TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero: BLUE2 Review

 

Introduction:

Truthear, a China-based brand, is known for affordable audio equipment, especially in the In-Ear Monitor (IEM) market, with models like HOLA, HEXA, and ZERO gaining attention. This time, they collaborated with Crinacle to launch Zero:BLUE2, the newest member of the Zero series. The model features a dual-driver design, 1x 10mm dynamic driver and 1x 7.8mm dynamic driver and promises a sound profile close to the Harman target curve. Accessories included in the package feature a high-quality cable and different ear tip options.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Truthear and Shenzhen Audio for providing me Zero: BLUE2 for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Truthear or Shenzhen Audio beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The Zero:BLUE2 is priced competitively at $59.99 USD, placing it firmly among budget-friendly IEMs. For more details, check the link below:

• TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 

 

Package & Accessories:

The Zero:BLUE2 arrives in a sleek, compact box, reflecting Truthear’s distinct packaging style. The cardboard sleave of the box features an anime-style character on the cover, adding a playful and unique touch to the presentation.

Inside the box, you’ll find the following accessories:

• 1 x pair of Truthear Zero:BLUE2 In-Ear Monitors
• 1 x Detachable OCC wire cable with 2-Pin Connectors
• 3 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips
• 3 x pairs of Dual Flange Silicone Ear Tips
• 1 x pair of Foam Ear Tip
• 1 x Storage Case
• 1 x 5Ω Impedance Adapter
• 1 x Print Materials

 

Design & Build Quality:

The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 represents an elegant evolution of Truthear’s design ethos, merging functionality with refined aesthetics. Produced using advanced DLP-3D printing technology by HeyGears, it features a lightweight resin shell that combines durability with comfort. Its glossy finish in a striking blue hue reflects light subtly, creating a sophisticated yet modern appearance.

The faceplate serves as the visual centerpiece, showcasing a bold, textured pattern reminiscent of layered petals or rippling water. Its dynamic three-dimensional quality is achieved through a combination of 3D printing and resin filling, offering an iridescent effect that shifts between shades of blue and hints of purple under varying lighting conditions. This unique aesthetic adds depth and a sense of individuality to the Zero:BLUE2, making it a standout in its design approach.

The redesigned nozzle measures 6.2mm in diameter, slightly smaller and shorter than before, enhancing compatibility with a broader range of ear tips while boosting comfort for extended listening sessions.

The nozzle itself incorporates small perforations in a filtered design, contributing to optimized acoustics and adding a technical flair. Its angled position aligns naturally with the ear canal, a thoughtful touch that highlights user-focused design.

The dual dynamic drivers include a 10mm driver for bass and a 7.8mm driver managing mids and highs, both housed in a reengineered cavity designed to improve airflow and driver performance.

At the top of the shell are 0.78mm 2-Pin female connectors, providing a secure connection with the cable. Nearby, small pressure-relief vents, four on each side, aid in enhancing bass response without compromising the shell’s structural integrity.

The rear of the unit features the Truthear logo, keeping the overall design clean and uncluttered.

The included cable is crafted from 4-strand OCC (Oxygen-Free Copper) with a silver-plated coaxial design, offering a tangle-resistant braid with a smooth matte finish.

Black plastic housings encase the 2-Pin connectors, which are marked with clear L/R indicators.

The cable also features a sleek metal Y-splitter adorned with the Truthear logo and a 3.5mm plug with a straight metal housing and plastic strain relief for added durability.

The Zero:BLUE2 includes an 5Ω impedance adapter that changes the sound, by influencing the bass response.

Overall, the Zero:BLUE2 delivers an excellent balance of technical functionality and visual appeal, with the iridescent faceplate standing as a distinctive highlight.

 

Fit, Comfort & Isolation:

The Zero:BLUE2’s lightweight resin body and ergonomic design offer a comfortable fit, particularly for someone like me with medium-sized ear conchas. The reduced nozzle size enhances compatibility with a wider variety of ear tips compared to previous Zero models, ensuring improved long-term comfort during use. Additionally, its passive noise isolation performs well in moderately noisy environments like metro or bus rides, delivering satisfying results. When paired with foam ear tips, the isolation effect becomes even more pronounced, providing an enhanced listening experience.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model: Zero:BLUE2
• Driver Configuration: 10mm Dynamic Driver + 7.8mm Dynamic Driver
• Diaphragm Material: PU + LCP
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
• Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
• Impedance: 5.8Ω ±15% (@1kHz)
• THD: THD<0.3% @1kHz @94dB
• Frequency Response Range: 9-41kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
  Effective Frequency Response Range: 20-20kHz(IEC60318-4, -3dB)
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin connector
• Cable Material: 4-strand OCC
• Plug: 3.5mm single-ended
• Cable Length: about 120cm

 

Pairing & Drivability:

With a low impedance of 10Ω and 117dB sensitivity, the Zero:BLUE2 is an easily drivable IEM. It achieves sufficient volume levels even with smartphones, tablets, or basic USB DAC/AMP dongles, making it ideal for portable use.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• IEM’s              : Truthear Zero:BLUE2
• Sources         : HiBy R6 III 2025, FiiO KA17

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 delivers a sound profile that’s both familiar and refined, building on the Harman-inspired tuning legacy of its predecessors while introducing subtle tweaks for a more polished experience. With its dual dynamic driver setup, a 10mm driver for bass and a 7.8mm driver for mids and treble, this IEM aims for a cohesive, versatile soundstage that caters to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

This review has been written after a burn-in period of 60 – 65 Hours. I have used the stock cable and the black silicone ear tips that are included to the package.

Starting with the bass, the 10mm dynamic driver showcases impressive depth, delivering a punchy and robust sub-bass response. Tracks like Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right reveal a satisfyingly rumbling low end with enough texture to convey vibrancy, while ensuring the bass doesn’t overpower other frequency ranges. Sub-bass takes the lead, offering a visceral presence, while the mid-bass remains tight and controlled, avoiding any muddiness that could detract from clarity. For example, listening to Gogo Penguin – Raven, the basslines retain their articulation even amid intricate rhythms, though listeners seeking a fuller mid-bass punch might perceive it as somewhat restrained. Additionally, the included 5Ω impedance adapter enhances the bass response significantly, adding warmth and weight to the lower frequencies, which is a feature that is particularly appealing to bass enthusiasts. However, this enhancement may slightly overshadow the midrange, depending on listener preferences. Without the adapter, the Zero:BLUE2 maintains a more balanced tonal profile, inspired by the Harman curve and characterized by versatility.

The midrange performance stands out due to the 7.8mm driver, offering clarity and a subtle warmth that contributes to an engaging listening experience. The upper mids are gently elevated, adding a sense of brightness and presence to vocals and instruments without introducing unwanted harshness. Male vocals, such as Isaac Hayes’ rich baritone in Walk On By, showcase decent body and depth, while female vocals, like Diana Krall’s tones in So Wonderful, benefit from a refined upper-mid emphasis, bringing out detail and intimacy. Instruments including strings, pianos, and woodwinds. It display a realistic timbre that strikes a compelling balance between musicality and transparency. While the resolution might not rival that of high-end IEMs, the mids are commendable for their price range, offering an overall satisfying experience for a variety of genres.

The treble tuning focuses on smoothness and airiness, making it well-suited for prolonged listening sessions without causing fatigue. The lower treble provides sufficient clarity, ensuring elements like cymbals and hi-hats in Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu sound crisp and detailed without piercing the ears. Although the upper treble does not extend dramatically, it provides a sense of refinement and openness that prevents the sound from feeling closed-off. Foam ear tips included in the package can further tame the treble for individuals sensitive to high frequencies, though the stock silicone ear tips strike a good balance for most listeners.

The soundstage is compact yet coherent, offering a natural and realistic placement of instruments and vocals that avoids any sense of congestion. It strikes a good balance, creating an intimate yet enjoyable listening environment. Meanwhile, the imaging performance is quite solid for an IEM at this price level, providing a clear and accurate separation of sounds, allowing each element in the mix to stand out distinctly without overlapping.

  

Conclusion

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 delivers an exceptional balance of sound quality and design, making it a top pick among budget-friendly IEMs. Tuned close to the Harman curve, it offers a powerful and controlled bass, clear and detailed mids, and fatigue-free treble, accommodating diverse music tastes. Its lightweight resin body ensures comfort during prolonged use, while the elegant faceplate adds a touch of sophistication. The improved nozzle size enhances ear tip compatibility, ensuring a secure and personalized fit. At its price point, the Zero:BLUE2 is a remarkable choice, offering outstanding value for both audiophiles and casual listeners.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Balanced sound profile close to the Harman curve
• + Strong and controlled bass response
• + Lively and detailed mid frequencies
• + Treble that’s easy to listen to without fatigue
• + Elegant and lightweight design
• + Improved nozzle size and compatibility

• – Lower mid frequencies could be fuller
• – Soundstage isn’t very wide

 

Thank you for the Read!