step back in the mix rather than fully grounded in the center.
The upper midrange is more forward and clearly more emphasized. It carries a slightly sweetened character, though there are moments where a subtle dryness comes through, depending on the mix and master. This region is quite detail-oriented and can at times lean toward brightness, even if it generally tries to maintain a sense of naturalness. Female vocals, such as those from Billie Eilish in Oxytocin, come across clearly and with good articulation, though occasionally with a slightly highlighted edge.
The treble itself is not particularly emphasized. It feels rather relaxed and stays mostly in the background, avoiding harshness or sibilance, but also not contributing much in terms of sparkle or air. As a result, the overall presentation can feel somewhat closed-in at the top.
This impression carries over into the soundstage. Unfortunately, it is one of the weaker aspects of the reviewed ZiiGaat Arete II. The stage is closed, being held close to the listener. There’s not too much depth and width. The sound sources are placed mainly on the right and left sides, and they’re rather larger than smaller. My main issue with the soundstage is the lack of air, which, when paired with narrowly sounding DAC/Amps might cause things to cluster a little. It’s problematic not only in music, but gaming aswell – which shocks me, as there is some advertisement for gamers.
Comparison
Campfire Audio Honeydew vs Reviewed ZiiGaat Arete II
It might be a strange comparison for some, considering the age of the Campfire Audio Honeydew. But those were one of my favorite IEMs for quite some time. They both share similar values – a lot of bass, and great midrange – but there are a few key differences. The main one being the quality. Don’t get me wrong, the Honeydew are fine, but they’re made of plastic. The reviewed ZiiGaat Arete II is heavier, sturdier, and just has a much better feeling in-hand. In terms of sound, it’s crazy how the standards have changed over the last 5 years. I wrote earlier that the bass in Arete II isn’t the fastest when the switched is turned on. Compared to the Honeydews, it’s as rich, but more varied and universal, with better control and shorter response in the midbass. Midrange and treble are more detailed without being technical. The only thing that’s better in Honeydews is the soundstage, which is wide and gets around the listener better. On the other hand, there’s also not too much of air, but that’s common with single DD constructions.
ZiiGaat Arete II review – Summary
The ZiiGaat Arete II is a very fairly priced set of IEMs that delivers an engaging and enjoyable sound, with the added flexibility of adjusting the bass quantity to suit personal preference. It comes well-equipped, with solid build quality, a well-designed carrying case, and a practical interchangeable cable system that adds to its overall usability.
Of course, it’s not without its downsides, but at $279, many of those become easier to overlook. Considering the price point, the overall package remains highly competitive and offers strong value within its segment.
One important thing to keep in mind is that the Arete II benefits from proper amplification. Despite being an IEM, it appreciates more power than one might initially expect, so pairing it with a capable source is definitely recommended to get the most out of it.
Recommended.
Big thanks to Linsoul for providing us with the ZiiGaat Arete II for this review. I wasn’t paid or asked to say anything good or bad about this product, all of the above is just my personal, unbiased opinion.
I am a 24 years old audiophile, photographer, coffee lover and Star Wars fan. I love checking out new audio stuff and sharing my opinions with people, not being overly bloviating. Furthermore, I believe that a review acts as a guide to just interest people, and then comes the most important part, which is actually testing the device by themselves.
