Skip to content
HearWiki

CrinEar Reference vs Tanchjim Hana 2021: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs Tanchjim Hana 2021, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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
  • Tanchjim Hana 2021
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$180

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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Reference20265 yr newer
  • Hana 20212021

Specifications

ReferenceHana 2021
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$180
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
5
1
Frequency response
-
8 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
110 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
2-pin 0.78 mm
Model code
-
NEW HANA

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

Tanchjim Hana 2021

The Tanchjim Hana 2021 is a wired in-ear monitor that relies on a single third-generation dynamic driver with an LCP diaphragm to deliver a wide frequency range. It features a detachable cable with a standard 0.78mm two-pin connector, making it easy to upgrade or replace. With a 32-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it pairs well with most portable sources.

  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 50 kHz
  • Pro:Detachable cable with universal 2-pin connector
  • Pro:High sensitivity for easy driving
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Wired only, no wireless option
  • Con:Single driver may not suit all sound preferences

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.