Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Etymotic ER4XR 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 ER4XR Earphones
74Great
$270
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 ER4XR Earphones
HearWiki score
86
74
Sound
9.1
8.1
Value
8.9
5.6
Price (USD)
$350
$270
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
- ER4XR Earphones2016
Specifications
ReferenceER4XR Earphones
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $270
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 74
- 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
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 3.5 mm
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 ER4XR Earphones
The Etymotic ER4XR is a wired, single balanced-armature in-ear monitor known for its precise, analytical sound and excellent passive noise isolation thanks to a deep-insertion fit. It’s a compact and durable choice for focused listening, though its minimalist design lacks onboard controls and modern conveniences, making it more suited to professionals than casual users.
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation
- Pro:Analytical and detailed mid-range
- Pro:Compact and durable build
- Con:Deep insertion fit may be uncomfortable
- Con:Bass-light tuning not for everyone
- Con:No inline remote or controls
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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