Ziigaat Arcanis VS Punch Audio Martilo
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Ziigaat Arcanis and Punch Audio Martilo use 2DD+5BA and 2DD+2BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. Ziigaat Arcanis costs $399 while Punch Audio Martilo costs $329. Ziigaat Arcanis is $70 more expensive. Punch Audio Martilo holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.4 vs 8.6). Ziigaat Arcanis carries a user score of 8.5. Ziigaat Arcanis has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Ziigaat Arcanis | Punch Audio Martilo |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 7 |
| Treble | 7 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 9 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 7.6 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis, priced at $400 as the brand's most expensive standalone IEM, presents a mixed bag outside of its core sound. Build quality is decent but unremarkable, featuring comfortable shells with a well-fitting nozzle, though the aesthetic is described as slightly "weird." The included cable feels distinctly mid-tier and underwhelming for the price, while the case shows noticeable fraying almost immediately, contributing to an absolutely horrific unboxing experience deemed unacceptable at this cost.
Sonically, the Arcanis is a deeply divisive set with an extremely dark tilt and a significant dip around 6kHz. Initial impressions can be harsh or disappointing, but extended listening reveals its strengths: pure, clean sound free of sibilance or harshness, quality bass, clean highs, and beautiful vocals. This unique tuning philosophy creates a smooth, sophisticated, and non-fatiguing presentation. While the $230 Odyssey is praised as a fantastic value and the second-best in Ziigaat's lineup, the Arcanis is considered sonically superior, offering a more refined experience – albeit only marginally better for some. It competes favorably against sets like the Mega5EST and Dunu DaVinci, and surprisingly challenges far pricier offerings like the $1,800 Apostle in tonal beauty, though the Apostle has more "show." The $320 Volume S is a close competitor with a different, brighter tonality, making the Arcanis's value proposition relative.
Ultimately, the Arcanis shines as a beautifully dark, serious, and smooth IEM that excels at high volumes without becoming offensive. It delivers great detail without fatigue, standing out in a market saturated with energetic tunings. Despite the subpar accessories and unboxing befitting a much cheaper product, its unique and effective sound signature makes it a highly recommended pick under $400 for those seeking a refined, non-sibilant listen, though the Odyssey remains the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers.
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Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by
8.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Punch Audio Martilo steps in as a new-brand debut with a confident package: a hybrid array (planar + BAs + DDs), a metal nozzle, proper venting, and a recessed 2-pin socket set into a shell that sits securely thanks to an anti-tragus catch. The faceplate gives off AFUL Performer 7 vibes, the included cable is supple with clear R/L markings, and the textured carry case plus two tip sets round out a thoughtful accessory kit. Priced around $329—with occasional deep discounts during big Linsoul sales—build and accessories feel dialed in for the bracket.
Sonically, this is a bassy set that still behaves like an all-rounder. The bass shelf rises from roughly ~150 Hz, bringing weight and warmth without turning podcasts and vocals into mud; upper-mids are present yet controlled, minimizing shout, while mid-treble energy keeps things crisp. Female vocals avoid huskiness, note weight is satisfying, and the tuning strikes a balanced, fun profile that works across genres. On the graph it hugs a safe line, then sprinkles in extra low-end for flavor—bass-head friendly, but not a blunt instrument.
In A/Bs, it addresses the AFUL Explorer’s softness with more bass and mid presence, and compared to similarly priced Kiwi Ears Astral (the safer neutral pick), Martilo offers the spicier, more engaging option. Against “specialist” bass sets like Deuce or Quantum, Martilo feels cleaner in the mids, less abrupt in its slam, and more universally usable; versus warmer bass champs (e.g., Mega 5 Bass), it trades some warmth for clarity and refinement. This isn’t sterile “audiophile-neutral”—it’s audiophile-fun done with taste. Scoring reads like: bass (10/10), note weight (10/10), mids (9/10), with surprisingly solid highs, stage, and imaging for the money. Not flawless, but distinctive, well-tuned, and easy to recommend—especially for listeners who want real bass without sacrificing everyday versatility.
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Ziigaat Arcanis Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $399
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Punch Audio Martilo Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $329
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Ziigaat Arcanis Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.
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.
Punch Audio Martilo Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
Ziigaat Arcanis User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA refined smooth-neutral IEM offering exceptional vocal transparency and fatigue-free listening, though let down by underwhelming accessories
Pros
Natural midrange with excellent vocal clarity, smooth non-fatiguing treble extension, and tight technical bass with good textureCons
Subpar accessories including basic cable and minimal ear tips, noticeable driver flex when adjusting fit, lacks balanced cable optionPunch Audio Martilo User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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