Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs STAX SR-003 MKII: 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
STAX SR-003 MKII
61Average
$350
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Reference leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- STAX SR-003 MKII
HearWiki score
86
61
Sound
9.1
7.8
Value
8.9
5.8
Price (USD)
$350
$350
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 14 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 14 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference202614 yr newer
- SR-003 MKII2012
Specifications
ReferenceSR-003 MKII
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $350
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 61
- Released
- 2026
- 2012
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 28 mm electrostatic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- electrostatic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 28 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 12 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- Model code
- -
- SR-003MK2
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
STAX SR-003 MKII
The STAX SR-003 MKII is a compact electrostatic ear speaker designed for portable high-end listening, but it requires a dedicated amplifier to function. It delivers the signature electrostatic strengths of exceptional speed and detail, though its fit and stock accessories may not suit everyone. This is a niche, serious audiophile product rather than a conventional in-ear monitor.
- Pro:Characteristic electrostatic speed and detail
- Pro:Very lightweight at only 12 grams
- Pro:Open, specialized sound presentation
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Stock fit and accessories may be uncomfortable for some
- Con:Niche appeal with a high overall system cost
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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