Bought the first Zero when they first released. It was my second IEM ever, a considerable upgrade over the KZ ZSN Pro X, which was my first investment for my audio listening experience. I lost it 5 months ago, and since then I've been looking for an upgrade. But recently I realized that I don't see myself needing more than the Zero, so I bought another one! No regrets.
This is by far the best in-ear review I've come across. I've already made my choice between the two (I went with the Zero:2), but your perspective gave me a great insight into the design of other headphones on the market in a very well-articulated way. Thanks a lot!
Excellent comparison. Between these two, I much prefer the og zero. Yeah, it does have less bass and sound sibilant occasionally, but it's more neutral and that's rare in this price range.
The OG Zero is fairly unique at this price bracket and it’s driver is absolutely excellent for the price. I really like it. I found myself listening to it more during downtime while I evaluated these, but that also might be because the Zero:2 was my “beater” IEM for quite a while. Thanks for the comment!
100% you'll gain a little bass and lose a little treble, but they're very similar in sound. You'll gain an extra DD to handle the Bass, making the overall sound cleaner and a bit more detailed.
First of all -welcome back! Glad you are feeling better! This was probably the single best and most accurate IEM review I have watched to date 💯 A+. I own the original Zero, Zero 2, Wan'er Jade and the Ziigaat Nuo. I also briefly owned the Chu 2. I have not heard the Shark. They are all great choices! I use mine with the 7hz 71 dongle and it really helps them shine - especially the Zero 2 and the Nuo. If the Nuo had better sub bass I think it would easily compete with much higher priced IEM'S.
I really like the Nuo, it’s going to get a video at some point, but it’s a really good option. Thanks for the kind words! I’m going to try to get back in the groove! The flu sucks.
@@UFO-Audio hey , as i can see you have used all of these which one do you like more like if you would have to rank these. I am confused bw Tangzu , Chu 2 and Ziigaat ....i dont like much bass , a bit to fill the song is enough and i like vocals , instruments and music more . Can you please help me with it.
Hey man! Glad to have u back! Btw I have a bit of a question, I really enjoy the convenience of a DSP cabled IEM and I wanted to upgrade from my Moondrop CHU II. Do u have any suggestions? Thx in advance!
You have a few options. You can pick whatever you want and get a USB C DAC cable to hook up to it. Or you can get a straight up DSP IEM. The only ones I have experience with are the Moondrop May and the EW300. If you have an Android phone. I’d go for the Moondrop May, since you’ll be able to tweak the sound in the app and try different tunings. If you have an iPhone, grab the EW300. As far as USB C cables go, I actually don’t have a ton of experience with them, so I can’t recommend one, but look into how much noise, if any, they produce. Maybe I’ll look into doing a USB C Cable video.
@@faisalfirdausiinn4708 thanks for the rec! The issue for me how the cable connects to the IEM and makes the IEM sit in my ear- it ends up rotating the IEM right out of my ear haha. Think it could be fixed with a different cable, but ended up trading way up to an S08
I almost bought these. I was on the fence and another reviewer argued for the Zero Red because of the tuning, quality, the cable, the tips (including foam) and the pouch. If you were to get these (pouch, foam tips and, cable) you would surpass the cost of all of these. I don't regret the Zero Red being my first IEM. However, i found out I CHASE DETAIL and prefer brighter tunings, thus the C2, EDC Pro, CRA and the F1 Pro. But if I was starting from now, it would be really hard to recommend anything else but the Artti T10, especially when it's on sale for less than $60, which happens often enough; unless you do not like planars. Also, the Zero Red tracks fairly close to the Salnotes Zero in your squigs.
I'm editing the T10 review right now. Spoiler alert: You and I come to the same conclusion. :) Thanks for the comment. I have a video on the Truthear Zeros planned soonish. It makes sense that the Zeros all graph similar. They're all tuned by the same guy. The Truthear Zeros are a great step up from the 7Hz Zeros.
@@AudioAmigoReviews It's good to have you back. I already watched this video three times from withdrawal. 😁 Fun fact, the F1 Pro doesn't have an AutotEQ on Poweramp EQ, so I ended up using the Salnotes Dioko instead, also a Crinacle Collab.
@@wrbrown571 the F1 Pros were my daily driver Planars until the S08s came along. I realize that sounds crazy since the tuning is so different, but I still pull them out all the time. They’re in the special storage box rather than in with all the other sets.
@@AudioAmigoReviews I got my F1 Pro in a bundle with NiceHCKs PurpleSE 8-core Furukawa (which I think means, "magical" in Japanese) copper cable for $6 more ($105). They warmed up the tuning and brought in the staging a little, but at the cost of detail. So, I figured to put them on the Zero Red to see how they sooouuund...🤯. Gave them an intimate staging and made them sound oh soooo rich. I can't go back to the stock cable, as good as it is. I use the F1 Pro case to keep them because that cable is thick.
@@AudioAmigoReviews every time I am asked about recommendations, it's always "These are great...but the T10 exists." It is a fantastic disruptor. I would say it only has two downsides, one major, one minor. The major issue is that the shape of the shell is not condusive to everyone's ear shape. The rounded edges can sit on some peoples ears wrong, and cause hot spots. And some aftermarket cable can push the cable connector into the side of the ear and be irritating. Tip and cable rolling can fix most of these issues. The second issue is that, as a Planar, it really does need a proper Dongle DAC to give it enough power to truly shine, and show off its impressive dynamics.
I have a review of it on the channel, but it's my oldest review and I don't think it's up to my current standards. I think it's a fine IEM, but I think it's in a very crowded field with the Simgot EW100P and the Truthear Gate. All three sound very similar, and the Gate and EW100P have better cables and accessories. It does look better than the other two though. I personally prefer the Gate and the EW100P over the Wan'Er Studio.
Have been waiting for you to get well. Good to know it is now all good with the exception to Miss AA. i bet she look younger than you since she has slower recovery. For the cables from both 7Hz Salnotes' Zeros, i would rather have cable from KZ. For those eartips, all of them are useless for my ears, hence affecting my fittings... .. which means, i am one of those whom cannot get a proper fit based on default presentation. i managed to overcome this fitting issue by using Tangzu Tang Sancai wide bore eartips. Lots of your elaboration, i can agree with.. for example using pie comparison.. i would actually suggest anyone who are starting to get into this hobby to get both Zero and Zero 2 at the same time just to know what direction of their taste heading to. Now as the matter of my taste referring to the comparison on the table sorted from the most preferred to the least preferred.. (neglecting units i don't have) - Simgot EW100P - Salnotes Zero - Moondrop Chu 2 - Salnotes Zero 2 - Moondrop Chu - Tangzu Wan'Er SG
I have Zero and Chu2 but I'm disappointed with Chu2 as I've recieved faulty unit which has audio imbalance in which left side sounds quieter than the right side out of the box. I'm planning to return them. Got bored with Zeros and sometimes for some songs the vocals can become shouty. I'd like to listen to details of the music and prefer wider soundstage for gaming. What do you recommend for a second iem in the budget segment?
@@arg0x- If you thought the Zero was shouty, look into the Zero:2. It has more bass and less intense vocals. Might be that extra excitement you’re looking for with the boosted bass.
@AudioAmigoReviews Thank you for reply, I don't like more bass, just enough bass to enjoy every genre would be fine, what do you think about gate compare to zero? Does it more details and soundstage?
@ the Gate is more neutral than the Zero:2 and Zero. I would describe the Zero as Bright/Neutral, and the Zero:2 as Warm/Neutral. The Gate has more bass than the Zero, but less than the Zero:2 It also has less treble than the Zero, but more than the Zero:2. Slots neatly between them in my opinion.
I skipped the Zero, but bought the Zero:2, and was really unimpressed with it, and I always thought the bass sounded horribly grainy and thin, and it was better driver and more bass version. I would take the Truthear Gate over the Zero:2, but it was the downgrade from the now discontinued Truthear Hola. So now the QKZxHBB is my favorite in the under $20 bracket. The KZ Castor bass is a good pick too, and the Vader balanced has its charm as well. I have never tried the Wan’er, or the Nuo.
I also think if you are going to range out to $30, there are better options. The Kiwi Ears Cadenza, and Tanchjim One DSP, are very good, and sounded way better to my ears.
@@JohnClarkW I really like the ONE DSP, but the Cadenza just doesn't vibe with me for some reason. I've seen other people say similar things about the Zero:2 and I feel like they usually attribute it to insertion depth. It seems to be very dependent on having a certain insertion depth to sound good, which, to be fair, isn't a great thing. Thanks for providing your perspective!
@@emmanuelh6549 I’m planning on doing another double review like this featuring both the Zero and Zero:Red. Hopefully before the new updated version of the Truthear Zero(Blue) comes out
Just a micro point of clarification, the Tips are 3 different Types, in Two Available Sizes. All 3 sets come in Large and Medium. The Yellow(L) and Baby Blue(M) are a narrow bore, with a stiff barrell, and a Ball shaped flange. That helps to emphasize bass. The Red(L) and Orange(M) are a wide bore tip, with a soft barrel, and a soft conical flange, the barrel is recessed, which pushes the nozzle more forward in the tip, like you would expect from typical wide bore nozzle, but with a longer flange to help fitment and seal. These are a favorite of mine. Like a usual shallow wide bore tip, it helps to emphasize detail and treble response. The final two tips, Dark Blue(L) and Pink(M) are a "standard" tip. Average bore, medium density barrel, and a bullet shaped flange. Unlike the Red and Orange with the recessed barrel, the Blue and Pink barrels are flush with the bottom of the flange, keeping the nozzle in the bore, and offering a more traditional IEM fit, with minimal sound coloration.
Thanks for the clarification! I used the ones that fit me best to check for fit and if they ruined the sound, then switched to my testing tips as usual. Appreciate it!
Yep… that’s exactly why I mentioned it. I seem to see lots of reports of people who just can’t fit these properly. I didn’t experience it myself, but thanks for sharing the experience. It helps people looking for information.
I don’t have the OG Quarks DSP currently. I gave it to a friend a while back. But it has the Harmann style Midbass tuck that I don’t prefer. In my opinion it makes the lower mids sounds a little thin. But if Harmann style lower mids/treble is your thing then yeah, the Quarks DSP probably will sound better. Thanks for the comment! :)
@@AudioAmigoReviews harman perfection, clean bass, no metalic timbre, resolution and technicality is better, but even with dsp, wasn't perfect enough, i resold my zero after obtaining q dsp
Bought the first Zero when they first released. It was my second IEM ever, a considerable upgrade over the KZ ZSN Pro X, which was my first investment for my audio listening experience. I lost it 5 months ago, and since then I've been looking for an upgrade. But recently I realized that I don't see myself needing more than the Zero, so I bought another one! No regrets.
This is by far the best in-ear review I've come across. I've already made my choice between the two (I went with the Zero:2), but your perspective gave me a great insight into the design of other headphones on the market in a very well-articulated way. Thanks a lot!
@@dunha100a Thanks for the lovely comment. As a newcomer, things like this mean a lot.
PURE EXCELLENCE! LOVED IT! ❤
2years down the line u will be compared to the top audio reviews like crinicacle and others
Wow. Very kind words. Maybe someday! I’m going to keep slowly improving my style and presentation. Thanks for the wonderful comment. :)
Excellent comparison. Between these two, I much prefer the og zero. Yeah, it does have less bass and sound sibilant occasionally, but it's more neutral and that's rare in this price range.
The OG Zero is fairly unique at this price bracket and it’s driver is absolutely excellent for the price. I really like it. I found myself listening to it more during downtime while I evaluated these, but that also might be because the Zero:2 was my “beater” IEM for quite a while.
Thanks for the comment!
Do you think the Truthear Red is a good upgrade from the Salnotes Zero?
Thanks for the video btw!
100% you'll gain a little bass and lose a little treble, but they're very similar in sound. You'll gain an extra DD to handle the Bass, making the overall sound cleaner and a bit more detailed.
First of all -welcome back! Glad you are feeling better! This was probably the single best and most accurate IEM review I have watched to date 💯 A+. I own the original Zero, Zero 2, Wan'er Jade and the Ziigaat Nuo. I also briefly owned the Chu 2. I have not heard the Shark. They are all great choices! I use mine with the 7hz 71 dongle and it really helps them shine - especially the Zero 2 and the Nuo. If the Nuo had better sub bass I think it would easily compete with much higher priced IEM'S.
I really like the Nuo, it’s going to get a video at some point, but it’s a really good option.
Thanks for the kind words! I’m going to try to get back in the groove! The flu sucks.
@@AudioAmigoReviews Yes, the flu is horrible!
@@UFO-Audio hey , as i can see you have used all of these which one do you like more like if you would have to rank these. I am confused bw Tangzu , Chu 2 and Ziigaat ....i dont like much bass , a bit to fill the song is enough and i like vocals , instruments and music more . Can you please help me with it.
Guy should have more subscribers. Finally bought waners jade coming from a Kz zxn pro would be a great change of sound for me
Hey man! Glad to have u back!
Btw I have a bit of a question, I really enjoy the convenience of a DSP cabled IEM and I wanted to upgrade from my Moondrop CHU II. Do u have any suggestions? Thx in advance!
You have a few options. You can pick whatever you want and get a USB C DAC cable to hook up to it.
Or you can get a straight up DSP IEM.
The only ones I have experience with are the Moondrop May and the EW300.
If you have an Android phone. I’d go for the Moondrop May, since you’ll be able to tweak the sound in the app and try different tunings.
If you have an iPhone, grab the EW300.
As far as USB C cables go, I actually don’t have a ton of experience with them, so I can’t recommend one, but look into how much noise, if any, they produce.
Maybe I’ll look into doing a USB C Cable video.
Great review. You remind me of a young akros who is my favorite reviewer.
@@waterman1ify I really like Akros’ videos. My comparison section is heavily inspired by his videos.
Great to have you back! Always jealous of those whose ears fit the Zero:2- have tried a pair and just weren’t comfortable for me 😢
Get yourself Tangzu Tang Sancai wide bore eartips.
@@faisalfirdausiinn4708 thanks for the rec! The issue for me how the cable connects to the IEM and makes the IEM sit in my ear- it ends up rotating the IEM right out of my ear haha. Think it could be fixed with a different cable, but ended up trading way up to an S08
@@PixieHikoRaen i see.. seem it really because of cable issue.
no gate comparison? good video sir just thought that was interesting since it’s a newer release with similar-ish tuning to zero
@@1337wafflezz Gate is very similar to the EW100P.
Gate has more mid and sub-bass presence and isn’t quite as energetic in the treble as the Zero.
you grew faster than you anticipated since the review tuning is on the fun side hahaha
I like it! Maybe try to keep it at 30 min. Great comparisons.
I try to keep it under or around 30, but this was my first double review. I’ll try and cut down some for the next one. :)
I almost bought these. I was on the fence and another reviewer argued for the Zero Red because of the tuning, quality, the cable, the tips (including foam) and the pouch. If you were to get these (pouch, foam tips and, cable) you would surpass the cost of all of these. I don't regret the Zero Red being my first IEM. However, i found out I CHASE DETAIL and prefer brighter tunings, thus the C2, EDC Pro, CRA and the F1 Pro.
But if I was starting from now, it would be really hard to recommend anything else but the Artti T10, especially when it's on sale for less than $60, which happens often enough; unless you do not like planars.
Also, the Zero Red tracks fairly close to the Salnotes Zero in your squigs.
I'm editing the T10 review right now. Spoiler alert: You and I come to the same conclusion. :) Thanks for the comment. I have a video on the Truthear Zeros planned soonish. It makes sense that the Zeros all graph similar. They're all tuned by the same guy. The Truthear Zeros are a great step up from the 7Hz Zeros.
@@AudioAmigoReviews It's good to have you back. I already watched this video three times from withdrawal. 😁
Fun fact, the F1 Pro doesn't have an AutotEQ on Poweramp EQ, so I ended up using the Salnotes Dioko instead, also a Crinacle Collab.
@@wrbrown571 the F1 Pros were my daily driver Planars until the S08s came along. I realize that sounds crazy since the tuning is so different, but I still pull them out all the time. They’re in the special storage box rather than in with all the other sets.
@@AudioAmigoReviews I got my F1 Pro in a bundle with NiceHCKs PurpleSE 8-core Furukawa (which I think means, "magical" in Japanese) copper cable for $6 more ($105). They warmed up the tuning and brought in the staging a little, but at the cost of detail. So, I figured to put them on the Zero Red to see how they sooouuund...🤯. Gave them an intimate staging and made them sound oh soooo rich. I can't go back to the stock cable, as good as it is. I use the F1 Pro case to keep them because that cable is thick.
@@AudioAmigoReviews every time I am asked about recommendations, it's always "These are great...but the T10 exists."
It is a fantastic disruptor. I would say it only has two downsides, one major, one minor. The major issue is that the shape of the shell is not condusive to everyone's ear shape. The rounded edges can sit on some peoples ears wrong, and cause hot spots. And some aftermarket cable can push the cable connector into the side of the ear and be irritating. Tip and cable rolling can fix most of these issues. The second issue is that, as a Planar, it really does need a proper Dongle DAC to give it enough power to truly shine, and show off its impressive dynamics.
guess whos back... back again
Edit: btw you know where i can get OG moondrops chu??? any info is welcomed. :)
@@PERSONALEEMG YaoYaoTiger Audio Store on Aliexpress still seems to have some in stock. But they’re disappearing fast
@@AudioAmigoReviews i think i got one. fingers crossed. :)
Nice review! What do you think about the Wan Er Studio?
I have a review of it on the channel, but it's my oldest review and I don't think it's up to my current standards. I think it's a fine IEM, but I think it's in a very crowded field with the Simgot EW100P and the Truthear Gate. All three sound very similar, and the Gate and EW100P have better cables and accessories. It does look better than the other two though. I personally prefer the Gate and the EW100P over the Wan'Er Studio.
@@AudioAmigoReviews thanks for the reply
thank you very much for this great review as always. Nuo my second buy after kz zs10 pro x and Ilove them Ihave now delci but stell use them allot
The Nuos are seriously underrated. I think they came out at the same time as a bunch of other sets and might not have gotten the fanfare they deserve.
Have been waiting for you to get well. Good to know it is now all good with the exception to Miss AA.
i bet she look younger than you since she has slower recovery.
For the cables from both 7Hz Salnotes' Zeros, i would rather have cable from KZ.
For those eartips, all of them are useless for my ears, hence affecting my fittings...
.. which means, i am one of those whom cannot get a proper fit based on default presentation.
i managed to overcome this fitting issue by using Tangzu Tang Sancai wide bore eartips.
Lots of your elaboration, i can agree with..
for example using pie comparison..
i would actually suggest anyone who are starting to get into this hobby to get both Zero and Zero 2 at the same time just to know what direction of their taste heading to.
Now as the matter of my taste referring to the comparison on the table sorted from the most preferred to the least preferred..
(neglecting units i don't have)
- Simgot EW100P
- Salnotes Zero
- Moondrop Chu 2
- Salnotes Zero 2
- Moondrop Chu
- Tangzu Wan'Er SG
Thanks as always for sharing your perspective! I have a set of Sancais in both wide and standard bore, just missing the narrow.
I have Zero and Chu2 but I'm disappointed with Chu2 as I've recieved faulty unit which has audio imbalance in which left side sounds quieter than the right side out of the box. I'm planning to return them.
Got bored with Zeros and sometimes for some songs the vocals can become shouty. I'd like to listen to details of the music and prefer wider soundstage for gaming. What do you recommend for a second iem in the budget segment?
@@arg0x- If you thought the Zero was shouty, look into the Zero:2. It has more bass and less intense vocals. Might be that extra excitement you’re looking for with the boosted bass.
@AudioAmigoReviews Thank you for reply, I don't like more bass, just enough bass to enjoy every genre would be fine, what do you think about gate compare to zero? Does it more details and soundstage?
@ the Gate is more neutral than the Zero:2 and Zero.
I would describe the Zero as Bright/Neutral, and the Zero:2 as Warm/Neutral.
The Gate has more bass than the Zero, but less than the Zero:2
It also has less treble than the Zero, but more than the Zero:2.
Slots neatly between them in my opinion.
I skipped the Zero, but bought the Zero:2, and was really unimpressed with it, and I always thought the bass sounded horribly grainy and thin, and it was better driver and more bass version. I would take the Truthear Gate over the Zero:2, but it was the downgrade from the now discontinued Truthear Hola. So now the QKZxHBB is my favorite in the under $20 bracket. The KZ Castor bass is a good pick too, and the Vader balanced has its charm as well. I have never tried the Wan’er, or the Nuo.
I also think if you are going to range out to $30, there are better options. The Kiwi Ears Cadenza, and Tanchjim One DSP, are very good, and sounded way better to my ears.
@@JohnClarkW I really like the ONE DSP, but the Cadenza just doesn't vibe with me for some reason. I've seen other people say similar things about the Zero:2 and I feel like they usually attribute it to insertion depth. It seems to be very dependent on having a certain insertion depth to sound good, which, to be fair, isn't a great thing. Thanks for providing your perspective!
Awesome video
Will you be reviewing the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red anytime soon?
@@emmanuelh6549 I’m planning on doing another double review like this featuring both the Zero and Zero:Red.
Hopefully before the new updated version of the Truthear Zero(Blue) comes out
@@AudioAmigoReviews Great, looking forward to it! Didn't know a new blue was coming out, sounds interesting
Zero 2 vs EDC PRO ? Who wins?
For me, personally. Zero:2
Just a micro point of clarification, the Tips are 3 different Types, in Two Available Sizes. All 3 sets come in Large and Medium.
The Yellow(L) and Baby Blue(M) are a narrow bore, with a stiff barrell, and a Ball shaped flange. That helps to emphasize bass.
The Red(L) and Orange(M) are a wide bore tip, with a soft barrel, and a soft conical flange, the barrel is recessed, which pushes the nozzle more forward in the tip, like you would expect from typical wide bore nozzle, but with a longer flange to help fitment and seal. These are a favorite of mine. Like a usual shallow wide bore tip, it helps to emphasize detail and treble response.
The final two tips, Dark Blue(L) and Pink(M) are a "standard" tip. Average bore, medium density barrel, and a bullet shaped flange. Unlike the Red and Orange with the recessed barrel, the Blue and Pink barrels are flush with the bottom of the flange, keeping the nozzle in the bore, and offering a more traditional IEM fit, with minimal sound coloration.
Thanks for the clarification! I used the ones that fit me best to check for fit and if they ruined the sound, then switched to my testing tips as usual.
Appreciate it!
Thank you for the explanation. Much appreciated.
Unfortunately none of them fit my ears the best.
Neither manages to stay securely in my ears.
Yep… that’s exactly why I mentioned it. I seem to see lots of reports of people who just can’t fit these properly. I didn’t experience it myself, but thanks for sharing the experience. It helps people looking for information.
Get yourself Tangzu Tang Sancai wide bore eartips.
Inawaken dawn ms
@@ramadhan2628 working on it now. Should be shortly after the T10 review
Now posted if you haven’t seen it
Bro why are you shaking at 34:25 ?
Either residual chills from the flu, or a little too much caffeine. I was also a little nervous filming for the first time in a while.
@@AudioAmigoReviews bro take of yourself, it's important than anything else, i hope you'll be fine soon❤️
Pitty you didnt compare quarks 1 dsp, it will blew away both zeros:(
I don’t have the OG Quarks DSP currently. I gave it to a friend a while back. But it has the Harmann style Midbass tuck that I don’t prefer. In my opinion it makes the lower mids sounds a little thin. But if Harmann style lower mids/treble is your thing then yeah, the Quarks DSP probably will sound better.
Thanks for the comment! :)
@@AudioAmigoReviews harman perfection, clean bass, no metalic timbre, resolution and technicality is better, but even with dsp, wasn't perfect enough, i resold my zero after obtaining q dsp
Yoo am i the first🔥❤️