Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Softears Volume S: 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 S
80Great
$320
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 S
HearWiki score
86
80
Sound
9.1
8.3
Value
8.9
8.2
Price (USD)
$350
$320
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
- Volume S2024
Specifications
ReferenceVolume S
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $320
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 80
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 31.2 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Weight
- -
- 6.1 g
- 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 S
The Softears Volume S is a hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a well-rounded, balanced sound with robust bass, smooth midrange, and easy-going treble. It's a polished, versatile choice for listeners seeking a broadly appealing tuning in a lightweight, wired package.
- Pro:Balanced, universally appealing sound signature
- Pro:Strong yet controlled bass response
- Pro:Smooth mids and non-fatiguing treble
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Requires a wired source
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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