Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED REVIEW!

Summary

In this Super Review, Mark Ryan explores the Truth Ear Cross Critical Zero: Red IEMs, a budget-friendly option with a sophisticated tuning by Critical. He discusses the physical form factor, sound signature, and compares it with other IEMs in its price range, including the original Truth Ear Zero, Moondrop Lan, Aria, and the Truth Ear Hexa. Mark highlights the Zero: Red's balanced sound with a sub-bass boost and its modest technical performance, concluding with a four-star rating and a recommendation for those seeking a refined frequency response under $100.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The 'Zero Red' is a budget in-ear monitor (IEM) by TRUTH and Critical, offering a sophisticated tuning at an affordable price of $55.
• 🎵 The IEM is tuned by Critical for a neutral sound with a sub-bass boost, aiming for a frequency response that is both sophisticated and balanced.
• 🔍 The Zero Red has a modest bass boost that is warmer and fuller compared to similar IEMs in its price range, such as the Moondrop Blessing 3.
• 👂 It comes with a variety of ear tips for a customizable fit, including foam tips and different sizes of silicone tips, and an impedance adapter for two different sound signatures.
• 📦 The packaging includes a simple carry case, spare filters, and an impedance adapter, providing good value for the price.
• 🔌 The cable is the same as in previous TRUTH IEMs, with a Y-split chin slider and 2-pin connectors, but might be a bit clunky with dongles and adapters.
• 👎 The Zero Red has some technical limitations, like soft transients and average imaging width, which might make it sound a bit dull compared to more technical performers.
• 🆚 When compared to other IEMs, including the original Zero, Moondrop Lan, Aria, and Hexa, the Zero Red stands out for its tuning but falls a bit short in technical performance.
• 🏆 The Hexa is highlighted as a more technically proficient IEM, offering a neutral sound signature with good micro-contrast and extended treble.
• 🔧 The Zero Red's build quality is lightweight with a plastic shell, and while it fits well for the reviewer, the wide nozzle might not suit all ear shapes.
• 🌟 The reviewer gives the Zero Red a four-star rating out of five, praising its sound tuning but noting its technical limitations.

Q & A

Who is the presenter of the video review?

The presenter of the video review is Mark Ryan from Super Review.

What is the product being reviewed in the video?

The product being reviewed is the TRUTH Ear Cross Critical Zero: Red, an in-ear monitor (IEM).

What is unique about the Zero: Red's pricing in the IEM market?

The Zero: Red is unique because it offers a sophisticated tuning and sound quality at a budget-friendly price of $55.

What does the Zero: Red come with in the box?

The Zero: Red comes with a carry case, three sets of ear tips (including foam tips and silicone tips in different sizes), spare filters, and an impedance adapter.

What is the purpose of the impedance adapter included with the Zero: Red?

The impedance adapter allows the user to change the sound signature of the Zero: Red by providing a significant bass bump when attached.

How does the Zero: Red's tuning differ from the original Zero?

The Zero: Red is tuned to have a neutral sound with a sub bass boost, which is a favorite tuning of TRUTH, whereas the original Zero was tuned to hit the Harman Target curve, which is not TRUTH's favorite response.

What is the issue with the Zero: Red's cable according to the review?

The issue with the Zero: Red's cable is that it might be better suited for a straight Jack rather than an angled one, as adding dongles and adapters can make the connection to devices a bit clunky.

How does the Zero: Red compare to other IEMs in terms of sound signature?

The Zero: Red has a neutral sound signature with a sub bass boost, which is different from the more contrasty sound of the original Zero and the mild v-shaped sound of the Moondrop Aria.

What are the technical performance shortcomings of the Zero: Red mentioned in the review?

The Zero: Red has relatively soft transients, which leads to a somewhat dull listening experience despite its well-tuned sound signature. It also has average imaging width and separation.

How does the Zero: Red fit compared to other IEMs?

The Zero: Red fits quite well, with a lightweight plastic shell and a unique shell shape that provides good fit security, although the nozzle design might not fit everyone comfortably due to its size.

What is the overall rating given by Mark Ryan for the Zero: Red in the review?

Mark Ryan gives the Zero: Red an overall rating of four stars out of five.