Aful Cantor VS Ziigaat Odyssey
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Cantor and Ziigaat Odyssey use 14BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Ziigaat Odyssey costs $229. Aful Cantor is $571 more expensive. Aful Cantor holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.8 vs 7.6). User ratings place Aful Cantor at 8.5 and Ziigaat Odyssey at 7.4. Aful Cantor has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey has better mids with a 0.6-point edge, Aful Cantor has significantly better treble with a 1.4-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Aful Cantor has significantly better soundstage with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Cantor | Ziigaat Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 8.8 | 7.3 |
| Details | 9 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 8.3 | 7 |
| Imaging | 8.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 8.9 | 7.1 |
Aful Cantor Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Ziigaat Odyssey Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Cantor Details
Driver Configuration: 14BA
Tuning Type: Vocal
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $800
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Ziigaat Odyssey Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: Balanced (Meta) with Sub-Bass Focus
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $229
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Aful Cantor User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
8.5Excellent
Ziigaat Odyssey User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
7.4Generally Favorable
Aful Cantor Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8Gaming Grade
A+Ziigaat Odyssey Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AAful Cantor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Ziigaat Odyssey Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Aful Cantor Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
This is AFUL’s flagship science project: the Cantor packs 14 BAs per side (28 total) and a heap of buzzword tech—Dual-Channel Acoustic Maze for sub-bass, non-destructive direct-drive topology, and multi-dimensional crossover trickery that reads like Star Trek schematics. The housing even extends a stainless-steel nozzle to the tip’s end to bypass tip coloration—smart for consistency, dicey for ears with wide-bore silicones. Stick to the stock silicones or better yet foams to calm treble and avoid any scrape-risk.
Sonically it’s a hyper-resolving analyzer: every band is so present that volume tends to go down, not up, and mediocre recordings get roasted on the spot. Imaging is precise but a bit less cohesive than simpler sets; stage stays as the track dictates, while separation feels like a mixing desk with 14 faders. The sub-bass dives shockingly deep for an all-BA—think whisper-low “whoomp”—yet it isn’t a bass-monster; overall balance leans revealing rather than lush.
Pairing matters: clinical amps make it razor-edged, while warmer sources (R2R, iFi, RME-ish) and foam tips smooth it into addictive detail. At $800 it isn’t the one IEM to rule them all; it’s the specialist tool for listeners who want to dissect space, mic technique, and mix decisions—more control room than mosh pit. Cable and case are solid (4.4 mm balanced), and a tuning switch would have been nice, but for the right kind of nerd this thing lets you become the squig.
8.5
Reviewer Score
Maybe best detailed set, fit is extremely difficult. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
The AFUL Cantor delivers a balanced and neutral sound signature, praised for its exceptional upper air, treble extension, and pristine clarity. While the bass offers sufficient dynamics without being thunderous, and female vocals sound natural, some listeners might desire a touch more punch in the upper mids (around 2-3kHz) and find a slight peak in the 4-6kHz region occasionally noticeable. The premium build quality stands out, featuring a unique and stunning "star night" face plate, a thick but comfortable shell with a slender nozzle, and excellent accessories. These include a slightly microphonic but otherwise nice-looking flat two-pin cable and an exceptionally plush case typically found on far more expensive IEMs.
Graph comparisons reveal the Cantor's tuning shares similarities with models like the Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk and the AFUL Explorer, but it distinguishes itself with superior detail retrieval and dynamics. It competes impressively against significantly pricier offerings like the Elysian Annihilator in technical performance, offering a smoother presentation with slightly less sub-bass focus. The overall sonic presentation is described as sophisticated, refined, and highly engaging, creating a sense of music surrounding the listener. Minor tuning preferences aside – wishing for a bit more upper mid presence and slightly less energy around 4-6kHz and 8kHz – the core sound quality is highly regarded.
Representing strong sonic value despite its price point, the Cantor earns a high ranking for its unique and beautiful design, premium feel, and exceptional technical performance. While acknowledging excellent cheaper options like the AFUL Explorer exist, the Cantor justifies its cost with its detailed, airy presentation and overall package. It's highly recommended for those seeking a neutral, high-performing IEM, though a demo is advised given the investment. Ultimately, the AFUL Cantor is considered a treasure, fulfilling over a year of anticipation with its beautiful aesthetics and uniquely engaging sound.
8.3
Reviewer Score
Comment: A massive improvement over the prototype at canjam, a killer set for techs under US$1000, nothing else really comes close. Finally a true u12t competitor with better fit, cable, and accessories at a lower price. Crystal clear across all frequencies, extremely revealing set that slices apart the layers in the music; treble so nuanced yet pleasant that you cannot believe an all BA set is doing this Less midbass presence, overall tonality can come across as a little too lean especially with treble focus
8
Reviewer Score
Very well balanced with very good details and separation. Bass is punchy and fast, mids are clean with excellent instrument separation, treble is well extended and airy. Nothing stands out as offensive - no sibilance, just a very balanced signature. Plays everything I throw at it well. It's a full BA set but it is well vented - I usually have trouble with full BA sets and had no issue with the Cantor. Previously Owned
8
Reviewer Score
One of the most resolving IEMs. It reveals details you’ve never noticed before. Exceptional detail, neutral tuning, and great bass quality. Very revealing. Could use more bass for my taste.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
LOW VOLUME SET. Clean, airy, and highly resolving at its price with endgame separation and detail. Low-end is quick, but lacks impact and a bit of texture. Notes are on the lighter side, not very full, male vocals are a little thin and recessed. Not very dynamic but clean and balanced, but can be borderline clinical. NOT RECOMMENDED past 60dbs or so, gets too shrill and fatiguing in the treble with a slight metallic timbre in the treble depending on the song. Doesn't scale very well and not that immersive, but overall very technical IEM, probably the best tech wise under $1000. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Aful Cantor presents a complex and frustrating case, offering what might be some of the most detailed and resolving performance under $1,000. The clarity, separation, and sheer resolution are described as "pretty nuts," positioning the Cantor as a potential benchmark for technical ability. It delivers a clean, smooth, light, and airy sound signature with a bass that is very fast, lean, and features a tight sub-bass rumble. At lower volumes, this presentation is highly enjoyable and non-fatiguing, making it exceptionally good for critical, quiet listening sessions where its technical prowess can shine without drawback.
However, this technical marvel comes with a significant and unusual caveat: it is physically fatiguing to the point of causing headaches and a ringing sensation in the temples after only 15-30 minutes of listening at moderate volumes (around 70-80 dB). This is not a fit or nozzle issue, but rather an inherent property of the IEM itself. The problem manifests as a shrill and overly intense quality in the treble at higher volumes, accompanied by a metallic timbre on tracks with lots of cymbals, making it unsuitable for energetic genres like K-pop, J-pop, or EDM. This shrillness is not fully solved by EQ and is believed to be related to the driver design, nozzle, or venting rather than just the tuning.
When compared to peers, the Cantor is more resolving than the warmer, fuller, and smoother Letshuoer Supernova but falls short of its natural timbre. It also can't match the Monarch MK3 as an all-rounder, which offers a more impactful bass, better vocals, and a smoother, more engaging experience. The Cantor's vocals are also a weak point, being recessed, light, and borderline thin. The final recommendation is to definitely demo these first; they are only easy to recommend for those who listen at very low volumes (under 60 dB) and are not sensitive to treble intensity, as its scaling at normal listening levels is poor.
6*
* score normalized
It's super impressive but also really difficult to edge on comfort. It's not my favorite sound but good sounding. Competing well at it's price pointSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The AFUL Cantor lands as a flagship all-BA set with 14 balanced armatures at $800, packaged with a great-handling nylon cable and a handsome shell. The catch is fit: a very long nozzle with a metal insert demands a deep insertion, and comfort varies widely; AFUL’s stock tips are essentially required to keep that nozzle from poking and to restore some flex. Build and presentation impress, but the ear-fit can be fussy and the shells tend to stick out.
Tuning trends U-shaped: a lower-mid dip into a hefty sub-bass boost, relaxed upper mids, and noticeable upper-treble energy. When seated correctly, the set delivers crisp transients with a touch of “planar-like” pluck, good imaging, and clean BA bass that favors electronic thump over kick-drum slam; with the wrong tip or depth it swings to brittle/bright or muted. The midrange can read a bit thin, so the contrast comes more from bass/treble edges than from vocal saturation.
Compared with Symphonium Helios, both are all-BA and graph-adjacent, but Helios leans vocal-forward and smooth while Cantor is the more contrasty, fun listen that trades mid presence for excitement. Net: technically capable and competitive when dialed in, yet compromised by comfort and tip dependence. Final verdict: 3/5 stars—a better match for listeners with deep pockets and deep ears.
Ziigaat Odyssey Reviews
8.1
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
Great tune, upper trebble is kinda funky, but basically perfectly tuned. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Ziigaat Odyssey is a recently released hybrid with a single dynamic + 3 BA configuration priced at $230. The build is solid: a slightly thick shell with a metal nozzle that grips tips well, rear venting, and a flat 2-pin socket for easy cable rolling. The silver-magenta faceplate looks beautiful and sparkly; accessories are modest—the standard Ziigaat case is protective but unexciting, and overall the pack-in feels a bit lacking.
Tonally, this set lands in a sweet spot: fun bass with satisfying weight, lively upper mids, and a smooth, clean upper treble. The FR hugs a modern target with only minor quirks, making it one of the better-tuned IEMs under $300. Technical performance is appropriate for the price—good note weight and stage—but not mind-blowing; imaging and “pristineness” are somewhat tied to the highs, and the very top end may not suit everyone.
Against its peers, Odyssey reads as the all-rounder. Ziigaat Arcadia is darker with less treble reach; Ceno feels treble-shy; Dinko is more V-shaped and energetic; Explorer shares the vibe but with less bass and upper-mid presence. Outside the brand, Jay’s Australa hits harder and brighter (more “exciting”), Cinco Trace leans mid-bassy, AFUL P7 still edges it in technicals/air, and K4 trades blows. Calling it: Quattro = best tuning, P7 = best technicals, Odyssey = best all-rounder. Final score: 8.8/10—a fantastic mid-tier pick with strong price-to-performance, especially when occasional retailer discounts pop up.
7.5
Reviewer Score
A warm/mini Subtonic Storm that scales better and fuller with less tech. A musical odyssey. High volume set, great scaling, a cleaner/midrange focused Explorer with better layering and detail. Takes you on a journey like the OG EJ07. Bass is thumpy and rumbly at higher volumes, vocals are clean and balanced with slight treble emphasis, and very immserive. Highly recommended for slow-rock, indie/alternative, ballads, fits my preference to a T. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Ziigaat Odyssey lands as a mid-range focused set with a slight treble lift that really scales with volume. At relaxed levels it’s clean, calm, and easygoing; turn it up and the presentation becomes wide, airy, and immersive with a surprisingly punchy, rumbly low end for its graph. The new topology DD hits a sweet balance—neither sluggish nor hyper-snappy—delivering well-balanced bass that serves the tuning, even if ultimate slam/texture trails sets like Hype 4 or Xenns Tea Pros. Tip rolling toward slightly brighter tips adds a touch of treble energy and liveliness without pushing fatigue.
The star here is the midrange: instruments layer neatly with comfortable separation, and vocals sit clean and natural—not shouty, not veiled—though they can feel a bit too relaxed at mid volume. Treble is smooth yet detailed, revealing cymbal micro-info and air without harshness, and it’s noticeably cleaner than Explorer while avoiding metallic timbre. Technicals are solid for the price—a step up from Explorer and just behind “contet” in raw resolving power—yet more natural in timbre and notably more musical when driven louder. The tuning flatters slow rock, acoustic, indie, alternative, and ballads, where the Odyssey’s “turn-it-up” character shines.
For alternatives: those wanting warmer, bassier impact for hip-hop, rock, or metal may prefer Kiwi Ears K4, HBB Arcadia, or the Deuce for true bass-head needs. For mid-volume all-rounders with more instant engagement and technical pop, consider Supermix 4, Nova, Quintet, or Chopin; for airier, brighter takes with sweeter female vocals, look at Cadenza 4 or CKLVX. As a package, Odyssey feels like a future classic—gorgeous plating, a cable that could use an upgrade, and a uniquely immersive, high-volume experience that invites shutting out the world and sinking into the music.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Fantastic V-shape Meta Tuned Could use a bit less mid-treble spiciness Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Ziigaat Odyssey takes the new Meta tuning and gives it a more V-shaped, exciting twist. It keeps the beautiful mid-range intact while adding extra energy to both bass and treble, landing closer in spirit to Moondrop x Crinacle Dust (DSP) and Kiwi Ears K4—but with more swagger. It’s not as strictly on-target as those sets, yet the result is more engaging and solves the “too safe, sometimes boring” side effect of many Meta-tuned IEMs.
Beyond tuning, Odyssey brings real upgrades in technical performance for the price. Bass dynamics are punchier and more well-defined than K4, and treble nuances come through with greater clarity while preserving that natural vocal center. At $229, it undercuts many competitors and still feels like a step up—an easy pick for listeners who want Meta’s mid clarity with extra excitement and better slam without sacrificing coherence or comfort.
6.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Ziigaat’s 2024 lineup lands three distinct flavors: the R (1DD+4BA), Arcadia (1DD+2BA), and Odyssey (1DD+3BA)—all sharing the same case, tips, and cable, but with very different tunings and striking faceplates. Pricing lives in the approachable range (roughly $200–$250), and the shells are well-built 3D-printed resin. The Odyssey’s nozzle appears slightly wider than the R’s, and its cloudy pink/silver faceplate looks clean and premium without the flashiness of Arcadia’s green/yellow sparkle.
For competitive play, title-by-title differences matter. In Valorant, Arcadia’s extra warmth and bass impact feel immersive but a touch boomy/bloomy under heavy ability spam—solid, around a B. The R and Odyssey perform on par with high marks; the R’s 1–3 kHz lift sharpens clarity and verticality, while Odyssey is more neutral and less bright. In Apex Legends, Arcadia struggles as bass bloom masks micro-cues (B–/C+). Odyssey delivers great separation/layering with slightly softer overhead cues (B+/B), and handles gunfire more comfortably than the R. In CS2, Odyssey takes the lead for its imaging, depth perception, and non-fatiguing balance; in Warzone, the order shifts to R > Arcadia > Odyssey, with Arcadia’s warmth helping vertical reads and impact.
As a music set, the Odyssey is a standout: potent, tight bass with clean transients, balanced mids that aren’t smothered, and a clean, non-sibilant treble that avoids fatigue while letting micro-detail through. It lands as a favorite in its price bracket—an easy recommendation for listeners who want a neutral-leaning all-rounder that still punches hard, splits cues well, and won’t scorch ears with gunfire or treble glare.
6.5
Reviewer Score
Fun and engaging tuning. It's like a more exciting version of the KE4. Great bass, natural vocals that aren't shouty, and excellent treble extension. The lower treble can be too much.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
The Ziigaat Odyssey offers a balanced take on the popular Meta tuning, emphasizing sub-bass rumble while maintaining a clean midrange. Its bass provides satisfying depth without bleeding into the mids, making genres like electronic or hip-hop engaging. Vocals come through clearly and naturally, though some listeners might find them lacking a touch of emotional expressiveness or "magic" compared to more specialized sets . The treble is generally smooth and inoffensive, avoiding harshness but sacrificing some sparkle and micro-detail retrieval .
Technically, the Odyssey presents a wider-than-average soundstage, though depth and height are more modest. Instrument separation handles moderately complex tracks competently but can struggle with dense passages. Its strength lies in its cohesive driver integration and natural timbre, minimizing typical BA artifacts . Comfort is good for most despite the resin shells, but isolation is average due to the venting design. The included accessories, particularly the stiff silicone tips and non-modular cable, are weak points for the price .
Overall, the Odyssey is a versatile performer prioritizing enjoyable tonality and listenability over technical brilliance. It's an easy recommendation for those seeking a well-tuned, non-fatiguing hybrid around $200, especially if tip rolling is employed. However, detail enthusiasts or those needing maximum isolation might look elsewhere .
Aful Cantor User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewExcellent overall clarity and imaging, though fit demands can be a deal-breaker
Pros
Tonally balanced signature with superb detail retrievalCons
Requires deep insertion and has a large shell that may challenge fit for someWell-rounded flagship IEM with refined tuning and tech for the money.
Pros
Exceptional clarity and tonal balance that punches above its price bracket.Cons
Requires precise tip fit for best performance and subtle treble can be fatiguing at high volumes.Ziigaat Odyssey User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewVery pleasing to listen to. A good starter mid-fi set that seems to cater towards neutrality while decently technical. Sibilance at higher volumes in the 6-8khz region. Good for gaming, but can get convoluted at times.
Pros
Extremely smooth mids. Bass response is very clean, and doesn't bleed into the mids much.Cons
Strange sibilance in the 6-8khz region, easy fix with eq. Doesn't seem to have very good treble extension. The recessed 1.5-2khz region causes vocals to sound distant - can be good depending on preferences.It's an easy recommendation. The tuning is great. Tech is okay, but nothing special