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CrinEar Reference vs THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII, 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 4 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
$400

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

CrinEar Reference (2026) against THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII (2025). These are 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.

  • Reference20261 yr newer
  • HYPE 4 MKII2025

Specifications

ReferenceHYPE 4 MKII
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$400
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
8 mm
Drivers per side
5
-
Impedance
16 Ω
18 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.

  • Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
  • Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments

THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII

This wired hybrid in-ear monitor combines dual 8mm dynamic drivers with four balanced-armature drivers to deliver a versatile sound signature. It's engineered to appeal to those who want a mix of analytical accuracy and engaging musicality, without relying on active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Balanced tuning that suits both monitoring and casual listening
  • Pro:Hybrid driver setup offers detailed and dynamic performance
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended sessions
  • Con:Lacks active noise cancellation
  • Con:Requires a quality source to fully shine
  • Con:May not satisfy bass-heads seeking extreme low-end boost

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonCrinEar ReferenceTHIEAUDIO HYPE 4 MKII