Softears Volume S VS Ziigaat Odyssey 2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Volume S and Ziigaat Odyssey 2 use 2DD+2BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Softears Volume S costs $320 while Ziigaat Odyssey 2 costs $249. Softears Volume S is $71 more expensive. Softears Volume S holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.1). User ratings place Softears Volume S at 8.2 and Ziigaat Odyssey 2 at 8.2. Ziigaat Odyssey 2 has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey 2 has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey 2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.7-point edge, Softears Volume S has slightly better soundstage with a 0.4-point edge, Ziigaat Odyssey 2 has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and Ziigaat Odyssey 2 has significantly better imaging with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Volume S | Ziigaat Odyssey 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Details | 6.5 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.7 |
Softears Volume S Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Ziigaat Odyssey 2 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 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with sub-bass boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $249
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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 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.2Very Positive
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 2 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+Softears 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 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
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 2 Reviews
Drew / Audionotions
2025-09-09
7.5
Reviewer Score
Top notch build quality - I love the metal shell. Linsoul should adopt this shell across the board. U-Shaped take on JM1 with bass lift contained to subbass region and some lower treble spice. Very, very contrasty sound overall with excellent good perceived details and instrument separation. Very technical and fairly dynamic sounding with excellent transient attack - macrodynamics are great. A bit of excess treble spice can bring percussive instruments a bit forward in the mix causing them to be a little bit too prominent. Some female vocals can sound a bit edgy as well. Lacks a bit of warmth to balance it out which slightly detracts from timbre but overall a very solid pick if you enjoy a more contrasty sound. Nice to have another good sub-$300 choice Previously Owned
Jays Audio
2025-09-04
7
Reviewer Score
Balanced all-rounder with a slight vocal/mid-centric presentation. Vocal scaler. Snappy/punchy/tight bass. A cleaner, smoother, and more mid-centric Odyssey aka no more bass sauce and bite. Rec with higher volume for full potential. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Odyssey 2 shifts the OG’s recipe toward a more mid-centric, vocal-first tuning with a gentle sub-bass lift and smoother treble. Bass hits with less slam than the original but feels tighter, quicker, and cleaner, keeping texture competitive for the price. The top end is calmer—less bite, still adequately extended—trading sparkle for an easy, natural presentation.
Clarity steps up in the mids: vocals pop, separation improves, and detail comes through more plainly, while the OG keeps an edge in bass/treble “texture.” It’s a higher-volume scaler; give it juice and it opens up, especially for ballads, acoustic, indie, and pop—less ideal for hip-hop/R&B/jazz where extra weight and contrast help. Tip rolling that adds a touch of low-end/treble energy can inject the missing excitement without upsetting the balance.
Against similarly “safe” sets (Daybreak, P50), Odyssey 2 leans more vocal-centric with better bass texture; versus value champs (Supermix 4, Nova, Chopin), it sounds fuller and more natural but isn’t the value king. Lush gives more air up top, Arcanis/Luna serve as pricier “special sauce” paths if treble bite or OG-style warmth is desired. Verdict: a safer pick and polished all-rounder—objectively as good or slightly cleaner than OG—but for die-hard OG fans, more of a refined sidegrade than a direct, high-octane upgrade.
Fresh Reviews
2025-09-03
6.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Ziigaat Odyssey 2 lands as a premium-feeling set: a CNC-milled aluminum chassis with a sparkly blue/silver faceplate, solid two-pin cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 plugs, spare nozzle filters, and a roomy new brown carrying case. The stock cable is nice—though its green tint doesn’t quite match the shell’s aqua tone. Tip selection is generous (foam plus two silicone sets), and the newer silicone tips are a standout. Overall, a tidy package for the price.
Tuning follows the current “new meta”: energetic low end with a cleaner sub-bass attack/decay than sets like ZENs Top/Top Pro, which helps in games. Bass stays punchy yet controlled, so imaging and separation/layering come through well, though gunfire can still push forward. For pure music the bigger, rumblier sets may feel livelier, but for competitive play Odyssey 2 reads space more cleanly and keeps clutter down better than bass-heavier rivals.
Title by title: in Valorant it sounds natural and punchy with tighter gun reports and better map imaging—footsteps are a bit thicker and light taps could cut more—earning a B+. In Apex it’s cleaner than ZENs Top Pro and fine in 3v3s, but big third-party fights expose some separation limits; call it a strong B (bordering B+). In CS2 the positional read improves over ZENs Top Pro, though lighter surface cues and gunfire depth could be crisper—solid overall. Call of Duty plays to its strengths: warmer timbre, wide/deep stage, excellent layering during streaks, with only occasional gunfire masking—another B+. Net result: placed in the B+ tier on the WallHack list, at the lower edge bordering B, similar to the original Odyssey’s standing.
Super* Review
2025-09-03
6*
* score normalized
The tonal balance is fantastic. Treble is sounding quite right. Default bass boost on a diffuse field / meta sound signature. I personally would save up for the Volume SSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The Ziigaat Odyssey 2 arrives as a collab between Ziigaat and Hangout Audio (tied to Crinacle), essentially a Crin-influenced set in disguise; it’s a 1DD + 3BA hybrid priced around $250. Accessories are thoughtful—three ear-tip sets, spare adhesive filters, and swappable 3.5/4.4 terminations—though the long, friction-fit plug feels awkward. The metal shell is medium-sized with a short nozzle for a shallow fit; comfort is easy, stability average, and the thin green cable is softer than prior Ziigaat attempts with a chin slider that actually holds.
Tonally it lands squarely in the tilted diffuse-field “meta” neutral camp: natural vocals, tame upper-treble, and a slight 4–6 kHz lift that adds clarity and a more contrasty/clinical edge without harshness. Imaging and separation are clean for the price, but the sub-bass-focused boost leaves the low end marshmallowy—tactile yet soft, with kick drums short on slam. Overall balance is convincing and easy to live with, just not especially exciting.
Versus Ziigaat Lush, Odyssey 2 is crisper and more defined where Lush sounds darker, smoother, and a bit low-res, though Lush hits mid-bass a touch harder. Against Softears Volume S (costlier), Volume S wins on bass grip and midrange texture, sounding fuller and more engaging while Odyssey 2 stays cleaner but more clinical. Conclusion: a very good set in a crowded mold—3/5 for a refined meta tune with agreeable timbre but modest bass impact.
IEMRanking AI
2025-09-03
7.9
Reviewer Score
The Ziigaat Odyssey 2 is a hybrid 1DD+3BA IEM using a 10 mm bio-cellulose dynamic driver for lows and three Knowles armatures for mids/treble, housed in lightweight aluminum shells with a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable; MSRP is $249. These configuration details and accessories are documented on the official retailer listings and brand pages.
Tonally, Odyssey 2 aims for a neutral-with-sub-bass-boost presentation (a diffuse-field tilt with a ~100 Hz shelf), yielding controlled rumble, clean mids, and smooth but not overly bright treble. This characterization aligns with independent impressions and the maker’s own “reference-grade tonal balance” language.
Technical performance is competitive for the price: detail retrieval and imaging are above average, while stage size is moderate and dynamics are decent rather than explosive. Community reviews and creator tests broadly echo this—praising clarity and control, with some placing it around mid-to-upper tiers for value in both music and gaming contexts.
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 2 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewRefined and cohesive hybrid that trades showy treble for balance and control; strong value around its price but not a class-leading detail monster.