Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FiiO FD1: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs FiiO FD1, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
FiiO FD1
Not yet scored
$400
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 FD1
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$400
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
- FD12020
Specifications
ReferenceFD1
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 86
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 10 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 109 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Weight
- -
- 4.5 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 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 FD1
The FiiO FD1 is a lightweight single-dynamic-driver IEM that uses a beryllium-plated diaphragm to deliver a balanced yet engaging sound, with punchy bass and clear mids. Its detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable and gold-plated 3.5mm plug make it a flexible, wired option for everyday listening.
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable design
- Pro:Beryllium-plated driver for detailed sound
- Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired only, no USB-C connectivity
- Con:Limited to a single dynamic driver
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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