TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO vs CrinEar Reference

The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO are a budget-minded alternative to the premium CrinEar Reference, for those looking to get a foothold in the hobby. The ZERO have a more bass-boosted sound, with a sharper treble presentation for a slightly V-shaped response overall. Meanwhile, the Reference are tuned with 'perceptual flatness' in mind, based on the JM-1 diffuse field, for a more subdued bass and darker treble. As you'd expect considering their higher price point, the Reference are much better built, with a machined aluminum chassis that feels more solid than the ZERO's resin body. The Reference block out more external audio too, due to their tight passive seal. That said, both in-ears are similarly comfortable and can be worn for long listening sessions without much fatigue.