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CrinEar Reference vs Simgot ET142: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs Simgot ET142, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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
  • Simgot ET142
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$220

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

CrinEar Reference (2026) against Simgot ET142 (2025). These are 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.

  • Reference20261 yr newer
  • ET1422025

Specifications

ReferenceET142
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$220
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
12.5 mm
Drivers per side
5
2
Frequency response
-
8 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
14 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
118
Active noise cancelling
-
No
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 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

Simgot ET142

The Simgot ET142 is a wired in-ear monitor that pairs a planar magnetic driver with a PZT element in a hybrid setup, aiming for detailed and accurate sound. With a low 14-ohm impedance and high 118 dB sensitivity, it's easy to drive from most sources. Its compact 12.5 mm driver and wide frequency response suit critical listening across genres.

  • Pro:Hybrid planar-PZT driver for detailed treble
  • Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Pro:Wide 8 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response
  • Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation depends on fit
  • Con:May require a quality source to avoid hiss due to high sensitivity
  • Con:Limited bass impact compared to dynamic driver IEMs

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.

New comparisonCrinEar ReferenceSimgot ET142