Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk: 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 Crinacle Dusk
80Great
$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 5 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk
HearWiki score
86
80
Sound
9.1
8.9
Calls
-
5.8
Value
8.9
7.6
Price (USD)
$350
$360
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
- x Crinacle Dusk2024
Specifications
Referencex Crinacle Dusk
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $360
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 80
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 2DD + 2BA + 2PL
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 6
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 14.5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
CrinEar Reference
The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.
- Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
- Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk
This six-driver tribrid IEM pairs two dynamic, two balanced armature, and two planar-magnetic drivers for a detailed and engaging audiophile tuning. It works with standard 3.5mm cables or Moondrop's USB-C DSP cable for flexible digital tuning. The collaboration design focuses on accurate, balanced sound reproduction for serious music listening.
- Pro:Rich, layered sound with good separation
- Pro:Versatile cable options including DSP
- Pro:Well-tuned for neutral music listening
- Con:No noise cancellation
- Con:Requires a good source for best performance
- Con:Higher price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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