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Kiwi Ears Cadenza II 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.

Score breakdown

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

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
  • Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
HearWiki score
77
82
Sound
7.7
8.1
Value
9.2
8.8
Price (USD)
$50
$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 Kiwi Ears Cadenza II 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.

  • Cadenza II20263 yr newer
  • x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

Cadenza IIx Crinacle Zero Red
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$50
$65
HearWiki score
77
82
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
1DD
2DD
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD
2DD
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
2
Impedance
18 Ω
17.5 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is an entry-level wired IEM built around a single 10mm dynamic driver, offering a smooth, natural tuning that pairs well with a wide range of music. It delivers clean transients, solid imaging, and a non-fatiguing sound signature, making it a safe and enjoyable pick for beginners or budget-conscious listeners. For best performance, it may benefit from a more capable source, but it remains a strong value at its price point.

  • Pro:Clean and well-defined audio quality
  • Pro:Comfortable, non-fatiguing tuning
  • Pro:Good imaging and soundstage for the price
  • Con:Bass may feel restrained for some listeners
  • Con:Benefits from a more powerful source
  • Con:Single dynamic driver limits certain detail retrieval

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonKiwi Ears Cadenza IITruthear x Crinacle Zero Red