Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Softears Volume: 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
Softears Volume
52Average
$290
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
- Softears Volume
HearWiki score
86
52
Sound
9.1
6.4
Value
8.9
4.7
Price (USD)
$350
$290
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20264 yr newer
- Volume2022
Specifications
ReferenceVolume
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $290
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 52
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 3
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
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
Softears Volume
The Softears Volume is a hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with two balanced armatures to deliver a lively, musical sound that leans toward fun without sacrificing tonal accuracy. Its performance punches well above its price point, offering strong clarity and resolution, though it may not satisfy those seeking maximum treble air or a purely neutral monitor tuning.
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Pro:Engaging, fun tuning with good balance
- Pro:Impressive clarity and resolution
- Con:Lacks some upper-treble presence and air
- Con:Not a strictly neutral reference sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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