Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Etymotic ER4SR 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 ER4SR Earphones
77Great
$300
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 ER4SR Earphones
HearWiki score
86
77
Sound
9.1
8.7
Value
8.9
6.5
Price (USD)
$350
$300
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 10 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 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference202610 yr newer
- ER4SR Earphones2016
Specifications
ReferenceER4SR Earphones
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 77
- Released
- 2026
- 2016
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 16 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 45 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 98 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 20 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 ER4SR Earphones
The ER4SR is a wired, single balanced-armature in-ear monitor built for critical listening, delivering an exceptionally flat and accurate response that suits studio work and audiophile purists. Its deep-insertion design provides strong passive isolation, but it forgoes all modern conveniences like controls, app support, or wireless features, focusing purely on sonic transparency. With a detachable MMCX cable and multiple ear tips, it offers flexibility for those who prioritize fidelity over everyday usability.
- Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with high accuracy
- Pro:Excellent midrange detail and informative sound
- Pro:Strong passive noise isolation due to deep fit
- Con:Limited bass impact and roll-off at high frequencies
- Con:Deep-insertion fit may feel intrusive or uncomfortable
- Con:No inline controls, app support, or wireless options
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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