Introduction
The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero is a newly released in-ear monitor that promises impressive sound quality at an affordable price point. It features a 10mm carbon nanotube dynamic driver and has been tuned to deliver a brighter, more energetic sound compared to the original Heart Mirror. In this review, we will take a close look at the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance of the HZSound Heart Mirror Zero to see if it lives up to expectations.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
HZSound Heart Mirror Zero
Specifications
- Driver unit: 10mm diaphragm
- Rated impedance: 32 Ohm (±15%)
- THD: <1%@1Khz
- Sensitivity: 123dB
- Plug: 3.5mm L-shaped
- FR range: 15Hz-40Khz
Individual ratings
The bass lacks depth and impact but has decent texture.
The midrange has great clarity, intimacy, and detail in the vocal range. There's a slight emphasis that makes vocals sound crisp but also slightly hard at times.
The treble is lively, with good extension and energy without being too sharp. Cymbals have a nice shimmer.
The soundstage is intimate in width but has decent depth. Imaging is good.
Instrumentation separation is excellent thanks to the revealing tuning. The texture reproduction is very nice.
The dynamic driver provides snappy, agile transients that sound quick and crisp. Micro-dynamics and articulation are good.
The resolution is very good considering the price. Details in recordings come through with clarity and precision.
With CNC-machined zinc alloy shells, removable cables, and premium materials, the build quality is excellent for the price.
Thanks to the contoured shape and angled nozzles, the IEMs are very comfortable to wear for hours without fatigue.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
With its premium build and energetic sound, the Heart Mirror Zero delivers impressive performance and value. While the lean bass and occasionally strident treble may not work for everyone, those looking for detailed mids and highs at an affordable price will find a lot to like. The Heart Mirror Zero punches above its class.
Pros
- Clear, detailed sound with good articulation
- Intimate vocals with nice texture
- Energetic, extended treble
- Great separation and imaging
- Excellent build for the price
- Good fit for small ears
Cons
- Bass lacks depth and impact
- Slightly aggressive upper mids
- Average soundstage size
- Can sound bright or metallic at times
Music Genres
Suitable
- I would recommend trying out some energetic pop rock music with the HZSound Heart Mirror Zero IEMs. The slightly v-shaped tonality can make guitars, drums, and vocals come alive in well-recorded pop rock tracks. Artists like Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Coldplay, and Muse have great production quality that will let the strengths of HZSound Heart Mirror Zero shine. The combination of intimate vocals, crisp guitars, punchy drums, and sparkly cymbals can be extremely engaging.
Not Suitable
- While more bass-heavy pop and rock won't be done full justice, focusing on well-recorded pop rock with a wide dynamic range can make for an immersive, fun listen.
Equalization Tips
- Here are some simple EQ tips to adjust the HZSound Heart Mirror Zero's sound:
- Add 2-3 dB to the sub-bass and mid-bass for a bit more body and warmth to the thinner low end. Start at 60 Hz and boost down to around 200 Hz.
- Reduce the upper mids/lower treble by 1-2 dB between 2-4 kHz to smooth out the harshness and reduce listening fatigue.
- Consider reducing the 8–10 kHz region by 1 dB if the treble energy becomes too strident.
- Applying some gentle boosts to the lows paired with small cuts to the upper mids and lower treble can help balance out the V-shaped tuning for a more natural tone. Avoid large boosts or cuts, and tweak subtly.
1. Packaging
- HZSound Heart Mirror Zero
- 6 Sets Of eartips Of Two Different Bore Sizes (Small And Wide Bore)
- Warranty card
- Cable
- Carry Pouch
2. Design And Build Quality
The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero has a sleek, minimalist design with CNC-machined zinc alloy ear shells that have been hand-polished for a premium, glossy look. The build quality feels solid and durable. The packaging includes a nice selection of silicone and foam eartips, as well as a compact storage pouch. The interchangeable cable uses 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and is made from high-purity OFC copper with silver plating. Overall, the design and build quality are excellent for the price.
3. Comfort
Thanks to the small, contoured shape of the IEM housing, the Heart Mirror Zero is very comfortable to wear. It sits flush in the ear, and the angled nozzles help achieve a secure fit. The inclusion of different ear tip sizes and styles also makes it easy to get the right seal. I was able to wear them for hours without fatigue. Those with small ears may find the fit even better.
4. Sound Quality Of The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero
I. Tonality
The Heart Mirror Zero has a bright, slightly v-shaped tonality with an emphasized treble and upper mids. The bass is lean and neutral, while the midrange has a forward vocal presentation. Overall, the tuning provides a clean, revealing sound that is engaging but not as natural or balanced as compared to a neutral monitor.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero
III. Bass Response
The bass is linear and extended but lacks impact or warmth. Sub-bass rumble is minimized in favor of a clean mid-bass punch and faster decay. Drums and basslines sound tight and controlled but not very full or hard-hitting. Bassheads may want more low-end power and depth.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange has great clarity and intimacy in the vocal range. Both male and female voices sound forward and detailed. There is a slight emphasis in the upper mids that makes vocals sound crisp but also imparts a subtle hardness to the presentation at times. Overall, midrange reproduction is a strength.
V. Treble Response
The treble is lively, with good extension and sparkle up top. It avoids being too sharp or sibilant while still retaining plenty of air and energy. Cymbals shimmer nicely, and high-frequency textures come through clearly. The brightness helps with articulation but can occasionally sound slightly metallic.
5. Technicalities Of The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The Heart Mirror Zero produces an average sense of space, with a soundstage that is intimate in width but has decent depth. Imaging is good, with the ability to convey directionality and layering accurately. The forward midrange limits the projection of space somewhat.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Thanks to the revealing tuning, instrumentation separation is excellent. The lean bass provides a black background that allows minute details to emerge clearly in the mix. Texture reproduction is very nice across the spectrum, from bass to treble.
III. Dynamics And Speed
The 10mm dynamic driver provides snappy, agile transients that sound quick and crisp. While macro-dynamics and impact are just average, micro-dynamics and articulation are quite good, resulting in an engaging, nuanced delivery of fine details.
IV. Resolution
Considering the price, the resolution is very good. The amount of detail present in recordings comes through with clarity and precision. The definition in the mids and treble is impressive, while the bass has nice texture despite the roll-off.
6. Comparisons
HZSound Heart Mirror Zero Vs Moondrop Aria
Compared to the Moondrop Aria, the HZSound Heart Mirror Zero has more sub-bass roll-off, resulting in thinner lows, but has greater upper midrange presence for more vocal intimacy. The Aria sounds smoother and more natural, while the Heart Mirror Zero is more revealing and detailed.
HZSound Heart Mirror Zero Vs Tin HiFi T3 Plus
The Tin HiFi T3 Plus has a warmer, bassier sound compared to the lean low-end of the Heart Mirror Zero. The T3 Plus has a more even midrange, while the Zero is brighter with more upper-mid emphasis. The Zero has the edge in resolution and detail retrieval.
For more comparisons, click here: Comparisons
7. FAQs
Q. Who Should Buy The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero?
Due to the brighter tuning, this IEM would not be ideal for treble-sensitive listeners who prefer a dark, smooth sound. The emphasis on the upper mids and lower treble could become fatiguing over time. Low-treble-sensitive listeners may find them harsh.
Q: How is the noise isolation?
With a good seal from the ear tips, the isolation is about average for an IEM. Some ambient noise will still filter in.
Q: Are they durable enough for gym or active use?
Thanks to the metal housings and removable cable, they should withstand sweat and exercise when used with care.
Q: Does the Heart Mirror Zero need a DAC or amp to sound good?
They are efficient enough to be driven well by most portable devices, but a warmer source can help tame the brightness.
Q. Is HZSound Heart Mirror Zero suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
No.
8. Conclusion
The HZSound Heart Mirror Zero delivers an impressive combination of sound quality and technical performance in an ultra-affordable in-ear monitor. It boasts a detailed, revealing sound signature that brings out nuances in vocals and instruments. The midrange has excellent clarity and intimacy, with male and female voices sounding crisp and articulate. Treble extension is good, adding air and sparkle without being overly sharp.
While the bass lacks some depth and impact, the Heart Mirror Zero makes up for it with stunning levels of separation, imaging, and detail retrieval that compete with pricier models. The resolution and articulation are truly remarkable for an IEM under $100. Combined with the premium metal build and removable cable, it provides tremendous value.
The brighter tonality won't suit every listener, and bassheads should look elsewhere. But for those seeking an affordable IEM with crystalline mids and highs, the HZSound Heart Mirror Zero is a stellar option that punches far above its weight. It's a great choice for vocal-centric, acoustic, jazz, and classical genres if you can accept the lighter lows. For the price, it's hard to find a better combination of build, fit, and detailed sound.
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User Ratings
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