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 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
FATfreq Scarlet Mini
The FATfreq Scarlet Mini is a wired in-ear monitor tuned for bass enthusiasts, offering a powerful and dominant low-end that defines its character. Despite its extreme bass emphasis, it remains easy to drive with portable sources and keeps the rest of the frequency range usable for broader listening. This is a specialist choice for those who prioritize sub-bass impact above all else.
- Pro:Massive sub-bass presence
- Pro:Easy to drive from phones or DAPs
- Pro:Bass-forward tuning stays musical
- Con:Bass may overpower other frequencies
- Con:Not for neutral or balanced listeners
- Con:Requires careful tip selection for fit
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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