Sound Impressions: Lows
Now let’s talk about the sound. The sound has a gentle w-shaped signature with a bit more emphasis on the bass. To begin talking about the low range, what I’ve noticed from Zero 2 is the thick and dense bassline. The bass flows in cleanly and has a good thickness to it, making the bass grooves stand out in resolution. Low-range also has good color and driving power that gives energetic dynamics and amplitude.
Another thing that Zero 2 does well is that the bass quantity and reverbs are very well controlled, keeping the bass response tidy at all times. Ultra-lows are pleasantly presented but not strong, since Zero 2’s general bass quantity is on the calmer side. Ultra-lows serve as a complementary for the sub-bass, finding a good balance between bass extension and cleanliness. The bass overall has a clean aftertaste. This is one of the characteristics that Astell & Kern desires. Zero 2 brings out a generous dynamic for the bass reverbs but knows when and where to stop them. This makes the bass stay clean and agile.
Sound Impressions: Mids
Another important element that Astell & Kern find important as cleanliness is good accuracy. Zero 2 has a clean, full-bodied, and agile response. Mids take a step forward from the bass and keep the vocals thoroughly clear.
Vocals have a very neutral, reference-based sound that is added with a touch of pleasant sweetness. It’s a type of sound signature that focuses on enhancing the texture and charms of the source music. Zero 2 shows quite some shine to the vocals yet it isn’t excessive or pierce the ears. Yet still, those who prefer dark and warm sounds may feel a bit overwhelmed. the vocal flows and timbre are very consistent, causing no sibilance or spikes throughout the mid-range.
If I have to describe Zero 2’s mids and highs in one sentence, I would say they are “tastefully” colorless and odorless. The upper frequencies desire absolute transparency, yet what makes Zero 2 appealing is it still sounds fun and rich. The pleasure of faithfully reproducing the music source’s original tone offers a refreshing feeling – like drinking a cool cup of ice water on a hot summer day.
Sound Impressions: Highs, etc.
The quadbrid drivers richly play audio tracks that involve a variety of textures and instrumental details. Zero 2 excels in separation and treble details while not boosting the quantity excessively. Some tracks involve intense treble details that are on the verge of sounding chaotic and shouty, yet Zero 2 plays the treble in a well-analyzed, orderly manner.
As apparent as it is, Zero 2 has strict reference tuning and prioritizes transparency for the tone. This gives enough air for the upper frequencies to feel open-ended. The trebles are on the shiny side but not overwhelmingly bright. The soundstage is above average, having the headroom roomy and generous but not grand or expansive. It’s more of a studio-sized feeling.
Compared to Astell&Kern Zero 1
Zero 2 overall has a bigger sound that expands and scales larger. The soundstage is noticeably better on Zero 2 as it feels wider, engaging, and airier. The Zero 2 shares the core sound characteristics with Zero 1 but the upper frequencies are significantly advanced. There are great improvements in general resolution, performance, and technicality that are worth calling an overhaul of the original.
Trebles are also clearer and crispier, hence bringing in a lot more information and details. Zero 2 has a cooler, brighter tone that introduces much more transparency and open-ended vastness. In comparison, Zero 1 is more laid back, smoother, and darker in sound.
Although Zero 2 takes a definite win when it comes to technical performance and resolution, Zero 1 remains just as ideal as there are clear differences in sound signature. Those who prefer a dark, fatigue-free sound would prefer Zero 1 due to the smoother, warmer sound. Sound isn’t all about stats but more about taste, so choose as you prefer.
Verdicts
Nowadays I feel like we audiophiles get easily bored out by sounds we’re familiar with. Meanwhile, the true and honest-sounding nature of Zero 2 keeps the ears feeling refreshed and entertained for longer periods. Just as making delicious dishes with simple natural ingredients is more sophisticated than using lots of taste and flavor enhancers, Zero 2 desires an organic sound that is also tasteful to listen to. If you’re looking for a pair of IEMs topped with the latest hybrid tech and a thoroughly natural sound, Astell & Kern is here to suggest something attractive, very attractive.
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