7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 Review - Best 25 you'll ever spent!

 

General/Packaging/Build/Comfort

7Hz is back with another banger collab with Crinacle. This time, we have the Zero:2, which is an improved version of the OG Zero that was released last year. Some are happy with the OG Zero, some aren’t, so 7Hz collected the feedback and here we have the Zero:2, featuring a new driver for improved bass and mid range, not to mention a better cable that’s similar to 7Hz’s Sonus. Packaging is similar to the OG Zero, the same goes for the bundled eartips, candy coloured ranging from wide to narrow bore, the shape and the build is also similar as to the OG Zero, except the Zero:2 has slight translucent for the colour that i’m reviewing, the silver and blue colour is transparent, i don’t have any fitting issue as with the OG Zero, hence the Zero:2 fits me just fine, but some might find the nozzle length a bit too short, tip rolling may help with this, i am using the Dunu S&S eartip for a better seal and insertion depth.

Gears used for this review

• Earmen Colibri

• Earmen Tradutto -> Earmen CH-Amp

• Hiby R6 2020

• Colorfly CDA-M1P

• Zero:2 Stock Cable with Dunu S&S Eartip

Foreword

My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression

Zero:2 is a lot more fun sounding compared to OG Zero. Many complained that the OG Zero lacked bass, there you have it, Zero:2, some complained that the highs are a little too much, Zero:2. The driver within Zero:2 is completely new and different from OG Zero, hence, making this tuning possible. The timbre sounds natural to my ears and has very good note weight overall.

Bass

• Bass quality is good on the Zero:2 and has adequate quantity for me

• The sub bass does rumble when it’s called for but nowhere near basshead territory

• Mid bass has good slam and punch to it and it is really commendable for its price point

• Good texture and speed as it is evident on tracks like Slipknot’s People = Shit, it’s keeping up and doesn’t sound muddy at all, it doesn’t even bleed into the mids

Mids

• The mids has good note weight to me when listening to Imperial March by Wiener Philharmoniker, John Williams

• Vocal positioning is slightly recessed but not to the point where it is v-shaped kind of recess

• Both male and female vocal has pleasant texture and weight to the vocals, they’re not thin sounding

• Upper mids are safe and no where near shouty

Treble

• Treble has got enough energy and never harsh nor sibilant, very smooth overall but certainly not dark 

• Good amount of air and extension which is quite rare for the price point

• Nothing much to comment here as the implementation is generally good

• Something’s got to give right? Well, detail retrieval is average i would say, not really a con but rather nitpicking 

Soundstage/Imaging

Soundstage is slightly out of your head, good depth and height for the asking price.

Imaging is good with the ability to pinpoint instruments easily

Driveability

Zero:2 is easy to drive but of course when you feed it with a better source, it does perform better. Majority of the dongle will be sufficient to provide a decent experience on the Zero:2.

Comparison (OG Zero)

• Less bass quantity and a little bit lacking in terms of punch and impact, Zero:2 does this better in terms of quality and quantity

• Treble has got more energy compared to Zero:2, not exactly a good or bad thing but this is down to personal preference

• OG Zero sounds a little bit lacking in terms of note weight due to the lows

• Slightly smaller soundstage compared to Zero:2

• Overall, my interpretation will be OG Zero will sound cleaner/a little bit technical whereas Zero:2 will sound more fun

Final Thoughts

Not gonna say much but if someone asks me if they should get Zero:2 as their first starter IEM? I’m more than happy to tell them yes, even seasoned audiophiles will like this I'm sure. I for one like them, I take em out and just put them on with my DAP and listen to music without caring much for technicalities or seeking to hear every single detail in that particular track. It is just something that I wear and I listen to music and completely indulge myself into it. An easy rec for Zero:2 in terms of sound and high price performance ratio.

*Zero:2 is sent to me from Linsoul in exchange for this review. I am in no way under any influence nor do I receive any monetary compensation for this review. All thoughts are of my own.

Head over to their store to purchase one if you are interested
7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 - Non affiliated