Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
83Great
$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 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Great overall at around $350.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Quintet
70Good
$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
83
70
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
- 83
- 70
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- 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 that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.
- Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
- Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments
Kiwi Ears Quintet
The Kiwi Ears Quintet is a five-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that blends multiple driver types for a technically ambitious and lively sound. It offers solid detail, good extension, and a versatile tuning that stands out in its price range, though it leans more toward clarity and energy than warmth or bass emphasis. With a lightweight build and competitive feature set, it appeals to listeners seeking an engaging, capable listen with an unusual driver configuration.
- Pro:Uncommon five-driver hybrid design
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detailed and extended treble
- Con:Not for bass-heavy or warm sound signatures
- Con:Requires a capable source to shine
- Con:May sound bright to sensitive 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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