James evaluations the HiBy Zeta II, a brand new high-end flagship dynamic, BA, planar, and electrostatic multi-driver common in-ear monitor. It’s at present priced at $1399.00.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in alternate for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I thank HiBy for his or her assist.
You possibly can click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the HiBy audio merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our newest scoring pointers, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
HiBy Zeta II Overview
Abstract
The HiBY Zeta II flagship multi-driver IEM’s sound, design, and product expertise punch means above its worth, which earns it a advice for these in search of agility, sturdy element retrieval, and wonderful distortion management.
Professionals
Wealthy in particulars throughout the entire audible spectrum.
Quick transient response.
Distinctive positioning.
Cons
Restricted expansiveness on much less highly effective sources.
Wants ample present for its finest efficiency.
It has been three years since I reviewed the unique HiBy Zeta. This tribrid flagship mixed a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, and EST drivers right into a technically proficient but musically partaking bundle, accentuated by its superbly machined titanium enclosure that punched effectively above its worth level.
Now, in early 2026, the Zeta II arrives as a extra bold evolution. This newer rendition contains a quadbrid configuration with 9 drivers per facet, together with a micro-planar driver, whereas retaining the core strengths of its predecessor.
Priced at $1,399, it stays remarkably restrained in comparison with many equally configured flagship IEMs that command a number of instances the associated fee.
On this evaluation, I’ll examine it to the unique Zeta and the Empire Ears Odin MKII, assessing whether or not it represents a leap ahead and the way it fares towards right now’s hybrid competitors.
Options
The HiBy Zeta II employs a quadbrid design and a real 5-way passive crossover with discreet pathways.
HiBy makes use of an 8mm DLC-coated dynamic driver with an HCCAW coil to deal with the sub-bass area, three Knowles balanced armatures, together with one devoted tweeter, for {smooth} midrange efficiency, and a planar magnetic driver for enhanced treble penetration and energy.
There are additionally 4 next-generation Sonion electrostatic tweeters to additional prolong the ultra-high frequencies as much as 70kHz (in principle).
The impedance is kind of low at 15Ω, with sensitivity measured at 109 dB/180 mV @ 1kHz, which is equally environment friendly in comparison with the primary gen on paper.
Design
The Zeta II inherits the carved-out, dual-layer design from the unique Zeta and proudly shows the Z motif on its faceplate.
The complete aviation-grade titanium jacket stays as spectacular as the unique model, and this time HiBy challenges itself with a extra difficult, multi-faceted feather-like sample that feels a lot tougher to software.
The design is spectacular in individual, with a fancy texture that feels higher than it seems in photographs.
The machining high quality can also be wonderful; the traces seem clear but really feel {smooth} and never sharp when dealt with. The polished physique in addition to the edges of the faceplates additionally really feel very premium to the contact.
HiBy employs a vacuum ionic magnetron sputtering coater, a way derived from horology, to use a thin-film coating on the floor of the titanium jacket for improved put on resistance.
The design and tooling are effectively executed and inventive. If I had been to level out any flaws, I might hope the position of the Z brand could possibly be aligned with the sporting place so it might seem extra naturally as a Z.
Consolation & Isolation
Despite the fact that Zeta II has 4 totally different driver varieties, together with a planar inside, it feels surprisingly compact. The ending doesn’t make it really feel too metallic; as a substitute, it feels {smooth} and textured to the contact, and has a really sturdy construct high quality.
The match is superb, as is the isolation, even for my slightly small ears, due to the marginally prolonged nozzle and the inventory eartips, which have a mildly sticky silicone floor.
Passive noise isolation is powerful sufficient to dam out most ambient noise, even on a airplane.
Due to its light-weight design, the Zeta II stays comfy even after 4–5 hours of use, not like some heavier multi-BA IEMs that may trigger stress or fatigue within the contact areas.
Ear Ideas
This facet can also be value highlighting, because it’s not often emphasised in HiBy’s official supplies but makes a noticeable distinction within the precise listening expertise.
The Zeta II comes with a complete field set of eartips. You get the usual suggestions, which ship a fuller-bodied and hotter sound signature, in addition to the WG01 set, which emphasizes airiness, technical efficiency, and extension.
Moreover, there’s the WG02 set, which brings the mids ahead for a extra coherent and balanced timbre.
Each WG sequence suggestions characteristic huge bores and are produced from what is often known as liquid silicone materials. The WG01 suggestions incorporate a particular horn-shaped waveguide of their design to attain the meant sonic character.
The variations are fairly audible, and I strongly advocate experimenting with the following tips, particularly the WG units. The fabric additionally supplies superior sealing properties, additional enhancing isolation and bass efficiency.
Inventory Cable
The inventory cable is a 4.4mm balanced termination with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. It options cores produced from 5N silver-plated OCC mixed with 4N silver conductors, organized in a particular cross-braiding ratio.
HiBy claims this design enhances ultra-high-frequency extension and contributes to a wider, extra spacious soundstage.
I experimented by swapping it out with different cables, together with the Impact Audio Cleopatra and varied copper choices.
The Zeta II proves fairly delicate to cable rolling, and its onboard tuning, barely V-shaped with good mid-bass density, permits it to stay partaking and balanced throughout totally different pairings.
That stated, the inventory cable is an efficient match this time round, it delivers easy treble extension whereas making certain the bass kicks agency and deep with out veiling or curtaining the mids.
The cable’s design components are additionally per the faceplate design, giving the general bundle a premium really feel that rivals some higher-end aftermarket choices.
On one other be aware, you could need to strive swapping an 8-braid cable on the Zeta II to attain a extra expansive and relaxed timbre.
Packaging & Equipment
The Zeta II arrives in a enjoyable and fascinating presentation. The packaging field opens sideways, revealing a premium spherical leather-based case neatly positioned on the backside, beneath the earphone models themselves.
The general presentation strikes a pleasant steadiness; it’s not overly extravagant or flashy, but it feels considerate and premium.
The equipment included are of constantly good high quality. The leather-based case is well-manufactured with clear stitching and a few comfortable cushioning on the highest facet. Whereas the molding high quality of the ear suggestions is spectacular, exhibiting HiBy’s consideration to element.
Sound Impressions
After greater than 100 hours of burn-in, the bass seems barely airier and punchier whereas totally retaining its velocity and tightness.
The impressions under replicate listening throughout a wide range of sources, together with HiBy’s personal DAPs, such because the R6Pro MAX, hotter choices just like the Shanling M7T, and desktop setups just like the Luxsin X9.
Abstract
The Zeta II reveals a mild M-shaped tuning with satisfying low-end rumble, strong bass punch, and vocals offered with depth that matches the bass in presence and affect.
Treble extension is first rate, neither overly exaggerated nor rolled off, whereas successfully taming sharper tones within the sibilance zone for a {smooth}, non-fatiguing high finish.
Vocals emerge holographically, chopping by the combo with authoritative energy within the higher midrange and presence area, whatever the suggestions set used.
It nonetheless pairs higher with cleaner-sounding gears, or else the mid-bass vary might get overly thickened.
Among the many suggestions, I desire the WG01 (expansive tuning) for max openness and minimal midrange coloration, delivering the cleanest, most prolonged treble.
The usual suggestions and WG02 (balanced tuning) set present better fullness and physique within the mids, however sacrifice some treble air and extension as compared.
In comparison with the earlier era, the tuning path leans extra balanced and quicker within the bass, probably due to the smaller, faster dynamic driver, leading to a extra vivid tonal palette, noticeably strengthened technical efficiency, and even better treble element retrieval.
Crucially, this additional decision arrives in a swift, prolonged, and non-shouty method slightly than aggressive or peaky.
Timbre
The Zeta II incorporates quite a few components designed to prioritize velocity, transients, and extension all through its structure.
As an example, the DLC-domed dynamic driver, the micro-planar magnetic driver, and the quad-EST array. Collectively, these contribute to a textured, detailed, and remarkably speedy response, even when pushed by much less highly effective sources.
It excels at retrieving micro-details, notably in two ends, which come throughout as tight, dense, speedy, and richly textured. When sufficiently powered, the entire audible spectrum feels outlined, properly weighted, textured, and well-layered.
When examined with violin tracks, the Zeta II vividly captures the air and resonance of the upper strings, in addition to the strain and chew from quick bowing. It actually shines with bigger ensembles.
For instance, in Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6, the solo violin floats clearly above the orchestral backing, with vibrato, bowing nuances, and choosing particulars rendered with precision.
When the complete orchestra enters, the Zeta II delivers a layered soundstage with exact instrument positioning. The waves of low-end energy are clearly perceptible, and the sense of authoritative slam stays sturdy even at elevated volumes.
Switching to EDM, vocal trance, Eurodance, and Nineties membership tracks, the Zeta II additionally impresses with its dense and textured treble. Synthesized devices sound delicate but outlined, with crisp assaults within the higher registers.
Vocals shimmer with a silky-smooth but substantial texture, simply sufficient sparkle to face out clearly with out veering into extreme brightness.
Staging & Dynamics
When utilizing dongles or much less highly effective sources, the Zeta II might not instantly impress with a very huge or deep soundstage on first pay attention.
That is largely as a result of light bass bump and the slight emphasis within the higher vocal/presence area, which might make the presentation really feel a contact extra ahead and intimate initially.
Nonetheless, the signature turns into noticeably extra balanced as soon as you turn to stronger, cleaner outputs, which additional tighten bass management, improve instrument presence within the greater registers, and unlock better total scale and depth.
That stated, bass devices and darker-toned voices come throughout fairly intimate and close-up, whereas brighter components within the treble, similar to cymbals, hi-hats, or synths, sit farther again within the combine.
This distinction strengthens the layering impact and helps render a extra 3D stage, particularly when a number of devices or sections enter concurrently.
The Zeta II handles complicated bass traces and enormous ensembles with passable, definitive energy and accuracy.
It maintains sturdy dynamics even at elevated volumes, preserving clear, well-defined transients at each the high and low ends with out smearing, compression, or lack of management.
Personally, I would really like the treble to be barely extra intense for air and swiftness. The smoothness and distortion management stays intact once I pushed the upper frequencies up a number of dBs by EQ.
Click on on web page 2 under for my really useful pairings and chosen comparisons.
