Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Cascara
73Great
$600
Full review dataCampfire Audio Cascara 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 4 of 4 measures.
- Campfire Audio Cascara
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
73
86
Sound
8.0
9.1
Value
7.1
8.9
Price (USD)
$600
$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 2 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.
- Cascara2024
- Reference20262 yr newer
Specifications
CascaraReference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $600
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 73
- 86
- Released
- 2024
- 2026
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 10 mm dynamic
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 5
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Cascara
The Campfire Audio Cascara is a wired, dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a warm, bass-forward sound with substantial low-end punch and a cohesive, engaging character. Its comfortable shell and solid build make it a versatile choice for both music and gaming, though its treble is somewhat subdued and isolation is only average. With a 4.4mm balanced connector and 23-ohm impedance, it pairs well with a variety of sources for a satisfying, weighty listen.
- Pro:Deep, impactful bass response
- Pro:Comfortable and ergonomic fit
- Pro:Good soundstage and imaging
- Con:Lacks upper-treble sparkle
- Con:Only average passive isolation
- Con:Requires a bit more power than some peers
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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