Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Kiwi Ears Astral: 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
Kiwi Ears Astral
82Outstanding
$300
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
- Kiwi Ears Astral
HearWiki score
86
82
Sound
9.1
8.6
Value
8.9
8.3
Price (USD)
$350
$300
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
CrinEar Reference (2026) against Kiwi Ears Astral (2025). 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.
- Reference20261 yr newer
- Astral2025
Specifications
ReferenceAstral
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 82
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 6BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 6BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 7
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 23 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Water resistance
- -
- IPX4
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 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
Kiwi Ears Astral
The Kiwi Ears Astral is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with six balanced armatures to deliver a rich, bass-forward sound with clear, extended treble. It offers strong resolution and instrument separation, making it a solid value in the $300 price range, though its large shells and elevated bass mean it isn't a purely neutral or universally comfortable option.
- Pro:Deep, impactful sub-bass with controlled punch
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble that avoids fatigue
- Pro:Strong instrument separation and overall resolution
- Con:Large shells may cause discomfort during long sessions
- Con:Mid-bass punch is somewhat reduced, and lower mids can sound thin
- Con:Limited included eartip selection
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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