Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Westone AM Pro 20: 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
Westone AM Pro 20
57Average
$440
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
- Westone AM Pro 20
HearWiki score
86
57
Sound
9.1
6.8
Value
8.9
4.2
Price (USD)
$350
$440
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
- AM Pro 202018
Specifications
ReferenceAM Pro 20
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $440
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 57
- Released
- 2026
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 2
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 18 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 27 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 119 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- Model code
- -
- AM Pro X20
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
Westone AM Pro 20
The Westone AM Pro 20 is a wired, dual-driver hybrid in-ear monitor designed for stage use and critical listening, featuring an ambient pass-through filter to keep you aware of your surroundings. Its sound signature leans toward clarity and vocal presence, with a lightweight, comfortable fit that suits long sessions. While it excels at separation and monitoring, its bass response is modest and treble extension is limited, making it a specialized tool rather than an all-rounder for bass-heavy genres.
- Pro:Excellent vocal clarity and instrument separation
- Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for extended wear
- Pro:Ambient pass-through design enhances situational awareness
- Con:Bass lacks deep extension and impact
- Con:Treble can sound subdued or rolled-off
- Con:Soundstage and imaging are only average
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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