Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra: 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 x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra
70Good
$600
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 x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra
HearWiki score
86
70
Sound
9.1
8.1
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$600
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20264 yr newer
- x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra2022
Specifications
Referencex Z Reviews SA6 Ultra
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $600
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 70
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- -
- Driver type
- hybrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- -
- 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 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 x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra
The DUNU x Z Reviews SA6 Ultra is a limited-edition wired IEM that packs six balanced-armature drivers per side, delivering a highly detailed and refined sound signature. Designed as a retuned and upgraded take on the original SA6, it targets audiophiles seeking a more polished and engaging listening experience through its 0.78 mm 2-pin connection.
- Pro:Detailed and layered sound from six BA drivers per side
- Pro:Upgraded tuning offers a more audiophile-friendly presentation
- Pro:Comfortable and secure fit with standard 2-pin cable
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation to passive means
- Con:Premium price point may not suit casual listeners
- Con:Limited availability due to its special-edition status
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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