Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Hidizs MK12 x DucBloke: 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 x DucBloke
71Good
$210
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 x DucBloke
HearWiki score
86
71
Sound
9.1
7.5
Value
8.9
5.8
Price (USD)
$350
$210
Specifications
ReferenceMK12 x DucBloke
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $210
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 71
- 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
- 111 dB/mW
- Weight
- -
- 19 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
Hidizs MK12 x DucBloke
The Hidizs MK12 x DucBloke is a limited-edition single dynamic driver IEM with a warm, rhythm-focused sound signature that prioritizes musical engagement over analytical precision. It features a 12mm magnesium driver in a metal shell, offering solid bass presence, good dynamics, and a spacious soundstage for its price point. The included 4.4mm balanced cable and detachable design add versatility for wired listeners.
- Pro:Warm, U-shaped tuning with strong bass presence
- Pro:Solid metal build with magnesium driver
- Pro:Good dynamics and imaging for a single-DD
- Con:Mids are less prominent compared to bass and treble
- Con:Limited-edition status may affect availability
- Con:Higher price than the standard MK12
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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