If you’re looking for a well-balanced, natural-sounding IEM Earphones at a budget price, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero might just be your next pair of earphones. But wait — the story doesn’t end here. There’s a lot more to talk about: how it feels in daily use, how the sound quality really performs, and how it compares to other best-sellers IEMs like the Tangzu Wan’er S.G, Moondrop Chu II, KZ Castor Pro, Fiio JD1, and even its sibling, the Salnotes Zero 2.
7Hz Salnotes Zero Specifications
| Brand | 7Hz |
| Model | Salnotes Zero |
| Driver Type | 10mm Dynamic Driver (Metal Composite Diaphragm) |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Sensitivity | 108dB ±1dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 20kHz |
| Connector | 0.78mm 2-Pin Detachable Cable |
| Cable Type | High-Purity OFC Cable |
| Plug Type | 3.5mm, Type-C |
| Build Material | Plastic Shell with Metal Faceplate |
| Microphone | Yes (Single Mic with In-line Controls) |
| Weight | Approx. 11g (earbuds only) |
| Sound Signature | Neutral & Balanced |
Box Content
Design & Comfort
I’ve been using the 7Hz Salnotes Zero for about a month as my daily driver, and overall, my experience has been great.
Design-wise, it’s a bit different from the usual IEMs. While most budget earphones come with a rounded or triangular shell, this one has a blocky design and colorful ear tips, which might look a little unusual at first. Personally, I find the design interesting — it feels unique and a bit premium. The housing is made of plastic, but the metal faceplate on top adds a nice touch and gives it a better feel in hand.
Even though it looks a little bulky, it’s actually lightweight and very comfortable to wear for long hours. The thick upper cable section helps distribute weight and keeps pressure off your ears, which improves comfort during long listening or gaming sessions.
I also asked a few friends to test it, and most of them had no issues with fit or comfort. The medium-sized shell gives a good seal and blocks outside noise effectively, so you get a nice immersive experience even in noisy surroundings.
Build Quality & Microphone
The build quality is solid for the price. It comes with a 0.78mm 2-pin OFC cable that feels durable and doesn’t tangle easily. The connectors and inline remote are made of metal, adding to the overall premium feel.
However, one thing to note — the 2-pin connector might loosen over time with frequent use. It’s a common issue with many IEMs using similar connectors, but apart from that, there’s no major concern.
The inline microphone is decent too. It’s located on the right side and comes with volume buttons and a multi-function control for calls and music. Mic quality is good enough for daily calls and even light gaming — nothing extraordinary, but reliable for everyday use.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s talk about what matters most — sound quality.
This is where the 7Hz Salnotes Zero really shines.
It offers a natural and balanced sound signature that’s rare in this price range. Instead of boosting the bass or treble, it focuses on clarity, detail, and balance. If you love hearing every instrument clearly and prefer a neutral sound profile, you’ll enjoy this one. But if you’re a basshead looking for heavy thump and punch, this might not be your cup of tea.
Bass
The bass here is tight and controlled. It focuses more on sub-bass rather than mid-bass, so you’ll feel a subtle rumble when needed, but not that strong, boomy punch. The good thing is — the bass doesn’t bleed into the mids, which keeps the sound clean and clear. This makes it perfect for classical, jazz, acoustic, or vocal-focused music.
Midrange
The midrange is one of the best in this price range. Both male and female vocals sound natural, clear, and detailed. Instruments are well-separated, and the overall tone feels smooth and realistic.
There’s a slight boost in the upper mids, which adds brightness and helps bring out finer details in vocals and instruments.
Treble
The treble is clean and detailed with a bit of sparkle. It’s on the brighter side, but not harsh. Even if you’re sensitive to treble, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. And if you do find it sharp, you can easily fix that with foam tips or minor EQ adjustments.
Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage is decently wide — not too narrow, not too open — just right for the price. You get a good sense of direction, and even in complex tracks, instrument placement remains clear. Imaging and separation are impressive, making the Zero a strong performer for its budget.
Overall, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero sounds neutral, detailed, and well-balanced — ideal for those who like natural sound or want an affordable IEM that can reveal fine audio details.
Gaming Performance
Surprisingly, the Salnotes Zero also works quite well for competitive gaming. Thanks to its clear upper mids and wide soundstage, you can easily detect footsteps and directional sounds in FPS games.
However, since the bass isn’t heavy, story or action games may feel less exciting — but for competitive gaming and clarity-focused sound, it performs really well.
Worth to Buy 7Hz Salnotes Zero ?
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is a rare gem in the budget IEM category. It delivers clean, natural, and balanced audio, excellent comfort, and reliable build quality — all at a very affordable price (around ₹1,800 / ~$20–25).
It’s not for bass lovers, but if you value clarity, detail, and true-to-source sound, this is easily one of the best choices under ₹2000 ($20).
Comparisons
As mentioned earlier, the Salnotes Zero stands out because of its unique, neutral tuning.
Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives:
- Moondrop Chu II / Salnotes Zero 2 – Similar balanced and natural sound, but with slightly warmer tuning and a touch more bass.
- Tangzu Wan’er S.G – A mix of balanced and V-shaped tuning with more energy and lifted bass/treble. Great if you want more excitement in the sound.
- KZ Castor Pro – Fun, V-shaped tuning with strong bass and a lively sound. Best for those who like energetic, punchy music.
- Fiio JD1 – A more budget-friendly option with decent balance but not as detailed as the Zero.
So, if you prefer natural, reference-like sound, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is still the best pick in this price segment.
