Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Tanchjim Origin: 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
Tanchjim Origin
78Great
$250
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
- Tanchjim Origin
HearWiki score
86
78
Sound
9.1
8.2
Value
8.9
7.4
Price (USD)
$350
$250
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
- Origin2024
Specifications
ReferenceOrigin
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 78
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- 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
Tanchjim Origin
The Tanchjim Origin is a single 10mm dynamic-driver IEM that aims for a balanced, technically capable sound in a comfortable, well-built package. Its tuning leans toward clarity, coherence, and smooth treble rather than heavy bass, making it a strong all-rounder for listeners who value natural presentation and long-term listening comfort. Priced around $250, it earns praise for its build quality, fit, and overall performance within its class.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
- Pro:Clear, coherent, and natural sound signature
- Pro:Strong technical performance for the price
- Con:Bass response is restrained for bass-heads
- Con:Only includes a 3.5mm terminated cable
- Con:May lack dynamic punch for some listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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