Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Earphones $31.17 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ LinsoulAudio via Amazon AU

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Amir @ AudioScienceReview recommends them !

Conclusions
You have to shake your head when you see and read about the performance of this $25 IEM. It displays a level of performance with a bit EQ that is world class. Feed it some well recorded music and you are there: the pinnacle of high fidelity sound. I don't care if you don't want to use an IEM. Get one of these (or the original Zero) and get calibrated on what good sound is.

As to whether to get the zero or zero:2, I would say that with the above EQ, Zero:2 sounds more to my liking than the original 7Hz Zero. That one though sounds more correct without EQ. Your opinion may vary.

I am happy to recommend the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM.


About this item

  • ใ€๐Ÿ•๐‡๐ณ ๐ฑ ๐‚๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐š๐œ๐ฅ๐ž: ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š๐›๐จ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐“๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐Œ๐š๐๐ž ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒใ€‘The original Zero, which was made in collaboration between 7Hz and Crinacle, made history by being one of the best performing budget IEMโ€™s in the market. Crinacle is a world renown reviewer, whose frequency graph database has changed the audio market forever. Using his prolific experience with IEM and headphone sound profiles, Crinacle has provided guidance in tuning the Zero once again to have the best tonal balance possible. The updated Zero:2 features Crinacleโ€™s inputs in order to refine this tried-and-true model in order to take it to the next level.

  • ใ€๐Œ๐จ๐ซ๐ž ๐๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ, ๐Š๐ž๐ž๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐“๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐„๐ฑ๐œ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐œ๐žใ€‘The original Zero had one of the best-in-class tonal balance for a budget single dynamic driver IEM. However, this tonal balance also meant taming the bass, which may have been lacking for audiences wanting a more exciting sound. The Zero:2 maintains the perfect sound signature whilst adding on 3dB more in the low frequencies, which provides an engaging and powerful bass presence to bring your music to life. Bass impact and extension are markedly improved, providing more texture and tactile hits to the lows. Additionally, the midrange has a slightly improved body and warmth compared to the original Zero.

  • ใ€๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ƒ๐ฒ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐œ ๐ƒ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ซใ€‘The improvements in the tonal characteristics of the Zero:2 were made possible thanks to a newly developed 10mm dual cavity dynamic driver. With an upgraded PU+Metal composite diaphragm, the driver is significantly more responsive, allowing faster diaphragm movement. This allows for harder hitting bass, while maintaining crispness and precision with each note. With a frequency range of 10Hz to 20kHz, the improvements in the new driver is immediately noticeable. The slight warmth in the low-mids provides a fuller sound to instrument and vocal fundamental frequencies, yet still keeping the melodies clean and free from bass bleed.

  • ใ€๐“๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ•๐‡๐ณ ๐‹๐ž๐ ๐š๐œ๐ฒใ€‘7Hz made global waves with several of its most popular models. IEMs such as the Salnotes Zero, Dioko, and Timeless gathered massive popularity due to their amazing price-to-performance value. 7Hz has proven itself to the worldwide audience as a trusted manufacturer of high-performance IEMs, and will continue its legacy with better innovations and stronger community engagement.

  • ใ€๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ ๐‚๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ ๐‚๐š๐›๐ฅ๐žใ€‘The Zero:2 has been upgraded with a new high-purity oxygen-free copper cable with silver plating. Arranged in a coaxial structure, each wire is woven with 140.06 and 250.06 winding to strengthen the cable, as well as bringing about better audio transmission. The cable is removable to customize your listening experience as well as enhance the longevity of your IEM.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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Comments

  • +9

    Looks like Linsoul Audio are having a decent IEM sale on, at their Amazon store-front
    โ†’ https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/page/C33ABB65-C72C-4F2A-B14โ€ฆ

    They are not all at their all-time lows, but decent enough, if you're thinking of jumping into the world of ChiFi, because of cheaper prices compared to AliExpress and with quicker shipping times right now,

    • +2

      Thank you for the post! Looking at the page above, a few of their more expensive IEMs are on sale. Any reason to buy the more expensive ones? Any comment would be appreciated.

      • +2

        These are great at any price. I use them with Apple USB-C dongle. If youโ€™re keen, use free MathAudio parametric equalizer. Donโ€™t get suckered into paying more.

        Edit: ensure you get good seal.

        • I have ALWAYS felt I get a better seal when I push in a little, with 15+ different tips used over my lifetime. Is this just normal>? It's much bassier + clearer when you push it in?
          Am I missing something?

          • +2

            @harvestloon: Pushing it deeper is always better than just the tip.

    • really tempted by these but can't cross a picket line

  • +2

    Have them and definitely recommend them at this price.
    Huge huge upgrade if you coming from wireless/earbuds.
    Great starting point for iems

  • +1

    Iโ€™m new to the EIM scene and still donโ€™t know too much but spring tips was a game changer for me. Definitely get some if you can find them for cheap

    Does anyone know where I can buy a cable with a mic for cheap? I need a little longer than the one mine comes with but most places are pretty expensive for a cable

    • What's your budget ?

      What length would you like ?

      Do you want a mic-cable with 3.5mm connector? USB-C?

      (also, what size for the IEM plug, eg. 0.78mm? MCMX? etc. )

      You can find cables on Amazon and AliExpress, but AliExpress will mean you wait longer for the item to arrive.

    • any recommendation how to find spring tips to suit this model iem?

      • +3

        Aliexpress. Look for Moondrop spring tips. The nozzle on this iem is 5.4mm, so most anything normal will fit.

        • Thanks, I assumed we were talking the wings that keep them in your ears (most every earbud falls out of mine)

          • +1

            @0jay: Silicone tips keep falling out for me as well. I'd recommend foam tips if you haven't tried them. You squish them and insert, then they'll conform to your ear. I've had a way better experience since buying some.

      • +1

        I don't have experience with the Moondrop Spring tips, but I can also recommend Spinfit CP145 and W1 tips.
        Size "Medium" seems to fit most people.

  • +9

    I'm always blown away by the quality of $30 in ear headphones now compared sets that were triple that money not too long back. I got some KZ from aliexpress and they sound great, I actually choose to use them over my XM4 at the office as wiring them in is just more reliable than the bluetooth in a congested workspace. At these price's j just leave them on my desk plugged in and tempted to get a set for home. I also prefer them over my galaxy buds 2 so they only come out when I need to potter about with audio on.

    • -2

      I'm always blown away by the quality of $30 in ear headphones

      If you're listening to Spotify or Youtube or compressed music (eg. MP3, Opus, etc.), then many types of earphones are fine.

      When you start listening to uncompressed (FLAC, WAV, etc.), as well as well-mastered music, or even for long, long periods of time, then having a decent set of earphones will give a more pleasurable listening experience.

      Then again, there are different price points to enjoy the sound, as well as worrying about having expensive IEMs on the road or leaving them in an open-plan office.

      • +2

        I don't get to sit and listen for listenings sake very often. I have the XM4s but i don't like that they overdo the bass. I find noise isolation in the office is good enough generally as ANC isnt great on voices anyway. At home I have samson sr850, which again, great bang for buck but not top end. I like how both the KZ and samsons sound for just listening to music while i work. Alsk nice neither needs to be charged. Ideally in the kffice id like a set of over ears that sound like the samsons but are closed back to sotp sound leaking, preferabley with a removable cable so i can use a boom mic with them for calls.

  • +3

    Compared to BOSE QC35, do these give you better sound experience if you use it with Apple Music on iPhone via lightning-3.5mm jack in a quiet home environment?

    • +1

      Iโ€™d have to guess yes. Better frequency response out of the box

    • +4

      The sound source is the least important part here. What's a much bigger impact is that the Bose are on-ear headphones where the money goes to marketing, ANC electronics and there is only a vague nod to sound quality. I've tried the Bose, they sound meh for music, you use them for convenience of wireless and for ANC.

      IEMs will sound very different - there is no ANC required as they inherently block sound like earplugs. They don't have to deal with the compromised of closed earcups- no internal reflections and poor seals to deal with.

      At a massive generalisation as I don't have these and haven't used IEMs recently, you are likely to hear a lot more detail in the music than with Bose on ear headphones.

      • +2

        Itโ€™s worth mentioning the QC35 can be used wired with ANC off and can actually sound very good with some EQ

        Unfortunately the only way to get decent EQ with the iPhone is to use a DAC with DSP

        • +2

          I've never heard much fine detail through any of these ANC-focussed headphones. I strongly suspect that there are fundamental driver limitations as well as closed back limitiations.

          (Unfortunately, I've seen too much flat out wrong info that I won't even click on ASR links anymore- interest that side as confirmation bias and wishful thinking over anything resembling 'science').

  • Do thse work with Sony VR2?
    any suggestions on ugrading the Sony supplied headphones?

  • thanks for posting op - nice find - been wanting to try these - just cant decide which colour to get

  • -1

    Any gaming one recommended? I want to plug into ps5 controller at night when kid is sleeping.

  • +1

    do these need dac? guess not if theyre only $30

    • No need for an amp. They're not difficult to drive.

    • +1

      Are you confusing a DAC with an amp? If your source is digital (USB-C port from your phone, no headphone plug on your laptop) then yes, you need a DAC. Otherwise no, they won't require amplification, although they 'might' sound better with it.

  • +1

    I brought a pair of Kefine Klean, around $75-80 AUD from Ali over black Friday sales
    They absolutely blown me away. The quality and sound is amazing. And I have brought multiple iems over the last few years. Their performance over even a $200 pair is on par.

    • Would you recommend it over the over the ear hd6xx/560s etc in terms of audio quality?

      • Over ear are a different ball game. I have a set of hifiman Ananda. Amazing set too. But totally different to iems. Iems are more for out and about or if you want a light set up. Each have their own uses.

  • Are these good out of the box without any eq tuning?

    • +1

      Yes, although it's a bit bassy compared to a more neutral tuned IEM like the original Zero or the Truthear Hexas.

  • please Can anyone recommend a USB-C one?

  • How does it compare to the HD560s and the like? and how difficult is it to drive?

    • +4

      I have a HD6XX (equivalently HD650), the original Zero, and a Truthear Hexa - I don't have a HD560s or a Zero:2. The original Zero has some treble weirdness which seems to be toned down on the Zero:2, and has around 4dB less bass. The treble weirdness is a bit off-putting IMO, so I'd recommend getting the Zero:2 over the Zero and possibly EQing down the bass if necessary.

      • Tonality: 6XX (without any EQ) is generally known to be a "laid back" headphone, with a noticeable sub-bass rolloff and a toned down treble response. It seems like the 560s also has a sub-bass rolloff, but without too much treble attenuation. You'll immediately notice the (sub)bass in the Zero when comparing to the 6XX or the 560s - especially with the Zero:2. It might be a bit much if you're used to listening to music on a 560s / 6XX.
      • Technicalities: The 6XX has a much wider soundstage, and is about on par in imaging (i.e. not much - there's not much variation in "distance") and instrument separation. It seems like the 560s has a wider soundstage than even the 6XX, and with much better imaging. My ears aren't good enough to give you an assessment on other things like transient response / accuracy / etc., but it's generally good - you'll notice the tonality and soundstage before you notice the other technicalities.
      • Driving difficulty: Very easy. You don't need an amp to drive most IEMs from what I understand, and this is no exception. I usually put my DAC-amp to around 20 for IEMs, and 50 for my 6XX.

      IMO, if you're looking to dabble your toes into the IEM market, but aren't looking to replace your 560s / 6XX / etc., this is a good deal. Try them out, see how they compare with your headphones.

      If you're strictly looking for better "audio quality", this probably isn't it… but it's probably still worth a buy IMO so you can hear how a cheaper IEM is different to a more expensive one.

  • +1

    These or the Moondrop Chu 2's??

    • I hated the shape of the Chu but they are much smaller. Useful if you need it, but I much prefer the Zero:2

    • +1

      I bought the Chu2's in the recent deal and really don't like them. Their weight isn't properly offset by the flimsy overear piece they include.

      The IEMs in OPs deal seem a more comfortable fit - likely with similar sound quality.

      • +1

        This what i said yesterday, about why I got the Moondrop LAN and not the Chu, from Amazon, in last few days.

        Had I not got the LAN, I would have bought these Zero:2 but I also have another "zero" IEM, which is the now discontinued Tanchjim Zero.

        I blind-purchased the Tanchjim Zero after watching AndyAudioVault's comparisons of several "zero" IEMs (but none of them, at the time were Crinacle "zero" collaboration)
        - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bsvDcL9mRI

        The Tanchjim Zero is so good, but not detachable cable, so that's why the Moondrop IEMs or these Truthear ones, are a better buy, just for the ability for detachable cables.

  • What the name of those earphone that doesn't go into ear ? Are they wired ?

    • +2

      Bone conduction headphones. Shokz is the brand best known for making those

      • Bone conduction headphones.

        That's the one, thanks. Do they have wired version ?

        • +1

          Idk try google

        • +1

          Wired bone conduction headsets would make as much sense as wheels on a fish.

          The cable would keep pulling the headphones slightly out of position, and with conduction headsets even a difference of a couple mm totally changes the sound for the worse.

  • Do these come in a USB C version?

    Want a decent/cheap pair to use with my phone and possibly work laptop.

    • They don't usually come with usb-c cable at this price but you an get replacement cable that usb-c since the cables plug into the IEM. A cheap cable is about 15bux though, and the cheapest I have seen is 10. I would get a aux to usb-c adapter instead.

    • You can buy good USB-C cables, with built-in DSP module inside the USB-C plug as well.

      Otherwise, you can get cheap USB-C dongle DAC like this CX31993 DAC.
      They're pretty good value.
      I got one myself.

      Then plug that dongle DAC that into your phone or laptop, and then plug the IEM into your dongle DAC.

      • Any reason to go USB-C dongle vs the former?

        Also would these work on Androids? I don't think I've seen people plug headphones into USB-C so just wondering.

  • +1

    I was looking at getting into IEMS for my bedroom / Chord Mojo.
    The options are over-whelming when you start researching, so these seem like a good place to start for $31.

    Thanks OP

  • +1

    @jasswolf any experience or comments on these? I have been out of IEMs for a while- Crinicles name being attached is a plus, Amir/ASR being references is a minus.

    What looks like a pronounced 2K bump looks a bit concerning, but maybe that's a Y axis scaling thing.

    • +1

      Amir/ASR being references is a minus.

      He's not using audio-gear to listen to music;
      he uses music to analyze the audio-gear.

      I do enjoy reading this reviews though, and how he comes across :-D

      • +2

        I think he uses ego and ignorance to analyse audio gear.

        But this is a subject for other fora.

  • Are these the best for the money in the brand's range?

  • I run the Truthear x Crinacle Zero on a Qudelix 5K DAC and they are absolutely wonderful sounding. Pity my ears get itchy with any eartip I've ever worn. Anyone got suggestions to alleviate this? I've tried memory foam too (had xm4 for a while).

  • +1

    Cheap Chinese IEM's are legitimately amazing value, you realise how much sound quality you lose with bluetooth earbuds, and compare with big wired headphones 5x their price.

    I went through the Zero, the Zero Red, and the Hexa last year (Amazon is great as I returned them all). All impressive but not perfect.

    I wanted to try planar magnetic and found the Artti T10 for about $60 on Aliexpress. They sound INCREDIBLE. I cannot recommend them enough. Best audio purchase I've made. Bit quiet straight from my PC headphone jack, so I got a $10 USB-C headphone DAC on Amazon and it's now perfect at 45% volume.

    • +1

      Bit quiet straight from my PC headphone jack, so I got a $10 USB-C headphone DAC on Amazon and it's now perfect at 45% volume.

      Do you mean an amp? 'cause a DAC isn't what you use to drive headphones. Especially if volume is the issue.

  • +1

    How compare to blon bl-03?

  • Currently have the Blon BL-03 and Tangzu W'aner - are these worth the buy? Or just a side step

  • anyone got a good budget wireless TX/RX setup to go with these? want to monitor my synths without a cable. These look pretty good with an apparent 12ms latency, ideally under 10ms would be better - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B3DR71RY

    • You need AptX capabilities for your Bluetooth connections, for very low latency connections.

      Check this deal for the:
      Creative Bluetooth Transmitter: BT-W5 $54.99, BT-W3X $44.99 + Delivery
      โ†’ https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/885610

      and if your budget allows, you can use Bluetooth wireless 'add-on' like the Fiio UTWS5
      but make sure you get the add-on with the right pins for the IEM

      • thanks, unfortunately I need a TX with audio LR IN as my mixer/loopstation has mono 1/4 inch TS plugs OUTs. even a stereo TRS IN would be fine as the item I link to. The ApX looks promising however, didn't see the latency stated in MS though, do you know what it is?

        EDIT - it's still 30ms, which is too much for monitoring a live performance. gotta be under 10 ideally, which bluetooth systems just can't do yet. ideally a 5.8GHz system so there's less interferance with all the 2.4 stuff in the air these days.

        • Do you need something like this ?

          EYK IEM81 UHF Wireless In Ear Monitor System Single Channel 16 Frequencies Selecable
          $110 โ†’ https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001700881994.html

          • +1

            @whyisave: thanks, but that's mono. I'll ask on some audio forums again, looking for some real world experience in products in a pretty nuanced field.

  • +5

    I definitely donโ€™t need these so I bought them.

    • Christmas present to thy self.

  • Recently tried the chu's for playing r6 siege. Found the audio queues clearer than my nova pro wireless, considering switching full time to iem's. But the convenience of having onboard mic is what stops me

  • How is this one compared with the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro for $48.99? The ZS10 Pro has a mic. Thanks.

  • I already have a pair of these. Great headphone for the price.

    Any rec's for the next step up?

    • For ~$100 AUD (on sale), I went from the original Zero to the Truthear Hexa and they are great - much smoother tonality (although that might have been addressed in the Zero:2) and noticeably more spatial and instrument separation. From what I can tell, the Hexa are regarded to be one of the best value IEMs at that price range - Crinacle review, Timmy from GizAudio review.

      I'm not too sure about the price brackets above that - I'd love to hear some recs too.

      • Interesting to see Crinacle and Timmy review this, when they both promote for the same "store" now, ie. Hangout.Audio , so they actually promote IEMs that Crinacle sells.

        • +1

          Crinacle's review predates Hangout.Audio, so there was no potential conflict of interest there.

          I find the Hangout.Audio reviews to be pretty reasonable (albeit a bit short at times), and they've got a consistent summary of "why you should / shouldn't buy this IEM" in each review.

          Of course, you should read / watch other reviews for more view points, but I personally think "videos funded by a store" isn't that bad - especially as you can buy the same product at another store. For example, The Headphone Show seems to be pretty neutral and informative, even though they're directly funded by Headphones.com.

  • Do these have the problem where they start turning to liquid goo? I bought the CCA CRA from Linsoul and I think they're made from resin that after about six months just started to liquify.

  • +1

    Blues are sold out.
    Red still available at the same price.
    https://amzn.asia/d/2NGHDc0

  • +1

    not sure id bite for the pink. perhaps the other colours will be available for boxing day?

  • Looks like plenty of choices with different specs

    • +2

      That's the ChiFi way, of completely inundating the market with slight variations of tuning of similar products, then achieving the tuning with different build quality, drivers, accessories, influencers, etc… setting multiple price-points.

  • +1

    Is there a longer cable for purchase for this IEM? I found the included ones a bit short for PC usage.

    An included mic will be a bonus but not necessary.

    • +1

      The Zero:2 has a 0.78mm 2-pin connector on the IEM itself.

      So, you will need to search for "0.78mm cable" and then filter through the results for a cable that you like.

      I don't know if you will find a long cable (2+ metres) with microphone

      Here are a couple of non-mic cables (from Amazon).
      You'll find more variety on AliExpress.

      $28 โ†’ KZ ZSN PRO Cable 4N OFC Braided Cable (2m Length)
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DPLZDSNS/

      $39 โ†’ KBEAR ST16 , 16 Core (2m Length)
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C9QRSRT2/

      There are also different cables, with interchangeable plugs, ie. 2.5mm or 3.5mm or 4.4mm
      (This is for plugging into different DACs, eg. 4.4mm balanced socket)

      Otherwise, just get a cable extender, ie. 3.5mm female to 3.5mm male cable.

  • +1

    these arrived yesterday, doing some audio recordings of instruments, really lilking these to overear headphones etc. and have a few 3.5mm cable extenders sitting off my DAW and various gear and just plug it in making moving around the room super easy! very happy!

    • IEMs have come a long way, and become very affordable to have such good tuning these days.

      PS:
      I don't have the Zero:2 myself, because I got the on-sale Moondrop LAN, just before the Linsoul sale, a few weeks ago.

  • +1

    Available again.

  • +1

    How about these for $28

    Limited-time deal: Linsoul 7Hz Salnotes Zero HiFi 10mm Dynamic Driver in-Ear Earphone IEM with Metal Composite Diaphragm Stainless Steel Faceplate Detachable 2Pin OFC Cable (White, 7HZ Zero) https://amzn.asia/d/cA4fNEO

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