Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs TFZ Series 5: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs TFZ Series 5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
TFZ Series 5
Not yet scored
$200
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
- TFZ Series 5
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$200
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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20268 yr newer
- Series 52018
Specifications
ReferenceSeries 5
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 86
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 11.4 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 11.4 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- Model code
- -
- FORCE 5
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
TFZ Series 5
The TFZ Series 5 is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 11.4mm dynamic driver, tuned for high-resolution audio reproduction across a wide 20Hz-40kHz range. It offers a low 16-ohm impedance for easy driving with portable sources and features a detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable with a standard 3.5mm plug for user customization. This model focuses on pure, unadulterated sound without active noise cancellation, appealing to listeners who prioritize clarity and detail.
- Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed highs and deep lows
- Pro:Low impedance makes it easy to drive with phones or DAPs
- Pro:Detachable 0.78mm cable allows for aftermarket upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- Con:Wired design limits portability convenience
- Con:May require a quality source to fully resolve its high-resolution capabilities
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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