Ithy - The Budget IEM King Returns? Unpacking the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2

The original 7Hz Salnotes Zero made waves as a benchmark for ultra-budget in-ear monitors (IEMs). Now, 7Hz collaborates again with renowned audio reviewer Crinacle to release the Zero:2. Priced aggressively around $25, this successor aims to refine the formula, addressing feedback on the original while maintaining exceptional value. Let's dive deep into what the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 offers.

Highlights: What Makes the Zero:2 Stand Out?

Enhanced Bass Response: Significantly more bass presence (around 2-4dB boost) compared to the original, delivering punch and warmth without sacrificing overall balance.
Refined Crinacle Tuning: A smoother, warmer, and more versatile V-shaped sound signature designed for enjoyable listening across various genres, reducing potential fatigue.
Unbeatable Value: Packs impressive audio performance, improved build quality, and a comfortable design into a highly accessible $25 package.

Design, Build & Comfort: Polished for Pennies

Aesthetics and Materials

The Zero:2 retains a compact and lightweight form factor, with each earpiece weighing approximately 5.8 grams. The shells are constructed from durable resin (or acrylic according to some sources) and feature updated faceplates, often with aluminum accents. They are available in several attractive, often transparent, colorways like orange, blue, or silver, giving them a modern look that belies their budget price. While some might find the glossy finish slightly "toy-like," the overall impression is one of solid construction for the cost.

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEMs showing color options

Updated Look and Feel

The design prioritizes comfort, with smooth contours and a shape intended to fit snugly in most ears, making them suitable for long listening sessions without causing fatigue.

Cable and Accessories

Included in the package is an upgraded detachable cable utilizing the common 0.78mm 2-pin connector standard. This high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable, often silver-plated (SPC), is generally considered an improvement over typical stock cables found at this price point – it's designed to be more flexible and less prone to tangling. However, some users have noted that it can still feel a bit rigid or stiff. The package also typically includes a selection of silicone ear tips in various sizes to help users achieve a secure fit and optimal sound isolation.

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 with included cable and eartips

Accessories Bundle

The inclusion of a decent cable and multiple ear tip options adds to the overall value proposition.

Sound Quality Analysis: The Crinacle Touch

The core of the Zero:2's appeal lies in its sound signature, tuned in collaboration with Crinacle. It moves away from the leaner profile of the original towards a warmer, more engaging, and arguably more versatile sound.

Overall Tuning: Warmth Meets Fun

The Zero:2 presents a warm V-shaped sound signature. This means elevated bass and treble regions relative to the midrange, but executed with a smoothness that avoids harshness. The goal here is a fun, musical, and engaging listen rather than a strictly neutral or analytical one. It's designed to work well across a wide variety of genres, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and pop, offering a coherent and rich sound.

Bass Performance: Enhanced Impact

Driver Upgrade

Driving the sound is an updated 10mm dual-cavity dynamic driver featuring a PU+Metal composite diaphragm. This driver is key to the Zero:2's enhanced low-end capabilities.

Low-End Character

One of the most significant changes from the original Salnotes Zero is the bass boost – reviewers estimate an increase of 2-4 dB, particularly in the sub-bass region. This results in a punchier, deeper, and more impactful bass response with good texture and rumble. It provides a satisfying weight to kick drums and basslines without becoming overly muddy or bleeding excessively into the midrange. While bass enthusiasts will likely appreciate this change, listeners preferring a strictly neutral response might find it slightly dominant in some tracks.

Midrange Clarity: Smooth and Natural

Despite the bass emphasis, the midrange remains clear, smooth, and relatively well-balanced. Vocals, both male and female, come across as natural and engaging. Male vocals possess a smooth, full-bodied character, while female vocals exhibit vibrancy and presence without becoming shouty. Instruments like guitars and pianos sound organic and are rendered with decent detail and separation, maintaining coherence even with the added warmth from the bass.

Treble Response: Clear and Non-Fatiguing

The treble region has been smoothed compared to the original Zero, particularly taming the potentially sharp peaks in the 4kHz to 8kHz presence region. This results in a cleaner, clearer treble that avoids sibilance (harsh 's' sounds) and fatigue during extended listening. The trade-off is that some may find the treble slightly "dull," lacking the ultimate sparkle or airiness found in brighter IEMs. Detail in cymbals and hi-hats is present but not overly emphasized, contributing to the overall relaxed yet clear presentation.

Technical Performance Evaluation

Beyond the tuning, how does the Zero:2 handle the technical aspects of sound reproduction?

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage offers decent width, allowing for a good sense of space horizontally. Instrument separation is improved compared to the original, making it easier to distinguish individual elements within a mix. Imaging (the ability to pinpoint sound locations) is also quite capable for the price, contributing to its suitability for gaming where positional audio cues are important. However, the soundstage lacks significant height and depth, common limitations in this budget segment, which can make complex orchestral or layered tracks feel somewhat congested.

Detail Retrieval and Dynamics

Detail retrieval is solid for a $25 IEM, capturing a good amount of nuance in recordings. While it won't resolve micro-details like higher-end monitors, it avoids sounding veiled or overly smoothed. The dynamic range is competent, providing a lively contrast between quiet and loud passages, aided by the impactful bass response.

Driveability

With an impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity of 108dB/V@1kHz, the Zero:2 is easy to drive. It performs well straight out of a smartphone headphone jack or laptop, without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach adequate volume levels or its full sonic potential.

Visualizing the Sound: Zero:2 Profile

This chart offers a comparative visualization of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2's sound characteristics against its predecessor, the original 7Hz Salnotes Zero, and a hypothetical 'Neutral Budget' target. Scores are subjective interpretations based on aggregated reviews, aiming to highlight the relative strengths and weaknesses across key audio aspects.

Interpreting the Chart

The chart visually confirms the Zero:2's emphasis on bass (Sub-Bass Impact, Mid-Bass Warmth) and overall smoothness compared to the original Zero, which scores higher in Treble Extension but lower in bass. Both aim for good midrange clarity and vocal presence. The Zero:2 trades some treble energy and potentially perceived detail for a warmer, more powerful, and fatigue-free listen.

Zero:2 Feature Mindmap

This mindmap provides a hierarchical overview of the key features and characteristics of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEMs discussed in this review.

mindmap root["7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 Review"] id1["Collaboration"] id1a["7Hz & Crinacle"] id2["Design & Build"] id2a["Materials (Resin/Acrylic)"] id2b["Lightweight & Comfortable"] id2c["Color Options"] id2d["Detachable Cable (0.78mm 2-pin)"] id2d1["Upgraded OFC/SPC"] id2d2["Potential Rigidity"] id2e["Included Eartips"] id3["Sound Signature"] id3a["Overall Tuning: Warm V-Shape"] id3b["Bass (Enhanced)"] id3b1["+2-4dB vs Original"] id3b2["Punchy & Extended"] id3b3["Good Texture"] id3b4["Suits Bass-Heavy Genres"] id3c["Midrange"] id3c1["Smooth & Natural"] id3c2["Clear Vocals"] id3c3["Good Instrument Timbre"] id3d["Treble"] id3d1["Smoothed & Clear"] id3d2["Non-Fatiguing"] id3d3["Reduced Sibilance"] id3d4["Potentially 'Dull' for Some"] id4["Technical Performance"] id4a["Soundstage"] id4a1["Decent Width"] id4a2["Limited Height/Depth"] id4b["Imaging (Good for Price)"] id4c["Instrument Separation (Improved)"] id4d["Detail Retrieval (Solid for Price)"] id4e["Driveability (Easy, No Amp Needed)"] id5["Comparison to Original Zero"] id5a["More Bass"] id5b["Warmer Tone"] id5c["Smoother Treble"] id5d["Less Fatiguing"] id5e["Original: Leaner, Brighter"] id6["Value Proposition"] id6a["Excellent Price/Performance (~$25)"] id6b["Great Entry-Level IEM"] id6c["Versatile Across Genres"]

Zero:2 vs. Original Salnotes Zero: Key Differences

Understanding the changes from the original 7Hz Salnotes Zero is crucial for potential buyers. While both are budget champions, they cater to slightly different preferences. This table summarizes the core distinctions:

Feature	7Hz Salnotes Zero (Original)	7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2
Tuning Philosophy	Leaner, closer to neutral-bright, emphasis on clarity/detail	Warmer V-shape, emphasis on fun, bass impact, and smoothness
Bass	Tighter, leaner, less quantity, cleaner presentation	Significantly boosted (+2-4dB), punchier, deeper extension, more warmth
Midrange	Clear, potentially slightly thinner	Smooth, natural, slightly warmer tone
Treble	Brighter, more sparkle/air, potentially peaky/fatiguing (4-8kHz emphasis)	Smoother, less peaky, avoids sibilance, clear but less energetic/detailed
Overall Character	More analytical, detailed, potentially fatiguing	More musical, engaging, powerful, versatile, forgiving
Ideal User	Prefers higher fidelity, detailed sound, doesn't mind leaner bass or brighter treble	Prefers enhanced bass, a warmer/smoother sound, versatile for many genres, prioritizes non-fatiguing listen

Video Review: Exploring the Changes

For an auditory and visual perspective, this video delves into the specific updates and changes introduced with the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 compared to its popular predecessor, the Salnotes Zero. It offers insights into whether the Zero:2 constitutes an upgrade or simply an alternative tuning profile.

Comparing the Generations

Hearing the reviewer discuss the sonic differences can be helpful in deciding which version might better suit your listening preferences. The video highlights the shift towards a more bass-centric and smoother sound in the Zero:2, contrasting it with the original's characteristics.

Pros and Cons Summary

Strengths

Exceptional Value: Top-tier performance for the ~$25 price point.
Engaging Sound: Fun, warm V-shaped tuning with impactful bass suits many genres.
Improved Bass: Significantly enhanced quantity and quality over the original.
Smooth & Non-Fatiguing: Relaxed treble presentation allows for long listening sessions.
Comfortable Design: Lightweight shells and ergonomic shape fit well.
Good Build & Cable: Solid construction and an upgraded detachable cable.
Easy to Drive: No need for a dedicated amplifier.

Weaknesses

Subdued Treble: May lack sparkle and air for those preferring brighter signatures; can sound "dull" to some.
Detail Retrieval: Good for the price, but not class-leading; micro-details can be masked.
Soundstage Limitations: Decent width but lacks height and depth compared to more expensive IEMs.
Bass Quantity: May be too much for listeners seeking a strictly neutral sound.
Cable Rigidity: Some users find the included cable slightly stiff.

The Budget IEM King Returns? Unpacking the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2

An in-depth look at the successor to a legend, balancing enhanced bass, refined tuning, and incredible value.