ZIIGAAT CRESCENT: Firmly Balanced and Musical with Superb Technical Performance

"The crescent outline is a curved shape with two pointed ends which is quite familiar with the astronomical observations as there are two appearances of this particular shape within the phases of the moon, the waning crescent and waxing crescent. It also has a strong historical, cultural and religious significance in the Middle East as it is a symbol of Islam and at the same time, the Fertile Crescent region where the ancient civilizations were thriving and flourished due to its rich agricultural lands and one of the foundations of complex societies and they are historically situated from the Northern Egypt up to the ends of the northern part of Persian Gulf."

Are we now at a year where the ZIIGAAT sets that are seemingly dominating the current audio market as they released banger after banger models as it also received some positive feedback from the audio enthusiasts around the world? These are some of the raised questions in the audio community that are floating around that if you are a keen observer of the current trend in the audio market, you will notice the changes of the audio consumers especially on tuning profiles and to some extent, the improvements of the portable audio technology.

I actually did a review of ZIIGAAT model a few months and it is called the LUSH and one of the few sets that I like as it has that modern neutral tuning that is a modified variant of tuning profiles that I really like, the DF-based target curves in which I think is an ideal neutral tuning and I am a type of listener that adheres anything that is neutral sounding. Aside from its neutral tuning, it is also a multi-driver IEM that makes it even more compelling as in my personal preferences, I actually prefer hybrid driver set-up over single driver as they deliver the well-rounded and full sound profile as they have more precise, clarity and detail on the overall audio quality.

As we all know that ZIIGAAT brand is exclusively distributed by LINSOUL, one of the largest global audio distributors in the audio market and this audio company has a strong business partnership with the said audio distributor. What I have here is the ZIIGAAT CRESCENT but like the LUSH, it also has a hybrid driver configuration but the differences are the number of drivers that are put inside, an improved stock cable and also, some of its transducers that were implemented were sourced from a reputable audio solution.

The CRESCENT features a four (4) driver set-up of different transducer technology, a dual dynamic driver and two (2) balanced armature drivers. The two dynamic drivers have the same size with a diameter of 10mm but inside of their dual-chambered structure, each driver has different material on its diaphragm, one is the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is known for clear, lightweight, high tensile strength and resistant to chemical reaction in which in turn that theoretically, it offers a lower distortion rate as this driver was used solely for sub bass section for a rumble presence, while the other one has LCP (liquid crystal polymer) which is also a proven material for diaphragms which is known for its thinness, lightweight and stiffness as it can deliver that tactile, punchy and responsive bass response as it also handles the lower mids for a a more balanced texture yet with precise control of any possibility of mid bass smearing. The rest of frequency regions were taken care of by the balanced armature drivers which are all taken care of by the balanced armature drivers and all of them are from Knowles, as the midrange part handled by ED-30282-163 which is a midrange BA driver for smooth, clear and accurate sound on vocals and instruments, while the treble region is handled by proven and tested Knowles tweeter BA driver, the RAD-33518 which for known for its high sensitivity and stable performance for a crisp, precise and clear treble quality.

It is said that dual dynamic drivers are arrayed into “isobaric” configuration in which I have some question (or quite sceptical) on how a set-up that were usually found from a cabinet speaker will be implemented on an IEM as the isobaric term itself means “ constant pressure” as both the dynamic drivers will be working in tandem to that continuous motion to generate a small air pressure from their respective diaphragms as in practice, it will greatly decrease any instances of non-linear distortion for a cleaner, deeper and definite bass response.

The drivers were then encapsulated in a medium-size 3D-moulded hypoallergenic imported (probably sourced from Central European countries in either Austria or Germany as they are known for their strong resin industries) resin shell chassis in a UIEM-type shape design. The faceplate itself was hand-crafted to ensure a unique and individual pattern on each shell as it was painted to create this glittery-finish design for a more exquisite-look, a large vent hole at the top and it also features a metal alloy nozzle on its cavity bass part. Like all of the ZIIGAAT models, it uses a proven 0.78mm bi-pin connector for its detachable cable.

When it comes to stock cable, the cable itself is of a good quality as it has 4-core structure made of high purity, oxygen-free silver-plated copper with a black-coloured PVC insulating sheath on its outer coating, and they are braided accordingly for a more flexible while improving its durability, and it is quite supple and offers some decent resistance from entanglement, while the quality of copper wire conductors also provided a seamless lossless audio signal transmission with less less distortion and microphonic effects. Another thing that this cable has was its modular termination as it allows to swap different output plugs, either a 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced output, and all of the plugs are gold-plated for better conductivity and resistance from corrosion.

With its UIEM-type shell design, it offers a comfortable fitting and comfort into my lugholes without any discomfort nor some build-up air pressure that might cause some occlusion effects. With a secured latch on the ears, it provides an excellent passive noise isolation as it blocks unwanted external noises from the outside surroundings.

For its price, the product packaging of this one is quite well-packed with accessories inside of its packaging box. On its box sleeve, there's an illustration of an IEM along with some prints of the said audio company and its model name at the front part while on its back, there are prints of company and international distributors’ addresses, and on its left side part, there we can find the basic product specification.

These are the following contents that are included in ZIIGAAT CRESCENT packaging box:

Pair of ZIIGAAT CRESCENT transducer earpieces.
Stock cable with modular termination.
3.5mm plug adapter.
4.4mm balanced plug adapter.
Large storage case.
Three (3) pairs of dark-tinted opaque silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
Two pairs
Three (3) pairs of clear silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
Instruction manual.

When it comes to driveability, due its low impedance of 12 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 102dB, this one is quite sensitive that it can be easily driven from a device with just a standard gain mode output as it will deliver a full range and dynamic sound.

As to determine its tonal profile, the CRESCENT has a mild U-shaped sound signature with a warmish neutral-like tonality as it has some strong emphasis on low frequency with a slight boost somewhere between the upper mids and lower section on the high frequency part.

LOWS/BASS:

With a noticeable accentuated part of the overall sound profile of the CRESENT, it appears that it has more emphasis on the mid bass section compared to a bit subdued sub bass in which I really favour as it gives more body on the note textures of bass-clef instruments and low octave male vocals. The quality of the bass in this set in which I can describe it as punchy, impactful and incisive response with a decent rumbly presence.

The sub bass presence seems capable enough to deliver a reverberating and rumble that were generated by instruments mainly from electronic and strings with the likes of drum machines, synthesisers, double-basses, bass guitars and octobasses. The mid bass which can produce that fullness and a sufficient slam on the note weight on bass-clef instruments and deep male vocals as the bass guitars have a resonant and menacing sound while the double-basses sound more broader, weighty and sombre, and then on bass kick drums, they have a full and sonorous sound on every stroke with their drum heads. As for the low octave male vocals, both basses and bass-baritone voices have a deep resonating sound with a dark timbre and weight as they sound gravelly, dense and woolly which are the accurate tonal characteristics that these types of vocals should have.

MIDRANGE:

While this part of frequency region is seemingly has a mild recessed on its overall tonal response but it doesn't sound neither too lean or too thick as how well-balanced and almost neutral the midrange presentation of this set was as it has a sufficient warmth that apparently in contrast with the slight energetic tuning to have a tonal versatility between the vocals and instruments. In general, the midrange quality of the CRESCENT is well-textured, clean and somewhat rich sounding that gives some realistic tones on musical elements.

The male vocals in which texture and richness on the midrange will somehow impact some its tonal characteristics as the baritones have smooth, plush and velvety sound, while tenors have a juicy, clear and ringing with that full timbre, and countertenors have an emotive and tender sound from their falsetto vocals. On the female vocals, contraltos have a rich, powerful and weight sound from their chesty voices, mezzo-sopranos have a fiery and coppery sound with a bit of velvety tone, and sopranos have a gleaming and silvery sound from their impressive high notes register either its a coloratura, lyric or soubrette type.

The tonal quality of the instruments on this one seems to have an almost life-like sound on each of the instrument types notably on strings and woodwinds. The strings instruments; guitars (both acoustics and electric) sound crisp, resonant and in some acoustic track somewhat warmer and buttery tone on every vibration produced via plucking, strumming, picking or tapping, violins have a vibrant, lustrous and sensuous sound on every motion on its bowstrings, and then, cellos have a full, sonorous and sweet sound on them. As for woodwind instruments, concert flutes sound rich, graceful with a substantial airy presence, piccolos have a clear, brilliant and intense sound, clarinets have a rich and a bit expressive sound, and the saxophones sound mild and lively with a hint of warmness. And then on brass instruments, trumpets have full and rounded sound, while the trombones sound brassy and powerful and then the horns have a velvety and resounding with a slight metallic brilliance. Lastly on the percussives, snare drums have hard, precise and penetrating sound, tom-toms have warm resonance sound on every hit on its drum head, field drums have those sonorous sounds, and the kettledrums have a define pitch as it sound mellow and resonant sound on every hit on its drum head made of vellum. The pianos, which are a type of percussive chordophones, can deliver a well-balanced tone on every pressing the note keys on their keyboard as they sound deep, rich and tender that makes them more mesmerising and captivating to listen to.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble tuning of this one is definitely on the brighter side of tuning yet it has that smoothness that I classify it as a lustre one with a good amount of air as the Knowles tweeters BA drivers are known for its capability to produce it. with a slight emphasis somewhere between the upper mids and a gradual slope down within the presence section of the treble gives some crispness, clarity and definition on both vocal articulation and the sharp attack on instruments without unpleasant sibilance and harshness tone albeit it in some tracks it somehow produces some mild metallic and tinny sound.

The brilliance section of this one as I mentioned a while ago has a good amount of treble air that extends within the limits of this part of frequency response and also, it has a good amount of sparkle and glimmer. The cymbals sound glistening and brilliant, hi-hats have a short sizzling and undulating tone on its distinctive chick-y sound, celestas sound sweet and shimmering, and then the glockenspiels produce a silvery and bell-like sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

This is probably one of the strongest aspects that this set has as it is capable of projecting that perceivably spacious head stage within my aural perception as it has a wide lateral span, good height reach and a sufficient depth on its sound field dimensions. It also presents a holographic stereo imaging with a well-layered soundscape with excellent separation in which we can discerningly every layer of musical element structure in which we will be able to pinpoint the exact positioning of vocals and instruments within its acoustic space, so playing a complex multi-instrumental tracks like orchestra and jazz recordings would be an easy peasy to deal with.

The cohesiveness of its multi-driver configuration performs well as each of the driver technology have their own working principle to deliver sound waves as the dynamics drivers are capable to a fast transient speed on its low frequencies as it produced a deep, intense and impactful bass response along with the balance armature drivers that supports for a clearer, crisper and detailed sound on vocals and instruments without any distortion or out of phase issues. As for its resolution capabilities, it has a firm macro-dynamics that is able to highlight the varying degree of dynamic volume from the quietest up to loudness level on chorale lines and instrumental passages, while its micro-dynamics has a sharp definition on extracting finer details, nuances and grains like note textures, instrumental reverb tails and vocal ends from an audio track.

PEER COMPARISONS:

AFUL PERFORMER 5+2/7

One of AFUL's recently released sets and a successor of the Performer 8, and like the CRESCENT, it has a hybrid driver configuration inside.
Aside from dual dynamic driver and four custom balanced armature drivers, it also incorporates another driver technology which is a “micro-planar” driver that solely handles the ultra high frequency section, and all of the drivers were housed in a UIEM-type resin shell chassis.
This one is quite well-furnished with accessories inside of its packaging box as it includes some high quality contents like premium stock cable but without swappable termination feature, storage case and more choices of eartips to choose from.
Some of its unique features are its proprietary advanced electronic crossover and damping acoustic system that lessens air pressure build-up.
Like the CRESCENT, It also has a mild U-shaped sound signature but the difference is that the bass response of this one is a bit tighter and less impactful, a less warmer but a tad more energetic midrange and a somewhat similar treble response as it also has a lustre and airy presentation.
On its overall technical performance, it has fairly roomy head stage size, a holographic stereo imaging presentation and detailed resolution capabilities.

JUZEAR 81T DRAGONFLY

JUZEAR's latest model with hybrid driver configuration and it was also priced at over US$200/£150.
It has one dynamic driver and eight balanced armature drivers that were encapsulated in a bit chunky medical-grade resin shell chassis.
This one's product packaging is quite well-packed with accessories inside of its packaging box, and the contents that were included are a high quality stock cable with modular termination plug, silicone eartips of varying types and a hardbound PU-leather storage case.
Unlike the CRESCENT, it doesn't have an “isobaric” set-up due to lack of another dynamic driver, but it features some acoustic conduits and an active electronic crossover.
The tonal profile of this one has a U-shaped sound signature as it has more rumbly sub bass but less punchy bass response, a recessed presentation on the midrange but it has an energetic sounding with enough warmth in which more favour on females vocals and instruments like woodwinds, strings and some percussives, and also, a brighter and sparkling treble response as Its quite a bit similar with the CRESCENT's treble quality.
As for its technical capabilities, the perceived soundstage size of this one is rather a bit smaller and somewhat intimate on how it presents but its layering and separation are excellent with clear and detailed resolution capabilities.

LETSHUOER CADENZA 4

An initial-level midrange model that LETSHUOER released last year and it also has a hybrid driver set-up like the CRESCENT.
It features a dynamic driver with beryllium-coated diaphragm and three balanced armature drivers that were sourced from Knowles and Sonion, and all of its drivers along with some components were encapsulated in a resin shell chassis.
As expected from a LETSHUOER product, it has a generous amount of accessories from its packaging box, and among them is a high quality cable with modular termination feature.
It also implemented some proven audio technologies that improved tonal and technical performance like the 3-way acoustic tubes and a 4-way active electronic crossover.
It has a balanced-neutral sound profile as it has a rumbly and a bit tighter bass response, a neutral, clean yet it has a well-balanced texture on its midrange presentation and then, a smooth and glossy treble presentation with less airy presence.
Like the CRESCENT, its overall technical performance is also impressive; it has moderately spacious soundstage size, a holographic stereo imaging with a well-layered soundscape and excellent resolution capabilities.

THIEAUDIO HYPE2

One of THIEAUDIO's most affordable sets and it also has a hybrid driver configuration.
Like the CRESCENT, it also features two dynamic drivers for bass region along with two SONION BA drivers for handling the other parts or frequency response, and the drivers are then encased in a medical-grade UIEM-type resin shell chassis.
While it offers a sufficient amount of accessories inside of its packaging box, its high quality stock cable doesn't feature a swappable termination plug.
Like the CRESCENT, it also highlights an “isobaric” set-up on its dual dynamic driver.
This one also has mild U-shaped sound profile but the tonal difference between the CRESCENT and this set has some stark contrast as it has this bass response with a more rumbly but less impactful and less punchy response, a bit more warmer but less energetic midrange presentation as it has more defined note textures on male vocals and instruments like brasses and some percussives, and smooth and even treble response with good airy extension but it loses some its shimmer and sparkle.
On its overall technical capabilities, this one is on par with the CRESCENT in all categories, from a perceived spacious soundstage, holographic-like stereo imaging with a well-layered soundscape and an excellent resolution capabilities on how clear and delineating they are from macro-dynamics down to micro-detail retrieval.

To sum up my overall product assessment of one of the latest offerings from ZIIGAAT, this set is quite surprisingly good that I have reviewed so far in this year alone on how its sound quality is quite so balanced that it also has some musicality without too much colouration on its tuning and it also has a strong technical capabilities. While I have some scepticism regarding its “isobaric” configuration but with that quality of the bass response alone seems to correspond on how the bass quality output from an isobaric set-up speaker should sound like as it also has a distinctively clear and deep bass that eliminates unwanted resonance that causes boominess, and bass quality of the CRESCENT speaks for itself.

The ZIIGAAT CRESCENT is exclusively available on LINSOUL, if you are interested to purchase this one, check out the link below, non-affiliated one guaranteed.

LINK:

https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-crescent

More ZIIGAAT product reviews?

■ ZIIGAAT NUO

■ ZIIGAAT CINNO

■ ZIIGAAT LUSH

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: ZIIGAAT CRESCENT

IMPEDANCE: 12Ω

SENSITIVITY: 102dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 25KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.25m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (2) DYNAMIC DRIVER(S), (3) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S)

TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to ZIIGAAT nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to MS. KAITLYN WU of LINSOUL for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: ZIIGAAT CRESCENT

IMPEDANCE: 12Ω

SENSITIVITY: 102dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 25KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.25m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (2) DYNAMIC DRIVER(S), (3) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S)

PROS:

● Solidly built and well-designed resin shell structure.

● An ergonomically-designed UIEM-type shell design will offer comfortable wear and secure fitting to all ear sizes as it will deliver an excellent passive noise isolation.

● Fully-packed with quantifying amount of accessories in its packaging box.

● Three (3) types of stock ear tips to choose from.

● A good quality stock cable with a modular termination plug feature.

● A large PU-leather storage case.

● Pretty easy to drive.

● It has a mild U-shaped tonal profile as it shows a well-balanced sound with a bit of musicality on its overall mature tuning.

● It appears that its supposedly isobaric set-up seems working on how it delivers its bass quality

● Punchy, deep and clear bass response

● Well-bodied and full sounding bass-clef instruments as they sound quite realistic.

● Well-balanced midrange presentation with sufficient warmth and at the same time. an energetic profile as it will gives a body and presence on vocals and instruments

● Can be an all-rounder on vocal tracking for all vocal types from male bass voice up to the agile female sopranos.

● Somehow, almost all instruments sound quite natural with some almost life-like sound characteristics on them.

● Lively and sustaining sounds on string instruments.

● Brilliant and delicate sounds on woodwind instruments.

● Lustrous and airy treble response.

● A wide and roomy head stage with a 3D-like stereo imaging with a well-layered soundscape.

● Solid and detailed resolution capabilities.

CONS:

● It has some slight colouration on its overall tonality, therefore not for neutral heads looking for a flatter and even more perceivably neutral tuning response.

● Might not sound bright enough for ardent treble-headed audio enthusiasts.

● Slightly recessed midrange presentation (more of my nitpicking)

● Instances of a bit of a dry and metallic sound.