When using the ZiiGaat NUO for an auditory journey, I am immediately impressed with its excellent audio quality. Equipped with a 10mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dynamic driver, this iem is more than just a tool for listening; it is a gateway to a rich and detailed sonic landscape. Perfect for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the ZiiGaat NUO promises to transform your music experience with its impressive soundstage and intricate sound reproduction.
Boxing
Aside from the ordinary box contents, the sphere and its name outside its case looked worth mentioning. They all recalled a combination of Back To the Future and Blade Runner! Leaving BTTF behind, the shere’s coloring reminded me of cyberpunk. And the cyberpunk, this one.
ZiiGaat NUO Sound
The timbre is exhibiting a deep, almost pitch-black richness, and there is no muddiness or tightness present in the sound quality that I am experiencing. This is a one-of-a-kind quality. It seems to me that the tempo has picked up a little bit, becoming a little bit quicker than it normally would be. This gives the song a specific personality. The three-dimensional imaging, which is remarkable in terms of its depth and clarity, does have some difficulties adequately representing the more complicated and deeper levels of sound; yet, it continues to be a feature that stands out significantly.
Bass
Without being overbearing, the bass takes the lead with its dynamic energy. In the music of Riverside, for example, it lends support to their 80s rock atmosphere by including electronic elements, while in Russian Circles, it lends a jazzy flavor to the music. It is possible to hear sophisticated and exquisite bass handling in smooth jazz, notably when Diana Krall or “Limehouse Blues” is playing the bass. Particularly noteworthy are songs like “Bass Cannon” by Flux Pavilion and “Svage” by Whethan, which demonstrate NUO’s top performance. In spite of the fact that it is deficient in sub-bass, its melody and technical ability more than make up for it.
Midrange
The midrange functions exceptionally well in a variety of contexts, from the upbeat “Africa” by Toto to the more gloomy tones of Tool. I was led through the sonic voyage by aspects such as Harper Lewis’s keyboard, which beautifully captured the subtle shifts in pitch that were there. Even if the midrange is slightly recessed as a result of the U or V curve in the sound profile, it still manages to produce a rich soundstage, despite the fact that it is rather narrow. This is something that can be heard in the works of Hans Zimmer.
Treble
The projection of the treble sound is skillful and delicate. One example of this is the song “Russian Circles,” which features a significant amount of representation of the treble parts. The performances of ZiiGaat NUO encompass a wide range of frequencies, with the exception of the very highest frequencies, which are only barely absent. In musical genres such as opera metal, where the midrange support enables a complete understanding of songs such as Phantom of the Opera by Nightwish, this range can be especially effective.
Comparisons
Here are two comparisons out of my recent listening at gatherings. So, take it with a grain of salt.
Vs KBear Storm: I find the ZiiGaat NUO and KBear Storm to be quite different in their sound profiles. The ZiiGaat NUO offers a neutral sound, excelling in technical aspects like imaging and layering, with a focus on sub-bass, thinner mids, and brighter treble. This makes it ideal for a clear and balanced listening experience. On the other hand, the KBear Storm has a warm, V-shaped sound signature, with an emphasis on mid-bass for a strong impact and a smoother treble, resulting in an overall warm sound. It has a more intimate soundstage and decent detail retrieval, but it’s not focused on micro-details, aligning more with a fun, bass-emphasized tuning.Â
Vs KZ Zsn Pro: In comparing the ZiiGaat NUO and the KZ ZSN Pro, both around $25, each IEM presents a distinct listening experience. The ZiiGaat Nuo excels with its neutral sound signature, offering excellent clarity, imaging, and detail retrieval, ideal for a balanced and precise audio experience. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro features a V-shaped sound profile with balanced mids and bass, but it is prone to harsh highs, which might be too much for some. While the bass in the ZSN Pro is punchy and controlled, the highs are bright, leading to potential fatigue. Both IEMs cater to different listener preferences, with the ZiiGaat NUO focusing on technical precision and the KZ ZSN Pro offering a more energetic, bass-forward sound.
Pros_
The sound quality is unique and impressive
The 3D imaging excels in depth and clarity
The bass is energetic and versatile
The midrange adapts well across various styles
The treble is detailed
Price is where it shines most
Cons_
The 3D imaging faces challenges in depicting deeper sound layers.
The bass lacks sub-bass capabilities
The midrange is slightly recessed due to the sound profile’s curve
The treble, while broad, slightly rolled off before the highest frequencies
ZiiGaat NUO Conclusions
I’m utterly enamored with the ZiiGaat NUO’s performance in light of my experience. The 10mm LCP dynamic driver produces a sound that is not only precise but also abundant in detail, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and gamers who want depth and clarity in their audio experience. Due to the vast nature of the soundstage, it is possible to discern small audio signals with extreme precision. In addition to being lively, the bass is not overbearing, which allows it to sustain a wide variety of musical genres with proficiency. Despite the fact that the midrange is slightly recessed and the treble does not include the highest frequencies, these elements do not greatly detract from the overall impressive audio experience.. The ZiiGaat NUO stands out as a remarkable choice for its price, offering a unique and immersive listening experience. Thanks to ZiiGaat Audio and Linsoul for the sample.
