Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Sivga Nightingale PRO: 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
Sivga Nightingale PRO
75Great
$240
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
- Sivga Nightingale PRO
HearWiki score
86
75
Sound
9.1
7.8
Value
8.9
7.0
Price (USD)
$350
$240
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
Both shipped in 2026. 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.
- Reference2026
- Nightingale PRO2026
Specifications
ReferenceNightingale PRO
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $240
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 75
- Released
- 2026
- 2026
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 14.5 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.5 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 107 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 14 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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
Sivga Nightingale PRO
The Sivga Nightingale PRO is a lightweight, wired planar IEM with a 14.5mm driver that delivers crisp, detailed sound and an airy treble. Its analytical tuning leans bright and bass-light, making it a strong fit for acoustic, jazz, and vocal-focused listening, though it may require EQ for those wanting a warmer or bassier signature. With a comfortable 14g build and detachable 2-pin cable, it offers solid technical performance for its price.
- Pro:Highly resolving and detailed planar sound
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement
- Con:Bright upper treble may fatigue sensitive listeners
- Con:Bass is lean and may need EQ for fuller sound
- Con:Tuning is analytical and not universally appealing
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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