7Hz Zero II: Affordable & Competently Tuned Set

"When one's expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have."

~~Stephen Hawking, British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Author of A Brief History of Time.

7Hz is an audio company that made some game-changing moments that shifted the landscape of the audio market in 2021 with their highly successful model, 7Hz Timeless. This year is also the release of 7Hz Legato which is also gaining some cult following from audio enthusiasts who want a different take from usual Harmanish U-shaped sounding IEMs that keeps flooding in the market recently and want to experience that analogue-ish hi-fi sound from vintage speakers.

And what I have right now is their latest offering in the entry-level segment, The 7Hz Zero II. This model is actually a collaboration project between 7Hz and Crinacle, a well-known YouTube personality that specialises on audio engineering and a professional in this particular field. They have had some previous collaboration projects before and this makes the 7Hz even more reputable and a trustworthy audio company in the eyes of audio enthusiasts.

7Hz Zero II is a single dynamic driver IEM and it is a follow-up model from the previous Zero (I don't have one so I can't share my thoughts on what's the difference between these models). It has a 10mm dual chambered dynamic driver with a diaphragm made of composite materials like polyurethane and a thin metal alloy sheet. The dynamic drivers are quite nimble and responsive , capable of delivering a deep and slamming bass response while having a good articulation of its notes, crisp and clear sound on other parts of the frequency range.

The drivers are then encapsulated in a composite shell chassis with unusual angular design but I don't have any ergonomic issues in terms of fitting them. The cavity base of the shell is made of acrylic resin and it was reinforced by a stainless steel faceplate that underwent some treatment process to achieve its finish on its surface. Its overall design cues remind me of some robotic parts that give its Mecha-inspired look along with a copper-coloured faceplate that really matches well. It uses a proven 0.78mm connector on this set rather than usual QDC-type bi-pin connector which are prevalent to other units in the same price bracket.

As I mentioned regarding its angular design of its shell on how it was in terms of wearability, I don't really encounter any major issues when I snug it into my lugholes as it is really comfortable to wear in a long listening session and even my daily physical activity. It offers a good passive noise isolation as it is able to block some unwanted external noises from the surroundings I'm into.

The stock cables appear to have parallel wirings that are insulated and the wires are made of high purity oxygen-free silver plated copper that are woven and winding to have more firmness and better transmission of the audio signals. On its end, it has a gold-plated 3.5mm SE as its standard termination jack.

The product presentation of 7Hz Zero II is quite elementary and its inclusions are pretty bare bones, but at least it pretty takes all the basics on using this set.

Here are the following inclusions inside of its packaging box:

■ Pair of 7Hz Zero II

■ Stock cable

■ 6 pairs of multi-coloured narrow-bored ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ User's manual

As for power scaling and amplification performance, 7Hz Zero II is indeed an easy to drive set that devices like smartphones and tablets which have a sufficient power output to drive some low impedance devices are enough to amplify this set with its dynamic and fullest sound quality.

To determine its tonality, 7Hz has a mild U-shaped sound profile with a hint of warmth that gives me that almost "warmish-neutral" tonality as how all frequencies were presented in a sonic spectrum in an almost linear delivery into my ears. This type of tuning is indeed a rarity in this particular price range at all.

(Graph was provided by [USER=516219]@baskingshark[/USER] , credits to him)

LOWS/BASS:

The parts of low frequencies are equally presented in the overall sound as both sub bass and mid-bass were conveyed evidently across the sonic spectrum. It has a punchy, precise and clean bass response.

There's a discernible rumbling and reverberations generated from sub-bass focus instruments like synthesisers, octabasses, drum machines and low tone bass guitars. Mid-bass has an ample texture and density on its note weight, albeit it's a bit lucid and inadequately dark pitch on how it plays into my lugholes. But they are more of a minor issue that I'm quite finicky about but at least it has a fairly texture mid-bass that doesn't bleed too much across the midrange. Bass guitars have resonant and less weighty sound on them while bass kick drums have thudding and rumbling sound on very strike on its head drum, and then on bass baritones vocals, they have a wool-like sound but due to its lucid nature, it has less depth, less broad and darker tone from their distinctive voices. But this kind of bass response shares a similar response with "neutral" sounding sets that I've tested and I'm also a neutral-head so give this one a high mark.

MIDRANGE:

The midrange presentation of this one is noticeably tad notch but it maintains an adequately textured, warmth with sufficiently vivid sound and a tinge of  transparency on it. These characteristics will have its versatility on projecting some vocals will sound more closer to its intended tonal colour while the instruments sound more natural on how they deliver their attack and its variable notations.

Male vocals are fairly texture and depth with some warmth on it to give a more organic sound. Some baritone vocals sound very beautiful and engaging as light and lyric types have these mild, sweet and mellow sound characteristics from them. Tenors, particularly on leggero and lyric ones have sufficient bright, warm and dignified sound that really mesmerises me. Countertenors have a tender, smooth and graceful sound on them that it also happens that they also share similar vocal traits with mezzo-sopranos.

As for female vocals, they sound quite  pleasant, expressive and emotive that makes them even more engaging to listen to their hypnotic voices. Contraltos have ample lush and richness on their voices although I'm still looking for more depth to their vocals. Mezzo-sopranos sound smooth, tender and radiating on their vocals. Sopranos vocals have its shining, gleaming and silkiness that it will be more beneficial for dramatic and soubrette types but due to this set's inherent smooth tuning, it might affect some timbre on coloratura sopranos with their high pitch vocals as it dampens a bit on energetic sound but in exchange, it will deliver more smoother and a non-shrilling vocals.

Instruments sound relatively natural and it has some lushness on them. On strings, guitars sound a bit buttery and midrange-y on every plucking of its strings while violins have lustrous and sweet sound on every grip on its bow strings. Woodwinds instruments like piccolos, flutes, clarinets and saxophones, piccolos have delicate and graceful sound, flutes have mellow and ethereal sound on every blow on its mouth hole to generate those distinctive note and pitch, clarinets have warm and velvety sound and saxophones have sombre and bit hollow sound on them. As for brass instruments, trumpets sound magnificent, horns have a velvety and warm sound and trombones have rounded and soft sounds on them. Percussives instruments like snare drums, tom-toms, field drums and kettledrums, snares have shuffling yet clear sound while tom-toms have warm and resonant sound, field drums sounds quite full with a hint of sombre on them and kettledrums have orotund and resonant sound. Pianos have sounds so well-balanced as it has a sweet and rich sound on them with sufficient brilliance on them.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response of Zero II is definitively smooth and balanced one as it has a gradual elevation on the upper midrange and a somehow a noticeable dip on the presence part of treble region thats gives a smooth, non-sibilant and devoid of harshness which will devoid any harshness and jarring sound. Despite that tuning in the treble section, it is able to give an enunciated attack of instruments especially on percussives and keeping a good clarity.

It has an enough sparkle and the airy extension of this set is on the modest side. Cymbals have an adequate shimmer and soughing sound while hi-hats were accurately depicted as a distinguishable shortened buzzing sound. Glockenspiels' sounds have a bell-like sound on them and Celestas have those mellow and lustrous sounds to give that "heavenly" vibe tone.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

On how I perceived its sound/speaker stage and its stereo imaging, it has an average to above-average size as it has a wider than the usual average width on some IEMs in this particular price range, decent height ceiling and depth distance in my headroom. And as for imaging, it projects a typical two-dimensional stereo presentation where I can decently locate the placement of instruments and singer(s) in both sides of stereo channels. It has a good separation and layering capability is rather decent on this one for its price. In some complex multi-instruments tracks that I've usually played to do some testing, there are some instances that it tends to struggle a bit on projecting all instrumental elements in my hearing.

It has very coherent performance on its capable composite driver as it is quite snappy and it has faster transient response on it. It has a good resolution capability as decent detail retrieval and solid macro-dynamics that has a substantial impacting notation attack.

PEER COMPARISONS:

TINHIFI C2

● This product from TINHIFI, like the Zero II, has a dynamic driver with composite diaphragm but different material composition and it was encapsulated in a mecha-inspired shell chassis. Both sets have similar inclusions as C2 has also a lot of spare ear tips.

● C2 has a bright U-shaped sound in contrast with Zero II which is on the "warmish-neutral" side of tuning. C2 has a tighter and incisive bass response that focuses more on the sub- bass than mid-bass. It has more recessed midrange but it is crisp and energetic tone and a tad brighter treble response that cymbals sound a bit splashy and noticeable  shouty female vocals. On the technical performance, both sets have almost similar performance but C2 has a sharper definition on micro-detailing.

SIMGOT EW100P

● This set has a 10mm LCP dynamic driver and it was encapsulated in a composite shell chassis just like the Zero II but it takes a shape like a fin of a shark and teardrop-shaped metal alloy faceplate. It has less number of ear tips included inside and its stock cable looks more sophisticated but still on the lean side.

● EW100P is a U-shaped sounding IEM that follows a Harman curve tuning. It has more sub-bass focus bass response as it has rumbling presence and a bit hollow mid-bass while its midrange is more recessed on present and sounds leaner but it is quite energetic that is good for strings, woodwinds and some female vocals. Compared to Zero II, it has more emphasis on the upper mids to have more crisper and more definition on instruments and percussive attacks. On technicalities, EW100P has smaller soundstage dimension and its micro-detail retrieval is rather average on how it barely extracts some nuances of information from an audio track, but the rest of technical performance is quite close.

TANGZU WAN'ER SG

●  This set, like the Zero II, has a single dynamic driver configuration and it was encased in a polycarbonate plastic shell with geometrical lines and design cues from Tang dynasty era. It uses a PET diaphragm on its single DD while its choice of connector is a QDC-type connector and its stock cable is braided .

● Wan'er SG somewhat shared some similarities with Zero II in terms of tonality but I will point out the difference that sets them apart. It has a warm U-shaped sound profile as it more slam and punchy bass response with more solid mid-bass texture but it has noticeable bass bleed on midrange, a bit recessed midrange presentation but due to its more warmer tuning, it gives more texture and volume on some vocals and a more organic sounding instruments. It has similar treble response as it is also smoother and pleasant for treble sensitives but it has less sparkle and its airy extension is rather unexceptional. Technicality-wise, both sets  have similar sound/speaker stages and also share a typical 2-dimensional stereo panning, but the separation and layering, Zero II is a bit better as it has more spacing on instruments and its layering is also more noticeable. On resolution capabilities, they are trading blows as Wan'er SG has more solid macro-dynamics while Zero II is a little bit better on micro-dynamics.

As I end my assessment on this product, I've just witnessed the evolutionary process and  tonal refinement of the entry-level sets as it is apparent that the sound quality of a midrange set from the last decade will be carried through in a more budget-friendly and affordable set like the Zero II. 7Hz Zero II is definitely a worthwhile set that is truly a monumental effort from both 7Hz and Crinacle that they were able to bring a more mature and well-refined sound quality to the masses. Job well done, 7Hz!

7Hz Zero II is now available at LINSOUL, check out the unaffiliated link below that I've provided.

LINSOUL: https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2

Also, you can check out my review of their previous product release.

● 7Hz LEGATO

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: 7HZ X CRINACLE: ZERO II

IMPEDANCE: 32Ω

SENSITIVITY: 108dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

PROS:

● Lightweight yet sturdily built composite shell chassis.

● Uniquely designed shells yet it offers a well- ergonomic fitting.

● 0.78mm 2-pin connector which is an unusual implementation on a budget and entry-level set.

● Inclusion of good amount of ear tips.

● Mild U-shaped tuning that has an engaging, pleasing and fun factor on its tonality while maintaining a well-balanced sound.

● Punchy and precise bass response

● Clean, transparent and lush midrange

● Vocal versatility and natural sounding instruments.

● Smooth and pleasant treble response.

● Sibilance was kept under control and not a whiff of harshness.

● Most of its technical capabilities are quite appropriate for its price.

● A prelude set for budding audio enthusiasts who want to have a neutral-sounding set at an affordable price.

CONS:

● Its bass depth, volume and texture seems still a bit lacking to sound more engaging for adherent bassheads.

● Wishing for a better stock cable.

● That angular and edgy design of its shell might be an issue to someone's ears

● Trebleheads might want more shimmer and more airy extension.

● Less defined layering capability.

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

P.S.

I am not affiliated to 7HZ nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to KAREENA TANG from LINSOUL for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.