Original Source: https://www.headphoneer.com/earacoustic-audio-sta-k-vs-truthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-comparison-review/
Reviewed from The Headphoneer
This is a comparison of the EarAcoustics STA-K and the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:RED. They both fall in the 50–65 USD price range and use dual dynamic drivers, which is not very common.
The STA-K uses a 10 mm driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm for the low frequencies and a 6 mm PET diaphragm driver for the higher frequencies. It is tuned toward the Harman curve and is priced at about 49 USD.
The Zero:RED is not tuned toward the Harman curve, but instead follows Crinacle’s lighter-bass preference. It also has two dynamic drivers: a 10 mm unit for the bass and a 7.8 mm unit for the mids and highs. It currently costs around 65 USD.
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The STA-K has a clear resin housing with a silver-colored faceplate and a decorative diamond pattern. It is on the smaller side of medium and I find it very comfortable to wear.
The Zero:RED is made of black resin with a red faceplate that is built into the shell. It is noticeably larger than the STA-K, and the nozzles are quite long, making the shape less than ideal for me personally.
Both models come with basic cables terminated with 3.5 mm plugs and use 0.78 mm two-pin connectors.
Associated equipment:
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
The STA-K is darker and smoother, with a fuller low end, while the Zero:RED is crisper and more dynamic. Both sound good.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
Again, the Zero:RED sounds crisper with better articulation, while the STA-K is darker and smoother.
Jambi by Tool
The STA-K has a rich, bold low end. Guitar riffs sound meaty, and the bass feels thick and substantial. Vocals are nicely separated and have a silky character.
The Zero:RED has much more crispness in the guitar riffs, but it is less full-bodied and the presentation is generally less engaging in my opinion.
Smile by Pearl Jam
The Zero:RED is snappy and slightly crisp, while the STA-K is noticeably thicker and fuller by comparison. The low end on the STA-K is more pronounced and comes across in a bold, weighty way.
Almost Like the Blues by Leonard Cohen
The bass on the STA-K is thick and full, and the vocals sound rich and slightly dark. The Zero:RED is crisper and more dynamic, but it feels less rich and less organic by comparison.
Black Crow by Cassandra Wilson
The STA-K sounds very nice—rich and slightly dark with a characteristic dry warmth that I particularly enjoy. It is spacious, with good instrument separation, though the bass can feel a bit loose and slightly bloated.
The Zero:RED is quite similar sounding on this track but has significantly tighter bass, which is a notable advantage.
Bored by Deftones
The STA-K is dark and rich in a pleasing way, with enough detail and instrument separation to sound very good.
In direct comparison, the Zero:RED is much crisper but lighter in the lower end, which can make it sound a bit anemic at first.
Alt e bra by Building Instrument
The Zero:RED sounds excellent, with lively dynamics, great articulation, and a balanced, neutral presentation. The STA-K is a bit different, sounding smoother and more laid-back, with more emphasis in the lowest frequencies.
Sugar Craft by Medeski, Martin and Wood
The STA-K sounds pleasant and slightly laid-back, with a round, full low end that remains quite controlled. The Zero:RED is more neutral and brighter, offering somewhat better dynamic contrast.
Sound Signature
The Zero:RED is a fairly neutral IEM, tuned with less bass than a typical Harman-curve IEM. The STA-K is quite different, offering fuller, thicker bass and a generally darker, more laid-back midrange and treble.
Treble
The treble on the Zero:RED is brighter and more forward, while the STA-K’s treble is smoother and more laid-back.
Midrange
Also the midrange on the STA-K is smoother and more laid-back, giving it a slightly soft and dark character. The Zero:RED, in contrast, is fairly neutral – crisper and more forward.
Bass
The Zero:RED has a polite, fairly neutral bass with good detail, while the STA-K offers a softer, fuller, and more prominent bass. There is less texture and tightness but a warmer, more substantial sound.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is fairly similar between the two and quite good for IEMs in this price range. Imaging is decent overall but generally a bit better on the Zero:RED – especially if you give it a great amplifier.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
Overall detail is quite similar between the two, but the Zero:RED often feels better – maybe due to its more neutral and well-articulated presentation. It also has an edge in dynamics, particularly in microdynamics.
In terms of timbre, the Zero:RED is crisper and fairly neutral, while the STA-K is darker, smoother, and more relaxed.
I want to say a few words about amplification. In my ZeroRED review, I found it unusually sensitive to amplification and needing a fairly powerful amp to perform at its best. The STA-K does not behave the same way, and the difference in volume required for the same listening level is striking — the ZeroRED needs significantly more volume on the same amplifier.
The Truthear Zero:RED and the EarAcoustic Audio STA-K are both strong options in the 50–65 USD range, but they are quite different. The Zero:RED is very neutral, yet it needs a powerful amplifier to truly shine. With proper amplification, I think it outperforms the STA-K in every technical aspect. However, the STA-K is less dependent on the amplifier and offers a very different tuning that many listeners may prefer. It sounds lush and laid back without losing much detail, it’s got a smooth, inviting character that works surprisingly well across genres.
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