Softears Volume S VS Ziigaat Odyssey
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Volume S and Ziigaat Odyssey use 2DD+2BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Softears Volume S costs $320 while Ziigaat Odyssey costs $229. Softears Volume S is $91 more expensive. Softears Volume S holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.6). User ratings place Softears Volume S at 8.2 and Ziigaat Odyssey at 7.4. Softears Volume S has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Softears Volume S has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Volume S | Ziigaat Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.3 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7.3 |
| Details | 6.5 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.1 |
Softears Volume S Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Ziigaat Odyssey Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Softears Volume S Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $320
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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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Softears Volume S User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
8.2Very Positive
Ziigaat Odyssey User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
7.4Generally Favorable
Softears Volume S Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.4Gaming 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
ASoftears Volume S 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- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
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.
Softears Volume S Reviews
8.5*
* score normalized
Fantastic IEM for the price. Super sharp and standout bass physicality. Tonality is more universal than the Dusk. It's well defined but not super wide or spaciousSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S at $320 sets a new tonal benchmark for IEMs in its price range. It arrives in solid packaging featuring a zippered carry case (a bit large but functional), protective earpiece pockets that might feel overkill for some, and two excellent sets of ear tips – including Softears' own highly-regarded Ultra Clear tips. Build quality is generally fantastic, highlighted by a resin shell, a comfortable paracord-style cable with a low-profile, user-swappable termination system, and recessed 2-pin connectors. While the aesthetics might feel a bit old-school to some, the fit is comfortable and stable due to its semi-custom shape and longer nozzle, making it secure enough for sleeping. A small screwdriver-adjustable tuning switch offers a secondary, brighter Harmon-like sound signature, though the default tuning is preferred.
The default sound signature is a warm-tilted neutral, delivering exceptional natural timbre and tasteful bass boost. This bass stands out for its exceptional physicality – punchy and impactful without being overbearing – alongside articulate sub-bass that’s easy to follow. Combined with well-defined transients, particularly in the upper-midrange, it creates a satisfyingly rich and dense presentation. While spatial effects and imaging are competent but not standout, the overall tonality and bass quality are remarkably refined. Comparisons show it offers a better tonal balance and bass control than the bassier Dunu DaVinci, significantly more body and richness than the brighter, thinner Moondrop Blessing 3, and trades blows with the Moondrop Dusk – the Volume S providing superior density and mid-bass presence versus the Dusk's more open, spacious presentation.
Ultimately, the Softears Volume S earns a full five-star rating. It might not be the absolute most technically dazzling IEM, but its fantastic tonal balance, unique bass physicality, and overall refinement make it a compelling choice. For $320, it delivers a sound signature that feels just right – rich, satisfying, and universally appealing – challenging more expensive offerings and establishing itself as a top contender in its class.
8.5
Reviewer Score
Great midrange at the price, hard to beat. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
Natural, rich sounding. Substantial low end that doesn't muddy up the mix and a bass shelf that isn't completely isolated to the subbass (when an IEM has a lot of subbass but no midbass, this can makes it sound like it has a hole in the frequency response). Bass hits are very physical and yet not overpowering. Natural sounding mids and natural sounding timbre across the board. Treble that does not fatigue. All this for less than $400. It likely won't knock your proverbial socks off with techs but it also doesn't lack detail. Excellent dynamics. Transient attack is crisp. Imaging and stage is good. This IEM is one I can listen to for hours on end without getting tired of it - it skews towards warm and relaxing but not boring. The only thing that this might lack compared to other comparable IEMs is perhaps some upper treble extension which might help to add a bit more air and sparkle - but doing so could possibly ruin the laid-back and approachable character that sets this IEM apart and keeps me from wanting to grab any other IEM. Personal Unit
8
Reviewer Score
A benchmark for tonality and timbre. Studio 4 with DD bass, great bass texture, tonal accuracy, forward vocals, and natural timbre. High impedance mode sounds bright.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
The Softears Volume S delivers a fantastic hybrid sound in its low impedance mode, characterized as a warm neutral tuning with a lush note weight, good bass punch without bloat, and a slight upper-midrange emphasis that makes vocals pop. This signature translates exceptionally well across both music listening and competitive gaming, offering great separation, layering, and phenomenal imaging for precise positional awareness. While engaging and non-fatiguing, gunfire and intense effects in games like Apex Legends can sometimes feel on the verge of shouty or slightly occlusive during chaotic, high-level scenarios, lacking that last bit of air and resolution in the upper mids.
Gaming performance shines across multiple titles. The Volume S provides outstanding depth perception and accurate imaging for Apex Legends slides and light footsteps, excels in Valorant with its separation and verticality, handles the chaos of Call of Duty exceptionally well, and proves to be a top recommendation for Fragpunk due to its loud, precise, and easily trackable footsteps. The smaller resin chassis offers great comfort and ergonomics, especially for those struggling with fit, though it doesn't feel quite as premium as some metal competitors in its price range.
Significant drawbacks include the utterly dismissed high impedance mode tuning, deemed "absolute garbage" and a headache for gaming, and the fragile tuning mechanism itself, prone to easy damage. The included shoelace-style cable is functional with a removable termination but not a favorite, and the unboxing experience, while decent with a pleather case, extra termination, and two sets of silicone tips, is fairly typical for the price. Ultimately, the Softears Volume S stands as a killer all-around IEM when locked into its excellent low impedance mode, highly recommended for its crossover appeal despite the useless tuning switch and build quibbles.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Amazing vocals under $500 with the stock switch/clear tips or tangzu sancai regular (no impedance boost) with amazing vocal scaling. Recommended for higher volume listening like ballads, slower indie/bands. Better than Studio 4 vocal wise, but Studio 4 is the better all-rounder. Volume S is more mid/vocal centric than Studio 4, and more immersive and "musical". Other switch configuration offers more clarity and detail at the cost of scaling with uppermids/treble boost (cleaner harman 2019/better at mid-volume). Stock switch tuning can also be neutral and relaxing if you don't crank it up, and overall Volume S has good variety and differentiates itself with the different tunings. Also, well implemented BAs. Passive Radiator effect is questionable. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S emerges as a standout vocal specialist under $500, often described as a "mini studio 4“ due to similar frequency graphs. However, it trades some treble detail for superior scaling and a heightened focus on the mid-range, particularly vocals, while adding a touch more mid-bass oomph. This treble reduction allows the music to breathe, creating a more immersive and musical experience that pulls the listener deeper into the sound compared to the Studio 4, without sacrificing a sense of space or leaving the bass and treble feeling inadequate. Though not bass-heavy or treble-head oriented, the low-end provides enough thump and the highs enough air to avoid sounding lean or dark, resulting in a presentation that's slightly less technical and balanced than the Studio 4 but excels in vocal delivery and engagement.
A key feature is the tuning switch which boosts upper mids and treble while lowering the bass, effectively transforming the sound into a cleaner, more technical version of Harman 2019, even surpassing the Studio 4 in detail retrieval in this mode. However, this boosted configuration can sound shouty, lean, and overly clinical for many preferences, lacking the thickness of the stock tuning and scaling less effectively at higher volumes. The stock tuning, preferred for its vocal prowess, truly comes alive with increased volume. The included clear tips are recommended for a slight treble lift and comfort, and the bundled USBC adapter adds a subtle amount of sub-bass rumble, though the low-end remains clean and controlled, reminiscent of leaner sets like the Pilgrim, not providing heavy slam.
While the Studio 4 remains a solid, well-balanced all-rounder, especially on sale around $350, and alternatives like the EM10 (more detailed), Supermix 4 (better value), the Volume S carves its niche with exceptional vocal performance at higher volumes using the stock tuning. Its main drawbacks involve the confusing switch design (requiring opposite positions on each earpiece for the same tuning with no clear indicators) and the pricing debate; using non-branded drivers suggests a more appropriate price point would be $200-$250 rather than $300. Despite these quirks and marketing claims about the passive radiator's role (its actual impact being debatable), the Volume S delivers a great sounding, flexible IEM offering distinct sonic profiles based on volume level and switch position.
7.2
* score normalized
The Softears Volume S offers a dramatic transformation through its impedance switch, requiring a tiny screwdriver to toggle between low (9.8 ohm) and high (31.2 ohm) modes. The low impedance mode is described as painfully clinical, bland, and annoyingly sterile across all tested amplifiers. It’s reminiscent of the disliked original Volume model, lacking any enjoyable tuning despite EQ attempts. This mode only suits listeners craving absolute neutrality, offering little musical engagement.
Switching to the high impedance mode completely revolutionizes the experience. It becomes relaxed, unoffensive, and remarkably smooth, with notes possessing a lingering, church-like resonance that adds emotional depth. This mode presents music with a spacious, uplifting quality and a subtle chest-felt pressure during resonant passages. However, it demands quality amplification to shine and benefits from tip-rolling; the included sticky liquid silicone tips enhance the signature, though alternatives like Azla SednaEarfit can tweak the response. Comfort and build are excellent, though the fabric cable exhibits some microphonics.
Priced around $300, the Volume S earns a cautious recommendation primarily for its stellar high-impedance performance. It requires tinkering with tips and sources to reach its potential and faces stiff competition in its price bracket. While not an outright class leader, it’s a significant upgrade over the original Volume. The package includes a luxurious case, multiple tips, and a branded USB-C adapter, reflecting Softears' typical attention to detail. Just keep it locked in high-impedance mode.
7
Reviewer Score
Bass surprisingly addicting and tactile midrange could be more natural Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S delivers a distinctly colored sound signature with significant boosts in two key areas: the bass and the upper mid-range. Its bass profile is uniquely elevated up to around 300Hz, resulting in a physical, heavy, yet well-defined low end that impresses with substantial note weight and attack, appealing even to bass enthusiasts. Vocals cut through clearly due to the upper mid-range boost, but this tuning comes with a trade-off: a noticeable sense of hollowness and a narrower soundstage that can feel congested on certain tracks, creating a love-hate relationship with its presentation.
The treble offers a safe, natural, and polite character, providing adequate detail without excessive brightness or roll-off, though it may lack sparkle for some listeners. Technically, the Volume S performs at a level comparable to the Moondrop Blessing 3, excelling particularly in the incisive attack and substantial weight behind each note. When compared to competitors, the Volume S edges out the Tea Pro in bass quality, separation, and natural timbre, though the Tea Pro offers a wider stage. Against the Blessing 3, the Volume S trades openness and cleanliness for a more fun, bass-forward and impactful experience. It also presents a more balanced signature than the brighter, more treble-focused Kiwi Ears Astral.
Ultimately earning an A-minus rating, the Volume S is highly recommended for those seeking exceptional bass quality and a fun, colored tuning. However, it might not suit listeners prioritizing a wide soundstage, a neutral signature, or a bright, sparkly treble with forward micro-details; these listeners are advised to audition first.
6.7
Reviewer Score
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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 .
Softears Volume S User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA well-rounded, coherent IEM that shines in low-impedance tuning with excellent midrange clarity.
Pros
Balanced, natural midrange with solid bass and rich accessories.Cons
High-impedance mode feels unnecessary and shells may be bulky for small ears.RSV with more bass quantity and better quality, at less than half the price.
Pros
Very nicely balanced sound signature for all-rounder duties, with tonality and technical performance that punches above its price. More even sub - mid bass profile which results in a more cohesive, better textured bass vs harman/meta tuned sets.Cons
Pinna gain isn't an ideal fit for my HRTF, hearing slightly too much upper-mid emphasis after extended listening and comparisons. Upper treble is lacking air vs more expensive sets, most evident in cymbal hits coming across dulled, not unlike the RSVZiigaat Odyssey User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
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