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CrinEar Reference vs DITA Audio PROJECT M: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs DITA Audio PROJECT M, 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 3 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • DITA Audio PROJECT M
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$330

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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Reference20263 yr newer
  • PROJECT M2023

Specifications

ReferencePROJECT M
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$330
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
1DD + 1BA hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
1DD + 1BA
Driver size
10 mm
9.8 mm
Drivers per side
5
2
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.

  • Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
  • Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments

DITA Audio PROJECT M

This wired hybrid earphone combines a 9.8 mm dynamic driver with a single balanced-armature unit inside a resin shell, aiming for a balanced audiophile tuning. It's a compact, non-noise-cancelling option for listeners who prioritize detail and natural timbre over extra features.

  • Pro:Hybrid driver setup offers good detail and dynamics
  • Pro:Lightweight resin shell for comfortable wear
  • Pro:Wired design ensures stable, lossless audio transmission
  • Con:No noise cancellation for noisy environments
  • Con:Requires a separate source with a headphone jack
  • Con:Price may be high for a non-wireless IEM

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonCrinEar ReferenceDITA Audio PROJECT M