7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

[Tito]

first impressions
they are far more comfortable than moodnrop chu 2
better sound than chu2, which were eqivalent of pouring aural acid into my ears.
like bass and transient response better than 560s (i guess i nee to by better amp for 560s), midrange is same i guess, treble maybe more natural and better on 560s

it is a very good phones ya. no complaints, even the stock tips that were on it are good. will try to find some better ones maybe

 

[staticV3]

like bass and transient response better than 560s (i guess i nee to by better amp for them)

Amps don't affect transients audibly. Headphones and ears just do not have enough bandwidth to resolve the minute differences in Amplifier transient response.

 

[Tito]

Amps don't affect transients audibly.

oh
shame

i use audient id4mk2 and have 560s set to harman curve. i thought if i get something like fiio k11 and having more power will give them that snapiness of snare attack and bass definition like zero2 have..
560s sound more mushier and impotent in these regards..

 

[inselwissen]

oh
shame

i use audient id4mk2 and have 560s set to harman curve. i thought if i get something like fiio k11 and having more power will give them that snapiness of snare attack and bass definition like zero2 have..
560s sound more mushier and impotent in these regards..

That stuff is mostly down to frequency response. "Bass definition" and "snappiness" are some of the first words I think of when I hear "Harman" so you're on the right track. Did you AutoEQ or did you use a preset? "Set to Harman curve" sounds like AutoEQ to me. It isn't that easy, unfortunately. There's lots of factors that make AutoEQ unreliable.

I'd try the oratory preset here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vjye....pdf?rlkey=fei2h8kkt2qda6rc6f9qf69ti&e=1&dl=0

He's usually pretty good at tuning a FR to Harman OE 2018 and his tuning recommendations on the lower right of the page might give you a little more guidance for adjusting to taste.

Note that, even with EQ, you probably won't get the same sub-bass response out of the HD560s that you get with the Zero:2.

 

[Tito]

That stuff is mostly down to frequency response. "Bass definition" and "snappiness" are some of the first words I think of when I hear "Harman" so you're on the right track. Did you AutoEQ or did you use a preset? "Set to Harman curve" sounds like AutoEQ to me. It isn't that easy, unfortunately. There's lots of factors that make AutoEQ unreliable.

I'd try the oratory preset here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vjye....pdf?rlkey=fei2h8kkt2qda6rc6f9qf69ti&e=1&dl=0

He's usually pretty good at tuning a FR to Harman OE 2018 and his tuning recommendations on the lower right of the page might give you a little more guidance for adjusting to taste.

Note that, even with EQ, you probably won't get the same sub-bass response out of the HD560s that you get with the Zero:2.

thanks for the answer, yes i am using peace apo + auto eq, and a preset from oratory and crinacle

that i kind of noodle around to my liking. i know i am bothered with bass around 50 to 150hz i think, it sounds kind of "bloaty", something is just off there.. i should reduce it somewhere by couple of db.
so that is maybe the reason i do not have this definition in bass as in zero 2. i am using crinacle preset for zero 2. very good preset in bass and midrange.. but , i will have to reduce the treble region a bit.

PS!! WHY is this oratory preset you have posted different than the one in peace apo eq oratory preset. is it some new and updated version?

 

[IsaacOscar]

But I'm an IEM noob so what do I know?

You may consider getting aftetmarket eartips to make them more comfortable. Personally I use Comply foam, but they are expensive. There are lots of cheap ones out there though. I'd also suggest trying triple flange tips.

This thread has a lot of discussion on IEMs & tips
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...lp-me-choose-wisely.69765/page-7#post-2545208

 

[inselwissen]

PS!! WHY is this oratory preset you have posted different than the one in peace apo eq oratory preset. is it some new and updated version?

The presets from the AutoEQ database are not actually "from" oratory or Crinacle, they are machine-generated EQ presets based on measurements done by them. That's what AutoEQ is.

The oratory preset I linked above was actually handcrafted and tweaked by oratory. He recommends his own presets over AutoEQ, but I don't think they are necessarily better. You and I don't have the same ears or taste as oratory and sometimes a random AutoEQ preset might just work for you. I generally try every preset I can find when I get a new pair of headphones, just to get a feel for what the headphones need on my own head before I start tweaking.

What I like about oratory's own presets is his use of broad shelf filters, which make it easy to tweak the overall sound balance to your liking without getting too surgical. Try the preset above. You'll have to input it manually, though.

that i kind of noodle around to my liking. i know i am bothered with bass around 50 to 150hz i think, it sounds kind of "bloaty", something is just off there.. i should reduce it somewhere by couple of db.
so that is maybe the reason i do not have this definition in bass as in zero 2. i am using crinacle preset for zero 2. very good preset in bass and midrange.. but , i will have to reduce the treble region a

Seems like you like a presentation with boosted sub-bass and a leaner mid bass, which most people perceive as tight and punchy. I'd just try a few more Harman presets and tweak the sub-bass/mid bass balance until it feels that way.

 

[mrmg64]

I’ve just finished reading all 88 pages. I bought these headphones about two weeks ago and wanted to get a feel for what others (especially those more expert than me) thought before chiming in.

I have to say, I’m very impressed. Even without EQ, they perform quite well, though due to my age (60), I do need to boost the treble a bit. Much like with my other pairs (the K702 and HD560s), I’ve noticed that recording quality matters more than custom EQ; a lot of music—both old and new—is just poorly mixed and mastered.

I’m using the stock ear tips. I’ve tested pretty much all of them, and the larger ones seem to fit my needs best.

My only gripe is that when I use them with my phone (via a USB adapter), the volume is a bit low, likely due to the impedance. I really don’t want to carry an amp around with me, so I’m wondering if there’s a budget-friendly solution to fix this.

 

[Sebby]

I’ve just finished reading all 88 pages. I bought these headphones about two weeks ago and wanted to get a feel for what others (especially those more expert than me) thought before chiming in.

I have to say, I’m very impressed. Even without EQ, they perform quite well, though due to my age (60), I do need to boost the treble a bit. Much like with my other pairs (the K702 and HD560s), I’ve noticed that recording quality matters more than custom EQ; a lot of music—both old and new—is just poorly mixed and mastered.

I’m using the stock ear tips. I’ve tested pretty much all of them, and the larger ones seem to fit my needs best.

My only gripe is that when I use them with my phone (via a USB adapter), the volume is a bit low, likely due to the impedance. I really don’t want to carry an amp around with me, so I’m wondering if there’s a budget-friendly solution to fix this.

Yes, a good USB adapter. Take a look at the FiiO KA11.
It has a lot of power, but keep in mind you’ll also have higher battery consumption...

 

[IsaacOscar]

My only gripe is that when I use them with my phone (via a USB adapter), the volume is a bit low, likely due to the impedance. I really don’t want to carry an amp around with me, so I’m wondering if there’s a budget-friendly solution to fix this.

I use the FiiO Tiny A for my 16Ω earphones and my 300Ω headphones, it also lets you charge your phone simultaneously, and has PEQ.

 

[mrmg64]

I use the FiiO Tiny A for my 16Ω earphones and my 300Ω headphones, it also lets you charge your phone simultaneously, and has PEQ.

FiiO/Snowsky Tiny A, same family or different model ?

 

[IsaacOscar]

FiiO/Snowsky Tiny A, same family or different model ?

FiiO is the company that makes it. Snowsky is just the brand name they use for some of their products. (So to be pedantic, the dongle I have is actually named the "SNOWSKY TINY A", which is made/sold by "Guangzhou FIIO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.").

 

[beppp]

To add on what others have said the Zero 2 sounds excellent. I got the Zero 2 first and then picked out the Kunten and the Libra X to play around with based on their graphs compared to the Zero 2 and it has been a very interesting experience listening to them after imagining what they would sound like. My ears are mostly used to the old Sennheiser 6XX series and the Etymotics although I've owned and used other headphones and old IEMs before, along NC headphones like the AirPods Pro/Max, the Sony XMs, the Sonos Ace, etc.

I had imagined the Kunten would be less V with more emphasis on its midrange and the Libra would be much more treble-heavy vocal centric version of the Zero 2. To a large extent that's what they are but how much my ears liked them was a different matter. I'm rather underwhelmed by the Kunten because it just sounds a bit dull for lack of better words even though it's really a fine IEM. I usually keep things pretty quiet and I think the Kunten does better at a higher listening volume. I like the Zero 2 better all around but I can imagine many would find the Kunten's to be the more acceptable sound signature.

The Libra X is another matter because it's much brighter with a tilted tuning. It's been a long while since I listened to the Ety ER2XR but somehow it reminds of that. Looking at the graphs it matches the first Salnotes Zero which I haven't heard almost exactly up until 1hz and then diverges where the Libra has more energy up to 2.5khz or so and then the Zero goes above. I find it interesting how aggressive the Harman curve is in that 3-6khz range because the Zero is closer to the curve and I can only imagine how grating the Zero could be with some recordings. Still the Libra X does exceptionally well in many recordings and rarely gets too harsh to the point of being unlistenable. It definitely has its appeal especially with female vocals and binaural recordings and as a long time Ety user I really like it.

I think the Zero 2 is the one I could recommend most easily to others because it feels better built and the tuning would be more friendly to what general buyers would expect as an upgrade. The Kunten seems a bit too laidback in comparison but there's nothing particularly wrong with it and the Libra X is more of a specialist.

The downside of the Zero 2 is that it's currently twice as expensive as the others from what I've seen on Aliexpress. It's all distributor dependent and I cannot believe I'm saying it but it's definitely not twice as good as the Kunten which is similar enough. But I could probably say the same about the Kunten against some of the lower end KZ like the EDC Pro which could be found well under $10 and measures pretty well. It sounds ridiculous but I think at least based on the measurements we could say diminishing returns start below $10. It's crazy how good we have it.

I'm not saying buying that Hexa or the new Crinacle IEM is a bad thing. That kind of money is still really cheap in the audio world if you can find your happiness in them. However for myself I'll probably stop buying new IEMs and rather get a bluetooth amp with PEQ. And if I had to keep just one pair of headphones, it'll still probably be the Etys or even the AirPods rather than any of these IEMs.

 

[renaudrenaud]

I’ve just finished reading all 88 pages. I bought these headphones about two weeks ago and wanted to get a feel for what others (especially those more expert than me) thought before chiming in.

I have to say, I’m very impressed. Even without EQ, they perform quite well, though due to my age (60), I do need to boost the treble a bit. Much like with my other pairs (the K702 and HD560s), I’ve noticed that recording quality matters more than custom EQ; a lot of music—both old and new—is just poorly mixed and mastered.

I’m using the stock ear tips. I’ve tested pretty much all of them, and the larger ones seem to fit my needs best.

My only gripe is that when I use them with my phone (via a USB adapter), the volume is a bit low, likely due to the impedance. I really don’t want to carry an amp around with me, so I’m wondering if there’s a budget-friendly solution to fix this.

 

[Sebby]

View attachment 524378

Have you checked whether your smartphone has enabled the software volume limiter? A lot of Android devices automatically turn it on after some time, and if you press the volume buttons on the phone, you should see a warning pop up.

It could also be that, because you boosted the highs with EQ and ended up with negative gain, you now need more power. Still, it’s a bit weird that the Fosi in the picture isn’t enough.

You could try the FIIO KA11, which is small, convenient, and quite powerful. Another option is getting a balanced cable and using the 4.4 mm output on your Fosi, but that would cost about the same as the KA11, and roughly the same as the IEMs themselves (we’re talking around €30 if you’re in Europe).

 

[hihat]

Jumping back into this thread...

I love the Zero:2 but I have still been craving a bullet style / cable down IEM. I decided to take a chance on the Tanchjim Zero Ultima.

The stock tuning of the Ultima is horrible. However, using squig to re-eq the Tanchjim Zero Ultima to the 7Hz Zero:2 works fantastically and they sound really good now. I'm a little frustrated that I can't use them without EQ, however I have only been using them with my Qudelix 5K and iPod Classic (both of which support PEQ).

For me the comfort and convenience of the Ultima is now a massive improvement. I don't care about detachable cables as I never replaced the cable in my 7Hz Zero:2 and I treat IEMs in this price range as consumables anyway.

It seems that there is zero (ahem) technical reason why IEM manufacturers can't make excellent bullet IEMs with 10mm dynamic drivers. I guess that it's a more competitive or crowded space than ear-hook IEMs and they're not interested.

Anyway, here are some EQ presents for Qudelix, and Rockbox:

 

[musichunter1x]

Somebody have a source for these plastic filters / covers, which like to break or glue stops holding it?

Anyway, I ordered TRUTHEAR GATE just for the change, but then I looked up graphs of my SPC Viro 101, which are heavy duty headphones, which are handled carelessly, but still working. To my surprise it is better than I thought. After appying autoeq profile from Poweramp I have again fine enough headphones and do not care to find something else, while they have waaaay better fit than zero 2 for me.
So it is possible to make a good sound from every decent IEMs, which are predicable. It is crazy this costed me around 14$ in my country, but they have magnets and mic. Without EQ bass is too much.
Now I am going to look for a bullet hell IEM, coz I am tired of weak fit of Zero2. I know only Tanchjim one from this forum.

OH, just as I wrote it, the cable of viro 101 started to break for the left side...

 

[Overseas]

Got them.today, comparing to Truthear Gate they feel.more comfortable and I like better. Straighr with stock pads and Tidal by phone, Ifi Go Link Max, automatic Wavelet EQ it is a blast. I see Wavelet pushes a bit the 7-8k area and it is more balanced this way.

 

[multiformous]

Somebody have a source for these plastic filters / covers, which like to break or glue stops holding it?

Do you mean the mesh tuning filters on the nozzle? You can get them on Aliexpress, but I'm not sure what density of mesh (300, 400, etc) is required to achieve the Zero:2 stock tuning. 4.5mm might be around the right size, though.

 

[svisner]

Got them.today, comparing to Truthear Gate they feel.more comfortable and I like better. Straighr with stock pads and Tidal by phone, Ifi Go Link Max, automatic Wavelet EQ it is a blast. I see Wavelet pushes a bit the 7-8k area and it is more balanced this way.

It has taken me some time to appreciate how good these IEMs can sound. I finally have them broken in and managed a proper ear seal. Using them with FIIO KA11 portable headphone amp/DAC (see Amir's review), these can make travel (and airport time) far more enjoyable than otherwise. Good detail and adequate bass. Also, the Crinacle/FIIO combination is about as compact and cost-efficient kit as one might want for trael, and it works with every platform I've tried.