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7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review
- Thread starter amirm
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Just to state my case for multi-drivers a bit clearer, it's obvious that for dynamic over-ears single drivers outperform, and the best dynamic headphones are roughly on par with the best electrostatic or planar ones, but those are an exception.
My impression is we see consistency across budgets and target audiences with dynamic over-ears, but the superior performance market niche becomes super thin super fast. Although I've never tested it, I don't think anything is capable of matching an HD800 in that super specific single driver dynamic niche.
With electrostatic, we're talking about yet another paradigm, with insane price points and apparently unreal performance.
And with planar I've got the feeling it's the best of both worlds, some of the performance of the best electrostatic ones, with diversity like in dynamic headphones, but way more variability and other problems to be solved (that normally don't involve IMD or distortion in general). So that's not comparable per se.
IEMs are again an entirely different story, and it should be quite obvious that the Goldilocks zone is either comprised of remarkable single DD like the Zero or remarkable multi-driver like the Hexa, variability is off the charts and the top of the game, if ever, is strictly populated by multi-driver configurations.
My impression is we see consistency across budgets and target audiences with dynamic over-ears, but the superior performance market niche becomes super thin super fast. Although I've never tested it, I don't think anything is capable of matching an HD800 in that super specific single driver dynamic niche.
With electrostatic, we're talking about yet another paradigm, with insane price points and apparently unreal performance.
And with planar I've got the feeling it's the best of both worlds, some of the performance of the best electrostatic ones, with diversity like in dynamic headphones, but way more variability and other problems to be solved (that normally don't involve IMD or distortion in general). So that's not comparable per se.
IEMs are again an entirely different story, and it should be quite obvious that the Goldilocks zone is either comprised of remarkable single DD like the Zero or remarkable multi-driver like the Hexa, variability is off the charts and the top of the game, if ever, is strictly populated by multi-driver configurations.
Cote Dazur
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Not familiar with the Fiio, but from my experience, I would predict you will be happy with it as well.
I started with the Truthear Zero, then the Hola, then the Zero 2. I like them all, fit and getting proper seal is the major difference between them. Once you get the hang of it, IEM, in my book, are all great music transducers. All have a distinct sound signature, but also share ultra low distortion, wild dynamic, extended FR and can play well on almost anything with a headphone interface.
Waiting on a Linsoul Zero, as why not, fun to compare for almost no cost. Music as never been more affordable and easy to listen to almost anywhere at anytime. Getting the Truthear on the recommendation of Amir, has been the best HiFi move I have ever made by far.
phoenixsong
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Has anyone measured/compared any of the following- KZ EDC Pro, KZ Saga Balanced, 7Hz Aero, 7Hz G1, Kefine Klean, Kiwi Ears Singolo, Tripowin Vivace to the 7Hz Zero 2? They have closely related frequency response measurements, but it's impossible to find any demos for them where I'm located (I've already tried Lendmeurears, Stereo Electronics, Zeppelin & Co, The Hangout by Crinacle, AV One, ConnectIt, Jaben and SAM Audio) and no one seems to have detailed measurements of them yet
Just received my 7hz Zero 2, which I bought 100% based on this review. I do not have many dynamic driver IEM's to compare with. In my opinion, especially for the price, its on sale on AliExpress, I paid about £15. :
1. Very well packaged.
2. Great selection of eartips.
3. Cable supplied is adequate, minimal, does the job.
4. Fits my ears probably the best of any IEM I have ever tried. Like a glove. I'm using the red eartips that were pre-fitted to the earpieces. Some of my KZ IEM's like the EDC Pro also fit well.
5. You get a lot of IEM for the cost. A very well made product, that looks like it will be around for another 50 years easily, unless one does something illegal to it.
6. Without EQ, it has a "fun" lively slight V shaped presentation. I use AutoEQ and Tone Deafs measurement on the AutoEQ database, to generate correction as impulse response files, which are imported into a convolution plugin. This "EQ", removes some of the boominess at the low end, to achieve a more linear response. Both the NON-EQ'd presentation and the EQ'd result are great to listen to, not sure one is better than the other, just different, like two different versions. With EQ, the voices are easier to hear in music, and more intelligible., and the bass is more controlled.
7. My only gripe was the labelling of left and right on the .78mm 2 pin connector ends, of the supplied cable, were rather difficult to read.
I think this is where the journey of anyone starting with IEM's should be. Like this is the budget reference. It presents everything in the music/audio adequately, but I do not consider it as particularly resolving. It's difficult to hear the three dimensional aspect of the audio, yes I am hearing, but not feeling, somewhat flat, especially after EQ. But frequency wise, its all there and balanced.
I would definitely recommend as one IEM, everyone should have. Not because they will listen to this all the time, but this is an IEM, that is worth the investment, and will always find a use, when you do not wish to expose your more expensive listening devices to risk of loss, damage, rain, when out of the house.
The best dynamic IEM I have owned, but that is not saying much cos the others have been KZ products - CCA CRA, Polaris, EDC Pro, and ZVX. In comparison, the Zero 2 is definitely a cut above, and shows just how inadequate these others are. Better is always the enemy of OK. Yes this is assuredly better than any KZ Dynamic Driver IEM I have owned. Can't speak of its reliability cos I have only had it for a day, but it looks like a keeper.
1. Very well packaged.
2. Great selection of eartips.
3. Cable supplied is adequate, minimal, does the job.
4. Fits my ears probably the best of any IEM I have ever tried. Like a glove. I'm using the red eartips that were pre-fitted to the earpieces. Some of my KZ IEM's like the EDC Pro also fit well.
5. You get a lot of IEM for the cost. A very well made product, that looks like it will be around for another 50 years easily, unless one does something illegal to it.
6. Without EQ, it has a "fun" lively slight V shaped presentation. I use AutoEQ and Tone Deafs measurement on the AutoEQ database, to generate correction as impulse response files, which are imported into a convolution plugin. This "EQ", removes some of the boominess at the low end, to achieve a more linear response. Both the NON-EQ'd presentation and the EQ'd result are great to listen to, not sure one is better than the other, just different, like two different versions. With EQ, the voices are easier to hear in music, and more intelligible., and the bass is more controlled.
7. My only gripe was the labelling of left and right on the .78mm 2 pin connector ends, of the supplied cable, were rather difficult to read.
I think this is where the journey of anyone starting with IEM's should be. Like this is the budget reference. It presents everything in the music/audio adequately, but I do not consider it as particularly resolving. It's difficult to hear the three dimensional aspect of the audio, yes I am hearing, but not feeling, somewhat flat, especially after EQ. But frequency wise, its all there and balanced.
I would definitely recommend as one IEM, everyone should have. Not because they will listen to this all the time, but this is an IEM, that is worth the investment, and will always find a use, when you do not wish to expose your more expensive listening devices to risk of loss, damage, rain, when out of the house.
The best dynamic IEM I have owned, but that is not saying much cos the others have been KZ products - CCA CRA, Polaris, EDC Pro, and ZVX. In comparison, the Zero 2 is definitely a cut above, and shows just how inadequate these others are. Better is always the enemy of OK. Yes this is assuredly better than any KZ Dynamic Driver IEM I have owned. Can't speak of its reliability cos I have only had it for a day, but it looks like a keeper.
I bought the KZ EDC Pro and the 7hz Zero 2, and they were delivered at the same time. The 7hz Zero 2 is the best dynamic driver IEM I own and have ever heard. In comparison the KZ EDC Pro is obviously lower in clarity, and sounds distorted. Obviously distorted in comparison. And one needs no tools to hear the difference. The KZ EDC Pro, in comparison, sounds like a "scratchy" speaker. Yes the EDC Pro reminds me of a distorted guitar.
May I add, unfortunately all the reviews in the world will never tell us exactly how something sounds, until we hear them for ourselves. So I think it is good to spend a bit of money, on some of the budget products, as part of our education.
I have owned 4 KZ IEM's, the EDC Pro, CCA CRA(2023 revision), ZVX and Polaris. The Polaris I received was just garbage., ZVX paint was peeling within 24 hours and became unusable after 3 months with an unacceptable level imbalance between left and right.
The Zero 2 better than all these KZ IEM's, and it does make me reconsider, is there any value in continuing to purchase KZ IEM's, how many of their frogs do I have to kiss 1st, to find the prince?
The Zero 2 represents a standard, in my opinion, of what a budget single dynamic driver IEM, should be. Worth the purchase. But it also gives me an education, with respect to the limitations of a single dynamic driver. For casual listening, no issues, but for critical listening, the Zero 2 is easily beaten by a planar magnetic such as the ARTTI T10, which is my only planar magnetic. But there are other considerations. I have discovered that planars need power to get the best from them, so horses for courses. The Zero 2 will work on anything, including smartphones, or laptop headphone outputs, and be loud as you want - easy to drive.
But if you have the headphone outputs powerful enough to drive them, then planars like the T10, open up a whole new world of detail, resolution, balance, naturalness, and remove a certain veil I hear on the Zero 2, in comparison.
There are pros and cons. Not having to present too much detail, can be useful, allowing you to concentrate on the main elements in the audio, which is where the Zero 2 would be great, e.g for listening in the background, when you do not want to be distracted by the audio/music.
But to be honest, once I put on the T10's, there's no going back to the Zero 2. Cos its a whole new world with the T10, far more detail, stereo placement turns into depth and height - 3 dimensional music. Lifelike. Frequency extends both ways, accurately to exceptional highs, and lows, like a huge veil was removed from the presentation of the Zero 2. Instrument separation, front to back, side to side, top to bottom music. Soundstage - huger with the T10.
I am glad I bought the Zero 2, they serve as a reference, only to let me know - Dynamic Driver IEM's, for me, no more, do not bother. The future has to be planar magnetic, and I think the same thing will be a decision maker when I think of speakers. Proper speakers. Once one hears a planar, you are converted, and cannot go back.
Unfortunately there are no tests that I think can tell us this kind of information. To tell us that one listening device is better than another. If there were, all the reviewers will be out of a job.
On that note, I now begin to doubt the opinions of reviewers, cos nothing they measure or say, can truly tell us which sounds better, until we hear this for ourselves. And even if the measures give a hint, there is no substitute for hearing for ourselves. None. I bought the EDC Pro based on a well known Youtube reviewers opinion, and now I'm wondering - what kind of hearing does he have?
Sadly that means a fair investment in a few sub par products, comes with the territory, to discover, for ourselves, how much of a difference there is between products, in practice, and learn what features are more or less contributory to the sonic quality of the product. Consider this cost as Tuition Fees, the price of learning.
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If I may add, the Zero 2 made it easy to hear the difference between the audio quality of an Apple dongle, in comparison to a TempoTec Sonata BHD dongle. This difference was now obvious.
The issue with the Zero 2 are the limitations of dynamic drivers, hard to compare with planar magnetics. Unfair competition.
phoenixsong
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Yeah I also noticed it was really easy to differentiate source differences with good budget iems like the Zero 2 and Kefine Klean. The improvements of my Motu M2 over my Poco X3 NFC is immediately apparent, and the same applies to even microphone and iem comparisons on the Youtube channels Podcastage and Dan's Audio Reviews for example
The budget IEMs are like temptations, one fears missing out. I am so glad I took the plunge and experienced the Zero 2(decent single dynamic driver), as well as the ARTTI T10 (planar magnetic). Then I wonder Kefine Klean - DLC - Diamond like Carbon, what does that sound like?
I assume you own the Kefine Klean, and if so, please how does this compare with the Zero 2?
I'm also a huge fan of Podcastage and Dan Worrall's channels (assumed from the name Dan)
ItchyPong
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Hi I've recently discovered the world of iems and bought some 7hz crinacle Xero 2s.
I'm having issues with sealing them and have tried a few ear tips and but I'm getting a tinny sound. If I hold them in a bit they sound amazing but when I let go..... It returns to a very thin sound.
I'm wondering does anyone use galaxy buds 2????
As these fit my ears perfectly and if so what iems fit them as well as the galaxy buds?
Any help would be gratefully received!!
I'm so close to falling in love with cheap iems if I can just get a pair that fit 100%
Hi I've recently discovered the world of iems and bought some 7hz crinacle Xero 2s.
I'm having issues with sealing them and have tried a few ear tips and but I'm getting a tinny sound. If I hold them in a bit they sound amazing but when I let go..... It returns to a very thin sound.
I'm wondering does anyone use galaxy buds 2????
As these fit my ears perfectly and if so what iems fit them as well as the galaxy buds?
Any help would be gratefully received!!
I'm so close to falling in love with cheap iems if I can just get a pair that fit 100%
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Have you tried with all included tip sizes? After much much trial and error I have found that my ears need bigger tips that most IEM ship with- and indeed different IEM need different tips! Maybe try the Samsung tips that work for you on the Buds on the Zero? If you cant get there with what you have . my next advice is , rather than trying to find IEM that fit you, find tips that do- likely cheaper.
Try a mixed size pack of one or both of these:
Moondrop Spring tips
Azla sednafit xelastec
Not cheap at all but also once you find your fit/ size you can make most IEM work for you. Good luck- its a minefield!
You have touched on a really important issue. Eartips and Fit.
When we have devices placed closer to our eardrums, than ever before, every little variation makes an audible difference.
1. The shape of the earpiece, and its design - drivers, shell material, etc, etc. and even more so, quality and consistency of manufacture. I have one IEMs that is obviously faulty, and sounded like garbage, Dead on Arrival, ridiculously distorted - worst listening device I've ever put on my head.
2. Nozzle options for IEM's which have replaceable nozzles.
3. The mesh.
4. The Eartips - external diameter, internal bore diameter, length, the material it is made of, every small change delivers a different level of fit, as well as sonics. I would also add, they differ in the occlusion of external sound, i.e how much noise they cut out from the outside.
Then every ear is different even the ears of the same individual, vary from left to right, and also vary over time. Discovered that those who use custom mouldings, do not just do one for a lifetime, but every few years, MUST repeat the process, cos the shape of their ear canal may have changed.!!
So with all these variables, the challenge is how to narrow down all the options for varying the sonics, to the most important one's, otherwise, one will be tied up in a never ending loop of trying out an impossible number of combinations of teh factors affecting sound from an IEM, somewhat like Hi-Fi enthusiasts who are fanatic about all kinds of gear.
To be continued, this was getting a bit long.
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I forgot to add, the end user also has control over how deep they insert the earpiece. And in addition to the sonics, the spaciousness, soundstage, and stereo width is also affected, by every one of these factors.
Permit me to add one more factor to the mix. The use of crossfeed, or NOT, in the playback system, and what kind of crossfeed is in use, if applied.
Without getting into the weeds, my experience has been :
1. The technology behind the IEM is the most important contributor to the sound., e.g Dynamic Driver vs Planar Magnetic. vs all manner of Hybrids. If one can afford, over time, trying out one good example of say each of these driver configurations, would be a good education.
Single Dynamic Driver, Dual Dynamic Driver, Hybrid e.g Dynamic driver for the bass, with BA(Balanced Armature) for the upper frequencies - and of course there are all manner of hybrids e.g combinations of dynamic, planar, BA and other driver types., so one can learn what kind of sound they prefer. Sadly yes, the discovery process does involve possibly wasting money on kissing a few frogs, to find the prince. All part of the learning.
I have no regrets buying the Zero 2, but prefer the more open presentation of Planar Magnetics. They are better resolving, more accurate., in my opinion. But that's all I have listened to Single Dynamic drivers and a Planar Magnetic.
The IEM technology and product design, generally we have to leave that to the manufacturers. I know people do DIY, but I think that's taking things a bit too far. Not sure how reliable these modifications are, and it need one owning measurement gear to objectively understand the impact of any user made mods.
2. Eartips - I think, this is such a huge area, and where the end user is completely in charge of refining the fundamental sound of the IEM. Only way to do this is have a good playlist, and run through the playlist, with each change of eartip, find the one we enjoy most or meets our perception best. No other way but trial and error, with some general rules.
2.1 Better seal improves bass response.
2.2 Wider bore improves the mids and highs, and reduces the bass somewhat.
2.3 Closer nozzle to the eardrum, narrows the stereo image, in my opinion. Design of the Eartip affects this, but also how far the end user pushes the eartip into the ear canal also has an impact.
2.4 Eartip material, I hear has an impact. Have not tried anything else but silicone tips. Foams I hear tame the high end.
2.5 Balancing all of the above with comfort, typically trying out different sizes of eartips.
2.6 Also stability of the fit, Some eartips fit well, but need constant adjustment to stay in the same place.
3. The playlist, I think is key, having music which is extremely well recorded, can help to separate the good IEMs/eartips from the better ones.
4. EQ. Sometimes the eartip selection, makes EQ unnecessary.
5. Crossfeed. So many variations, and options available today. Sometimes each eartip needs its own crossfeed setting. I find crossfeed when adjusted properly makes the illusion of hearing things in a space, realistic.
Ultimately there has to be some kind of discipline to know when to stop, otherwise the optimisation effort goes on forever.
The other terrible aspect of all the comparison of options, is adjusting the volume to similar levels, cos otherwise we get a wrong impression, of which option is better.
There is one more - Stereo Balance.
6. If there is any variation in our hearing in frequency response or loudness, or if there is a variation in frequency response or loudness, between the left earpiece and the right, or a combination of these variances. Some adjustment of the stereo balance may be needed. to improve the sonics. And if the variation is significant, no amount of balance optimisation will address this issue. We just have to get used to the imbalance somewhat. Such is life. My thinking is that some of this may come from just nature, IEMs in particular have a way of highlighting these differences, and planar magnetics in particular do this even more, in my experience - not a comfortable discovery, to learn that the left and right do NOT exactly hear the same thing!! Wondering how many of us are affected by this.
So many things to tweak.
This is a bit too obvious. No contest, the ARTTI T10. I think it strikes the wonderful balance between price, great sound quality, and because it's not a highly publicised brand, they don't seem to charge too much for it, like planar products from more well known brands such as Timeless, Hidizs, Moondrop or Letshouer.
1st it sounds great. I have not heard any other planar magnetic, but going through reviews, and comparing prices, the consensus is that one would have to spend a lot more to get anything much better. I think it is very very well made, and the packaging I received with it, eartips, the cable, case, were truly excellent. obviously made by people who care about their product. Paired with the Clarion TRI eartips, the sound is in my opinion, somewhat even clearer than the stock eartips. But the stock eartips has a decent selection of 6 of them., and I was quite happy with them until I tried out the Clarion TRI - my 1st custom eartip.
I hear the KZ PRX is ok., costs less. You'll have to decide for yourself. The main distinction is the size of driver. PRX uses a 13+mm driver, the T10 uses a 14.2mm driver. The cable and packaging of the PRX are standard KZ fare, nothing special.
For the quality of accessories alone, I'd still say spend a bit more and get the T10.
But there is now the ARTTI T10 Pro with a nice looking metal shell, and a modular cable, with interchangeable plugs for Single Ended and Balanced Connectors. I would have no problem with suggesting this, if it was within your budget., so gone are the 3.5mm and 4.4mm options with the regular T10, cos with the T10 Pro, you have more choice by buying only one product.
Some other possibilities are listed below
| Brand | Model |
| Hidizs | MP145 |
| Hidizs | MP143 |
| TANGZU | Wu Zetian |
| Delci | Klanar |
| Shozy | P20 |
| NiceHCK | F1 Pro |
| TinHifi | P1 Max |
| TinHifi | P1 Plus |
| TinHifi | Dudu |
| KZ | PRX |
| KZ | PR3 |
| Sgor | Lunar |
| Artti | T10 |
| Letshuoer | S08 |
| Letshuoer | S15 |
| Letshuoer | S12 |
| Letshuoer | S12 2024 |
| Letshuoer | S12 Pro |
| 7Hz | Timeless |
May I add. I think planar magnetics deserve to also be paired with the right audio chain, i.e a good headphone amp and DAC. Dongle DACs combine both of these functions of headphone amp and DAC.
I started another thread, where I was expressing a concern about the variance in the sound of the T10 when used with unbalanced, rather than balanced.
I am reminded about how HiFi enthusiasts would labour over each component in the chain. Going purely by measurements, one would think that every modern DAC or Headphone amp would sound the same. But I have heard the difference that a better DAC introduces to the sonics. So strong recommendations with using planars :
1. Get the best DAC you can afford, it matters.
2. Pair this with a powerful headphone amp which delivers at least 120 mW @ 32 ohms (more power is better), with low output impedance, ideally below 1 Ohm.
If you can get a DAC dongle that does both of these in one product - super.
3. I would highly suggest getting the ARTTI T10 with the balanced 4.4mm connector cable, and pairing this with a DAC dongle or Headphone amp, which supports this. In my subjective opinion, the T10 shines with more power, in a balanced headphone connection.
Blake
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Just to throw it out there: I require larger tips and, while the stock large tips are okay for me, my preferred tips for these are the Comply 500 series oval tips. Emphasis on oval. The circular ones are okay, but I saw no advantage over the stock ones. The oval ones, though, fit me really well and maintain a great seal. YMMV, of course, especially with ear tips, but maybe this information will benefit somebody.
There is a thread for this nonsense: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...e-as-transparent-are-that-many-confused.9245/
P.S. Nice join date.
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