Reviews by thaslaya
Thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD. Iems were burned in for 50 hours prior to review.
Introduction:
● Simgot has had quite a few releases in the past year: EW200, EM6L, EA1000, EA500 and now EA500LM. Most of them have been well received. I have not heard the original EA500 so can't say how the LM model builds on its predecessor. The 3 tuning nozzles is what sold me on wanting to try the newest release by Simgot. Let's see how they sound.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
● The 500LM sports an all metal shell construction. The weight strikes a perfect balance for me. Fit was not an issue at all, however, I would have liked more than just the 3 pairs of included tips. The stock cable is pretty lackluster for the price. It feels and looks cheap compared to the iems themselves. I would expect this cable to accompany the EW200 which is half the price. It is nice that there is a small zipper case included but it's nothing to write home about.
Sound impressions:
● Let's start by saying the 500LM is a brightly tuned set. The note weight is pretty lean. I would have prefered it to be slightly thicker. There are 3 tuning nozzles so it should offer 3 distinct tuning options. I would describe them as follows:
Gold - smoothest presentation of the 3
Silver/red - very close to gold nozzle with a little more treble sharpness
Silver/black - sharpest treble and most extension
I'm disappointed that the nozzles don't vary more in their tuning. To my surprise I prefer the silver/black nozzle even though I would consider myself treble sensitive. It has the sharpest treble presentation with the best extension but without sibilance. I found it to be the most balanced. The vocals have the best presentation of the 3 which is probably why I prefer this nozzle. The gold nozzle is the least bright but I couldn't tell much difference between them and the silver/red. Tuning aside, the 500LM's biggest selling point is its technicalities. The imaging, instrument separation, and overall amount of detail at this price point is insane. I would say the soundstage is above average and instruments are well placed.
●Lows - The bass quality and quantity are very good. There is plenty of sub and mid bass to please most. I would say there's more sub bass but not by much. It has a quick attack and decay and it stays nice and tight with no bleed. The notes are a bit leaner than I prefer.
●Mid - The mids on all 3 nozzles are generally recessed compared to the bass and treble. Vocals are recessed a bit too much for my liking on the gold and silver/red nozzles. They aren't necessarily veiled but they get a bit smothered and take a back seat. With the silver/black nozzle, vocals came forward a bit more and I didn't detect any shoutiness.
●Highs - If you like a bright and crisp treble you will find it here in spades. The 500LM will please most trebleheads. The air and extension is really nice. Plenty of shimmer and sparkle with very little sibilance to be found. For me personally this tuning can get fatiguing fast so it isn't my preference but I can see the appeal for someone looking for detail above all else.
●Balanced:
The 500LM are very easily driven so using a balanced connection is definitely not required. When hooked up to my Hiby FC4, the details seem to get a little sharper and notes seem to get a little more weight. The treble isn't quite as fatiguing and the sub bass digs deeper. I prefered the balanced connection over the simpler 3.5mm due to these changes. The entire spectrum seems to warm up a bit which is my preference. Of course that could be the FC4 injecting it's own flavor into the 500LM.
Summary:
Trebleheads rejoice! If you value a resolving iem with great instrument separation, the 500LM is what you're looking for. For under $100, I didnt think I would ever find something this technically savvy. I was hearing every detail in my music, even those I didn't know were there. It's a technical marvel but it's not necessarily my personal tuning preference. I do enjoy my time with the 500LM but overall I prefer warm and musical over bright and technical. There is absolutely great value here and I recommend this set to anyone who wants a technically correct sound and a very technical set.
Attachments
thaslaya
Hard agree! I'm currently enjoying the EW200 much more than the 500LM. Great treble and less recessed mids. Just an overall warmer sound which is my preference. Still has that Simgot house sound.
C
Codename john
Great technical set but cold and uninviting for me. Much prefer the original EA500. Spot on review 
Thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD. Due to the limitations of volume with 3.5mm connection, all listening was done with stock 4.4mm cable through Hiby FC4.
Introduction:
Aful has been doing well with their release of the Performer 5 and Performer 8, both receiving tons of praise. Here we have the MagicOne which sports a single balanced armature driver and a unique acoustic tube design. The MSRP is $139.99 which seems pricey for an iem in 2024 that consists of just a single BA driver. Let's break them down and see if it's worth the price of entry.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
The MagicOne comes with your choice of 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination. After reading other users mentioning these needing power, I opted for 4.4mm. The cable is great quality and the aestetics match very well with the shell design. Just like other Aful products, they come with silicone tips, a nice cable, and the puck style case. I don't personally care for this style of case but to each their own. I did get some occasional pressure build up with deep insertion but it usually resolved itself.
Sound impressions:
The first word that comes to mind when listening to the MagicOne: smooth. Velvety smooth. Actually shocked that Aful was able to create this sound with just a single BA. The technicalities are average to above average for the price range. The soundstage is neither narrow nor wide. I'd say it's positioned well in the middle where instruments can be heard well without competing too much for attention. The tuning is a touch on the warmer side but there is plenty of sparkle in the treble. The highs do roll off a bit early and I wish there was just a little more air up top.
●Lows - BA drivers have a reputation for poorer quality and quantity of bass compared to other drivers and deservedly so. However, I feel the bass is adequate here. Definitely not bass anemic whereas i can actually hear the sub rumble on certain tracks. Other all BA iems I've had were lacking there. The sub and mid bass will satisfy most listeners but not those looking for v-shaped or bassheads.
●Mid - This is where things get magical. The vocals are pushed to the front of the stage but not overly so. Both male and female voices sound so good. They are a bit warmed over which plays right into my personal preference. No shoutiness anywhere in sight. I found the best vocal performance when paired with soft pop like Adele and John Mayor - could listen for hours and hours like a warm blanket.
●Highs - There is plenty to like about the treble. It sparkles and shimmers but never gets sibilant. I would have liked a bit more air in the top end but that's pretty nitpicky.
●Balanced:
As I stated earlier, the MagicOne really need a bit of power to bring out full enjoyment. I was able to get to a respectable volume with the 3.5mm on my LGv30 and S22 Ultra but I do enjoy cranking my music from time to time. I would recommend getting an amp to anyone who plans to purchase these. A dongle DAC should supply enough to let the MagicOne shine.
Summary:
Aful back at it again with an excellent iem. The MagicOne's tuning is very smooth and enjoyable. It may not appeal to those who prefer a brighter and more energetic sound signature. The bass is the best I've heard from an all BA set let alone one with just a single BA. Treble has plenty of sparkle and sounds great but it does roll off just a tad early. The power requirements and price may be the biggest limiting factors especially when there are no shortage of options in the $150 range. For me personally, these sounded best with pop, soft rock, country, and vocal centric genres. The MagicOne is aptly named because Aful pulled a fantastic set out of their proverbial hat!
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD. Due to the limitations of volume with 3.5mm connection, all listening was done with stock 4.4mm cable through Hiby FC4.
Introduction:
Aful has been doing well with their release of the Performer 5 and Performer 8, both receiving tons of praise. Here we have the MagicOne which sports a single balanced armature driver and a unique acoustic tube design. The MSRP is $139.99 which seems pricey for an iem in 2024 that consists of just a single BA driver. Let's break them down and see if it's worth the price of entry.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
The MagicOne comes with your choice of 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination. After reading other users mentioning these needing power, I opted for 4.4mm. The cable is great quality and the aestetics match very well with the shell design. Just like other Aful products, they come with silicone tips, a nice cable, and the puck style case. I don't personally care for this style of case but to each their own. I did get some occasional pressure build up with deep insertion but it usually resolved itself.
Sound impressions:
The first word that comes to mind when listening to the MagicOne: smooth. Velvety smooth. Actually shocked that Aful was able to create this sound with just a single BA. The technicalities are average to above average for the price range. The soundstage is neither narrow nor wide. I'd say it's positioned well in the middle where instruments can be heard well without competing too much for attention. The tuning is a touch on the warmer side but there is plenty of sparkle in the treble. The highs do roll off a bit early and I wish there was just a little more air up top.
●Lows - BA drivers have a reputation for poorer quality and quantity of bass compared to other drivers and deservedly so. However, I feel the bass is adequate here. Definitely not bass anemic whereas i can actually hear the sub rumble on certain tracks. Other all BA iems I've had were lacking there. The sub and mid bass will satisfy most listeners but not those looking for v-shaped or bassheads.
●Mid - This is where things get magical. The vocals are pushed to the front of the stage but not overly so. Both male and female voices sound so good. They are a bit warmed over which plays right into my personal preference. No shoutiness anywhere in sight. I found the best vocal performance when paired with soft pop like Adele and John Mayor - could listen for hours and hours like a warm blanket.
●Highs - There is plenty to like about the treble. It sparkles and shimmers but never gets sibilant. I would have liked a bit more air in the top end but that's pretty nitpicky.
●Balanced:
As I stated earlier, the MagicOne really need a bit of power to bring out full enjoyment. I was able to get to a respectable volume with the 3.5mm on my LGv30 and S22 Ultra but I do enjoy cranking my music from time to time. I would recommend getting an amp to anyone who plans to purchase these. A dongle DAC should supply enough to let the MagicOne shine.
Summary:
Aful back at it again with an excellent iem. The MagicOne's tuning is very smooth and enjoyable. It may not appeal to those who prefer a brighter and more energetic sound signature. The bass is the best I've heard from an all BA set let alone one with just a single BA. Treble has plenty of sparkle and sounds great but it does roll off just a tad early. The power requirements and price may be the biggest limiting factors especially when there are no shortage of options in the $150 range. For me personally, these sounded best with pop, soft rock, country, and vocal centric genres. The MagicOne is aptly named because Aful pulled a fantastic set out of their proverbial hat!
ctjacks336
Congrats brother! Great review and beautiful photos. Look forward to the next
thaslaya
Thanks! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD on an LGv30+ and Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra. Iems were burned in for 30 hours prior to review.
Introduction:
● Juzear is a newer brand on the market and they made a name for themselves with the release of the 41t to mostly universal praise in 2023. The Clear features a single 10mm LCP dynamic driver. It's currently priced at $49.90, $120 less than the 41t.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
● The Clear are made from a nice blue resin and have an attractive understated design on the face. I was surprised at the size of the shell in person as it's quite small. I can't imagine fit will be an issue for most people, however, those looking for a deep insertion might not find it here. The included cable is one of the best stock cables I've owned and at this price point is surprising. It's a bit thick and nicely braided but not heavy. It also comes with varying sizes of both silicone and foam tips. The small brown zipper case is the cherry on top. Overall, the accessories are great. I did notice a slight driver flex from time to time when adjusting my fit but only if I inserted very deeply. Doesn't seem to affect the sound at all just a small nuisance.
Sound impressions:
● The Juzear Clear is a V-shaped iem with boosted bass and treble. The frequency response is not my prefered signature for everyday use but I do enjoy V-shaped iems in my rotation. The soundstage has plenty of width but seems to lack a bit of depth. Instruments have room to spread but sometimes compete on the same level of the stage. Technicalities are very capable at this price point, no complaints at all. The Clear really shine with rock, rap, and EDM but they still perform well with genres like soft pop, soft rock, and country as long as you don't mind the boosted bass.
●Lows - The star of the show! The sub bass rumble really reaches low. Its not the deepest I've heard but its the best in ths price point by far. The entire bass spectrum has good texture and slam. Their is no detectable bass bleed to my ears. If you're looking for neutral or Harman tuning, you will be overwhelmed by the bass levels. However, if you're looking for a deep rumble and thumping bass, the Clear will please most bassheads.
●Mids - In typical V-shaped fashion, the mids are scooped so they won't be featured as strongly here. The vocals do sound natural and both male and female voices have good weight and texture, just a bit recessed due to the tuning. To my ear, the vocals and mids are well placed and are not actually recessed much in comparison to the rest of the frequency response. I enjoy their presentation and never found myself wishing for a boost in the mids.
●Highs - Treble is elevated to round out the V-shaped profile. It has an energy and excitement that plays well with the boosted bass. Music gets fun and comes to life in the higher frequencies but over time can get a bit fatiguing. I did notice an occasional sibilant quality here but definitely not the worst I've heard. I think the elevated bass goes a long way to making sure the treble stays fun and not shrill. For those that are treble sensitive, you will want to look elsewhere for that big bassy iem that doesn't get as hot in the highs.
●Balanced:
The Clear are easy to drive so using a balanced connection with an amp isnt really necessary. Here i switched the cable to a NiceHCK Jialail JLY2 4.4mm and plugged it into the Hiby FC4. The bass sounds a bit fuller and the sub digs a little deeper with more power. The extra note weight on the bass helps to tame the slight treble peakiness I was picking up before. The sound is more colored and warmer with a bigger fuller bass that seems to bleed more into the midrange. My preference would be to drive them from the 3.5mm connection on the LGV30 or just a simple dongle since the bass was in a better spot without the extra juice.
Summary:
The Juzear Clear is a successful follow up release to their debut 41t. It's v-shaped profile may not be for every listener. If you're looking for big deep bass and treble that doesn't take a back seat, you will find it here. Even though its not tuned to my personal preference, I do enjoy them when I'm in the mood for an energetic listening session. Taking price and accessories into account, the Clear is an easy recommendation if it suits your prefered tuning or for those looking to venture into something new.
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD on an LGv30+ and Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra. Iems were burned in for 30 hours prior to review.
Introduction:
● Juzear is a newer brand on the market and they made a name for themselves with the release of the 41t to mostly universal praise in 2023. The Clear features a single 10mm LCP dynamic driver. It's currently priced at $49.90, $120 less than the 41t.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
● The Clear are made from a nice blue resin and have an attractive understated design on the face. I was surprised at the size of the shell in person as it's quite small. I can't imagine fit will be an issue for most people, however, those looking for a deep insertion might not find it here. The included cable is one of the best stock cables I've owned and at this price point is surprising. It's a bit thick and nicely braided but not heavy. It also comes with varying sizes of both silicone and foam tips. The small brown zipper case is the cherry on top. Overall, the accessories are great. I did notice a slight driver flex from time to time when adjusting my fit but only if I inserted very deeply. Doesn't seem to affect the sound at all just a small nuisance.
Sound impressions:
● The Juzear Clear is a V-shaped iem with boosted bass and treble. The frequency response is not my prefered signature for everyday use but I do enjoy V-shaped iems in my rotation. The soundstage has plenty of width but seems to lack a bit of depth. Instruments have room to spread but sometimes compete on the same level of the stage. Technicalities are very capable at this price point, no complaints at all. The Clear really shine with rock, rap, and EDM but they still perform well with genres like soft pop, soft rock, and country as long as you don't mind the boosted bass.
●Lows - The star of the show! The sub bass rumble really reaches low. Its not the deepest I've heard but its the best in ths price point by far. The entire bass spectrum has good texture and slam. Their is no detectable bass bleed to my ears. If you're looking for neutral or Harman tuning, you will be overwhelmed by the bass levels. However, if you're looking for a deep rumble and thumping bass, the Clear will please most bassheads.
●Mids - In typical V-shaped fashion, the mids are scooped so they won't be featured as strongly here. The vocals do sound natural and both male and female voices have good weight and texture, just a bit recessed due to the tuning. To my ear, the vocals and mids are well placed and are not actually recessed much in comparison to the rest of the frequency response. I enjoy their presentation and never found myself wishing for a boost in the mids.
●Highs - Treble is elevated to round out the V-shaped profile. It has an energy and excitement that plays well with the boosted bass. Music gets fun and comes to life in the higher frequencies but over time can get a bit fatiguing. I did notice an occasional sibilant quality here but definitely not the worst I've heard. I think the elevated bass goes a long way to making sure the treble stays fun and not shrill. For those that are treble sensitive, you will want to look elsewhere for that big bassy iem that doesn't get as hot in the highs.
●Balanced:
The Clear are easy to drive so using a balanced connection with an amp isnt really necessary. Here i switched the cable to a NiceHCK Jialail JLY2 4.4mm and plugged it into the Hiby FC4. The bass sounds a bit fuller and the sub digs a little deeper with more power. The extra note weight on the bass helps to tame the slight treble peakiness I was picking up before. The sound is more colored and warmer with a bigger fuller bass that seems to bleed more into the midrange. My preference would be to drive them from the 3.5mm connection on the LGV30 or just a simple dongle since the bass was in a better spot without the extra juice.
Summary:
The Juzear Clear is a successful follow up release to their debut 41t. It's v-shaped profile may not be for every listener. If you're looking for big deep bass and treble that doesn't take a back seat, you will find it here. Even though its not tuned to my personal preference, I do enjoy them when I'm in the mood for an energetic listening session. Taking price and accessories into account, the Clear is an easy recommendation if it suits your prefered tuning or for those looking to venture into something new.
Thaslaya's ranking system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD on an LGv30+. Iems were burned in for 30 hours prior to review.
Introduction:
●7hz x Crinacle Zero 2 features a single 10mm dynamic driver. Like the original Zero, the 2 is a collaboration with acclaimed YouTuber and founder of In-Ear Fidelity, Crinacle. They are currently priced on Linsoul's site for $24.99 and are offered in 3 color variations.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
●The Zero 2 are mostly built from plastic. The build quality leaves a bit to be desired but considering the price it's understandable. The nozzle is on the shorter side which could mean fit issues for some that prefer a deeper insertion. I was able to obtain a good seal and fit with the included multicolored tips with no discomfort over long listening sessions. The included cable is touted as an upgrade over the original by 7Hz but I personally don't care for it at all. I substituted for a Xinhs gold cable.
Sound impressions:
●Technicalities and resolution take a hit but that's expected at this price point. The soundstage seems a bit narrow but overall satisfactory.
●Lows - Right off the bat I can tell the Zero 2 have a slight bass elevation. Sub bass can dig deep when pushed and mid bass slam is present without taking much away from other frequencies. The quality isn't the best and sometimes gets a bit bloated on certain tracks.
●Mid - To my ear, this is where the Zero 2 excels and gets things just right. Both female and male vocals sound great and are pushed forward slightly. The weight and texture are nice and there's no shoutiness.
●Highs - Treble is rolled off. I would have liked a bit more air and extension. On some tracks I detected a tiny bit of sibilance in S's, T's, and cymbals.
●Balanced:
Switching over to the Hiby FC4 and Pac480 4.4mm cable, the soundstage seemed to open up a bit more. Note weight gets a bit of a bump across the spectrum and the bass digs a little deeper. The Zero 2 seem to come more alive and i can hear more of an energy across all frequencies. There is definitely good scaling with power but with that comes an added energy that may be fatiguing over long listening sessions.
●Sample Tracks
Below are a few songs I used to form my impressions. Let's break down a few.
"Begin Again" - Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) - Taylor's voice has a bit of warmth and sounds great. The bass hits at the 0:31 mark and has a nice deep extension. Mid bass slam adds a nice weight without bleeding over into the mids. I do wish the soundstage was a bit wider and the treble extension went further to add more air.
"Sign of the Times" - Harry Styles - Harry's voice sounds perfectly placed at the beginning of the track. At the 1:21 mark the rest of the instruments hit and the whole spectrum gets more balanced with vocals taking a slight step back. Mid bass texture suffers on this track and sounds a bit bloated and boomy.
"Half of My Heart" - John Mayer - In the intro the guitar strumming timbre seems a bit off and metallic. John's voice is well placed at the front and has good timbre and weight. The elevated bass bleeds a little into the mids on this track.
"Save Your Tears" - The Weeknd - A nice intro with snare hits that don't have a hint of piercing quality. Sub bass hits well and deep at the 0:10 mark. The Weeknd's voice has good timbre and weight and seems to be well balanced. The highs have a bit of muted quality due to the treble roll off.
"I Hope You're Happy Now" - Carly Pearce & Lee Brice - A nice hitting bass right at the start does a good job of staying in its lane. Carly's voice has good timbre and weight. It is more forward throughout the song whereas Lee's sounds more balanced. A little more treble would help here to even out the spectrum.
●Summary:
The Zero 2 has carved out a space for itself in the very crowded ultra budget tier. At only $24.99, it is a competent iem and a fairly solid all-rounder. It excels with more intimate, vocal heavy music but starts to struggle on complicated tracks. If you're looking for a slightly bass elevated, warm tuning with forward vocals, rolled off treble, and you have $25 burning a hole in your pocket then definitely give the Zero 2 some consideration.
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD on an LGv30+. Iems were burned in for 30 hours prior to review.
Introduction:
●7hz x Crinacle Zero 2 features a single 10mm dynamic driver. Like the original Zero, the 2 is a collaboration with acclaimed YouTuber and founder of In-Ear Fidelity, Crinacle. They are currently priced on Linsoul's site for $24.99 and are offered in 3 color variations.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
●The Zero 2 are mostly built from plastic. The build quality leaves a bit to be desired but considering the price it's understandable. The nozzle is on the shorter side which could mean fit issues for some that prefer a deeper insertion. I was able to obtain a good seal and fit with the included multicolored tips with no discomfort over long listening sessions. The included cable is touted as an upgrade over the original by 7Hz but I personally don't care for it at all. I substituted for a Xinhs gold cable.
Sound impressions:
●Technicalities and resolution take a hit but that's expected at this price point. The soundstage seems a bit narrow but overall satisfactory.
●Lows - Right off the bat I can tell the Zero 2 have a slight bass elevation. Sub bass can dig deep when pushed and mid bass slam is present without taking much away from other frequencies. The quality isn't the best and sometimes gets a bit bloated on certain tracks.
●Mid - To my ear, this is where the Zero 2 excels and gets things just right. Both female and male vocals sound great and are pushed forward slightly. The weight and texture are nice and there's no shoutiness.
●Highs - Treble is rolled off. I would have liked a bit more air and extension. On some tracks I detected a tiny bit of sibilance in S's, T's, and cymbals.
●Balanced:
Switching over to the Hiby FC4 and Pac480 4.4mm cable, the soundstage seemed to open up a bit more. Note weight gets a bit of a bump across the spectrum and the bass digs a little deeper. The Zero 2 seem to come more alive and i can hear more of an energy across all frequencies. There is definitely good scaling with power but with that comes an added energy that may be fatiguing over long listening sessions.
●Sample Tracks
Below are a few songs I used to form my impressions. Let's break down a few.
"Begin Again" - Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) - Taylor's voice has a bit of warmth and sounds great. The bass hits at the 0:31 mark and has a nice deep extension. Mid bass slam adds a nice weight without bleeding over into the mids. I do wish the soundstage was a bit wider and the treble extension went further to add more air.
"Sign of the Times" - Harry Styles - Harry's voice sounds perfectly placed at the beginning of the track. At the 1:21 mark the rest of the instruments hit and the whole spectrum gets more balanced with vocals taking a slight step back. Mid bass texture suffers on this track and sounds a bit bloated and boomy.
"Half of My Heart" - John Mayer - In the intro the guitar strumming timbre seems a bit off and metallic. John's voice is well placed at the front and has good timbre and weight. The elevated bass bleeds a little into the mids on this track.
"Save Your Tears" - The Weeknd - A nice intro with snare hits that don't have a hint of piercing quality. Sub bass hits well and deep at the 0:10 mark. The Weeknd's voice has good timbre and weight and seems to be well balanced. The highs have a bit of muted quality due to the treble roll off.
"I Hope You're Happy Now" - Carly Pearce & Lee Brice - A nice hitting bass right at the start does a good job of staying in its lane. Carly's voice has good timbre and weight. It is more forward throughout the song whereas Lee's sounds more balanced. A little more treble would help here to even out the spectrum.
●Summary:
The Zero 2 has carved out a space for itself in the very crowded ultra budget tier. At only $24.99, it is a competent iem and a fairly solid all-rounder. It excels with more intimate, vocal heavy music but starts to struggle on complicated tracks. If you're looking for a slightly bass elevated, warm tuning with forward vocals, rolled off treble, and you have $25 burning a hole in your pocket then definitely give the Zero 2 some consideration.
Attachments
