Ziigaat has certainly come a long way since my review of the Ziigaat Nuo earlier this year. While the brand’s own offerings are solid, it has gained more recognition for its collaborations with prominent audio reviewers on YouTube. From the ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete to the ZiiGaat x Jays Audio Estrella, the brand has been steadily making waves. Now, it’s teaming up with HawaiiBadBoy (HBB) – also known as BadGuyGoodAudio – for the Ziigaat x HBB Arcadia.

HBB seems to be on a quest to collaborate with just about every ChiFi audio brand out there. He has worked with QKZ, Kiwi Ears, Tangzu, and 7Hz, just to name a few. As with most HBB collaborations, you can expect a bass-heavy tuning, given his reputation as a self-proclaimed basshead. The Arcadia, however, is said to be the collaboration tuned closest to HBB’s personal graph, reflecting his specific sonic preferences.

Having reviewed the QKZ x HBB Hades a while back, which excelled in bass but fell short elsewhere, I’m curious: can the Arcadia break the mold and stand out among HBB’s growing lineup of bass-oriented collaborations? Let’s dive in.

What It Is

The Ziigaat x HBB Arcadia is a three-driver hybrid IEM, featuring a 10mm topology diaphragm dynamic driver paired with two balanced armature (BA) drivers: the Knowles ED29689 and RAD33518. The dynamic driver handles the low-end, while the BAs focus on vocals, instruments, and micro-details. This configuration isn’t groundbreaking, but the choice of branded drivers hints at a more refined approach.

Priced at $199 (about RM895) on Linsoul – which was kind enough to send us this review unit – the Arcadia comes with a modest set of accessories: a hard shell carrying case, three pairs of silicone ear tips, a pair of foam ear tips, and a 3.5mm terminated cable. While functional, the packaging and accessories are rather underwhelming for the price. Competing brands often provide a more premium unboxing experience, and this is one area where Ziigaat could significantly improve.

The IEM’s shell is made of resin with a standard 2-pin connector, and the faceplate sports a unique green-and-yellow sprinkle pattern alongside the Ziigaat logo. While the design won’t appeal to everyone, it’s certainly distinctive. However, the cable is a bit of a letdown: it feels thin, lightweight, and has a faint rubbery smell. On the bright side, there is at least some resistance to tangling and microphonics.

How Does It Sound?

The Ziigaat x HBB Arcadia leans towards a warm tonality with an L-shaped sound signature that emphasises bass. Despite the low-end focus, it manages to maintain a cohesive balance across the mids and highs, offering a soundstage that’s wider and deeper than average. Instrument separation is also commendable, making it suitable for a variety of genres.

Bass

As expected from an HBB collaboration, the Arcadia’s bass is the star of the show. The sub-bass is thick and thumpy, with an impressive rumble that can be felt more than it can be heard. Mid-bass takes a backseat, keeping the overall presentation clean and avoiding excessive muddiness. The bass isn’t the fastest or most detailed, but it’s controlled enough to prevent overwhelming the other frequencies. There is undoubtedly some bass bleed into the mids, but this adds warmth rather than detracts from the overall experience.

Mids

Vocals on the Arcadia are forward and clear, but they lack certain richness and body. Male vocals benefit from the added warmth of the bass, sounding smooth and weighty, while female vocals can occasionally feel thin and less textured. Note weight of the latter is slightly on the lighter side, which may not appeal to those who prefer a thicker, more full-bodied mid-range. However, the upper-mids do avoid shoutiness, striking a balance that’s pleasant for longer listening sessions.

Highs

The highs of the Arcadia are smooth and non-fatiguing, with no harsh peaks or exaggerated pinna gain often associated with Harman-tuned IEMs. There’s good air and detail, though the treble remains laid-back compared to the bass. The timbre from the balanced armature drivers is noticeable, but masked slightly by the bass emphasis, resulting in a more forgiving treble presentation. While the Arcadia won’t dazzle trebleheads, it’s crisp and airy enough to complement its overall tuning.

Genre Compatibility

The Arcadia’s tuning is tailor-made for bass-heavy genres like Hip-hop, EDM, and R&B. Tracks with deep basslines and energetic beats truly shine, showcasing the IEM’s strengths. Surprisingly, it also performs well with Pop and vocal-centric tracks, thanks to its clear mids and smooth treble. However, for acoustic or orchestral music, the lack of treble sparkle and mid-range vibrancy leave much to be desired.

Nonetheless, one standout characteristic of the Arcadia is its ability to scale with volume. At higher listening levels, vocals become more present, and instruments gain added clarity and separation. Despite this, the Arcadia avoids congestion and fatigue, making it a versatile choice for extended listening.

Ziigaat x HBB Arcadia vs. Kiwi Ears KE4

Comparing the Arcadia to the Kiwi Ears KE4 is quite interesting. After all, it’s another hybrid IEM priced at $199, and it shares a similar driver setup (minus one dynamic driver) but offers a vastly different tuning. The KE4 leans towards a neutral sound signature with a slight bass boost, while the Arcadia delivers a more fun and dynamic listening experience.

In terms of bass, the Arcadia has more impactful sub-bass and a livelier presentation, whereas the KE4’s bass is more controlled and textured. As for mids, vocals on the Arcadia are more forward, while the KE4’s mids are smoother but less engaging.

What about highs? Well, the KE4 provides better detail retrieval and sparkle, but the Arcadia’s treble is smoother and less fatiguing. Ultimately, the KE4 caters to those seeking balance and refinement, while the Arcadia is better suited for bassheads and fans of a more dynamic sound signature.

Is It Worth It?

The Ziigaat x HBB Arcadia is undeniably a niche product, designed for those who prioritise a bass-heavy tuning without sacrificing balance across the frequency spectrum. That being said, it’s one of HBB’s most well-rounded collaborations, offering a more refined experience than the QKZ x HBB Hades, which struggled to deliver beyond its bass emphasis.

At $199, the Arcadia’s lacklustre packaging and accessories may feel underwhelming, but its sonic performance justifies the price. If you’re looking for a fun, bass-oriented IEM that works well across most genres – especially bass-heavy ones – the Arcadia is a solid choice. Just be prepared to look past its simpler presentation and embrace its bold, energetic sound.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this article.