Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Etymotic ER2SE Earphones: 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
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
70Good
$220
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
- Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
HearWiki score
86
70
Sound
9.1
7.7
Value
8.9
6.3
Price (USD)
$350
$220
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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20267 yr newer
- ER2SE Earphones2019
Specifications
ReferenceER2SE Earphones
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 70
- Released
- 2026
- 2019
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 16 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 15 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 96 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 15 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
The Etymotic ER2SE is a wired, single dynamic driver IEM designed for studio monitoring and critical listening, offering a neutral and reference-tuned sound signature. It delivers strong clarity, accurate vocals, and high passive isolation, making it a solid choice for those seeking a transparent and detailed presentation. Its lightweight build and easy drivability add to its appeal, though the deep-fit design may not suit all users.
- Pro:Neutral, reference-tuned sound with accurate detail
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation for immersive listening
- Pro:Easy to drive from most devices without an amp
- Con:Protruding shells may cause discomfort for some
- Con:Bass response is modest and not for bass lovers
- Con:No inline controls or app support for adjustments
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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