7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

[Rja4000]

I have purchased 2 pairs.
1 with USB (my mistake) and one with 3.5mm jack.
I end up using the USB version more.
It also includes a microphone, it seems, but quality for conf calls is quite poor.

One of the side now outputs a much lower volume.
I swapped with the corresponding one from the other pair and all is good.

Excellent value for money (but could be more reliable, for sure)

 

[Eleo]

I keep mine tangle free by being deliberate about how I put them away. Then when I grab both ends to pick them up, they unfold.

I've grabbed this one. Thicker, balanced, better feelings.
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09Z6X6QSM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[herr.jemine]

In terms of workmanship and also haptically a great cable, however there are slight cable noises when touched:

https://www.amazon.it/DUNU-Lyre-Mini-Spiaggia-Orchestra/dp/B0D78RK4HJ/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=8O4LEEKX358J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zXO9PDeNLJLNkNEhuBnD1oS5COTitePvr71SHEucD4AgkUAXp1g66lV1nRX3DorvlBmfH5Kzbgjc7ZOE25_5ctfGPxo1cungfXPXK1s-T037syxs3UjhzEKy7fQLVFTRWTUkdVtWJ-jodLz2t2TmI6XJSgknN71Gnf2q1oQh698-XX8lczjqEazgZAQwo-SUotLdHqywU2mg9W09-y-vXBMa0087wZlPAqGrn4Hl3hc8AxFWgZlEHf-sl0l0AA1YMiOcGEdIfp_OLnPILhQanw3tyGTBeEPcDGgZ7SaJBSo._bV-Wl7Tymsj4yp73rMw5UGg-UYaNYujv5VeFy_NVEM&dib_tag=se&keywords=dunu%2Bcable&s=electronics&sprefix=dunu%2Bcable%2Celectronics%2C76&sr=1-3&th=1

 

[zorox]

These are nice. Flush connector too. Same price as the IEM though. Check cable lengths

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TVG2GLN/

Thanks. Exact item not available in US. See some options tho.

 

[VientoB]

Guys I have these but which tips are you using because I find the fit horrendous. Maybe I ruined my ear canals with foam earplugs over the years.

 

[Jimbob54]

Guys I have these but which tips are you using because I find the fit horrendous. Maybe I ruined my ear canals with foam earplugs over the years.

Cant advise on size obviously but the Azla xelastec work well. And the Moondrop Spring tips . YMMV of course but my advise is get the widest tips you can (as in the width of the dome)

 

[ehabheikal]

Guys I have these but which tips are you using because I find the fit horrendous. Maybe I ruined my ear canals with foam earplugs over the years.

I have large ear canal i tried the spinfit large was a disappointment. This one was better but still not perfect but the bass started to be good

https://www.amazon.com/Comply-Cancelling-SoundPEATS-Symphonized-Replacement/dp/B004HKIAHE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UF70LJ2BH7W3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GZUwDpRoeMZwTwrIjPMmd6EflKebgXt51sr5EoFixyI0VBsWK8Zi_MfHggD-JNgW4zcEVyC50F2pkRHPCbvFUA49VF7a8aZ7UwhgOFN5i01z42wyg4ZrDI77Flh9LU9x_qbtjsqu_4d-cZrTUcK9s7yJjuiZhVaIek2ixEKqKbeoTZItcWpuglnF3okAEXS_eIocaYzDG0OlFzYc5rtrGneyJNQUw9BQBPRlJyREBLQ.lN3GAJutMzEAl9POFvA_4BhAtsmclReHiDxJ_QgKlhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=comply%2B500&qid=1728607391&sprefix=comply%2B500%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[VientoB]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I don't think it's made my ear canals overly large, just made it so the IEMs tend to slip out a bit easily. I don't know, perhaps it's just this IEM in particular. I'm not used to wearing IEMs.

 

[ehabheikal]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I don't think it's made my ear canals overly large, just made it so the IEMs tend to slip out a bit easily. I don't know, perhaps it's just this IEM in particular. I'm not used to wearing IEMs.

If you find good tips please post them here.

 

[Somafunk]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I don't think it's made my ear canals overly large, just made it so the IEMs tend to slip out a bit easily. I don't know, perhaps it's just this IEM in particular. I'm not used to wearing IEMs.

Dunu S&S eartips as well as Penon Liquor ear tips may be a solution to the iem slipping out, I use both/mixture of these on my iem’s and no matter the iem/nozzle shape I have always been able to get and maintain a good seal with those above

 

[Chromatischism]

Cant advise on size obviously but the Azla xelastec work well. And the Moondrop Spring tips . YMMV of course but my advise is get the widest tips you can (as in the width of the dome)

I recommend spending time with the included tips and find the one that provides the most comfort that just seals. As in, if you go one size smaller, you lose the seal. Measure the dimensions (mm) and order accordingly.

This worked for me. Knowing that the W1 fits a little bit deeper than the stock tips, it provided a perfect seal but with better comfort compared to the stock tip. And the silicone is really grippy and won't slip out.

Example:

SPINFIT

spinfit-eartip.com

 

[hihat]

I'm new to using EQ and all of this audio jargon but I've managed to find something that makes the Zero:2 sound satisfying for my ears. I understand now that everyone hears frequencies subtly differently and can have conscious and unconscious biases to prefer different tunings.

So while already a very 'technical' set I personally found the treble to be too high. Sounds such as claps or percussion were so clear but they just felt too loud in relation to the vocals and the rest of the instruments in most tracks.

Below is the EQ I'm using with a Qudelix 5k:

CH: 0
TYPE: PEQ
Preamp: -1.3 dB
Xfeed: 1 0
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 2300 Hz Gain 1.2 dB Q 0.800
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 5300 Hz Gain -4.1 dB Q 1.100
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 5500 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain 8.9 dB Q 2.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain -5.5 dB Q 0.500

If anyone uses Rockbox, I've settled on simple treble and bass adjustments over EQ:

Settings > Sound Settings > Treble > -5 dB
Settings > Sound Settings > Bass > 4 dB

However, I may get around to inputting the EQ above into rockbox. I've not done it yet because of the potential increased CPU usage and the hassle of using the scrollwheel to enter EQ.

Maybe this makes me a 'bass head' ?

I still can't quite believe how great the Zero:2 sounds. After doing more A/B testing with the 7Hz Aero they're just not in the same league as the Zero:2 and I think I'll use them only for audiobooks in bed as they're less fiddly without ear hooks. I don't think I'll be looking for any other IEM or tuning.

 

[ehabheikal]

I'm new to using EQ and all of this audio jargon but I've managed to find something that makes the Zero:2 sound satisfying for my ears. I understand now that everyone hears frequencies subtly differently and can have conscious and unconscious biases to prefer different tunings.

So while already a very 'technical' set I personally found the treble to be too high. Sounds such as claps or percussion were so clear but they just felt too loud in relation to the vocals and the rest of the instruments in most tracks.

Below is the EQ I'm using with a Qudelix 5k:

CH: 0
TYPE: PEQ
Preamp: -1.3 dB
Xfeed: 1 0
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 2300 Hz Gain 1.2 dB Q 0.800
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 5300 Hz Gain -4.1 dB Q 1.100
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 5500 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain 8.9 dB Q 2.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain -5.5 dB Q 0.500

If anyone uses Rockbox, I've settled on simple treble and bass adjustments over EQ:

Settings > Sound Settings > Treble > -5 dB
Settings > Sound Settings > Bass > 4 dB

However, I may get around to inputting the EQ above into rockbox. I've not done it yet because of the potential increased CPU usage and the hassle of using the scrollwheel to enter EQ.

Maybe this makes me a 'bass head' ?

I still can't quite believe how great the Zero:2 sounds. After doing more A/B testing with the 7Hz Aero they're just not in the same league as the Zero:2 and I think I'll use them only for audiobooks in bed as they're less fiddly without ear hooks. I don't think I'll be looking for any other IEM

I'm new to using EQ and all of this audio jargon but I've managed to find something that makes the Zero:2 sound satisfying for my ears. I understand now that everyone hears frequencies subtly differently and can have conscious and unconscious biases to prefer different tunings.

So while already a very 'technical' set I personally found the treble to be too high. Sounds such as claps or percussion were so clear but they just felt too loud in relation to the vocals and the rest of the instruments in most tracks.

Below is the EQ I'm using with a Qudelix 5k:

CH: 0
TYPE: PEQ
Preamp: -1.3 dB
Xfeed: 1 0
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 2300 Hz Gain 1.2 dB Q 0.800
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 5300 Hz Gain -4.1 dB Q 1.100
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 5500 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain 8.9 dB Q 2.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain -5.5 dB Q 0.500

If anyone uses Rockbox, I've settled on simple treble and bass adjustments over EQ:

Settings > Sound Settings > Treble > -5 dB
Settings > Sound Settings > Bass > 4 dB

However, I may get around to inputting the EQ above into rockbox. I've not done it yet because of the potential increased CPU usage and the hassle of using the scrollwheel to enter EQ.

Maybe this makes me a 'bass head' ?

I still can't quite believe how great the Zero:2 sounds. After doing more A/B testing with the 7Hz Aero they're just not in the same league as the Zero:2 and I think I'll use them only for audiobooks in bed as they're less fiddly without ear hooks. I don't think I'll be looking for any other IEM or tuning.

There is nothing wrong with being a bass head.

 

[Audibasse]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I don't think it's made my ear canals overly large, just made it so the IEMs tend to slip out a bit easily. I don't know, perhaps it's just this IEM in particular. I'm not used to wearing IEMs.

I'd suggest trying to make DIY tips from from earplugs.

Just cut the plugs a little bit shorter and punch a hole in them with hole punch pliers or make an appropriate hole some other way. I like the seal and the isolated sound with these DIY tips.

 

[ehabheikal]

I'd suggest trying to make DIY tips from from earplugs.

Just cut the plugs a little bit shorter and punch a hole in them with hole punch pliers or make an appropriate hole some other way. I like the seal and the isolated sound with these DIY tips.

My hand is too shaky for such but thanks it is an amazing idea

 

[emulle]

Damn this set is good... Been rocking my HD 650 and AKG K371 coupled with my Topping E30/L30 stack the last couple of years.
But the Zero 2's with the TRI Clarion tips, a custom cable and a CX31993 equipped USB-C DAC sounds so good I cannot believe it.. I've already ordered another set, couple of other tips and some more cables to try out (nothing fancy, just thinner and braided for comfort).

Damn.. I've not even tried to EQ them yet..

 

[herr.jemine]

for the low selling price they are pretty awesome, but I don't like the resolution and separation, there is definitely more potential! They are simply mediocre in this area, but it works well so that it is not a negative thing when listening

 

[phoenixsong]

for the low selling price they are pretty awesome, but I don't like the resolution and separation, there is definitely more potential! They are simply mediocre in this area, but it works well so that it is not a negative thing when listening

Resolution and separation have been wonderful for me with Moondrop Sping tips. I have never had so many pre-emptive fps kills before, and it even handles metal songs better than many far more expensive headphones and iems that I have/have heard
*Edited for grammar

 

[herr.jemine]

Resolution and separation have been wonderful for me with Moondrop Sping tips. I have never had so many pre-emptive fps kills before, and it even handles metal songs better than many far more expensive headphones and iems that I have/have heard
*Edited for grammar

yes the zero2 is good but it can really be better, i started with the zero2 and then bought many many more IEMs with different drivers (multi hybrid BA etc etc)the strength of the zero 2 is the uniformity of its presentation, it is uniformly mediocre in terms of detail and separation, the bass is top notch - so there is nothing negative about it when listening, you just realise that it can be better when you try other IEMs that have better separation, detail and imaging. but for 20€ or 20$ what you get is amazing - probably enough for 90% of people.

 

[Honken]

Whenever I read descriptions like detail, imaging, resolution and separation I wonder how these things could be measured. My pet hypothesis is that the frequency response could be an answer, where descriptions such as detail and resolution probably can be found more often for IEMs with more power in the treble, compared to IEMs that do not get that description. Personally I find IEMs with more treble than the Zero:2 to have a charming effect at first, but listening to such IEMs at length is fatiguing and eventually annoying.

For what it is worth I too find the Zero:2 a bit messy out of the box, but bringing down the upper bass with a gentle peaking filter helps to clear things out. With that filter (175hz, -1db, 0.71q) the Zero:2 still have that impressive sub bass, but songs like Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God sound clearer to me (and very close to what my stereo sounds like).

--

My primary pair just had a channel go very quiet on me. I figured it might have been something with the filter but that looked clean after prying it apart. I don't recall when I got mine but it was shortly after launch. Read of others' dying in the same fashion, seems like ****** build quality. Perhaps you do get what you pay for? I am now listening to my backup pair and have another pair on the way as a new backup. Apparent QC issues aside, these are still my favorite set that I own. Sounds great, in my opinion.