Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Kiwi Ears Orchestra II: 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 Orchestra II
73Great
$350
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 Orchestra II
HearWiki score
86
73
Sound
9.1
7.8
Value
8.9
7.3
Price (USD)
$350
$350
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
- Orchestra II2026
Specifications
ReferenceOrchestra II
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 73
- Released
- 2026
- 2026
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 10BA
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 10BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 10
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 15 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Water resistance
- -
- IPX4
- Detachable cable
- 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 Orchestra II
The Kiwi Ears Orchestra II is a wired, all-balanced-armature IEM that delivers a crisp, detailed, and energetic sound with a focus on midrange clarity. It offers strong value in its price range, with easy drivability and a comfortable fit for most, though its larger shell and average sub-bass extension are noted trade-offs.
- Pro:Excellent midrange clarity and detail
- Pro:Energetic tuning with added treble presence
- Pro:Easy to drive with a 15-ohm impedance
- Con:Large shell may fit some ears poorly
- Con:Sub-bass extension is not class-leading
- Con:Soundstage width is limited
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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