7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

[Emlin]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

For me it works a lot better than both Amir's and Maiky's filter designs. It adds that last 10% of realism without any noticeable drawbacks.

I've put the required preamp into the file name, but not into the actual filter settings.
That way, you can setup your EQApo config like this and only toggle the EQ on/off, without a change in overall volume:
View attachment 375830

I'm using MH755 eartips in S and an Apple dongle at 44.1kHz (keep in mind that filter response is Fs dependent).

Of course I'm aware of issues regarding HRTF and insertion differences, as well as good old unit variation, but thought that some of you may still enjoy the preset

I would, but both of the sets I bought died, without ill treatment.

 

[posvibes]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

I will give it a try, but those last three settings I can get APO to accept them at those frequency values? Do I need to change or enhance settings somewhere else in the app? Are they necessary?

Most of the time to be honest I can sense a difference between one EQ profile and another, but I couldn't tell you exactly what it is that has changed.

Thanks for work though staticV3!

 

[posvibes]

And there's fit, comfort, seal and plethora of different tips too

Has any manufacturer tried to manufacture the IEM in the silicone ear tip material itself, it would be great to squeeze the casing into the ear and let it expand back to its natural shape in place.

 

[staticV3]

I will give it a try, but those last three settings I can get APO to accept them at those frequency values? Do I need to change or enhance settings somewhere else in the app? Are they necessary?

Could you be more specific?

The last three filters have a frequency value of 21, 34, and 54Hz.

EQApo should have no issues accepting them.

 

[posvibes]

EQApo should have no issues accepting them.

Yes they should, and no it doesn't. My apologies, I messed up. A moment of clarity, preceded by a moment of stupidity.
All good, cheers.

 

[phoenixsong]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

For me it works a lot better than both Amir's and Maiky's filter designs. It adds that last 10% of realism without any noticeable drawbacks.

I've put the required preamp into the file name, but not into the actual filter settings.
That way, you can setup your EQApo config like this and only toggle the EQ on/off, without a change in overall volume:
View attachment 375830

I'm using MH755 eartips in S and an Apple dongle at 44.1kHz (keep in mind that filter response is Fs dependent).

Of course I'm aware of issues regarding HRTF and insertion differences, as well as good old unit variation, but thought that some of you may still enjoy the preset

Static, if say I usually have my EAPO's preamp at -9dB without any EQ, would it be a fair comparison to compare this against your EQ setting with the preamp set to -13.2dB? (iow simply slapping the -4.2dB on top of the -9dB)

 

[Robbo99999]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

For me it works a lot better than both Amir's and Maiky's filter designs. It adds that last 10% of realism without any noticeable drawbacks.

I've put the required preamp into the file name, but not into the actual filter settings.
That way, you can setup your EQApo config like this and only toggle the EQ on/off, without a change in overall volume:
View attachment 375830

I'm using MH755 eartips in S and an Apple dongle at 44.1kHz (keep in mind that filter response is Fs dependent).

Of course I'm aware of issues regarding HRTF and insertion differences, as well as good old unit variation, but thought that some of you may still enjoy the preset

What target are you using for your EQ? If it's to Harman Curve then why would it be any different from Maiky's? (What's different?)

 

[staticV3]

What target are you using for your EQ? If it's to Harman Curve then why would it be any different from Maiky's? (What's different?)

No one target was used. Just a lot of iteration, A/Bing different IEM responses, both GRAS and 5128, different target curves, splicing bass from one with treble from the other.

At each step, I used both music and pink noise to determine a winner.

FWIW, I've A/Bed it against every major GRAS and 5128 target curve and for me, it came out on top.

 

[InfiniteJester]

No one target was used. Just a lot of iteration, A/Bing different IEM responses, both GRAS and 5128, different target curves, splicing bass from one with treble from the other.

At each step, I used both music and pink noise to determine a winner.

FWIW, I've A/Bed it against every major GRAS and 5128 target curve and for me, it came out on top.

Would you share your staticV3 target for us to upload to Squig and play with it?

 

[staticV3]

Would you share your staticV3 target for us to upload to Squig and play with it?

Right now, I'm not very confident that I can declare this Zero:2 preset a target that'll seamlessly carry over to other IEMs.

So for now, I'd encourage you to see it for what it is: a model-specific hand-tuned preset from one dude on the internet.

Give it a try if you're curious. Beyond that, don't read too much into it.

If you'd like to see a graph, my recommendation would be to open Crinacle's 5128 measurement of the Zero:2, then to import my preset under the Equalizer tab:

Crinacle's 5128 Graph Tool | Hangout.Audio

Compare graphs from the world's largest public database of ITU-T P.57 Type 4.3 IEM measurements, maintained by Crinacle.

crinacle.com

That way, you have a response graph which you can compare to other IEMs.

 

[Eleo]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

For me it works a lot better than both Amir's and Maiky's filter designs. It adds that last 10% of realism without any noticeable drawbacks.

I've put the required preamp into the file name, but not into the actual filter settings.
That way, you can setup your EQApo config like this and only toggle the EQ on/off, without a change in overall volume:
View attachment 375830

I'm using MH755 eartips in S and an Apple dongle at 44.1kHz (keep in mind that filter response is Fs dependent).

Of course I'm aware of issues regarding HRTF and insertion differences, as well as good old unit variation, but thought that some of you may still enjoy the preset

Tried. Thanks Static, I've appreciated your EQ better than standard Harman's one. As for concerns eartips, I'm currently using stock orange ones, but I'm not very satisfied, because I think they could fit better. Do you think that foam tips - e.g. Sonicfoam SF01 - could be an improvement?

 

[staticV3]

Tried. Thanks Static, I've appreciated your EQ better than standard Harman's one. As for concerns eartips, I'm currently using stock orange ones, but I'm not very satisfied, because I think they could fit better. Do you think that foam tips - e.g. Sonicfoam SF01 - could be an improvement?

Eartips are extremely subjective. We all have different ear canals, and so all have different optimal eartips (which can vary with IEM model).

Me recommending eartips would be like recommending shoes to you, based on what fits me best. It makes no sense.

 

[Somafunk]

Me recommending eartips would be like recommending shoes to you, based on what fits me best. It makes no sense.

You could make a similar argument for iem and peq recommendations though, as for ear tips if I can’t get a good seal out of Divinus Velvet or Dunu S & S or Penon Liquor (current favs) then I give up.

 

[Robbo99999]

No one target was used. Just a lot of iteration, A/Bing different IEM responses, both GRAS and 5128, different target curves, splicing bass from one with treble from the other.

At each step, I used both music and pink noise to determine a winner.

FWIW, I've A/Bed it against every major GRAS and 5128 target curve and for me, it came out on top.

Ok, I see, you've tried to combine different measurements from different sources and then verified what amalgamation you like best through listening. Quite a personal result you've come up with, but I suppose no harm in people trying your EQ. It's obviously a bit nebulous how you've done it, but yeah I was just curious how you came about your EQ.

 

[khensu]

I'm curious if anyone using stock Equalizer APO would like to give my EQ a try.

I gave it a try. I’m using the stock tips, and it sounds quite good to me. I did lower the amount you were taking off the sub bass as it seemed anemic otherwise. Nice work!

 

[Chromatischism]

The EQ seems to lower the sub bass and shift the emphasis toward the highs > 4-5 kHz. I bet @staticV3 would like the Blessing 2 or 3.

 

[staticV3]

The EQ seems to lower the sub bass and shift the emphasis toward the highs > 4-5 kHz. I bet @staticV3 would like the Blessing 2 or 3.

B2 doesn't look that close. Less bass, more upper mids/treble:


B3 is pretty close:


As is the B2 Dusk:


IIRC, common complaint with the B2 Dusk was lack of air/treble extension, so looks like I'm right on the money

 

[Chromatischism]

The Dusk is for people who find the Blessings too bright and high-focused.

 

[delta76]

There have been a sale on Aliexpress with this one as low as $15, even with higher VAT included for EU

 

[pallas]

Aftermarket tips - what do you recommend?
Thought of trying SpinFit? What type does fit?

Anyone knows the diameter of the included red ear tips? Couldn't find any informations...