7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 // Hello, World.
This IEM was my entryway into the money pit of a hobby that is audio. And it was also the IEM that made music go from noise to a composition; a form of art that had layers and edges to it that I never noticed. But is it still something I’d recommend after trying multiple other budget pairs?
Pros:
+ Mass appealing, V shaped tuning
+ Decent bass
+ Very well done mids
+ Affordable, great value
Cons:
- Treble on the verge of being too safe
- Questionable fit
- Below average packaging and accessories
- Overemphasised mid-bass may turn certain tracks muddy
Source Chain:
- DAC/Amp: FiiO JA11
- Source: iPhone 17 Pro / Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
- Music: Apple Music (Hi-Res Lossless)
Packaging, build, and fit
At first glance, the Zero:2 looks better than the price would suggest: a light plastic shell with a metal faceplate and simple, etched branding. Nothing special. The build is OK for the price, and there’s nothing here that feels really premium.
Accessories is where this IEM really falls short. No case, so-so tips, and a very…flimsy cable to say the least. The fit is another area where this IEM misses the mark. Short nozzles and large overall shells are not ideal for most ears, including mine. I ran into discomfort after about 90 minutes of uninterrupted use. All in all, don’t expect much here. I’d recommend exploring aftermarket tip options given how disappointing the stock tips were.
Tuning and Tonality:
If a company was to settle for a tuning that offended nobody and wowed the majority, this would be it. A very safe, mass appealing V-shaped tuning. Emphasised bass, scooped mids that give the overall sound some space to breathe, and treble that follows through fairly naturally.
Bass // Giving It 120%
The bass isn’t bad in any way. It’s nice and punchy with great extension. But the midbass has a little too much thickness to it, making tracks with lively bass loops like "Cinderella 99" by Cult Member feel a little unrestrained. This is also carried over into tracks that can be considered hostile. “Poltergeist” by Deftones is rather fast paced, and when there’s a lot going on you start to hear some note smear.
Mids // Easygoing
My personal favourite part of this pair. We have a slight dip in the lower mids which compensates for the thick bass quite well and gives baritones, drums and vocals a solid balance of depth and warmth. Upper mids are also quite good. There’s a noticeable elevation which I enjoy, since it enables female vocals and overall clarity. This overall mix makes everything sound rather “correct” and natural, even if this set doesn’t push detail the way more resolving sets can.
Treble // Oh So Close
The treble here is very in-character. It’s soft, relaxed, and has a very safe feel to it. Very easy to listen to and even easier to enjoy. However, it feels as if the tuning was hesitant to fully commit to the V shape sound signature. Had it a little more detail and some more air, it’d open up some much needed stage. Something the Zero:2 falls just short of. That does not mean it is veiled, or dark. It is still good, just not great.
If I had to, I'd AutoEQ this to the IEF Pref. 2025 target, or at least nudge it towards it. A little trimming in the bass, a slight bump to the mids, and a less resonant treble response is what you'll get out of it.
Technicalities:
On the technical side of things, the Zero:2 is rather average, but still respectable given the price. There’s not much stage width, as previously mentioned, which makes instrument separation and positional cues in-game feel a little “in your head”. All in all, the technicalities can be considered mediocre.
Conclusion:
The Zero:2 is what I would call the ideal beginner’s IEM. It has all the ingredients to make a very competent piece of gear, and although the final product isn’t exactly perfect, it’s still quite nice. As a baseline for good tuning in the budget space, the Zero:2 is definitely there. An example of a budget set with no fatal flaws.
I wouldn’t buy it now, but I’m glad I bought it first.