ZiiGaat x Fresh ReviewsArete II
ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II
The Arete Returns With Improvements
The original Arete was beloved globally and sold tens of thousands of units thanks to its brilliant tuning and performance. The Arete II brings back aspects that fans loved, with an enhanced tuning, superior build quality, and a new subwoofer.
Enhanced Texture and Tuning: The Arete II uses a 2nd-gen composite diaphragm dynamic driver for deeper sub-bass and stronger low-end impact. A refined crossover provides fuller bass with smoother transitions into the low-mids and midrange. Treble extension is also improved, offering more ultra-treble air and openness.
2nd Generation Subwoofer: Its new 10mm liquid-silicone suspension diaphragm, paired with a stronger neodymium magnetic array, delivers deeper rumble and tighter bass punches, achieving true subwoofer-like performance.
Four Balanced Armature Drivers: Two Knowles ED29689 drivers provide accurate, textured mids with reliable pinna compensation. The mids are slightly elevated for richer vocals, and a more precise 3kHz peak improves clarity. Knowles SWFK 31736 dual tweeters extend the upper treble, while wider tubing and optimized placement enhance air and detail.
Full Metal Build & Interchangeable Cable: The Arete II features a full CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminum build with hardened, hand-finished shells and matching faceplates. It comes with an ultra-pure silver-plated OFC 2-pin (0.78mm) interchangeable cable for clean signal transmission, improved durability, and easy customization.
The Arete Returns With Improvements
The original Arete, created in collaboration with Fresh Reviews, one of the most influential audio YouTubers, was beloved globally and sold tens of thousands of units thanks to its brilliant tuning and performance. Arete II returns with the elements fans loved—now refined with enhanced tuning, superior build quality, and a newly engineered subwoofer.
Enhanced Texture and Tuning
The Arete II utilizes a 2nd generation composite diaphragm dynamic driver for stronger and deeper bass response in the sub-bass. Tuned with a more precise crossover network, the bass response is fuller and heavier in the lows, while maintaining better transitions into the low-mids and midrange. The treble range has also been improved, with a greater ultra-treble output for more extension and air in the headroom.
2nd Generation Subwoofer
The Arete II features a new 10mm liquid silicone suspension diaphragm, which is engineered specifically for subwoofer-like performance. With a more fluid diaphragm structure and stronger neodymium magnetic array, the lows reverberate deeper, producing excellent rumble while retaining articulate punches.
Four Balanced Armature Drivers
Two Knowles ED 29689 drivers power the midrange for an authentic and accurate sound. Tried-and-true for over two decades, the ED 29689 is one of the most reliable balanced armature drivers available on the market, excelling in midrange texture and precise pinna compensation. The mids are slightly boosted in the Arete II for a more lush texture to vocals and instruments, and the mid-treble transition is clarified by a more precise 3kHz peak. The treble is powered by Knowles SWFK 31736 dual tweeters, which have also been well-established over the past decade. With a wider tube and enhanced driver placement, the Arete II has greater ultra-treble extension and an airier atmosphere in the sound.
The Arete II earphones feature a small switch on the earcup. Turning it on boosts the bass and lower-midrange, making the sound more suitable for different gaming scenarios.
Full Metal Construction
The Arete II is redesigned around a full aluminum shell. Each unit is individually CNC machined from solid aerospace-grade aluminum blocks, ensuring precision around each corner. Shells are then hardened and hand finished prior to surface treatment. The faceplates are also constructed from aluminum in the same manner, ensuring durability and a premium feel to the Arete II.
Custom Interchangeable Cable
The Arete II comes standard with an interchangeable 0.78mm 2-pin cable constructed from ultra-pure silver-plated oxygen-free copper, featuring both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced modular plugs. Designed for clean, noise-free signal transmission, the cable enhances durability while allowing users to customize their listening experience.
Technical Details
Sensitivity
104dB
Impedance
24Ω
Distortion
0.04%
Frequency Response
20Hz–40kHz
Driver Configuration
1DD + Knowles 29689 ×2 + Knowles 31736
- 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
- 1x User Manual
PRICE
Highly praised IEMs offering deep, punchy bass with excellent sub-bass control, natural vocals, and extended treble without harshness. Customers said "amazing audio quality" and noted the versatile bass switch adds flexibility. Ideal for gaming and music across all genres. Some reported sporadic muffling issues and pressure points due to larger size.
The Ziigaat Arete II are not the kind of IEMs that make you go “wow” in the first 10 seconds. And honestly, that’s exactly their strength.
You put them on, start listening… and at first they feel almost too relaxed. Then you spend some time with them, switch tracks, turn the volume up a bit, and you realize everything just sounds right. Nothing stands out too much, nothing feels off, and that’s what keeps you listening.
The tuning is very balanced. The bass is there, but it’s not overdone and never gets in the way. Vocals sound clean and natural, very lifelike. The treble is present but never sharp or fatiguing. You can easily listen for hours without feeling tired.
One of the most interesting features is the small switch on the shell. It’s not just a gimmick, it actually works.
With the switch off, the sound is cleaner and more neutral.
Turn it on, and the sub-bass gains a bit more weight and impact, making everything feel fuller without messing up the balance.
That flexibility makes them easy to adapt to different music or just your mood.
They’re not the most exciting or flashy IEMs out there, and that’s fair to say. But they’re the kind you keep coming back to, because they simply don’t do anything wrong.
If you want something natural, easy to listen to, and reliable across all genres, these are a really solid choice, especially for the price.
Warm and rich sounding with excitement and well controlled Sub Bass, rich Midrange and Treble that extends without harshness, soundstage is open and airy, accurate and immersive.
Excellent option if you're looking for strong bass impact, versatility, and comfort for long sessions, but not the most precise choice for those who prioritize forward mids or maximum resolution. Review: https://youtu.be/NPyvtvSoTbQ
Test setup: Fiio K9 Pro, TRI Clarion ear pads, GY-76 Snow Dragon cable
Headphone bass switch off.
Sound character:
Low frequencies with a CLEAR subwoofer effect!
However, the bass here doesn't overwhelm the entire frequency range.
It's in the right place, but doesn't interfere with the mids and highs.
The subwoofer is massive; fans of electronic music and live recordings will be delighted.
The lows are tactile, and vibration is transmitted well.
The mids are neutral, slightly softened.
The violin is smooth and deep, not harsh.
The acoustic guitar is extended, with a viscous, sweet sound.
The saxophone is soft and romantically singsong.
Instrumental music sounds richer, more nuanced.
Vocals are smooth and beautiful.
The highs are well-developed, with excellent control; sibilance is not present even when present.
Cymbal tails are long, with a platinum-hued brilliance.
Detail and clarity are also excellent.
These headphones clearly rank alongside the ZiiGaat Luna, ZiiGaat Arcanis, and ZiiGaat Horizon.
The ZiiGaat Arete II creates large images that extend across a fairly wide soundstage.
The soundstage is also longer than average.
By genre:
Metal - fat, meaty, epic.
Folk rock - romantic, melodious.
Soul - serious, rich sound.
Electronic - pumping, atmospheric.
Orchestra - large-scale, grandiose.
These headphones are interesting to listen to; they have a slightly romantic and quite punchy sound character.
All musical genres sound more appealing than they actually are.
ZiiGaat Arete II - headphones that are never boring to listen to!
As a ZiiGaat fan and a past beneficiary of Fresh Reviews, Arete II lands where I hoped it would. Sonically, it offers a presentation that impresses both technically and emotionally. The tonality, detail, and soundstage are all strong, and paired with its handsome all-metal build, Arete II comes together as a compelling value at its $279 price.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ziigaat-%C3%97-fresh-reviews-arete-ii.28894/review/41208/
Here are my personal impressions of the **ZiiGaat × Fresh Reviews Arete II (Graffiti)**.
In short, it is a "well-rounded, model performer from ZiiGaat that is perfect for daily use."
① Low Range
It offers a moderate amount of bass without any flashy embellishments.
The sub-bass comes through clearly.
It is well-balanced and free from muddiness.
I prefer the sound when using an amp, as it provides better control. There is minimal bleed into the vocals or mid-range.
Users who love heavy sub-bass might find it a bit restrained, but the bass performance is versatile enough to suit any genre.
② Mid Range
Both male and female vocals have a pleasing, natural thickness.
Instrument and vocal separation is excellent; vocals don't get buried even in tracks with dense arrangements.
I would appreciate a bit more separation and imaging between the instruments themselves.
③ High Range
It handles detail and decay beautifully. It reproduces the metallic sounds of guitars and cymbals well while effectively taming harshness, making the highs easy to listen to and non-fatiguing over long sessions.
④ Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution, etc.
The overall sound is natural.
Imaging and separation are sufficient, allowing for a clear sense of space.
I think a bit more perceived depth would further enhance the separation and imaging.
【5-Point Sound Quality Rating & Reasons】
(Please note: this heavily reflects my personal preferences 🙇)
Low Range: 4 — Speed increases when used with an amp.
Mid Range: 4 — I would like a little more depth. Imaging and separation are a bit loose.
Highs: 4/5 — I’d like a bit more sparkle.
Soundstage: 3/5 — Average.
【Sound Characteristics】
Low End ーー★ーー High End
Narrow ーー★ーー Wide
Delicate ーー★ーー Powerful
Soft ーー★ーー Hard
Cool ーー★ーー Warm
Fit ーーー★ー
【Overall Verdict】
At first, hearing that these were for gaming, I underestimated them 😅
My apologies 🙇
The stock cable is perfectly adequate, but if you find the bass, treble, or soundstage lacking, you can enjoy tweaking the sound signature and spatial presentation through burn-in or by swapping out the cable and ear tips. ♪
※ Listening Setup
DAP: Cayin N7+
Interconnect: K's Audio Works Pharaoh-S II (4.4mm)
AMP: Cayin C9ii
Cable: Stock cable
Ear tips: Eletech BAROQUE Stage
extrêmement incroyable au niveau sonore dans du gaming FPS🔥🔥🔥
Like the OG Arete, the bass is deep and punchy. It sounds slightly more refined on the Arete II. Treble is slightly extended and airier but not shouty. Detail retrieval and the separation of music remain brilliant too. I prefer the appearance and design of the OG Arete even though the build quality of the Arete II is great. More ear tips are included for the Arete II, offering more tip rolling options. In general, if your budget is $250–300, and you’re a bass lover/gamer, you can’t go “wrong” with the Arete/Arete II’s tuning. There’s a reason why both models are so popular. Few of the earphones to look out for during the sale periods.
I’ve had some issues with the audio getting super muffled and cutting out but it happens sporadically. Other than that big issue it’s been amazing. Audio quality is amazing!
They are amazingly good. I manly use them for gaming
best iems i have use
This is a real banger, with the only competition being the Kiwi Ears Astral, it is perfect for.gaming and music.
Ear buds are really good quality easy setup and use and good for all round usage such as music , movies and game however the rubber ear bud cover that comes in the bag is a struggle to get on
This set might be the most fun I had with current IEMs in the market and they have a superb musical sound with a true sub-woofer type bass that is well controlled alongside smooth mids and energetic highs. The overall technicalities are commendable and the tuning here is spot on. The bass switch is easily flipped even by using my fingernails and the bass added is simply fun, useful for long travels as whenever I want some more kick in the sound, I just flip the switch. Ziigaat is on a roll here with their releases. Highly recommended for gamers to audiophiles or just casual listeners.
ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II
Easily the best IEM I've ever tried. I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but honestly it's CRAZY good! Especially the sib-woofer style BASS! Also, the soundstage is simply incredible. This is easily one of the best IEM bargains in 2026!
ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II
Good overall, but they are larger than expected and create an uncomfortable pressure point.
Definitely V shape eq, mids are a little muddy but the sound staging is outstanding for the price. Definitely going to be my everyday carry for my EDM/Indie music needs.
Great set for music and gaming
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