Wired IEMs
BGVP DMA
73Great
$300
Full review dataBGVP DMA 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.
- BGVP DMA
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
73
86
Sound
8.2
9.1
Value
8.0
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
The CrinEar Reference is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- DMA2023
- Reference20263 yr newer
Specifications
DMAReference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 73
- 86
- Released
- 2023
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- -
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- -
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 5
- Impedance
- -
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
BGVP DMA
The BGVP DMA is a wired in-ear monitor that blends a dynamic driver, two balanced armatures, and dual bone-conduction transducers into a five-driver hybrid setup. Priced around $300, it aims to deliver high-fidelity sound with enhanced spatial cues and physical resonance, making bone-conduction technology more accessible to audiophiles. It lacks active noise cancellation and relies on a fully wired connection for signal transmission.
- Pro:Unique tribrid design with bone-conduction drivers for immersive soundstage
- Pro:Layered detail retrieval across the frequency range
- Pro:Comfortable fit with multiple driver types working cohesively
- Con:Requires a capable source and proper seal to perform optimally
- Con:No active noise cancellation limits isolation in noisy environments
- Con:Wired-only operation may not suit modern wireless users
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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