Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red’s Review
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
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