FiiO FA1 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red - Outstanding overall at around $65.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red leads on 4 of 4 measures.

FiiO FA1
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

HearWiki score

Sound

6.3

8.1

Value

4.0

8.8

Price (USD)

$99

$65

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

FA12020
x Crinacle Zero Red20233 yr newer

Specifications

FA1x Crinacle Zero Red

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $99; $65
HearWiki score: 50; 82
Released: 2020; 2023
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: balanced armature; 2DD
Driver type: balanced-armature; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 2DD
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 15 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 4.5 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FA1 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Spec	FiiO FA1	Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$99	$65
HearWiki score	50 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2020	2023
Audio
Driver	balanced armature	2DD
Driver type	balanced-armature	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	2DD
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	15 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity	111 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	4.5 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

FiiO FA1

The FiiO FA1 is a lightweight, wired single balanced-armature IEM that delivers a clear, neutral-leaning sound with strong detail retrieval for its price. Its comfortable build and easy-to-drive nature make it a solid choice for analytical listeners, though its bass response is modest and may not satisfy those seeking deep low-end punch.

Pro:Clear and resolving treble
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity

Con:Limited bass extension
Con:Lower mids can sound slightly artificial
Con:Not ideal for bass-heavy genres

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

This wired in-ear monitor pairs a 10 mm and a 7.8 mm dynamic driver in a dual-driver setup, tuned for a warm, natural sound signature. It’s designed to be comfortable for extended listening, making it a solid pick for those who prefer a relaxed, non-fatiguing presentation. With no ANC, it relies on passive isolation from its fit.

Pro:Warm, natural tuning for long sessions
Pro:Dual dynamic drivers for rich bass and detail
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a source with enough power (17.5 ohm impedance)
Con:Bulky shell may not suit small ears

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison FiiO FA1 Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red