Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII: 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
THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII
62Good
$590
Full review dataScore 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 ORACLE MKII
HearWiki score
86
62
Sound
9.1
7.4
Value
8.9
6.1
Price (USD)
$350
$590
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference20264 yr newer
- ORACLE MKII2022
Specifications
ReferenceORACLE MKII
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $590
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 62
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 5
- Impedance
- 16 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 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
THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII
This wired tribrid IEM combines a 10mm LCP dynamic driver, two balanced-armature drivers, and two electrostatic tweeters for a detailed, monitor-style sound. Its tuning is geared toward critical listening, making it a solid choice for music production, stage work, or studio use. The five-driver setup delivers precise treble and rich texture across the frequency range.
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble from dual EST tweeters
- Pro:Balanced, monitor-like tuning for accurate playback
- Pro:Strong layering and instrument separation
- Con:Requires a quality source to shine
- Con:No wireless or ANC features
- Con:May sound too neutral for casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.