Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Hidizs MS4: 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 MS4
52Average
$230
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 MS4
HearWiki score
86
52
Sound
9.1
6.5
Value
8.9
4.8
Price (USD)
$350
$230
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20264 yr newer
- MS42022
Specifications
ReferenceMS4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $230
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 52
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Frequency response
- -
- 15 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 12 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 112 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 18 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 3.5 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
Hidizs MS4
The Hidizs MS4 is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10.2mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a spacious, detailed sound. Its build quality and accessory bundle are highlights, though the tuning leans relaxed and the low end can be less defined than some might prefer. It offers good value for its price point, but the larger shells may not suit all ears.
- Pro:Strong build quality and premium materials
- Pro:Rich accessory package included
- Pro:Spacious and engaging soundstage with good detail
- Con:Bass can feel slightly slow or muddy
- Con:Overall tuning may be too relaxed for some listeners
- Con:Large shells may be uncomfortable for smaller ears
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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