Short answer: the Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED. It ranks #3 of 68 in-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.9/5) at $64.99 and is still sold new; the 7Hz Salnotes Zero ranks #4 (rated 4.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The 7Hz Salnotes Zero’s replacement, the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2, is rated 3.9/5 at $24.99.
The case for the Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED: A Harman score of 86 at an entry-level price delivers a well-balanced response with a smooth 1.1 dB deviation. Watch for: Presence from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 2.2 dB below target, so vocals and snare attack can sound a little recessed.
What the 7Hz Salnotes Zero does well: A Harman score of 84 from a single 10 mm dynamic driver at a bargain price is remarkable. The tradeoff: Presence and treble run about 2.1 to 2.2 dB under target, and a 6.2 dB dip near 10 kHz leaves cymbals and breath detail muted.
Buy the Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the 7Hz Salnotes Zero is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED | 7Hz Salnotes Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 | $22.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 68 in In-Ear Headphones | #4 of 68 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.10 dB standard deviation | 1.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.16 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm + 1 x 7.8mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 17.5 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 117.5 dB/Vrms | 108 dB SPL/V |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED:
- Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED vs Tin HiFi T3 Plus
- Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED vs Tin HiFi T4
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs KZ ZSN Pro X
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs Truthear Gate
- Sennheiser IE 200 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED: $64.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A Harman score of 86 at an entry-level price delivers a well-balanced response with a smooth 1.1 dB deviation. Bass and mids track the target closely, and the dual dynamic driver design runs easily from a phone at 17.5 ohms and 117.5 dB per volt. It outscores the Tin HiFi T3 Plus by a clear rating margin at a similar cost. It is a good fit for listeners who like a warm, bass-forward sound.
Cons: Presence from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 2.2 dB below target, so vocals and snare attack can sound a little recessed. A 3.9 dB dip near 10.3 kHz and sub-bass about 1.4 dB light mean cymbals lack some shimmer and the deepest bass has less rumble. It is wired only with no mic or remote listed.
Full Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.10 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm + 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 17.5 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 117.5 dB/Vrms |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -2.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,163 Hz | +2.2 dB | 2.44 |
| Peak | 341 Hz | -1.0 dB | 1.46 |
| Peak | 70 Hz | +1.0 dB | 0.61 |
| Peak | 1,284 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.04 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,432 Hz | +0.7 dB | 2.98 |
| Peak | 3,588 Hz | -0.6 dB | 3.06 |
| Peak | 8,541 Hz | +1.1 dB | 3.84 |
| Peak | 769 Hz | +0.2 dB | 3.01 |
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7Hz Salnotes Zero: $22.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5, released Nov 2023. See every 7Hz Zero generation.
Pros: A Harman score of 84 from a single 10 mm dynamic driver at a bargain price is remarkable. Bass and mids sit within about 0.3 dB of the target, so vocals and instruments are balanced naturally with a 1.31 dB deviation. It runs from a phone without difficulty at 32 ohms and 108 dB per volt. It beats the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 on rating at a similar cost.
Cons: Presence and treble run about 2.1 to 2.2 dB under target, and a 6.2 dB dip near 10 kHz leaves cymbals and breath detail muted. Sub-bass is about 1.5 dB light, so the deepest rumble in electronic music is understated. The sensitivity is lower than many rivals, so it needs a bit more volume headroom from weak sources. Discontinued.
Full 7Hz Salnotes Zero review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB SPL/V |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.16 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -2.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 7,148 Hz | +2.5 dB | 1.39 |
| Peak | 186 Hz | -1.3 dB | 1.35 |
| Peak | 65 Hz | +1.7 dB | 1.11 |
| Peak | 1,677 Hz | -1.1 dB | 1.82 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 857 Hz | +0.9 dB | 1.64 |
| Peak | 9,824 Hz | +0.9 dB | 1.98 |
| Peak | 3,316 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.50 |
| Peak | 1,261 Hz | -0.7 dB | 3.34 |
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