Punch Audio Martilo VS ZiiGaat Crescent
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Punch Audio Martilo and ZiiGaat Crescent use 2DD+2BA+1Planar and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Punch Audio Martilo costs $329 while ZiiGaat Crescent costs $279. Punch Audio Martilo is $50 more expensive. Both score 7.5 from reviewers. ZiiGaat Crescent carries a user score of 7.4. ZiiGaat Crescent has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, ZiiGaat Crescent has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Punch Audio Martilo has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Punch Audio Martilo | ZiiGaat Crescent |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 8 |
| Mids | 7 | 7.7 |
| Treble | 7 | 7.3 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 9 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Technicalities | 7.2 | 7.4 |
Punch Audio Martilo Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
ZiiGaat Crescent Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Punch Audio Martilo Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Bassy with midrange clarity
Price (Msrp): $329
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ZiiGaat Crescent Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $279
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Punch Audio Martilo User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
ZiiGaat Crescent User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.4Generally Favorable
Punch Audio Martilo Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-ZiiGaat Crescent Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Punch Audio Martilo 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.
ZiiGaat Crescent 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.
Punch Audio Martilo Reviews
8.6
Reviewer Score
7.9
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
7.5
Reviewer Score
Great basshead set with strong technical chops. Great value, fun, and engaging without sacrificing clarity. Boosted, clean, and textured bass. Mids are surprisingly clear for a bassy set. Treble’s smooth and non-fatiguing. The bass might be too much for some.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Boom — time for bass. Punch Audio’s Martilo is a tribrid (2×8 mm DD + 2 BA + 1 micro planar) coming in around $330. The package is stacked: sturdy square case, extra filters, multiple tip sets, and a genuinely excellent modular 3.5/4.4 cable that lays flat, has no microphonics, and a firm chin slider. The shells are ergonomic with venting, metal nozzles with a proper lip, and a small nozzle diameter (5.9/5.0 mm) that helps seal; comfort and passive isolation are both strong.
Sonically, this is unapologetically bass-focused without being bass-only. Expect massive sub-bass depth and a punchy mid-bass, yet the low end stays tight, controlled, textured and doesn’t bleed. Mids retain clarity with non-shouty presence, while treble is crisp, smooth, non-fatiguing with decent extension (not ultra-airy). For a bass-heavy set, technical performance is solid: detail is good, and imaging/separation keep busy tracks coherent and energetic.
Against Hisenior’s Mega5EST Bass Plus, Martilo hits harder, feels more engaging, and offers better vocal clarity — and it steamrolls on value at the lower price. Compared with Xenns Tea Pro, the Tea Pro is a bass-lover all-rounder that spotlights vocals/instruments more; Martilo goes full bass-head with bigger rumble and impact. Ideal for listeners who crave deep slam but still want clarity, comfort, and great accessories; not for neutral/reference chasers. Final verdict: 4/5 — it truly punches above its price.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Cheaper, and slightly more energetic HBB Punch with slightly less mid-bass and slam. Endgame "balanced" basshead. Imaging feels sharper than Punch, but treble is not as smooth, aside from that very similar tech and low-end. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
7.2
* score normalized
The Punch Audio Martilo shows up screaming BASSHEAD on the box, but the tuning is smarter than that. A hybrid stack—2×8 mm DD + 2×BA + 1 planar—delivers bass that hits when the track calls for it, then gets out of the way. The surprise is the huge soundstage: airy, wide, borderline cinematic, so pianos, crowds, and live recordings feel expansive rather than claustrophobic. Low 9 Ω impedance and easy efficiency keep the power demands chill, though a low-impedance cable is recommended.
Tip rolling matters. With thin-wall silicone (e.g., Dunu S&S) the stage opens up and balance feels right; foams and some wide-bore options can push treble into a slightly sharp zone on certain tracks. Tonality reads clean and natural—warm-adjacent without a blanket—so everyday music stays unbloated, while proper sub-bass test tracks pressurize with that “firm hand on the chest,” not a sledgehammer.
Build is solid: thick, comfy modular cable with swappable plugs, flashy red shells, and a comically oversized box for a modest accessory set (silicone + foams). Street price around $330 lands in the sweet spot—easily justifying $375 by ear. Think “poor man’s Mega 5 EST Bass Plus”: similarly satisfying slam and stage, with the pricier set showing a touch more upper-mid/treble refinement. Not just for bassheads—more like a full-range thrill ride that lets music breathe and hit when it should.
5.5
Reviewer Score
Strong bass, fun overall mids need improvement for the price Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
The Punch Audio Martilo delivers a powerful bass experience that dominates its signature, featuring a substantial 14dB sub-bass boost. This emphasis creates visceral, physical rumble, especially in electronic or hip-hop tracks, yet avoids overwhelming the lower mids due to a precise 200Hz crossover. While the dual dynamic drivers generate impressive slam and texture, a slight bloom can occasionally creep into the low-mids on very busy tracks, though it generally maintains better control than many bass-focused rivals.
Surprisingly, the midrange retains clarity and naturalness despite the bass foundation, handled competently by the Knowles balanced armatures. Vocals, both male and female, sound full-bodied and avoid the huskiness or recession common in bass-heavy tunings, while instruments like guitars retain decent texture. The planar magnetic driver contributes a smooth, non-fatiguing treble with adequate air and detail retrieval, though it doesn't quite reach the sparkle or ultimate extension of dedicated electrostatic tweeters.
Technical performance is solid for its price and tuning goal, offering a wide soundstage with good depth and effective layering, particularly impressive given the bass quantity. Imaging is precise enough for accurate placement of instruments. While the bass is the star, the overall presentation manages to avoid being a one-note experience, offering a fun yet reasonably balanced listen that works across more genres than typical basshead sets.
ZiiGaat Crescent Reviews
Jaytiss
2025-07-20
8.3
Reviewer Score
Smoothe and clean set, one of the better Ziggatts. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
The ZiiGaat Crescent, priced at $279, features a familiar, comfortable ZiiGaat shell build that's durable and slightly larger than models like the Magic One. The package includes a new premium-feeling case with a vibrant color and a great black cable featuring easy-to-change connectors and a functional chin slider. Overall, the build and accessories are solid, representing a step up from previous ZiiGaat offerings.
Sonically, the Crescent delivers a strong V-shaped signature characterized by great, impactful bass that some might find a touch boomy and elevated upper air/treble. While not the most incisive or natural treble, it's clean and engaging. Technical performance is really good, making it a hyper-competitive option in its price bracket. It compares favorably to the ZiiGaat Odyssey (more fun, more bass), the Arcanis (more V-shaped vs vocal specialist), and the Binary Dynaquattro (more refinement, richer mids). While the Luna offers cleaner micro-details and a more "audiophile" tuning for $100 more, the Crescent provides a richer, more organic, bass-forward alternative. It shares similarities with the S-tier Top Pro, differing by only 1-2%.
Ultimately, the Crescent earns a strong A+ rating and a strong recommendation. It's a fantastic value with excellent dynamics, well-done tuning, and great technicalities for the price. This is a highly competitive set ideal for those seeking an engaging, fun signature with elevated bass and air. While its specific tuning won't suit everyone, especially those sensitive to bass or preferring absolute neutrality, it's a special set worth serious consideration and likely a keeper for many.
8.3
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Jays Audio
2025-07-16
7.5
Reviewer Score
Slightly warm, full, and sparkly/crispy treble. A warmer TOP PRO with a step down in technical performance. Treble can get much on kpop/jpop/energetic tracks. Mid-volume set, doesn't scale as well as Odyssey but has better tech. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The ZiiGaat Crescent delivers a warm, full sound with a notable sparkly and crispy treble reminiscent of higher-end models like the Top Pro, essentially presenting as a warmer Top Pro variant with more mid-bass but less vocal clarity and power. Tonally, it serves as a solid side-grade to the Top Pro at nearly half the price, though it’s a slight downgrade in technical performance and resolution. Versus the Odyssey, the Crescent looks strikingly similar but offers a more technical, cleaner, and airier presentation due to a significant 15-20dB treble boost, leading to better imaging, sharper attack, and superior clarity and separation—especially in symbol decay. However, its bass, while impactful and well-controlled, feels slightly less full and slams softer than the Odyssey’s heavier, more immersive low end.
The Crescent excels as a mid-volume set (65-70dB) but struggles with scaling on energetic tracks like K-pop or metal, where the elevated treble can become fatiguing and overly hot. For genres like EDM, J-pop, or fast-paced rock, the smoother, bassier Odyssey is often preferable. Slower genres like R&B, indie, or instrumental music play to the Crescent’s strengths. Tip rolling is recommended to tame treble; bass-focused tips like SpinFits or Final E work well, while bright tips should be avoided. Compared to the KiwiEar Astral, the Crescent is warmer with a sharper treble but slightly less technical, making them close siblings—choose based on preference for sparkle (Crescent) or smoothness (Astral). Against the ZiiGaat Luna, the Crescent is sparklier and sharper but less refined and scalable, with the Luna remaining superior for louder, fatigue-free listening.
Ultimately, the Crescent is a capable Meta-inspired all-rounder with a fun, vibrant signature centered on its sparkly treble. It’s not groundbreaking if you already own similar sets like the Astral, Luna, or Odyssey, but it represents strong value—especially on sale—with tangible upgrades like an interchangeable cable and improved accessories. For those new to this tuning or specifically seeking extra treble energy without breaking the bank, it’s a compelling option.
Z-Reviews
2025-08-14
7.2
* score normalized
ZiiGaat's Crescent IEMs deliver a strikingly unique and luscious sound signature that stands out sharply from the crowd, especially within ZiiGaat's own lineup of similarly priced models clustered around the $250-$400 mark. This tuning presents a very dark, relaxed, and hugely expansive soundstage, making music feel like a distant, powerful live performance in an outdoor amphitheater rather than a typical in-ear experience. It creates an intriguing, almost processed effect – like stacking multiple subtle soundstage-enhancing DSPs – that sparks curiosity and encourages listening beyond just a few tracks, placing the Crescent firmly among the year's most captivating IEMs like the Astral and Vulcan 2.
Packing two 10mm dynamic drivers (PET and LCP) and two balanced armatures, the Crescent achieves its massive, enveloping sound with surprising control, handling high volumes without harshness despite its efficiency. While ZiiGaat's strategy of flooding the same price bracket inevitably leads to some stinkers, the Crescent is a clear exception. Its large shells feature a stunning space-inspired design on the back, resembling a galaxy or Imperial starship, though the included cable has a ridiculously bulky and heavy adapter system for swapping between 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs. The accessory kit includes notably sticky silicone tips alongside standard foams.
Ultimately, the Crescent transcends being merely "good" by offering something weird, different, and deeply engaging. It avoids the mediocrity or disappointment found in some other ZiiGaat models like the Lush (which these should have been named) and carves a memorable niche through its luxurious, powerful presentation. This is an IEM designed to cure boredom and make listeners pay attention, firmly lodging itself in the mind as a standout option in its price range.
Tim Tuned
2025-07-20
7
Reviewer Score
Kind of an Odyssey but spicer. Treble is surprisingly not grating Treble is a lot and takes priority over mid & bass Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
6.5
Reviewer Score
Lively V-shape sound signature. Clean and controlled bass. Clear, forward vocals. Airy treble with good separation. Upper treble can be too much for some.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
IEMRanking AI
2025-07-22
7.6
Reviewer Score
The ZiiGaat Crescent combines a dual dynamic driver setup—using PET and LCP diaphragms in an isobaric configuration—with Knowles balanced armatures for mids and treble. This hybrid approach delivers a distinct analog-inspired character, emphasizing textured bass with a 10dB sub-bass shelf that avoids midrange bloat. Highs remain crisp yet non-fatiguing due to natural decay, though the blend of driver types occasionally hints at coherence challenges in complex passages.
Build quality centers on hand-poured resin shells and medical-grade materials, ensuring comfort for extended sessions. The included detachable cable with interchangeable connectors adds practical longevity, while the boutique faceplates offer visual flair. Tonally, it leans into a nostalgic, slightly warm signature reminiscent of vintage tube amplifiers, prioritizing musical engagement over sterile precision.
Punch Audio Martilo User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewZiiGaat Crescent User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA fun, vibrant IEM that delivers lively treble and vintage character at strong value.