KZ Symphony 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.

KZ Symphony
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

HearWiki score

Sound

6.1

8.1

Value

5.7

8.8

Price (USD)

$85

$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

KZ Symphony (2024) against Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red (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.

Symphony20241 yr newer
x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

Symphonyx Crinacle Zero Red

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $85; $65
HearWiki score: 54; 82
Released: 2024; 2023
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2-driver hybrid; 2DD
Driver type: hybrid; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 2DD
Driver size: 13.2 mm; -
Drivers per side: 2; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 18 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of KZ Symphony vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Spec	KZ Symphony	Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$85	$65
HearWiki score	54 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2023
Audio
Driver	2-driver hybrid	2DD
Driver type	hybrid	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	2DD
Driver size	13.2 mm	-
Drivers per side	2	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	18 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity	95 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

KZ Symphony

The KZ Symphony is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 13.2mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a punchy, detailed sound. Its build feels solid for the price, but the tuning leans heavily V-shaped with a bright treble and recessed mids, which may not suit everyone. Technicalities like microdetail are above average, though the accessory package is basic.

Pro:Solid build quality
Pro:Strong sub-bass impact
Pro:Good treble microdetail and resolution

Con:Very V-shaped tuning with recessed mids
Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing
Con:Timbre sounds unnatural at times

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 KZ Symphony Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red