HIBY ZETA Review | A V-Shaped TOTL

HIBY gave us the opportunity to review another top-of-the-line contender in the Chi-Fi market. This is the HIBY Zeta. Zeta is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet. I don't know the meaning of their naming convention but sure, whatever works, right? I mean, Chi-Fi has their fair share of weird names, Zeta is a much suitable name for a TOTL in-ear-monitor.

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with HIBY and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review.  HIBY provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
• As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
• Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING

The packaging of the HIBY Zeta is very generous and straightforward. Here's what's inside the box:

• HIBY ZETA in-ear-monitors
• 4.4mm cable 
• 3 pairs of narrow bore eartips
• 3 pairs of hybrid eartips
• 3 pairs of silicone eartips
• Leather case

BUILD QUALITY

Undoubtedly, the ZETA in-ear monitor boasts a sturdy and imposing appearance. The full-titanium design, with HIBY's logo intricately carved on it, stands out remarkably and adds a touch of uniqueness. The cables are very sturdy and somehow fits well with the in-ear monitor. I would've preferred an all-gray colorway for a sophisticated and neutral look but a royal blue cable complements it as well since gray is a neutral color, it will go well with any cables.

SOUND

The HIBY ZETA features a captivating V-shaped sound signature that truly showcases its status as a top-of-the-line in-ear monitor. I need to point this out that this V-shaped signature is incredibly addictive. Initially, when I tried out the ZETA, they didn't strike me as anything special, just another typical V-shaped in-ear monitor. However, the more I listened to them, the more they grew on me, becoming quite addicting.

Personally, I have grown tired of this sound signature since it is quite common in the Chi-fi market, especially within the budget scene. Despite that, the ZETA's rendition of the V-shaped signature manages to stand out and appeal to those who appreciate this type of sound.

BASS

The bass on the HIBY Zeta delivers a powerful and dynamic punch that adds a fun and impactful sound. It manages to avoid being overly bloated or muddy, showcasing its impressive clarity despite the heavy sounding bass. Even with its power, the bass doesn't overshadow the midrange; instead, the midrange maintains its clarity and presence. Unlike many other bass-heavy options that sacrifice quality for dynamics, the HIBY Zeta excels in retaining excellent resolution while offering a thick and impactful bass response.

MIDS

The midrange of the ZETA strikes a perfect balance, sitting neither too forward nor too recessed. Despite the presence of thick and impactful bass, the midrange retains its clarity and smoothness. There is lushness and warmth with the vocals and exude a rich, natural quality.

When it comes to instruments, the ZETA excels at delivering a very musical and realistic rendition but it may not be for everyone if you desire a more neutral presentation on the instruments. It takes a subtle hit in terms of separation and detail retrieval. Then again, the ZETA leans toward to a more fun and musical sound rather than a clinical one. The upper-mids showcase impressive resolving capabilities with good luster and controlled brightness without any signs of peaks or harshness. 

TREBLE

The treble on the ZETA might not possess all the sparkles and shimmer that some seek for heightened detail and boosted higher frequencies. Instead, it plays a safer role, offering a smoother and more controlled presentation compared to sharper and edgier highs. However, the resolution remains impressive and satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more subtle treble punch.

The Sonion ESTs included in the driver configuration of the ZETA handle the higher frequencies, contributing to the overall treble performance. Personally, I find the treble to be just right for my tastes, striking a balance where it never sounds too harsh or fatiguing during extended listening sessions.

TECHNICALITIES

The soundstage of the ZETA falls within the average range in terms of width, height, and depth, yet it provides ample room for an impressive performance and sound separation. Despite its V-shaped sound signature, the ZETA demonstrates strong technical capabilities, allowing it to handle busy tracks without compromising resolution, while maintaining good separation between various elements.

The imaging on the ZETA is well-balanced between the left and right channels, enabling clear distinction of the instrument's location within the soundstage. This aspect adds to the overall immersive listening experience, providing a sense of spatial awareness and depth. You'll usually hear these resolving details on a neutral set, but HIBY managed to handle the technicalities well on their fun sounding boi. 

TEST TRACKS

CONCLUSION

Pros:

• Very addicting V-shaped sound that grows on you
• Midrange is still satisfying despite the emphasis on the lower region
• Treble is safely tuned, it is not sharp or edgy
• Very robust and durable build

Cons:

• Mids are not the most engaging experience
• Technically capable, but not TOTL grade technicality
• Treble might not satisfy trebleheads
• Cables could go for a modular approach to those who wants a more flexible option 

Would I recommend the ZETA? If you are a musician or sound engineer seeking a top-of-the-line in-ear monitor for professional use, the ZETA might not be my top choice. I would instead suggest considering a custom in-ear monitor or a neutral pair that caters better to your professional requirements.

However, if you are someone with a budget for a fun and musical in-ear monitor, the ZETA could be a satisfying option to explore, because it's really addicting (real). Keep in mind that it might be a risky purchase for some, as it comes with a higher price tag that not everyone can afford. Personally, I find the ZETA appealing, and I would definitely consider buying it if I had the financial means to do so.

One aspect to consider before making a purchase is the lack of customization options in the package. The inclusions provided with the ZETA are good, but you won't have much flexibility in adjusting the sound to your liking outside of the box. Additionally, there's no option to swap out the cables, which can be a limiting factor to some. These factors should be taken into account when deciding whether the ZETA is the right fit for you.