AudioAw2015
100+ Head-Fier
Just want to start off the thread here. Here are the two newest products from Zero Audio, the Carbo Mezzo and the Zero Bass 3.
Impressions: Carbo Mezzo DX220-CM
I'll base my impression off the Tenore as a reference point and I think most people just want to know how these sound compared to them. I don't have much experience with other IEM's in this price range so I can't comment on that.
Build:
+ Lightweight, sturdy construction.
+ Strain relief and the jack seems sturdy, both made of hard plastic.
- Terrible flat cable, not the supple rubbery kind but the stiff and plasticky kind. Couple of creases already out of the box due to the way they were packaged.
Fit:
+ Comfortable & could be worn over ear
+ No vacuum effect when inserting into the ears unlike the Tenore.
- Driver flex
Sound:
Engaging forward sound, mid focused with a slightly enhanced treble and boosted lower mid bass.
iPhone 4s -> O2
+ Clean, pristine sounding mids. Delivery and staging is similar to the Tenore, but more resolving with improved timbre.
+ Treble weight and timbre improved, keeps the same airiness and transparency found on the Tenore.
+ Mid bass texture & transition improved and much more natural sounding compared to the Tenore.
= Overall a little less relaxed and smooth. A little more exciting and drier / raw sounding than the Tenore, which is a good or bad thing depending on personal preference.
= Moderately boosted around 10 khz, accentuates certain artifacts from poor recordings. Hint of edginess with vocals on certain tracks.
- Leaning into bass head territory, on par with my FX750 in terms of bass quantity. Too much lower - mid bass relative to sub bass, gives a false sense of sub bass roll off.
- Depth of soundstage suffers from the boosted midbass and upper treble.
Thoughts
Technically superior to the Tenore and even the Duoza from what I remember. But I personally find the bass a little too forward and intrusive at times and throws off the tonal balance which gave the Tenore such a pleasant soundstage and rounded sound.
Impressions: ZB-03
Don't have anything good to say about these, especially considering the price they sell for right now.
Heavy & hollow midbass, blunted midrange and treble.
Impressions: Carbo Mezzo DX220-CM
I'll base my impression off the Tenore as a reference point and I think most people just want to know how these sound compared to them. I don't have much experience with other IEM's in this price range so I can't comment on that.
Build:
+ Lightweight, sturdy construction.
+ Strain relief and the jack seems sturdy, both made of hard plastic.
- Terrible flat cable, not the supple rubbery kind but the stiff and plasticky kind. Couple of creases already out of the box due to the way they were packaged.
Fit:
+ Comfortable & could be worn over ear
+ No vacuum effect when inserting into the ears unlike the Tenore.
- Driver flex
Sound:
Engaging forward sound, mid focused with a slightly enhanced treble and boosted lower mid bass.
iPhone 4s -> O2
+ Clean, pristine sounding mids. Delivery and staging is similar to the Tenore, but more resolving with improved timbre.
+ Treble weight and timbre improved, keeps the same airiness and transparency found on the Tenore.
+ Mid bass texture & transition improved and much more natural sounding compared to the Tenore.
= Overall a little less relaxed and smooth. A little more exciting and drier / raw sounding than the Tenore, which is a good or bad thing depending on personal preference.
= Moderately boosted around 10 khz, accentuates certain artifacts from poor recordings. Hint of edginess with vocals on certain tracks.
- Leaning into bass head territory, on par with my FX750 in terms of bass quantity. Too much lower - mid bass relative to sub bass, gives a false sense of sub bass roll off.
- Depth of soundstage suffers from the boosted midbass and upper treble.
Thoughts
Technically superior to the Tenore and even the Duoza from what I remember. But I personally find the bass a little too forward and intrusive at times and throws off the tonal balance which gave the Tenore such a pleasant soundstage and rounded sound.
Impressions: ZB-03
Don't have anything good to say about these, especially considering the price they sell for right now.
Heavy & hollow midbass, blunted midrange and treble.