Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Moondrop X: 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 X
62Good
$360
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 X
HearWiki score
86
62
Sound
9.1
7.5
Value
8.9
7.0
Price (USD)
$350
$360
Specifications
ReferenceX
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $360
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 62
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 6-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 13 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 6
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 24 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 14.5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 119 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.x
- Codecs
- -
- SBC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- No
- Battery life
- -
- 8 h
- Battery incl. case
- -
- 20 h
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- Yes
- Water resistance
- -
- IPX4
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- Model code
- -
- DUSK
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 X
The Moondrop X is a feature-packed hybrid wireless IEM that combines a six-driver setup with active noise cancellation, making it a versatile option for on-the-go listening. Its warm, non-fatiguing tuning and solid build quality are complemented by a comfortable fit, though the larger shell and basic SBC-only codec support may limit its appeal for some users. Overall, it offers strong performance for its price, especially for those prioritizing ANC and a detailed sound signature.
- Pro:Effective active noise cancellation
- Pro:Warm, non-fatiguing sound with good detail
- Pro:Six-driver hybrid design delivers clear staging
- Con:Limited to SBC codec, no aptX or LDAC
- Con:No multipoint connectivity
- Con:Larger shell may not fit all ears comfortably
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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