Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Kiwi Ears Quintet: 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 Quintet
76Great
$220
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 Quintet
HearWiki score
86
76
Sound
9.1
8.0
Value
8.9
6.7
Price (USD)
$350
$220
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20263 yr newer
- Quintet2023
Specifications
ReferenceQuintet
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 76
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Weight
- -
- 8 g
- 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 Quintet
The Kiwi Ears Quintet is a lightweight, wired hybrid in-ear monitor that packs five drivers into a compact 10mm shell for a lively, technically capable sound. It offers a distinctive driver blend and versatile tuning that prioritizes detail and extension over a warm or bass-heavy signature, making it a solid value for those seeking performance-driven audio at its price point.
- Pro:Uncommon five-driver hybrid setup
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable 8g build
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and treble extension
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:May lack warmth for bass lovers
- Con:Requires a quality source for best results
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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