Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Thieaudio Legacy 4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs Thieaudio Legacy 4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Thieaudio Legacy 4
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
- Thieaudio Legacy 4
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20266 yr newer
- Legacy 42020
Specifications
ReferenceLegacy 4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 86
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- 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
- -
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 3.5 mm
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 Legacy 4
The Thieaudio Legacy 4 is a wired in-ear monitor that blends an 8mm dynamic driver for low-end punch with balanced-armature drivers for detailed mids and highs. This hybrid configuration targets listeners who want a more analytical yet musical sound, from casual audiophiles to working musicians. Its compact design and standard 3.5mm connection make it a straightforward choice for portable use without extra features like noise cancellation.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers solid bass and clear treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
- Pro:Wired connection ensures stable, lossless audio
- Con:No noise isolation or cancellation features
- Con:Requires a separate amplifier for best performance
- Con:May not suit those who prefer a fully neutral sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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