Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FiiO FH5s: 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 FH5s
63Good
$250
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Reference leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- FiiO FH5s
HearWiki score
86
63
Sound
9.1
7.1
Value
8.9
5.3
Price (USD)
$350
$250
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
- FH5s2021
Specifications
ReferenceFH5s
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 63
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 40 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 106 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 8.8 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
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 FH5s
The FiiO FH5s is a wired hybrid IEM combining dual dynamic and dual balanced armature drivers to deliver a balanced, detailed sound with solid bass and clear mids. Its semi-open design, adjustable tuning switches, and detachable MMCX cable add versatility, while the lightweight build and comfortable fit make it a strong value at its price point.
- Pro:Balanced, neutral-leaning sound signature
- Pro:Detailed and engaging midrange
- Pro:Adjustable tuning switches for sound customization
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Tuning switch effects are subtle
- Con:Requires decent amplification due to 40-ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.