Ziigaat Seraphim Review - Amigo Reviews Ep.107

Ziigaat Seraphim Review Summary

Overview

• Price: $260
• Design: Five-driver hybrid IEM with two 10 mm PET dynamic drivers for bass, two Knowles RAF-32873 balanced-armature drivers, and one Knowles RAD-33518.
• The reviewer describes it as a V-shaped IEM with strong sub-bass, clear and recessed lower mids, and energetic treble. Its tuning aims for a middle ground between several earlier Ziigaat models.

Build, Accessories, and Comfort

The all-metal, CNC-machined housings and faceplates feel notably more premium than those of older Ziigaat models. The stepped, wave-like faceplate looks distinctive but understated, though the reviewer found its all-metal finish somewhat monotonous.

The package includes a zippered leather case, six pairs of silicone tips in two materials, medium foam tips, four replacement sound-guide filters, a modular cable, and a card signed by Jay. The reviewer considers the package appropriate for the price, though the foam tips are available only in medium.

The cable looks good and feels sturdy, but it is somewhat stiff and prone to retaining its shape. Its modular plugs use a friction-fit connection without grips or locking nuts, making them difficult to remove. However, the connection stayed secure during use. The left/right markings are also hard to see.

Each shell weighs under 6 g, and the full set with cable weighs 30 g. The reviewer found the IEMs comfortable for hours, with a natural fit and no ear pain.

Fit may be unsuitable for small ears. The reviewer’s wife could get a seal, but the short sound tubes and broad transition caused the IEMs to slip out quickly. He recommends trying them first or buying from a retailer with a good return policy.

A large opening in the faceplate helps relieve pressure, though the reviewer occasionally noticed mild driver flex in the left earpiece.

Sound and Listening Experience

• Bass: Deep, powerful sub-bass rumble with excellent texture and dynamics. Mid-bass is less emphasized, so bass guitars and kick drums have weight without making the overall sound particularly warm. The lower-midrange dip gives the bass a somewhat separate-subwoofer quality.
• Mids and vocals: Clean, clear, and well separated, with clarity and resolution prioritized over warmth and note weight. Male vocals are pleasant but not especially rich or emotionally weighty. Female vocals sound natural and accurate, without excessive raspiness or nasality.
• Treble: Energetic and sparkling, adding liveliness to percussion and harmonics. The reviewer did not find it fatiguing during ordinary listening, but cautions that listeners sensitive around 5 kHz may find it harsh. It may not be energetic enough for the most demanding treble-focused listeners.
• Detail and technical performance: Strong bass detail and good overall resolution. The lower-midrange dip helps separation, though distant background conversation can be harder to make out. The reviewer places its technical performance below the Estrella but close to the Performer 7.
• Soundstage and imaging: Separation and placement are good, but neither the stage nor positioning is class-leading. The reviewer considers the overall performance average for the competitive $200–$300 range.
• Source sensitivity: Easy to drive, including from weak sources. Higher output impedance or impedance adapters make the sound more V-shaped, with more bass and treble and more recessed mids. The reviewer prefers the standard, unadapted presentation because it better balances the midrange.

Comparisons

• Ziigaat Dos Cinco: The Seraphim is cleaner and more detailed, with less bass and lower-midrange warmth. The reviewer still prefers the Dos Cinco for its richer, warmer bass and extra mid-bass punch.
• Ziigaat Cinco Tres: The Seraphim is a cleaner, more sub-bass-focused alternative with somewhat less treble energy. The reviewer prefers it over the Cinco Tres and considers it the most technical of the three original five-driver models.
• Ziigaat Estrella: The two have a similar overall tonal balance, but the Estrella is more detailed, brighter, and more resolving. The reviewer prefers it for critical listening. The Seraphim is slightly darker and more comfortable for long sessions, and the reviewer personally prefers it over the Estrella.
• Heartfield CU8: The Seraphim has more bass texture and dynamics, while the CU8 presents vocals and female-vocal harmonics more expressively and naturally. The Seraphim sounds somewhat more detailed.
• Binary Dynaquattro: Both are V-shaped and have substantial sub-bass. The Dynaquattro has warmer lower mids and more treble sparkle, while the Seraphim offers clearer, smoother treble and more expressive mids. Which sounds brighter depends on the listener’s treble sensitivity.

In the reviewer’s personal comparison of treble energy, the Estrella is brightest. The Seraphim and Dynaquattro can trade places depending on sensitivity; the CU8 and older Ziigaat models are generally less bright.

Verdict and Recommendation

The reviewer places the Seraphim in his “This is genius” category, praising its premium build, strong accessories, detailed sound, and $260 price. He sees it as a versatile middle ground between the warmer Dos Cinco and the brighter, more analytical Estrella and Cinco Tres.

The Seraphim is recommended for listeners seeking clear, detailed sound with deep sub-bass and lively treble, but less brightness than the Estrella. It is less suited to bassheads or listeners who want warm, thick lower mids, and its fit may be a problem for smaller ears. Owners already happy with the Estrella or Dos Cinco do not necessarily need to switch.

Different Perspectives

• Reviewer Omar: Found the Seraphim comfortable and technically capable, and preferred it to the Estrella for longer listening. For a warmer, more relaxed sound, he would still choose the Dos Cinco.
• Omar’s wife: Found the fit poor for small ears, with the earpieces slipping out shortly after insertion.
• Omar also noted that feedback at the Shenzhen audio exhibition and CanJam SoCal was generally positive.