Wired IEMs
AKG N30
Not yet scored
$300
Full review dataAKG N30 vs CrinEar Reference: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG N30 vs CrinEar Reference, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
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.
- AKG N30
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
9.1
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$300
$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
These are 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.
- N30Year unknown
- Reference2026
Specifications
N30Reference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $350
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 86
- Released
- -
- 2026
- Availability
- Availability unknown
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 5
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 101
- -
- Weight
- 19.5 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- MMCX
- 4.4 mm balanced
- Microphones
- 1
- -
- Microphone type
- electret
- -
What reviewers said
AKG N30
The AKG N30 are wired in-ear monitors that blend a balanced armature and dynamic driver for detailed, high-resolution sound. They offer customizable tuning through swappable filters and a detachable MMCX cable with an inline microphone, all in a light, comfortable shell. Priced around $299, they suit audiophiles who prefer a wired, adjustable listening experience without noise cancellation.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers clear, detailed audio
- Pro:Interchangeable filters let you tweak the sound signature
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable adds durability and upgrade options
- Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- Con:Wired-only design limits wireless convenience
- Con:Sound tuning may require experimentation to find your preference
CrinEar Reference
The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor with a hybrid 2DD + 3BA driver setup, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature. It features a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and relies on a tight seal for passive isolation, making it a strong choice for critical listening at its price point.
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexible connectivity
- Pro:Good passive isolation from proper eartip seal
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise isn't fully blocked
- Con:Requires a balanced source to fully utilize the 4.4mm connector
- Con:Fit may be finicky for some users to achieve optimal seal
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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