Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Hidizs MK12: 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
Hidizs MK12
75Great
$190
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
- Hidizs MK12
HearWiki score
86
75
Sound
9.1
7.9
Value
8.9
8.1
Price (USD)
$350
$190
Specifications
ReferenceMK12
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 75
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 12 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 45 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Weight
- -
- 19 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
Hidizs MK12
The Hidizs MK12 is a single 12mm dynamic driver IEM that delivers a balanced, detailed sound with strong bass and clear mids, all within a lightweight and comfortable shell. Its detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and included tuning nozzles add versatility, making it a solid value pick in the sub-$200 range. While performance is technically strong, its treble can be slightly uneven or restrained depending on the nozzle and tip pairing, and passive isolation is limited.
- Pro:Very good comfort and lightweight fit
- Pro:Strong detail retrieval and technical performance
- Pro:Easy to drive with balanced tuning
- Con:Slightly uneven or sharp treble with certain tips
- Con:Lower mids can sound a bit hazy
- Con:Limited passive noise isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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