Fit and Comfort

Seen above is the right channel of the ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter placed into an artificial ear mold with the included size M silicone ear tip installed. I have average-sized ears, and the ear mold above represents my own experiences well enough as a proxy. Size M silicone tips are my go-to for testing, since foam tips are not included by some brands, and I found these tips to work plenty fine in terms of achieving a consistent seal as well as measuring how I hear the IEMs too. The Jupiter is about average in size for IEMs these days which is actually a testament to the engineering work done inside to make the most of the available space. In fact, I have a lot of hybrid IEMs here with fewer drivers that are thicker and taller than the Jupiter is, let alone one with four EST drivers which also need their own power supply. Between this, the ergonomic shape, and the nozzle insertion angle, I had no issues with comfort and fit. The nozzle length and width might be an issue for some people though and I will say that the nozzle is the exact same as on recent ThieAudio IEMs to provide more context in case you have tried them out. The shells themselves have plenty of contact in the concha for support—especially if the indent at the top works for you—and the cable can help further if you route it around the back of the head or at least use the cinch under the chin to secure it in place. The shells being made of resin also means there isn't any physical fatigue from weight—6 g per side—either.

Audio Performance

Audio Hardware

The ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter employs a tribrid driver configuration in that there are three different driver types here for a total of 11 drivers per side. While there isn't a lot of information available about all the drivers used, which isn't a surprise in itself when it comes to the audio world, we do know that these 11 drivers are composed of a single 10 mm dynamic driver that uses a composite diaphragm of some sort, six balanced armature drivers, and four electrostatic tweeters. The ESTs are the easiest to talk about since they are no doubt from Sonion as with pretty much any other reputable set using them. The crossover diagram above shows that the ESTs kick in primarily after 10 kHz adding air and treble extension. The dynamic driver is on the other end, mostly responsible for 20 Hz to ~200 Hz, if not slightly more, but is supported by two Sonion 28UAP balanced armature drivers to assist with the lows-to-mids transition. The other BA drivers handle the mids and the mids-to-highs transition such that we have a 5-way crossover here. The end result is a set of IEMs with average rated impedance of 20 Ω and slightly lower sensitivity of 102 dB/mW (presumably, I am not a fan of audio brands using incomplete units) making the Jupiter still fairly easy to drive off even a halfway decent dongle, let alone a more powerful portable DAC/amp for use on the go. There is no need to go with the balanced cable option thus unless you just prefer the 4.4 mm connector outright.

Frequency Measurement and Listening

I will mention that I have a general preference for a warm-neutral signature with a slightly elevated bass, smooth treble range, detailed mids, and good tonal separation. I also generally prefer instrumental music over vocals, with favored genres including jazz and classical music.


Our reproducible testing methodology begins with a calibrated IEC711 audio coupler/artificial ear that IEMs can feed into enough for decent isolation. The audio coupler feeds into a USB sound card, which in turn goes to a laptop that has ARTA and REW running and the earphones connected to the laptop through a capable and transparent DAC/amp—I used the Questyle M15 here. I begin with an impulse measurement to test for signal fidelity, calibrate the sound card and channel output, account for floor noise, and finally test the frequency response of each channel separately. Octave smoothing is at the 1/12th setting, which nets a good balance of detail and noise not being identified as useful data. Also, the default tuning was used for testing, and no app-based settings were chosen unless specifically mentioned. Each sample of interest is tested thrice with separate mounts to account for any fit issues, and an average is taken of the three individual measurements for statistical accuracy. For IEMs, I am also using the appropriate ear mold fitted to the audio coupler for a separate test to compare how the IEMs fare when installed in a pinna geometry instead of just the audio coupler. The raw data is then exported from REW and plotted in OriginPro for easier comparison.


The IEC711 is such that you can't really compare these results with most other test setups, especially those using a head and torso simulator (HATS). The raw dB numbers are also quite contingent on the set volume, gain levels, and sensitivity of the system. What is more useful information is how the left and right channels work across the rated frequency response in the ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter. The left channel was separately tested from the right one, and colored differently for contrast. I did my best to ensure an identical fit for both inside the IEC711 orifice, so note how the two channels are identical across the entire useful 20 Hz to 20 kHz range! Keep in mind that this is a randomly chosen retail unit and this is all the more encouraging that all retail units will be similarly impressive. As I understand, ZiiGaat also wanted to show off its high level of quality control and assurance in addition to driver and channel matching here and it's clearly obvious the team did a great job. Measurements taken after 50 hours of testing, which included these playing a mix of various songs as well as white or pink noise and sine sweeps, showed no difference. There was no perceived burn-in effect thus, and none was measurable, either. The response with the anthropomorphic pinna in place matched the ideal scenario in the coupler quite well and this is an indicator of how good the fit and seal was when installed in the artificial ear. But keep in mind that the pinna doesn't care about any comfort issues, so your mileage may vary in your actual ears.



Given the ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter is a collab set involving another IEM reviewer/influencer HBB and I know it's tuned to his preference, it makes sense to report the average frequency response for both channels of the Jupiter plotted against HBB's own personal target which can be examined in more detail on VSG.squig.link. This is in addition to a second graph using a newer target that's based on a more scientific methodology involving a -10 dB tilt (-1 dB/octave) applied to the diffuse field target for the newer, more reliable B&K 5128 but then compensated for my exact 711 coupler instead. Do scroll down to the targets in my database linked above and see the new 5128 section to the left where you can click on the yellow question mark for a brief primer. The bottom line is this target is closer to what many people are likely to prefer out of IEMs and headphones alike. I have chosen to plot this graph with the frequency response normalized/compensated to the target to make it easier to see where the Jupiter deviates from this target. This helps summarize the set's tonality—powerful bass, clean mids, extended but non-harsh treble.

Having previously reviewed a couple of HBB's collabs, I have a decent idea of what he likes. Of note is the part where most of his collabs are in the <$100 price range and the Jupiter is the most expensive by far. As such, if there ever was a time to get everything someone wanted to make with their name on it, this was it. The good news is I am pretty sure the Jupiter does all that and more. The bass shelf is ~11 dB from 300 Hz, which isn't out of the ordinary but its execution sure is. The Jupiter will provides oodles of powerful and meaty bass ensuring no bass tuck or lean feelings towards the likes of bass guitars, drums, even the occasional guttural male vocals. Think Motörhead, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica and you get the idea. This can be a basshead's dream as long as they prioritize bass quality and don't want something boomier. Bass extension is excellent all the way to 20 Hz and below, so even electronic music lovers will find the Jupiter to be more than amenable for their own personal nightclubs. But what impressed me most is how the thick bass signature is still extremely resolving and dynamic as well as controlled. Notice the swift glide from 200 Hz to 300 Hz where it's pretty much flat. This keeps the bass shelf tidy and the mids extremely clean. Male vocals are an absolute delight in general with a touch of warmth.

Instrument fundamental tones are rendered with great range too and the Jupiter has a surprisingly tall and wide soundstage. Some of this can be attributed to the EST drivers adding air and presence in the higher frequencies which can make you think the sound is present in a larger stage. It does this while still having accurate imaging and instrument separation. I personally would have liked the mids to have slightly more range though as I felt the ear gain was coming a bit earlier. This isn't neutral as much as forward facing to where the occasional vocals and string instruments were a touch too hot for me—your mileage may vary though. To give you an example, Beyonce sounded ever so slightly nasal and Bach's string quarter felt like I was right next to the performers as opposed to in a concert hall with the other instruments for a supporting orchestral performance. On the other hand, the ear gain is relatively subdued which can be great for someone wanting a more relaxed sound. The Jupiter maintains this by having well controlled resonances and dips allowing for harmonics to have enough energy, including in the highs, but not to the point of being sibilant or fatiguing. Piano keys, harps, percussions all get their share. I quite like the Jupiter for fast orchestral tracks too. One thing that kept coming back to me with the Jupiter is how pleasant it was while still managing to be detailed and clean. It's quite hard to get this right—especially with a set that uses EST tweeters that can come off metallic sounding and harsh—so I think it's safe to say this set is plenty more than just a one-trick bass pony.


I will admit the pricing of the ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter took me by surprise when it was originally launched. While I definitely get it now that I have listened to it, it does make my job harder in the comparison section given I don't have a lot of IEMs here which are in the same price range. Also, weirdly enough, the three that I have selected here all happen to be all-BA sets. The first set that came to mind was the ThieAudio V16 Divinity which remains one of my favorite sets given its wonderful tuning. It's extremely resolving, probably made by ZiiGaat too, offers detailed and engaging bass despite the lack of a dynamic driver, and has excellent treble reproduction + extension without resorting to EST drivers. This set released in late 2021 and, well, let's just say that perhaps it might benefit from a price reduction these days. The Jupiter spanks the V16 Divinity in bass reproduction as it does for male vocals too. It's also at least on par with the V16 Divinity when it comes to detail retrieval and is arguably more enjoyable with a wider selection of music. The V16 Divinity is closer to a mixing engineer's tool and perhaps it's more apt to compare it to the likes of the 64 Audio U12t/U18t, not the Jupiter that is clearly going for audiophiles.

If you prefer a warmer sounding set then perhaps the Custom Art FIBAE 7 Unlimited is worth looking at. The Jupiter is really tuned differently enough to where these two sets aren't really competitors aside from costing nearly the same. The Jupiter is actually the more accurate sounding set of the two to the point of also being closer to neutral as well, which is not something I thought I would say about a HBB-tuned set. The FIBAE 7 Unlimited is available in CIEM form also though, so that does help provide more options for end users who wish to go that route. I will say the Jupiter has a better cable though, although I prefer the Custom Art carry case for its separate IEM compartments and the space to have other accessories with the set. If I had to pick one I will probably go for the Jupiter since it is more versatile and handles my classical music collection better, although tonally the FIBAE 7 Unlimited is closer to my warm-neutral preference. But you know what is not to my preference? The Westone MACH 80 which is somehow still at the same overpriced asking price as it was at launch. As part of a set of eight IEMs all using 1-8 BA drivers, Westone has managed to hit a new low with the MACH series by asking for ridiculous amounts of money for a set that is barely tuned coherently for some music genres, let alone being a tool for music mastering and live performances as marketed. The only good thing about the MACH 80 is its comfortable fit and the use of the Estron T2 cable connector, but really this is nowhere near the other three in terms of value for money.


While I usually compare IEMs that are in the same price range or intended price bracket, in this case I think it's safe to assume a lot of people are also interested in knowing how the ZiiGaat x HBB Jupiter compares to some of the tribrid sets from Linsoul's own house brand ThieAudio. In particular, I suspect many anticipated the Jupiter to take on the ThieAudio Monarch MK3 but instead the Jupiter is priced above even the ThieAudio Prestige/Prestige LTD. The latter is a closer comparison also due to the use of a single 10 mm DD and four EST drivers although it has four BA drivers compared to the six in the Jupiter. The number of drivers is less important than what you do with it of course. I will say that I only have the original Prestige here which is a bit too hot in the higher frequencies for me and one of the sets I often use to show people what happens when someone just uses EST drivers for marketing more than thinking about how its implementation affects the user experience. The Prestige LTD is a re-tuned, tamer version of the Prestige that seems to be far more pleasant to listen to and perhaps that would be tougher compeition to the Jupiter. There are still some subtle differences elsewhere though. Note the bass glide which seems similar at first glance but the Jupiter has more impact and yet manages to be cleaner in the mids. The Prestige also goes the other way in the ear gain and some female vocals might feel slightly drowned in the background. Also, taking out the part where added emphasis in the highs can lead to an illusion of detail, the Jupiter really comes off more resolving to me. I can discern individual guitar strings in a 4/5-string bass guitar much easily here. I can say the same about the Monarch MK3 as well even though I am fairly confident ZiiGaat is the one who made both of these ThieAudio sets too. The dual DD setup in the Monarch MK3 feels more dynamic to me, especially in handling trailing ends of tones, but is less detailed than the Jupiter almost every single way. It's a more U-shaped set that runs a but too forward in the upper mids for my liking, which means it will probably annoy more people there than appeal to them based on how I can usually tolerate this. I do think the Monach MK3 and Prestige LTD both have a better set of accessories though, although the cable itself is a wash—modular terminations with the ThieAudio sets vs. a more pliable and attractive offering with the Jupiter.