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Campfire Audio Polaris II vs CrinEar Reference: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Campfire Audio Polaris II vs CrinEar Reference, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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 Polaris II
  • CrinEar Reference
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
9.1
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$500
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Polaris II2020
  • Reference20266 yr newer

Specifications

Polaris IIReference
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$500
$350
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
1DD + 1BA hybrid
2DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 1BA
2DD + 3BA
Driver size
9.2 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
2
5
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
17 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
104 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
-
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Polaris II

The Campfire Audio Polaris II is a hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 9.2mm dynamic driver with a single balanced armature for a warm, bass-forward sound. Its cerulean blue aluminum housing is both durable and eye-catching, while the detachable MMCX cable offers easy replacement or upgrade options. The included accessories and packaging add to the overall premium experience.

  • Pro:Warm, bass-heavy tuning ideal for bass lovers
  • Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers engaging, dynamic sound
  • Pro:Durable and stylish aluminum shell
  • Con:High impedance may require a more powerful source
  • Con:Bass-heavy signature may not suit neutral listeners
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features

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 Polaris IICrinEar Reference