Wired IEMs
7HZ TIMELESS AE
66Good
$260
Full review data7HZ TIMELESS AE vs CrinEar Reference: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Outstanding overall at around $350.
Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Reference leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- 7HZ TIMELESS AE
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
66
86
Sound
7.7
9.1
Value
5.6
8.9
Price (USD)
$260
$350
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
The CrinEar Reference is 4 years newer, but it is 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. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- TIMELESS AE2022
- Reference20264 yr newer
Specifications
TIMELESS AEReference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $260
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 66
- 86
- Released
- 2022
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1 planar
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- planar
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1 planar
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 14.2 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 5
- Impedance
- 14.8 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Weight
- 5 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
7HZ TIMELESS AE
This wired in-ear monitor uses a single 14.2 mm planar magnetic driver to deliver detailed, high-fidelity sound for home or work listening. It's a refined version of the original Timeless, with a detachable 2-pin cable and a lightweight build for comfort. Lacks active noise cancellation, focusing instead on pure audio performance.
- Pro:Detailed and accurate planar sound signature
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement or upgrades
- Con:No noise cancellation, so external sounds leak in
- Con:Requires a decent source to drive properly due to low impedance
- Con:Cable may pick up microphonics if not worn over-ear
CrinEar Reference
The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.
- Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
- Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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