ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II In-Ear Monitors

The Arete Returns With Improvements

The original Arete was beloved globally and sold tens of thousands of units thanks to its brilliant tuning and performance. The Arete II brings back aspects that fans loved, with an enhanced tuning, superior build quality, and a new subwoofer. 

• ENHANCED BASS & REFINED TUNING: 2nd-gen composite dynamic driver delivers deeper sub-bass, stronger impact, and smoother bass-to-mid transitions, with improved treble air and openness.
• 2ND-GEN 10MM SUBWOOFER DRIVER: Liquid-silicone suspension diaphragm and upgraded magnetic array produce deeper rumble and tighter, punchier bass.
• QUAD BALANCED ARMATURE SETUP: Dual Knowles drivers ensure rich, clear mids and natural vocals, while dual tweeters extend treble for added detail and sparkle.
• FULL METAL BUILD & DETACHABLE CABLE: CNC-machined aluminum shells with a silver-plated OFC 0.78mm 2-pin cable offer durability, clean signal, and easy customization.

Enhanced Texture and Tuning

The Arete II utilizes a 2nd generation composite diaphragm dynamic driver for stronger and deeper bass response in the sub-bass. Tuned with a more precise crossover network, the bass response is fuller and heavier in the lows, while maintaining better transitions into the low-mids and midrange. The treble range has also been improved, with a greater ultra-treble output for more extension and air in the headroom.

2nd Generation Subwoofer

The Arete II features a new 10mm liquid silicone suspension diaphragm, which is engineered specifically for subwoofer-like performance. With a more fluid diaphragm structure and stronger neodymium magnetic array, the lows reverberate deeper, producing excellent rumble while retaining articulate punches.

Four Balanced Armature Drivers

Two Knowles ED 29689 drivers power the midrange for an authentic and accurate sound. Tried-and-true for over two decades, the ED 29689 is one of the most reliable balanced armature drivers available on the market, excelling in midrange texture and precise pinna compensation. The mids are slightly boosted in the Arete II for a more lush texture to vocals and instruments, and the mid-treble transition is clarified by a more precise 3kHz peak. The treble is powered by Knowles SWFK 31736 dual tweeters, which have also been well-established over the past decade. With a wider tube and enhanced driver placement, the Arete II has greater ultra-treble extension and an airier atmosphere in the sound.
The Arete II earphones feature a small switch on the earcup. Turning it on boosts the bass and lower-midrange, making the sound more suitable for different gaming scenarios. 

Full Metal Construction

The Arete II is redesigned around a full aluminum shell. Each unit is individually CNC machined from solid aerospace-grade aluminum blocks, ensuring precision around each corner. Shells are then hardened and hand finished prior to surface treatment. The faceplates are also constructed from aluminum in the same manner, ensuring durability and a premium feel to the Arete II. 

Custom Interchangeable Cable

The Arete II comes standard with an interchangeable 0.78mm 2-pin cable constructed from ultra-pure silver-plated oxygen-free copper, featuring both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced modular plugs. Designed for clean, noise-free signal transmission, the cable enhances durability while allowing users to customize their listening experience.

Inside the Box

• 1x Pair of ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete II
• 7x Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
• 1x 3.5mm Interchangeable Plug
• 1x 4.4mm Balanced Interchangeable Plug
• 1x Ultra-Pure Silver-Plated OFC Cable
• 1x Carrying Case
• 1 × 3.5mm plug
• 1 × Warranty card
• 1 × Wearing diagram/user instruction card

Specifications

• SENSITIVITY: 104dB
• IMPEDANCE: 24Ω
• DISTORTION: 0.04%
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz–40kHz
• DRIVER CONFIGURATION: 1DD + Knowles 29689 ×2 + Knowles 31736