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Campfire Audio Iris - Hybrid IEM 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

CrinEar Reference leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Iris - Hybrid IEM
  • CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
77
86
Sound
8.2
9.1
Value
7.3
8.9
Price (USD)
$350
$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

Both shipped in 2026. These are 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.

  • Iris - Hybrid IEM2026
  • Reference2026

Specifications

Iris - Hybrid IEMReference
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$350
HearWiki score
77
86
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
2-driver hybrid
2DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 3BA
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
2
5
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
14.8 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
111 dB/mW
104 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Iris - Hybrid IEM

The Campfire Audio Iris is a compact hybrid IEM with a warm, bass-forward sound that remains well-controlled, offering punchy lows, a smooth midrange, and clean treble. Its ergonomic shell suits smaller ears, and the generous accessory kit, including quality stock cables, adds value, though isolation may depend on tip selection and its soundstage depth is modest for the price.

  • Pro:Deep, controlled bass response
  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Strong stock cables and accessories
  • Con:Isolation varies with ear tips
  • Con:Limited soundstage depth
  • Con:Upper treble can be aggressive

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.

New comparisonCampfire Audio Iris - Hybrid IEMCrinEar Reference