Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red VS Kiwi Ears Cadenza

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red and Kiwi Ears Cadenza are in-ear monitors. Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red costs $55 while Kiwi Ears Cadenza costs $35. Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red is $20 more expensive. Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (6 vs 5.4). User ratings place Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red at 7 and Kiwi Ears Cadenza at 6.2. Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has slightly better bass with a 0.4-point edge, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Kiwi Ears Cadenza has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has better details with a 0.5-point edge and Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.

Insights

Metric Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red Kiwi Ears Cadenza
Bass 6.2 5.8
Mids 5.9 5.6
Treble 5.8 5.1
Details 4.8 4.3
Soundstage 5.8 5.3
Imaging 4.8 4.3
Dynamics 5 6
Tonality 6.1 5.5
Technicalities 5.3 4.8

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6

Mixed


Kiwi Ears Cadenza Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

5.4

Mixed to Negative


Reviews Comparison

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7 * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

Tip rolling transforms everything. With the small-hole stock tips the Zero:Red comes across as a clean, adult, measurement-focused tuning—neutral, tidy, a bit narrower in stage. Swap to the large-hole set and it gets fuller, more open, and more fun. The gargantuan nozzles make tip fit a chore, but pairing with grippy “Render” tips blows the doors open: soundstage feels doubled, highs smooth slightly, and imaging tightens to the point where this stops behaving like a budget IEM. The refrain repeats: this doesn’t sound like a $50 IEM once the right tips are on.

Under the hood it’s a dual-dynamic setup (≈10 mm + 7.8 mm) with a bundled 10-ohm bass adapter that lifts the low-end shelf but demands much more power; handy for a quick “more bass” button, though straightforward EQ remains the cleaner route. The stock cable is cheap but serviceable, the faceplates are surprisingly handsome, and amp synergy matters—these dynamics reveal changes moving from single-ended to balanced or even tubes. The takeaway is simple: highly recommended, especially with aftermarket tips. Treat Zero:Red like a tuning canvas—roll tips, give it real power—and it responds with stage, warmth, and width that punch far above its price.


Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
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Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

Accessories are generous for the price: a pocketable carry case, three sets of ear tips (including foam), spare nozzle filters, and a 10Ω impedance adapter. The cable is thin yet practical with a working chin slider and 2-pin connectors, though the right-angled plug is clunky once the adapter is attached. The shells reuse the original Zero’s lightweight plastic chassis with a red faceplate—clean but a bit plain. Fit is generally secure, but the nozzle is long and wide, which could trouble smaller ear canals.

Sonically, this is Crinacle-neutral with a sub-bass boost: a flat, clean midrange, modestly elevated low end, and safe but well-extended treble. Lower mids carry a touch more warmth than sets like Blessing 3, keeping vocals natural without thinning; engage the included adapter and bass steps up smartly without muddying the mids. The trade-off is technicalities: transients are a bit soft, separation is average, and staging feels restrained versus more contrasty rivals like the original Zero; Moondrop LAN sounds tighter, while Hexa pulls ahead on microdetail, and Aria is warmer yet similarly softened. At $55, though, the Zero:Red is a small tuning triumph—balanced, versatile, and easy to recommend if target adherence matters more than wow-factor technicals—earning a solid 4/5.


Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Pros: Balanced tuning, smooth and natural timbre, good stage. Cons: Can use more micro details.

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: A-

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
B Tech
Well tuned, energetic signature Slightly heady, can be fatiquing

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A-

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 6 Reviewer Score
IMHO no one really needs anything more than this. Impecable tuning. Techs are competitive with anything under $100. Only true knock I have against this is that the nozzle is pretty bad - long and thick, which may be a problem for some. It certainly makes putting eartips on them very difficult.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 4.5 Reviewer Score
Good tuning, great bass, excellent build quality, cheap price - what's not to love? Well - the treble is not to love. Treble sounds weird, metallic, and a bit zingy - if you like that, then this is the set for you!

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.8 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
C+ Tech
I think this is massivly overhyped, but it's not terrible and a great value with impedance adapters

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: C+ Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: B

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6.6 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
C+ Tech
Fantastic tonality, is end game for many.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: B Soundstage: B-

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 5.7 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
B Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B- Mids: C Treble: B Soundstage: B- Details: B Imaging: B+

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 5.1 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
C+ Tech
Comment: It was almost good. Generally good tuning with some bass exture Somewhat grainy treble which is pronounced but not well defined

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: C+ Mids: C+ Treble: C Soundstage: C+ Details: B- Imaging: B-

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 5.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
C+ Tech

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
C Tech

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B- Tech
Great all-rounder, IEF-harman. Bass is a bit pillowy.
Youtube Video Summary

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red makes a strong case as an endgame budget pick for listeners who mostly game, study, commute, or run music in the background. The tuning reads neutral-balanced, distinctly Harman-ish, with no glaring weaknesses: clean, open vocals that aren’t shouty or recessed, smooth upper-mids that avoid Blessing 3-style sharpness, and respectable treble extension without harshness. Bass is punchy and neatly separated from the mids, and the bass plug adds simple versatility. Under casual listening, the “small upgrades” of pricier IEMs tend to disappear, making Red more than “good enough” for many.

Against peers, Red feels like a smart refinement: versus the original Zero it fixes the spicy upper-mids and scoop for a more natural, weighted presentation; compared to Quarks/Tanya DSP, its analog 3.5 mm connection avoids hiss/phasing, with sharper imaging and a fuller low end from the dual-driver setup. Hexa can edge it in separation on busy tracks, but the gap is small unless listening with full focus. PR2 may stage cleaner yet suffers from elevated treble and inconsistent tuning—recommendation depends on mods. Taken together, Red sets a benchmark value in the $50–$100 bracket and comfortably sits in a top-five conversation for entry-level enthusiasts—perfect for anyone ready to “take the red pill” and step off the upgrade carousel.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 4 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
C+ Tech
Basically the modded Zero with slight more bass. Best note-weight out of the $20 sets. Berrylium bass baby.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 4.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
D Tech
Brilliant tonal balance with the option to for extra bass. A bargain at its price point.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: C+ Mids: C+ Treble: C+ Details: D+ Imaging: D

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 3.3 Reviewer Score
D Tuning
D Tech
check links for more info:

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: C- Mids: D Treble: D Details: D Imaging: D

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.8 * score rescaled + normalized
20 community members have rated the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero Red at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.7 * score rescaled + normalized
23 community members have rated the Kiwi Ears Cadenza at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red (more reviews)

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B- Tech
Great balanced, smooth tuning. Needs more bass for my taste, can be a bit soft at times.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears Cadenza (more reviews)

Kiwi Ears Cadenza reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 6.9 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
C+ Tech
check links for more info:

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: B

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

7

Generally Favorable

Kiwi Ears Cadenza User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

6.2

Mixed to Positive

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.6

Gaming Grade

B-

Kiwi Ears Cadenza Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5

Gaming Grade

C+

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B
  • The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Bass B
You get a lively bass response that balances energy with discipline. It balances punch with respectable control.
Mids B-
Expect a competent midrange that keeps vocals grounded and instruments clear. Tone is acceptable across multiple genres.
Treble B-
Highs come through with reasonable clarity while staying mostly smooth. Sibilance is mostly controlled.
Dynamics C+
You get reliable macrodynamics, with micro shifts that remain only adequate. A reliable performer for most tracks.
Soundstage B-
Stage expands beyond the shoulders and finally hints at layers, though vertical cues stay muted. Depth cues begin to emerge.
Details C
You get the outline of textures, though the finer brushstrokes remain faint. Background information is audible but soft.
Imaging C
Center information lands in the right area but not with laser focus. Separation is adequate for casual listening.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

C
  • Details smear quickly, leaving the presentation cramped and low on definition. You'll notice smearing on even moderately layered songs.
Bass B-
Bass performance is average—present enough but rarely inspiring. It neither offends nor impresses.
Mids B-
Midrange performance is decent, offering balanced presence without major flaws. It works well for casual background listening.
Treble C+
The top end is tidy and serviceable, adding air without overdoing it. Extension is decent for casual listening.
Dynamics B
It handles shifts in volume well, keeping transients lively and controlled. Quiet-to-loud transitions feel natural.
Soundstage C+
Stage expands beyond the shoulders and finally hints at layers, though vertical cues stay muted. Depth cues begin to emerge.
Details C-
You get the outline of textures, though the finer brushstrokes remain faint. Background information is audible but soft.
Imaging C-
Separation is good enough for casual listening yet misses audiophile precision. Depth remains limited but present.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision.

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red User Reviews

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W wpzdm
7

A small DUSK

Pros
Feels "modern" and fun. Tasty throughout the freq. Imp adapter is a great idea
Cons
None for its price

Kiwi Ears Cadenza User Reviews

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M Makavelian
6.2

Best I've heard under $50

Pros
Excellent tuning for the price, small shells should fit vast majority of ears well.
Cons
Touch too much eargain, can come off as shouty/honky at times, easily remedied with 10 band EQ.

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