I couldn't get a hold of most of the IEMs from that 20 dollars category but I ended up finding a decent sound demo on TH-cam. My preference was towards the sound coming out of the 7hz zero, the original Chu and the Hola( Halo ? ). Out of these I was leaning towards the Zero because the tuning was banger and right down my alleyway. Definitely thinking about getting a pair now 😅. Tangent : Red Dead Redemption 2 is a stunning game. The music and ambient sounds especially are top class.
Hey Ryan, I just finished watching your review on the 7 Hz Salnote Zeros, and let me tell you, your observations were spot-on! The only problem is, issue of sibilance in these IEMs is quite noticeable, particularly in the S and T frequency ranges. It can be quite a challenge to fully enjoy the music when those sharp and perching sounds dominate the listening experience. Based on my personal experience, the Salnote Zeros seem to have a peak in the high frequencies that exacerbates the sibilance problem. The emphasis on the upper ranges makes the sibilant sounds more pronounced and fatiguing, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the audio. However, I'd like to suggest considering the BLON BL03 as an alternative within a similar price range. These IEMs strike an impressive balance between the highs and lows, delivering a smooth, pleasing, and non-fatiguing sound profile. The BLON BL03 is widely acclaimed for its excellent tuning, offering a warm and engaging sound signature that is truly delightful. It provides a breath of fresh air compared to the sibilant nature of the Salnote Zeros. With the BL03, you can expect a more relaxed and immersive listening experience without those piercing S and T sounds causing discomfort. Ryan, I want to commend you on your exceptional work in producing informative reviews. Your detailed analysis and insightful comparisons truly assist us audiophiles in making well-informed decisions. Keep up the fantastic work, and cheers to your continued success!
Well, I have not heard the qkz x hbb as of yet. However, I am currently listening to the TKZK Ouranos and I enjoy those genres on the TKZK if that matters. Salnotes does fine as well, I just thought the TKZK had a bit more punch/slam.
khalid, get planars especially for speed genre of metal. Instrument speration is king with planars. E.g. Letshuoer S12 , 7hz Timeless, 7hz Dioko (not as bassy compared to the other 2)
I've heard others recommending planar IEMs for speed of edm and that type of genre. I haven't listened that extensively yet into IEMs, and planars, but that may be something to look into.
As I heard so far, choose the Zero 2 if you want more bass, and less treble. It gives a warmer sound that has more bass emphasis for electronic, hip hop and rock music. I own the Zero 2. But, the Original Zero is also a great option if you want a brighter tone to your music. A , little less bass, but a bit more treble. Good for classical. Truthfully, it is up to you to decide, so you should get either depending on what you listen to.
I am looking for the best IEM in 20$ for gaming only. I am not into music. My main objective is to play competitive online shooter games. Need to hear them enemies from all around me very precisely
Good question but as of now I don't have the answer as there are so very many options in that price range. Soundstage especially is going to be hard to find "good" in IEMs simply because of the closed nature of them. I'd stick with the Zero for now as they are still very good for music and casual gaming.
Dun trust me!....once u get no way out..i start with Timeless then solid state system then electron tubes, i even rollin the tubes like frm 50s Then odin frm empire ear, do u know how much r those..Just Dont..peace!
I may bick up the cca and the Khan just to compare since I'm getting questions on both of those. Right now I couldn't tell you which other then do some research to see which you may prefer.
@@Skeeb23 Like my 7hz zero Sucks when it comes to Male voice like Won't go home without by Maroon 5, but it's great when it comes to female voice like You belong with me.
@@ozenixx yes it has screechy treble that's noticeable sometimes it's sharp but in daytime listening I have no problem Night time listening it can get screechy but sparkle is pretty good in vocals
Does anyone know of a long foam tip that fits the Salnotes Zero? The nozzle is bigger circumference wise. The reason why I want a long foam tip is because I noticed that these IEM's sound much better when I use my finger to push them in deeper. But when I let go the ear tips go back to normal and don't sound as good. It would have been better if the nozzle was longer. So I'm thinking a longer ear tip might work. Any suggestions are welcome. Remember though. The nozzle is around 5.7/6.7 (around the lip) circumference wise.
I use it in my pc in that front jack, and surprisingly there is no hissing or buzzing like i had with my KZ EDX; Also i don't even need to activate the headphone amp feature in the Realtek Audio Console (UWP app), because the volume in Windows 11 at 6-8% is already good enough to me. I can hear everything without my tinnitus getting worse lol
Ah whisky (or whiskey idk which one you have there) and IEMs, I love it!
It's a wonderful pairing of synergy!
I couldn't get a hold of most of the IEMs from that 20 dollars category but I ended up finding a decent sound demo on TH-cam. My preference was towards the sound coming out of the 7hz zero, the original Chu and the Hola( Halo ? ). Out of these I was leaning towards the Zero because the tuning was banger and right down my alleyway. Definitely thinking about getting a pair now 😅.
Tangent : Red Dead Redemption 2 is a stunning game. The music and ambient sounds especially are top class.
Hey Ryan, I just finished watching your review on the 7 Hz Salnote Zeros, and let me tell you, your observations were spot-on! The only problem is, issue of sibilance in these IEMs is quite noticeable, particularly in the S and T frequency ranges. It can be quite a challenge to fully enjoy the music when those sharp and perching sounds dominate the listening experience.
Based on my personal experience, the Salnote Zeros seem to have a peak in the high frequencies that exacerbates the sibilance problem. The emphasis on the upper ranges makes the sibilant sounds more pronounced and fatiguing, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the audio.
However, I'd like to suggest considering the BLON BL03 as an alternative within a similar price range. These IEMs strike an impressive balance between the highs and lows, delivering a smooth, pleasing, and non-fatiguing sound profile.
The BLON BL03 is widely acclaimed for its excellent tuning, offering a warm and engaging sound signature that is truly delightful. It provides a breath of fresh air compared to the sibilant nature of the Salnote Zeros. With the BL03, you can expect a more relaxed and immersive listening experience without those piercing S and T sounds causing discomfort.
Ryan, I want to commend you on your exceptional work in producing informative reviews. Your detailed analysis and insightful comparisons truly assist us audiophiles in making well-informed decisions. Keep up the fantastic work, and cheers to your continued success!
I will add the Blon to my list to check out at some point. I appreciate the kind words as well!
With right ear tips and perfectly fit with ur ear this 20$ is enough for me it's just like this iems was made for me
Great review. Can you do a Review NiceHCK eb2s??
I'll add it to things to try, just not sure when that may be. Thank you!
if I usually listen to metal and rock, is it better to buy 7hz salnotes zero mecha or qkz x hbb?
Well, I have not heard the qkz x hbb as of yet. However, I am currently listening to the TKZK Ouranos and I enjoy those genres on the TKZK if that matters. Salnotes does fine as well, I just thought the TKZK had a bit more punch/slam.
khalid, get planars especially for speed genre of metal. Instrument speration is king with planars.
E.g. Letshuoer S12 , 7hz Timeless, 7hz Dioko (not as bassy compared to the other 2)
Plzz recommend best iem for edm coz i love zayn and 1d songs
I've heard others recommending planar IEMs for speed of edm and that type of genre. I haven't listened that extensively yet into IEMs, and planars, but that may be something to look into.
IMO planars have a very funless bass, for edm you should look for lots of bass and treble, something like ikko oh10 or fiio fh3
7hz salote zero or zero2?
As I heard so far, choose the Zero 2 if you want more bass, and less treble. It gives a warmer sound that has more bass emphasis for electronic, hip hop and rock music. I own the Zero 2.
But, the Original Zero is also a great option if you want a brighter tone to your music. A , little less bass, but a bit more treble. Good for classical.
Truthfully, it is up to you to decide, so you should get either depending on what you listen to.
I am looking for the best IEM in 20$ for gaming only. I am not into music. My main objective is to play competitive online shooter games. Need to hear them enemies from all around me very precisely
I like them very much than my hyper x cloud core... salnotes zero is very much good
@@abhishekpattnaik8577 Yes, you're right. I ended up buying a pair.
What better than this zero in sound stage and imaging under 30$
Good question but as of now I don't have the answer as there are so very many options in that price range. Soundstage especially is going to be hard to find "good" in IEMs simply because of the closed nature of them. I'd stick with the Zero for now as they are still very good for music and casual gaming.
@@Skeeb23 zvx now
How's tangzu wan'er
@@MegaRahul5000 marvellous and detailed. Best under 20$
If you wnat to go number 1 with the buller in that category, then Blon BL 03
Dun trust me!....once u get no way out..i start with Timeless then solid state system then electron tubes, i even rollin the tubes like frm 50s Then odin frm empire ear, do u know how much r those..Just Dont..peace!
CCA CRA+ or 7hz Saltnote Zero ?
I may bick up the cca and the Khan just to compare since I'm getting questions on both of those. Right now I couldn't tell you which other then do some research to see which you may prefer.
is it good for gaming? any alternative under20 bucks?
I gamed with it and it was fine. Great for immersion more so than competitive though.
@@Skeeb23 immersion like what story games?
do you find your 7hz zero peaky when it comes to High?, cus I have my 7hz zero and its peaky on highs.
I don't find them peaky but my tolerance may be different. What are you using for source and have you tried different sources?
@@Skeeb23 Like my 7hz zero Sucks when it comes to Male voice like Won't go home without by Maroon 5, but it's great when it comes to female voice like You belong with me.
@@ozenixx For one you should not be listening to such a terrible band.. Maroon 5? come on man!
@@ozenixx yes it has screechy treble that's noticeable sometimes it's sharp but in daytime listening I have no problem
Night time listening it can get screechy but sparkle is pretty good in vocals
Yes I do feel the same that's why I don't use them for anything other than competitive gaming.
Does anyone know of a long foam tip that fits the Salnotes Zero? The nozzle is bigger circumference wise. The reason why I want a long foam tip is because I noticed that these IEM's sound much better when I use my finger to push them in deeper. But when I let go the ear tips go back to normal and don't sound as good. It would have been better if the nozzle was longer. So I'm thinking a longer ear tip might work. Any suggestions are welcome. Remember though. The nozzle is around 5.7/6.7 (around the lip) circumference wise.
I forgot to mention that many IEM nozzles are 5mm. The Salnotes Zero is 5.7/6.7 (around the lip).
what about using no dac only the phone or the pc?
Yes, you're good. I showed the dongle because many phones don't have the 3.5m port on them these days.
@@Skeeb23 great man thanks
I use it in my pc in that front jack, and surprisingly there is no hissing or buzzing like i had with my KZ EDX; Also i don't even need to activate the headphone amp feature in the Realtek Audio Console (UWP app), because the volume in Windows 11 at 6-8% is already good enough to me. I can hear everything without my tinnitus getting worse lol
Addias. Korn. !!
7hz zero or kz zsn pro x?
Kz leak glue and ruins the drivers over time, don't get them
That cable sucks