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CrinEar Reference vs Tanchjim Oxygen: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs Tanchjim Oxygen, 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 Oxygen
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$280

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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Reference20267 yr newer
  • Oxygen2019

Specifications

ReferenceOxygen
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$280
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2019
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
5
1
Frequency response
-
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
110 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Water resistance
-
IPX0
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
-
1

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 Oxygen

The Tanchjim Oxygen is a wired in-ear monitor that uses a single 10mm dynamic driver with a carbon nanotube diaphragm to deliver a wide 10Hz–40kHz frequency response. With a 32Ω impedance and 110dB sensitivity, it's easy to drive from most sources, and its detachable 2-pin cable adds versatility for audiophiles.

  • Pro:Wide frequency range for detailed sound
  • Pro:Efficient 110dB sensitivity for easy driving
  • Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for customization
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No USB-C or wireless connectivity
  • Con:Lacks water resistance rating (IPX0)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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