Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FiiO FA7S: 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
FiiO FA7S
57Average
$530
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
- FiiO FA7S
HearWiki score
86
57
Sound
9.1
7.4
Value
8.9
4.8
Price (USD)
$350
$530
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20265 yr newer
- FA7S2021
Specifications
ReferenceFA7S
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $530
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 57
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 6× balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 6
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 18 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 111 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 8.4 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 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
FiiO FA7S
The FiiO FA7S is a wired in-ear monitor featuring six balanced armature drivers arranged in a triple-crossover configuration, delivering detailed and well-balanced sound with a wide soundstage. Its lightweight metal build and detachable 4.4mm balanced cable add to its appeal, though its tuning may not suit everyone, especially at higher volumes.
- Pro:Detailed, balanced sound with wide soundstage
- Pro:Solid build quality and lightweight design
- Pro:Wide frequency response from 10 Hz to 40 kHz
- Con:Fit may not be comfortable for all ear shapes
- Con:Tuning less ideal for high-volume listening
- Con:Requires a balanced source for best performance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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