Pros: Tonality, Balanced, Accurate Tuning, Texture and Decay, Bass Punch, Detail Retrieval, Imaging, Value
Cons: Can’t think of any at the moment
Driver Setup: 1DD + 2BA + 2 Planar Tribrid IEM
Price: $430
Intro
The ZiiGaat Horizon comes hot on the heels of the Odyssey 2; expectations are unfortunately very high with how well-tuned the Odyssey 2 was., The Horizon is the latest release coming from ZiiGaat, and this is a tribrid combination I have yet to try, a dynamic, BA, and planar tribrid. It seems ZiiGaat is putting out quite a number of IEMs with higher price tags and has been doing pretty well with quite a number of them, quickly building up a reputation for quality. Expectations will be sky high for these, and without further ado, let’s take a look at them.
Disclaimer: The ZiiGaat Horizon was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done with the understanding that I would provide my honest thoughts and opinions on the Horizon. The Horizon is available for purchase here, should you find yourself interested in a pair, or feel free to use your links.
Accessories
ZiiGaat did well with the accessories here once again, offering a very similar package to what we saw in the Odyssey 2. I love the modular cable and the pleather zip case. Everything was thoughtful and well-designed. Wished the cable had more colours mixed into the braid, like what we saw with the Odyssey 2, but otherwise no complaints.
Build Quality and Fit
The build quality with the resin shell is great. The shells are well-made and very comfortable. They are not small but not “franken-sized” either, especially considering it’s a tribrid with 2 planar drivers. Yet, they feel very light and disappear into the ears and remain enjoyable and comfortable over long listening sessions. The faceplate design is not over the top, but very elegant and the pop of colour is tastefully done. The overall package screams quality and is fitting of its price tag. I must say ZiiGaat cooked here.
Sound
- Fiio BTR7
- Aune M1P
- Lotoo Paw S2
- SMSL M200 –> Schiit Magnius
Music listened to
- The Weeknd
- The Carpenters
- keshi
- MAAPS
- NEEDTOBREATHE
- The Eagles
- Noah Kahan
- John Mayer
- Michael Buble
- etc
Bass
Bass is mentioned to be handled by a 10mm biodynamic driver. I wouldn’t say that the bass is the first thing that stood out to me about the tuning. It is actually quite reserved and laid back. Bass plays a more complementary role. That said, I love the balance of the bass in the Horizon. It extends well into the subbass with a very natural decay yet has a crisp and punchy texture. The quality of the bass is very well done, and the Horizon handles more complicated tracks well, but it also exposes poorly mastered tracks. The Horizon scales well with better sources and can really scratch that itch when you hear that bassline melody clearly without bloat or bleed. It is quite balanced in quantity and does not overwhelm the rest of the sound. Bass-lovers or bassheads may be left wanting more if looking for a more bass-lead/bass-centric tuning.
Mids
I am a huge “mids guy” and the Horizon ticks most boxes for me. Male vocals are well-bodied and textured. All vocals, both male and female, are never too thin or shrill and seem just right with a good balance of power and still not coming across as shouty. The overall midrange presentation is not too intimate, and the entire range sounds quite expansive. Tonal accuracy and timbre of vocals, and instruments like saxophones, violins, and flutes are done amazingly and on top of being accurate, the imaging just gives them the extra dimension to bring them to life. Melody lines are luscious without glossing over and muddying details. The decay of the mids definitely hits that sweet spot and complements well with the punchy texture of the bass.
Highs
The highs are laid back without any peaks, but they extend well and lend themselves to give the tuning an airy texture and life-like presentation of instruments and vocals. There are no harsh peaks, and treble does just enough to ensure the Horizon brings out the microdetails and does well in getting the job done in providing the technical prowess without being too analytical in its sound signature.
Overall
Separation is stellar on the Horizon is superb. The different layers are defined and have their space to shine, benefiting from the expansive sound. Each layer is detailed and tonally accurate. I really enjoy big band and jazz band tracks on the Horizon. Imaging is also quite well-done and realistic, as was promised by Ziigaat with their custom planar drivers.
Conclusion
I haven’t rated an IEM this highly in a while, and I think finally I have found something that truly ticked all my personal boxes. The tribrid blend of drivers seems to click and come together perfectly in a blend that just works. The Horizon is luscious yet punchy, musical yet accurate, detailed yet non-fatiguing to listen to. On top of that, how ZiiGaat nails the aesthetics, design and build quality is the icing on the cake. The Horizon isn’t the most technical or detailed or reference-sounding IEM. I would say it leans slightly toward the warm, musical side, without the excessive tilt towards the bass response. The Horizon brings many of my personal favourite tracks, both vocal and instrumental, to life, and I just can’t bear to take them off every time. The Horizon is a tri-brid IEM done right.
That said, take note that I am reviewing it with my own personal tastes and preferences, so I am not saying objectively these have to be YOUR IEM of the year, but I would think it would take a lot for another IEM to take its place in my eyes (or ears). The Horizon definitely was a very welcome surprise and has vastly surpassed my already high expectations.
Overall Grade: S
Click HERE for our grading list for earphones