Saltnotes is the sub brand of 7Hz who released Timeless and Eternal previously and Salnotes Zero is a sharp U turn. But looks like a nicely performed U. Let’s see its details below in its review.
Pros
Musicality
Clarity
Analytical
Cons
Bass
Body
Dull in treble
Box, Cable, Salnotes Zero
Box is mundane and nearly KZ like. Contents are so so but enough for $20.
Cable is thin but strong. Do not expect a chin guard at this price level. Connectors are rather slim. This is compatible with its asking price too.
Salnotes Zero is tiny 3d printed 3 colored structure with a huge metallic backplate. It has 2 pins on top. But the first of its kind, 2 female pins are placed in a diagonal line. But its helping the fit and isolation and enthusiasm. A nice tuning move.
Driver: 10mm dynamic driver.
Impedance: >32ohm.
Sound pressure level: 108dB/v@1kHz.
Frequency response range: 10-20000Hz.
THD: <1%/1khz.
Cable connector: detachable 0.78mm 2Pin.
Sound
I am using dx300 to feed it with high and neutral sound. Let’s see if it’s worth all the hype in by reviewing in detail.Limehouse Blues of Jazz at the Pawnshop I am hearing a faint bass guitar in the intro. But the performance is gaining volume after the band ready set go! Presentation is forward. And mid centric for sure. Live on stage transparency is low. Looks like background details are mostly sacrificed in the name of enthusiastic sound.
Technical score: 7/10
Driving of Hans Zimmer Live in Prague is displaying how immersive it can be. Do not expect a Tin Hifi t2+ here but it is almost 120° half circle and you are standing in the middle. Despite the air to breathe, it is lacking in slam in many instruments and they can’t leave 3d traces save the smooth bass guitar. And the piano keys are showing an analytical character + chaotic atmosphere near the end of the track isn’t messed up as a budget iem
Centipede of Knife Party Intro is LQ yet clear. The electronic basses combined with splashy electronic treble are disturbing at 50/100 volume.
The Electro Suite of the same live album by Zimmer is showing ⅓ of what other big brothers are showing. And still not congested by the electro storm moments of this song. Oh the whispers are not that sharp and textured. And the last section the outro should have been an eargasm with all the elements in the same time but while still not congested, lack of bass punch and enthusiasm and clarity that was found in – say – S12 is resulting with a compressed, lackluster and boring sound performance…But pretty fine if $20 is the highest you can afford.
Playing God of Polyphia Intro section sounds LQ for me. I am hearing strings that are weak or thinner. Drummers double kicks can’t punch. Oddly, an analytical monster is hidden deep within Zero. And the bossa nova section is failing in tonality. The whistle like notes had to approach near with a certain volume.
Gaming First Impressions
All above 50/100 but all below 80/100. This means a somewhat good score and it’s neither a dirt cheap SQ iem which always bangs unnecessary bass. However not enough to create ear pressure or let you hear the surface enemies are walking on where + distance precisely.
Salnotes Zero Review Conclusions
A wonder for some, a big balloon of hype for others. This is what the worldwide community thinks. But I think its a good sounding iem with more than average technicalities and analytical approach stuck in a $20 shell limitation. If this tuning continues forward with less limits, we can have a legendary iem.