Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs TinHifi P1 Max: 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
TinHifi P1 Max
57Average
$190
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
- TinHifi P1 Max
HearWiki score
86
57
Sound
9.1
6.6
Value
8.9
4.8
Price (USD)
$350
$190
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
- P1 Max2022
Specifications
ReferenceP1 Max
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 57
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 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
TinHifi P1 Max
This wired in-ear monitor from Tin HiFi uses a single 14.2mm planar magnetic driver to deliver detailed, low-distortion sound. With a low 16-ohm impedance and detachable 2-pin cable, it's easy to drive and customize. It's a hi-fi-oriented design that focuses on clarity and precision rather than noise isolation or wireless convenience.
- Pro:Planar driver offers fast, detailed treble and tight bass
- Pro:Low 16-ohm impedance works well with most sources
- Pro:Detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable allows easy upgrades
- Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
- Con:Requires a wired source—no Bluetooth option
- Con:Planar tuning may sound bright to some listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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