Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs DUNU EST112: 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
DUNU EST112
61Average
$490
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.
- CrinEar Reference
- DUNU EST112
HearWiki score
86
61
Sound
9.1
7.3
Value
8.9
4.6
Price (USD)
$350
$490
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20265 yr newer
- EST1122021
Specifications
ReferenceEST112
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $490
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 61
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 1BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 1BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 13.5 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 10 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Weight
- -
- 15 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
What reviewers said
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
DUNU EST112
The DUNU EST112 is a mid-priced tribrid IEM that combines a dynamic driver, a balanced armature, and two electrostatic drivers to deliver a well-balanced, natural sound with strong technical performance. Its detailed staging, smooth highs, and lively bass make it an engaging listen, though its bulky shell and average isolation may not suit everyone. It's easy to drive and offers a solid accessory package, making it a versatile choice for most listeners.
- Pro:Excellent soundstage and imaging
- Pro:Natural timbre with smooth highs
- Pro:Lively bass and well-balanced tuning
- Con:Bulky shell can cause fit issues
- Con:Average noise isolation
- Con:Soundstage depth is somewhat limited
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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