Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Sony XBA-N3: 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
Sony XBA-N3
55Average
$300
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
- Sony XBA-N3
HearWiki score
86
55
Sound
9.1
7.3
Value
8.9
4.7
Price (USD)
$350
$300
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 10 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 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference202610 yr newer
- XBA-N32016
Specifications
ReferenceXBA-N3
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 55
- Released
- 2026
- 2016
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- -
- Driver type
- hybrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 107 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
Sony XBA-N3
A wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 9 mm dynamic driver with a balanced-armature tweeter for detailed, wide-band sound. Built for on-the-go use, it offers high sensitivity and low impedance, making it easy to drive from most portable devices. Its compact design prioritizes clear, high-resolution audio without any noise-canceling circuitry.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers rich, detailed sound
- Pro:Lightweight and compact for comfortable portability
- Pro:High sensitivity (107 dB) ensures efficient volume from phones
- Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- Con:Wired connection limits wireless convenience
- Con:May require a good seal for optimal bass response
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.