Kiwi Ears Septet VS Ziigaat Odyssey 2

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The Kiwi Ears Septet is a multi-driver oddball in the best way: a single DD + 4BA + planar + PZT hybrid with an open-back shell at $259. Build is solid with a metal body, flat 2-pin sockets and a handsome modular cable; fit is stable and isolation would be strong if it weren’t vented. It’s clearly aimed at listeners who want something different in both design and presentation.

Sonically it’s a down-tilted, slightly L-shaped tuning: deep, thumpy bass, subdued upper-mids, and a sparkly 4–6 kHz region that adds air and detail. The open structure creates a speaker-like stage—wide, clean imaging with a sense of room—but it can show a hint of hiss and benefits from more power (dongle/DAP recommended) to wake up dynamics. It’s a unique, spacious listen that some will love and others won’t; while the treble and imaging impress and it earns a recommendation (even a spot in a price-tier top 10), those wanting stronger presence in vocals may prefer Kiwi Ears’ more conventional tunings or adjacent sets like Astral or Performer series.

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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.