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 hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a single dynamic driver with three balanced-armature drivers for a four-driver setup. Designed for audiophiles, it offers a detachable MMCX cable and a compact, low-impedance build that works easily with portable sources. Its sound signature aims for detailed, multi-layered reproduction across the frequency range.
- Pro:Four-driver hybrid design for rich detail
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable for easy upgrades
- Pro:Low impedance (10Ω) pairs well with most devices
- Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation relies on fit
- Con:High sensitivity may reveal hiss from noisy sources
- Con:Requires a quality source to avoid harshness in treble
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.