TruthEar x Crinacle Zero Red - My Favorite Crin Collab IEM? - Honest Audiophile Impressions

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I forgot to mention the sound when using the Bass+ adapter. When using the adapter the bass is enhanced quite a bit with impact but becomes more bloated and one-noteish; also the mids and treble are warmer and lack even more air and details and resolution aren't as clear and defined. I preferred not to use the Bass+ adapter so all sonic impressions in the video are without the adapter.

[@christophers.mosson6266]

To keep the price down the cable was obviously an after thought. Would a balanced cable or a higher end silver cable help or have changed anything significant?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Cable is fine for the quality of driver used. The Zero Red is very easy drive, no need to use balanced in my opinion.

[@nelnior7137]

should i purchase the zero Red , or i go for the hexa?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Zero Red is more pleasurable to listen to, the Hexa is more analytical and more aggressive sounding. Depends on your preference.

[@Manuevaral]

Completely opposite of what's been saying, absolutely nailed it. audiophile community needs men like you.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the channel content.

[@malihajji2870]

Mr.Dave ,You have all the appreciation and love for your integrity and accuracy of your reviews. I personally have been following you for a while, and I took your opinion with a group of headphones and IEMs , and I really did not regret it at all. Once again, I thank you and pray to God to grant you success.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 👍 Glad you have found the channel content helpful. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

[@rohanjd]

This is the most honest audiophile review. Pun unintended. Thank you so much. Just love your reviews! Haven't been to your channel for a while so been binge watching your content for the last couple of hours. 🙂

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you 🙏 Much appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoy the channel content.

[@samyg123]

Thank you for keeping it honest! I can't believe how many are saying this is a revolutionary/market shifting product

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. Yeah the hype is a little too much for this one in my opinion. The Zero Red is a decent performer for it's price but nothing more, nothing less.

[@trevorluff8449]

Totally agree with all the comments about the Zero Red. What seemed to improve the muddy sound with mine was to replace the cable with a 4.4.

[@JoseSantos-uc8cl]

I'm happy with them. No complaints here.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy them 👍

[@BornWin-rx4wq]

Whenever new IEMs come out, I always hold off purchasing until I hear your review because I know you will give your honest opinion, which I appreciate. Thanks, Dave, you just saved me $60. Keep up the (HONEST REVIEWS ). Also, have you had a chance to review the Kiwi Ears Cadenza?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'm glad you find the channel content helpful. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated 👍 Here is a link to my Cadenza review:.kzbin.info/www/bejne/imXPlXd5mdytgpY

[@andrescarrera6955]

TY saved me 55. You are one of my stops before buying an IEM. But I wont buy an IEM without you giving your opinion. I just don't feel comfortable without it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated. I am glad you find the channel content helpful in your decision making.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@gonnamow5008 I've been saying that since the begining my channel. I recommend you watch these playlists so you can get to know more about me as a reviewer. kzbin.info/aero/PLFpndZVz25TKS6PyW4QJcqbT6WDiJ08c3&si=URWX7VIfTUYpCyW8 kzbin.info/aero/PLFpndZVz25TJfPKx-OLMpovQP-QeNatDh&si=4PkqvEqNVswmpPOX Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.

[@chefsteve8381]

You put the breaks on the crinicle hype train with that review ...just a thought would be great if you gave your ranking and where it sits at the end of each review thanks dave keep em coming....

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@drewxx8527]

Yeah this is fire on the ears since it has a subwoofer and details of the bass hits really quality for an audio, problem is it's too big and the nozzles are big as 6mm, it slips my ear slowly due to polymer made, but it's an 5/10 comfortable and a 8.3/10 tunning.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions.

[@TonkyTronicus]

Thanks for the review. Have a great holiday weekend, Dave.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. Have yourself a great holiday weekend as well.

[@anonymouse7074]

Only review I found comparing the Tin T2. I just got in the Red today, and compared to my T2. When I turned on the first song, "wow" instantly came out of my mouth. This Red is so so much different. Everything is so much forward and clear, besides sub bass. Tin T2 sounds very muffled compared. I've been using T2 for years and very use to the sound. The Red so far is a bit fatiguing, but the adapter is interesting, it mellows out the mids/highs. I like it so far. Anyway, I read a lot of gamers are looking at the Zero for some reason. The T2 would have easier to hear footsteps.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions.

[@DocRye1228]

Thank you for the honest review. Glad to hear TIN HIFI T2 is still a great IEM at its price point. Still one of the best iems for gaming too!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. Absolutely, the T2 is great for gaming; I use it all the time when I am sim racing.

[@DocRye1228]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I use it for FPS games and it rocks. If I want more bass for better immersion, I'll just use some EQs to up a bit the lower end regions.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness!

Hi, I have some doubts, do you recommend the Original T2 or T2 DLC for Gaming??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@ Both are solid for gaming but I prefer the original T2.

[@sa1f43]

Hi, Dave, hope you're having a great day. Long time watcher here. I would appreciate some information. I love the way the Tangzu Waners sound. I'm trying to upgrade from them under a budget but I am getting confused by the choices. I'm trying to keep it under ~50 but can go upto ~80 if it's worth it. I tried the Kiwiears Cadenzas and while they have great bass the treble is too dead and the vocals aren't lively as the Wan ers. I also got the simgot EA500 and unfortunately(for me) your review highlighted my issues with them. The treble is tiring and the bass doesn't have much impact. Would the Truthear Red be an upgrade with a similar tuning to Tangzu wan er or would I miss the Tangzus? What do you think of Tin T3+ based on my preference? Any other recommendations?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

TruthEar Red would be more leaning towards the Wan'er sound but with a little more warmth. Tim Hifi T2 is more Wan'er sounding. The T3 Plus has a bit more bass and warmth.

[@marcelodosec]

Thank you for this video, Dave. I just ordered mine!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@marcelodosec]

@@TheHonestAudiophile for sure!

[@FabioKasper]

@@marcelodosec bora hypar...

[@marcelodosec]

@@FabioKasper já pedi dois, um para mim e outro para sortear! Hype. Hype. Hype.

[@batchogorlina8100]

Thank you very much for trimming down the list for me. I'll be patient and wait for your Simgot ea500 before pulling the trigger. Always take care.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@rapidstormz]

Hello, loved the sound signature of the akg k371. So I think I'm a harman warm type who loves midrange and wants vocals that have some sense of life. What would you recommend under the $100-150 bracket as my first iem? Was actually considering the zero reds but you said that the mids are slightly recessed and lacked life. Something of which I've been quite annoyed with after owning the DT 770 80 ohms since the mids are quite recessed even though it's a great headphone. Edit: Wanna clear up some confusion as headphone harman and iem harman are quite different in both research and likability. And the harman which I like is the headphone's harman.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

LetShuoer Galileo Moondrop Aria 2 Moondrop Kato (slightly above budget)

[@rapidstormz]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you sir! Will give these a gander.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@rapidstormz my pleasure, you're welcome

[@HobbyTalk]

Cool they included the adapter but very fair review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The adapter could come in handy with some IEM that struggle with bass

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good morning Dave ☕️☕️ Been thinking about these …however the Midnight’s are fantastic (IMHO) and his Dioko ..not so much …. Great video as always 👍👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'd stick with the Midnight as the Zero Red isn't on same level. If you want a budget IEM that's a safe listen then sure but you're set with the Midnight. Gotta know when to hold em, gotta know when to fold em.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@TheHonestAudiophile indeed , good sir indeed. Btw, the Wiim Pro streamer is amazing fir the money…I highly recommend it. Take care and enjoy the upcoming weekend ☕️🍕👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion. You too enjoy the weekend, stay safe my friend.

[@FallenChaituGaming]

Hi , i recently bought a 7hz salnotes crinacle zero 2 , and i am looking to upgrade to zero Red , i really like deep and punchy bass but also dont want the sound to get muddy , so whats the better option for me? Simgot ew200? Or truthhear crinacle zero red ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

EW200 has more bass impact but is more prone to muddiness than Zero Red.

[@Hiroyuki_T]

it's pretty much just for people that stays strong in the neutral spectrum, with some bass to get some of that fun which is like me parametric easily fixes those issues, easiest to eq in it's price range actually

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Zero Red isn't a neutral IEM in my opinion, it's too warm. It is a safe, pleasant listen.

[@Hiroyuki_T]

ooo I see

[@l.stassano]

Tin HiFi T2, legendary iem❤. Fantastic trable. Thanks for the review, YOU rock Dave 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated, You're welcome, my pleasure.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

I find my T2 Plus rather too trebly. 🎧

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The treble on the T2 can be a bit elevated for some; maybe try a warmer source that isn't elevated in the uppers or foam tips. Everyone has different ears and preferences.

[@surielaj9486]

I would like video with your favorite iems in every price range 😊

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@_-Z-]

How would you compare the Letshuoer Galileo to the Truthear Red? They sound to be very similarly tuned and they graph pretty close as well. I know it might not be apples to apples since they have a different driver configuration but which one would you choose between the two? Thank you for the great review! 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I would choose the Galileo as it isn't as boring, has slightly better tone and timbre, note weight, smidge better detailed and resolving and the treble is more accurate.

[@_-Z-]

Thank you! 🙂

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@_-Z- my pleasure, you're welcome

[@jakefoxx7978]

It's funny because someone on a discord server had recommended these to me given my music library, but I don't think the red will express the instruments or vocals the way the Kato does, or have that easy-going yet authoritative nature of the 4U Pro (which did take EQing to the Yume's tuning so it'd be more balanced, but it inherently has a tad less "bite" than the Kato and I'm okay with that).

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Kato and 4U Pro are leaps and bounds ahead of the Zero Red. Only reason to get the Zero Red is if you want a Crin collab that is cheap and a safe listen.

[@jakefoxx7978]

@@TheHonestAudiophile yep 👍

[@Loongear]

Kato was SO good!

[@TTramonta]

for rock, postpunk, jazz and rap would you prefer the zero red or the qoa vesper?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I've not heard the Vesper.

[@TommyLimKW]

WOW!!!! Tin T2 ROCKZZZZ again!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Absolutely! A true value IEM that stands the test of time.

[@TommyLimKW]

I love my Tin T2 too.

[@barkovurur3043]

The sound of TruthEar crossing theHonestAudiophile off their promo marketing distribution list.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I was honest and don't mind the Zero Red. I didn't say it was a bad product.

[@barkovurur3043]

@@TheHonestAudiophile tbf, you did save the product in the latter third of the review. I posted my comment before then tho. Although the first 1/3rd is rather brutal, like you seem almost despondent having to review these IEMs even (in the first part).

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@barkovurur3043 that's why it's important to watch the entire video to get the full context. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sudosyyu]

How do you think those would compare with the pr2 at the same prive range? Amazing review btw

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard PR2.

[@sudosyyu]

@@TheHonestAudiophile No problem, what about the truthear hexa? Is it worth paying the extra 20 euros?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hexa is brighter and hotter in the treble, leaner note weight overall, less warm tonality, bit more detailed and resolving, wider and deeper stage, slightly better imaging but isn't as pleasant sounding, it is more analytical.

[@sudosyyu]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks man

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome

[@mehmetsahin4130]

Hi! 👋🏻 Thank you for these videos. I watched also kiwi ears cadenza. But I’m little bit confused which one should go for. Could you please suggest me between Kiwi ears and Zero Red. Thank you!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Cadenza is bassier, warmer and not as detailed and resolving.

[@mehmetsahin4130]

Thank you for your comment ! I am goint to pick Zero Red for detailing and resolving@@TheHonestAudiophile

[@jim8790]

Hi Dave. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am new to the IEM world and am looking to purchase a set of something in this price range. At the end you said they probably weren’t the best in there price. Would you care to share your thoughts on best IEM’s between $50 & $100? That is the budget I have given myself. Thanks in advance.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here's a link to my rankings list. Please check the ranking grade tab first. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk Here are a couple of notables in the price range but there are plenty other options: Tin Hifi T2 Kotori Dauntless DUNU Titan S Etymotic ER2SE Akoustyx R110 I look forward to hearing about your journey and what you decide to purchase.

[@jim8790]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks a lot, Dave. Look forward to watching more of your content. Cheers

[@jim8790]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I have a question after looking over your eim ranking spreadsheet. The TRN BA5 has a tier (A), however, in the review you don’t appear to be overly impressed with it? Also, that specific EM appears to be roughly 3 years old now. How do you think it stacks up to the more recently released EM’s? Cheers

[@Ali-ku7xk]

​@@jim8790"a" means awful

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

As mentioned, please check the ranking grade tab so you understand the grade. I'm glad you enjoy the channel content.

[@danielpalomino3299]

What others iem do you recommend in that price range? How much should that Red cost?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here is a link to my ranking grades list: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing Please read the ranking grade tab first so you understand how it works.

[@christophers.mosson6266]

Do you think the sound was down to being limited by the price point? If it was priced higher or lower would have it have been better or worse?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I do think the driver quality has a part in the sound reproduction of the Zero Red. A higher quality driver would have brought some details and resolution. Also tuning choice has part as well.

[@begula6763]

how would you compare it to Dunu Titan S?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Titan S is more mids forward and have tad better natural tone and timbre. The Zero Red has more bass impact. Titan S is little more accurate with imaging. Titan S is slightly better with details and resolution.

[@coaldust01]

Just out of interest dave, Have you heard anything 50 and under that sounds better than the OG tin T2 yet?, Cause i haven't, My only gripe with them is not enough bass in stock tune but ive matched them to the T3 plus bass level from 300hz and under using parametric eq on the quidelix, I honestly feel like they were and still are underpriced and sadly overlooked now due to all the new hype jobs lol.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Nothing comes to mind. There is some competition but I have always preferred the T2. Here's a link to my tier list. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk

[@aceofspades6667]

Perhaps you could review and compare with the kz hbb pr2 ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'm sorry but I don't review KZ products.

[@DonutsReview]

So they sound the same as TruthEar x Crinacle Zero Blue (original)? Is there a tuning difference?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Comparison made in the video.

[@WakeUpB2P]

Hi, will u review maybe the TruthEar Hexo ? Would love to know if u like them or not.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hexo? I'm not aware of the TruthEar Hexo? I reviewed the Hexa, did you mean the Hexa? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6e0c2Sjr61je5Y

[@WakeUpB2P]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Yes my bad lol i mean hexa, just noticed later that u already reviewed them too so, my bad thx for the review !

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@WakeUpB2P my pleasure, you're welcome

[@allyw7405]

I find this review fits my experience to a tee. Bought these 2ndhand £31.99. Pretty disappointed, the impedance adapter is no good as I prefer the clarity without and the non-fatigue sound doesn’t fit well with the uncomfortable large nozzle. Perhaps good if you have med/large tip fit and a preference for Taylor Swift. Will probably put these up on ebay.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions.

[@AlbertoSavesta]

what is better overall zero red or hexa?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

For a more technical, cold leaning sound, the Hexa. The Zero Red is a more pleasurable listen.

[@letsmobiles3396]

When the review for studio 4?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Studio4 is on the schedule, got a couple of items in front of it but will be coming in the near future.

[@thamer-addobaisy]

Thanks Dave, what's your choice under 100$?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here's a link to my tier list. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk

[@jaswanthreddy4258]

Btw oriveti od100 and these which is better

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

OD100 is more fun v-shape tuned, more mid bass impact, more elevated upper mids and little more sizzle in the uppers. The Zero Red is more neutral leaning and is better with details, resolution, tone and timbre.

[@jaswanthreddy4258]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you sir

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@jaswanthreddy4258 my pleasure, you're welcome

[@svilenp]

👍

[@gwine9087]

I have been, seriously, looking for an under $100 iem. So, I have been watching many, many reviews. All that has happened is I am even more confused than before.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Do you have a particular sound signature you are looking for?

[@gwine9087]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I have trouble coming up with a description. Back, in the day, we called it the 'British sound' (hence my Arcam system). But, if you look for a definition, for it, you will see several descriptions. Perhaps, I would agree with these from others: 'An overall smooth and accurate sound - no harsh highs or bloated bass' 'Midrange goodness.' 'also known as 'polite': bit round and warm in the lows and mids, not very punchy or in your face, like the opposite of the american brash party sounds of klipsch or JBLs.'

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@gwine9087 Have you heard the LetShuoer Galileo?

[@gwine9087]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I will take a look. Cheers!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@BigSugar1078]

So, how would it stack up against Legato?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Legato has way more bass, is a lot warmer, has more of the fun side but isn't quite as detailed or resolving. Legato is a basshead dream and the Zero Red is the safe all-arounder.

[@777metal]

I much prefer Legato over my Kato and I loved them. So much more engaging and fun to listen to.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@777metal Glad you enjoy the Legato.

[@s1lverhand_]

I got a 10 days used ea 500 for 50 dollars and cancelled the order of red. Even as a basshead i would say It was definitely a great decision.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I have a EA500 in house for review. Glad you enjoy the Zero Red, it's a solid performer.

[@s1lverhand_]

@@TheHonestAudiophile i didn't enjoy the red, I cancelled the order "of" red. sorry it was a grammatical mistake from my side.

[@oijans]

Good review. I would have liked someone to compare the Z300 to the red with impedance. Are they close?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the Z300.

[@denislemieux7294]

Wow. After thanking the company and Crinacle repeatedly, he nails them. A lot of reviewers like them.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hi, I took the bait ..out of curiosity. You’ve given it a fair review.. almost way to chill for its own good . Zeos..given tip rolling …is a very different result in his review…. So I’ve got one on order to see what’s what…I’ll probably use it as an introduction to IEM’s . Take care and once more thanks ☕️🍕👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 💯 Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@TheHonestAudiophile i originally said it’s a pass from me …but in my IEM stable the introductory iem I use for “show and tell “ is the OG ARIA …this looks like something different. Thanks 👍☕️🍕

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Carmine De Santo it's different alright 😉

[@FinPhysio]

Compared to Hexa?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hexa is brighter and hotter in the treble, leaner note weight overall, less warm tonality, bit more detailed and resolving, wider and deeper stage, slightly better imaging but isn't as pleasant sounding, it is more analytical.

[@Manuevaral]

Simgot ew200 vs Zero red

[@Medsas]

cant believe goldensound said this made all other iems irrelevant 😂

[@carminedesanto6746]

It’s a hard pass for me …

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

...and from ME. 😊

[@ml14r9]

And it d-?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I recommend you read the ranking grade tab, it explains it. Or you can check out this write-up on my website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/another-tier-list

[@ml14r9]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Page not found. I mean it too high for iem what seems not enjoyable for you at all. Also noticed downgrading of Hexa from D- to C. As an owner can understand easily why

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The tier list is a living page that gets adjusted as new gear arrives and compares. Thanks for the clarification.

[@mikecar52]

This review looks like you can't stand it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I wouldn't say I can't stand it but it definitely isn't a favorite. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.

[@ncf1]

So pretty much same old run-of-the-mill boring pointless Crinacle set with the cash cow continuing to be milked for every drop with a seemingly endless run of basically the same headsets ad infinitum?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

It is better than the other sub $100 Crin IEM but not by much so.....

[@dksun]

Do you have a problem with how fast he comes out with collabs or the quality of his collabs? Or are you saying all his collabs are similar in hardware or tuning wise? You used a lot of negative words but have not really gotten your point across besides the negativity

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Zero Red shows that Crin put more effort into the tuning. It is the best sounding of his collabs under $100. I'll go as far as saying it is one of the best collabs under $100. Are there better options, yes I believe there are.

[@octaviodiaz938]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Hi Dave, which one do you recommend at the same price point (or a little more)? Thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

As mentioned in video, Tin Hifi T2.

[@TheSteve57]

Perfect analyst, exactly how I found them, boring !!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks 🙏