Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs FiiO FX17: 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 FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
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 FX17
HearWiki score
86
83
Sound
9.1
9.0
Value
8.9
6.0
Price (USD)
$350
$1,500
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
Both shipped in 2026. These are 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.
- Reference2026
- FX172026
Specifications
ReferenceFX17
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 83
- Released
- 2026
- 2026
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 13
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 99 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 12.2 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- 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 FX17
The FiiO FX17 is a premium wired tribrid IEM that combines a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and eight electrostatic drivers per side for a detailed, multi-layered sound. Its titanium shell and five-way crossover aim to deliver a refined, high-resolution listening experience, while the included 4.4mm balanced cable offers versatility for audiophile setups.
- Pro:Precision-milled titanium shell for durability and resonance control
- Pro:Hybrid driver array (1DD + 4BA + 8EST) offers expansive treble and dynamic bass
- Pro:Swappable plugs on the cable provide flexible connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring a quiet environment or isolation tips
- Con:High price point may limit accessibility
- Con:16-ohm impedance may need a powerful source for optimal 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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