Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
63Good
$290
Full review dataAKG N5005 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 5 measures.
- AKG N5005
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
63
86
Sound
8.1
9.1
Battery
3.5
-
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$290
$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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- N50052018
- Reference20268 yr newer
Specifications
N5005Reference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $290
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 63
- 86
- Released
- 2018
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 1BA hybrid
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 1BA
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 9.2 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 5
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 18 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 116 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- 4.1
- -
- Codecs
- SBC, aptX
- -
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- -
- Battery life
- 8 h
- -
- Full charge time
- 120 min
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 11.4 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
AKG N5005
The AKG N5005 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that blends a single dynamic driver with a balanced armature for detailed, reference-style sound. It offers a highly customizable fit with multiple tips and a detachable cable, plus wireless convenience via Bluetooth with SBC and aptX support. While its price was lofty at launch, it remains a technically strong choice for audiophiles seeking versatility.
- Pro:Excellent, detailed and reference-grade sound quality
- Pro:Hybrid driver design delivers deep bass and clear highs
- Pro:Versatile tuning options and comfortable fit
- Con:High price point relative to some competitors
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Bluetooth 4.1 and only SBC/aptX codecs, no aptX HD
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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