Ziigaat Luna - Breaking the Mold

4⭐️

+ Superbly well-balanced U-shaped tuning with nice extension on both ends

+ Not your typical BA bass response; elevated low end with good rumble

+ Clean, clear, and uncolored midrange with natural instrument timbre 

+ Treble is sparkly and crisp without being overbearing (at lower volume levels)

+ Solid technical performance that competes above it's price

+ Finally, some better accessories from Ziigaat

- Vocal tonality on the colder side

- Treble can be a little too hot and piercing at higher volume levels

- Soundstage could be more expansive 

- Slight pressure build-up issues

- Tip and source dependent 

- Price

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 provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://www.linsoul.com/products/ziigaat-luna

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC amps

Source:

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

Introduction: 

Ziigaat is quickly becoming one of the more recognizable brands for IEM enthusiasts exploring the mid-fi market. They have had quite a few releases already this year and don't look to be slowing down anytime soon. I've personally reviewed three of their models to date: the Estrella, the Arete, and the Lush. I've also demoed a few others, and for me, Ziigaat has been hit or miss; some are great, and others average or just below. The Luna comes in at a price of $379, making it one of the more expensive Ziigaat models so far. It utilizes a six-balanced armature driver configuration, but these are branded drivers, which reflects in the price. Inside are two Sonions for lows, two Knowles for the mids, and two Knowles tweeters for the highs. Let's break down this first all-BA offering from Ziigaat and see what the Luna can do.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The unboxing experience is what you'd expect at this price point: some nice artwork on the box, but otherwise straightforward with no frills. The shells of the Luna adhere to the usual Ziigaat style with a black resin body and sparkly faceplate. The Luna does manage to set itself apart a bit from its siblings by utilizing an eye-catching three-way color scheme. I'm not sure what the particular design philosophy is supposed to be, but to me, the faceplate reminds me of a cherry blossom scene. The pink/white sparkles on the edge are the petals of the tree, the green is the grass, and the blue could be water. I've tried my fair share of Ziigaat IEMs; most have very similarly shaped and sized shells, and the Luna doesn't break the mold in that regard, but for some reason, they are the best-fitting model for my ears that I've tried so far. Unfortunately, despite having a vent located behind the flat 2-pin connection, I still experienced a little pressure buildup. It's not super uncomfortable for me, but it is worth noting and could impact those who are more sensitive. The insertion depth is about average, and the nozzle measures 6.1mm at the widest point. The stock black cable looks and feels similar to other Ziigaat models, and it's sort of thin and feels somewhat cheap in hand. However, this time it does utilize a modular termination system with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm included. Personally, I'm not a big fan of this push-on style of termination, as I much prefer a more secure screw-on locking mechanism, but it's still nice to see Ziigaat improving their accessories. I did utilize the stock cable along with the ZiSin Dragon God purple cable when I wanted a pop of color to go with the vibrant faceplates. There are seven total pairs of tips included in the box: three black silicone, three clear silicone, and one foam. I really like the stock silicone tips because they have a slightly sticky texture and they fit me quite well, but I ultimately went with some DUNU tips that came with the DaVinci due to how the narrow bore helps control the somewhat strident treble. The leather zipper case is a very nice upgrade over the one that accompanied their previous IEMs. This new case has a nice, rich brown color with good crush resistance, and though it's a bit smaller in width, it's taller and makes fitting the IEMs and accessories a little easier. Overall, the accessory package for the Luna is pretty good. I'm glad Ziigaat has finally stepped up their game, and while I appreciate the effort, the cable quality leaves me a little wanting at this price.

Sound impressions:

To me, the sign of a well-balanced tuning is when no single frequency area manages to dominate the others, which is definitely the case here with the Luna. I'd describe the tuning as U-shaped with a decent bass shelf, an accentuated upper midrange, and a sparkly treble with decent extension. Since this is an all-BA set, it's easy enough to drive with a simple dongle and doesn't require a lot of power to get to high volume levels. The note weight is about average—not overly thin but not thick either. I do wish it were a little thicker for my preferences, but that's a minor nitpick. The detail retrieval is definitely one of the standout aspects of the Luna's technical performance. It's very capable and has a way of putting subtleties and nuances on display without forcing them upon the listener. The imaging, too, is very strong in both laterality and distance. The timbre is quite natural and organic, particularly for midrange instruments. The dynamics are well done for this style of tuning, which holds up well despite the volume level. Unfortunately, the soundstage is a little disappointing. It's definitely not bad, but it does sound a little flat and a tiny bit cramped at times, though the somewhat intimate presentation does lend itself well to certain genres. The layering is decent, but the separation could be better. Notes don't necessarily run together, but it could benefit from more space to help distinguish them better. Overall, from a technical standpoint, I think the Luna is quite capable and really showcases what a mid-fi all-BA set can do. I believe it competes well with its peers and can even hold its own with sets priced upwards of $500, but the soundstage, in particular, could be better. 

During my testing, I found that the Luna is fairly source-sensitive, and three sources in particular stood out to me. The Questyle M18i is what I consider to be one of my most technically savvy sources, and in this case, it really pushes the Luna's BAs to their best performance, bringing out subtleties and nuances that other DACs leave behind. However, it can skew the tuning a bit brighter, and the texture of the treble becomes a little brittle, which is not ideal for me. The Muse HiFi M5 Ultra's tube mode lends a nice weight and fullness to the bass, which helps it feel warmer and more impactful, but it doesn't really help with the incisiveness of certain treble notes. The best pairing I found is the Kiwi Ears Allegro. This little budget DAC helps to preserve the Luna's fantastic balance and also smooths out the peakier treble notes, which makes the entire listening experience that much more enjoyable.

●Lows - The Luna scores a lot of points for me in the bass due to sort of defying expectations of what BA bass can do, at least in the mid-fi tier. Actually, it might be more accurate to say it sounds like a sort of blend between DD and BA bass, as it takes qualities of each type and mixes them together to create something unique. First of all, the Luna's low end is definitely elevated and also very well balanced between sub- and mid-bass. Since I described it as sounding like a mixture of different driver types, let me break it down further. The bass has a clean texture and a nice level of resolution and speed which sort of line up with my experience with BA bass. On the flip side, the rumble is good, notes feel impactful, and the decay is a bit slower, which sounds much more natural and DD-like to my ears. Sure, the sub-bass extension could be deeper, and it may be missing just a bit of fullness, but both aspects are at least at a satisfying level for my taste. Also, there's no bleed into the midrange to worry about, which is always a plus. Overall, it may not be the voluptuous, skull-rattling, hard-hitting bass you're hoping for, but the Luna's bass response does show that Ziigaat knows how to tune their first all-BA release well.

●Mids - Here in the midrange, there's a lot to like, but also a few things I think could be improved. Vocals are smooth, clean, and clear with a natural timbre and plenty of clarity. They are well-balanced with the bass and treble in that they don't dominate the presentation, but neither are they recessed. Female vocals are just about right as far as where they land in the mix, though male vocals are generally just a touch recessed for my preferences. Also, I typically prefer a slightly warmer vocal presentation, and the Luna is a touch on the colder side for me. There's also a bit of emotiveness missing, though it's somewhat track-dependent. The one area of the midrange that the Luna does exceptionally well is instrument tonality and timbre. In classical and orchestral arrangements, every instrument, from strings and percussion to brass and woodwinds, sounds accurate and organic. The level of detail and nuance of each piano key stroke and guitar string pluck is truly impressive as well. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with how the midrange presents. To my ear, the balance and level of detail, along with the natural timbre and fantastic instrument reproduction, make the Luna something to behold. Vocals have a great mix of being technically proficient yet still retaining some of that emotive presentation I crave, though they could lean further towards musicality for my taste, and a little warmer tonality would be welcome.

●Highs - The treble is where I take the most issue with the Luna's tuning. I generally listen at moderate to high volume levels, and some sets are simply better suited for that than others. The Luna's treble is quite clear, concise, and detailed, and there's a sufficient amount of air and extension, though maybe not enough for true trebleheads. However, it can be a little too sharp and piercing for me at my usual listening levels. Interestingly, it becomes nearly perfectly tuned once the volume level is decreased. At a higher volume, the entire treble becomes a bit overcooked for my preferences. Cymbals are a little splashy, snares more incisive, some vocal notes too piercing, and sibilance is more likely to rear its head, though I found that it can be very genre and track specific. With female-led pop and rock, there are many more instances of harshness, but with male-led folk and acoustic music, as well as orchestral arrangements, I could easily listen at higher volumes without issue. Overall, the Luna's treble leaves me a bit torn. I think the extension and air are great for my preferences, and I can certainly appreciate the level of detail on display, but at my normal listening levels, it has a tendency to be too sharp and harsh. Luckily, though, I'm still able to enjoy most of my library without too much issue, and lowering the volume level a bit is probably better for my ear health anyway.

Comparisons: Credit to Audio Amigo for the graphs. 

● DUNU DaVinci ($300) - This matchup pits the 2DD 4BA hybrid configuration of the DaVinci against the 6 BAs of the Luna. My love affair with the DaVinci is well documented, and these two have a pretty similar tuning target, which should make for an interesting comparison. DUNU's accessory game is hard to beat, and the DaVinci includes a better quality cable and more tip options, though the Luna does have a comparable carrying case. The build quality and size of these two are very similar. They both have lightweight resin shells and a metal nozzle, and even though the Luna is a bit smaller, both offer a comfortable fit for my ears. Design is always subjective, but I honestly like both equally. The DaVinci's wood faceplate looks natural and a little more classy, but the tricolor faceplate of the Luna is more eye-catching. Regarding the tuning, both sets have a mostly U-shaped sound signature, but the DaVinci has more bass and upper midrange emphasis and a slightly more rolled-off treble, while the Luna is a little more even-keeled and balanced across the entire frequency response. In the bass, the DaVinci definitely has more overall quantity. It sounds fuller with a more robust rumble, deeper extension, and a harder-hitting punch. The Luna doesn't quite manage to match that DD bass feeling, but it does have a slightly shorter decay, a cleaner texture, and a touch more resolution that some may prefer. The midrange also shows some key differences. The Luna has what I consider to be a better balance across the lower and upper mids, but the DaVinci's added emphasis on the upper midrange makes vocals pop just a bit more, which I personally prefer. The Luna also has a little bit of a colder and drier vocal tonality, whereas the DaVinci is smoother and more engaging with an innate warmth that really draws me in. However, the Luna does have superior instrument reproduction and a more natural timbre, especially for orchestral arrangements. The treble is where these two really start to differentiate themselves. The Luna is more energetic with better extension and air, though it also has an edgier and somewhat brittle quality, especially on snares and certain vocal notes. The DaVinci's treble rolls off a bit more steeply, but it still has what I consider to be a good amount of presence and sparkle to balance out the bass shelf and upper midrange emphasis. Those less treble sensitive than myself may prefer the Luna's crisper and more lively treble, but the DaVinci manages to push the treble just to the edge of my tolerances without crossing the line. When it comes to technical performance, these two aren't leagues apart, but each has its own strengths. The Luna has better separation, detail retrieval, imaging, and a slightly wider soundstage, while the DaVinci has better note weight, layering, and a slightly deeper soundstage. For me, this matchup comes down to the overall balance and personal preference for musicality versus technical prowess. It was clear during my testing that the Luna is very technically capable and the tuning balance is really well done, but the DaVinci simply resonates more with me when it comes to engagement and emotional impact. The bass is also fuller and harder hitting, and the slight upper midrange accentuation pushes vocals right where I want them. The DaVinci also has a certain warmth and cohesiveness that completely envelops me and makes it easy to listen to for hours on end. Honestly, these two are probably more different than they are alike, and though the Luna is no slouch, I'll almost always be drawn to a more musical set despite any small technical flaws or deficiencies.

My pick: DaVinci 

● Kiwi Ears Astral ($300) - These two sets have similar driver configurations, each including 6 BAs, but the Astral is a hybrid and also throws a single DD into the mix. Starting with the accessories, these two are pretty comparable. Both include modular cables, but the Luna has a much better case and more tip options. I like that the Astral's cable is thicker and more robust, but it's also stiffer and less pliable. From a build quality standpoint, these two are nearly identical with resin bodies and metal nozzles, but the Astral is a bit larger with a more semi-custom shaped shell and a deeper insertion. Both offer a pretty comfortable fit, though the Luna will likely be better for those with smaller ears. When it comes to the tuning, these two are fairly close but do have some key differences. Both have a similar U-shaped sound signature, but the Astral has a bit more of a "Meta" tilt to it due to the mid-bass tuck and slightly flatter midrange response. In the bass, the Astral simply hits different thanks to the addition of a dynamic driver. It has a more robust sub-bass rumble and better extension that I really like; however, the Luna's low end is better balanced across sub- and mid-bass, and the texture and resolution are an improvement as well. In the midrange, the Astral has a slightly flatter response, which lends a bit more weight to instruments in the lower half. Also, the upper mids are nicely accentuated and slightly more emotive to help showcase vocals. The Luna has a bit more of a dip in the lower midrange, and vocals are pushed more forward with an energy, clarity, and crispness that the Astral doesn't match. The timbre of both instruments and vocals is a little more natural with the Luna too. The treble is where I hear the biggest difference. The Astral has a slightly more rolled-off response compared to the Luna, and it sounds less sparkly and incisive. The Luna is definitely the brighter sounding of the two, and it has more energy and a slightly brittle texture in comparison. Both have a comparable level of air and extension, but the Luna can be a little bit fatiguing over time, especially with sibilant-prone tracks. With regards to technical performance, these two aren't too far apart, but the Luna has a wider soundstage, a slightly more natural timbre, and better detail retrieval and dynamics. The Astral, though, has more note weight and better layering. For me, this matchup comes down to the tuning balance and overall presentation. The Astral has a bigger and deeper sub-bass response that I enjoy and a somewhat more relaxed sound signature that is easy to listen to for long periods. On the other hand, the Luna is more lively and exciting, and it prioritizes technical performance over musicality. Even though the treble can be a little much with certain genres, the combination of a better overall balance, increased detail, and a bigger soundstage gives the Luna an upgraded feel compared to the Astral. However, I will admit the Astral's slight emphasis on bass and midrange makes it a very enjoyable set for a more relaxed listening session.

My pick: Luna

● Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite ($250) - The Orchestra Lite has been one of my long-time favorite all-BA sets, and though these two don't really have much in common when it comes to tuning, I still wanted to pit them against each other to see which one I prefer. Both sets utilize 6 BAs per side though only the Ziigaat uses branded Sonion and Knowles drivers. Despite the price discrepancy, the accessory packages are fairly comparable, though the Luna does have a much better case and a modular cable. The build qualities are also similar, with both having resin shells, but the Luna utilizes a metal nozzle. The shell of the Lite is slightly larger, and both offer a generally good fit for me, but the Luna is a little more comfortable and exhibits much less pressure buildup. From a design standpoint, these two are pretty different. The Lite is available in a few different faceplate color options, but the body remains clear and looks pretty neat. The Luna, though, looks a bit more premium to me thanks to its unique faceplate design. When it comes to sound, the Luna has a balanced U-shaped tuning, while the Lite is more mid-centric with less bass and a rolled-off treble. In the low-end, the Luna not only has a better balance between sub- and mid-bass but also a deeper-reaching extension, more rumble, and better resolution. The Lite is a little more mid-bass focused and delivers a more satisfying punch and impact, which are particularly great for rock. In the midrange, the Lite pushes vocals more to the forefront, which I really enjoy. One can argue that the overall balance suffers because of it, but it's also part of what makes it special. The Luna has a much more even-keeled midrange response that plays well with the bass and treble, though vocals don't exhibit the same heart and emotional connection as they do with the Lite. The Luna lends more weight to the lower midrange, which makes it better for certain classical and orchestral genres. The treble is where things get really interesting. Due to the Lite's rolled-off response, it won't impress anyone when it comes to extension and air, but it still has a nice little bite and crispness to keep things interesting. The Luna, though, is on a whole other level, and I didn't realize just how much treble the Lite was missing until I did the A/B comparison. As far as technicalities go, the Luna simply outperforms the Lite in just about every category, most notably separation, detail retrieval, and soundstage, though the Lite does have a bit more note weight. For me, these two are so different that it's honestly kind of hard to choose between them. They both have their unique charm and excel with different genres of music. The Lite has a great mid-centric tuning that is ideal for vocals, and the relaxed treble ensures there are no piercing or harsh notes. The Luna has a more energetic and balanced sound that pairs wonderfully with just about any genre. I think the deciding factor would likely be if you're looking for a specialist type of tuning or more of an all-rounder. Personally, I'd have to go with the Luna. Even though the treble can be a little much at times and the midrange isn't quite as forward as I like, it's simply more technically impressive and really showcases how well-tuned an all-BA set can be.

My pick: Luna

● AFUL Performer 5+2 ($240) - This matchup pits the 6BAs of the Luna against the 2DD 4BA and 1 microplanar tribrid configuration of the 5+2. As far as the accessories go, the Luna includes a much better case zipper case compared to AFUL's metal puck-style case. The Luna also has a modular cable which is a plus, though the 5+2's cable is a bit better quality and it comes with more tips too. As for the build quality, both sets have similary shaped and sized resin shells, but the Luna has a metal nozzle while the 5+2's is resin and lacks a lip for tips. I actually find that both fit me well, but my eye is more drawn to the unique green geometric pattern on the 5+2's faceplate compared to the Luna's sparkly design. When it comes to the sound, These two bith have U-shaped tunings and graph pretty similarly, but there are a few key areas where they differ. In the bass, The Luna has a slightly cleaner texture, is a touch more resolving, and has what I consider to be a better balance between sub- and mid-bass; however, the bass of the 5+2 is better extended, more impactful, and has a slightly slower decay. It could be that I simply prefer the DD bass of the 5+2, but there's definitely something there that sounds more natural to my ear. The midrange is actually where I hear the biggest difference in tuning. The Luna has more of an upper midrange emphasis which particularly pushes female vocals to the forefront, while the 5+2 has a somewhat flatter midrange that enables male vocals to better carve out a space for themselves in the mix. Vocals are also generally a little smoother and more emotive on the 5+2, whereas the Luna sounds a bit colder and drier, though the instrument timbre is more natural on the Luna. As for the treble, it really depends on individual tolerances as each set can be slightly fatiguing in different ways. The Luna is a little brighter, crisper, and airier, and it's treble response definitely sounds more "complete" than the 5+2's, however, it can be too sharp and incisive at times, especially with sibilant prone tracks. The 5+2's treble rolls off a bit more steeply, which I personally prefer, but it still has a certain energy and sparkle that can be a little hot at higher volume levels. When it comes to technical performance, these two aren't too far apart. The Luna has a slightly wider soundstage and better detail retrieval, separation, and imaging, while the 5+2 has more soundstage depth, more note weight, and better layering. For me, this one ultimately comes down to the midrange and treble. I think the Luna gets points for its overall tuning balance and technical proficiency, but the 5+2's vocal presentation is smoother with more heart and soul, and there's a innate musicality that pulls me in. I still think the Luna is a great option for those seeking a particularly clean and crisp presentation, but the 5+2's slight sub-bass emphasis, more emotive midrange, and less sharp treble win out in the end. 

My pick: 5+2

In conclusion:

I first demoed the Ziigaat Luna at CanJam SoCal earlier in the year, and it made a strong impression. I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks afterward conducting a proper review, and the more time I spent with the Luna only served to cement those initial impressions. Its U-shaped tuning is particularly well-balanced, and it has one of the best mixes of musicality and technical performance I've heard under $500. The BA bass manages to defy expectations for a mid-fi level IEM, and the timbre of midrange instruments really impresses. Female vocals are forward and engaging, and the treble is airy, sparkly, and detailed. For me, though, there are a few small tuning flaws that add up. The treble can be a touch too brittle and strident at my usual listening levels, and I would prefer both a bit more bass quantity and upper midrange emphasis. I do think the Luna makes a more than serviceable all-rounder thanks to its balanced tuning; however, I found that I actually enjoyed it most with somewhat more relaxed genres like acoustic, folk, singer-songwriter, and orchestral arrangements where instruments can take their fair share of the spotlight. Regardless of the minor tuning changes I'd like to see, I believe the Luna's biggest obstacle to overcome may be its price. Don't get me wrong, it's a great IEM, but it just doesn't blow me away for the MSRP of $379. I'm assuming Ziigaat's decision to implement branded balanced armature drivers makes the Luna a little more expensive to produce. While the sound quality is impressive, the same old shell design and only marginally improved accessory package may not be enough to warrant the asking price. I would really like to see the Luna priced a little cheaper, say around $280, to have a better chance at breaking into the highly contested mid-fi market. Still, with all that said, if you find yourself looking for a technically savvy and well-balanced mid-fi IEM that will make you think twice about what BA bass is capable of, the Luna absolutely deserves your attention and consideration.