The TRN MT3 and the 7Hz Salnotes Zero come from two different brands but they share many similarities, especially in terms of sound. This had me thinking about how they’d do when compared with each other.
I’ve reviewed these IEMs in separate posts so it would be worth checking these out if you want a more detailed analysis of how they sound.
These IEMs were both released in 2022 when many groundbreaking releases hit the market. One of these releases was the 7Hz Salnotes Zero which made a name for itself.
So is the TRN MT3 a worthy opponent? We’re going to find out in this article.
TRN MT3 vs. 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Sound Signature
The sound signature of the TRN MT3 is in the middle of a neutral and V-shaped signature.
It has a noticeable boost on the top and bottom ends of the tune, which immediately creates a pleasing sound. It also has a sparkle on the top end, though not as pleasant.
The mixture of two signatures perfectly enables the audio to be pleasing while keeping a bit of preciseness.
The TRN MT3 is for you if:
- You like a V-Shaped signature with a hint of preciseness.
- You like a more colorful and fun sound.
- You like a sense of airiness with a pleasing listening experience.
Since the 7Hz Salnotes Zero has a neutral sound signature, it highlights the upper frequencies, making the vocals more pronounced over other instruments.
The bass is punchy but only rumbles a little, which some might find lacking.
The Salnotes 7HZ Zero is for you if:
- You like a neutral sound signature.
- You like a sound focusing on higher frequencies, pronouncing the vocals over the instruments.
- You like an accurate yet not-so-heavy sound.
TRN MT3 vs. 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Sound Quality
Since these IEMs have different sound signatures, we’ll look at how well they produce a good quality sound for their price.
I also chose a handful of characteristics to help us understand how they differ.
Overall, the sound quality of the TRN MT3 is average but still decent for its price. It’s an ideal choice for casual listeners or those who only need a little clarity and detail, as they can still enjoy a decent-quality listen for an affordable price.
Compared to other TRN IEMs, the soundstage of the TRN MT3 isn’t as jaw-dropping. The sound imaging is also relatively small, though it has a reasonably linear and average width.
On the other hand, the detail retrieval is decent and suitable for its price.
As for its sound elements and performance, it’s displayed on a flat plane with minimal depth. This lack of significant separation between frequencies can cause mixes to appear cluttered and affect the user’s overall listening experience.
The bass is generally colored, tight, and snappy. It provides a decent punch to the initial attack of a waveform. Though the tone is small, the timbre is still evident and well-articulated.
As for the mids, the distinction between the different instruments used is there, but their individuality appears thin.
Lastly, the highs can be harsh for sensitive listeners.
The TRN MT3 is for you if:
- You like a budget-friendly choice with quality decent for its price.
- You like a sound with punchy bass and clear highs.
- You like a simple and comfortable sound.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is excellent in terms of detail retrieval and imaging.
Compared to TRN MT3, this IEM adds the right amount of sparkle and airiness, ensuring a good listening experience without sibilance or harsh frequencies.
Though its soundstage is modest and not well-defined, this highlights high frequencies and is perfect for users who like to focus on vocals.
The sonic quality of this IEM is also a bit poor, which is expected for its price. It doesn’t sound insufferable but you can expect that the resolution and clarity are average at most.
The bass of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is deep with substance. It’s present, slow, and pleasing, plus it gives the right punch even though it lacks rumble. The bass is present enough to give body to the mix, though it’s not meant for bass heads.
The midrange is natural and generally well-balanced, giving the sound an excellent overall presence.
Lastly, though the treble extends relatively well, it can be harsh for sensitive listeners or those who don’t prefer bright tunes.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is for you if:
- You like a pleasing treble that rolls off gently.
- You like a relaxed midrange with less bass and more focus on the vocals.
- You like a convincing soundstage for an affordable price.
TRN MT3 vs. 7Hz Salnotes Zero: Caveats
The quality of the TRN MT3 is decent for its price, though it can only be average at most.
It’s not recommended for listeners who prefer to listen to their tunes with resolution, clarity, and detail because of the lack of personality in the individual notes and frequencies.
It has messy mids and a nonexistent impact in the sub-bass. It also doesn’t take advantage of its space, creating a sound that lacks texture and fullness. The highs also only extend slightly outside the color tones and aren’t meant for vocals.
As expected, one of the main weaknesses of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is its lack of proper bass output.
It fails to immerse the user in the space of the sound but still creates a convincing soundstage.
Though it relatively shines with EDM, minimalist, rap, rock, and house music, it can be disappointing for bass heads who prefer to listen to heavier and fuller sounds.
Its resolution and clarity also could be better, but the midrange still creates a generally pleasing sound. However, for non-bright listeners, its treble’s high frequencies and imbalances can be fatiguing and annoying.
Conclusion
All in all, the better option is still the 7Hz Salnotes Zero.
Although some may find the better bass presence of the TRN MT3 compelling in terms of overall performance and sound quality, the Salnotes Zero is still unmatched because it has a much more refined tuning.
The TRN MT3 is still a good option if you want more bass on your IEMs but other than that, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero wins this match.
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 2024-10-31 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.