Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FiiO FA9: 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 FA9
66Good
$500
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 FA9
HearWiki score
86
66
Sound
9.1
7.8
Value
8.9
4.5
Price (USD)
$350
$500
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20266 yr newer
- FA92020
Specifications
ReferenceFA9
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $500
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 66
- Released
- 2026
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- 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
- -
- 15 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 6.2 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- No
- 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
FiiO FA9
The FiiO FA9 is a 2020 flagship in-ear monitor built around six balanced-armature drivers in a 3D-printed shell, offering a switchable tuning system for versatile sound signatures. It delivers deep bass extension and airy treble, with a lightweight design and easy drivability, though it lacks wireless features and active noise cancellation. This wired monitor is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a highly adjustable, source-friendly listening experience.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with 3D-printed shell
- Pro:Multiple sound-tuning switches for personalization
- Pro:Deep bass and airy treble for a balanced sound
- Con:Fit may be uncomfortable for smaller ears
- Con:Tuning options can be overwhelming for some users
- Con:Instrument separation is only middling
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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