7Hz Salnotes Zero - From Zero To Hero?

Intro

What caught my attention about the 7Hz Salnotes Zero wasn’t just its price tag but its timing. Landing smack dab in the middle of a renaissance for budget IEMs, it piqued my curiosity. Yeah, I had my reservations—let’s face it, we’ve all been burned by ‘budget-friendly’ gear before.

Fairly enough, I was skeptical but not too bothered either way; after all, when you’re only dropping a Jackson and a Lincoln, it’s more about the surprise factor. And after using the 7Hz Salnotes Zero for a long time, I am happy to let you know that this surprise is a pleasant one.

---

---

The 7Hz Salnotes Zero came out amidst a groundswell of chatter claiming it’s part of the new vanguard in the sub-$50 IEM game. Everyone and their grandmother seemed to think this was the budget IEM to end all budget IEMs.

But then there was the Salnotes Dioko, 7Hz’s previous effort that I’d rather not recall. A cacophony of disappointment, that one. Like the feeling of stepping on a Lego.

Here’s where it gets tricky. With the kind of hype Zero was getting, one would think it’s the audio equivalent of discovering fire. I wanted to believe. Really, I did.

But the shadow of the Dioko loomed over me like a regrettable tattoo—permanent and embarrassing. So my expectations were a mixed bag, like trail mix with too many raisins.

You, Yes YOU: The 7Hz Salnotes Zeros are already a deal. Turn it into a steal by DMing the store in the link with the code "SBMAV49LQGR9" for an extra $2 dollars off!

Pros & Cons

Package & Accessories

• Box: Meh, but it’s what’s inside that counts.
• Cable: Good for a budget set, but don’t expect a quiet life.
• Tips: A bouquet of silicone for your ear canals.

That box might as well come with a ‘Handle Without Care’ sticker. But inside, you’re greeted with a cable that’s okay but can suddenly sound like sandpaper against your clothes.

The real star here? The tips. Six pairs, because clearly, the brand wants you to have a field day with options. Finally, a brand that thinks of the consumer—or just couldn’t decide what to ship, at which size or in which color. But hey, not complaining.

Comfort & Fit

Look, comfort’s the name of the game. We’re talking firm, we’re talking gentle and we’re talking cozy. Just need to find your favorite tips to use with it. After doing that, you can binge the entirety of “Dark Side of the Moon” without even a smidgen of ear fatigue. No, really. But let’s talk about those plastic guides, shall we? Slapping plastic on an IEM is like putting ketchup on a filet mignon. Why, 7Hz? Why?

Lows / Bass

Listen up, bass fiends. If you’re craving a thick, lush midbass, you might want to lower your expectations a notch. While the Salnotes Zero kicks with authority in the sub-bass department, especially in tracks that warrant it, it doesn’t venture too far into midbass territory. It’s like the introvert at a house party: present but not in your face.

But don’t let that deter you. There’s an upside here. By not going overboard with the midbass, these IEMs leave space for the rest of the sound spectrum to shine. It’s a sonic choice, and for some, it’s the right choice. If you appreciate a cleaner, more balanced audio profile where the bass doesn’t muddle the mids, this could very well be your next purchase.

All in all, for its budget-friendly price, the Salnotes Zero offers a bass that’s a mix of restraint and power. It gives you enough oomph to feel it, yet holds back just enough to let the rest of the soundstage come through. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all after—a balanced, well-considered sound?

Mids / Vocals

Here’s a newsflash: If you’re still settling for mediocre mids, you’re living a lie. These 7Hz Salnotes Zeros serve vocals on a no-nonsense, get-out-of-my-way platter. And get this, male and female vocals both soar—they’re not buried or veiled. They’re in your face, commanding your attention.

The surprise? This isn’t some top-shelf, elitist piece of tech. It’s a $20 ticket to clear, natural vocals. No dips, no peaks, just straight-up fidelity.

So, what’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one when it comes to mids. These IEMs deliver the kind of mid-range you’d expect from a unit five times its price. Stop your navel-gazing, get over your elitist tendencies, and give these a listen.

Highs / Treble

Highs are often where cheap IEMs fall flat on their face, like a tipsy tightrope walker. But the 7Hz Salnotes Zero? They walk that rope like a pro. The highs are present but never ear-splitting, like a polite party guest who knows when to shut up.

For those audio elitists who want to hear the pick scraping the guitar string—move along, this ain’t your rodeo. These highs won’t give you the sparkle you crave, but they also won’t give you a migraine. It’s a treble tightrope, and these IEMs walk it just fine.

So, it’s simple. If you want a $20 IEM that delivers highs you can live with—actually live with—here’s your answer. If you’re still whining about a lack of detail, go put your ear next to a cymbal and have someone bash it. See how you like those highs.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks. The 7Hz Salnotes Zero. These bad boys are a total jam for twenty bucks. They’re the Quentin Tarantino of the IEM world—flawed but still f*cking cool. Just don’t expect a Spielberg-level masterpiece in imaging, alright? A must-grab for anyone tired of overpriced audio gimmicks and I sure hope you are.