The QKZ X HBB and the Salnotes 7hz Zero are two of the most popular IEM releases for the better part of 2022, so weighing them up against each other in terms of performance would be exciting.
These IEMs could easily dominate the $20 market with their excellent build and sound quality for their price.
In this article, we’re looking at how each of these IEMs performs when compared with the other.
QKZ x HBB vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Sound Signature
The collaborative IEM from QKZ and HBB, known as QKZ X HBB, has a warm sound signature, allowing users to immerse themselves in a comforting listening experience.
The bass of the sound is more pronounced, with the right amount of rumble. It also has a great midrange, and the high frequencies of the sound were balanced. However, it’s worth noting that the bass could sometimes drown out the vocals.
The QKZ X HBB is for you if:
- You like a warm sound signature.
- You like a more chill, comfortable, and pleasant sound.
- You like a diluted, less heavy sound.
One of the most notable things about the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is the presence of sparkle and airiness in the sound. This is something you’d be able to catch upon listening for the first time.
The sound is precise, clear, and perfect for vocal-focused sounds. However, compared to QKZ X HBB, the bass of these IEMs needs to be improved.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is for you if:
- You like an airy sound with sparkles.
- You like a vocal-focused sound rather than one that focuses on instrumentals.
- You like a precise and detailed sound.
QKZ x HBB vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Sound Quality
Since these IEMs differ in terms of their sound signature, we’ll be looking at how well they produce good quality sound for their price.
I also picked a handful of stuff that sets them apart from each other. Both IEMs have been in-depth reviewed individually, but we’ll now look at them side-by-side.
Overall, the sound quality of QKZ X HBB is remarkable in terms of its focus on instrumentals.
The low to mid ends, with the perfect focus on bass and its warm sound, overall, makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy some chill tracks. These IEMs are great for tracks or tracks with heavier bass.
It creates a better soundstage and allows users to fully immerse themselves in the experience due to its space-occupying capabilities.
With their sub-bass and mid-bass, these IEMs create a thick and rich sound while maintaining smoothness to create the perfect listening experience.
The midrange of the QKZ X HBB is clear, natural, and leaner than the bass, but it maintains harmony and warmth.
Lastly, the treble is sweet, non-offensive, and sparkly. One can truly appreciate the different instruments used in the songs they listen to while using the QKZ X HBB.
The QKZ X HBB is for you if:
- You like a wider soundstage that feels like it’s in front of you.
- You like a clean and non-offensive sound while emphasizing the bass.
- You like a thick and rich sound.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero also had good soundstage detail and clarity. However, compared to QKZ x HBB’s sound-occupying ability, the soundstage of the Salnotes Zero is modest and not super-defined.
In terms of detail retrieval, 7Hz Salnotes Zero can reveal fine details in the mix because of its sparkly top end and treble frequencies. This characteristic allows the user to enjoy a precise, vocally-focused sound.
The bass of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is mainly sub-bass, which can sound flat when used for tracks with heavier bass.
Meanwhile, its midrange is well-balanced, with the track being transparent and clear. The boost on the upper midrange is also smooth and non-fatiguing for users.
Lastly, the treble extends relatively well, providing sparkle and airiness. It generally rolls off gently, creating an overall pleasing sound. However, note that the upper treble can be somewhat fatiguing and harsh for sensitive listeners.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is for you if:
- You like a natural-sounding midrange and less bass.
- You like a clean, relaxed, yet precise sound.
- You like an airy and sparkly top-end sound.
QKZ x HBB vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Caveats
Although one of its main strengths, the warm sound of QKZ X HBB, can also be its weakness.
It can be a miss, especially for users who prefer vocals to be more pronounced in the tracks they’re listening to.
Since the IEM mainly focuses on bass, the subwoofers can drown most vocals, especially those of female singers, with their lower frequencies. On the bright side, this IEM is heaven-sent for those who prefer heavier bass, as it can elevate the experience of listening to bass-focused genres.
With its excellent and high-quality low-end frequencies, it’s unquestionably worth the value of your money.
On the other hand, the main weakness of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero would be its lack of bass output.
The imbalance can annoy those who prefer a more pronounced bass when they listen to music, leading to an unsatisfying experience.
It also can’t entirely create a soundstage wherein the user can immerse themselves in the space of the sound. Though clear and generally creates a pleasing sound, the high frequencies of its treble can be fatiguing for sensitive listeners.
Nonetheless, these IEMs are a great choice for those who prefer midrange frequencies and vocally-focused tracks.
It won’t make your jaw drop because of its characteristics, but it still creates a decent sound output better than many IEMS in the same price range.
Final Thoughts
Each of these IEMs caters to different genres, but both have an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
The QKZ x HBB has a warm signature, perfect for those who look want a more fun-sounding and enjoyable sound characteristic.
In contrast, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero has a neutral sound signature, which is phenomenal in bringing forward details and vocals in a mix.
Your choice ultimately depends on your preference, and you can do no wrong with either of them as they’re both solid entry-level pieces of audio gear.
A man of many interests, Querho is passionate about discovering new things that stimulate the mind. When he is not writing about the things he is passionate about, Querho can be found making music at his home studio.
This post was last updated on 2025-02-06 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.