Zero Zero 2X
Electric Scooters

Zero

Zero 2 x Crinacle: What Real Users Actually Think

Mar 2026

Last Analyzed

8/10

Overall Rating

15

Positive Reviews

5

Negative Reviews

Summary

The Salnotes Zero 2 x Crinacle is a budget IEM collaboration tuned for a slightly relaxed, treble-focused sound signature that many users find easy to listen to for extended sessions. Sentiment across Reddit is overwhelmingly positive for its price tier, with most owners describing it as punching well above its $20 price point. It appeals to both newcomers exploring the IEM hobby and veterans looking for a no-fuss daily driver. The Zero 2 is more treble-forward than its predecessor, making it a divisive upgrade for bass lovers but a natural pick for those who prefer a cleaner, more detailed presentation. Community consensus leans toward it being one of the best budget IEMs available right now.

Pros

  • Exceptional value at under $20 — users consistently describe it as delivering a sound quality that rivals IEMs several times its price
  • Relaxed, easy-to-listen-to tuning makes it comfortable for hours of continuous use without fatigue
  • More pronounced bass and smoother treble compared to the original Zero, addressing one of its predecessor's main criticisms
  • Crinacle's tuning collaboration lends it credibility and a measurably refined frequency response
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit makes it a practical daily driver for commuting and casual listening
  • Pairs well with budget DAC/amp dongles like the Moondrop Dawn Pro, making an excellent affordable end-to-end setup

Cons

  • Bass is noticeably light when used directly with Android devices without EQ — users report it improves significantly on PC or with a dedicated DAC
  • Treble-heavy tuning is a step away from the original Zero's character, alienating fans of the first iteration who preferred its warmer sound
  • Build quality concerns — at least one user reported driver failure in both ears within six weeks of normal use
  • Detachable cable uses a standard 2-pin 0.78mm connector but the stock cable is considered basic, with many users immediately upgrading to aftermarket options like the Tripowin Zonie
  • At the $150+ diminishing returns threshold, alternatives like the Kiwi Ear KE4 or Juzear 61T are considered meaningful upgrades by experienced hobbyists
  • The 'budget endgame' label overstates the case — Reddit's more experienced users put the real diminishing returns point closer to $150, not $20

Drivers Failed in Both Ears Within Six Weeks

One recurring concern in Reddit threads is build durability — at least one user reported the right driver failing first, followed by the left the next day. While they attributed one failure to user error, the other felt unprompted. At $20 it may be a risk worth taking, but it's worth factoring in before calling it an endgame purchase.

The $20 IEM That Made Audiophiles Question Their $1,000 Gear

A recurring theme in Zero 2 threads is users discovering that a friend or colleague prefers a sub-$30 IEM over a $1,000 flagship. The Zero 2 has become a go-to example in Reddit debates about diminishing returns in the audiophile hobby, with even experienced collectors admitting it holds its own against much pricier competition for casual listening.

Zero 2 vs Zero: Reddit Is Split on Whether It's Actually Better

Not everyone agrees the Zero 2 is an upgrade. Users who loved the original Zero's warmer, bass-leaning character find the Zero 2's treble-heavy signature to be a lateral move at best. The debate has spawned detailed comparison threads where ownership experience often determines the verdict more than any objective measurement.

User Reviews (20 of 105 analyzed)

30
0
Technical_Instance28r/iems11d agopositive

So......having amassed a silly collection of sub £50 iems [and things like the Timeless], I pulled the trigger on these. I knew the hype, but, wow. They are stellar and with the current 20% off on Amazon were about £20. That's nuts.

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25
0
softmetalheadr/iems11d agopositive

I personally don't have the zero 2, but i do have the chu 2 and wan'er and yes i agree with you... We have basically reached the point where a cheap, less than 20$ IEMs do an amazing job delivering 99% of the experience any much more expensive IEM advertises... Basically if you're happy with the sound, don't fall for the hype that you need to upgrade to get a much better sound... It really doesn't get much better than this and to find this out you will spend way too much money to find out.

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24
0
Fatal_Furriestr/iems11d agopositive

It's wholesome if supposed 'audiophiles' would post more achievable setups and recommendations. There are users in places like East Asia, Africa, the Balkans, etc who could greatly benefit from these type of posts. A lot, i mean most recommendations are good natured, but sometimes the commenters just don't get there are audiophiles in other countries that may struggle to even afford $10 IEMs.

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7
0
OmenchoEaterr/iems11d agopositive

Yeah, sadly, a lot of people in this hobby religiously believe you must spend at least like ~$400 on an IEM before you can feel satisfied with what you have. This hobby Is about what people like, but also what they need, but a lot of people deep in the hobby believe that what they want and need should be the superior pick cause they like It, so It must be the Best.

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6
0
Heretical_Adiencer/iems11d agopositive

Considering how awesome budget IEMs sound, I wonder if the price of expensive IEMs truly reflects the extra cost of premium design and production, or if the high price tag serves as advertising in of itself. My buddy, who dragged me down this rabbit hole of audiophilia, almost never listens to his $1000 Monarch MKII (which he bought only because it sat at the top of Crinacle's list) because he prefers his sub $30 Chu II and CCA CRA+.

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5
0
ThePukar/iems11d agopositive

These and kz castors (even cheaper with more bass) I enjoy more than my more expensive sets. The Zero 2 is really light and comfy, the castor are great fun and buying both is cheaper than most entry level options. Listening through a Moondrop dawn pro dongle DAC.

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4
0
rivieryr/iems11d agopositive

I'm addicted to budget IEMs and about how we came to the point of - technicalities apart - we can have a true stellar sound spending less than $30. At home I use some expensive ones, but I have a KZ ZVX ($12) as my daily driver and it sounds noticeably better than more expensive IEMs I used in the past, and it's well tuned enough to satisfy any casual listening, imo.

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4
0
RudeRickr/iems11d agopositive

Try the Tripowin x 0diBi: Vivace

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3
0
roladyzatorr/iems11d agopositive

I think they're very good but are even better with the slight adjustments (two peak filters) provided at the end of the review at ASR. Just a bit of sparkle that was missing is added by this.

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3
0
RPrabhAr/iems11d agopositive

Well, it is a hobby. And like a lot of other things, you could achieve a result that would satisfy the majority of population for a fraction of the cost, but some people like being able to get that extra few percent difference.

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2
0
nosolodickr/iems11d agonegative

I've just wrecked the cable on my 2nd set of Salnotes Zeroes - the usb-c is less annoying but it isn't set up for daily driver status like my old SoundMagics were.

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1
0
ApolloMoonLandingsr/iems11d agopositive

The Zero 2 is one of the nicer sounding budget IEMs. The Zero 2 has a slightly relaxing overall sound signature such that the Zero 2 is easy to listen to for hours.

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1
0
Only_Chemistarar/iems11d agonegative

Me personally? Its a horrid IEM tuning wise, way prefer the first iteration (Which I dont like, but not as much as this), I had better experience with Wan'er (both before and after silent revision) and second hand Kiwi Cadenza.

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1
0
An_Pasawayr/iems11d agonegative

The number '2' in the product name gives it the impression that it is an 'upgrade', but it's not. They simply reworked the sound quality to focus more on treble. However, bass is almost non-existent when listening to music on android. A PC at least allows you to use the equalizer but even then, bass is the last thing on the list. Salnotes 1 - for bass lovers. Salnotes 2 - treble focus.

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1
0
pusongswordr/iems11d agonegative

No. If you consider its price wherever you are as 'budget' then there are a lot better iem at lower prices. That zero 2 is overpriced.

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1
0
bbuky01r/iems11d agopositive

Yep it's good for the money.

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1
0
SnakeOrignaler/iems11d agopositive

How are they? I've got the original Zeros!

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1
0
Worth-Example1136r/iems11d agonegative

I only very recently got into iems but my experience with the 7hz zero 2 x crinacle has been amazing! However, the driver in the right ear broke around a month and a half after I got them. The left ear driver broke the next day but I'll be completely honest in saying that the left ear was probably my fault, however I don't feel the right ear was my fault. I'm looking for similar pairs because I don't want to run the risk of them breaking again so fast.

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1
0
TaxMain7933r/iems11d agopositive

The linear tuning upgrade to those will be the Kiwi ear KE4 for 150-200dlls, but if you are willing to try I would recommend you first The Shozy P20 4.4mm(amazing set for 70dlls sounds like a 300dlls but it needs that 4.4mm and a dac), or the Ew300/Explorer all below 100dlls.

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1
0
Mod4rchiver/iems11d agopositive

Its good

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