Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Kiwi Ears Halcyon: 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 Halcyon
78Great
$260
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 Halcyon
HearWiki score
86
78
Sound
9.1
8.1
Value
8.9
7.8
Price (USD)
$350
$260
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
Both shipped in 2026. 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.
- Reference2026
- Halcyon2026
Specifications
ReferenceHalcyon
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $260
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 78
- Released
- 2026
- 2026
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 3BA tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 29 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 109 dB/mW
- Weight
- -
- 6 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 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
Kiwi Ears Halcyon
The Kiwi Ears Halcyon is a wired tribrid IEM that blends a dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to deliver a technically capable, bass-forward sound with crisp highs. Its tuning leans towards a relaxed upper-midrange while offering strong sub-bass impact and a polished treble, making it a solid pick for listeners seeking a lively yet controlled signature. With a lightweight build and detachable cable, it stands out as a well-executed option in its price range for those wanting something beyond a purely neutral presentation.
- Pro:Strong sub-bass with good impact
- Pro:Extended and controlled treble
- Pro:Clean layering and technical detail
- Con:Lower mids can feel slightly recessed
- Con:Vocal presence may lack some weight
- Con:Tuning is not groundbreaking for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.