Wired IEMs
AudioSense AQ4
65Good
$180
Full review dataAudioSense AQ4 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.
- AudioSense AQ4
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
65
86
Sound
7.6
9.1
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$180
$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.
- AQ42022
- Reference20264 yr newer
Specifications
AQ4Reference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $180
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 65
- 86
- Released
- 2022
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 3BA
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 5
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 101 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- MMCX
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
AudioSense AQ4
The AudioSense AQ4 is a wired in-ear monitor that pairs a single dynamic driver with three Knowles balanced-armature drivers in a hybrid configuration. Designed for audiophile listeners, it offers a detachable MMCX cable and a four-driver setup for detailed sound reproduction.
- Pro:Hybrid driver array for balanced sound
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable for easy replacement
- Pro:Audiophile-oriented tuning
- Con:Requires a capable source due to low impedance
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:May need proper amplification for best performance
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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