Ziigaat Horizon VS Hercules Audio Noah

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The ZiiGaat Horizon arrives as the brand’s first tribrid at around $330, pairing one dynamic driver with two BA and two planar drivers. Build is solid: a vented, flat 2-pin socket, metal nozzle, and a distinctive blue-white faceplate that looks like mountains under stars. The cable feels premium with red/blue channel dots and a working chin slider, plus an easy swappable plug (3.5 mm); the included zip case is pleasantly sturdy. Nothing flashy in shell shape, but the fit is secure and the accessories feel thoughtfully sorted.

Sonically, Horizon takes a clean, sub-bass-focused route with bass that reads linear and occasionally a touch pillowy, followed by full, rich upper mids and a treble presentation that steals the show. There’s generous upper air and extension with a tactful lower-treble rise, kept in check by a helpful 5–6 kHz dip to avoid fatigue; a splash of ~15 kHz energy adds sparkle that treble fans will relish. The result sidesteps the “EQ’d-to-death” flatness—this tuning carries just enough color to stay engaging while remaining clean and controlled.

Against peers, Horizon’s top end feels more refined than ZiiGaat’s Luna, while Crescent plays thicker and more V-shaped with extra 10 kHz “twinkle.” Versus sets like the SL224, Horizon’s treble is smoother and less sibilant; compared with Punch Audio Martillo, think of Horizon as the treble-head counterpart to a bass specialist. It also mirrors some strengths of AFUL Performer 7 but with cleaner bass and a more polished top end, and it offers more microdetail than the hard-to-find YU9 Chuer. Taken together, this is a special package: a well-built, distinctive tribrid with 10/10 treble energy and air, competitive technicals, and a tuning that treble lovers will find hard to put down.

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Hercules Audio Noah arrives with a premium package: a metallic, cozy shell with a secure anti-tragus catch, a gold nozzle, and a genuinely excellent 4.4 mm cable (red/black channel markers, smooth chin slider, solid Y-split). Accessories are thoughtful—tips, cleaning brush, a USB-C DAC, and a plush case—making the whole experience feel dialed-in and durable. Fit is easy, build is handsome, and the cable quality stands out as one of the better stock options at this price.

Sonically, Noah brings a vocal-forward presentation with a clean, punchy, and hard-hitting bass shelf; it’s engaging, rich, and fun. There’s a notable 1 kHz rise and energetic upper-mids that push presence, while treble stays polite—good clarity, but not the last word in sparkle/air or micro-detail. Think “audiophile-style tuning” rather than meta-neutral: more drive and dynamism than shimmer. Compared with peers, it carries some Elysian-style DNA (cleaner and more exciting than Pilgrim/Noir, less dazzling up top than Apostle/Annihilator), and versus the hyped YU9 it swaps treble dazzle for meatier bass impact, making the two strong complements.

Value depends on region: list sits around $400, but tariffs and shipping can push it above $500 in the U.S., which tempers the bang-for-buck. As a result, it’s an easy recommendation for those seeking a mid/bass-forward, vocal-centric signature—demo at a show if possible, or consider the used market for a sharper deal. Bass is a 10/10 with satisfying slam, the overall presentation is lively and majestic, and while treble finesse is merely good, the tuning’s energy and musical drive make Noah a memorable, hype-worthy listen for the right ears.

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The Horizon aims for a neutral-natural tonality with a slightly lean lower midrange, delivering standout vocal transparency and crisp separation. Bass is mostly sub-bass focused—felt and supportive rather than boomy—giving notes a pleasing sense of density without smearing the mids. The trade-off is an elevated upper-treble that adds air and detail but can tilt gritty/sandy if the fit or tips aren’t dialed in.

Build and accessories are a mixed bag: a surprisingly nice carrying case and swappable termination, but a fussy cable and a resin shell that fits deep and may need shorter, grippier tips to shine. Once seated well, the Horizon’s imaging and instrument separation pop, making complex mixes feel organized and engaging.

Versus pricier hype pieces with similar FR, the Horizon feels like a “short king” take: not as refined up top as the best of them, yet more weighty and satisfying than some leaner peers. Compared to something like Volume S at a similar price, this set is clearer and more incisive (better separation), while Volume S is fuller and smoother with punchier bass presence. At $330, it’s the most compelling entry in its family so far—addictive for transparency and staging, with the caveat of treble sensitivity and fit quirks.

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Ziigaat’s Horizon follows the current meta-inspired recipe—think Astral, Metas, Crescent—but pushes the focus upward: the treble is the most prominent piece here. It’s bright-leaning without turning harsh, giving a crisp, “OCD-like” sense of transient bite and pinpoint imaging. Low end and vocals sit a touch behind the highs, so the presentation feels clean and lively rather than thick; at mid-volume, the top end drizzles detail over the mix like raindrops—engaging and textured, not shouty.

On the technical side, Horizon pulls strong detail retrieval and resolution for the price—above sets like Supermix 4 and near EM10/Volare —yet it doesn’t scale massively because of that treble lift. The bass is snappy and controlled, with good separation, but lacks the slam and rumble seekers of impact will want. Pairing and playlist matter: avoid hot, highly produced pop/K-pop/J-pop or most hip-hop where the combo of elevated highs and lighter bass can feel edgy; it shines with slower pop, R&B, indie acoustics, ballads, and classical where the sparkle reads as “high-fidelity.” Warmer sources help a bit, and tip-rolling (stock black/clear, or bass-adding options like Final E/divinus) can balance things—just skip anything that pushes treble further.

Against close competitors, Astral hit harder down low and feel more V-shaped and contrasty; Crescent is warmer and smoother but not as clear or micro-detailed. Horizon is the cleanest and brightest of the trio, with the most refined treble focus and “tickly” transients. Verdict: a value-minded all-rounder for detail lovers who prefer clarity and air over bass authority—technical, tidy, and energetic at sensible volumes, provided the library isn’t a treble minefield.

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Ziigaat Horizon arrives as a striking tri-brid in the ~$300 bracket (1DD + 2BA + 2 planar) with a tuning that brushes close to Kiwi Ears Astral yet comes across a touch thinner and more balanced. The low end focuses on sub-bass rumble that’s tight, clean, and richly tactile, while mids keep timbre accurate and treble stays controlled—never shouty or fatiguing—yielding a fun-yet-almost-reference presentation. Build and comfort impress: ergonomic shells with that aqua-to-silver fade can be worn for 8-hour sessions, and the package includes Ziigaat’s new two-pin cable with interchangeable terminations (3.5/4.4), a roomy faux-leather case, silicone sets plus foams; tip rolling (e.g., ASMR tips) pairs well.

In games, ambient clutter drops away and crucial cues get spotlighted with confident imaging, separation, and convincing verticality. Footsteps in Valorant are clear and positional, though the lightest taps can blur a bit under nearby low-end rumble or heavy gunfire; Apex performance is exceptional, just a hair behind Astral/Mangird Tea Pro when ultimates stack; Call of Duty delivers satisfying impact with disciplined decay, though micro-cues can soften during chaos. Net-net, Horizon is a great all-rounder with clean, technical bass and a natural balance that works across titles. On the WallHack list it gets A– overall (A– in Apex, B+ in CoD, Valorant just shy of top marks), primarily nudged down by occasional masking of the lightest cues during intense mixes.

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Hercules Audio’s Noah targets the mid-tier with a 1DD+3BA setup around $400, and the physical package impresses: a premium, crush-resistant case, Divinus Velvet ear tips, a Type-C dongle, and an all-metal black-and-gold shell that looks luxe and fits comfortably for long sessions. The four-core black cable feels solid with quality connectors and a working chin slider, even if it isn’t the softest. Sonically, the Noah aims for a fun, engaging listen via a relaxed treble, but bass hype meets reality—there’s strong sub-bass extension while mid-bass weight and texture come up short, so punch and grit aren’t at “basshead” levels.

The midrange is the star: forward enough to keep vocals clear without sounding shouty, though a slightly lean lower-mid can thin out male voices. Treble stays smooth yet extended, ideal for treble-sensitive listeners (treble-heads may want more bite). Technicalities hold their own for the price—good layering, imaging, and micro-detail, with a soundstage that’s a touch above average. Versus the YU9/CH it’s smoother and more fun (that set is brighter and more clinical), while Dusk Analog (DSP) runs warmer with bass some may prefer but even more laid-back mids/treble; for a true bass fix, Kiwi Ears Punch remains a go-to. Overall, Noah is enjoyable with standout build and accessories, best for those who like sub-bass focus + relaxed treble; tuning quirks keep it from a higher nod, settling on a two-star recommendation for value.