Kiwi Ears Astral and Ziigaat Odyssey 2 use 1DD+6BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears Astral costs $299 while Ziigaat Odyssey 2 costs $249. Kiwi Ears Astral is $50 more expensive. Kiwi Ears Astral holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 8). User ratings place Kiwi Ears Astral at 8.3 and Ziigaat Odyssey 2 at 8.2. Kiwi Ears Astral has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge and Kiwi Ears Astral has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Kiwi Ears Astral | Ziigaat Odyssey 2 |
---|---|---|
Mids | 8 | 8 |
Treble | 7 | 6 |
Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
Tonality | 7.5 | 7 |
Technicalities | 7 | 6 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears Astral reviewed by
Youtube Video Summary
The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.
Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.
The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Kiwi Ears Astral on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $299
Buy Kiwi Ears Astral on Linsoul
Ziigaat Odyssey 2 reviewed by
2025-10-06Youtube Video Summary
Ziigaat x Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 comes as a 1DD + 3BA hybrid in a fully metal shell with a matching metal nozzle, venting, and a comfortable, familiar Ziigaat fit. The package is generous: a handsome new case (seen on Luna/Crescent), 4.4 balanced with a swappable 3.5 adapter, multiple tips, and spare filters. The flat 2-pin cable looks good in black/green but is a bit memory-prone/tangle-happy; functional, yet a likely swap for cable sticklers.
Sonically, Odyssey 2 skews punchy in the bass with clean, thick mids and well-controlled upper-mids; the treble is smooth and gently rolled with limited airy “sparkle,” giving a more studio-like presentation. Versus the original Odyssey, this tuning is less U-shaped, with dialed-back excitement and upper treble—safer, calmer, and easier long-term. It’s a well-built, well-accessorized set at a reasonable price that many will find effortless to enjoy, even if thrill-seekers may want more bite up top.
In context, it parallels Lush on upper-mids (no urgent need to switch unless craving a touch more sub-bass or a different treble flavor), feels safer than Performer 7 (which has spicier 8k), and sits under the more vivid Odyssey (OG) and the slightly brighter, airier Crescent. It doesn’t reach the extra sub-bass/air of the Dusk DSP but improves on the original Dusk’s flatter treble character; meanwhile, Ziigaat’s Horizon trends richer and crisper up top. Overall verdict: a solid 8.0/10—mids are the star, bass is engaging if not rowdy, and upper-treble restraint keeps fatigue low. Not the most electric choice at ~$225, but a clean, safe, studio-leaning option with broad appeal.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Ziigaat Odyssey 2 on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $249
Buy Ziigaat Odyssey 2 on Linsoul
Kiwi Ears Astral Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $299
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Ziigaat Odyssey 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $249
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Kiwi Ears Astral Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Ziigaat Odyssey 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.
Average Technical Grade
B- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Kiwi Ears Astral User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewImaging and separation performance on this IEM gives a holographic nature to tracks of all genres. Extremely versatile. Technical performance competes with many higher-priced sets.
Pros
Extremely clean separation and technical performance. Treble is very clean at price point. Mids are clear and transparent, and are simply good with little to no coloration. Forward vocal region, but does so in a way that should be great for all.Cons
Midbass could be raised slightly, and sub bass can be too forward at times. Treble clarity only slightly behind much more expensive sets. Raised 7-9khz region, but not peaky.A technically adept IEM with a balanced, engaging U-shaped signature that excels in bass texture, vocal clarity, and spatial presentation—offering exceptional value despite sparse accessories.
Pros
Powerful, textured sub-bass with deep rumble; natural vocals with excellent clarity; airy, non-fatiguing treble with strong extension; and outstanding imaging/soundstage for the price.Cons
Limited eartip selection affects fit optimization; bulky shells may cause discomfort during extended use; mids occasionally lack warmth and can feel slightly recessed.Ziigaat Odyssey 2 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewRefined and cohesive hybrid that trades showy treble for balance and control; strong value around its price but not a class-leading detail monster.
Pros
Engaging neutral-with-sub-bass tuning with tight, textured lows and clear mids. Solid build and generous accessories including 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs, tips, and filters.Cons
Soundstage size is only average for the price, and upper mids can come across slightly forward on brighter tracks.Find your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS