In this post, I’m checking out the ZiiGaat Nuo IEM. Nuo features a 10mm advanced liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver and sleek black shells. It’s priced at $24.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
ZiiGaat Nuo
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Specifications
Drivers: 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver
Freq Response: 20HZ-20000HZ
Impedance: 32 ohms
Cable Interface: 3.5mm
Sensitivity: 107dB(at 1KHz/mW)
Design
Nuo comes equipped with stylish matte black aluminium faceplates that resist fingerprints and bring a sleek aesthetic, at least in my humble opinion. The housings are crafted from a smoky translucent acrylic, giving them an understated look. You’ll find a discreet small vent right in front of the 0.78mm 2-pin sockets. The aluminium nozzles feature a practical lip to securely hold eartips in place, complemented by a protective metal mesh covering the opening.
I find Nuo’s small shells very comfortable and I can happily wear them all day long. Passive noise isolation is moderate but suitable enough for most everyday environments.
The included 0.78mm 2-pin cable has a matte black sheath that perfectly matches the IEMs. All of the components, including the chin slider are aluminium. The cable handles well and is comfortable to use, although some microphonics exist.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Colorfly CDA-M2, HiBy Digital M300 and Topping E70V and L70 combo. Nuo is easy to drive and doesn’t need any special source to power it.
Nuo has a warm, balanced sound signature that aims for a pleasing tonality first and foremost. With an elevated bass, forward mids and crisp but non-abrasive treble Nuo is a fun and engaging IEM yet still performs well in technicalities.
Bass
The bass is boosted above neutral but it’s done tastefully and doesn’t cause any significant blurring or bleed. Sub-bass notes aren’t earth-shattering but they rumble enough to get your attention. The mid-bass is punchy and should satisfy all but diehard bassheads. There’s good control in the bass and while it’s not the fastest out there, it has a natural attack and decay and blends cohesively with the mids and treble.
Midrange
The midrange sounds organic and natural, warm but with ample clarity. Vocals are upfront and articulate without any graininess. The mids are fairly spacious and don’t sound congested or nasally. Although the upper mids are vibrant, they don’t sound shouty and have plenty of detail.
Treble
The treble has good resolution and speed. Some people might find the treble a bit edgy but for me, it doesn’t stray into sharpness. It’s here where the Nuo gets its airiness and detail, daring to show some sparkle here and there rather than playing things too safe. What’s noteworthy here is that although the treble can hint at stridency, it doesn’t sound metallic or scratchy.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage has average dimensions with good spacing between vocals and instruments. Detail retrieval is solid and the instrument separation is good for a budget single dynamic driver. Nuo has good dynamics, making things engaging and maintaining emotional impact.
Verdict
The ZiiGaat Nuo surprised everyone with its excellent form factor and outstanding audio quality. It emerged seemingly out of nowhere, instantly captivating the attention of audiophiles. The sleek design and impressive sonic performance make it a standout choice in the ever-evolving budget IEM segment. The ZiiGaat Nuo has successfully raised the bar and gets our recommendation, along with a place on our Best IEMs list.
