Jay will you be getting the ck d62 to review by any chance? Curious how that would do for metal genre
I was gonna buy it but that treble looks so bad for the ears I doubt it’s good for metal
Bright city
Good to know!! How about the 5+2?
Don’t have yet - coming soon?
I think I like the FR of the Kima better with that thicc mids. Gonna see how much this one is.
I believe it’s around $120. Sound wise it’s a bit overpriced imo since there are more technical sets at that price, but if you take the cable, build, and case into consideration then it’s just worth it.
Thanks Jay
EM10 slightly better tech wise - bass texture and treble timbre goes to Estrella
ZIIGAAT ODYSSEY REVIEW
THE GYAT is back with the Odyssey, and true to its name it will take you on a musical Odyssey. It’s a set that excels at higher volumes and scaling with the overall sound being thumpy, but midrange focused with a slight treble emphasis - a very interesting combination.
A “BETTER” AFUL EXPLORER?
If you liked the Explorer, or wanted more treble and detail from the Explorer, then you’re going to love these since the Odyssey is a cleaner, and more technical mid-range focused Explorer. I recommend Azla clear or Tangzu divinus tips for these as it gives more life to the sound
At mid volume the Odyssey has a clean, calm, and relaxing tonality like something you would put on before bed, BUT, the real magic happens when you UP the volume. At higher volumes the stage is wide with a good amount of air while being punchy in the low-end, and the sound just swallows and envelops you, making the experience very immersive without being too fatiguing or jarring that otherwise would’ve taken you out of the immersion.
BASS
I was actually surprised at how prominent the bass was given the graph - it’s not basshead level by any means, but at higher volumes the low-end is actually pretty rumbly and very noticeable but never overtakes the sound. The new topology DD they’re using is well-balanced, not too slow or quick in the attack and decay, not thick or light either when it comes to the note weight as it strikes a natural tonality and adds just a little oomph to the low-end.
Although the Odyssey’s bass isn’t quite on the same level as the Hype 4s or Tea Pros, slightly behind when it comes to the texture, slam, and impact, however, the Odyssey does its job very well for the balanced clean sound it’s going for, and it’s just good bass.
MIDS & VOCALS
However, the main star of the show is in the mids where everything is nicely separated and layered at a comfortable distance, allowing you to really pick out the sound and get lost in the sauce. Similarly, the vocals sit at a good distance to allow more room for instruments to breathe, they feel open and extended, not forward or powerful, not husky or sparkly, but just clean and well-balanced and doesn’t get in the way of the sound.
The only downside is that the vocals can feel a bit too relaxed at mid volume, you can make an argument that it’s a little recessed if you don’t crank them up, but, you should be cranking these anyways.
TREBLE
Treble wise at higher volumes the Odyssey is decently airier, not sparkly or energetic but you do notice the difference versus a darker and tamer set like the Explorer. You hear more of the micro-details at higher volumes, but it’s not fatiguing or jarring as cymbals are splashier and the decay in the air is more extended and you hear more of the smaller nuance.
Although again, at mid-volume the treble can sound a bit relaxed and tame for some, so unless you’re looking for a chill and clean listen - I would turn up the volume on the Odysseys.
TECH & GENRE
Overall resolution and technical is also solid for the price, it’s not a value monster like the Supermix4, but it’s a step up from the Explorer and slightly behind the Quintet although it is much more natural in the timbre, and overall more musical since the Quintets don’t scale very good and can also be metallic.
Now if your library is mainly slow-rock, acoustics, indie, alternative, ballads, then the Odysseys will take you on a very unique and immersive musical experience, and to me, because I listen loud and my library fits that genre of music the Odyssey targets - these are one of my favourite IEMs that came out this year period, regardless of price. However, you do have some options if you have a different preferences.
vs KIWIEARS KE4 & HBB ARCADIA
For example, if you want something warmer and bassier with good scaling then both the Kiwiears KE4 and the HBB Arcadia will be a better fit. Those 2 will be better when it comes to hiphop, rock, and metal since they have more body, slam, and thickness in the low-end, and same with the Deuce if you want a basshead set, the Deuce would be much better (just don’t buy it from FatFreq), but more on that in the Arcadia review.
vs ALL-ROUNDERS
On the other hand if you’re looking for an all-rounder at mid-volume then the Supermix4, Nova, Quintet, and Chopin will all be more engaging and detailed. They’ll be better when it comes to pop, kpop, jpop and will sound sweeter in the female vocals with the downside being that those aren’t as unique as the Odyssey in the way it scales and just takes you on this journey.
vs CAD4 & CKLVX
Then if you want something with more air and treble emphasis, less bassy, cleaner and slightly sparkly with great female vocals then you got the Cadenza 4 as well as the CKLVX for an airy but full sound that gives off that unique dreamy presentation. The point is, no matter what IEMs you currently own, the Odyssey will always be an option if you want to try a new and different sound.
CONCLUSION
I personally think the Odyssey will be a cult classic like the OG EJ07, Explorer, and Carmen, so if you’re open to trying new sounds, I would definitely recommend picking these up as something different - the plating is also very beautiful
ZIIGAAT ODYSSEY Final Ranking:
(MID-VOLUME):
Tonality: A (7/10)
Tech: A- (6/10)
Overall: A- (6.5/10)
(HIGH VOLUME/what I recommend):
Tonality: S/S- (8.5/10)
Tech: A-/A (6.5/10)
Overall: TOP of A (7/10)
Thanks for reading
Nice! Another one that’s probably not for me with my low-volume listening. Looking forward to seeing what you think of the Arcadia too
the price for germany is somehow almost twice as much. maybe bcs it alreay included tax(?)
Yes, VAT is included for us in the eu, besides that some listings are personal and deals can vary.
I’m thinking ziigyat nuo
Slim pickings
I bought a $2 code from Linsoul but the restriction of it needing to be on a $120 item - I’m not sure if I’ll even use it. I was thinking about the Kiwi Ears X HBB Punch but I don’t want to overextend myself on purchases so my $50 coupon will probably go to waste.
Xinhs cables and the Muse HiFi M5 Ultra may be all I get.