Wired IEMs
BQEYZ Winter
72Great
$240
Full review dataBQEYZ Winter 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.
- BQEYZ Winter
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
72
86
Sound
7.8
9.1
Value
6.9
8.9
Price (USD)
$240
$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.
- Winter2022
- Reference20264 yr newer
Specifications
WinterReference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $240
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 72
- 86
- Released
- 2022
- 2026
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 1BC hybrid
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 1BC
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 12 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 5
- Impedance
- 38 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
BQEYZ Winter
The BQEYZ Winter is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a 12mm dynamic driver with a bone-conduction element, delivering a bright, mildly V-shaped sound with strong emphasis on clarity and upper-frequency energy. It's designed for detail-oriented listeners who prefer an engaging, technically capable presentation over warmth, and its 38-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most sources. With a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable and no ANC, it's a straightforward, enthusiast-focused option in its price range.
- Pro:Detailed and energetic treble response
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup offers unique texture
- Pro:Easy to drive with standard sources
- Con:Bright tuning may fatigue sensitive ears
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Bone-conduction element may polarize listeners
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.