Truthear Zero & Truthear Zero: Red – Choosing Between Red Pills and Blue Pills

Disclaimer

– The reviewed IEM is a sponsored unit from Red Ape Headphone Store Malaysia. Nevertheless, all the opinions are original ideas, there is zero influence from any 3rd party or external opinions.

– No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.

– Sound evaluation are kept neutral and does not include 3rd party accessories (ie; eartips, cable, reversible mods)

Ratings

Introduction

Finally, calm after the storm as they say as I received a package from our local official retailer for Truthear in-ears, that is Red Ape Audio Store. I could still remember the all-around hype around these two IEMs, that I will be reviewing this time. That is the collaboration project between Truthear and a well-regarded reviewer, Crinacle. Thus, with me this time is not one, but two Truthear × Crinacle Zero and Truthear ×  Crinacle Zero:Red. First and foremost, plenty of appreciation to Red Ape Audio Store for sending these IEMs for review. The Truthear Zero and Zero: Red, both feature a dual dynamic-driver configuration, both also measuring the same size but a slightly different tuning.

Before moving any further, I am sure that everyone in the audiophile community is well acquainted with the name Truthear. Apart from the ones I have today, Truthear is also known for their couple other releases such as the Truthear Hexa, Truthear Hola and last but not least, the Truthear Gate. Their IEMs are marketed more towards the budget-conscious users within the community, providing high quality products while keeping the price relatively affordable for most folks. That being said, let us jump straight into the review of the Zero and Zero: Red

Unboxing Experience

Both of these IEMs came in an identical package and accessories which made me easier to dissect one at a time, albeit the only difference between the two are the different illustrations shown in front of the packaging and other than that there is also a 10 Ohm impedance adapter included only for the Zero:Red, which supposedly adds more bass quantity into the sound.

Well, looking at the packaging it was quite simple and straightforward which features an illustrated thin cardboard cover on the outside of the packaging. In front, one can find an illustration of a female character which differentiates the Zero and Zero:Red with some branding logo to go which is the same as well on the sides of the box. On the back, is provided all of the basic specifications information for the IEM. Sliding the outside layer unveils the actual box which has an embossed “Zero” wording on the top which adds a nice attention to detail. Inside the box you’ll get the IEMs themselves resting on a cardboard cutout, a nicely made IEM pouch which is made out of PU leather, a bunch of eartips, a display stand which features the same illustration of a female character for respective IEMs and last but not least the cable for the IEM itself.

Specifications

Build and Comfort

Both of these IEMs share the same shell design, ergonomics and driver configurations that consists of two dynamic-drivers, as the 10mm DD being the main driver while the secondary 7.8mm DD is responsible for the tweeter, so what differentiates these two then? Well, the aesthetics on the face plate which the Zero:Red is.. well, obviously red with this interesting pattern that reminds me of the textiles used for semi-truck ratchet strap. Meanwhile, the other Zero came with a blue gradient faceplate with a swirly design. The shells for both IEMs are made using 3D printing technology by HeyGears which then finished with a coating of medical-grade resin to give the IEM its signature smooth, glassy-like finish. 

Overall feeling of both of these IEMs are lightweight and fairly comfortable to wear, at least based on my ear structure. I have absolutely no issue fitting these inside my ears and wear it for a decent 1-2 hours, since I do prefer my IEMs to sit flush, secure touching the wall of my ears rather than sticking out which the Truthear Zero are lacking in my opinion, hence whenever I move my jaw it would gradually slips out from my ear canal. But nevertheless, these are comfortable IEMs and the 5mm nozzle diameter allows you to pair these with a decent selection of eartips but for something that has a smaller bore like the Sony EX-EP11 might face some problems since the nozzle lip was quite large hence, made it difficult to stick the eartips.

Cable

Truthear kept things simple for both of the Zero and Zero:Red that is by including the same cable inside the package. Unfortunately, there was not much information I could find on the internet or even by scouring through Truthear’s website. Nevertheless, the website does tell that the cable features a 4 core, OFC silver-plated material being used for the main build. Other than that, judging from how the cable is made shows that it has a nice layer of soft plastic shielding on the outside that is soft to the touch and frankfully resistant to tangling as well. The provided terminations are limited to only 3.5mm single-ended to a 2-pin connection. Overall, it was a good quality cable in my opinion, as it is well-made, super lightweight though it might come across as a bit thin for some folks.

Test Equipment

• Local Hi-Res files > Astell&Kern SE100 M.Chat (Linear Phase Fast Roll-off Filter)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V + DSEE Ultimate (ON), Dolby Atmos (OFF)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V > Venture Electronics Odo (3.5mm)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V > Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini (3.5mm)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V > MUSEHIFI M3 II (3.5mm)

Power Requirements

I have heard numerous opinions regarding the efficiency of these IEMs, especially the Zero:Red being perceived as being much harder to drive compared to the Zero. Well, based on wearing experience using these two back and forth, the Zero:Red indeed requires a bit more juice but I could safely confirm that the difference was quite negligible. I powered both IEMs through various sources starting with my reference DAP, the A&K SE100 followed by the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini, MUSEHIFI M3 II and lastly straight from my Sony Xperia 1 V.

Initial Impression

I’ll get straight to the point on this one because there isn’t really that much to compare between the two, except a matter of taste. Pick your poison as one would say. Both of these IEMs are tuned based on the Harman 2019 Target Curve, although it is not a perfect representation it can give newcomers an excellent reference as what Harman neutral sounds like.

The Zero:Red is essentially a much more refined version of the Zero, with less peaks and better sub-bass presence which is what the Zero was lacking. It is not severely lacking by any means, There’s a slightly greater sub-bass rumble and presence, richer midrange and overall a tad smoother treble with the Zero:Red. To me, the only reason you would get the Zero is that you prefer a slightly punchier mid-bass and upper-bass with a slightly more shimmer and presence within the treble region but then one does have to sacrifice for a much more neutral tonal balance in the midrange.

Additionally, the Zero:Red does come with an impedance adapter that is rated at 10 Ohms which supposedly functions to add more bass quantity into the Zero:Red. Personally, I am not a big fan of the sound with the adapter attached since it adds unnecessary muddiness into the midrange.

Low Frequency (Bass)

➢     Truthear Zero

Bass on the Truthear Zero is neutral based on the Harman neutral, though with a less emphasized sub-bass which can be seen through the FR chart. Overall, it focuses more on delivering a satisfying mid-bass and upper-bass punch that is rapid in terms of bass response and apparently has good textures as well. Sub-bass is fairly on the weaker, softer side, there was not much rumbles I could pick up when testing out with my usual track such as Hollow (16-Bit Remix) – Björk during the first 30 seconds into the song. For other genres such as Alternative Rock or even Pop, was where I think the Zero shines especially if one craves for a good kick-drum reproduction as the Zero delivers bass punches that resembles a thick “thud” which has good weight and depth. The scoop between 150-200Hz, while it does take off some of the warmth from the lower-mid, it does allow both frequencies to shine on its own creating a nice separation between the two frequencies and a much cleaner presentation.

➢    Truthear Zero:Red

The Zero:Red on the other hand sounded more like a typical Harman sounding IEM, which features the laid-back nature and warm tonal balance. In terms of quality, the Zero:Red is identical to the Zero albeit, without the bass tuck between 150-200Hz the Zero:Red is definitely slightly more warm and mellow which does influence the lower-mids and as well as midrange. Additionally, due to the added sub-bass, that particular region has become more noticeable, sub-bass rumble became more apparent and thicker with better presence yet still remains what I would call as soft. Bass punch now resembled a thicker “thud” compared to the Zero, with an added note weight, hence bass renditions and kick-drums indeed sounded slightly much thicker and richer. The provided impedance adapter does add a bit more bass quantity by a couple decibels into the Zero:Red which primarily affects the sub-bass and mid-bass. I personally dislike the sound signature with the adapter since it worsens the aforementioned muddiness.

Middle Frequency (Mid)

➢    Truthear Zero

Midrange presence on the Zero was strong, upfront with very good clarity is the main highlight to have this IEM when compared to the Zero:Red. That said, it does lean towards a much more neutral and leaner sound signature that can be heard through vocal and stringed instruments which does not sound shrill or sterile at all. The bass tuck around 150-200Hz allows the midrange to shine naturally and effortlessly without the added lower-mid emphasis. I personally prefer the tonal balance on the Zero, compared to the Zero:Red which I perceive slightly unnatural and muddy. Guitar plucks and other stringed instruments sounded crisp on the Zero and presented with good timbre quality which allows me to easily differentiate the different notes and types of instruments playing in the background. The upper-mids can get a bit hot for some people, including myself, which is noticeable when the Zero is paired with various types of eartips that accentuates this region.

➢    Truthear Zero:Red

Tuned slightly towards the warmer sound signature, the Zero:Red is a much more laid-back, relaxing sounding IEM which might please those who prefer their midrange on the thicker, richer side. That said, it can be slightly muddy due to the elevation on the lower-mids which affects male vocal reproduction, while instruments sounded a tad smoother. Hence, in tracks like Mediterranean Sundance – Al Di Meola, I often perceive the sound that came from the action of plucking the acoustic guitar strings tend to be slightly blunted and lacking in bite compared to the Zero. Additionally, upper midrange is slightly more tolerable on the Zero:Red though it does sacrifice minimally in terms of presence which the midrange now sounded slightly recessed.

High Frequency (Treble)

➢     Truthear Zero

Being a much more neutral leaning IEM, the Zero has an exciting, vivid and engaging treble which is delivered via the 7mm LCP diaphragm. Despite the peaks which I mentioned during my initial impression, the Zero remains actually quite smooth without coming across as sibilant, although it does occasionally can sound a bit thin which is highly dependent on the music. For example, the sound of crashes and cymbals being hit were quite light in tracks such as The Sound of Muzak – Porcupine Tree. Mid and upper-treble of the Zero sounded open and spacious, suitable for those who prefer an airy presentation

➢    Truthear Zero:Red

Treble on the Zero:Red was much smoother, a tad less airy and noticeably mellow as well compared to its other sibling. Additionally, the Zero:Red solves the issue in regards to the thin treble on the Zero though it does lose quite a bit in terms of treble presence and the crisp that I personally like. Nevertheless, the laid-back nature of this IEM means that you can listen to it quite comfortably even on higher volume.

Technicality

From a technical standpoint, considering that it uses the same driver. Both of these IEMs share a similar level of detail retrieval and resolution which to me is average at best. Both IEMs have no issue rendering macro details, meanwhile smaller nuances such as bass transients and textures such as in tracks like In My Room – Hikaru Utada, were where both IEMs came short. Sounstaging and spatial imaging were average as well, based on my experience the soundstage on both Zeros are spacious, wide but a tad lacking in terms of depth. Imaging was good, as it has no issue when rendering basic movements from left to right (vice versa) but fairly inaccurate for complicated tasks such as reproducing orchestral performance, binaural recordings and so on.

Layering and separation on both IEMs are decent in my book, not quite impressive but it’s not that bad either considering the price tag. This is apparent in orchestral tracks, where the different elements at different positions and depth are somewhat melded together compared to where it could’ve been individually heard and differentiated. Lastly, wrapping it off with the dynamic range test for both Truthear Zero is rated at average. Utilizing the Ultimate Headphone Test – ABYSS Headphone dynamic range test as a reference. In short, a sample sound of a drum and a bell are played simultaneously as much as 7 counts, but only the sound of the bells will become quieter. Hence, from a scale of 7 counts, both IEMs were able to produce an audible 5 out of 7 counts.

Comparison(s)

●       Kiwi Ears KE4 ($199)

Although the KE4 is rocking a totally different driver configuration when compared to the Zeros. There isn’t much difference I could tell in terms of tuning, apart from some frequencies and few technical aspects. Most noticeable differences I could differentiate between the IEMs are within the lower-mid and midrange frequencies, whereby the KE4 sounded a tad thicker, warmer but slightly recessed than the Truthear Zero and Zero:Red that is apparent through vocals and stringed instruments. Other than that, both Truthear Zero excels in the bass department, delivering much higher quality bass that is punchy, grunty with rapid response and attack compared to the KE4 which was a tad sluggish and leans more on the polite side. Technical wise, surprisingly the Truthear Zero pretty much has the advantage over the KE4 in numerous aspect such as spacious soundstaging, greater clarity and resolution and slightly better layering, meanwhile the rest are safe to say on par.

Eartip Combination(s)

●      E Pro EP00

One of my personal favorites to pair with both IEMs, it adds a touch of extra smoothness in the upper-mid and treble which eliminates any harsh elements including peaks and dips without sacrificing the airiness and the spacious soundstage. Other than that, this combination helps to provide slightly better clarity and separation within the midrange which allows vocals to shine independently without causing it to meld together with other elements. Bass somewhat sounded a bit more rounded and a tad bouncy, especially on the Zero where it took a bit of the excess energy from the mid-bass punch.

●      FiiO HS18

Also a good pairing on both IEMs especially when you need that extra bass quantity. I personally prefer this to be paired with the Zero:Red rather than using the adapter where I could look for the additional mid/upper-bass quantity without affecting the rest of the frequencies compared to other eartips such as Final Type E and so on. Soundstaging remained quite spacious on both IEMs with similar airiness as well. However, when paired with the Zero, it does take a bit of that midrange forwardness thus, making the IEM sound a bit V-shape.

Purchasing Links and Where to Get?

Red Ape Audio Store

●      Truthear Zero: Red

●      Truthear Zero

https://redape.my/products/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-in-ear-monitors-dual-dynamic-drivers-with-0-78-2pin-cable-earphones-iem-zero-1?_pos=2&_sid=c2498ac40&_ss=r

Conclusion

To conclude, the Truthear Zero and Zero:Red have been out in the market for quite some time now. Yet both of these IEMs still offer solid value and quite frankfully, remain a popular choice among gamers and those who are just starting up into this hobby despite the amount of more sidegrades beginning to pop up every single week within the Chi-Fi market.

Even for the experienced like myself quite enjoyed the Truthear Zero in particular. It strikes a perfect balance between fun factor and for referencing as well, at least if I’m comparing between Harman neutral IEMs. That should be enough to wrap up my review on the Truthear Zero and Truthear Zero:Red, until then see you in the next review!

Additional Test Tracks

 Money For Nothing (Explicit) – Dire Straits  44.1kHz

A Poem Titled You – TAEYEON        44.1kHz

Anesthetize (Live) – Porcupine Tree DSD256

Vermilion – Slipknot               44.1kHz

Hunter – Björk 44.1kHz

La vaguelette (Original Game Soundtrack) – HOYO-MiX                44.1kHz

Rhythm – Jamey Haddad, Lenny White; Mark Sherman                 44.1kHz

Kimigatame (When Suara Meets DSD 11.2Mhz) – Suara                DSD11.2MHz

Automatic – Hikaru Utada                  44.1kHz

In My Room – Hikaru Utada               44.1kHz

Colors (Live in Studio) – Black Pumas                      192kHz

Timbres – Yosi Horikawa                  44.1kHz

Misguided Ghosts – Paramore                      44.1kHz