Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs PULA PA02: 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
PULA PA02
63Good
$190
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
- PULA PA02
HearWiki score
86
63
Sound
9.1
7.3
Value
8.9
6.4
Price (USD)
$350
$190
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20263 yr newer
- PA022023
Specifications
ReferencePA02
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 63
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 4BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 4BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 5
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
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
PULA PA02
The PULA PA02 is a wired hybrid IEM that blends one dynamic driver with four balanced armatures to deliver a spacious, dynamic sound with a mostly natural and neutral-leaning character. It offers strong value in the sub-$200 range, with good imaging and engaging tuning, though its technical performance and timbre have some notable compromises. The set responds well to more powerful sources, which can help unlock its full potential.
- Pro:Engaging, mostly natural tuning
- Pro:Spacious and immersive soundstage
- Pro:Good imaging and dynamics
- Con:Slightly metallic upper treble
- Con:Average detail retrieval and resolution
- Con:Soundstage not exceptional among rivals
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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