Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Westone MACH 40: 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 MACH 40
50Weak
$460
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 MACH 40
HearWiki score
86
50
Sound
9.1
5.8
Value
8.9
3.0
Price (USD)
$350
$460
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
- MACH 402022
Specifications
ReferenceMACH 40
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $460
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 50
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 4-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- v-shaped
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 30 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 100 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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
Westone MACH 40
The Westone MACH 40 is a wired, four-driver hybrid in-ear monitor with a v-shaped signature that prioritizes smoothness and comfort over raw excitement. Its warm, laid-back tuning makes it easy to listen to for long sessions, though it requires a decent source to perform at its best due to moderate sensitivity. The overall presentation is natural and fatigue-free, but it sacrifices some treble sparkle and soundstage width for a more intimate, relaxed character.
- Pro:Cohesive, non-fatiguing tuning that blends instruments smoothly
- Pro:Strong vocal and acoustic performance with a warm, smooth character
- Pro:Comfortable fit and easy listening for extended sessions
- Con:Requires extra amplification due to low sensitivity and 30-ohm impedance
- Con:Subdued treble and recessed upper mids can make vocals sound muffled
- Con:Intimate soundstage and less dynamic impact compared to competitors
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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