Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Moondrop S8: 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 S8
69Good
$700
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 S8
HearWiki score
86
69
Sound
9.1
8.6
Value
8.9
5.8
Price (USD)
$350
$700
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20265 yr newer
- S82021
Specifications
ReferenceS8
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $700
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 69
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 8× balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 8
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- harman
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 122 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- 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
Moondrop S8
The Moondrop S8 is a premium eight-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a refined, balanced sound signature. Its high sensitivity makes it easy to drive from most sources, though it may reveal hiss from noisy gear. With a solid build, comfortable fit, and technical maturity that rivals pricier models, it's a strong choice for critical listening.
- Pro:Excellent detail and resolution
- Pro:Balanced, engaging tuning
- Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
- Con:Can expose source hiss
- Con:No noise cancellation
- Con:Wired only, no USB-C option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.