ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio Odyssey 2 Review: A Sequel That Stays the Course
Jin Soh
The Ziigaat Odyssey is arguably one of Ziigaat’s most popular models to date, and for many audiophiles, it has been a staple recommendation in the Chi-Fi space. For its successor, Ziigaat has teamed up with Crinacle’s Hangout.Audio to create the aptly named Odyssey 2.
Despite the collaboration, Crinacle himself admitted that he was mostly hands-off with this project, stating that one of the Hangout staff members who adored the original Odyssey took the lead on tuning. The result is a familiar configuration with upgraded drivers and a refreshed tuning.
While I never had the pleasure of trying the original Odyssey, the Odyssey 2 comes into my hands with plenty of expectations given the reputation of its predecessor. Retailing for $249 (around RM1,065) on Linsoul.com, the unit we have here was kindly provided for review.
What Is It?
The Odyssey 2 keeps things relatively straightforward with a hybrid setup of one dynamic driver and three balanced armatures. The dynamic driver is a second-generation bio-cellulose unit that handles the low-end, acting like a subwoofer for tighter and more textured bass. The midrange comes courtesy of dual Knowles RAF 32873 drivers, while treble duties are handled by a dedicated Knowles RAD 33518 tweeter, ensuring clarity and air up top.
Packaging has also received an upgrade from the first generation. Inside the box you get a large leather-like carrying case, three pairs of black silicone tips, three pairs of white silicone tips, and a pair of foam tips. Ziigaat also includes a custom 4-core oxygen-free copper and silver litz cable, complete with swappable 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
Each unit of Odyssey 2 is individually assembled using aluminium alloy shells paired with hand-poured resin faceplates, meaning no two sets look exactly the same. Despite the metal shells, they are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, with good isolation once fitted. I found that the black silicone tips provided the best seal and bass response, whereas the white ones leaned brighter and thinner in presentation, to my ears at least.
The stock cable, however, does little to impress. It feels thin and is fairly prone to tangling, though on the plus side it is resistant to microphonics and, as mentioned earlier, offers the convenience of swappable terminations.
How Does It Sound?
The Odyssey 2 takes on a clean, neutral tuning with a Harman-inspired curve, with a bump in the bass and an emphasis towards the upper mids. The soundstage has above-average width but depth is presented more intimately. Imaging feels precise, allowing instruments to occupy clear positions without any sort of smearing.
Bass
The low-end here is tuned with restraint, offering a clean and neutral presentation rather than going for sheer impact. Mid-bass hits with enough body and warmth to give pop and electronic tracks some punch, though it is not the fastest or most textured bass I have heard in this price bracket.
Sub-bass rolls off earlier than expected, keeping rumble at a minimum. While this may disappoint bassheads or those seeking visceral depth, the upside is a bloat-free presentation that leaves the mids completely untouched.
Mids
The midrange is characterized by a noticeable lift in the upper mids, which pushes vocals and certain instruments forward with clarity and texture. Female vocals in particular sound vivid and present, though the extra energy can sometimes edge towards shoutiness at higher volumes.
Male vocals, on the other hand, can come across slightly thin and lacking weight, which robs them of some natural warmth. To my ears, vocals that lean warmer tend to feel more natural, but others may appreciate the added sparkle and presence that Odyssey 2 delivers.
Highs
Treble is crisp, clean, and well-extended, with enough energy to give tracks an open and airy feel. The Knowles balance armature drivers provide just enough crispness and sparkle to tracks without sounding sibilant.
Detail retrieval is solid, and the presentation never becomes excessively sharp, though it toes the line at higher volumes where it can feel just on the edge of being too hot. Thankfully, it stops short of crossing into harshness.
Is It Worth It?
The Odyssey 2 presents itself as a versatile and balanced all-rounder. It does not aim to dazzle in any single frequency range, but instead delivers a coherent and engaging listen that works well across genres.
While the neutral bass and forward upper mids might not please every listener, the tuning feels deliberate and refined, making it an accessible option for those who want something clean and reliable. That being said, if you’re after something warm and bass-heavy, the Odyssey won’t be your cup of tea.
At $249, it is easy to see why this collaboration stands out. It is well built, thoughtfully packaged with customisation options and tuned in a way that gives it mass appeal without sounding bland. It may not be the kind of IEM that delivers a “wow” factor at first listen, but it settles in as one of the easiest sets to recommend if you are looking for a capable daily driver.