Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Comet
42Weak
$200
Full review dataCampfire Audio Comet 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 5 measures.
- Campfire Audio Comet
- CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
42
86
Sound
5.9
9.1
Calls
5.5
-
Value
4.6
8.9
Price (USD)
$200
$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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Comet2018
- Reference20268 yr newer
Specifications
CometReference
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 42
- 86
- Released
- 2018
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- balanced armature
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 5
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 48 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 97 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- MMCX
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Comet
The Campfire Audio Comet is a single balanced-armature wired IEM that offers a lively, well-balanced sound with notable build quality for its price. It serves as an accessible entry point into the brand's lineup, though its higher impedance and lower sensitivity mean it benefits from a more capable source. Its compact metal shell and MMCX detachable cable add durability and flexibility, while passive isolation is decent for a wired monitor.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with metal housing
- Pro:Engaging, versatile sound with good bass control
- Pro:Strong passive isolation
- Con:Requires more power than typical earphones
- Con:Detail and imaging are only average
- Con:Sound and fit can vary with ear tips
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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