Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of the NiceHCK Yuandao 10th Anniversary Flat-Head Earbuds. I received this set from Maddy, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Maddy and the NiceHCK team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. In short, here are the pros and cons when the foams are removed:

Pros (+)

• The price is quite affordable.
• The sound is quite clear and vocal-centric, with a warm, typical in-your-face nuance.

Cons (-)

• If you are sensitive to a forward upper-mid, you will likely find them shouty at medium to high volumes.

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the NiceHCK Yuandao 10th Anniversary Flat-Head Earbuds. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, NiceHCK launched a series of ultra budget earphones priced around $13 to $16. To shorten its long name, I will just call them the Yuandao 10th earbuds.

The Yuandao 10th earbuds come in two colors: red and blue, with or without a mic, and with either a USB or a 3.5mm jack connector. For those using the USB Type-C connector, there is a built-in DSP, allowing you to use an equalizer. The unit I am reviewing today is the most basic version, which is the 3.5mm variant without a mic.

Here are the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Impedance: 32Ω
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz
• Sensitivity: 120dB/mW@1kHz
• Plug Type: 3.5mm
• Driver Type: 15.4mm dynamic driver, PET Diaphragm, N52 neodymium magnet
• Cable Material: OFC core

The included accessories consist of 1 set of earbuds, a pair of foams, and a user manual.

Unboxing & Physical Build

As for the unit itself, the build is very simple, much like other earbuds in its price range, featuring a shell made of translucent plastic. Its physical shape is actually very similar to its sibling, the NiceHCK Traceless, featuring a thin cable and the addition of foam accessories. The accessories are quite standard, and honestly, from a distance, its appearance is quite hard to distinguish from other earbuds of the same color. Personally, regarding comfort, I have absolutely no complaints; they are quite comfortable.

Sound Impressions

Here are my sound impressions. In my opinion, the sound signature is mid-centric. For this review, I did not use the foams, and I streamed via Tidal at volume 45 on low gain using the Topping DX5 II.

Bass 

The sub-bass rolls off. For someone like me who is used to listening to IEMs, I absolutely cannot hear any rumble here. The bass response feels much more focused on the mid-bass, or more precisely, the upper bass. The mid-bass impact feels just sufficient, with a medium transient response. In terms of presentation, the bass is not dry or thin at all—unless you are a basshead, in which case you might think so. The bass still has body, but the thumping sensation is quite lacking for me. If you are not satisfied with the bass sensation, you can increase its quantity by using the foams, but unfortunately, this makes the vocals feel less clear.

Midrange 

In your face. Both male and female vocals feel positioned very close to the ears, which makes the soundstage feel narrow. The note weight of male vocals leans slightly warm, and the thickness is just right in my opinion. Meanwhile, female vocals lean a bit thin, and unfortunately, at medium and high volumes, if you are sensitive to a forward upper-mid, it will sound shouty. There is also a slight hint of sibilance, which doesn't really affect me much, but for those who are sensitive, it will definitely cause quick listening fatigue.

Even so, the vocal clarity and dynamics of the vocal range in this Yuandao flat-head are quite solid for the price—provided you are not sensitive to rather shouty vocals, of course. My advice is, if you find the upper-mid to be shouty, it would be better to buy the Type-C version because there is a companion app with an Equalizer feature. I myself have started to tolerate the shoutiness in these Yuandao 10th earbuds, whether it's due to burn-in or brain-in, I am not entirely sure.

If you feel the midrange of the Yuandao 10th earbuds is shouty, you can use foam to help reduce the shouty sound in the upper-mids so that it becomes smoother with the consequence of slightly reduced separation.

Treble 

As for the treble, the quantity is just right for me. The lower treble feels more forward than the upper treble, which feels rolled off, and the details are just sufficient. Micro-details are barely noticeable because of the upper treble roll-off, which is quite normal for earbuds, especially considering the price. However, what deserves appreciation is that the treble weight is still quite appropriate. It doesn't sound metallic or plasticky; it still gives a natural impression. Even though it doesn't sound crisp or sparkling with high resolution like in IEMs, at least the treble is not sharp and is comfortable to listen to.

Technicalities

For its $13 price tag, the sound produced is quite clear with a pleasing timbre. The instrument separation, resolution, and detail retrieval are still OK. There is nothing extraordinary, yet no significant weaknesses in the technicalities either; everything is perfectly appropriate for its highly economical price.

Conclusion

If you are not sensitive to an overly forward upper-mid, consider yourself a mid-centric lover, and want to try out ultra-budget class earbuds, I think there is no harm in buying the NiceHCK Yuandao 10th Anniversary Flat-Head Earbuds. Besides being affordable, they also sound quite musical. Also, if you don't know whether or not you are sensitive to a forward upper-mid, you can simply buy the USB Type-C version and equalize them if you are uncomfortable with the sound, since the price difference compared to the 3.5mm jack version is quite marginal anyway. 

Finally, happy 10th anniversary, NiceHCK. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find NiceHCK Yuandao 10th Anniversary Flat-Head Earbuds at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Aliexpress

NiceHCK Official Website

Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of the NiceHCK NX8Ti Limited Edition IEM. I received this IEM from Maddy, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Maddy and the NiceHCK team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. Briefly, here are its pros and cons:

Pros (+)

• The packaging box is quite premium, with very abundant accessories and inclusions.
• The build quality is quite solid, featuring titanium alloy touches in several parts.
• Wide soundstage with 3D holographic imaging.
• The NX8Ti treble is more refined and smoother than NX8 yet still extends to the upper treble.
• The bass is quite deep and impactful.

Cons (-)

• If you like very stiff cables, that might be a positive thing for you, but for me, the cable is too stiff, making it a negative point in my assessment.
• The hard carrying case is not small, but because the provided cable is quite thick and stiff, it feels cramped when putting the IEMs inside the case.
• Although it carries the "limited edition" label, there is no serial number on each unit to indicate its production number. FYI, competitor products that aren't even limited editions have serial numbers on their IEM shells, and this applies to both resin and metal shells.
• The price has doubled, yet you still do not get a cable with a modular jack. This is not an issue for me since my sources are all 4.4 balanced, but it would certainly be nice to have a modular cable for an IEM at the $400 price point (btw, if you buy it on AliExpress today, May 20th, a launch price of $359 applies).
• The sound changes from the tuning nozzles are quite minimal.

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the NiceHCK NX8Ti Limited Edition. The NX8Ti is the second facelift version done by NiceHCK on the NX8. The first version was released around the end of 2024, followed by an update in the NX8 Special Edition in mid-2025, and now this limited edition version which was released on May 8, 2026. The price itself has increased significantly; the original NX8 sold for around $200 and the SE version for around $215, while now the Ti limited edition version has doubled to $400 with a launch promo price of around $360 that is only valid until May 20, 2026. Does this limited edition version bring a lot of positive changes? Please read on.

Regarding the specifications and accessories you will receive, they are roughly as follows:

• Impedance: 18Ω
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-30Khz
• Sensitivity: 112.3dB/mW@1kHz
• Plug Type: 4.4mm
• Driver Type: Hybrid (1DD Titanium Alloy Housed for bass, 6 balanced armature drivers for midrange and treble, 1 Piezoelectric for upper treble)

As for the included accessories, they are as follows:

• 1 × Pair of NiceHCK NX8Ti Limited Edition IEM
• 4 × Pairs of NiceHCK 08 ear tips (SS/S/M/L)
• 4 × Pairs of NiceHCK 07 ear tips (SS/S/M/L)
• 4 × Pairs of NiceHCK C04 ear tips (SS/S/M/L)
• 4 × Pairs of NiceHCK gray transparent blue ear tips (SS/S/M/L)
• 1 × Cleaning Brush
• 2 x Pairs of replaceable Tuning Nozzles
• 1 × Premium carrying case
• 1 x 4-Strand 7N SCC Titanium Alloy Cable
• 4 x Pin protectors

Unboxing & Physical Build

The packaging box of the NX8Ti can be considered quite luxurious and fairly large. The box itself is black, covered in shiny white glitter, with a design resembling a gift box. Inside, there is a black cylindrical hard carrying case, which is actually just adequately sized, not overly large. Additionally, we get 4 sets of eartips in 4 different sizes, with impressions roughly as follows:

• NiceHCK 07 eartips: The pre-installed standard.
• NiceHCK 08 eartips: Enhances the bass.
• NiceHCK C04 liquid silicone eartips: Enhances the soundstage.
• NiceHCK Gray-transparent blue ear tips: Makes the treble sound smoother.

For the tuning nozzles, we are also given 2 sets which, frankly, make a very minimal difference to my ears. The impressions are roughly as follows:

• Silver: Mid-treble feels slightly forward, upper treble is more smoother.
• Gold: Mid-treble feels smoother, with the upper treble more forward

Moving on to the cable, honestly and subjectively, I do not like its color and flexibility. The gray color is exactly the same as PVC pipe fittings, while the texture is too stiff for me. However, I do quite like the titanium color of the connectors and pins. Still, it is quite a pity that for a $400 price tag, we do not get a modular cable, even though personally I don't mind because my sources support 4.4 balanced.

Besides the accessories I mentioned above, there is another accessory that I have just seen for the first time: a pin protector. Its function is to act as additional reinforcement so the connector pins do not bend easily. Additionally, the other accessories include a cleaning brush and spare IEM filters, which are commonly found in IEMs at the $400 price level.

Finally, we get to the main component, the IEM shell. Its shape is still similar to the old one and still uses resin, but it now features a faceplate made of titanium alloy. Honestly, I much prefer the current faceplate; the appearance is much more elegant and low-profile. The fitting still remains the same as before, which doesn't really allow for a deep fit in my ears, but it is still very comfortable to wear. There is absolutely no pressure build-up or driver flex because the shell itself already has 3 vent holes.

NiceHCK claims that the internals of the current NX8Ti have undergone many changes. Among other things, the Dynamic Driver now has a new housing made of titanium, along with 4 new BA units to handle the treble, and a new 4-way crossover circuit featuring Polymer Multi-Layer Capacitors from Rubycon, which reportedly makes the sound smoother and more detailed. In addition, the internal wiring now uses 6N Single-Crystal Silver. If observed more closely, it seems the NX8Ti brings a lot of changes to the interior of its shell.

As a limited edition product, I feel there is something missing in the NX8Ti, Although it carries the "limited edition" label, there is no serial number on each unit to indicate its production number. It is actually not very difficult to put production numbers on the IEM shells. Linsoul, with brands like Kiwi Ears and Ziigaat, has been doing this for a long time, even without the "limited edition" label, and it can be done on both metal and resin shells.

Sound Impressions

Here are my sound impressions. In my opinion, the sound signature is U-shaped. For this review, I used the Topping DX5 II with the largest size NiceHCK C04 eartips, the silver nozzle, with streaming Tidal at volume 25 on low gain.

Bass

The bass feels largely similar to the original NX8. There is a noticeable rumble that remains well-controlled, with about a 9dB sub-bass boost. For someone who isn't a basshead, this feels plenty visceral. The bass presentation is quite fun, providing more than enough quantity for my tastes, Its texture still remains good, carrying a satisfying weight without ever sounding dry with a medium-to-fast transient response. The punch still remains impactful and well-controlled. While the overall difference isn't significant the NX8Ti refined it even further with weightier bass and faster transient response.

Midrange

The NX8 had a rather laid-back midrange, and the NX8Ti largely still follows, though I feel it has slightly better dynamics that prevent it from sounding too relaxed. Both male and female vocals are positioned neutrally in the center of the stage. The lower-mids, particularly for male vocals, have a warmish tint slightly above neutral but stop short of sounding lush. The upper-mids still feel a bit flat, female vocals still lack that extra bit of vocal energy for my preference. Overall, the midrange is still quite similar to the NX8, certainly far from being shouty or sibilant but it sounds a bit clearer, which gives the instruments a better sense of separation.

Treble

This is where the NX8Ti shows the biggest improvement. Previously, I found the NX8's tuning to have a slightly metallic BA timbre, but now it sounds much more natural, detailed, clear, and extends nicely into the upper treble. It seems NiceHCK knew exactly what needed fixing. The mid treble has a nice bite to it without being sharp, making it perfectly comfortable for long listening sessions. While the NX8 had enjoyable treble for a $200 set, the NX8Ti takes it a step further: it is smoother yet still reaches well into the upper frequencies. There are no peaks, sibilance, or piercing notes, just smooth, crisp treble with a natural decay on it.

Technicalities

The NX8Ti boasts a fairly wide soundstage with decent imaging and layering. However, it lacks a bit of definition, meaning the 3D holographic effect can feel slightly off on certain tracks. Instrument separation is very good, but perhaps not quite up to the task for fast, complex genres like metal. Resolution and detail retrieval are solid and appropriate for the price point. The timbre is quite natural, leaning toward neutral, and the driver coherency is so good for a tribrid driver setup.

Conclusion

So, is the NiceHCK NX8Ti Limited Edition worth owning? If you already own the NiceHCK NX8 and you like it, I can assure you that you will like the sound of the NX8Ti Limited Edition even more. However, the question is whether the set price of $400 is appropriate for the performance produced by the NX8Ti Limited Edition? Only you can decide that, as everyone's ear sensitivity and preferences differ. For me, at a price closer to $300 is a worthwhile purchase because its sound signature aligns perfectly with my preferences. If you enjoy music genres like jazz, pop, blues, and R&B, I think you will likely match well with the NX8Ti's sound.

Personally, I really appreciate what NiceHCK has accomplished. They managed to elevate the NX8 to a much higher level with this NX8Ti Limited Edition and transparently detailed all these changes on their website, covering everything from the exterior to the internal components, except for the manufacturer of their custom BAs. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find NiceHCK NX8Ti Limited Edition at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Aliexpress

NiceHCK Official Website

Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of BASN PA60 Dongle DAC. I received this dongle from Perry, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Perry and BASN team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. Briefly, here are its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Musical, warm, and fairly laid-back sound tuning, while still maintaining decent detail retrieval.
• Sufficient power to handle IEMs and some low-impedance headphones.
• A braided C-to-C cable that is quite short, supple, and flexible.
• Perfectly suited for users looking for a dongle DAC with simple, Plug-and-Play (PnP) functionality.
• Solid build quality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
• Black background.

Cons:

• Competitors at this price point offer far more features, such as screens, higher power output, companion app connectivity, and PEQ, at a more affordable price.
• The LED indicator brightness cannot be adjusted, nor can it be turned off completely.
• Switching from UAC 2.0 to 1.0 mode lacks a memory feature, meaning the device will always revert to UAC 2.0 after powering down.
• There are cheaper dongle DACs in lower price brackets that offer higher resolution and better detail.

 

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go  any further,  I will give a brief description of the BASN PA60 dongle DAC. The BASN PA60 is currently the only dongle DAC sold by BASN, and so far, it seems to be sold exclusively through Amazon and their official website. The BASN brand itself focuses more on the professional realm, targeting musicians as their primary market. Amidst the onslaught of manufacturers aggressively marketing feature-packed dongle DACs, is BASN capable of breaking into the market, or at least competing with other dongle DACs? Will its $99 price tag attract buyers? Let’s analyze further.

Here is a quick look at the specifications and accessories you will receive:

Specifications:

• DAC Configuration: ESS ES9039Q2M
• AMP Configuration: Dual OP-AMP Ricore RT6863
• USB Audio Bridge Controller Configuration: CT7601PR
• Output Jacks: 3.5mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced
• Max Output Power: 125mW (SE), 240mW (Bal) @ 32 ohms
• THD+N (Distortion): 0.00056% @ 1kHz
• Noise Floor: <1.6uVrms (SE), <2uVrms (Bal)
• SNR: 122 dB

Included Accessories:

• PA60 portable DAC headphone amplifier
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• USB-C to USB-C silver-plated cable
• User Manual

Unboxing + Physical Build

The retail packaging itself is quite simple; we are just given a box containing the Dongle DAC, a USB C-to-C cable with a USB-A adapter, and a comprehensive user manual. The manual clearly details all the functions of the Dongle DAC, including the behavior of the RGB LED indicators, which I will explain briefly later.

As for the PA60 dongle itself, its shape is quite similar to other rectangular dongles on the market, with the addition of independent volume buttons and an "M" button. This button can be used to change the output impedance level and switch modes between UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0. In terms of shape and materials, I have absolutely no complaints; it utilizes an aluminum alloy metal body that is quite lightweight, and the build quality is solid, with no loose buttons or rattling jack ports. During operation, the aluminum alloy material does a good job of dissipating heat, making the body feel a bit warm, though it remains completely safe to hold.

Moving on to the included accessories, we get an 8-core braided silver-plated USB C-to-C cable that is incredibly supple and flexible. It is quite short at only 13cm, which is perfectly adequate for connecting to a DAP or other portable devices like mobile phones and handheld gaming gadgets. Aside from that, a USB-C to USB-A adapter is included, which is useful for connecting to a PC or Mac.

User Experience

To test the PA60 dongle, I tried using the Kiwi Ears Orchestra II, Ruviest Prelude, and Simgot EP5 headphones. When plugged into these IEMs or headphones, absolutely no background noise was audible on either the low-impedance or high-impedance outputs. I also tried it with my planar headphone, the Hifiman Edition XS, but for some reason, the sound felt incredibly hollow in the midrange. Strangely, the bass and treble attacks also lacked the speed usually expected from planars.

When first plugged into a source device, it is recognized as "BASN PA60." For the Simgot EP5, a volume level of around 10/60 was enough to deliver good dynamic range and adequate volume, at least to my ears. It doesn't take long for the temperature of the aluminum body to rise; it gets warm within about 3 minutes, and by the 5-minute mark, the warmth stabilizes and stops increasing. For someone like me who is used to the heat generated by the HiBy R4 and Topping DX5 II, the PA60’s warmth is honestly quite reasonable.

Throughout my usage so far, I haven't encountered any strange anomalies. Everything works exactly as advertised by BASN, and I haven't found any bugs that caused the device to malfunction. Standard settings like volume, digital filters, and output impedance levels are all saved according to the user's last preference, meaning the memory feature is active. Unfortunately, however, we must manually re-activate the UAC 1.0 mode every single time the device is powered back on. This means if we want to connect it to a PS5 or Nintendo Switch, we have to plug and unplug it again, which ends up being rather inconvenient.

Regarding the LED indicator, the PA60 features numerous LED notifications during operation. The LED light flashes when in UAC 1.0 mode and changes color when adjusting impedance levels, bitrates, and audio formats. During the day, the light from this LED is bright enough, but at night, it becomes a bit blinding. To give you an idea of how bright it is: if you place your thumb over the BASN PA60 at night, the LED light will bleed right through, making your thumb look visibly red. If only the PA60 had a setting to adjust the brightness or turn off the LED entirely, it would be much more appealing and would likely save some power from the source device—even though, in my experience, the PA60 isn't power-hungry at all.

At a price point nearing $100, the features on the PA60 are nothing to write home about when compared to similarly priced competitors. I don't want to explicitly compare it to other dongles in its price range because doing so would make the BASN PA60 look far too inferior. However, in this era of internet transparency where various brands compete fiercely, it isn't hard for us to judge that this dongle's features are far too minimal for the asking price.

Let's start with power output: other competitors at cheaper price points can offer twice the power, meaning they can be paired with a wider variety of audio gear that demands higher impedance. Not to mention features like a companion app and PEQ, both of which are absent on the PA60. As for a display, honestly, I don't mind the absence of one because I rarely look at the screen when using my DAC/Amps anyway. Even so, having one would certainly make it more attractive, though dongle DACs with screens sometimes introduce new issues, such as screen burn-in.

As for the sound quality produced, I find the tonality to be quite neutral with a slight bass boost, accompanied by a midrange that has decent body, making vocals feel relatively thick. The treble is smooth and detailed. Overall, the sound inclines toward a warm, musical presentation with technicalities that are quite ordinary considering the price tag. Instrument separation, soundstaging, and imaging are not particularly sharp or wide for the price, but they are far from bad. At the very least, the sound generated by the PA60 remains clear and detailed, typical of the ES9039Q2M chip, with zero noise or hiss—delivering a truly black background.

If you are looking for a dongle DAC with a neutral-to-warm tonality, the PA60 might just be what you are looking for, and well because this dongle uses an ESS DAC chip, the PA60 also features the 8 digital filter modes native to ESS. I apologize as I couldn't clearly discern the differences between them. However, based on my ears and past experience using the ES9039Q2M DAC filter settings, filter number 3—the linear phase fast roll-off—seems to offer the most extended treble.

Conclusion

As a debut dongle DAC from BASN, I think it is understandable if the product doesn't feel groundbreaking or spectacular. Naturally, we always want a brand's first product to be very good, but unfortunately, I don't think BASN quite achieved that with the BASN PA60, and they still have a lot to learn from competitors in the current dongle DAC market.

In my opinion, the most fatal flaw of this dongle DAC is not its functionality—it functions 100% as advertised by BASN, which is great. Rather, the issue lies in its pricing strategy, which is far from competitive given the features it brings to the table. If it were priced somewhere around $60, it would be a highly compelling option to consider. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find BASN PA60 at the links below(unaffiliated links)

BASN Official Website

Amazon

Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II IEM. I received this IEM from Presley, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Presley and ZiiGaat team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. Briefly, here are its pros and cons:

Pros (+)

• There is a switch that is simple and easy to use, dedicated solely to bass tuning, and the changes it brings are quite noticeable.
• The build quality of the IEM shell is entirely made of fairly lightweight metal. For a gaming IEM, the design is not tacky, yet it still manages to showcase an aesthetic indicative of gaming gear.
• It features a wide soundstage with 3D holographic imaging that can easily pinpoint sound sources.
• It is very suitable as a multifunctional IEM for gaming, watching movies, or simply listening to music.
• The price difference of $30, or about 12%, compared to its predecessor makes it a very worthwhile choice, especially when weighing what you get (the build quality and accessories of the Arete II are more comprehensive).
• Looking at the previous product, the Arete, the price increase for the Arete II is quite reasonable and aligns with the dollar inflation rate over the last two years, which is around 6%.

Cons (-)

• The surface of the IEM is a fingerprint magnet.
• For me personally, the fitment of this IEM is quite comfortable, but if you are accustomed to using deep-fit IEMs, this one will feel somewhat uncomfortable.
• As a gaming IEM, it would feel much more complete and beneficial if the retail package included a cable with a built-in microphone and a Type-C connector.
• There is a slight BA timbre, which is not really an issue for me personally.

 

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. FYI I’m just a casual gamer not a serious one. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go  any further, I will provide a brief description of the ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II. The Arete II is a gaming IEM line from ZiiGaat in collaboration with Gaming YouTuber Fresh Reviews. Its tonality is still quite similar to the original Arete (as far as I can remember), but it boasts better technicalities, build quality, and accessories at a relatively similar price point. The Arete II is priced at around 249 bucks, while its predecessor was around 279 bucks. Considering inflation rate, the price of the Arete II makes a lot of sense. But do the updates brought by the Arete II offer significant changes? Please read on.

Here are roughly the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Driver: Hybrid, BASS - 10mm Liquid Silicone Dynamic Driver, MID - 2 x Balanced Armature Knowles Driver ED 29689, TREBLE - 2 x Balanced Armature SWFK 31736
• Plug Type: Modular 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Sensitivity/Impedance: 104dB@1kHz / 24 Ω
• Frequency Range: 20Hz - 40kHz

As for the included accessories, they are as follows:

• 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 Warranty card
• 1x Wearing diagram/user instruction card

Unboxing & Physical Build

Regarding the packaging box and accessories, it remains similar to previous ZiiGaat products such as the Horizon, Odyssey 2, Luna, and Crescent, sharing the exact same packaging box dimensions and design. The accessories are also identical, featuring the ZiiGaat PELLEPOD hard carrying case made of brown PU leather with a velvet-lined interior. This case can actually be purchased separately for $19.

Moving on to the cable, it is also the same as the previous ZiiGaat products I mentioned earlier. The cable meets the standard for IEMs in 100 bucks and above price range; it features a modular jack, a black cable 4-core braided design that is quite flexible, and is free of microphonics. The eartips are also consistent with previous ZiiGaat products, providing 3 pairs of transparent liquid silicone, 3 pairs of translucent black smoke liquid silicone, and 1 size of foam eartips. It seems ZiiGaat knows exactly how to apply an "one for all, all for one" approach to their product accessories to cut down their production costs.

At lasts, we arrive at the part that truly carries the identity of the ZiiGaat Arete II, which is its IEM shell. In my opinion, the shell of the ZiiGaat Arete II is quite captivating. Its faceplate looks fairly simple with two color choices to pick from—red or blue, featuring the word "ARETE" without the glittering and sparkling ornaments usually found on ZiiGaat's resin faceplates. This clearly signifies that this IEM is indeed different from other IEMs made by ZiiGaat.

The differences between the Arete II and other ZiiGaat IEMs do not stop there. As a gaming IEM whose entire body shell is made of CNC aluminum, it is also equipped with a small on-off switch lever used to increase the bass level. This makes it more functional for various usage scenarios without the confusion of managing multiple switches like on KZ or CCA IEMs. Unfortunately, the switch still uses a "1-ON" label, which might be confusing for casual users. The "1" doesn't actually mean OFF; rather, it indicates the tuning level. While other IEMs like KZ or CCA might have 3-4 switches meaning the bass can be adjusted up to 3 levels, the Arete II only has 1 switch, so the low-frequency boost adjustment only has 1 level. The good thing about this kind of switch tuning model is that we can toggle it on the fly without having to take off the IEMs, as the switch lever is very easy to reach.

In terms of fitment, I don't have any significant issues. It is quite comfortable to wear for hours, though it does feel like the Arete II requires some adaptation time for its fit. Personally, because I am already familiar with the Odyssey 2, which has a very similar shell to the Arete II, I didn't find it bothersome. However, for those of you used to deep-fit IEMs, this might be quite annoying and take some time to get used to. Regarding other aspects, it is perfectly safe; there is no driver flex or pressure build-up.

The Arete II features a 1DD+4BA configuration. The BAs themselves are from a highly credible manufacturer, Knowles, handling the midrange and treble, while the bass is handled by a dynamic driver using a liquid silicone suspension diaphragm. To be honest, I am not a big fan of the bass feel on the Odyssey 2, which is made of bio-cellulose, because at low volumes it sounds slightly pillowy. I think it feels very appropriate that the Arete II uses liquid silicone diaphragm for its bass, as I personally quite like the bass texture of the Arete II and the Punch Audio Portazo, which seem to use the same diaphragm material.

Here are my sound impressions for its sound signature, which I consider to be U-shaped. For this review, I used a Topping DX5 II with the standard largest-sized black smoke eartips, streaming Tidal at a volume of 28-30 on low gain.

Bass

The sub-bass on the Arete II feels slightly more dominant than its mid-bass. Even when the switch is off, the rumble of the sub-bass can still be felt, and for me personally, it is deep enough. The mid-bass is quite punchy, controlled, and has a neat and agile texture. When the switch is turned on, the sub-bass becomes more visceral, sounding increasingly like a mini subwoofer. The mid-bass feels denser and weightier, though unfortunately, this comes at the cost of transient speed, which decreases slightly and becomes less agile; even so, it still feels quite natural. Personally, I use the Arete II more often with the switch off when listening to music or playing games because, for me, the bass amount is more than enough, and I also prefer the mid/vocal sound where the separation feels more apparent. I only turn the switch on when watching movies or listening to genres that really require fun bass, like R&B and hip-hop. Regarding the bass quantity when switched on, I think it's almost touching basshead levels, which means this IEM might be perfect for those with basshead ears.

Midrange

When the switch is off, both male and female vocals feel quite clean, with a good balance leaning towards an intimate positioning. Instrument sounds such as the piano and acoustic guitar also carry the right weight and sound quite clear. The lower-mid, especially for male vocals, feels sufficiently weighted—neither too thin nor too thick. In the upper-mid, specifically for female vocals, it sounds quite smooth and clear, and still delivering good emotion; however, for some reason, in certain tracks with many instruments, the female vocal doesn't feel entirely effortless, and when switched on, the separation gap between the bass and midrange feels closer, making the soundstaging feel slightly compressed with male vocals gain a slightly thicker weight, and instruments like the guitar and piano also feel a bit warmer. Sibilance and shoutiness are absent whether the switch is on or off. If you need a slightly more musical sound, I think switching it on can help a bit more musical sounding; conversely, if you need a clear midrange that leans slightly dry, it's better to keep the switch off.

Treble

I quite like the typical treble presentation on the Arete II. Its lower treble is crisp and smooth, while its upper treble is quite extended, sparkling, and airy. It is just a pity that this Knowles BA timbre sounds slightly metallic, so for perfectionists, it might sound a bit incoherent. Furthermore, for those sensitive to treble, you might feel slightly bothered by the upper treble, which is quite energetic when listening to the shimmering sound of cymbals. Based on my analysis CMIIW, it is possible that ZiiGaat intentionally made the treble on the Arete II more extended to sharpen the imaging by enhancing its micro-details. If you frequently listen to songs with many instruments filled with upper treble, like violins and percussions, listening to the Arete II maybe will make you fatigue quickly.

Technicalities

The Arete II has a fairly wide soundstage with very well-defined depth, as well nice imaging and layering, so when the 1^(st) time you put them on you will feel wow for their holographic imaging. The separation between instruments feels well-spaced, showcasing good micro and macro details. Multi-driver coherence is also quite good, featuring a fairly fast transient response. There might be some IEMs out there with a wider soundstage than the Arete II, but in terms of depth and layering, the Arete II is exceptionally well-defined, making pinpoint accuracy for horizontal and vertical positioning feel highly accurate.

The resolution boasts quite fine detail without having to sound analytical; the sound presented by the Arete II gives a fairly musical impression with details that I find quite effortless. Being an IEM that can be tuned with a bass switch allows it to alternate smoothly between being quite musical and little bit technical. As for the timbre itself, it feels quite natural, except if you are sensitive to its upper treble, you will notice a slightly metallic BA timbre.

Conclusion

So, is the ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II worthy of owning? If you are a handheld gamer, the value offered by the Arete II is highly worthwhile because, apart from being highly capable for gaming, the Arete II also excels in watching movies, not to mention it can be perfectly used for listening to music. Then, if you are not a gamer, does that make it less worth buying? Not really. If you enjoy its tonality, which is quite balanced when switched off and slightly warm when switched on, you will feel like you own two IEMs in one package, where even though the changes are quite noticeable, the difference isn't as drastic as black and white.

As for its drawbacks, in my opinion, there aren't many. However, for an IEM that highlights its gaming aspect, it is a real shame that ZiiGaat did not equip its retail package with an inline microphone and a USB Type-C connector cable. If only these were included in the package, I think the Arete II would be absolutely perfect as a gaming IEM. Hopefully, this can be realized later in the Arete 3. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II at the links below(unaffiliated links)

ZiiGaat Official Website

Linsoul

Aliexpress

Amazon

Hi everyone, I’m back with a review of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II IEM. I received this IEM from Nicole, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Nicole and Kiwi Ears Team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. To summarize, here are the pros and cons:

Pros (+)

• Build quality and ergonomics are better than the previous version.
• The bass quantity is indeed not larger than the previous version, but that is actually a good thing. The vocals in the first version were prone to sounding a bit muddy, especially if your source was warm; in this second version, the vocals sound much clearer.
• Much better and more defined bass texture.
• The sound tuning is more balanced and mature, with less coloration compared to the previous version.
• A jack-of-all-trades IEM, and a master of timbre.
• Suitable for those who are sensitive to treble and listen to music for long periods.

Cons (-)

• Not for those who like bright-sounding IEMs.
• If you prefer full-bodied and warm vocals, the first Cadenza version is better suited for you.
• If calculated based on inflation data, the price has increased by about 25% from its predecessor. However, there are no improvements in terms of accessories; in fact, the eartips have been reduced by one set compared to the three sets provided with the Cadenza OG.

 

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II. The Cadenza II is the next-generation IEM in the Kiwi Ears Cadenza lineup, featuring a sound tuning similar to its predecessor, but all of its materials and designs are completely new and do not reflect the old one at all.

Unfortunately, in this new version, even though it is objectively better in terms of physical build and sound, the price has also crept up. The old one was priced at around $35, while the new one is around $50. If calculated using inflation data, this is a 25% increase. Is this 25% price increase justified by what is offered? Let's delve further into it.

Here are roughly the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Driver: 10mm Titanium Dynamic Driver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm jack
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Sensitivity/Impedance: 106dB@1kHz / 18 Ω
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 29kHz

As for the included accessories, they are as follows:

• 1 x Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II Earphones
• 1 x Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin 3.5mm Cable
• 2 sets of eartips (in 3 sizes)
• 1 x Instruction Manual

 

Unboxing & Physical Build

For an IEM released as the newest generation of the Cadenza, I feel the accessories provided by Kiwi Ears are less competitive compared to its rivals in the 50 bucks price range, where competitors are already equipped with carrying cases. At the very least, I think adding an inexpensive pouch would probably be enough to satisfy potential buyers. Furthermore, some similarly priced competitors now also offer packages sold with balanced and Type-C cables. I hope that in the future, Kiwi Ears can offer more variety in determining their sales packages.

Moving on to the included accessories, we are only given 2 sets of eartips, which means a downgrade from the Cadenza OG that provided 3 sets. However, the eartips provided this time have different bore sizes, there are narrow and wide bores—unlike the Cadenza OG where the bore sizes were all the same but the softness of the materials differed. Which one is better? For me, because the difference in eartip bores is more significant, I prefer the Cadenza II. It's just a shame, if they had provided regular bore eartips as well, it would have been perfect. As for the cable, it is now much thicker, less prone to tangling, and certainly free from microphonics.

Moving on to the IEM itself, this new shell is only available in two colors: gray and blue. I personally got the blue one. The faceplate itself is made of aluminum, and the backplate is made of polycarbonate. In terms of shape, this new version is larger and more ergonomic. However, if you have small ears, the old one might be more ergonomic for you, and If you prefer IEMs with smaller dimensions and more compact cables, I think the older Cadenza version better suits your needs. Oh, and the driver used is also different now; while it previously used a beryllium coating, the diaphragm now uses a titanium coating.

Here are my sound impressions. In my opinion, the sound signature is a mild U-shape. For this review, I used the largest size of the stock narrow-bore eartips. For my source, I used a Topping DX5 II streaming Tidal with a single-ended output at a volume of 40/100 on low gain.

Bass

Kiwi Ears includes KARS 2.0 (Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System) technology, which is an advancement of the technology used in the Singolo IEM. Theoretically, this is useful for improving bass texture, depth, and accuracy, and it seems this technology is not just a mere gimmick. In terms of quantity, the Cadenza II's bass is indeed smaller compared to the Cadenza OG, but in terms of quality, the bass on the Cadenza II stands out more than the OG version, particularly in the sub-bass.

The sub-bass is quite deep, and its rumble feels visceral with reasonably controlled decay. As for the mid-bass, it feels quite tight and punchy, with an average impact for its price point. The transient speed is quite accurate and natural. Overall, the bass focuses more on the sub-bass region, featuring good definition and texture. This is also what makes the bass feel clean overall, though if you are a basshead, you might find the bass a bit dry.

Midrange

The vocal presentation feels much clearer compared to the Cadenza OG. Both male and female vocals sound quite intimate and balanced, with a very natural timbre. While the vocals in the OG version felt lush, the vocals in the Cadenza II feel more transparent with minimal coloration, while still maintaining a sufficiently substantial note weight. Piano and guitar sounds also come across as natural and quite smooth.

At the 50 bucks price point, I think the Cadenza II is one of the IEMs that possesses quite balanced mids. Both the lower mids and upper mids have a neutral sound note weight with a perfect blend—not too thin, not too thick. There is no hollowness, no sibilance, no shoutiness, and no nasal quality. There is nothing strange going on in the mids. Overall, I think the most satisfying aspect of the Cadenza II lies in its midrange presentation. All musical instruments and vocals will sound very well-placed on the Cadenza II.

Treble

The typical treble presentation on the Cadenza II still sounds smooth and safe, much like the Cadenza OG. The difference, however, is that while the Cadenza OG's treble played more in the mid-treble region, the Cadenza II extends the upper treble slightly more. This gives it a slightly more airy and open sensation. Otherwise, there is still a sense of treble roll-off, which makes the Cadenza II unsuitable for trebleheads, but highly suitable for those sensitive to treble and those who enjoy long listening sessions. Even though the treble on the Cadenza II feels smooth, fortunately, it doesn't sound dark at all. It can still provide sufficient detail, even if only on a macro level.

Technicalities

The soundstage feels wider than its predecessor, with fairly good imaging. Instrument separation and resolution are also better compared to the OG version. Handling fast and complex music like hard rock and metal will feel slightly compressed, but it doesn't sound as congested as the OG version. As for timbre, I think it is one of the most organic in its class. Overall, I feel the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is tuned more towards casual listening that doesn't strictly demand top-tier technicalities.

I have tested it on various sources, and the Cadenza II's sound is quite consistent; meaning, whether plugged into a bright, neutral, or warm source, the sound remains enjoyable. Unlike its older brother, the Cadenza OG, whose vocals tended to get slightly muddy when paired with a warm source, this Cadenza II version boasts a wider tolerance for different sources.

Conclusion

So, is the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II a worthy replacement for the original Cadenza? If you listen to a mixed bag of music genres, I think the Cadenza II is a highly versatile, all-rounder IEM. Whatever the genres, I feel the Cadenza II can reproduce the sound clearly and neatly, thanks to its excellent tonal balance that bridges musicality and technicality, combined with a very natural timbre.

Looking at the IEM itself, I consider the Cadenza II a successful upgrade over the original Cadenza. However, as a side note, if we judge the overall product value, the accessories in the Cadenza II retail package are somewhat lagging behind its competitors, who can offer pouches or even hard carrying cases, as well as options for balanced or Type-C cables. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

 Want to check the current price or know more? you can find Kiwi Ears Cadenza II at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Kiwi Ears Official Website

Linsoul

Aliexpress

Amazon

 

Hi everyone, I’m back with a brief review of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza IEM. I received this IEM from Nicole, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Nicole, and Kiwi Ears Team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. To summarize, here are the pros and cons:

(+)

• U-shaped sound tuning with vocals leaning slightly towards a lush and musical direction that good for long listening sessions.
• Quite an ergonomic, small and fairly lightweight design.
• Fairly good imaging.

(-)

• Not for those of you who like bright IEMs.
• A rather intimate soundstage with strictly average imaging.
• The Cadenza II provides upgrades in almost every aspect, except for the bass quantity.

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I go any further, I will provide a brief description of the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. The Cadenza is an older IEM release that has been on the market since the end of 2022. It seems that stocks are currently running low because it has been replaced by the Cadenza II, which has a more balanced sound and better technicalities. Not to mention, prior to that, there was also the Pula Unicrom, which costs almost twice as much but has a very similar tonality. Here are the specifications and accessories you will get:

• Driver: 10mm Beryllium diaphragm driver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm jack
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Sensitivity/Impedance: 110dB@1kHz / 32 Ω
• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

The included accessories are as follows:

• 1 x Pair of Kiwi Ears Cadenza Earphones
• 1 x Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin 3.5mm Cable
• 3 sets of eartips in 3 sizes
• 1 x Instruction Manual

Unboxing + Build Quality

For an IEM released in late 2022, I think the accessories provided by Kiwi Ears are quite appropriate for the asking price. We are given a variety of eartips, though unfortunately, their nozzle sizes are quite similar; I feel the only things differentiating them are their elasticity and color. Moving on to the shell, the Cadenza is sold in four distinct color options: red, blue, green, and purple. I personally got the purple one, which comes with a fairly pliable and thin but quite sturdy cable terminating in a 3.5mm L-shaped jack. The IEM shell itself is made of resin, has a fairly small footprint, and is quite comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Here are my sound impressions. I perceive the sound signature as U-shaped. For this review, I used the stock red eartips in the largest size, which appear to be made of a hybrid material where the nozzle part is quite stiff while the flange is quite soft. For my source, I used the Topping DX5 II streaming Tidal via the single-ended output at a volume of 40/100 on low gain.

Bass

The bass quantity on the Cadenza is, in my opinion, more than enough, though its level is not quite basshead territory. The rumble and slam feel pretty good, but the definition and texture are admittedly just average, performing in line with its price point. The sub-bass feels adequately deep with a good rumble. The mid-bass feels punchy with sufficient impact. Its transient response is considered fairly fast, but it's certainly not a highly agile bass, especially considering its price is only around 35 bucks.

Midrange

Vocal presentation is quite clear for the price, especially female vocals, which sound more intimate and emotionally engaging. Male vocals and the lower midrange feel lush and take a slight step back. Instrument dynamics lean towards relaxed; however, the upper midrange still carries enough energy without coming off as shouty or nasal. It’s just that when fed with fast-paced and complex tracks, the vocals start to feel slightly muddy.

Treble

The typical treble presentation on the Cadenza can be described as smooth and safe. If you are a treblehead like me, you will likely find it lacking in sparkle and airiness; cymbal strikes feel less detailed and unnatural. However, this lack of air doesn't necessarily make the overall treble sound dark; it still feels reasonably crisp. It's just that bringing out its treble potential requires a slightly higher volume level than my usual as a low-volume listener.

Technicalities

The soundstage still feels quite intimate with imaging that is just okay. Instrument separation and resolution are also just average. It still struggles a bit when handling fast and complex music genres like hard rock and metal. As for the timbre, it is very organic with a musical touch for its class. Overall, I feel the Kiwi Ears Cadenza is tuned not to rely on technicalities, but rather on its musicality, allowing it to be enjoyed for extended listening sessions.

Conclusion

So, is the Kiwi Ears Cadenza still worth owning? I think in 2026, with the arrival of the Cadenza II which boasts a more balanced tuning, tighter bass, and clearer vocals without the slight muddiness of the original Cadenza, it seems very easy to leave the old Cadenza behind. If you are a user of the original Cadenza, please audition the Cadenza II yourself and feel the difference, which I think is quite noticeable. I will try to review the Cadenza II tomorrow. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

Want to check the current price or know more? you can find Kiwi Ears Cadenza at the links below(unaffiliated links)

Linsoul

Kiwi Ears Official Website

Amazon

Aliexpress