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Kiwi Ears Melody 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.

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

  • Kiwi Ears Melody
  • Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
HearWiki score
63
82
Sound
6.9
8.1
Value
7.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$89
$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

Both shipped in 2023. These are 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.

  • Melody2023
  • x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

Melodyx Crinacle Zero Red
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$89
$65
HearWiki score
63
82
Released
2023
2023
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
1 planar
2DD
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver configuration
1 planar
2DD
Driver size
12 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
2
Impedance
18 Ω
17.5 Ω
Sensitivity
102 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Melody

The Kiwi Ears Melody is a wired, single-planar IEM that delivers a lively and engaging sound with strong bass presence. It offers a lightweight, comfortable fit and good value for its price, though its technical performance and accessories are fairly modest. Its energetic tuning makes it a fun pick for listeners who favor a bass-forward, dynamic presentation.

  • Pro:Powerful, well-extended bass
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable shell
  • Pro:Energetic, fun tuning
  • Con:Treble can be overly bright for some
  • Con:Average micro-detail retrieval
  • Con:Basic accessories and packaging

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 MelodyTruthear x Crinacle Zero Red