Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED REVIEW!

The Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Red is a follow up to the popular original Zero, and similarly packs a dual-driver config with a unique crossover design. But this time, rather than aiming to hit the industry standard Harman target, the Red edition is after Crinacle's own target. Does that make it better? I've been listening for weeks to find out.
See the Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Red on Squiglink: squig.link/?share=Super_22_Ta...
00:00 Intro & Pricing
02:05 What's in the box
04:30 Build quality
06:40 Fit & comfort
09:15 Sound signature
10:45 Sound: What I like
12:45 Sound: What I don't
14:05 vs. Hexa, OG Zero, and Moondrop LAN & Aria
24:00 Conclusion & Rating
On Amazon: amzn.to/3WQTy0m
On AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE3...
On Shenzhen Audio: shenzhenaudio.com/products/tr...
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Disclosure: This video is NOT sponsored, but retailer Shenzhen Audio did send these earphones to me free for review. Check them out at shenzhenaudio.com/
Music by Birocratic. Check him out on Soundcloud: / birocratic
#Crinacle #Truthear #IEMs #earphones #headphones #audio #audiophile #SuperReview

[@FabioKasper]

Link to the QA?

[@SuperReview]

Boom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZmcY2Oshq5_ocU

[@FabioKasper]

Great. Thanks.

[@jdllim]

I really admire how you’re able to do these reviews so damn well, all in one take (live!)

[@SuperReview]

I appreciate the comment, as the person doing these I can only see my mistakes 😭

[@InternetUser69]

great review, i really liked the comparison part that you included in this one video!

[@Lancerris]

Chill, soft, well spoken, great simple detail and comparisons make this great to give perspective. Thank you!

[@SuperReview]

🤙

[@astroporpoise7802]

I really like your reviewing style, and so cool to do it live! Subbed and looking forward to the next live vid! :)

[@dandzolino]

Hey Mark, thanks for a great review! Well done man. Love your channel. Ordered mine a while ago and still waiting. Good you gave the comparison to some of the iem's I already own so I know what to expect. Very grateful!

[@SuperReview]

Curious for your take when you get 'em since we've got a similar frame of reference 🤙

[@RenimakBagio]

And how does it sounds is it good

[@kuya24]

I appreciate the detail and sincerity of your reviews. You also have a cool vibe. :)

[@Another_Audiophile]

I have both now and the bass on the red is wayyyy better in terms of amount, extension and separation from the mids.

[@kloningankumain4802]

Still like my hexa, but still searching alternative 🙏🙏🙏 thanks for review

[@matiaserp]

Sound: 10:14

[@markevinlagsac3252]

it's the cleanest iem to play around with impedance adapters.

[@kujiko88]

Gotta say, these sound real tempting as a bday gift for my roommate. He listens to rap, classic rock, and metal a lot, and a boosted low end sounds right up his alley. Had him try out the aria and hexa and he leaned more towards the aria but wished for more bass. This might be just the right fit for him.

[@blank-jo1xp]

It sounds like he might prefer the original zero more

[@kujiko88]

@@blank-jo1xp Maybe. If he doesn't like these I'll order some originals for him eventually as well. Or maybe an HBB collab or something. Those are known for typically being very bassy

[@zerotactix5739]

If bass is what you're looking for, the 7hz Legato would take the cake? It's too bassy from what I hear, but that is what your friend might be into.

[@Tony_zr]

@@kujiko88take a look at the Hbb Khans those have very punch bass he may like they’re also very similar to the Zeros.

[@atliulf]

Gorgeous review, as always! The question is a bit off topic of the video, but it is very interesting to know your opinion about the Truthear Hexa and Juzear 41t. Which ones do you recommend? (Double price, but is the sound quality a multiple of 41t?). The frequency response is very similar, I want to try this tuning, but I don't know what to choose.

[@SuperReview]

I'll do a video for the 41T and make that comparison.

[@deathjunior7755]

Seems my set will be here tomorrow, pretty stoked. They won't replace my other IEMS, but I like the idea of having the set. Zero 1 and Zero v2. The sub roll off in the zero 1 is one of my favorites. Should be fun to compare them to the Hexa as well.

[@SuperReview]

Comparison is half the fun.

[@roadtonever]

Please share your impressions.

[@deathjunior7755]

@@roadtonever They are pretty great all things considered. Among my truthears I'll still pick my hexa over them just because I think the hexas are more resolving, particularly in the upper midrange. The tuning is probably my favorite at this price point that I have tried. They remind me a lot of my dusks as far as tuning goes. For whatever reason the original zeros feel a bit smoother in the sub bass region especially the deeper sub 50 Hz range. Haven't tried the reds with the impedence adapter yet, that should be fun. At this point I have the bulk of crins iems, definetly everything dusk or below. I'd say reds stack up quite well for value. Though if you gave me the choice of the blue zero, red zero, salnotes zero, or KZ Crinnacle Zero I'm taking the KZ. They have a weird sparkle in the upper treble I love and for my ears near perfect fitment. The shell on the KZ is my favorite IEM shell for comfort to date.

[@MrBookluck]

@@deathjunior7755 what sounds more like the dusk? the red zero or hexa?

[@deathjunior7755]

@@MrBookluck in truth neither. The hexas do a better job in the clarity department. Just cleaner more detailed sound on symbols and high hats and have more air about them in quieter tracks but I expect that given the balanced armatures. The dual dynamics in the reds can't quite get to that level. But the reds are smoother in the low end and have a response curve closer to the dusks. If moneys no object I'd go hexa but if you don't like balanced armatures, like the bass kick or want to save a bit the reds are quite good. If your using them as a benchmark to decide if you'll like the dusks tuning then I'd go with reds. Otherwise if your getting one set of earbuds I'm going hexa. I find myself picking my hexas out of the drawer far more often than I expected.

[@taidee]

I think Crin's idea here is that if possible you get both Zeros, compare and be more informed as to which target reference you prefer between the Harman and the IEF.

[@qcao]

My personal take - Crin's rendition of IEF target sits about the Harman IE 2016v2. Meanwhile the tuning is more compatible on the Hexa, and the drivers of the Zero would be technically superior under the practice of Harman IE 2019v2.

[@loganpreshaw4430]

You don't even really need to do that: You can EQ the original Zero to the Red's signature using the settings Crin describes in his Red video and make the comparisons that way. They're both nearly identical beyond distortion performance and sub to tweeter crossover, so it should be a pretty accurate representation.

[@matsudakodo]

Before the Zero Red was released I did a lot of EQ to the Zero Blues to smooth out its harsh treble (I couldn't listen to it stock). The sound is nearly perfect and closer matches my home theater system now. Good stuff for $50.

[@mistaxyz2869]

Which frequencies did you cut and by how much?

[@matsudakodo]

@@mistaxyz2869 Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 2.4 dB Q 2.200 Filter 2: ON PK Fc 80 Hz Gain -3.6 dB Q 0.800 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 100 Hz Gain -1.0 dB Q 2.000 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 175 Hz Gain 1.8 dB Q 1.800 Filter 5: OFF PK Fc 1100 Hz Gain -0.6 dB Q 2.000 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 2750 Hz Gain -3.2 dB Q 1.000 Filter 7: ON PK Fc 5000 Hz Gain -5.5 dB Q 2.000 Filter 8: ON PK Fc 7500 Hz Gain -4.2 dB Q 5.000 Adjust bass to your device and taste.

[@matsudakodo]

@@mistaxyz2869 the biggest cut is to the 5 kHz area, which was the most grating

[@realmountainman]

Great review! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Simgot EA500 vs the Hexa in the sub $100 space

[@SuperReview]

Spoiler: I prefer Hexa, but I do have a short review for EA500 coming soon.

[@LuciferArc1]

​​@@SuperReview hexa just has a smooth sound to it. It's not great in any area aside from treble but I think that's why they're great. They do everything nice with no major emphasis. Just an analytical listen

[@jaderbraz3730]

Mark, I received my Zero Red 4 days ago. I'm using it with daq sennheiser gsx 1200 and I'm loving it!

[@SuperReview]

Neat DAC/amp, I hadn't heard of that before.

[@jaderbraz3730]

@@SuperReview Gsx 1200 sennheiser, Pro Gaming Audio Amplifier! search there!

[@shitori_1410]

Hi, have you tried the Sounpeats Engine 4? Is it worth it over Sparks?

[@Weareonenation303]

I've been listening to a set I bought off Ali 2 months ago but didn't open. This is currently what I'd recommend to newcomers who have a budget of 50 bucks. Tone is very inoffensive with no real drawbacks other than one nitpick: Treble is not every extended. Stock cable sucks, it's something you'd expect on a 20 dollar IEM.

[@dandudnik3885]

What exactly about cable is bad? Is it impact sound and what you would suggest to change it too?

[@johnmcvicker6728]

I like these and driven with a headphone amp sounds even better. Good IEM for a band player who might want that bass boost. I would like to offer a suggestion. If you could actually show the Squiggle graphs more than hand movement, it could help describe the sound signature better. I know you intend well but hand movement doesn't offer me too much and makes me just want to listen to the video and not watch.

[@Nashmite]

Sorry. Maybe someone can explain to me how I'm reading the frequency response wrong in Squiglink of the Hexa next to the Red. I bought the two and am listening to them side-by-side, and I read them the same way Mark does; the Red being more bass-forward. But the graphs show the Hexa at a higher dB from about upper-midrange 700kHz, all the way down. I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I sent out for the Aria, the Chu 2, the Zero: Red, and the Hexa. Aria lost immediately; too bass-heavy, muddy and painfully flairs out the bottoms of my ear (flaps?) to wedge them in there. Next out was the Chu 2; although they fit nice and had a nice, weighty-metal heft, they also had slightly too much bass and the cable was horrible for micro-vibrations that didn't stop at the ear-wraps (like I had hoped). Finally (and the most frustrating), the Hexa had to go. Hexa is my favorite of all of them for aesthetics, fit and comfort. I think clarity of vocals and separation of instruments are the most important aspects to me, and every time I switch to the Hexa, it felt hollow and muddy (in comparison). Not a horrible iem at all. Just didn't stack up against the Red in my ears. I would "cleanse the pallet" every so often by listening to the original Neraphones, which hits pretty close to my optimum sound signature. Again, I was really hoping that the Hexa would even just tie or come close to tieing with the Red, to justify the extra $25 with comfort. Oh well. In 5 years, the $50 earbuds will sound as good as the $500 stuff today. That's just how it goes. (adjusted for inflation, of course.)

[@snowjack101]

So how good are the Red's for gaming?

[@quackgarage9551]

Best $50 i've ever spent. It blows the Hexa to pieces. It's just ridiculously good for what it costs and the tuning is amazing. Sure, might be a bit too bass heavy but it's tastefully done so.

[@usmanmansoor1998]

Great review. I listen to music over open back headphones. I want to experience IEMs, so as a starter do you recommend zero-red? And for DAC what is your recommendation; 1. Fiio KA1. 2. Fiio KA2. 3. Fiio KA11. 4. ifi go link. Appreciate for solving!

[@SuperReview]

The DAC is not important, a $9 Apple dongle is good.

[@NullusTristis]

would this compare similarly to the Thieaudio Legacy 2? Was wondering if the extra price for the Legacy makes a difference?

[@wiesolos]

19:17 a little cute punch 👍

[@SuperReview]

✊

[@thyagolea0]

What a good review! I have the Kiwi Cadenza and would like your opinion, do you think it's worth the upgrade?

[@joebuddy6074]

Did you eventually upgrade?

[@thyagolea0]

@@joebuddy6074 Yes dear friend. In my opinion, worth the upgrade. But keep it in mind, the Red is a little bit warm. But extremely musical.

[@joebuddy6074]

@@thyagolea0 thank you sir 👊🏼

[@CHAINZGAMINGG]

I have blon bl 03 which one will i like if i want to upgrade from those zero red or moondrop aria 2

[@pisderata]

Basically should had been with Hexa not Zero, missed chance

[@matiaserp]

Hexa Red would be awesome.

[@MillerTM]

He should do that, however change the shell, the HEXA shell is very uncomfortable.

[@Zmyszen]

Crinacle said he didn't want his collaborations to interfere with each other and $80 is way too close to $99 Dioko. So: 20$ -> 7hz Zero 50$ -> Truthear Zero 100$ -> 7hz Dioko There's just no space for 80$ IEM

[@st.altair4936]

It'd be 85$ I assume, and would compete with his Dioko that's 100$

[@bharatjeevan]

Excellent review! I'm fairly new to IEMs. Do I really have to get a DAC in addition to the Zero Red ? Can I just plug them into my PC or android phone and get a really good sound ?

[@SuperReview]

You might be fine with your PC or phone, but a $9 Apple dongle is a cheap way to guarantee your DAC isn't a bottleneck.

[@bharatjeevan]

@@SuperReview Thanks for clarifying 👍🏼

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Mark, I received my Zero Red 2 days ago. It’s lovely and boring. It goes in my kit for backup IEM when traveling as it’s quite comfortable and I get a good seal. It pairs nicely with my Khadar Tea and the Questyle M15 gets a bit more oomph in the listen off of iPhone, Z Fold 4 and the Sony NW A306. Nice vid

[@roadtonever]

"Boring" is a very feminine way to describe an IEM.

[@qcao]

​@@roadtonever how come? 😮

[@kudzu01]

Boring in terms of sound, or boring in terms of appearance?

[@qcao]

@@kudzu01 He must've said that it has an adorable appearance, while attaining a plain, about natural sounding as it gets.

[@bigherb]

​@@roadtonever🤡

[@WakeUpB2P]

Hi, thx for the review, just wondering, can i drive those on my smartphone ? I mean are they easy to drive ? I have a old Samsung galaxy s8 and i'm wondering if i'll be abble to enjoy those iems completely just plugged into my phone.

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@Entyipo]

Lol I liked the Kingdom Hearts joke at the very beginning. I actually came from a Kingdom Hearts video and started wondering if another video's audio was playing in place of this video

[@SuperReview]

LOL

[@anthonylee14]

I love my T2 Plus, but they have one fatal flaw for me: I can't get tips to stay on them. In terms of sound, they're pretty much perfect for me, especially their mild, but "high-quality" bass, and their timbre and microdetail retrieval. Should I get the Red?

[@miki890098]

I know it's an old comment, but have you considered trying different tips?

[@anthonylee14]

@@miki890098 I tried the ePro horn tips but they also slid off. I pretty much just use my Galaxy Buds+ now if I'm using an IEM. I do miss wired and tried a bunch of different models (some expensive ones too) but eventually fell out of the game and stopped chasing the next set. Maybe I'll try the latest flavor of the month to scratch an itch.

[@frattuncbas]

What about Hexa or Zero Blue for flat listening?

[@davdidit6]

I don’t have a lot of experience with IEMs. I have the Etymotic ER3XR and love sound. Sometimes I just can’t handle the fit. I am looking for a sub $150 IEM that has a similar sound. I have watched a few reviews of the Zero Red and your description has me thinking at the price, I should try them. What are your thoughts? Also are you getting the x HBB Olina SE in? Those have my interest too. Thanks!

[@SuperReview]

I think the closest match to ER3XR that matches your criteria is the Truthear Hexa, with the primary difference being the transition from lower midrange to bass. I don't have the 3XR graphed, but here's how those two IEMs compare with the 4XR, for reference: squig.link/?share=Super_22_Target,Truthear_Hexa,Truthear_Zero_Red,Etymotic_ER4XR Another to consider at just over your budget is the Juzear 41T, which I will be reviewing soon.

[@davdidit6]

@@SuperReview first, thank you for the quick reply. Awesome!!! Second, after searching for the Juzear, what little I found, gives it awesome reviews except for quality control. Anxiously waiting for your review. Thank you again!!!! (At the price listed, if it is as good as I think it might be, seems like good value)

[@SuperReview]

The Juzear is a really interesting case, I'm gonna have to spend more time with it than usual.

[@nidhinpavurala517]

Hi, please try Tanchjim Zero IMO it is similar to er2xr i think u will like it, if u do get one id love to know your opinion on them.

[@rlaiola]

How does it compare to Dunu Titan S? Looking at the graphs about the same magnitude response, at the specs similar sensitivity but lower impedance. Is red basically a cheaper version for the same sound experience and yet consuming less power? Cheers!

[@peponline88]

not even close... titan s are much more clear, a little fattiging on 3-4 k. these have to much smooth treble, big sublows and nice mids.

[@peponline88]

these also benefit from a good headphone amp imho

[@mongarcia01]

Wish they sold the Impedance adapter separately. Wonder what that would do for a more detailed but less bassy IEM.

[@SuperReview]

You can find them on eBay.

[@mongarcia01]

Not as low as 10 ohms (I believe), like the one that comes with Project Red. Lowest I saw is 36.

[@CptMark]

One request: could you, please, add oratory1990 target to your list of reference targets on your squig?

[@SuperReview]

Is it open source? For headphones or IEMs or both?

[@CptMark]

@@SuperReview It should be. Think Jakko is using it. For IEMs. It's oratory1990's take on correcting Harman IEM target.

[@jasonbrown31485]

Are you going to review the Aful Performer 8?

[@SuperReview]

Not likely.

[@sumanchhetri1809]

I m looking for an upgrade from tin T2.. any recommendations? Moondrop Aria is my first choice right now... Can u suggest me another one too??

[@SuperReview]

What do you want better?

[@GlitzPixie]

Aria sounds very different. Warmer, less treble focus. Definitely great but not a step up in detail if that's what you're interested in.

[@hmf33]

Hey Mark, any IEMs at this price point you could recommend for vocals? Male vocals? Thanks!

[@SuperReview]

Please don't spam questions in multiple videos. Hexa is my favorite IEM in that price range.

[@LuciferArc1]

Have you tried render tips on them(zero red)? Zeos swears they make a godly difference but idk. Nice to see we have the same take on the hexa 😂. Absolutely adore them. My kato kinda jelous I use the hexa more probably

[@tangtangtang1372]

how does it compare to the Kato? is Kato still relevant now that Hexa exist?

[@ohok010]

What tips do u use for the hexa I am in the process of buying them

[@kuuhaku2543]

Compared to the salnotes zero is it worth the $30 price difference? In terms of build quality and detail?

[@Beng_ez]

Very different tunings so cant really compare them

[@harmokolie4306]

Juzear 41T?

[@SuperEnforcer88]

Do you will review the Aful P8?

[@SuperReview]

Don't think so, sorry.

[@Vj3tZ3RG]

Is there any 3rd party ear tips that is similar to the Red's stock tips?

[@SuperReview]

Hm, Tanchjim T-ABP are similar.

[@Kalantinus94]

Just bough them, audio quality is awesome but nozzle is too wide and they are kinda uncomfortable after longer session. Has anyone found a fix?

[@SuperReview]

Try larger tips with a shallower fit in your ear.

[@Kalantinus94]

@@SuperReview could you reccomend me some please? i am totally clueless in audiophile hobby

[@SuperReview]

It comes with 2x different sets of Large tips, I'd try those first. If they don't work, maybe Spinfit CP360s, but just know that ear tip fit is very personal.

[@juanblanco7898]

How do these compare to 7hz Zero in your opinion?

[@yyy5569]

The bass definition is incomparable. The zero reds has so much bass definition its insane at its pricepoint.

[@kgkemal9456]

is there any difference between blue and red ? Or just color

[@SuperReview]

I recommend watching the video.

[@stunt_double]

Is it hyped ?

[@pimpthyride]

It is/was the new kid on the block... of course it is/was hyped!

[@wolverine2475]

Is Truthear x Crinacle - ZERO:RED sweat proof? Can i use while cycling or any activities?

[@SuperReview]

There is no IPX certification on any wired IEMs I've seen. Not sure how they'd hold up.

[@wolverine2475]

@@SuperReview thanks

[@TheSaskva4]

Guys, im writing from hospital, my scenario is thruthear crinacle zero red, btr7 white, deezer hifi, im so pleasent… sorry fo awfull english.. but ive never heard never before! My soul just fly over)))

[@MO-fg2cm]

Yooo brooo hope u fine , Just a small query does Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED comes with mic ?

[@Djare915]

Which are the best for fps?

[@athenovae]

This or the 7Hz Zero is good enough tbh. Haha And whatever is a similar neutral tune in the budget section. Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Moondrop Chu 2, 7Hz Zero 2, etc. generally you want flat mids with less bass bleed. ☺️

[@asadasss263]

Compare to dunu titan s which one you like more?

[@SuperReview]

Hard to say without listening side by side, but I might pick Titan for the form factor alone.

[@asadasss263]

@@SuperReview ohh really? Is the sound that similar??

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

How does this stack up against the FIIO FD11?

[@SuperReview]

squig.link/?share=Harman_Adjusted_Target,Super_22_Target,IEF_Comp_Target,Truthear_Zero_Red,Fiio_FD11

[@MO-fg2cm]

Does Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED come with mic out of the box?

[@SuperReview]

No. Please don't post the same question in multiple videos.

[@MO-fg2cm]

@@SuperReview ok .... thanks for response

[@jinwoooooooooo]

Are these good for gaming? eg sound isolation

[@jaderbraz3730]

Yes!

[@adrieel]

The original zeros are supposedly better for competitive shooters

[@jinwoooooooooo]

@@adrieel wonder how does it compare with salnote zero since it's rated one of the best for fps

[@scotty_teee4226]

​@SUNG JIN WOO salnotes zero isn't one of the best out of cheap IEM's for gaming. Truthear zero is better for gaming, over most in that price, even over the red. I've personally tried a lot of the cheaper and a few more expensive iems for gaming, as well as music. Kiwi ears cadenza is also another good budget iem for gaming. Hexa is great, if you prefer a flatter signature for gaming also. There are better, if you jump up in price but these serve very well

[@adrieel]

@@jinwoooooooooo I have them both and yeah I agree that the salnotes zeros do not perform as well in FPS. Original Truthear Zeros are great, havent tried Project Red myself. Only issue is the nozzle size.

[@matsudakodo]

Hexa + impedance adapter = perfection?

[@SuperReview]

Never tried, I think it makes it brighter?

[@matsudakodo]

@@SuperReview oh I thought generally you get more bass. At least that was the case with the Zero.

[@SuperReview]

@@matsudakodo Nah, can't assume that an impedance adapter always equals more bass. Different headphone / IEM designs respond differently to additional impedance on the cable.

[@mariocurro1041]

I think you should compare it to the TRI Starriver. Not sure why that set isn’t talked about more. I really think it’s a magnificent iem at an incredible price.

[@tacos5488]

Is it me or is the impedance bent

[@cliffdelacruz8700]

The iem and cable looks cheap. they add eartips and pouch to compensate 😑 The sound quality is goood but its a low sounding iem. hard to drive

[@yogavardhang2349]

Red or hexa 👀

[@qcao]

Most likely Hexa

[@proflanky]

The earloops are so bad. I wish I could get something that is tender to the ear like airpod ones.

[@hpwrotethis]

What's in a graph? Hmmm some lines and a grid. Hopefully labels to help explain the X and Y axis. It would nice if it was in color. Honestly, most important thing is the pick the right graph type for the data.

[@SuperReview]

It's in/side/ the graph? * pokes at it *

[@hpwrotethis]

​@@SuperReview the iem is inside the graph? I feel like that breaks the laws of physics. Reminds me of that math book called flatland

[@tdtdtd1826]

Overrated 👎 just stick with the original zero

[@marcc482]

LOL... I got this IEM for X-mas (one of the gifts to myself 🤐) ... they are great. Pretty smooth yet plenty detailed for everyday normal listening - very well balanced IMO. They fit really well and just disappear when listening to music - a lot of bang for the buck. I will be getting the Hexa next ... 🤷🏻

[@john-lenin]

The Zero Red looks classy. You must wear Nikes.