Truthear Zero: Red

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Hiby FC4
● Ifi hipdac 3
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● Truthear x Crinacle Zero

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
Back in 2022 the Truthear x Crinacle Zero burst on to the scene and made quite a splash. It was not Crinacle's first collaboration but it remains one of his most popular to date. The Zero received generally favorable reviews and nestled in to a nice little spot in the ~$50 budget tier. Then in 2023 Truthear and Crinacle got together again to release the retuned Zero:Red. Again, the hype train barreled through the audiophile community and the RED has been well received garnering favorable reviews. At the time of this review, the Zero is listed for $49.99 on Amazon and the Red is $54.99. Below I will break down these two very similar models and highlight their differences. This will serve as a dual review for both the original Zero (hereafter refered to as Zero:Blue or BLUE) and the Zero:Red. The star rating and pros/cons listed in this review are specific to the Zero:Blue. For continuity purposes, the Red is on the left and Blue on the right for all comparison photos.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The Blue and Red obviously share a lot of similarities. Both feature dual dynamic drivers. The shell shape and size are almost identical although the Blue is just slightly larger. The shells are made of resin but are hollow. This makes them lightweight but they also feel a bit cheap. The nozzles are long and wide and they are identical on both models. Those with small ears may have fit issues though I personally found them to provide good seal and comfort. The overall packaging and accessories are basically the same as well. The stock cable is thin, feels cheap, and tends to tangle easily. It's the same cable that comes with the Truthear Hexa and I didn't really like it then either. I prefer a thicker more robust cable but the stock cable is serviceable and some will surely like it. The included tips consist of 6 pairs of silicone with 2 various bore sizes and 1 pair of foam. I really liked using the stock tips with both Zeroes. They provide a good seal and are comfortable for long sessions. There's also a small carrying pouch included (again, same as with the Hexa) that I don't really like. Sure it's small and pocketable but provides little protection and again feels a bit cheap.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the tuning of the Red as warm/neutral with bass boost and the Blue a bit more v-shaped with a little more elevated treble. The soundstage is average for the price bracket and basically identical on both. Detail retrieval, imaging, and instrument separation are also average and about what you'd expect to find at this price point. Both Zeroes veer more towards musicality rather than technical performance.They lack the high level of technicalities of something like the Simgot EA500LM but are also not nearly as bright.

●Lows - Both models sport a deep sub bass extension. The bass on Red is more balanced and cleaner sounding. Using the included adapter brings out a bigger bass response and fullness approching basshead levels although it doesnt quite get there. However, if you purchase a higher impedance adapter, say 200 ohms, and you have a good enough amplifier then the sub bass can get BIG (as seen in the chart below). The Blue has more midbass presence and punch which makes it sound overall fuller and more robust although I can hear a bit of bleed into the midrange at times.

Credit to HBB for the measurements.

●Mid - Vocals are slightly more forward on the Red. The Blue have more energy in the upper mids/lower treble region which means they can be shouty with certain tracks. I feel that the mids on both models are well placed and are a highlight of the tuning. The timbre is organic and both male and female vocalists sound great. Guitars and other instruments also have good presence and are well represented.

●Highs - The best word I have to describe the treble in the Red is "blunted". Claps and hi-hats lack a definitive edge and crispness. I actually like that quality as it aligns with my prefered warmer tuning preference. However, I do wish the treble and amount of air were extended just a bit futher. The Blue have more energy in the lower mids and contain just a hunt of sibilance at times with snares and such. The highs on both roll off just a bit early and, because of this, the treble loses shimmer, sparkle, and air.

Summary:
Red vs. Blue. Which one is better? Well just like everything else in this hobby, that answer is highly subjective. Both models are similar shape, size, come with almost identical accessories, and the difference in price is only about $5. The answer isn't so much which model is better but which tuning is preferential. The Blue has a bigger default bass impact and fullness and there is a slight elevation in the upper mids/lower treble. The Red has a more warm/neutral tuning with a small sub bass boost and relaxed treble. The inclusion of the 10 ohm impedance adapter is what ultimately pushes me to recommend the Red over Blue. Using the impedance adapter adds tuning variety; adding extra bass is quick and easy. Even the Red's stock tuning is closer to my preference and is better suited for long listening sessions. Ultimately both models offer great value in the sub $50 price bracket. I think Truthear and Crinacle have created two great products that many would be glad to own.

Truthear Zero Red is a true Hi-Fi IEM in what may be the more classical definition of "high fidelity": it makes you feel as if you were live at the concert the moment you wear them and press play. These are really a true fidelity instrument and a very refined one, don't underestimate them because of the price: the tuning is, simply put, correct, you can hear all frequencies of the spectrum loud and clear. There are no annoying veils or bothersome muffling with this IEM, just pure joy and the sensation to have broken the barrier of reproduction to make a step in a live performance. Only a step though, as we get more analytical and take out our Sherlock Holmes magnifying lens we can hear that vocals are indeed a smudge thin and that in particular they feel empty as if they were an empty amphora; I try to explain myself better here: you have a correct lower end of vocals and you have a correct upper end of vocals, you just miss that very tiny accent in the central part of vocals. Things can seem pretty bad once one reads a review and that's because we don't understand at what scale we are talking. I am talking here in the micro scale, in the nano scale. It's just a tiny-iny little smudge in something perfect in that range. How tiny is this window in which vocals are lacking? And how much are they lacking. Ever so little. In fact just walking while you listen at these IEMS makes it impossible to detect this defect, I was only able to hear it while I was at home. On the go? No problem at all. This is probably due to the fact that zerored's tuning gives the accent on the presence region around 3 kHz, while you want to highlight 2 kHz to have a more natural presentation. 2 kHz is probably tuned a little lower to what would've been a full meaty vocal. Still a highly musical object in which female vocals shine particularly if we take out the tiny smudge mentioned above. Cymbals are also a little thin, very neutral, NOT lush, organic, 3D, realistic, shiny. Still very well resolved.You miss the metallic part of the sound and you get a bit of the *splash*/hiss typical of the neutral tuning. Bass (and in particular all sub bass) in terms of a natural presentation is a tiny smudge above what I'd like. I like a very natural presentation and I don't like a lot of bass. I like this quantity of bass on headphones, but on IEMs I feel the sub bass can't scatter properly and it's all directioned to my ear. It needs to scatter a bit, so I'd say I like a tiny smudge less. Still these IEMs go pretty close to my bass target, which is very difficult.

Eq works very well with these IEMs as they are almost a full Harman (so probably closer to your preferencies in every region of the spectrum) like Crinacle likes to shout when he's hanging around (at least this is how I picture him, LeMeme) and they have a very low distortion (you can see here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ruthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/ ), which means that they bear with eq very well on all the spectrum. With the Harman target by Oratory1990 horns become a more 3D experience. Still unfortunately cymbals sound thin. That might be probably due to the high frequencies region of the spectrum in which we are blind, analyzers pick up a lot of reflections in that area and data in this are is to be discarded. That means that probably a diy tweak might give some natural decay to cymbals.

Overall these IEMs sound resolving, clean, transparent, fast, as a true Hi-Fi item should be. Very realistic. I am worried about the idea of upgrading because they sound so good that the risk of buying something that costs 10 times as much that sounds worse is very real. As I am typing it may make more sense upgrading from these only going in the 1000 dollars zone and above. Yes, they sound so good.

Fully approved and three thumbs up for the Truthear Zero Red that score A- on my rating.

Appendix: Explaining of my rating:
-Anything beneath D: defective item
-D : as in decent
-C : good (most consumer items land here)
-B : very good
-A : perfection
-S : WOW (took my breath away)
My ratings do not consider price as a factor and are purely and solely based on sound quality.

Frequency response graph courtesy of Headphones.com

After owning my pair for a few months, I haven’t seen any more damage or scratches to the resin plastic they use for the casing. So, I think Truthear deserves a thumbs up for that. Do you own a pair ? let me know how yours are holding up in the comments below. The cable continues to be fine for the price and definitely better than the Moondrop Chu on the cable department. It hasn’t become sticky or anything. However on the ear hook part, I’ve seen like a white powdery stuff on it just like the Chu. I’m not sure if it is dust or something else. Moving on to the case, the case do collect scratches from my fingernail. The “leather” still seems fine overall. I’m still not sure this will hold up for long. And, I don’t like the rubbery feeling it has.

Enough about the durability and builds of the Reds, let’s talk about sounds. I’ve grown to like the Truthear Zero Reds more over time. I think it really is the best IEM you can buy under $100. Would it be better than the Hexa, Aria, Aria 2, Titan S, and other ? probably not. But 1 think for sure, is that I demo a lot of IEMs. And, overall I’m pretty satisfied with the Truthear Zero:Red. In my opinion, while there are better pairs over there. If you already own the Truthear Zero:Red, you’re not missing much from other pairs, even the expensive ones.

The Truthear Zero:Red performs well on Test Playlist #1, the Bass and Sub-bass are welcomed for a well-rounded listening experience across genres. Although this may come as a double-edged sword. As the bass and subbass can overpower the other frequencies to a point of hazing up tracks. Mids performance is quite good as the separation between instruments are noticeable but not amazing. In my opinion, vocals, especially male vocals feels a little recessed compared to other frequencies. I think this set works best if you have a library that are mostly filled with female vocal. Treble can get a little fatiguing at times, the fatiguing trebles can be heard especially in Aoyama Killer Story. Other tracks may also produce a fatiguing treble, however for me it is barely fatiguing most of the time. Imaging can be a little clouded in busier tracks and mid details can get lost in the mix. This hinders the performance on orchestral and hard rock/metal tracks. Soundstage, depending on the tracks listened can vary. Based on my experience, the soundstage is overall okay, neither bad nor good.

In my almost 5 months of use. The Truthear Zero:Red performs really well across medias. Movies, TV Shows, Games, Videos, and Music sounds excellent. Big well-made movies such as Oppenheimer, 1917, and Mission Impossibleead Reckoning sounds really good with the Truthear Zero:Red, delivering a well-rounded, grand, and magnificent sounds. Games such as Valorant performs well with the Truthear Zero:Red, however the lack of mic on the default configuration of Zero:Red made it slightly less appealing for competitive games where communication is needed. It is also worth noting the not so good imaging also hinder the performance of Truthear Zero:Red on games where elevation and busy environments are at play. About the 10 ohms resistor, I haven’t use it that much as I don’t think they are necessary. HOWEVER! Please do include things like this in the future, as it would be a good thing to give flexibility to the user.

Comfort wise, the reds feels a bit uncomfortable after wearing them for awhile. Around 3 hours of continuous listening, your ears can feel a bit fatigued. As the pressure from the nozzle are quite hard and the stock tips aren’t helping. Sound fatigue will happen if you listen with higher volumes. It’s also not recommended listen to such loud things as it might damage your hearing.

Overall, the Truthear Zero:Red offers an outstanding value for just $55. The tuning is well done, you can listen to a lot of genres and most likely be satisfied with them. Gaming performance is questionable, watching movies and listening to live performances are pretty immersive with these pair. Overall a pretty fun and correct IEMs to own and listen to.

Video Review Here

Sound signature: neutral with sub bass boost.

Overview
This is a double dynamic driver iem made by truthear and tuned by Crinacle. This is the sequel to the previous zero.

Box and accessories
Iems itself
Carry case, average quality
7 pairs of eartips, good quality
Impede ce adaptor (10ohm)
2 pin cable, average quality

Build, fit and comfort
Build in general is good price considered. Its made of good quality plastic, feels ok in the hands. Faceplate is a change from previous zero, this time its red like the name. Shells are average to small size. They are light weight. Fit is good, quite comfortable even for long listening sessions. Fit stability is good as well. Fit breathability is average. This has a fat nozzle so proper fit might be a bit subjective to ear size. Score 3.75/5

Tested with
Source: questyle m15, hidiz ap80 pro, fiio btr5
Eartips: spinfit cp145, spinfit w1, stock
Cable: stock
Tested with versatile genre of music

Sound
Bass
Zero red’s bass performance is sufficient. Sub bass is a bit forward compared to mid bass providing decent slam and attack. Mid bass is still prominent providing good enough quality. Ut has good punch, but it lacks physicality factor. Texture is generic. Bass note separation is ok. Bass might seem a bit dull in some busy tracks. Bass clarity and speed is on point, nothing to gripe about here. The included 10ohm impedance adaptor does level up the bass quite a bit. Score 4/5

Midrange
Mids performance is really good, infant I would as far to say zrro red has the best mid range performance in this price range in my opinion. Transition is smooth from mid bass to lower mids with very slight bass bleed, but it does add a hint warmth which I like. Both male and female vocals sound full bodied with good detail. Specially female vocals have a bit more sparkle. Interments sound clean and have good decay. As a whole mid range is done right. Score 4.75/5

Treble
Red’s treble has more of a safer tuning. Its natural sounding with a peak between 5 and 10khz to increase overall clarity. Beyond that it tends to roll off a bit. Timbre is decent enough. There is not much air or sparkle present. Red’s treble is still good when price is considered. Score: 3.75/5

Technical performance (score:4/5)
Soundstage: Good
Imaging: average
Sound separation: average
Dynamics: good
Resolution:good

Conclusion
This is a one of the best options in the 50$ range. Although personally I prefer the previous zero and the hexa more, but this is still a very good choice in the budget space. Truthear and crinacle did a great job making this iem.

Review Of The Truthear Zero: Red Edition​

Introduction​

Following the release of the Zero, Truthear's debut IEM, which was tuned by the renowned audiophile Crinacle, the company gained popularity quickly. An actual senior employee from Moondrop, which has already dominated the market with its excellent releases like the S8, blessing series, variations, etc., founded this well-established Chinese company. Truthear first gained notoriety in 2021 and has since released the Zero, the Hexa, and their most recent model, the Zero: Red Edition, which is yet another edition of the Zero tuned by Crinkle. And today I'll be reviewing the Zero: Red Edition, but first let me clear up a few misunderstandings.

Disclaimer​

* This is a purchased unit therefore, all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Red.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Red based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Red uses the same drivers as the Zero, which are two dynamic drivers arranged in a dual driver configuration. One uses an internal magnetic circuit structure in conjunction with a flexible polyurethane suspension composite LCP liquid crystal dome diaphragm and is 7.8mm in diameter. The other is 10mm in diameter. Truthear does point out, however, that the inner configuration differs from the Zero. The 7.8mm driver uses an ultra-fine CCAW voice coil that has been specially adjusted in addition to the LCP diaphragm. Resin and high precision DLP-3D printing technology are used to create the shells. The outer shells appear to be ergonomically designed to fit all ears and feel light. Even after more listening time, there were no issues with the fit or comfort. The cable is a four-strand, premium silver-plated cable with a 3.5mm L-shaped termination plug and a universal 0.78mm 2 pin on one side. Along with the IEM and cable, additional accessories include a carrying pouch, 4 nozzle mesh, a 10 Ohm impedance adapter, and seven pairs of eartips in three different types and sizes. In terms of the technical details, the sensitivity is 117.5 dB, and the impedance is 17.5 Ohms. The total harmonic distortion is less than 1%, and the frequency response range is 20Hz to 40.5kHz.

Sound​

When Truthear tuned the Red edition, the sound was more geared toward an audiophile preference than the Truthear Zero and was more polished and refined. With more sub bass extension and mid bass presence than before, the bass is cleaner and more controlled than before. Compared to the OG Zero, where the lower vocal notes have more density and warmth, the midrange has a more accurate tonality. While comparing Zero and Red, I don't hear much of a difference in the treble, but I think Red sounds smoother and cleaner than the original Zero because of how the whole response is tuned. Even though every region coherence is commendable throughout the entire presentation, the sound presentation is very clean and creates a mids-centric presentation. This is especially impressive given the signature's smoothness and captivating quality. Let's talk about it in more detail.

Treble​

Although the response tends to suggest otherwise, I was surprised to learn that for a $50 IEM, these don't deliver any sparkling and crisp notes. Though I do think it sounds a little off, as if the stage produced is just to add air to the mix, the treble ultimately sounds smooth and clean, though the airiness and openness is not the best I have heard. Despite the fact that the region doesn't produce a lot of sparkly and crisp responses, the responses still sound secure and authentic. The vocals sound expansive in the upper treble, but the notes become drab and vague as the frequency increases. The same is true of the instrumentation, though the sound of the cymbals seems to splash more in the upper treble. On the other hand, the lower treble has a good deal of energy, which keeps the response clear and pristine just like the upper treble. The vocals and instruments offer a more upbeat and approachable response, bringing out clarity in the notes and nuances of the sounds. Although it doesn't have the sharpest or clearest sound, it still preserves the integrity of the notes. Overall, the treble region's response is seamless, orderly, and cohesive.

Mid Range​

With a good amount of forwardness and good depth in every note, whether it is in the upper or lower mid range region, the mid range is more in line with what the majority of people would prefer. The vocals and instruments in the uppermost frequency range of the upper mid range, which has the same energy flow as the lower treble, seem to me to sound more pronounced than the entire upper mid range response. When listening to female vocals, especially on pop songs, this type of response produces small'ss' sounds. The instruments support the vocals while sounding as clear as the notes can be, whereas the vocals are more transparent and expressive while sounding forward. Still, compared to the majority of other IEMs in this price range, the response is more tonally acceptable. Because the notes in the lower mid range are deeper, the response of the vocal and instrumental notes is thicker and more dense. I find the sound to be tonally rich with just the right amount of note clarity. The response doesn't come off as clumsy, messy, or excessively thick. The bass guitar's notes take an organic approach, sounding clear and exactly as they should. Overall, the mid range region is presented in an expressive, open, and forward manner.

Bass​

Regarding the bass, I think it has one of the best responses I've heard, sounding well-tuned with a strong mid-bass response and convincing sub-bass response, though I do wish the mid-bass had more warmth. The Letshouer DZ4 caught my attention as I was learning more about the Red on fr graphs. It produced the same response as the Red, but it was clearer and lacked the body needed to deliver a warm response. With the Red, this is not the case; in fact, the bass is warmer and more enjoyable to listen to. While the mid bass has enough presence to add slams and thumps to the mix, the sub bass region is where the emphasis is most prominent. The sub bass has a nice, deep range and gives the ear canals a light rumble. I actually enjoy it because the punches land hard and come in very slowly. Thankfully, the mid bass response doesn't overpower the sub bass response and instead creates nice, warm notes while maintaining the slam hits and thumps in the mix. However, the lower mid range is warmed by the mid bass leak. The bass texture and specifics are decent but not outstanding. Overall, the bass region is presented in a rumbling, punchy, and full-bodied manner.

Technical Performance​

Regarding technical performance, the Red sounds more promising than other IEMs, not because it excels in every aspect or because any one aspect is the best in this price range, but rather because of the Red's balance and adequate response, which introduces a better method of approaching technicalities. When the stage is wider and farther away, I typically find that the imaging is poor and the detail retrieval is disappointing. This is not a problem here with Red. Let's get into more specifics.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

Although not the widest or the furthest in this price range, the soundstage sounds wide enough to sound spacious, where the separation of the notes distinguish themselves from one another, allowing one to precisely pinpoint the direction the sound is coming from. Although the images are clear, they are not the clearest; they could have been sharper. Overall, though, the notes are affected in a way that sounds natural thanks to the stage, separation, and imaging.

Speed & Resolution​

Although the resolution is fairly good for an IEM in this price range, the detail retrieval, particularly the micro details, isn't particularly interesting. Although the speed of resolvability is still commendable, the attack of notes is nicely timed but the decay of notes is not.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - I discovered that the sound was clearer and more detailed when listening with the V6. The mid range sounded more lean and light, while the treble appeared more forward and had more air in the mix. The bass appeared more in control. Technical aspects did not change significantly. This pairing produced a likeable and respectable sound.

iFi Hipdac - while using the Hipdac to listen, The sound improved and the details started to deteriorate. The response was more direct and personal in every way. The bass sounded more thick and slamming, which felt influential throughout the area, while the treble and mid range became more energetic. Technical aspects also did not change noticeably in this case. I thought the sound was more engaging and captivating and less detailed, so I would say the pairing was acceptable and likeable.

Impedance Adapter​

The impedance adapter adds 10 Ohms to the specification, which drastically alters the response and makes the bass sound more powerful and rumbling. However, I think the notes' details have grown boring. Tracks with a lot of sub bass jarred my eardrums and overshadowed the mix's clarity, though not by much because if it had been more dominant, the response might have gone awry. The control is excellent even with such strong enhancement in the deep bass region.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

As I came to the end of this review, I came to the conclusion that the Red deserves the attention of all audiophiles for its excellently established reproduction and effective exposure to the sound. Of course, it depends on your preference for a signature of the harman type. To be completely honest, the tuning is not harmonic. In my opinion, this IEM at this price point sounds better than those that don't sound balanced and instead try to achieve a distinctive signature, whereas Red places a strong emphasis on faithful reproduction of sound. I wholeheartedly recommend the Truthear Zero: Red Edition to anyone looking for an IEM that can do it all, especially at this price point.

Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED: Good Bass & Tuning at Affordable Price!



Summary:

Launched in late May'23, Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED is latest release from the Truthear & Crinacle collaboration following the previous ZERO release. The 10mm +7.8mm Dual Dynamic Driver configuration is similar to the previous ZERO configuration but with better tuning and synchronization. it is priced slightly above the original ZERO at $48.39.




Introduction:

Without spending too much on introduction, let's quickly dive into what the Zero RED has to offer. In pursuit of better sound for the price, the ZERO RED comes with dual dynamic drivers: 10mm +7.8mm drivers.
The Truthear x Crinacle ZERO RED is priced at $48.39





Design & Build:

The ZERO RED comes with resin shells with a RED pattern on the faceplate. It is quite ergonomic and have comfortable fit on most ears. I have tried it through long audio sessions, and it fared very well throughout. The nozzle however feels a bit too protruding.


Disclaimer: @shenzhenaudio had sent me the review unit for my impressions & views. The opinions below are based on my experiences with the unit and my own. I have tried to be as comprehensive & comparative as I could be - to give a complete picture to the audience.


Specifications:

The Truthear Zero RED comes at $48.39 price tag and specifications are as below:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...ero-red-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-headphone

Driver: 10mm+7.8mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm: Polyurethane Suspension LCP Liquid Crystal Composite Diaphragm
Impedance: 17.5Ω±15% @1kHz
Sensitivity: 117.5dB/Vrms @1kHz
THD: < 1%@1khz
Frequency Response Range: 20-40.5kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

What's in the box:

1. TRUTHEAR [ZERO:RED] * 1
2. Four Stands of High-quality Silver-plated Cable
3. Ear-tips * 3pairs (S, M, L) (Thick Diameter)
4. Ear-tips * 3pairs (S, M, L) (Thin Diameter)
5. Foam Ear-tips * 1pair (M)
6. 10Ω Impedance Adapter
7. Manual * 1
8. Warranty card * 1

‍



Pairing Performance with different sources:

Truthear ZERO RED had the best pairing with @Questyle M15 & @Cayin RU7 dongles.
Best pairing was obviously with @Questyle M15 & @Cayin RU7 dongles, @Questyle QP2R & @Cayin N7 DAPs..





Ear Tips:

The default tips I found to be quite good and there is really no need to switch to other ear tips. But, I've also tried tip-rolling with a variety of tips such as: @Final Audio E series red & black ones, JVC Spiral dots, Spiral Dots+, @SpinFit Eartip CP500, CP155. Out of all of these I have found the AZLA SEDNAFIT BLACK to be the best fit for my ears in terms of overall fit, isolation & comfort.



NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUND....

Items Used for this Review:

DAC/AMP & Dongles: @Questyle M15 Dongle DAC/AMP, @Cayin RU7, C9 Portable Amplifier

Portable Players / Sources : @Cayin N7, @Questyle QP2R

Streaming Source: QOBUZ



Tracks Used:

The tracks I have used can be found from the below playlist that I have used and generally use for most reviews...





Truthear Zero RED Sound Impressions in Short:

The BASS:

The bass performance of ZERO RED is great. The dual DD combination seems to be working well here. The little nuances and details of the sub-bass region is clearly audible and the mid-bass comes with good amount of body & texture. The mid-bass packs the right amount of punch & slam.
Tracks like: "Hotel California (Live on MTV 1994) – Eagles" and "Fluid - Yosi Horikawa" feel quite immersive and you can enjoy all the details of the drums and the slam.

The MIDS:

The midrange of the ZERO RED is a bit recessed. That being said, there's no bass bleed and the midrange is quite detailed but lacks fullness or muscle a bit. Vocals are very immersive and both male and female vocals come with good texture. Instruments felt natural and the separation between them is also great. In tracks like: "Anchor - Trace Bundy", "A dog named Freedom – Kinky Friedman" and "Ruby Tuesday – Franco Battiato" the midrange feels quite enjoyable.


The TREBLE:

The Treble on the ZERO RED seemed quite laid-back and peak & fatigue-free. While it is enjoyable laid-back experience, it may not be as engaging for some.
Treble in tracks like: "Paradise Circus – Massive Attack", "Mambo for Roy – Roy Hargrove” and "Saints and Angels – Sharon Shannon" feel very immersive and enjoyable from the treble perspective.

The SOUNDSTAGE:

The Staging capabilities of the ZERO RED is above average. The depth in the stage is slightly better than many others in the price range. It comes with the right amount of height and width. Tracks like: “The Secret Drawer – Bela Fleck and the Flecktones” or “She Don’t know – Melody Gardot” or “Bohemian Rhapsody (live aid) – Queen” sound enjoyable.

Imaging & Separation:

The Imaging performance on the ZERO RED is stellar and sense of location is spot on with high accuracy. Tracks like: “Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) - The Beautiful South “or “Hello Again - Howard Carpendale & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” just shine through. The separation is good, but not above average.



Comparisons:

Comparison with the previous gen Truthear ZERO now becomes mandatory to understand the changes. Also, since prices of both IEMs are very close and architecture is the same, it becomes essential comparison for many audiophiles looking to make a purchase in this range.



Truthear Zero RED vs Truthear ZERO RED:

Price: Prices of both IEMs are very similar .

Build, Comfort & Features: Both IEMs are identical form build & comfort perspective. The RED comes with additional high impedance converter though.

Bass: This is where teh actual differences come out. Despite same architecture of both, the RED has more synergized sound specially in the sub-bass & mid-bass while the sub-bass on the original one may be a bit overwhelming at times.

Mids: The midrange on both IEMs are a bit recessed but the RED has better tuning and synergy and slightly more textured.

Treble: The treble experience on the RED seemed more engaging and enjoyable.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation: Both IEMs are identical.



Conclusion:

The Truthear Zero RED is a great IEM specially for people who appreciate better tuning & detailed bass experience. At price range of $50 it delivers almost in all aspects to ensure a great musical experience.

Today I come to leave a review of an extremely safe product in terms of tuning. This time from Truthear team (the same brand I covered in my last review with its baby brother: the Hola). It is perhaps one of the products that most closely resembles my musical tastes and I appreciate that. Previously I came from mortal treble but it is now hard to get rid of these when listening to music. The Truthear Red is a signature redesign of its predecessors , I have never had the opportunity to try them tho.
Let's start this review by showing what the product has to offer as well as its packaging!



We follow the design line of Truthear. Very similar to Moondrop, we have a waifu on the box. The experience is almost like unboxing a mobile phone.
This detail is not important here, but the drawing is well done lol. After opening, we find:



The amount of accessories offered is sufficient for the price.

• Truthear Red IEMs (of course).
• 2 pin cable.
• 7 pairs of eartips.
• A synthetic leather case (It could have been better but it is appreciated).
• A bass impedance adapter
• A sort of decorative card for the desk?
• Two pairs of replacement filters
• Manual and warranty card

In terms of build quality, it is a solid plastic. For these prices you can find products with better materials, this is subjective in practice. Personally I prefer this type of materials. It still feels like a sturdy product. As the name suggests, the face is red and looks quite elegant. This will depend on your subjectivity as well. The contours have a glossy surface finish that is often a magnet for fingerprints.
The cable is fine. It's not the greatest thing but it works. It has an L-termination, also features a slider and the name of the brand.

If we talk about comfort, it is perhaps one of the negative points (not for me but may be for some). The detail is that nozzle. I have to use the small tips to use them for a moderate amount of time. It may be corrected by adding other eartips if you have any problem but you need to have it in mind.
That basically covers the first part of the review. I attach another image and let's start with the rest.



Let's now talk about technical aspects.
Well, the soundstange feels wide. This is a fairly regular aspect because we are talking about in-ear monitors. I don't really expect much in this sense.
The image is present, I dare say they do a good job. By playing my classical music collection you can identify the direction of instruments. I have noticed that they get a bit congested on very busy tracks, just a little bit but nothing to worried about. At this point I consider that the Reds are more focused on musical enjoyment than on finding every little aspect of the songs. This is my daily driver so I don't pay attention to that, especially since I am engaged in other activities while listening to music.
The timbre is natural, I know quite a lot about musical instruments and in this respect, I have no complaints.
On driveability... Well, my mid-range phone is barely loud enough when I turn the volume up to maximum. You'll need a dongle. I used a simple Conexant and that's enough. For the sound testing, I used the same dongle as well as the Ibasso DC03 PRO and the Truthear Shio. The latest ones move them well with the settings in low.

Now lets move to sound. First, I share a graph as a reference (always as a reference only).



Sound:

• It's a pretty balanced firm!

Bass: It is perhaps one of the best frequencies I have heard for this price range. Note, this is not a product for bassheads. It is concise and well done. As for the sub-bass, I have just become a fan of this signature. Although it's not a large amount, it's a bass that hits and has enough presence to be enjoyed for any musical genre. Remember the impedance adapter? Well, it can be useful to increase the amount in bass. Personally I use it without this feature, it's already good enough in stock. Still I didn't notice a lack of control using such an adapter. I might make use of this feature in more rhythmic genres. Still a positive experience in both cases. The only negative point is that using that gadget makes the cable uncomfortable to wear.

Mids: In this case, I find the mid frequencies to be very neutral, not much to mention. It's a very safe tuning and the vocals are good. There is no negative impact from the low frequencies so there is no negative effects at all. With no negative peaks, I find that this signature will please a good number of listeners. These frequencies are warm, they fit perfectly within my preferences.

Treble: Some will miss the presence of these frecuencies. They are truly relaxed, fatigue free. I found no silibances in my most present tracks. This is, however, a matter of preference. If you are interested in this product or just reading the review, you should know that this is not a product for treble lovers. Treble is pretty safe, that's all.

CONCLUSIONS

I have greatly enjoyed the sound that the Truthear Reds have to offer. I will continue to enjoy them for a long time until I may need to upgrade in the medium future. It is very difficult not to recommend them, it is a safe buy and will give you a pretty good all-round experience.
If you need a neutral firm, you need to give the Reds a chance. Don't forget to consider the comfort concerns btw!

Thank you for reading :3

Hello there, and welcome back to The Neighborhood! We’ve got the Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red in the house for review. I was lucky enough to get this one in a few weeks early so I could get my thoughts out to you as soon as possible. So let’s get inToit!










This In-Ear-Monitor is what Crinacle and others have been referring to as “Project Red” for the last number of months. Essentially this is an update or retune of the original Truthear X Crinacle Zero. The tuning here is somewhat new, but the build is nearly identical other than improved voice coils and reworked crossovers according the Crinacle himself. It’s the same plastic shell, same case, same set of tips, same oxygen-free, silver-plated Truthear cable, and similar set of dynamic drivers on the inside: a 10mm PU and a 7.8mm LCP. But rather than blue, the faceplate of the Zero Red is, you guess it, red, with a sparkly striated pattern rather than the swirl of the original. Also included in the box is an impedance adapter labeled “Bass+,” that, you guessed it, raises the bass. I preferred the IEM without the Bass+ adapter, but even with it, it’s less bassy than the original Zero, and there’s less bass bleed into the mix.










But let’s quickly get into the sound, as, as exciting as the red colored shell of this one is, I’m sure you’re here for the sonics. Like its predecessor, the Zero Red mostly follows the Harmon Target. But compared to the original zero the bass slopes more evenly and appropriately (with less of a midbass bump and more subbass), and the upper mid-range and early treble are less forward. The outcome here is a more even sound signature overall that is detailed, smooth, slightly warm and simply a pleasure to listen to. It may not be the most resolving thing under the sun, but for price of $55 dollars, this is an excellent option to consider.













Even with the Bass+ adapter, its tuned absurdly well, and with this adapter you can kind of dial in your bass preference level. I mean, maybe you’re a closet basshead? There’s no judgement here… With that said, the bass does lack some detail, as most things do under $100 dollars these days. Critically, it’s not richly textured and rather one-note-ish; and often comes across to the ear as the same note at that. Maybe in the next “Project Green” version of this IEM they will make use of a more capable low-end driver than the one that was used in both of the previous iterations. I’d be willing to pay a bit more for that…













The mid-range is represented well-enough, with the early mid-range taking a backseat to the later midrange. Nevertheless, the mid-range is more integrative and cohesive sounding than the blue Zero. It’s never shouty, harsh or sibilant. There’s a mildly lush and velvety characteristic to the mids of the Zero Red; which is warmly flavored, but universally enjoyable across both track and genre.










The treble could be better. The Zero Red follows a recent trend; dipping itself between 8 and 10K to avoid harshness and treble fatigue. It rebounds later for a sense of air, but I would have liked for the treble slope more smoothly and evenly throughout its frequency response. Even so, I’m sure this tuning approach was implemented intentionally, so as not evoke the wrath of the treble sensitive, as this is a in-ear-monitor tuned for the many rather than the few.














Soundstage, layering, detail and separation impress for the price, but instrument distinctiveness does suffer at times due to similar tonality across instrumentation. The soundstage image is somewhat step-backed, but still somewhat large in its scope and scale: like looking down on the stage from a second story overhang in an auditorium. My expectations regarding placement are met, and I find the overall experience and auditory image to be rather organic.










So, I think Crinacle took his time tuning his Project Red this time, and it shows. This is definitely my favorite Crinacle collaboration IEM since the FiiO Eclipse: FHE. It may not be as capable in its detail as that IEM, but its certainly tuned well. Releasing at $55, I think a lot of people will be happy with its purchase. In the price-range, it’s a warmer, more musical offering compared to the competition, such as the Tin HiFi T2 DLC and TRN ST5 that I recently reviewed. My personal favorites around the $50 dollar price-point continue to include: the Jade Audio EA3, HZSound Waist Drum, and the Moondrop Lan; but the Moondrop Jiu, who’s review will be out soon, is also no slouch either- coming in at only $26 dollars. I’ll also continue to recommend IEMs like the HZSound Heart Mirror Pro and the Aria Snow Edition, for just a few bucks more, but the Truthear Crinacle Zero: Red will now also be among the other suggestions.

I really liked the initial Truthear ZERO so I was very excited when I was offered a chance to review a re-tuned version of the ZERO called the ZERO:RED. I will admit I was surprised to hear the new “project RED” IEM was another version of the ZERO since I felt that was good enough that it didn’t need a retune. Well, I’m glad a new version of the ZERO is out since it definitely brings its own flavor and I think it’s a good compliment to the ZERO. The RED comes in at $54.99 and is using a double dynamic driver setup.

Quick shoutout to Shenzhenaudio for sending me the ZERO:RED to check out and review. While I always appreciate the chance to test and review products sent in from manufacturers or dealers, it never affects the rating of my reviews.

The RED can be picked up Shenzhenaudio below:
https://shenzhenaudio.com/collections/headphones/products/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-headphone?_pos=5&_fid=fc95598eb&_ss=c

Onto the review of the Truthear ZERO:RED(RED going forward)! My personal preference is a hybrid/tribrid IEM where I get good hitting bass and have a detailed treble with decent mids. When it comes to an over ear headphone I prefer a spacious sound with a deep low end, the mids to be more forward and the highs to be a little bright with some sparkle. I listen to a lot of genres but I hover in the classic rock, blues and edm music with some rap here and there.

Gear Used​

IPhone 14 Pro Max with headphone adapter, Moondrop Aria, Turthear ZERO, Moondop MoonRiver 2, hiby R6 P2.

Looks and fit​

The shell is the exact same size as the OG ZERO. I do find this fits my ears well with my trusty Spinfit tips. The IEMs are lightweight and I find long session comfort pretty good. I like the look of the red faceplate that has some depth to the design. I was hoping it would have the same color changing effect the OG ZERO had at certain angles but it looks a little more solid and less flashy so it might appeal to more people.

Isolation and sound leakage​

Just like the OG ZERO, it leaks very little sound and passive isolation is about average for a vented IEM. I think with lower volume levels, it can be used in quiet places without worry.

Packaging and accessories​

The unboxing experience between the ZERO and ZERO:RED are pretty much the same. The only addition is the added 10ohm adapter. The RED box is a little smaller as well which I always appreciate.

Sound(overall)​

These final impressions were done off the Eversolo DAC-Z8 connected to the SMSL SP400. These impressions are what the ZERO:RED sounded like to my ears. This was also using the Spinfit CP100+ tips. Things like ear tip selection and DAC/amp selection will produce different results and impressions vs what my ears hear on my specific gear.

The RED goes for a neutral to warmer tuning. It still has very good bass performance and thumps very well. Bass reaches down low and sounds both powerful yet detailed. Which results in a non muddy bass which sounds great for lots of electronic music with deep bass hits. The mids sound a little more relaxed but still very enjoyable. Instruments don’t sound super fast or ultra detailed but I find them good enough given the price. Vocals do sound natural and detailed and I did rather enjoy the presentation here. The upper mids are a little closer to what I prefer and they aren’t super boosted. I’m so used to IEMs having upper mids that are either over the top or on the bleeding edge of what I personally find comfortable. I think this will appeal to most people as “pleasant” upper mids. Treble isn’t that bright but I do feel it sounds just a bit better controlled and less metallic vs other stuff in this price range. It pulls in decent details and while not super fast or sharp sounding. The treble is very enjoyable and still competitive given the price. I really don’t have any complaints with this enjoyable tuning.

10ohm Resistor Adapter​

Truthear includes a 10ohm resistor adapter in the box and I think it does well at adding extra bass without ruining the lower mids. It does require more power to get the same volume without the adapter but I like the option. Plus it allows you to play around and use the adapter on other IEMs to see what results one might get from the adapter.

Soundstage/Imaging​

I think the staging is about average in width and depth. Maybe hovering a little on the smaller stage presence but still good enough. The imaging was accurate and I could still pick out details even in more bass heavy tracks.

Sensitivity/Drivability​

The RED isn’t hard to drive nor is it sensitive so I had no issues running balanced with floor noise and I could run it off my DAP in single ended with now issues power wise. Keep in mind when using the 10 ohm adapter, it will need more power to get the RED up to regular volume. Not a big deal but it could cause some low power source devices to struggle or get closer to max volume.

Stock cable​

The stock cable is the same as the other Truthear IEMs and I think it's fine overall. It is that shiny black rubber texture and it’s neither bad nor good. I wouldn’t replace it given it’s a $55 IEM unless you really want a balanced cable.

IEM comparisons​

Truthear OG ZERO/HEXA​

While I don’t want to parrot everyone else, I was in the middle of moving while writing up a review so now that I’m releasing this review late, I’m just gonna combine both IEMS into one section.

The OG ZERO has a slightly brighter sound but the bass performance is still really good. I think those who like a brighter sounding IEM will prefer it over the RED. Does the RED sound better than the ZERO detail wise? Not really, I couldn’t tell a difference minus a lack of treble brightness so ignoring the perceived detail from a stronger treble, I would call them about the same in the detail retrieval and resolution department. Both are awesome ~$50 IEMs and I have no issues recommending either one. Having both to listen to might even be a good way for new audiophiles to get a sense if they prefer a brighter tuning or warmer tuning without spending an extreme amount of money.

The HEXA is an extra $25 over the RED and while it’s a better neutral sounding IEM, I still find the RED a little more fun sounding and it fits in my ear a little better so comfort definitely wins at the end of the day. The HEXA is better in terms of detail retrieval but once again, I’ll take a more enjoyable tuning most days over a neutral tuning when it comes to the low-mid range IEM price brackets. Both good, but I’ll still recommend the RED to new audiophiles.

Moondrop Aria​

The Aria is pretty old in the IEM world at this point but I’m still patiently waiting to hear something that sounds as good or better than the Aria. The RED is a little closer in tuning to the Moondrop Snow Aria but regardless, the Aria still sounds better to my ears overall tuning wise. The Aria brings in better details and while the bass isn’t as impactful as the RED, I simply prefer the tuning of the OG Aria over the RED. Is the Aria worth the extra $25 over the RED? I don’t think so. I think the RED is a safer bet honestly.

Amping Combinations​

Moondrop MoonRiver 2 Ti​

The newer MR2 Ti sounds a little warmer but very detailed and I found it paired pretty well with the RED. The lows are still strong with an added sense of warmth which helped the awesome bass slam the RED provides. The mids are smooth and while not overly detailed, still provide a sweet sound that I really like. Same thing with vocals. They sound extra sweet and come through with workable details. The upper mids are relaxed and same thing with the treble. It doesn’t sound overly warm, just smoother and more enjoyable. I would say those who want a little brighter experience, will want something like the OG MoonRiver 2 or something a little brighter overall to pair the RED with.

Eversolo DAC-Z8/SMSL SP400​

This is the newer setup I use for my sound impressions on each review. Do I think the RED scales well with high end gear? Not at all. I think you can get most of the way there with an Apple dongle or even something like the $189.99 will be overkill for the RED. A better power output dongle will be better when trying to use the 10 ohm adapter however. Either way, I wouldn’t stress about source pairing a RED and I would just say buy it and enjoy it with almost everything.

Overall thoughts​

I loved the Turthear ZERO and I like this new variant as well. I think the ZERO and ZERO:RED are good options for those who want either flavor of tuning. I’m happy to say the Turthear ZERO:RED is an easy recommendation! While I was hoping for a new design from “project red” I think this is competitive and will continue to be a wonderful option under $100. Great job to the Truthear team and Uncle Crinacle and I look forward to what comes next. Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer

• Thanks to ShenZhenAudio for sending over the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Source(s)

• Truthear Shio
  • Adds some warmth and body to vocals, making them sound a little fuller.

Ear tips

• AET07
  • Fairly neutral ear tips with a decently hard stem for a comfortable fit.

Packaging

• Comes with a decent amount of accessories
  • IEM.
  • Soft pouch.
  • 10 Ω impedance adapter
  • 4 filters
  • Wide selection of ear tips.
    • 3 pairs of narrow bore silicone tips (S, M, L)
    • 3 pairs of wide bore silicon tips (S, M, L)
    • 1 pair of memory foam tips
  • Cable is alright, thin and braided but tangles a little bit sometimes.

Build Quality

• Lightweight.
• Plasticky and bulky body.
• However, build quality is decently solid.

Fit

• Nozzle is quite large and long.
• Body is quite bulky as well.
• Fits my ears decently well but please take note of the nozzle and bulky body size.

Tonality

• Neutral with bass boost.

Bass

• More balanced than the previous version for sure, with the mid bass being toned down by a huge amount and the sub bass is more well extended. This causes the sub bass to take the lead.
• Overall, the bass still has the same great qualities: deep, impactful, well textured, defined and controlled.
• The quantity of the bass is definitely tamed down a lot, and this makes other part of the frequencies not overpowered by the bass completely, but it is still fairly sufficient, which is a huge improvement in my books.
• However, the decay is a little on the slower side and it does not sound snappy especially in busier tracks.

Midrange

• The midrange comes with a little bit of warmth, which makes it more pleasing and easier to listen to.
• The slight hint of warmth helps quite a bit to maintain the lushness of male vocals and helps to maintain the timbre of instruments.
• Female vocals are quite laid back and relaxing but still engaging enough with just the right distance to not be dull and boring.
• Overall, midrange sounded rather natural with a note density that is neither too thin nor thick.

Treble

• Treble is overall relaxed, inoffensive and smooth.
• There is a small touch of sparkle to not make it sound dull.
• There is also no sign of sibilance or harshness throughout the upper frequencies as well.
• Details in the treble are a little lacking, causing a lack of incisiveness or bite in higher notes due to it being smoothed over.
• Lack a little bit of upper treble extension which causes a little bit lacking in sense of airiness.

Technicalities

Detail Retrieval

• Resolution is fairly average.
• It performs slightly better against the $20 Tangzu Wan Er but falls short against the $80 Moondrop Aria, which is still perfectly decent for casual listening.

Soundstage

• Soundstage is quite average too, which sounds a little compressed and in your head but not a huge problem for an IEM at this price point.

Imaging

• Imaging and accuracy is quite decent, I am able to tell where the instruments and vocals come from.
• Gaming:
  • Apex Legends: Sound of footsteps and gunfire can be pinpointed. I am able to judge them in terms of distance and direction quite well.

Separation

• Separation and layering is slightly subpar.
• Bass sounds quite separated from other frequencies (probably due to the dedicated DD) but other frequencies can sound a little congested and mashed up especially in busier tracks.

Comparison

Truthear Zero

• Bass: The mid bass is much more prominent on the previous Zero. Furthermore, the overall bass is also noticeably much more present in quantity which becomes somewhat distracting to me. However the Red's bass isn't as distracting to me as it toned down and balanced out the bass to a certain extent, while keeping the decent bass quality.
• Midrange: The previous Zero's midrange was quite recessed and easily overshadowed by the the strong bass and relatively intense upper midrange to me. The Red isn't as recessed so it is much more natural to my ears while the upper midrange not being too dull as well.
• Treble: I don't think there are too much differences in the treble, both are smooth and inoffensive but details in the treble are more perceivable in the Red as there is less masking from the bass and upper midrange.
• Technicalities: The separation is improved on the Red so it is less congested. Resolution has a slight improvement too.
• with EQ: When I tried to EQ my previous Zero to the Red, they do not sound similar to me. The mid bass is still very prominent but female vocals are a little less intense, but still quite congested. Below is the EQ I used.

With Impedance Adapter

• It does increase the bass for the Red, especially the sub bass.
• However, the midrange and treble resolutions drops a little bit, and the overall tonality gets a little more unnatural to my ears.
• Furthermore, it needs more power to drive the Red when the impedance adapter is used. I needed to switch to the Truthear Shio with the impedance adapter to get to the listening volume that I'm used to.
• Overall, I prefer to use the Red without the impedance adapter, but it certainly is a very nice inclusion for the user to choose based on their preference.

Conclusion

• In my opinion, the Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED does indeed lives up to its hype as a very solid neutral-ish option for the $50 price range.
• Great addition for people who wants a taste of a more neutral IEM on a really tight budget, as there are not many neutral options in this price bracket to begin with.
• However, please take note that not everyone might enjoy this type of signature as it is not as exciting or fun as other selections.

Thanks for reading!

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Truthear x Crinacle ZERO :Red

The Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: Red have been sent to me by Crinacle, or at least I think they have, I will explain more in just a second.

I have not received any specific requests or comments (as I just said, I am not even 100% sure who sent them to me) and I will do my usual best of being as sincere and unbiased as humanly possible.

A quick search shows that the Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: Red are available from Amazon but it seems that the main dealer for these IEMs is Shenzen Audio, therefore, I will leave a link to them via Shenzen Audio in the version of this review published on my blog.

As always, the link is non-affiliate, meaning that I do not receive anything in exchange for clicks of purchases made by following said link.

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

As I just said, I think that Crinacle sent these IEMs due to the fact that I was with Crinacle in Munich High End a few weeks ago, when these were officially released, and got to try them (briefly). He asked if I was on the reviewer list for these IEMs and I said that I didn’t think I was. When I got back to my office about 10 days later, the IEMs were waiting for me, so I guess I was either already on the list or Crinacle added me.

Anyhow, on to the IEMs… The Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: Red was referred to as “Project Red” for quite some time and I saw many tweaks to the tuning published over the past months, showing that a lot of thought and work went into them. They are follow up to the orginal Truthear ZERO, which was also tuned by Crinacle, and I am just going to refer to them as the “Red” for the sake of brevity throughout this review.

I have tried a few of the Crinacle collabs over the past couple of years but the Truthear ZERO were not one of them. However, judging by the graph (yes, yes, never judge by the graph alone), I don’t think they would really match my tastes. In the case of the Red, the graph of the final tuning I had seen seemed to fit my preferences much better. I know there have been a lot of reviews released of the Red lately, adding to the hype that had already built up even before it had released, but I have actually managed to avoid reading or watching any of them.

Therefore, other than a brief listen at High End Munich, my only previous knowledge of the Red was the graphs posted by Crinacle on social media, and a few comments from people who visited CanJam New York (where a prerelease version was available).



Presentation…

The anime presence on IEMs that appear on my desk seemed to have died down lately but Crinacle is back and so is the anime

The box that the Red arrive in is actually quite discreet and elegant looking, but this is covered by a cardboard sleeve that makes the girl on the front the center of attention. To be honest, it is not something that bothers me on the packaging and, other than a cardboard anime stand type thingy (I can’t think of a better description) included in the box, everything else is more “universal” in its appearance.

Other than the above, inside the box we get the IEMs, the 3.5mm unbalanced cable, 7 sets of tips (3 wide bore silicone, 3 small bore silicone and 1 set of foams), a storage/transport case which is a break from the normal included cases and a 10 Ohm adapter (which we will discuss more in a second).

In general, the packaging and contents are more than satisfactory for a set of IEMs that come in just under the 50€ mark, independent of the fact of anime being your preference or not.



Build and aesthetics…

The Red feature a dual dynamic driver configuration, with 10mm driver for bass and a 7.8mm driver for mids and treble, assembled inside a DLP-3D printed shell. This makes for a very lightweight set of IEMs with a generic triangular shape that, while not the most comfortable IEMs I have every tried, are still rather comfortable for long listening sessions without building up any fatigue from the weight.

The nozzles are rather long and also rather large. They are not as large as those found on something like the B2 Dusk but they are still large enough for me to have issues fitting a lot of my usual preferences for tips. However, as they include a selection of tips, I found that the smaller bored silicone tips (in medium size) worked well enough from me.

The faceplate is a dark red (who would have guessed it would be red?) and has a layered effect to it, mounted on a black semi translucent shell. Personally I don’t think they are the most beautiful IEMs in the world but they are pretty discreet (considering they are red) and look fairly good.

The included cable is nothing special but it does its job and I didn’t find any need to swap it out, which is always a positive.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

As I mentioned a moment ago (depending how fast you read), in the box we also get a 10 Ohm adapter. This is to increase impedance and with it, give the sound an extra bass boost.

Here is my usual graph showing the Red both with and without the adapter, along with my usual preference curve as reference:



You can see from the graph that the adapter does make a difference and, while it may not look like a huge amount on paper, it is certainly noticeable to the ear. Anyone who has followed my reviews over the years will know that I am not one for overly present bass, especially when it is overly present midbass, but I do find that with the boost, the bass is still quite enjoyable as it maintains the bass shelf that Crinacle favours (and I am a fan of), without interfering in the midbass hardly at all.

Saying that, you may already have guessed by the graph that I prefer it without the adapter, being my choice for this review. So, my comments on the Red are without the additional bass but if you would like to know my opinions on it with the bass boost, just add 4dB to the subbass shelf

You may have also already noticed, by looking at the graph, that the tuning of these IEMs is a great match for my personal preferences. Now, just because something matches my tuning preferences quite closely (on paper) doesn’t mean that I will actually enjoy it. There have been sets that were even closer to my curve than the Red that I didn’t really enjoy. Usually this is due to performance issues. In the case of the Red, with this being a spoiler for the review, I do enjoy it quite a bit as the performance is very good for a set of IEMs coming in at this price point.

Anyway, let’s get on with the review and stop the rambling, as this is already long enough and I haven’t even spoken about the sound yet!

Starting off, as always, with the subbass and my usual “Chameleon” test track, the Red holds up very well to the abusive workout that is this track. Due to the tuning of the lowest ranges and the good performance of the 10mm driver, the Red manages to stay clean and defined even when this test track is trying to push it to its limits.

Is it the best subbass I have ever heard? No, but it is certainly a very good performer and I would say it is maybe the best, or one of the best, that I have heard in the budget range, maybe even from sets costing multiple times more.

Moving into the midbass, this is where I am a fan of Crinacles tuning. Actually, when I first heard the Red in Munich, my first impression was that it has more midbass than other Crin collabs that I have tried in the past. I mentioned this to him and he said that it only seems like it. Now that I have got to spend more time with them, I have to agree with him, the midbass is just as balanced as it usually is on his tunings.

The drop from the subbass to the midbass makes things sound a lot clearer and yet still keeps enough midbass presence for instruments to sound natural in their timbre. Testing “Crazy”, the reverb at the low end of the guitar is just exactly where I like it to be, an effect in the background and not a dominating sound.

While some might feel that the midbass is lacking a little, and maybe it could be the case with some older rock recordings such as “Whole Lotta Love” where the bass benefits from a little extra in the midbass region, I am more than happy with bass guitars, both acoustic and electric, on more modern recordings such as “Back It Up” by Caro Emerald or “Elephants on Ice Skates”, where the bass has plenty of thump to it in the low end, without ever distracting from the higher notes.

In the mid range, the clarity continues, with the bass keeping out of the way. The detail in the mid range is pretty darn good for a set of 50€ IEMs, with vocals and instruments being clearly defined. In the case of acapella recordings, such as “Strange Fruit”, the vocal layers are easily identified and distinguished, without giving the sensation that they are “detached” from each other.

Moving towards the upper mids, there is enough presence to bring voices and other lead instruments forward into the spotlight but without becoming harsh or overly up front. With “Make Some Noise”, a track that I use to see how vocals that have very little presence in the mix perform, I would say that Busta Rhymes voice is just where I would expect it to be on a neutral system. That means that he is placed behind the music, poorly mixed and struggling to break through, which is why I like to use this track as a test for this.

Into the upper ranges, things are still decent, without any sensation that the upper ranges drop off a cliff, giving a fairly good sensation of air and openness. I would say that the treble is the least impressive of the whole set, yet it is still very very good for the price that these IEMs come in at.

Sibilance is around what I would expect for a neutral set of IEMs, with Patricia Barber (on my totally unscientific scale of -12 to +12) coming in at around a 0 or -1 in “Code Cool”. Paul Simon backs up this theory, with “Diamonds on the Soles on her Shoes” still exhibiting a trace of sibilance but being quite listenable.

Soundstage is above average also, with good image placement. The intro of “All Your Love Turned to Passion” shows nice separation between the strikes on the body of the guitar and and the echoes of these, lending to a nice open space for them to fade away into. Ok, these are not open back headphones but, again, they are above the usual average of IEMs.



Conclusion…

I think I have made it clear that the Red are a very good set of IEMs for 50€ and I don’t think I have any doubts about placing them at the top of my recommendation list in the budget category. No, they are not the best IEMs I have ever heard but they are far better than they have any right to be at this price point.

As I have said many times, and shown in the graph above, I am a fan of the tuning that Crinacle has opted for with these IEMs, which, paired with good performance, could only end in positive comments from me. But what about those who like more bass than I do (which, to be honest, is probably the majority)? Well… just plug in the bass boost adapter and enjoy the same performance with some extra rumble in the low end.

I am sure there are going to be plenty of people who don’t end up liking these, as I said, I haven’t read or watched any of the reviews yet, but I am certainly not one of them.

If you want to know what my preferences are in IEMs, then the Truthear x Crinacle ZERO :Red gives you the answer for less than 50€.

_____
As always, this review is also available in Spanish both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

Truthear Red, a nice very hyped iem for 55 dollars. Should you buy it, maybe… Let’s find out why!

First off, I bought this iem with my own money, and I paid full price from Shenzinaudio. (non aff link) Also, I am a current Patreon of Crinacle and have looked forward to this iem for months. This is an iem that was hyped basically for a year since the Truthear x Crinacle Blue came out and has had high expectations. My opinions are my own.

I love Truthear, I think they are amazing. The Hexa blew my mind and is an easy recommendation for me. To me it’s a benchmark for tuning and technical abilities. It goes on sale for 67 us during big sales, and for that price… it’s crazy good. So is this iem the one to battle the Hexa. Spoiler… it’s not, but it’s not a bad iem. It’s a great iem, but is it for you?

I’ll admit, on go one without the impedance adapter, eventually, I find it smoother with the adapter. With the adapter I found the note weight to be a little fuller. The meat of the iem wasn’t there for me without the janky adapter. This is strange for me as the Aful 8 has about the same base as the Red with no Janky adapter as per the graph, so I assumed their base would be the same. It wasn’t, I feel the iem needs the adapter to sound right. Ok, I admit I’m a pretty big P8 hype man, but I guess my point is that a graph doesn’t always tell the whole picture. The iem needs the impedance adapter at least for me it does sound right despite the graph.



Ok, the base is fixed. Now what? It becomes a stronger iem, but not perfect but let’s go over features and such.



SPECIFICATIONS
Driver: 10mm+7.8mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm: Polyurethane Suspension LCP Liquid Crystal Composite Diaphragm
Impedance: 17.5Ω±15% @1kHz
Sensitivity: 117.5dB/Vrms @1kHz
THD: < 1%@1khz
Frequency Response Range: 20-40.5kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

I am going to share a larger list that I have of songs that I like in this review. 61+ songs Here
This list is my go to test songs for the first go.
Top 10 Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me!
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths ( A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right.)
Jump (I like how the sound effects are in this!)
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love rock and metal. The German language fascinates me
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up.


Shell
The shell is pretty, it looks like a berry. It is giant, and I would warn you to be careful if you want a small cozy iem, this 100% isn’t it, it’s a monster and you need to be able to handle it. This is not a hexa or Hola shell shell, it’s a monster that can be troublesome for many to fit in their ears. I am a taller man and have issues with it myself, but it’s reasonable.

Case Normal Truthear case, nothing special. I like this case, but I don’t find incredible value in it.

Cable It’s pretty average and just ok. While not the worst cable, the need for an impedance adapter is a little unique for me in the tuning. I almost wish we could have had an impedance cable or a more smooth way to do this. Notice the janky connector the size of my Quidelix 5k and how the right iem in the picture is tangled. The cable naturally sits by the iem due to the ear hooks. Nice cable, but maybe not on this particular larger iem. I feel they should have listened to feedback and were overly focused on the tuning and profits. Nothing has changed from the Truthear Zero OG.

Tip Selection Normal Truthear selection, it’s solid. I personally really like the truthear tips and am happy with them.


Quick-Fire Comparisons

In this section, I'll quickly compare the

Truthear: Zero :Red VS. Hexa
Overall Tuning: Hexa
Details: Hexa


Truthear: Zero :Red VS. Truthear: Zero: Blue
Overall Tuning: Red with Janky adapter, Blue if w/o it by far.
Details: Maybe a slight edge to the Red

Truthear: Zero :Red VS. Tripowin X HBB Olina
Overall Tuning: Tripowin X HBB Olina
Details: Tripowin X HBB Olina


Graph:
Note impedance graph just adds a base shelf and overall it’s nice to my ears.

I kinda wish this was a tuning switch instead of an adapter. It in some ways is better, but tuning switches are a little more eloquent for me.

I find the red despite being similar to the Hexa not having the same tonality or beauty as the Hexa. It is just lacking a bit, and with the adapter it just feels right. The base with the adapter

Sound Final Impressions:

While I think this is a good iem, I think the way to say it lacks some technicalities and a wow factor to it. It sounds good from a tuning perspective almost perfect to my ears, but it lacks detail on a technical perspective. The treble is inoffensive, base is strong with the adapter but you feel like a moron with this super long spout on your wire. It’s hard for me to get deep into the sound other than to say it is passable for the price.

Recommended EQ: I’ve been messing around with Peace APO as I further level up my audio game. I’ve been enjoying my time with it. This is my current eq for the red. The Red doesn’t really need EQ as it has a very solid treble and adjustable base.

Preamp: -7.3 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 35 Hz Gain -5.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 87 Hz Gain -0.8 dB Q 1.800
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 190 Hz Gain 0.8 dB Q 0.900
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 630 Hz Gain 0.7 dB Q 1.500
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1000 Hz Gain -0.8 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 8100 Hz Gain -7.1 dB Q 2.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 10000 Hz Gain 10.3 dB Q 1.800
Filter 8: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000
Filter 9: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000
Filter 10: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000


Gifting/who is it for: I think this is a nice hifi iem to gift to someone. While I hate the cable and the size of the nozzle, I do think this is a great set to introduce someone into the hifi space, especially with the easy tuning options. If you have friends who want to get into hifi this is a solid recommendation, but I can think of cheaper sets as a gift, and for a few dollars more the Hexa exists, or even more the Olina x HBB with a better cable and case.

Pairing: I used a Quidelix 5k and a Topping DX1 dac through an SMSL SH-8s AMP. I don’t find the pairing to matter too much, but it certainly can. I did find the Quidelix didn’t sound as good as my desktop DAC, and this isn’t always the case. I also found this iem needed quite a bit more power than some of my iems, and I would recommend this iem with an amp only, but I’m sure it could be fine on a mobile device.

Summary:

While I give this a recommendation, it’s not a strong one. For me, it’s my work iem that I can drag to work, without fear of it getting stolen or broken. This isn’t an insult, but just what I want or need of a cheapish iem that I don't need as a benchmark to compare to other sets. This isn’t the greatest iem to buy to replace your Dusk or Performer 5. This is for two types, firstly for collectors who want a cheap iem with Crin’s new flavor of the year red vs blue tuning, someone who wants a cheap decent iem. If you have an iem that you like and can’t really find a use for this, this iem probably won’t replace your current one. In basketball every team has a 6th man, they are valuable and an important part of a team… but not the most important or a star. But it’s a good 6th man iem, one to use as a reference or have a reasonable iem at work or on the road. I mean I did upgrade my work iem and it’s a better iem for the Truthear x Crinacle Zero OG, but not enough for me to justify buying a new iem for many people. Heck most people. Although the tuning is fun, and the impedance adapter is decent.
I just can’t recommend it as a technical monster, or a perfectly tuned iem, yet it's not terrible. The shell is annoyingly large, the cable tangles a ton and it would be better off with the hola cable, the leather case is fine and at least it has one, and I wish the natural tune of the iem was the tune with the impedance adapter. Now take this tuning put it in a hexa shell, and give me decent cable, and a few extra drivers, and now we are talking. I still believe in the Truthear brand and in a sense Crinacle, but this doesn’t break the bank and come into the starting lineup. It comes in off the bench as a 6th man at best. It’s a flagship concept iem (Crin's words not mine), not a world-beater. It should have been marked for 2 months tops not 10ish. The hype sets expectations that are unrealistic for the performance. This is a science experiment from a Youtuber who is well respected and funny who wants to push the narrative of a new target for iems, not the Harmond tuned blue. of the Harmon in ear, not an iem that is an easy recommendation for me and my ear size or a need for my collection. So what are you, team blue or team red? Ohh wait Red means you can do whatever you want with the base... so why not just eq the blue to whatever you want and be happy with what you have.

So 2.5 stars because according to Crin you shouldn't give 4 or 5 stars to everyone. This iem is decent but deserves an average rating despite solid sound.
Thanks for reading. Any feedback is welcome.

Truthears X Crinacle : Project Red




DISCLAIMER:


This unit is provided by ShenzenAudio. Crinacle announced that reviewers can apply for a review unit. Very thankful that I am given the opportunity to review this set.


Having said that. There was very little to no converasation between me and the vendor, even with Crinacle haha.


The unit was just sent without me knowing lol. I said "thank you so much" blablabla, and our ever dear Cloris just hearts my message lol hahaha.


I have my own preferences so please cross reference other reviews. I will call this write up my USER EXPERIENCE.


Let's start


WHAT’S IN THE BOX?



The box is similar to that of the Hexa. Everything is the same, except for the box art and the iems.


Here is my unboxing and first impressions video:





No internet data for video? Okay here is what’s in the box haha:


1. The box with box art and some papers


2. Carrying pouch similar to the Hexa and Zero


3. Two sets of eartips in SML similar to the Hexa and Zero


4. Cables similar to Hexa and Zero


5. The units- in Red haha


BUILD and COMFORT:


Build is well, the OG Zero. Comfort is well, again the OG Zero hahaha..


Okay okay, for me, they are a bit big, especially the nozzles. I cannot insert them deeper if I use the wrong ear tips. I want to insert them deeper so that I can have more treble presence. Your ears may vary.


I do not notice any stress or strain during long listening sessions. But I do find them a bit finnicky to get a proper seal. So yeah, tip roll as much as you can and find that perfect comfort for your ears.


SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby ang stock player


-stock cable and **** 4.4 balanced
-azla sedna shorts


SOUND:


“Nothing to talk about”


-In my first listening impressions, I mentioned that the signature is kinda boring. The overall signature is very smooth and I was really looking for that bite in the upper mids to lower treble. The red is inoffensive and defines what neutral should be.. or not.


I have heard other neutral sets that are more engaging and it really didn’t make sense to me why the Red sounded like this, relative to its tuning. Because on paper, this should sound enough for my preference.
It knew it will be hard for me to write about the Red, simply because the way they sounded was too safe for me. There was really nothing to talk about, or is there?


“10 ohm adapter”


-This is a very smart move. Basically, it gives a bass boost to the Red. It does make the signature more engaging and makes the mids fuller sounding. You also get some midbass for that punchy slaps and kicks.


Also worth mentioning is that, it doesn’t really make the red “harder” to drive. You would probably only lose like 1-2volume steps with the adapter. Somehow, you retain the treble and that open midrange even with the adapter. I know some people might prefer this, but personally, I still like the bass level without the 10 ohm.


“Balanced is the key”


-It took me a few days to finally write something about the Red. I knew this was hard to drive because I am 10 volume steps more in my Shanling M3x with the Red. That’s still a lot of headroom of course, but the red really felt Lo-res haha.


I always had a feeling that this dual DD setup has some bottlenecks. I noticed this with the QKZ X HBB Khan, wherein they don’t really sound good until you run them with more power.


And so, I tried running the Red on balanced, and boom. This is the tuning that I have been waiting to listen to.


Bass is at the right level that is very well separated from the rest. The center imaging of vocals is more accurate and the details pop out better. Instruments also sounded more full and is more natural sounding. The most important change for me is the upper mids and treble presence. Somehow, the red gained some emphasis in that area, giving that bite and presence to instruments. Treble sounds more bodied and cymbals gained definition. Balanced is the key


“Are they worth for the price or is better to just go straight to Hexa?”


-This is a tough one. I do think that there is no other tuning than this. This is the cheapest reference set you can get. I also think that the overall tuning is superior to the Hexa. What the Hexa edges out is in the technical aspect and overall resolution. The hybrid setup just helps the Hexa separates better and get better staging. Honestly, Red on balanced is not far ahead, but then, you have to factor in source, which some people may not have access to.


So to answer the question, it is more practical to buy the Hexa if you are just starting out in the hobby and is looking for a reference set. If you have a good source, probably buy red for a natural sound and for novelty, coz its Crin..


PROS


Inoffensive neutral tuning. No peaks whatsoever. Very safe tuning and easy to listen to


Nice treble smoothness. Yeah they are smooth and fatigue free


Two options for Bass level. The adapter is a nice inclusion. If you find the stock tuning to be less engaging, the 10ohm adapter might help you in reaching eargasmic levels.


Mids are clean sounding. Vocals and instruments have natural timbre.


Good separation and layering, but, go to CONS


Nice vocal presence


CONS


Upper mids might lack bite for some people. But I find this to be tip dependent. If you manage to insert them deeper, you may get some treble presence.


The overall tonality can be dry sounding. Not in a way that its analytical sounding. I can’t explain. Maybe just less engaging. It must be the drivers.


Overall resolution can be better.


Treble extension can also be better so that more micro details pop out.


COMPARISONS


There is a lot going on in this price range and the competition is really tough. There are budget planars, budget hybrids, good sounding DDs, all BAs and switches. I will try my best to compare them with sets I have heard.


Celest Pandamon
-Both share a neutral and smooth signature but with different emphasis. The Red is subbass focused while the Pandamon has a more linear bass and some midbass emphasis. Vocals are more forward on the Pandamon and can be shouty for some people with its early gain.


The red is safer in the vocals and sounds more open. Treble on both are smooth but Pandamon edges out on micro details and separation. Red wins for a more natural replay.


QKZ x HBB Khan
-Both share the same dual DD setup and technology. The Khan is more bass focused, as should be. Red sounds more balanced and fits my preference better. Khan is more engaging but just too much for me really. I feel a big disconnect in the bass with the steep tuck. Red is more linear sounding in the bass even with the adapter. Mids and treble are also more correct sounding with the Red and pop out more compared to the Khan. Choose Khan if you love bass. Choose red if you need a reference.


KZ PLANARS
-I have not heard of the recent PR2. I have only heard of the KZ PR1 Hifi and the Pro. Having said that, I think this comparison is interesting because of how KZ planars are priced. I do think planars might offer better techs, and is more superior in layering and separation. What Red might appeal to is in its smoother signature and a more natural sound on instruments. The PR2 might actually beat the Red, but considering some issues currently with the PR2, where newer units have boosted treble, I would probably advice getting red for a more natural replay. Get KZ planars if you want better separation, but there is a risk of getting those sets with high treble on the PR2.


-HEXA
Well I know the Hexa is more expensive than the Red. But since they are from the same company, I hope think this comparison will be helpful. The Hexa is superior when it comes to technicalities and separation. The bass is also more linear and more nuanced even if it is graphed lesser. Maybe the quality of the DD? The bass of the Red is in the slower side, but the level might be enough for you. The Hexa mids are thinner sounding so the Red’s tonality might appeal to you better. Treble is also more natural on the Red, but the Hexa has better extension. Choose you poison. Red for a smoother sounding reference, or Hexa for a more analytical reference, but a few dollars more.


SCORING

-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.


TONALITY - 3
BASS - 2.5
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 2.5
TECHS - 2.5


=13.5 ( A+ rank, generally better than other sets. Very good for the price but the tonality might not match your preferences)


Check my scoring criteria here:


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing


FINAL THOUGHTS


The Project Red has been carefully tuned by Crin. It offers a very smooth neutral signature with a subbass boost, and a 10 ohm adapter for more boost! Haha


Bass is tight and you definitely feel the subbass rumble. It offers enough engagement especially when run on balanced, at least for me. I do feel the driver is in the slower side.


Mids are very open sounding, lush and full. Vocals come out with a natural timbre with adequate space around. It does not have any shout and this area is finely tuned I suppose.


Treble doesn’t sound as energetic as other sets, but you will be surprised how smooth the implementation is. It might be on the safer side, but it offers enough details to complement the boost in the bass.
As for technicalities, I do wish it had more resolution. I know you get better resolving sets when you go up. But we often forget that there are also sets have are resolving even in the budget area, like the pandamon and KZ planars. The Red is better tuned tho.


Crinacle Project Red is a solid release in my honest opinion. This set is the only one in the price range that can be used as a reference or a resetter. There are no significant boosts that colors the tone, apart from the subbass boost.


So yeah, this may be my first review without some fancy titles. Why?


Just like how the Red sounds, no fancy s***t, just dead neutral.


==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links


https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...ero-red-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-headphone


MY LIBRARY:
I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:


Rock-Alternative-Metal
Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,


OPM(Original Pinoy Music):
E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya


POP:
IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish


OTHERS:
Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa


I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.


Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.

This specific unit makes me want to do a review because the sound which I personally like a lot of. For those who don't know, the Red exist several months after Truthear released the original Zero (the blue one). I personally used to buy Zero OG but having mixed feelings about that one. Liked the concept, but somehow it used to have compromises in the tuning. The Zero:Red I think, is a big refinement to it's predecessor, and also comes with some extra accessories which is lovely.

Non-Sound Aspect: The Red physically identical like it's predecessor, now comes with a different faceplate. Fitting I find it very good and stable, i like both the iem shell choice and also the cable, ergonomics very good. One note is the nozzle size is probably kinda big for some people, but I understand that one is necessary for the tuning and better not touch on that (probably the only option is to remove the nozzle lip to make it feel smaller inside ears, is the only one i can think of).

Sound:
This is the part that is the most important about this thing. The Red is I think, one of the best tuned set in IEM history, and also a big improvement compared to OG Zero, which tuned like this:

Please note that the one that I got is having some channel imbalances. Maybe I am just unlucky (that one is one of the best matched out of 3 unit I got) and I hope it's now fixed regarding the consistency of the QC.
As you can see, the OG Zero is faithful to harman tuning, with some big tuning problem in actual listening. The bass, while looking big on graph, is actually sounds like there is hollowness in the bass, and overall sound is kinda grainy without actually extracting any perceivable details in the music. It's fine to listen to but that's probably what i can say about that set. And then several months later, Red released:



At first I was like, okay, it's just a retuned one with different, safer tonality right? Also kinda worry about the bass that measure less. The OG Zero with much more measured bass sound like that, Red should be less (?). And then when the Red comes and I tried it, I was like "wow, okay, didn't expect this to sound like this". So the big difference I perceived first were in the bass section, kick drum, bassist plays, and other low element in the song potrayed like what I wanted it to be. It is generally more focused, more defined bass to me. And then i keep on listening, it definitely sounds clean and not grainy compared to the OG Zero, so to me that was a big plus.
The Red is just, pleasant to listen to, a good daily drive beater IEM. And for only $55? XD I personally would buy 2nd pair just for spare with that kind of offering. Really good collab between Truthear and Crinacle.


Conclusion:
At the price it offered, the Red is kind of no brainer, should be on everyone consideration when looking for a safe and well tuned IEM. It lacks any harshness/grainyness if at all, sounding clean in the notes. Really enjoyable to listen / chill around with music.

Notes:
I hope in the future, maybe make the same concept like this with a much better, improved driver as a flagship offering. That would be very interesting.
Playlist Used, Comparative Ranking:
https://recodestar.neoweb.id/iem-ranking-list

General Information (Build/Packaging/Comfort)
Project Red is a collaboration between Truthear and Crinacle, an improvement/tweak over the OG. It is a dual dynamic driver config where the 10mm dynamic driver is acting as a dedicated woofer handling mainly the sub bass while the main 7.8mm driver handles the rest of the frequency range.

Zero:Red has got a very beautiful faceplate. It's 3D printed and the unit is very light and I don't feel the weight on me when I'm wearing them. One thing that bothers me is that the nozzle size is rather big and it might cause some discomfort if you are not using the right ear tips. The stock eartips work fine for me, S size, but i personally prefer using Spinfit’s CP145 for more comfort.

Packaging is quite good for the price, it has got two types of eartips with various sizes, a storage pouch for the IEM, and basic cables, overall justifiable by the asking price. However i’m using the Final Audio’s Type E eartips for this review because the stock eartip is not grippy enough and not that comfortable (hence, there might be a slight differences in terms of sonic perception due to different ear tips)

Gears used for this review

• Earmen Angel Dac/Amp
• Earmen ST-Amp
• Hiby FC6
• Sony WM1A
• Truthear Zero: Red with Final Type E Eartips

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far



Sound
I’m sure most of you guys are aware that Zero is closely following the Harman curve in terms of tuning, but with a twist, that is including a dedicated woofer crossed over with the main driver. Well, in a layman’s term, the dedicated woofer will be handling the sub-bass while the main will cover the mid bass all the way to treble.

How does it sound then? The OG Zero is quite bassy, the moment when i listened to Zero: Red, the difference is very noticeable, in a good way of course, bass quantity is slightly lesser but cleaner and has better control, it is more balanced sounding overall, if you find the bass is lacking, the included 10ohm adapter will do the job, the sub bass will be boosted for several db, the mids will go slightly more forward based on my listening experience.

Timbre sounds alright/natural to my ears while the note weight is average across the freq range except for the lower end where it bears a lot more impact.

The vocal positioning is slightly recessed on the male but female’s vocal is a little bit more forward but not harsh, both male and female vocal has got similar texture to it and they’re not bad or exceptionally good. When the 10ohm adapter is being used, the vocals will be slightly pushed forward. The midrange is generally clean and good, but i’d prefer if it has got a little bit more texture to it, the piano to me lacks a little weight to it in my opinion, but that’s just me, i let my spouse tried it (non-audiophile) and she likes it and doesn’t have anything to complain about, but me as a reviewer of course i have to highlight the pros and cons

The treble response is smooth and non sibilant, a very safe approach and I'm sure even the treble sensitive guys/girls will be able to handle it. While it’s good to have a safe approach, it also kills off some air which is evident on some busy tracks where everything will sound a little like “mashed” with each other. This is just me nitpicking, and of course something's got to give. Detail retrieval is good enough for the price. Definitely not for critical listening.

Soundstage is slightly out of the head but lacking a little height and depth to my ears. Imaging is average, instruments can be picked up easily but of course it struggles a little on busy tracks.

Driveability

• Zero: Red is not hard to drive, but it does scale with better source and amping
• Using it with the included impedance adapter at 10ohm boosts the sub bass and remains relatively easy to drive

Comparison (Dunu Titan S)

• Bass is definitely not the strong point of Titan S, lacking in terms of quantity, but compensated with quality bass (fast and tight)
• Vocal is more prominent on the Titan S but also having a little more energy on the upper mids, this might be a little problematic for some people who are sensitive at this range
• In term of treble, Titan S has got a bit more energy and air but nowhere near offensive sounding or harsh
• Detail retrieval on Titan S is slightly better
• Soundstage and Imaging is slightly better on the Titan S as well
• I made it sound like Titan S is a better choice, isn't it? It is not, well, i’d say Titan S is focusing more on technical performance while Zero:Red is more on fun. To me, the target audience is different.

Final Thoughts
I don’t have any problem recommending Zero:Red if you’re looking for some fun and to experience having a “dedicated” woofer handling the sub bass which does produce a very very fun rumble when the track calls for it. However, if you are mainly looking for technical performance, you may skip this set, Zero is not for you. As for me, i am not someone who is fixated on a certain target curve, as long as it sounds good to my ears, i like them, as simple as that. I listen to music and I'm not trying to analyse every piece of information from the track.


*Zero: Red is sent over by Shenzhenaudio for the purpose of this review. I thank them for the opportunity and support as always.

Head over to the store if you’re interested in getting a pair:

Zero: Red - Non affiliated