Immersive Sequel Packs a Bigger Punch

The ZiiGaat Arete, launched in 2024 and it is the first collaboration by ZiiGaat and Fresh Reviews was quite a hit with their unique bass oriented sound that possesses superb immersion made for media consumption as well as gaming. Fast forward to 2026, they have joined hands once again for an anticipated sequel, the Arete 2. Equipped with a new generation 10mm dynamic subwoofer alongside 4 high quality Knowles balanced armatures and a bass boost switch, the Arete 2 poised to be a stronger proponent in the portable audio realm. A new design, new setup but the fun tuning remains, how will the Arete 2 fare in this new age of high performance IEM arena? We shall find out here.

A huge shout-out to Rosie and Linsoul for the sample pair of the all new ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete 2 for us to have an honest take. We are not affiliated nor taken any form of monetary exchange for this review and this review is solely an honest view of the product.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the new ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete 2 taken from their site;

• Shell: CNC Aerospace grade Aluminum Alloy
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Impedance: 24Ω
• Distortion: 0.04%
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–40kHz
• Driver Configuration: 1DD + Knowles 29689 ×2 + Knowles 31736

The ZiiGaat Arete 2 can be purchased directly from their website and exclusively at Linsoul

ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II

ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II

Packaging & Accessories

The packaging here is the usual ZiiGaat style of packaging in a professional packaging that is modern and fun. The box is medium to small in size and an introduction to Fresh Reviews is printed on the back. Nothing over the top and pretty standard packaging. Here’s what’s inside the box;

• 1x Pair of ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II
• 7x Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
• 1x 3.5mm Interchangeable Plug
• 1x 4.4mm Balanced Interchangeable Plug
• 1x Ultra-Pure Silver-Plated OFC Cable
• 1x Carrying Case
• 1 × 3.5mm plug
• 1 × Warranty card 1 × Wearing diagram/user instruction card

Fully accessorized with high quality leather case, liquid silicone eartips and a high quality cable.

Design

The design here is different from all of ZiiGaat’s offerings as it is CNC milled from a single aerospace grade aluminum alloy that has undergone meticulous steps like hardening and polishing to give a glossy look. The faceplates come in 2 options, blue or red, and they are the same type of aluminum, CNC in the same way but in a matte look. It is robust and surprisingly very light in weight, almost non-existent upon wearing but personally I would prefer their usual 3D printed resin with the hand painted faceplates. The glossy smooth finish actually gives a grippy fit that enhances the passive isolation. It has a usual CIEM shape and they are slightly thick but fits like a glove.

Now to where it matters the most, the Arete 2 is a hybrid that consists of a total of 5 drivers per side. It houses a new 2nd generation 10mm liquid silicone suspension, composite diaphragm that acts as a subwoofer with stronger neodymium magnets to give a deep, hard hitting bass that basshead yearns. The Arete 2 also equipped with 4 Knowles balanced armatures where 2 Knowles ED29689 drivers power the mids and known to be one of the most reliable balanced armature drivers precise pinna compensation. The high range job is given to the famed Knowles SWFK 31736 dual tweeters and fitted with a wider tube and enhanced driver placement to enhance the treble extension for an airier atmosphere.

The Arete 2 also comes with a bass boost switch to further add the overall bass amount as well as lifting the lower midrange and these are suited for serious bassheads or for some games that benefits for bigger immersiveness.

There is 1, rather large pressure relief vent on top of the bass switch that is covered with a metal mesh for some breathing room for the dynamic drivers. No flex is present which is great as they are a well vented IEM.

The Arete 2 has the standard flush 0.78mm 2 pin connection that is slightly tight.

The front nozzle is slightly shorter than usual and there is a unibody design that is 1 piece of the front shell and this actually increases the durability. The diameter at the tip is 6.5mm and it is covered with metal mesh. ZiiGaat has also included 2 pairs of extra metal mesh.

Cable included the usual ZiiGaat 4 core ultra pure oxygen free copper that is plated with silver in black colour. I have seen some feedback regarding the rather thin cable but I personally find the cable useful as they are pliable and sound great. The modular plugs are solid and the cable is robust as I had been using them for a while now without any deterioration

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The sound presentation is reminiscent of the first Arete with an aggressive V shaped sound with a dominant bass boost and lifted highs and slightly recessed mids. This time with the Arete 2, the V shape isn’t as aggressive but the bass dominance stays and they are more cohesive. The tone here is leaning on the brighter side of the spectrum and they possess a warm, thick, full-bodied sound presentation. The high range possesses a great amount of energy and bite blending well with the whole IEM presentation being highly enjoyable. Technicalities here are great especially with their imaging, dynamic range and they do possess a high degree of detail alongside good overall clarity. These aren’t your usual, accurate, natural, neutral tuning, instead a fresh tuning that focuses on immersion and enjoyment.

Soundstage

The soundstage here is expansive with a decent width and height that is competent in their price range. The Arete 2 possesses an accurate 3D holographic spatial soundstage which makes it perfect for gaming and movies as the sound placements are accurate and directions are distinguished easily. Immersion here is superb especially with the bass boost on, they are capable of mimicking a true subwoofer sound that envelopes you in the music, giving an superb immersion that is rather unique.

Separation and Timbre

Separation here is great and they have good separation of sound that gives a wide stereo sound with no major crosstalk issues and they do have a wider stereo sound with a balanced setup. The sound cohesion here is average with no major issues but the lifted bass and sub-bass may cause some incoherency on bassy tracks, making the overall bass a tad distant from the midrange. Timbre here is rich, organic and dense with a slightly bright tone and they have great energy especially in the lower mids to the bass region. The Arete 2 does have some minor colouration present, giving a vivid sound but it does hamper the overall transparency in a small margin.

Drivability

Rated at 24 ohms with a 104db sensitivity, they are easily driven by any source as they don’t need much power to sound great with adequate amount of loudness. Their slightly low sensitivity does not tend to pick up noise making them a good pair of IEM for outdoor or casual usage. Scalability here is average but they do benefit from good matching especially with a neutral bright source but matching with some bassy source will actually make the bass bleed by a little and may fatigue may set in rather quickly. The Arete 2 is slightly revealing and they are able to show some flaws in the recording, thus a good mastered track or higher bitrates files will actually give a cleaner sound but only marginally. These aren’t really a pair of IEM tuned for monitoring and critical listening, instead an IEM that has a unique, bold sound that plays well with modern, mainstream genres like EDM and modern pop.

 The Bass (Low)

The bass is dominant and has a boosted, north of neutral type signature that has sound full, authoritative bass without major overpowering issues with the bass boost off. The mid-bass has a mild lift that gives a punchy, tight bass slam and they are quite textured with a highly resolving bass, capable of giving a clean and clear bass. Bass transparency is acceptable but isn’t their strength as they might come off as additive in their natural amount. Details here are great with a nimble, elastic bass that keeps up with fast tracks easily. The bass does sound controlled without any major bloat but there are instances of bleed when the bass boost is on and with bass heavy tracks. The sub-bass is the dominant part in the overall bass and they are, as advertised, a subwoofer dynamic driver. The rumble here reaches very deep and they do possess a superb, refined rumble that gives an airy, big room feel in the overall lows. These IEMs are a treat for bassheads and with the bass boost on, they are surely delightful for them.

The Mids

Midrange here has a mostly neutral flat sound that manages to stay present, blending well from the lower mids and with a good transition towards the upper mids. There is some intimacy and warmth in the mids presentation and they have a good amount of space with good spatial accuracy. Clarity here is superb, typical of the Knowles ED29689 drivers and they are able to give a clean and a crystal clear sound that is resolving with almost no coloration. Details here perform well in macro and micro details presented in a clean manner. The body here is rather average with a slightly thin sound but timbre here is rather good as they are organic with no weird plasticky sound, instead the mids here have a mild warmth to them giving a good musicalities in the overall sound. There is a mild peak in the upper midrange that gives the Arete 2 a mild brightness that possesses some brilliance for a livelier sound signature. Vocals here are balanced with adequate brilliance and they have a good depth. Instruments like strings, flutes and any high staccato sound good but excelling percussions and bass instruments.

The Highs

The high range here is a mildly lifted presentation that can be passed as being neutral and they are energetic yet able to sound smooth without any major harshness. There is a mild peak above the 8khz region and it mostly extends all the way to 20khz which gives the overall high range a superb amount of air. The roll off here is a slow roll off and that gives a high range that decays slowly giving a lingering, livelier high range. Sparkle amount is good and they do possess a crisp decay that makes the overall sound more fun and exciting. Details here are excellent with high nuances well portrayed and they do have clean, clear highs that are highly resolving. Being driven by balanced armature drivers, there are some instances of unnatural, metallic timbre and that does affect their transparency but nothing too majorly distracting. Treble here does lean towards the intense side and they are extended that gives a boost in their overall clarity. These IEMs aren’t suited for those seeking a relaxed, laid-back signature but suited for an energetic, lively style of sound.

Comparisons

VS Kiwi Ears Astral (299USD)

The Kiwi Ears Astral is indeed my favourite release from them and they are equipped with a single dynamic alongside 6 balanced armatures with an uber fun signature that is rather neutral sounding. There are some minor imperfections in the timbre but in return the sound is crisp and keeps me frequently coming back to them. The Astral do cost slightly more than the Arete 2 and they are a 3D printed medical grade resin shell. The Arete 2 has more flexibility for their bass switch and the leather case inclusion is better.

High range on the Astral produces a more livelier sparkle, with a crisper sparkle. Timbre on the Arete 2 is slightly more natural with more air present albeit still a balanced armature timbre. The Astral more resolving as some highs does sound a tad more vivid but the overall high range is quite similar.

Midrange on the Astral is slightly thicker and lusher and has better musicalities. Details and clarity are similar but the Arete 2 sounded slightly cleaner. There is a bigger lower midrange focus on the Arete 2 that gives them a deeper sound signature. The Astral mids have some forwardness to them and they are more intimate while the Arete 2 has better spatial accuracy with a more spacious mids.

Bass quantity here has a bigger presence with more authority on the Arete 2 with their boosted lows and subwoofer-like sub-bass that gives better immersion. Details are similar but the Astral bass does sound cleaner with better texture and accuracy.

The soundstage on both has similar width and height the Astral does sound a little airier and spacious in their headroom.

Verdict: Both are a fun IEM but with a more balanced sound, the Astral has better technicalities while the sub-bass dominance on the Arete 2 is undeniable.

Vs Pioneer CRV80 (299USD)

The rarely mentioned, rarely seen CRV80 from Pioneer Japan is their flagship IEM that was released way back in 2008. They are touted as one of the best IEM for electronic music and they do share similarities with the Arete 2 with a bass dominant, subwoofer-like lows. They do cost more than the Arete 2 upon launching but can be bought at a lower price nowadays. The sound profile here is a V shaped, almost an L shaped with a boosted lows and smooth high range. Configuration here is similar with 1 dynamic driver with 4 balanced armatures.

The high range on the CRV80 has a smoother, relaxed approach but still has their presence with good sparkle. The Arete 2 has a crisper highs with a clearer, more detailed high range. Timbre is better on the CRV80. Both high ranges extend well and both possess a good amount of air.

Midrange on the Arete 2 has a clearer midrange with better details and clarity while the CRV80 has a warmer mids and thicker body. The mids of the Arete 2 are more accurate and resolving while the CRV80 has better musicalities. The Arete 2 has better brilliance in the upper midrange that sounds livelier with female vocals.

Bass on the CRV80 has slightly more mid-bass lift with a tighter slam but isn’t as clean and accurate. The sub-bass amount on both are similar with a big, clean rumble but the Arete 2 sub-bass dives deeper. With the bass boost on, the Arete 2 bass amount surpasses the CRV80 but loses some naturalness.

The soundstage on the Arete 2 is slightly wider and taller but the CRV80 possesses more air due to the bigger vent at the back but only marginally.

Verdict: The Arete 2 does have the better, cleaner midrange and a livelier highs. The CRV80 has a smoother overall sound that is mostly inoffensive. Sound value on the Arete 2 is better.

FatFreq Deuce (200USD)

The Singaporean company that is famed for producing bassy, high quality IEMs and the Deuce is a collaboration with their Hawaiian Bad Boy(HBB). Equipped with 2 dynamic drivers where 1 is marketed as being a subwoofer, they are unapologetically bassy and they are a set that either you hate it or love it. The bass is indeed overpowering for me but the uniqueness sound coming from the Deuce is one of a kind. Priced quite similarly, the Arete 2 packaging is way more complete and it is more robust in build.

Bass amount on the Deuce has the edge but for me it is too overpowering and bloaty compared to the Arete 2 even with the bass boost on. Details and clarity is better on the Arete 2 with a more textured bass sub-bass on the Arete 2 is more accurate while Deuce has a deeper more rumbly sub-bass.

The midrange of both are pretty similar with a flat-ish neutral warm mids that has decent clarity and details. The Arete 2 has a steeper upper mids with more lively brilliance.

High range on the Arete 2 has a faster, cleaner, resolving highs with more clarity but details are similar. Timbre on the Deuce is more natural but lacks crispness. Treble on the Arete 2 has bigger intensity that gives a better sense of clarity.

Soundstage on the Arete 2 sounds wider but both of these units are airy and extended.

Verdict: Arete 2 is the better one here in terms of a more forgiving bass while still solid and possessing better value. The Deuce bass amount is quite distracting for me but I can see serious bassheads love them.

Synergy

Synergy wise the Arete 2 is an easy match for most sources from warm to balanced to bright sources from the likes of AKM, Circus Logic and Burr Brown but preferentially I would not recommend some Sabre based chipset with the infamous hump as it may exacerbate the balanced armatures timbre.

Good matching: IFI Diablo, 7HZ Artemis39, EPZ TP35, Qudelix T71, Hiby FC6, Cayin RU7, Questyle M15, Hidizs S8 Pro.

Not so good matching: FiiO Q7, FiiO KA5, EPZ TP30.

Who Is It For?

Suitable genres: EDM, jazz, hip-hop, classicals, pop, rock, acoustics

Suitable usage: Gaming, monitoring, drummers, bassheads, movies

Not suitable genres: Jpop, metal, ACG

Not so suitable usage: Monitoring, critical listening, treble sensitive users

Final words

The ZiiGaat Arete 2 offers a satisfying and refreshing sound that steps away from today’s seas of meta tuning, delivering the true flavor of a sub-woofer. The bass boost switch adds welcome flexibility for gaming, movies, or genres that benefit from extra low-end thump and immersion. Overall detail and clarity are excellent, as expected from the famed Knowles drivers, though purists and serious audiophiles may find the signature un-neutral, lacking the clinical, sterile sound they seek. In the end, the Arete 2 remains a competent set of IEMs for their price, backed by the solid build and reliable performance the brand is known for.

I would rate this product a 4  over 5 stars.

Pros

• Good technicalities
• Solid  build, ergonomic fit and nice finishing
• Warm, punchy, energetic sound
• Superb separation, imaging with a wide dynamic range
• Rich, dense and organic timbre
• High musicalities and immersion
• Wide, tall and airy soundstage with good accuracy
• Great clarity and details with a vivid sound
• Nicely boosted bass with a subwoofer-esque sub-bass
• Balanced, thick midrange
• Energetic, extended highs that is crisp and lively
• Intense treble with some aggression
• Easy to drive
• Bass boost switch
• Good for bassheads

Cons

• Design a little plain compared to other Ziigaat’s offerings (preference)
• Not for treble sensitive users
• Not a neutral sound
• Bass bleed (bass boost on)
• High range balanced armatures timbre
• Treble might get hot with bright source
• A little pricey (subjective)