Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Meze ADVAR: 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
Meze ADVAR
57Average
$580
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Reference leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- Meze ADVAR
HearWiki score
86
57
Sound
9.1
7.1
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$580
Specifications
ReferenceADVAR
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $580
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 57
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 10.2 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 30 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 31 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 111 dB/mW
- Weight
- -
- 21 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 3.5 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
Meze ADVAR
The Meze ADVAR is a single 10.2mm dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a warm, musical, and full-bodied sound with textured bass and natural timbre. It combines a well-crafted, comfortable design with an engaging, spacious presentation, making it a versatile all-rounder for various genres. While its technicalities like soundstage and imaging are solid, they are not the absolute best in its price class, and bass control can be slightly limited at times.
- Pro:Rich, musical and engaging tonal balance
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
- Pro:Textured, impactful bass with organic timbre
- Con:Bass control could be tighter in complex tracks
- Con:Passive isolation is only moderate
- Con:Soundstage and imaging are not class-leading
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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