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KZ AS12 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the KZ AS12 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • KZ AS12
  • Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
HearWiki score
-
82
Sound
-
8.1
Value
-
8.8
Price (USD)
$42
$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

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.

  • AS12Year unknown
  • x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

AS12x Crinacle Zero Red
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$42
$65
HearWiki score
Not scored
82
Released
-
2023
Availability
Availability unknown
Still sold new
Driver
12× balanced armature
2DD
Driver type
balanced-armature
dynamic
Driver configuration
-
2DD
Drivers per side
12
2
Frequency response
6 Hz - 47 kHz
-
Impedance
16 Ω
17.5 Ω
Weight
34 g
-
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
-
Microphones
1
-

What reviewers said

KZ AS12

The KZ AS12 is a wired in-ear monitor that packs an impressive 12 balanced armature drivers per side, housed in a sturdy zinc alloy shell. It's tuned for detailed high-frequency reproduction and instrumental music, offering a detachable 2-pin cable for easy upgrades. With a wide frequency response and low impedance, it's designed to deliver crisp, analytical sound.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval for the price
  • Pro:12 balanced armature drivers for layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable allows customization
  • Con:No noise cancellation (wired only)
  • Con:May require a good source to drive well
  • 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.

Compare something else

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

New comparisonKZ AS12Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red