Ziigaat x Jays Audio Estrella - Star Light, Star Bright

 4⭐️

+ Fun, dynamic V-shaped tuning that brings the energy

+ Punchy, impactful and well extended bass

+ Clean and clear midrange with forward vocals

+ Airy and energetic treble

+ Impressive separation, imaging, and detail retrieval 

+ Price to performance

- Treble can get spicy on some tracks

- Excessive separation 

- If you want a chill, laid-back tuning, you'd better keep looking

- Timbre is a bit unnatural 

- Stock accessories

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was loaned to me for review by a friend. I recieve no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to @MakeItWain for the opportunity!

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●HiBy R1

●Samsung Galaxy s22/25 Ultra

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.

Introduction: 

Ziigaat is a fairly new player in the IEM market, but they started as an OEM for other audio companies. Their first products were released in late 2023 and the company gained popularity throughout 2024. The Estrella is a collaborative effort with YouTuber Jays Audio, and it features a two-dynamic and four-balanced armature driver configuration. It is currently available for $300 from Ziigaat and many other online retailers. Let's break down this collaboration and see how it stacks up against some of the competition.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The Estrella comes packed in a somewhat small and simple box featuring a nice picture of the shells. Inside, you'll find the IEMs, a 3.5mm terminated cable, a leather zipper carrying case, and four sets of tips. The black resin shells are about average in size, fairly lightweight, and are nicely contoured. The faceplates feature the Ziigaat logo, as well as a mix of blue, purple, silver, and gold flakes. There is also a vent located behind the flat 2-pin connection on each shell. The metal nozzle measures 6.1mm at its widest point, where a lip helps hold tips in place. The insertion depth is average, and the shells fit my ears easily and comfortably. The stock cable included with the Estrella is honestly pretty bad. It's thin, rubbery, tangles easily, and feels cheap in hand. For a $300 set, it is rather lackluster and far below my expectations. Nowadays, modular cables are becoming more common, even at the lower price tiers (DUNU, Letshuoer, TRN are a few companies that come to mind), and the Estrella's cable simply does not meet the standard. I swapped it out for the ivipQ 530 cable instead. Another disappointment is that only four sets of tips are included: three silicone and one foam. Similarly priced sets usually include many more tip options. I did try the stock tips but ultimately preferred my Penon Liqueurs. The one accessory of the Estrella I cannot complain about is the square, leather, zippered case. It doesn't have the most premium build quality or feel, but it is a nice and welcome addition.

Sound impressions:

Estrella translates to "star" in Spanish, and I think that's an apt name that describes this set pretty well. The overall tuning is an exciting V-shape with good extension on both ends and a tinge of brightness, just like the stars in the night sky. The note weight is just on the thicker side of average. The Estrella is easy to drive from just a simple dongle and can reach very high volumes without the need for amplification. The detail retrieval and resolution are really impressive, especially for the price. It does have a tendency to veer toward the clinical side but still retains a sense of musicality. The soundstage has great width, but I feel it lacks a little depth and can come across a little flat. The timbre is not the most natural and organic and can sound slightly artificial at times. A bit of warmth from either a source or EQ can help. The imaging is quite accurate and creates a nice three-dimensional space for notes. The dynamics are also impressive, and the tuning holds up well despite the volume level. Separation and layering are another standout feature, and it handles complex tracks very well. However, the separation may be a bit excessive, occasionally resulting in a lack of cohesiveness. Obviously, most music nowadays is produced by mixing different tracks together, but the Estrella has a way of pushing the separation too far, leading to a certain unnaturalness. The biggest offender, to my ear, is orchestral arrangements, where the entire ensemble sounds disjointed instead of melding into a cohesive whole.

●Lows - The bass of the Estrella is quite elevated and fun. It is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass, and I would actually welcome more mid-bass to add more weight and warmth to the overall tuning. The texture is perhaps a touch dry, but overall the bass is dynamic, resolving, and clean, with good impact and slam. The sub-bass extension is nice, and it can reach very low when called upon. The rumble is adequate, but I personally would like a little longer-lasting reverberation. It is pretty well separated, with no bleed into the midrange to my ear. The speed is fairly quick, and the decay might be a touch on the short side for me. I usually prefer it to last a little longer, but the bass is very capable and handles double kick drums with ease. The Estrella's bass is probably my favorite aspect of its tuning. It has a resolving nature and a sub-bass focus that reaches deep, though I feel it could use a bit more mid-bass warmth and fullness to sound more complete.

●Mids - The midrange is clear and forward, with vocals coming through very well and mostly balanced with the bold bass and brighter treble. They are not shouty or overemphasized, and I would actually welcome them being even a bit more prominent. Male and female artists are equally well-represented, but females are accentuated a bit more. Unfortunately, vocals are positioned a little closer to the head than the rest of the instruments, which can create a strange and slightly incohesive presentation. They can also take on a somewhat unnatural and overproduced quality at times. Instruments do fare a bit better but not by much. The lower midrange is a bit underutilized, and instruments like cello and lower brass do not have as much presence in orchestral arrangements as I'd like. Overall, I would say that the midrange of the Estrella is pretty strong. I would welcome an injection of warmth, the vocals to be a bit more forward, and more lower-midrange presence, but it's still an enjoyable experience for my library.

●Highs - The treble response is well-extended and airy, with plenty of sparkle and energy. There is definitely more treble emphasis than I usually prefer, but to its credit, it does not roll off early or sound dark and dull. Admittedly, it can be a little too spicy for me at times, but it is mostly track-dependent. I am fairly sensitive to treble, so others may hear it differently. Cymbals and hi-hats can be a bit splashy and metallic-sounding, and snares and claps can be harsh at higher volumes. Some "s" and "sh" notes can come across a bit bothersome, but again, this was track-dependent. To the Estrella's credit, I do not hear any true sibilance or anything wince-inducing, but the treble can be fatiguing over longer sessions. Overall, the upper frequencies are not really tuned to my liking, but those looking for a well-extended and energetic top end with a bit of spice will definitely find it here.

Comparisons: Let me preface this section with a brief note. Jay (in)famously said in one of his videos, "Estrella welcomes all competition under $1000." I usually perform only a handful of comparisons, and while I obviously can't compare the Estrella to everything, I'll warn you ahead of time that this section will be long, as I conducted 10 total comparisons for this review. Credit to Super Reviews, Audio Amigo, Dung Le, and aftersound for the graphs.

●DUNU DaVinci ($300) - This one is a matchup of two collabs which also just happen to have the same hybrid 2DD, 4 BA configuration. The Estrella's shell shape is a little more contoured and its nozzle angle makes for an easier fit but both are comfortable enough for me. Dunu's included accessories put Ziigaat's to shame especially considering these IEMs are the same price. The Estrella has a more traditional V-shaped frequency response with a deeper reaching sub-bass and better treble extension compared to the DaVinci's U-shaped tuning with more midrange presence. The sub-bass of the Estrella is punchier and more impactful but the DaVinci's emphasis on the mid-bass adds a good amount of warmth that I really enjoy. It's midrange also has a nice warmth and is more enjoyable for me even though the Estrella's mids are cleaner with better separation although vocals present a little recessed in comparison. Treble is brighter and more prominent on the Estrella with better air and sparkle but it also has some bite and some notes can be a bit harsh. I personally prefer the more rolled off treble of the DaVinci with less energy but it's really personal preference. The note weight of the Estrella is a little thinner than the DaVinci which doesn't play an insignificant role in why I prefer the latter. The Estrella is the technically more capable set with better imaging, detail retrieval, and slightly better timbre although it sacrifices some musicality along the way. The DaVinci has been and remains one of my favorite IEMs and while the Estrella is a strong contender, it comes as no surprise that overall I prefer the DaVinci. 

My pick: DaVinci 

●AFUL Performer 5+2 - The P5+2 has a tribrid configuration featuring 2DDs, 4BAs, and a single miniature planar driver. The P5+2 includes a better tip selection and a far superior stock cable, but the Estrella has a zipper case, which I prefer over the puck-style case. Both have well-contoured shells and offer a comfortable fit and good seal, but the nozzle on the P5+2 lacks a lip for tips, which might be an issue for some. The Estrella is more V-shaped with a bigger bass response, more midbass impact, and better extension on both ends. It's also brighter and can be peakier in the treble, with a little harshness at times. Its vocal presentation lacks a certain special quality when compared to the P5+2, which has a more natural timbre and a warmer, fuller, and more emotionally charged vocal emphasis. The Estrella is more energetic and dynamic, with a slightly bigger soundstage. It's also better suited for more complex tracks and has superior separation, but it can come across as a bit clinical at times compared to the P5+2's more musical style. The Estrella might have a slight edge in technical performance, but the P5+2 is more balanced with a smoother and overall more enjoyable tuning for my taste.

My pick: P5+2

●Intuaura Splendor II ($259) - This matchup pits a single DD against the 2DD, 4BA hybrid configuration of the Estrella. The Splendor has a better cable and tip selection, and comes with a DAC, though the Estrella has a better case, in my opinion. Both have similar builds, are about the same size, and offer a good fit and seal, but the Estrella has a better contoured shape. I personally prefer the design of the Splendor and find it to be more unique. As for the sound signature, the Estrella is more V-shaped with better extension on both ends. It is also a little more exciting, energetic, and detailed. The Splendor is somewhat laid-back and has a certain analog quality to it. The bass of the Splendor is more mid-bass focused, while the Estrella has more sub-bass emphasis and extension. It also has better bass texture and separation, whereas the Splendor's bass can be a bit bloated at times. Vocals are better separated on the Estrella, but it can also come across as a little more clinical than the Splendor, which is slightly warm and more musical. The highs are where the Splendor has a distinct advantage for me. The Estrella is spicier and can get a little hot at the top, while the Splendor is more laid-back and smooth. This one was actually closer than I initially thought. I personally prefer the Splendor's more musical and slightly laid-back tuning, but I have to admit the Estrella's technical performance is a tier above and offers exceptional sound quality for the price. My preference between these two would really depend on the day and mood, but overall I think the Estrella has better price-to-performance so I'll give it the win here. 

My pick: Estrella

●Penon Fan 3 ($349) - Both sets sport a hybrid driver configuration, but the Fan 3 has 2BAs and a BCD whereas the Estrella has 2DDs and 4BAs. I didn't have all the accessories for the Fan 3 so I can't really compare them. As for the build and fit, both have resin shells with metal nozzles and they are decently ergonomically shaped with similarly sized shells. I personally prefer the design of the Estrella faceplate but the Fan 3 is definitely more eye catching. The Estrella offers a more energetic sound, but it comes across a bit more balanced than the Fan 3. The Estrella has a deeper sub-bass extension and less mid-bass emphasis with superior resolution in the low end. Vocals are not positioned as forward as they are on the Fan, but they do sound more natural on the Estrella. The treble of the Estrella is not as incisive and has less bite, plus it doesn't have that ethereal, thin quality that can sometimes occur with the Fan. The Estrella has better transients and layering and a bigger soundstage, but the Fan 3's soundstage comes across as more full with less space between notes/instruments. To my ear, the technicalities on the Estrella are better across the board, from the resolution and imaging to the detail retrieval and timbre. I prefer the slightly forward vocal positioning of the Fan, but the vocal timbre, resolution, and note weight are better on the Estrella. Neither of these two quite matches my preference for tuning, but when A/Bing them against each other, it's pretty easy to pick the one that sounds better to my ear, and that just happens to be the cheaper set to boot.

My pick: Estrella

●ISN H60 ($349) - The Estrella and H60 feature the same driver configuration. Again, I couldn't compare all the stock accessories since the H60 did not include them all. The H60 is made of full resin and is larger with a very chunky nozzle. The Estrella is smaller and better contoured, with a metal nozzle. These two have pretty different designs and aesthetics, but I am personally drawn to the Estrella. When it comes to overall tuning, the Estrella has more of a traditional V-shaped sound signature with sub-bass emphasis and better treble extension and air, whereas the H60 is neutrally warm with a heavy mid-bass emphasis and relaxed pinna gain. The bass of the Estrella is much cleaner, more resolving, and has better extension. The midrange is clear and showcases more nuances and subtleties, such as guitar strumming. The treble is crisper and has more of an edge, but it can also be more fatiguing. The Estrella's resolution, imaging, and layering are superb. Also, the timbre is more natural, and vocals are positioned slightly more forward in the mix, which I prefer. Without a doubt, the Estrella is the better technical performer, but it does lack the inherent musicality, soul, and special qualities that make the H60 unique. I think the Estrella is the one to pick for a more traditional "hi-fi" sound quality, but my choice between these two would be the H60. It just has some innate special and unique qualities, with a certain amount of heart that the Estrella's technical performance cannot quite match.

My pick: H60

●DUNU DK3001BD ($500) - The Estrella is a 2DD, 4BA hybrid versus the DK3001BD's 1DD, 4BA, and 4 microplanar tribrid configuration. Both sets offer a good fit and comfort. When it comes to accessories, the Dunu simply outperforms the Ziigaat. It has a vastly superior cable, more variety in tip selection, and the case is subjective, but the Dunu is my preference. The Estrella offers more of a traditional V-shaped tuning, whereas the DK3001BD offers a better balanced V-shape that might come across a little boring in comparison. The Estrella's bass is much more prominent and impactful overall, but the reverberation can overstay its welcome, and it has worse texture and resolution compared to the BrainDance. It can also sound a bit wet and bloated. There is definitely more mid-bass with the Estrella, but it also bleeds a bit into the midrange, which is cleaner and better represented on the BrainDance. Vocals are better balanced and forward on the BrainDance, mostly due to the Estrella's larger bass shelf. Both sets have a little bite in the treble, but the BrainDance has superior air and extension and less frequent harshness or irritability. The technicalities of the BrainDance are pretty much superior across the board, but it's not by a large margin, which is a strong point for the Estrella, especially at its price point. The most noticeable difference is the more natural timbre of the BD. Overall, the Estrella is the more fun, energetic, and dynamic of the two sets, which some will prefer. However, the DK3001BD offers superior treble extension, better technicalities, and a more balanced tuning that lends itself to being a better all-rounder.

My pick: DK3001BD

●Softears Volume ($285) - The Estrella has exactly double the drivers of the Volume (1 DD, 2 BA vs. 2 DD, 4 BA) but the Volume has the better unboxing experience and accessories. The shell sizes are about the same, and both offer a comfortable fit and seal for me. Both are made of resin, but the Estrella has a metal nozzle and the Volume a metal faceplate. I much prefer the green design and overall aesthetic of the Volume, as it is quite unique and one of my favorites to date. The Estrella is V-shaped, whereas the Volume is U-shaped with a more subtle bass response and less extension on both ends. The Estrella is very exciting and energetic, whereas the Volume is more calm and subdued, but not without its own engagement factor. The Estrella's sub-bass focus is very nice. It can dig deep and rumble very well, though I do find myself missing a bit of the mid-bass warmth I prefer. The Volume has a better balance between sub- and mid-bass and a punchier impact and slam. The bass texture and resolution are also a bit better on the Estrella. This is where the Volume wins many points for me. The way it separates and puts vocals forward in the mix is exactly why I love this set so much. It also presents them with a touch of warmth and a certain emotion that really helps me connect with the music. Vocals on the Estrella sound good, but they feel like they are lacking a bit of soul, and the bass emphasis does not allow them to shine the same way they do on the Volume. In the treble, the Estrella offers more energy, sparkle, and better extension. However, it also has a proclivity for harshness and thinness, which I try to avoid. Sibilant-prone tracks quickly become fatiguing, and some breathier vocals are troublesome. The Volume sounds rolled off in comparison, which suits my preferences much better, but it still has a bit of energy in the lower and mid-treble that helps cymbals, hi-hats, snares, and claps come through well. The Estrella is definitely the more technically capable of the two. It offers better detail retrieval, layering, dynamics, and a deeper soundstage. The Volume may not have super-impressive technicalities, but it does have a sense of separation with plenty of space around notes that adds an inherent musicality and maturity to the tuning. It's also two years older than the Estrella, which is a lot in the IEM world. For me, this comes down to differences in overall presentation. The Ziigaat is fun, energetic, and lively, with a deep sub-bass rumble and airier, more sparkly treble. The Volume doesn't offer the same extension on either end, but it has a calmer presentation with an emphasis on vocals that I find hard to resist. Its balance across all frequencies hits my ear in a way that few sets have matched.

My pick: Volume

●Softears Volume S ($319) - Both are hybrids but the Volume S features 2 less BAs and a passive radiator. The unboxing and accessories favor the Volume S. It has a better, more pocketable case, and even though the modular cable exhibits some microphonics, it is still superior to the Estrella's cheap-feeling stock cable. I like the look and feel of the Estrella's smooth resin shell and its metal nozzle has a lip that helps keep tips in place, but the Volume S has a more unique aesthetic. As for tuning, the Estrella is much more V-shaped, with lower-reaching sub-bass and brighter treble, while the low impedance mode of the Volume S is U-shaped and more relaxed. The Estrella's bass is bolder and more sub-bass focused, with less mid-bass emphasis and impact. It is also a little more resolving, with a shorter decay. The Volume S still has a good amount of bass and is better balanced between sub- and mid-bass. The lower midrange is better represented on the Volume S, but the transition between bass and mids is cleaner on the Estrella. While the Volume S does not quite accentuate vocals enough for me, it does offer a better balance across the midrange frequencies. The Estrella emphasizes female vocals more, which can sound a little thinner and brighter; male vocals may sound a little recessed in comparison. The treble of the Volume S is also much more to my liking. It has enough air and sparkle to avoid sounding claustrophobic or incomplete, but it is admittedly rolled off a bit early. The Estrella, on the other hand, can be quite bright at times and does exhibit some thinness and troublesome notes to my ear. As for technicalities, the Estrella does have slightly better detail retrieval, imaging, and separation, but the Volume S has a much fuller soundstage, better dynamics, and a more natural timbre. This matchup really comes down to tuning preference. The Estrella is more energetic and exciting, whereas the Volume S (in low impedance mode) is relaxed, with a bit of warmth that makes for easier listening. It's an easy choice for me as a treble-sensitive listener and a fan of full-sounding bass. Plus, if I'm in the mood for more treble, I can simply switch over to the high impedance mode for a brighter tuning, making it the more versatile option.

My pick: Volume S

●Softears Studio 4 ($449) - This matchup pits the Studio 4's all BA configuration against a 2DD, 4BA hybrid. The Estrella has a slightly better unboxing experience, but the overall accessories are about the same. I prefer the Ziigaat's case to the Studio 4's, but the latter has a slightly better stock cable. The Estrella's shell is slightly larger, but the Studio 4 offers a slightly deeper insertion, though the nozzle is smooth and lacks a lip. Both sport a resin shell, and the Studio 4 is a bit smaller, but both offer a comfortable fit and seal for me. I personally prefer the Estrella's faceplate design. The Estrella is quite V-shaped, with a bigger bass shelf and a slightly brighter treble response, whereas the Studio 4 is much more neutrally tuned. The bass may be where these two differ most. The Estrella's double DD driver configuration offers much more sub-bass extension and rumble and is overall more satisfying for me as a semi-basshead. It is also more resolving and more impactful, with a good amount of slam and authority in the mid-bass. The Studio 4's neutral bass is more evenly balanced, though, and it has cleaner transients from bass to mids. In the midrange, the Estrella puts more emphasis on vocals, bringing them forward, which better matches my preferences. The Studio 4 has a flatter and more balanced midrange, which is great for instrument presentation but can also come across as a bit boring. The treble of these two actually sounds closer in ear than the graph would indicate. The Estrella definitely has better air and extension, but it is not quite as bright as it seems due to the large bass shelf that mostly helps to counter the brightness. The Studio 4 still has a certain edge and crispness in the treble that is easily discerned due to its flatter frequency response. As a treble-sensitive listener, both sets give me a few issues on certain notes and with certain tracks, but the Estrella is more incisive and has a bit more thinness. As for technicalities, the Estrella performs well for its price and offers a more expansive and fuller soundstage, better imaging, dynamics, and slightly better detail retrieval. However, the Studio 4 is simply better in instrument timbre and tonal accuracy, which is one of its strongest attributes. In conclusion, I must say these tunings are quite different, but both have their merits. However, I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the Estrella for just about every genre in my library except for orchestral music, which is where the Studio 4 really shines. Ultimately, the decision is fairly easy for me, as I find the Estrella to be a better all-rounder with a generally more fun, engaging, and enjoyable tuning.

My pick: Estrella

●Letshuoer S12 2024 ($200) - Here we have another interesting matchup with the Estrella's hybrid configuration going up against the single planar driver of the S12. The 2024 edition of the S12 spared no expense when it comes to packaging and accessories, and it easily trounces the Estrella. The S12's modular cable is much nicer, but I will admit the ZiiGaat zipper case is better than the puck-style case of the S12. The Estrella is larger, with a better contoured resin shell, whereas the shell of the S12 is metal and on the small side. The S12's design has a more premium aesthetic, but the rose gold color might be considered gaudy by some, and I personally prefer the Estrella's shape and overall design more. These two have similar V-shaped tunings up to about 2 kHz, where the S12 has slightly more upper-midrange emphasis and the Estrella a more energetic and extended treble response. In the bass, the Estrella definitely has deeper sub-bass extension, allowing for a nice subwoofer-like presentation. It also has more rumble, reverberation, and a slower decay, which is unsurprising since it is a dynamic driver versus planar. The S12's bass has more mid-bass emphasis and is better balanced. Neither set particularly accentuates the vocals and midrange to my preference, but the S12 has a nicer upper-midrange emphasis. It also showcases more natural instrument timbre and lower-midrange fullness better suited to instruments like cello and lower brass. On the other hand, the Estrella has a somewhat cleaner-sounding midrange with a sense of space that the S12 lacks. The upper frequencies are where I hear the biggest difference between the two. While the S12 has a snappy and crisp treble response, it does not get as sharp, thin, or fatiguing as the Estrella. In fairness, the Estrella does have more extension and air for those who want it. In the technicalities, the S12 is not too far behind, but there is definitely a noticeable gap. The Estrella impresses with its wider soundstage, better separation and layering, improved imaging, and superior dynamics. The S12 has a thicker note weight to my ear, though, and a certain fullness that the Estrella lacks. Even though the tunings are fairly close on the graph, these two sound quite a bit different. Though the S12's fit isn't the best for me, I still prefer its safer treble presentation and overall sound signature. Plus, the lower price is a nice bonus.

My pick: S12 2024

In conclusion:

The Ziigaat x Jays Audio Estrella is a really solid first collaborative effort. It may not exactly match my tuning preferences, and it only won three out of ten matchups, but I can appreciate it for what it does well. It has a nice, deep sub-bass extension, a clear, forward midrange, and a strong technical performance, especially for its price. The treble can get a little bright and peaky at times, but it is not the worst offender and is mostly track-dependent. For me, the Estrella paired well with pop, chillhop/lofi, and EDM, but wasn't a great fit for classical or orchestral music. I won't deduct points for the underwhelming stock cable, since it technically works, but there are plenty of cheap upgrade options out there. My biggest issues with this set are the timbre, cohesion, and treble energy. Regarding the timbre, vocals and instruments can take on a slightly unnatural or overproduced quality that does not hit my ear quite right. As for the cohesion, the separation is sometimes excessive and fails to create a completely cohesive picture. And finally, the treble can sometimes be too energetic and bright for my taste. Cymbals can be splashy and metallic, and some vocal notes thin and harsh. So, is the Estrella the best IEM under $1000? After performing more comparisons for this review than any other to date, my answer is a definitive "no." But it is still clear to me that the Estrella can hold its own in today's market, and despite my few complaints, I must give credit to Ziigaat and Jay for a job well done.