Odyssey of Crinacle

Ratings

Pros

• Very good bass performance, although not perfect.
• Wide, full midrange, prominent and with very good definition, clarity, transparency, and liveliness.
• Crisp high frequencies.
• Technical quality that is analytical and very informative.
• All the best features of the classic ZiiGaat capsule, this time in aluminum alloy.
• Standard accessories, but of good quality, especially the leather case and the crystal-type silicone tips in two different models.
• Slightly cheaper than its brand siblings.

Cons

• The treble fades quickly.
• The fine background detail gets lost in a superficially analytical sound.
• The liveliness of the sound itself limits the level of separation and size of the soundstage.
• Although the cable is not bad, it is not the best compared to the competition.

Purchase Link

https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-x-hangout-audio-odyssey-2

Link to the Store

https://www.linsoul.com/

Introduction

Once again, the ZiiGaat brand is committed to hybrid IEMS. This time, it’s the second version of the Odyssey model. The Odyssey 2 has been designed in collaboration with Hangout Audio. This hybrid configuration combines the power of a state-of-the-art dynamic driver with three balanced armature drivers, providing immersive sound with deep bass, clear mids, and bright highs.
The dynamic driver uses a second-generation 10 mm biocellulose diaphragm that acts as a subwoofer. For the mids, two Knowles RAF 32873 drivers have been used to achieve clean and highly detailed reproduction.
A dedicated Knowles RAD 33518 tweeter ensures crisp, clear highs. Its clear articulation and smooth roll-off allow for precise detail retrieval, delivering a realistic, fatigue-free listening experience.
With a new benchmark, the Odyssey 2 achieves superior tonal integrity. The bass is powerful yet controlled, the mids remain neutral and natural, and the highs extend smoothly with improved clarity. This balance makes it the ideal choice for music lovers, performing artists, and professionals seeking precision.
Each Odyssey 2 capsule is meticulously crafted from a lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy. The hand-poured resin front plates are unique to each unit, ensuring a handcrafted and personalized aesthetic. Each pair is carefully matched and undergoes quality control testing by expert craftsmen.
The Odyssey 2 comes with a custom four-core oxygen-free copper and silver Litz cable. Its 0.78 mm two-pin connector allows for easy replacement or upgrading, ensuring durability, stable signal transmission, and flexible customization.
This is all the information provided by the brand; now I will give you my opinion in this review.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 10mm second-generation bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver, 2 Knowles 32873 balanced armature drivers, 1 Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–25kHz.
• Sensitivity: 105dB.
• Impedance: 20Ω.
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.19%.
• Jack Connector: interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Starting Price: $249.

Packaging

The ZiiGaat Odyssey 2 continues to use the brand’s classic packaging, which features a realistic photo of the earbuds against a light to dark brown gradient background. The brand logo is at the top, next to the Hangout Audio logo. The model name appears behind the photo of the earbuds. The model name is repeated at the bottom in larger letters, along with the driver configuration. In the lower left corner is a logo indicating that these are DD+BA hybrid IEMS. The box measures 169x141x65mm. The same information as on the bottom of the front is repeated on the back, this time at the top, along with the Hangout Audio logo. In the center is the brand logo, which is designed and manufactured in China. To its right is a blank space explaining Crinacle’s collaboration with Hangout Audio.
The rest is information about the brand and importers. All the text is white.
There is also information on the sides of the box, and the specifications are on one of them.
When the outer cardboard is removed, a black box appears with the brand logo in silver in the center. The box opens like a book and the lid is protected by a black foam base. The capsules are in a foam mold lined with black cardboard on top. Underneath is another black cardboard box containing the remaining accessories. The complete contents are as follows:

• Two ZiiGaat Odyssey 2 earbuds.
• A set of clear silicone tips in sizes S, M, and L.
• A set of gray silicone tips in sizes S, M, and L.
• A pair of foam tips.
• A sheet with four filters to protect the nozzles.
• One cable with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL plugs with a 2-pin 0.78mm interface.
• One large light brown leather case with zipper.
• One warranty card.
• One instruction manual.

More of the same as with the Crescent model, only the cable has changed: instead of being completely black, two of the four strands are green. Everything else is the same: same zippered case, modular connectors, two sets of crystal silicone tips, two foam tips, and nozzle protectors. ZiiGaat accessories in series mode.

Construction and Design

There are no changes to the design, except for the pattern on the outer shell, as the capsules and their shape are the same as those of the Crescent. The big difference is that each capsule is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. They have a medium-sized semi-custom shape. The outer shell is shaped like the African continent and features a two-color glitter pattern: turquoise green on the top and silver on the bottom. The brand logo in silver is located in the center. The rest of the capsule is black, with a relatively thick edge and a hole covered with a metal mesh. The connection interface is fully integrated into the surface of the body. The inner surface is ergonomic and has two small protrusions on the edge. The model name is inscribed in gold letters in the center, along with “L250111” for the left capsule and “R250111” for the right capsule. The nozzles are metal, 4.3 mm long, with a base diameter of 5.5 mm and a crown diameter of 6.2 mm. They are protected by a metal grille.
The cable is the same as the one used in the Crescent model, except that two of its strands are green. It consists of four intertwined strands, two green and two black, covered with PVC. The plugs can be removed using a snap-fit mechanism. The cable terminal is female and consists of a metal cylinder with three rings and two thick grooves. Near the edge there is a white ink triangle that serves as a reference for adjusting the other part. The base is made of black plastic and has four small gold-plated holes. The connector piece is a cylinder of the same dark, metallic color with four flat parts around it for easy grip. One of these has the brand logo, also in white ink. Next to the edge is another white ink triangle that must be aligned with the other end. Interestingly, the triangles do not line up perfectly when the two halves are joined. Once the halves are joined, the triangle on the piece containing the cable is hidden under the plug cover. Both plugs are gold-plated and have a custom-made translucent, off-white plastic cover. The divider piece repeats the construction pattern of the plug cover, but with a length that reaches approximately halfway. The covers of the 2-pin interface connectors have the same construction. The 0.78 mm connectors are gold-plated and mounted on two black plastic bases with a blue or red dot on the short side to indicate the channel and polarity. Both cables have transparent guides on the ear.
The pin is a metal disc with two holes through which the cables for each channel are inserted. It works perfectly and is very effective at maintaining the fit, as the disc is difficult to move and remains relatively fixed.
There is nothing new under the sun at ZiiGaat in terms of design. However, it seems that Crinacle wanted to make these capsules more resistant and, to do so, recommended the use of aluminum alloy in their manufacture.
The cable is similar in its external construction and has the modular tips we are already familiar with; however, the Odyssey 2 comes with a custom four-core oxygen-free copper and silver Litz cable. Perhaps that is the reason for the color change in two of its four strands.
Same price range, minimal changes, but the difference in the cable and aluminum capsules is appreciated.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

Although the capsules are made of aluminum alloy, their design and size are practically the same as those of previous models. They are slightly heavier, but this is hardly noticeable once they are in your ears. That is why I am repeating the content of this section. The size of the earpieces is not the largest, even though they are relatively thick. The nozzles are short, but they are well oriented, as is usual in this type of IEMS. The insertion is shallow and allows me to use large, foam-filled silicone tips that I made myself. This gives me a complete, very occlusive fit with minimal movement and great isolation. Both the shape and the design of the inner surface fit my morphology very well, and I don’t feel any discomfort even after hours of use. The softness of the protrusions on the edges of the inner surface barely touches my ears, and the comfort remains unchanged with prolonged use. It is a basic design, but with details that allow for excellent ergonomics.
The Odyssey 2 model comes with the same silicone tips as the Crescent model: two sets of adhesive crystal-type silicone tips. I tried filling the larger tips with foam again, as I usually do, and thanks to this new, more adhesive material, I achieved a longer-lasting, more durable fit, as the tips adhere to the skin as if they were glued on. This increases the level of comfort and isolation.

Sound

Profile

As expected from Crinacle and Hangout.Audio, the ZiiGaat Odyssey 2 has been tuned according to the META tuning. They start with a slightly higher sub-bass than this reference, with a little more body in the early mids (which I like), and are less weak in the upper mids and mid-highs. They are very similar to the Kiwi Ears KE4; they are in line with the ZiiGaat Crescent that I reviewed previously. The Odyssey 2 are brighter at the start, but have less energy and extension in the rest of the treble range. Something similar happens with the NiceHCK Rockies, which have more treble extension and also more energy. They have slightly more upper midrange and, in general, less bass.
In summary, this is a tuning with a high sub-bass, around 8-9 dB, with an almost balanced horn gain at this point, but with a clearly declining, soft treble, and even with an obvious control zone.

Bass

ZiiGaat has accustomed us to high-quality bass, with subtle differences between each model. In this case, we return to a big, technical, fast, subtly textured, dark, and deep bass. The foundations are tight, the punch is concise, and the decay is low. It has just the right elasticity and rubberiness to generate that volume and body.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, it is clear that this is a canonical bass. The first note is deep, physical, and sensory, and barely audible, with a low vibratory/undulatory character. The color is dark, and its development and execution are quite natural. As the hertz increase, the physical component remains high, closely related to the audible part. Another characteristic is the sensation of pressure exerted by the pure low-frequency notes: their evident and present physicality generates a clear thrust that enhances the sensation of body and volume. On the other hand, the audible part remains very dark and colorless. The test is carried out within these outstanding parameters, as the performance and reproduction are excellent.
Although the bass drums are fast, they are not neutral, and the force accompanying the beats is not easy to dissipate. It is clear that the volume and a certain elasticity are absolutely justified, but for the use and enjoyment of bass lovers. I don’t miss more power, as the physical part hits with obvious force and both the depth and dark color of the bass are part of a low range that I rate as outstanding.
The bass is expressive, vivid, fun, and sensory, without forgetting its technical quality.
In the dirty, complex, and unfiltered bass test, control predominates, although I notice a little more color and rumble, and not as much depth as I expected. The slight roughness and texture of the bass also stand out, giving it its own distinctive character. Despite this, the bass is quite technical and never suffers in the slightest. Even at very high volumes, control is absolute. Among its abilities, its ease in following bass lines and discerning between the different layers it manages to stratify with ease stands out.
Overall, it’s very good, but not perfect.

Mids

The small differences can be appreciated in the first half of the midrange, where male voices regain some presence, with a more pronounced and prominent physical and corporeal base. This makes their sound more complete, rich, and extensive. The lower range continues to be very well cut, thanks to the clear and rapid descent from the sub-bass to the crossover with the midrange. Then, the central range is fairly flat, although with a slight downward trend to the inflection point at 1000 Hz. From there, a more pronounced rise begins to the upper midrange. However, the early treble begins to decline. This indicates that there is some warmth and physical foundation in the early midrange, as well as a noticeable horn gain, but controlled by the sharp treble. Surprisingly, the sound is not dark, although it is perceived as dense and quite transparent, without the need for brightness. There is a certain sense of a wall of sound, although it is not homogeneous, but rather very well separated and sufficiently airy to appreciate a great deal of detail with little effort. The physical component is special, and in ornate, heavy, and forceful compositions, the Odyssey 2 turns these aspects to its advantage, breathing air between each note and adding extra strength that creates an impression of very vigorous and even addictive energy.
On this occasion, I would say that the male voices are on par with the instruments or, in some cases, subtly above them, depending on the song. In any case, it is clear that this feeling of density and punch is the result of the combination of all the instruments and voices.
The female voices are even more impressive than the male ones, but the contraltos and mezzo-sopranos stand out especially thanks to that complete and extensive physical component. In this way, they feel privileged, close, and prominent, achieving an exuberant and rich recreation.
On the other hand, there is more sparkle than you might expect, adding a punch that makes the upper frequencies more intense. Thus, rock and metal with electric guitars sound very natural with the Odyssey 2. This is due to their organic, natural, and smooth timbre, with a brightness in which sibilance is very controlled, with a smooth and realistic tendency, never forced or brilliant.
In short, the Odyssey 2 has powerful mids, with that dense, slightly warm, analog nuance, but surprisingly open, clear, transparent, clean, and very democratic, in which both instruments and vocals have their space and prominence. Without a doubt, another midrange for enjoying music in a very complete way.

Treble

The treble surprises with its initial impact, which is more energetic and brilliant than the frequency response indicates. This power dissipates quickly to enter a control zone that limits the brightness and sparkle of the treble, as well as the harmonic component of the notes, adjusting their energy level below average. However, this is where the BA drivers work their magic again, adding the spark needed to breathe life, transparency, and a certain drive into the high notes above 6 kHz. On the other hand, the limitation is more noticeable in the air zone, which shows that it is not an overly extensive zone, but rather a specific, smooth, relaxed, controlled, and analog zone in the traditional sense of the word.

Soundstage, Separation

The impression of a denser, more physical sound creates a powerful front stage that extends well laterally, even exceeding 180 degrees. It has good volume, depth, and height, but it is not as expansive due to that frontality and density, which prevents the notes from escaping and having greater reach and projection.
The macro detail is more than evident, but the physical force and punch, as well as the overall feeling of density, do not favor the more obvious development of the micro detail in the background, which is somewhat overshadowed by the force of many other notes. I also miss a little more brightness and harmonics to enhance the echo of these details, as well as a more extensive and separate stratification.
Density prevails over the analytical and informative capacity of the sound, which is why the Odyssey 2s receive a rating of “notable,” as there are other IEMS with better resolution in this price range. However, it is open, transparent, and very well equipped in the foreground. But it is not as separate or as obvious in the background.
The image is good and very clear when focused on the foreground, recreating instruments and voices with a remarkable impression of volume and body. This enhances the impression, as well as the positioning of the elements. However, it is also true that as the elements become more distant, they become less important and more difficult to perceive.

Comparisons

ZiiGaat Crescent

I think the strongest competition comes from within the same family. I’m referring to the ZiiGaat Crescent, which has a very similar frequency response, but with more energy in the high frequencies. If we ignore the fact that they are from the same brand and are practically identical in terms of accessories, packaging, and design, with the three exceptions that the Odyssey 2 are metallic, that the conductor of their cables is different, and that they have that two-strand green color, we will just focus on the sound and the differences in the drivers.
Odyssey 2: 1DD with 10mm second-generation biocellulose diaphragm, 2BA Knowles 32873, 1BA Knowles 33518.
Crescent: 1DD with 10mm PET diaphragm. 1DD with 10mm LCP diaphragm. 1 Knowles 30262-163 midrange BA. 1 Knowles 33518 treble BA.
Although both use the same BA driver for the treble, as shown in the frequency response, the biggest differences are there.
The Crescents are less sensitive and have lower impedance, so they need a little more power to generate the same sound pressure as the Odyssey 2.
Although the Crescents’ treble has more energy, the first impression is that the sound is more vivid, bright, and clear on the Odyssey 2, while the Crescents sound warmer, hazier, and more muted.
In terms of bass, the Odyssey 2s are more resolving, technical, and precise; they are also faster, leave less residue, and recover sooner. The Crescents are darker, deeper, and more voluminous, but also somewhat slower, more elastic, rubbery, and boomy. The difference is not very big, but these differences are noticeable.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, the behavior of the first and second notes is very similar in both IEMS: same color, same execution, same behavior. From the third note (30 Hz) onwards, the Crescents maintain their level of darkness and become more voluminous and deep, while the Odyssey 2 stand out for their speed and acquire some color.
In the dirty, complex, unfiltered bass test, the Odyssey 2s show greater control and precision, while the Crescents are somewhat outperformed in the worst conditions.
In the midrange, the Odyssey 2s show greater clarity and transparency, compared to the Crescents’ darker, warmer, silkier, and smoother midrange.
The first half of the Odyssey 2’s midrange is closer and more prominent; it has more body and physicality. The Crescents are not as explicit in this frequency range and lag slightly behind in terms of closeness, presence, and clarity. I clearly prefer the Odyssey 2 in this range, although we must not forget the power that the Crescents bring to instruments in this range.
In the midrange, the Crescents are more relaxed, organic, smooth, and silky. The Odyssey 2s maintain that more transparent, sparkling, vivid, and bright character, and also have more definition and analytical capability in the foreground.
The Odyssey 2’s early treble is more energetic, bright, and in the foreground, but it fades sooner, has fewer harmonics, and less air. In contrast, the Crescent has a more balanced, extended, and homogeneous treble, resulting in a less forced sound, better harmonics, and more spark and air.
The level of detail is very similar; in the background, the microdetail is almost at the same level. What happens is that the macro detail of the Odyssey 2 is more evident and so much information from the first layers seems to overshadow the background details. In the more relaxed environment of the Crescent, the background microdetail is more easily perceived, despite the darkness, softness, and lesser sense of transparency.
The Odyssey 2s are closer, which reduces their depth. They also sound more forward. The Crescents have more depth and are more relaxed, which creates a wider and more expansive soundstage. The Odyssey 2s are more sparkling and up-front, creating a somewhat more intimate soundstage.
The separation is very good on the Odyssey 2s, but the distance of the Crescents seems to create more space between the elements.
The positioning is more precise and discernible on the Odyssey 2s compared to the more voluminous shape of the Crescents.

Conclusion

ZiiGaat continues to seek alternatives to the META curve and, on this occasion, has enlisted the collaboration of Hangout Audio’s own Crinacle, so this should come as no surprise, but rather as a further guarantee of quality. The reviewer’s influence has also been decisive in the capsule being manufactured in aluminum alloy and in the treble adjustment being more restrained and less extended. I would say that the ZiiGaat Odyssey 2 is a more analytical, brilliant, transparent, vibrant, intimate, and technical version of the Crescent, but with more smoothness beyond the first treble frequencies. It is true that the bass has a different color, is more defined and concrete, while the mids are more complete, intimate, and clear, and are more prominent. The early treble is crisper, and overall, some of the analog warmth of the previous model has disappeared.
If you find the Crescent too warm and need something with more sparkle, brightness, and definition, the ZiiGaat Odyssey 2 may be what you are looking for. Otherwise, based on the brand’s undisputed sound quality in this price range, there are few differences from its siblings, except for its aluminum construction and its round price of $250, which is even cheaper, making it better value for money in terms of sound quality.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• NiceHCK Octave.
• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• EPZ TP50.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 + ifi ZEN CAN 3.
• Aune ND7.
• Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX.