Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete
Ziigaat, teaming up with Fresh Reviews, has come up with the Arete, a hybrid IEM featuring a 5-driver setup (1DD + 4BA). Their goal? Creating an IEM that’s both engaging and balanced, while keeping a natural tonality. But does it actually deliver? Let’s take a deep dive into its design, comfort, accessories, and of course, the most important thing sound quality.
Disclaimer
I received the Ziigaat Arete from Ziigaat for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and Ziigaat has no influence over my evaluation. This review is unbiased and reflects my honest experience with the product. I am not affiliated with Ziigaat in any way, and I have not received any compensation beyond the product itself.
Note: I am into warm, analog sound that can produce rich and cozy tones, with enhanced bass and midrange frequencies to smoothly render it full-bodied. This captures the organic warmth of music with depth and intimacy, much like the soft texture of vinyl. Natural-sounding, relaxed, and emotionally engaging, this is perfect for immersive soothing listening. Based on my sound preference, I am writing this review.
If you are willing to buy this product you can visit Ziigaat. If you are from Bangladesh, you can visit GeekMart .
Gears Used
- Dac Dongle: ddHifi tc44c, tc44pro e2, Fosi audio Ds1,
- Phone: LG V60, LG V50
- Desktop Dac & Amp: Xduoo XD05 Basic with (BB OPA2132P, Muses8820, BB OPA2604, BB OPA1652) op amps, Kaei tap 2, Zen dac V2, Earman ST-Amp.
- DAP: Tempotec V3, Ibasso DX180, Echo Mini Snowsky.
What’s in the box
- Ziigaat Arete
- 3.5mm detachable cable
- Carrying pouch
- Eartips
Build & Design
The Arete comes with a strong but lightweight resin shell, making it both durable and comfy for long listening sessions. The faceplate got this really cool starry glitter effect, which gives it a unique and eye-catching look. The metal nozzle adds some durability and premium feel. Once you put it in your ears, it sits there nice and snug without causing any discomfort, even if you listen for hours.
Cable & Accessories
The included 4-core cable is alright nothing crazy, but it does the job. It ends in a standard 3.5mm jack and connects via 2-pin connectors. The stock eartips? Pretty basic, honestly. I’d say swapping them out for better ones can make a huge difference in both comfort and sound quality.
Sound Performance
Tuning & General Sound Signature
The Arete delivers a balanced tuning that leans slightly warm, with a neutral midrange, punchy bass, and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble. It finds that sweet spot between detail and musicality without making any frequency range overpower the others.
Bass
The low-end is handled by a biocellulose diaphragm dynamic driver, giving it a good balance between impact and control.
- Sub-bass digs deep, adding a satisfying rumble without going overboard.
- Mid-bass is punchy and tight, never muddying up the mids.
I tested the bass using Massive Attack – Angel and Big Boi, Killer Mike & Jeezy – Kill Jill. On Angel, the Arete captured that deep, atmospheric bass beautifully. Meanwhile, Kill Jill had a tight and impactful bass that made the beats hit hard without sounding bloated.
Midrange
The Knowles BA drivers really shine here. Male vocals come across as thick, full-bodied, and natural. Listening to Mark Knopfler, Seal, and Meat Loaf felt like they were right there in front of me, with all the raw emotion intact.
Female vocals, on the other hand, have a nice balance of energy and clarity without being overly forward. Artists like Sade, Ghostly Kisses, Dido, and Beth Hart sounded rich and immersive, though some listeners might prefer just a little more sparkle in this range.
Treble
The treble is smooth and well-controlled, giving enough detail without being sharp or harsh. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to bright treble, you’ll love how fatigue-free this is. That said, treble-heads who like a lot of air and extra sparkle might find it a little too relaxed.
I tested this with Pink Floyd – Pulse (Live Edition) and Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody. The Arete handled Pulse beautifully, letting the guitar work and cymbals shine without being overbearing. Bohemian Rhapsody sounded great too, with smooth vocal harmonies and detailed guitar solos that never felt harsh.
Soundstage & Imaging
One of the strongest aspects of the Arete is its soundstage. It’s wide and open, with a decent sense of depth and height. This creates an immersive experience, making it great not just for music but also for gaming. Imaging is precise too, each instrument sits in the mix naturally, so nothing feels congested.
Gaming Performance
If you game a lot, you’ll probably appreciate the Arete’s spacious soundstage and accurate imaging.
- FPS Games (CS2, Valorant, Battlefield, Rainbow Six Siege): Footsteps, gunshots, and environmental sounds are easy to pinpoint, helping you react faster.
- Open-World Games (GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Once Human, No Man’s Sky): The Arete makes in-game environments feel much more realistic and immersive.
Conclusion
The Ziigaat x Fresh Reviews Arete is a well-executed hybrid IEM that offers a balanced but engaging sound signature. With its strong bass, natural mids, smooth treble, and wide soundstage, it’s a solid option for both music lovers and gamers. The stock accessories could’ve been better, but in terms of pure sound performance, it definitely delivers.
If you’re looking for an IEM that’s musical, warm, and non-fatiguing, the Arete is worth considering.
Happy Listening
For more reviews on audio gear, click here
