Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FATfreq Scarlet Mini: 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
FATfreq Scarlet Mini
70Good
$630
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
- FATfreq Scarlet Mini
HearWiki score
86
70
Sound
9.1
8.0
Value
8.9
5.5
Price (USD)
$350
$630
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20263 yr newer
- Scarlet Mini2023
Specifications
ReferenceScarlet Mini
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $630
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 70
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- 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
- 38 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 that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.
- Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
- Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments
FATfreq Scarlet Mini
The FATfreq Scarlet Mini is a wired in-ear monitor engineered for bass enthusiasts, offering a powerful and dominant low-end that defines its character while remaining manageable with standard portable devices. Despite its bass-forward tuning, it retains enough balance in other frequencies to stay versatile across various music genres.
- Pro:Massive sub-bass impact
- Pro:Easy to drive from basic sources
- Pro:Bass-focused yet still versatile
- Con:Bass may overwhelm some listeners
- Con:No noise cancellation feature
- Con:Extreme tuning not for neutral purists
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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