Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Moondrop METEOR: 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
Moondrop METEOR
76Great
$530
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
- Moondrop METEOR
HearWiki score
86
76
Sound
9.1
8.4
Value
8.9
5.9
Price (USD)
$350
$530
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 2 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.
- Reference20262 yr newer
- METEOR2024
Specifications
ReferenceMETEOR
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $530
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 76
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA + 4PL tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 2BA + 4PL
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 13 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 7
- Frequency response
- -
- 9 Hz - 35 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 18.5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 120 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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
Moondrop METEOR
The Moondrop METEOR is a premium wired tribrid IEM that combines a dynamic driver, dual balanced armatures, and four planar elements for a detailed, airy sound. Its tuning emphasizes natural vocals and extended treble, creating a spacious soundstage, though bass impact is lighter and the shell may be large for some listeners. With a 13mm dynamic driver and 7 total drivers, it offers a high-resolution listening experience for critical audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Natural, lifelike vocal reproduction
- Pro:Spacious and immersive soundstage
- Con:Bass impact is relatively light
- Con:Large shell may not fit smaller ears comfortably
- Con:Requires a capable source due to low impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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