Close view of ZiiGaat Seraphim headphones, the subject of this review of their ziigaat seraphim sound profile.

ZiiGaat Seraphim Wins on Looks and Bass, But Its Lean Lower Mids Hold It Back

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-11-15

Disclosure: Two of the sources note that Linsoul provided the Seraphim for review. The Creative Bloq review does not state how its review unit was obtained.

The ZiiGaat x Jay Audio Seraphim is a $259 hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) that looks more expensive than it is. Its ziigaat seraphim sound profile is exciting from the first bass note, but it has one clear weakness: a lean lower midrange, which takes body from male vocals and some acoustic instruments. Buyers who want thick, warm vocals should look elsewhere.

The Seraphim uses two dynamic drivers and three balanced armature drivers per side. A hybrid design combines both driver types to split the frequency range between them. ZiiGaat and Jay Audio co-developed the earphone. It is the second collaboration between the two, following the Estrella.

For a retro take on portable listening, check out Sony’s gold-plated Walkman revives vintage personal audio, which pairs old-school style with modern sound.

Sub-bass that hits hard

The Seraphim’s low end is its headline feature, and it defines much of the ziigaat seraphim sound profile. Creative Bloq’s reviewer describes a thunderous ten-decibel sub-bass slam. In an isobaric setup, two drivers face each other and move in sync to build pressure together. ZiiGaat says this emphasizes kick drums and bass guitar notes while limiting spill into the midrange.

Creative Bloq’s reviewer, Beren, says the sub-bass “hits like a truck” and calls the impact good rather than bloated. The mid-bass stays tight, which gives bass lines a bouncy, textured grip. Electronic kicks and 808s sound separated and authoritative. The reviewer adds that the low end can sit a little apart from the lower mids, which can make the tuning feel less cohesive.

The Japanese introduction from the blog Note describes the same strength. It calls the deep bass “sufficient in volume” and says it pairs well with rock and EDM.

Mids that lean toward clarity

The midrange is where opinions split. ZiiGaat describes the mids as neutral and natural, driven by two RAF 32873 Knowles balanced armatures. The reviewer finds the lower mids lean. That leaves male vocals and chest resonance thinner than the reviewer expected, particularly on low notes from Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” Anyone judging the ziigaat seraphim sound profile for vocal-heavy listening should weigh this point carefully.

Higher-register male vocals fare better. The reviewer says Neil Young’s “Tell Me Why” comes across as forward and transparent. Instrument separation is also strong, with piano notes and acoustic guitar strums sharply defined.

The Japanese introduction takes a warmer view of the mids. It says female vocals are bright and carry a gorgeous presence, and that male vocals sound natural. The two accounts differ mainly on male vocal body, and the Creative Bloq reviewer’s measured complaint is the more specific of the two.

Treble that stays smooth most of the time

The treble is the Seraphim’s most technically impressive area, according to the Creative Bloq review. A single Knowles RAD 33518 ultra-tweeter extends the highs and adds micro-detail. The reviewer hears plenty of fine information without harsh peaks or the glare common in bright IEMs.

The tuning has limits. On bright recordings, such as Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” and Lucinda Williams’s “Sweet Old World,” the treble can become too much. On the rest of the reviewer’s library, which they estimate at 80 percent, the treble stays smooth enough for long sessions.

How the ziigaat seraphim sound profile compares

The CrinEar Reference costs $350 and takes a neutral approach. The reviewer calls it more sophisticated in tone, with a natural vocal timbre and a smooth but full midrange. The Seraphim is more exciting, with a V-shaped profile that favors bass and treble. The reviewer says the Reference fits more comfortably, because its longer, deeper fit seals faster.

The Binary EP321 is a closer match on price at $310. Creative Bloq says it does mid-bass better than the Seraphim, and it has more treble energy. The manufacturer credits that energy to a MEMS driver, a type of micro-electromechanical transducer. The EP321 is also less lean in the lower mids, with warmer, thicker vocals.

The verdict in the review is simple. Listeners who want physical sub-bass impact should choose the Seraphim. Listeners who prioritize airy treble and fuller lower mids should choose the EP321.

Build, fit and cable

The shells are CNC-machined aluminum, with matching faceplates and nozzles. The reviewer says the metal feels solid without weighing the earphone down. The faceplate has an integrated wave pattern, and the front vent is designed to reduce occlusion, the pressure a sealed ear canal creates. Jay Audio says the vent opens up a better sense of space.

Fit is the main practical issue. The nozzles are short and create a shallow fit. The reviewer could not get a proper seal with their usual Juzear eartips. The rounder tips from the Dunu Vitruvian worked, and once the seal formed, it held.

The cable is thin, which some listeners dislike. The reviewer likes it because it coils easily and avoids microphonics, the rustling noise cables can transmit to the ear. The cable is modular, with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs.

Specifications, and where the sources disagree

The sources list the same core hardware, but a few figures conflict. The Creative Bloq spec sheet lists sensitivity at 125.5dB/Vrms at 1kHz. The Japanese introduction and the IEM Ranking review both list 105dB. Weight is also inconsistent: Creative Bloq lists 5g per earpiece, while the Japanese introduction lists about 5.8g per side.

  • Price: $259 (Creative Bloq, ZiiGaat)
  • Release: October 2026 (Creative Bloq, Japanese introduction)
  • Dynamic drivers: two 10mm units, described as PEEK and PU composite by ZiiGaat and as PET polymer diaphragms by two other sources
  • Balanced armatures: two Knowles RAF 32873 midrange drivers and one Knowles RAD 33518 ultra-tweeter
  • Impedance: 9 ohms at 1kHz
  • Frequency response: 20Hz to 35kHz (ZiiGaat)
  • Weight: about 5g per earpiece (Creative Bloq) or about 5.8g per side (Japanese introduction)
  • Sensitivity: 125.5dB/Vrms at 1kHz (Creative Bloq) or 105dB (Japanese introduction and IEM Ranking)

Should you buy it?

The Seraphim suits listeners who want deep, visceral bass with clean detail. EDM listeners and gamers will likely enjoy its punch and imaging. It is also a striking object, and the reviewer says the look is a major reason to buy it. Among ziigaat iems at this price, it stands out for bass-forward listening.

Gamers weighing the Seraphim’s punch may also want to see Turtle Beach’s dual-function Stealth Flip PC controller, a PC gaming accessory built for flexible setups.

Listeners who want lush, thick male vocals should choose something else. The lean lower mids will frustrate them. For everyone else, the Seraphim offers a strong balance of excitement and smoothness at $259.

Close view of ZiiGaat Seraphim headphones, the subject of this review of their ziigaat seraphim sound profile.

Via creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

How much does the ZiiGaat Seraphim cost?

The ZiiGaat x Jay Audio Seraphim costs $259. It is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM).

How many drivers does the ZiiGaat Seraphim have?

Each side uses two dynamic drivers and three balanced armature drivers. The hybrid design splits the frequency range between the two driver types.

Is the ZiiGaat Seraphim good for male vocals?

Its lean lower midrange takes body from male vocals, so buyers who want thick, warm vocals should look elsewhere. Higher-register male vocals fare better.

How does the ZiiGaat Seraphim’s bass perform?

The sub-bass is the Seraphim’s headline feature, and the Creative Bloq reviewer says it “hits like a truck” with good rather than bloated impact. The mid-bass stays tight, giving bass lines a bouncy, textured grip.

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