Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs DUNU ITO: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs DUNU ITO, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
DUNU ITO
Not yet scored
$200
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 4 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- DUNU ITO
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$200
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
CrinEar Reference (2026) against DUNU ITO (2025). 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.
- Reference20261 yr newer
- ITO2025
Specifications
ReferenceITO
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 86
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- -
- Driver type
- hybrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 37 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
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 ITO
The DUNU ITO is a hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures, delivering a rich, assertive sound profile. It was tuned in collaboration with a Japanese audio enthusiast and includes a modular cable system for versatile connectivity. This wired IEM offers a substantial, engaging listen without any noise-canceling features.
- Pro:Full-bodied, dynamic sound with good bass presence
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup offers detailed and layered audio
- Pro:Swappable termination plugs add versatility
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so isolation relies on fit
- Con:Bulky design may not suit all ears
- Con:Requires a good source to fully shine due to 37-ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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