Pros: Improved Colourways, Build quality and Comfort, Pleasant and Natural Tonality, Punchy and Well-extended Bass, Breath of fresh air from OG Zero (can be a con for those who prefer the OG tuning), Versatile and Coherent Tuning
Cons: Detail Retrieval could be better (am nitpicking, it’s already great for its price), Treble/Highs might be too dull for some
Driver Setup: A New 10mm Dynamic Driver
Price: US$24.99
Intro
Disclaimer: The 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 was provided to us at no charge courtesy of Linsoul. However, this was done in understanding I was to give my honest thoughts and opinions of the Zero: 2. The 7Hz Zero: 2 is available for purchase here should you find yourself interested in a pair, or feel free to use your own links.
The original 7Hz Zero was one of my favourite “ultra-budget” IEMs, despite all the options at a very saturated price point. We are spoilt for choice in this range, with numerous brands having excellent releases, from the Tangzu Waner, Moondrop Chu, and Kiwi Ears Cadenza to these Zeros. When I heard that the 7HZxCrinacle Zero: 2 was released, I couldn’t have been more excited to try them. For the rest of the article, I’ll be referring to these as the Zero 2.
Accessories
You get the same packaging and accessories as the first iteration. However, they did change the cable to try to get it to fit the overall aesthetic of the earpiece. Quality or usability wise I didn’t find it a huge change. The most noticeable difference is that the new cable is softer and easier to handle (less springy) than the original.
Build Quality and Fit
The build quality is almost the same, given that the design and structure of the IEM are pretty much the same, apart from the new colourways. These now come in 3 colour options, namely Clear, Blue, or Orange (pictured). If the OG Zeros fit well for you, these will too. I do like the new colours quite a lot more than the options we had for the OG and the translucent shells are quite a nice touch.
Sound
Frequency Response of the 7HZ x Crinacle Zero: 2
Frequency Response of the 7HZ Zero (OG)
Sources
- Lotoo Paw S2
- Fiio BTR7
- SMSL M200 –> Schiit Magnius
Music listened to
- Jackson Browne
- Michael Buble – To Be Loved
- Dire Straits
- Hyukoh
- Kygo
- Cory Asbury
- NEEDTOBREATHE
- The Lumineers
- Nutcracker Suite
- McFly
- etc
Bass
The bass is one of the most transformed regions of the Zero 2, probably due to its new driver. It has a very well-extended bass that has good rumble. The response is also rather punchy and technically competent, without too much midbass bloat. The added warmth is very tastefully done and transforms the tuning. The boost in bass won’t take it to basshead levels but the tuning is more in-line with that of a warm-neutral one.
Mids
The mids are quite mellow and tame, given the U-shaped tuning of the Zero 2. Vocals are present but not that forward. There is not much expression and texture in vocals and layering is rather limited. That said, I wouldn’t have been expecting too much for a $20 IEM so what it’s achieved here with the tonality is already impressive. The Zero 2 deftly avoids any sibilant peaks while still managing to achieve great clarity in the upper mids.
Treble
The treble and highs carry on the tameness of the upper mids. It has peaks in the right ranges to give it that headspace and also room extension that takes the Zero 2 to the next level. That said, the highs are considerably tamer than the original Zero and give the overall tuning a rather laid-back vibe that you can listen to for hours on end without fatigue. I would say these work well for long hours watching videos or gaming too.
Overall
Tuning-wise, the Zero 2 surprised me as it sounded like a different IEM. Putting visuals aside, if there was a blind test, it would have been difficult for me to identify an immediate association with the original Zero. These seem way warmer and more powerful in the low end than the original Zero. It’s not very obvious but the Zero 2 also seems to bring out less detail than the original. That said, the two punches way above the expectations for their price point in terms of technical capability and you won’t be disappointed with the details you are getting out of the two.
Conclusion
Given the differences in the 2 tunings of the Zero 2 and OG Zero, I think 7HZ could very well release these under a different name or line. However, I suppose they would want to ride on the success of the OG Zero. Would I say the Zero 2 is objectively better than the OG Zero? No. I would say the Zero 2 does way better in the lower regions with a punchy and engaging bass that extends well at its price point while maintaining a very coherent tonal balance. It is a great IEM that I enjoy for its fun and warmth on top of its pleasant tonality.
There are aspects of the OG Zero that I enjoy more and can’t seem to find in the Zero 2 and that is okay. You would not lose out if you already own and love the OG Zero, the Zero 2 may or may not impress you but IMO having both would be a good complement to each other for all the repertoire in your music library. If you didn’t like the OG Zero, give the Zero 2s a chance and perhaps these are more up your alley.
Overall Grade: A-
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