Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Hidizs MS5: 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 MS5
67Good
$380
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
- Hidizs MS5
HearWiki score
86
67
Sound
9.1
7.5
Value
8.9
4.8
Price (USD)
$350
$380
Specifications
ReferenceMS5
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $380
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 67
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 4BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 4BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 5
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 5.3 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Weight
- -
- 13.6 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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 MS5
The Hidizs MS5 is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor combining a 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for a detailed, energetic sound. It delivers potent bass and strong imaging, but its bright treble and lean mids may prove fatiguing for some listeners. The low 5.3-ohm impedance makes it highly efficient, though the larger shell and cable comfort could be a concern for extended wear.
- Pro:Powerful and impactful bass response
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Wide and expansive soundstage
- Con:Treble can be aggressive and fatiguing
- Con:Mids may sound lean or artificial
- Con:Shell size may be large for some 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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