With the Odyssey 2, ZiiGaat and Hangout.Audio have released the second edition of the high-quality in-ear monitors under the LINSOUL umbrella, with which they want to inspire audiophile users: new dynamic biocellulose drivers plus three original Knowles Balanced Armature drivers promise high-quality sound at reference level. With a price of around 250 euros, the model is positioned in the upper mid-range segment and is up against strong competition. Our ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 test reveals whether it succeeds and what the IEMs have to offer.
Technical data
| The product | ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 |
| Driver construction |
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| Impedance | 20 Ohm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 25,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Connection | 3.5 mm; 4.4 mm |
| Cable plug | 0.78 mm, 2-pin |
| Cable length | 122 mm |
| Ear tips |
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| price | Price not available * |
ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 review: design and workmanship
- Premium materials
- Unique resin design
- Excellent workmanship
The Odyssey 2 clearly focuses on a premium feel. The unique housing is made of CNC-milled aluminum, which not only looks elegant, but also conveys a high level of robustness. The surface has a matt finish and is resistant to fingerprints and fine scratches.
The hand-cast resin faceplates are particularly striking: each plate has an individual grain and color structure in shades of silver, blue and green. This means that no two models are exactly alike – a detail that adds to the exclusivity. The combination of matt aluminum and glossy resin creates a successful balance of industrial clarity and artistic accents, which looks absolutely impressive.
From a technical point of view, the design looks absolutely ingenious. Both IEMs have a 2-pin standard connector (0.78 mm), which is very firm and robust and allows the cable to be updated without any problems. The nozzles are perfectly connected to the housing, while the rounded edges skillfully underline the premium impression and have a positive effect on wearing comfort.
The quality of workmanship is simply outstanding. The ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 are incredibly robust and of high quality, giving you the feeling that even rough treatment can’t harm these elegant in-ear monitors.
Sumptuous scope of delivery
- Impressive scope of delivery
- 7 pairs of ear tips
- Practical charging case
In terms of the almost gigantic scope of delivery, the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 almost play in the premium class and put together a complete package that is normally only found with significantly more expensive IEMs.
The first highlight is the modular plugs that connect the IEMs via the cable. The scope of delivery includes not only a classic 3.5 mm jack adapter, but also a 4.4 mm counterpart.
There is a wide range of ear tips to choose from: Those looking for more insulation reach for foam memory foam, a pair of which can be found in the packaging that molds perfectly to your ear shape. Those who prefer an open, more airy presentation, on the other hand, stick with silicone: the manufacturer includes two variants (softer, transparent and harder, black) in three different sizes, so that all users are catered for.
The included replacement filters also extend the service life of the IEMs – a detail that is usually found in the high-end segment. The in-ear monitors are connected via an elegant black and green cable, which also makes a very high-quality impression. However, with a length of 122 cm, it is a little short and could be 30-40 cm longer for my taste.
The package is rounded off with an elegant, brown leather carrying case that holds the IEMs and all accessories securely and is ideal for traveling and on the go.
Wearing comfort and insulation
- Very comfortable to wear
- good passive insulation
Although the housing is made of metal, the weight is surprisingly low. The Odyssey 2 fits ergonomically into the ear and does not protrude. This ensures a high level of comfort even after several hours of wearing – an important point for audiophiles who enjoy long sessions.
The passive isolation is already at a very good level: everyday background noise such as conversations in the office or train noise is reliably reduced, although of course it cannot keep up with ANC headphones, but the result is above average for a passive in-ear system.
However, the foam ear tips can be used to further improve the insulation, while the IEMs sit even more securely in the ear. I wouldn’t necessarily do sports with them, but the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 can handle fast and jerky movements without any problems and without slipping in the ear.
Sound quality of the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2
- Impressive design with four drivers
- Clear and detailed sound image
- Neutral, clean tuning
An absolute highlight of the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2, however, is the sound. The in-ear monitors owe this to their unique driver setup. The manufacturers combine a dynamic 10 mm driver with a 2nd generation biocellulose membrane with two Knowles 32873 balanced-armature drivers and a Knowles 33518 balanced-armature driver.
The biocellulose driver is primarily responsible for the low frequencies and is intended to provide powerful and detailed bass with precise control. The two Knowles 32873 drivers are responsible for the mids and promise clear and detailed mid-range reproduction, which should make vocals and instrumentalization in particular clear and lively. For the treble, the IEMs rely on the Knowles 33518 driver, which should provide an airy and lively sound stage as well as an astonishingly spatial sound image.
The Odyssey 2s are tuned for a neutral signature with a sub-bass emphasis. The aim was to achieve a balance that offers both audiophile precision and a fun factor suitable for everyday use.
In the listening test, the result is a sound image that is clear, detailed and at the same time very spatial. I was quite impressed with the audio performance of the IEMs across all frequencies. There are no aggressive peaks, no excessive sharpness, but a round, detailed sound profile across all frequencies.
Frequency analysis
The 10 mm bio-cellulose driver provides deep sub-bass with a clean foundation. Electronic beats or orchestral timpani develop noticeable pressure, but always remain controlled. The mid-bass is more restrained, which means that the mids are not overpowered.
At high volumes, the bass remains controlled and does not distort, which speaks for the quality of the drivers. However, it should be noted here that the IEMs are clearly aiming for a neutral sound. If you’re looking for a powerful, lush bass that presses you into your seat, you’ve undoubtedly come to the wrong place – the bass segment is too restrained for bass fans.
The mids benefit greatly from the Knowles BA drivers. Voices appear clear, present and natural. Both low male voices and female vocals sound balanced, without coloration or unpleasant sharpness.
Instruments such as guitars or strings develop body and texture. This means that the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 feel right at home in all music genres and are equally at home in heavy metal, such as the new Amorphis album “Borderland”, as they are in classical and orchestral music. Even in complex arrangements with many instruments, the separation remains clean and clearly recognizable.
The treble is airy, detailed and pleasantly restrained. The uppermost airiness (air region above 10 kHz) is discreet – those who like it even more brilliant here might be a little disappointed, but the highs come across without any sharpness or shrill peaks, even at (very) high volumes.
Spatiality
The spatial stage of the Odyssey 2 is wider than what you normally get in this price range. The gradations of the individual frequency spectra (from bass to treble) are particularly impressive. Voices are clearly in the foreground, while instruments are clearly staggered towards the rear.
The spatiality is extremely precise. Instruments can be located precisely in the room and transitions are clearly comprehensible. Detail resolution is also at a high level: micro details such as room reverberation or breathing noises are audible without being artificially overemphasized. The ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 therefore deliver a performance that doesn’t need to hide behind the IEM upper class.
ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 Review: Conclusion
With the ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2, the manufacturers deliver a thoroughly impressive in-ear monitor that can easily compete with higher-quality IEMs in the upper class.
The model combines first-class workmanship, a wide range of accessories, a comfortable fit and an outstanding, incredibly detailed sound that absolutely satisfies even audiophile demands. Clear, detailed bass, lively mids and airy, spacious highs deliver an impressive sound image across all frequencies that easily outshines even many over-ear headphones in this price range, as well as much more expensive in-ear headphones.
This makes the Odyssey 2 an almost completely convincing all-rounder with audiophile standards, which particularly impresses with its naturalness and versatility. A real insider tip for listeners who value balance rather than extremes.
- Outstanding sound
- Airy highs
- Detailed bass
- Robust aluminum housing
- Elegant, unique resin look
- Huge scope of delivery
- Versatile cables
- (Comparatively) affordable
- Low bass somewhat restrained
- Slightly short cable
ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio: Odyssey 2
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
95/100
Incredibly classy, high-quality in-ear monitors with outstanding sound at a comparatively affordable price.
