Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Meze Rai Solo: 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 Rai Solo
52Average
$250
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
- Meze Rai Solo
HearWiki score
86
52
Sound
9.1
6.4
Value
8.9
4.7
Price (USD)
$350
$250
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20266 yr newer
- Rai Solo2020
Specifications
ReferenceRai Solo
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 52
- Released
- 2026
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 9.2 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 9.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 18 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 105 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 20 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
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 Rai Solo
The Meze Rai Solo is a wired, single 9.2mm dynamic driver IEM with a neutral, midrange-focused tuning that prioritizes clarity and imaging over bass impact. Its low 16-ohm impedance and high 105 dB sensitivity make it very easy to drive from any source, while the MMCX detachable cable and lightweight build add to its practical, premium feel. Sound quality is technically solid for the price, though bass performance can vary significantly depending on achieving a proper seal.
- Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
- Pro:Clear, detailed midrange with strong imaging
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Bass response is heavily dependent on getting a perfect seal
- Con:Included ear tip selection is limited
- Con:No inline controls or microphone on the cable
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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