Great style and sound are usually only found in very expensive IEMs, often in the 1k+ range. Sure, options like the Meze Alba or the Sennheiser HD 200 are great, but they don’t have that visual bling that makes them stand out when you wear them. The Ziigaat Odyssey II provides a great look for a reasonable price, but how does it sound?
Look and Feel
Just from looking at the Odyssey II, you could have fooled me into believing it was a luxury-tier IEM. It looks great, with a clear sense of style. The IEMs themselves look great from a design perspective, with an excellent sense of color and texture. They also have a nice weight to them and feel great to hold in your hands. The comfort is also present here; with a good pair of eartips, the Odyssey IIs will fit snugly and without discomfort even after extended listening periods.
The color-matched black and green cord is also a nice touch, providing a sense of cohesion across the entire presentation. It’s rare for an IEM to have a cord at this price point in general, but the Odyssey II’s is both quality and stylish.
This category is likely what will draw people to the Odyssey II the most, and for good reason. However, look alone is not what makes an IEM great.
Sound Review
Sound Stage/Stereo Imaging
The Odyssey II performs nicely in this category for an IEM at this price point. The detail and clarity are very good, allowing you to hear all aspects of a track. There is a clear sense of space and scale to the sound. The presentation is up-close but not claustrophobic. It feels like you’re in the second or third row of a concert hall when listening to live performances, for example. The width isn’t crazy good, but there is room for the entire frequency spectrum. It’s a definite step up from a wireless IEM at this price point, such as the Apple AirPod Pro.
Frequency Overview
The Odyssey II gives a nice, balanced frequency response that provides the listener with an honest take on the recording. It doesn’t have a booming bass or a excentuated trebble, but a smooth response that keeps tracks air-tight. If you’re looking for something with emphasis on a particular sound or something more “fun,” this may not be the IEM for you. For me, this is a great sound that’s comparable to the Meze Alba or the Sennheiser HD 200, just with a much more appealing look.
Final Thoughts
The Odyssey II may be a bit more expensive than competitors like the Meze Alba or the Sennheiser HD 200, but it more than makes up for it with its look and sound. This IEM looks and feels significantly better than the competition at this price point and gives a much more premium feel. For sound, the competition matches the Odyssey II relatively well. The “best” sounding IEM out of the bunch is mostly down to personal preference. Regardless, for its $250 price tag, picking up the Odyssey II is money well spent in my book.
You can buy the Odyssey II at Audio 46.
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