Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Yu9 Audio Que: 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
Yu9 Audio Que
74Great
$400
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
- Yu9 Audio Que
HearWiki score
86
74
Sound
9.1
8.4
Value
8.9
8.7
Price (USD)
$350
$400
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
CrinEar Reference (2026) against Yu9 Audio Que (2025). These are 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.
- Reference20261 yr newer
- Que2025
Specifications
ReferenceQue
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 74
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 4
- 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
Yu9 Audio Que
The Yu9 Audio Que is a wired hybrid IEM that delivers a refined, flagship-inspired sound signature for under $500. It combines a 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to produce organic mids, controlled bass, and airy treble, along with impressively spacious imaging. Its vented shell prevents pressure buildup, though the wide nozzle may limit comfort for some listeners.
- Pro:Organic and natural midrange
- Pro:Controlled, well-defined bass
- Pro:Airy treble with good extension
- Con:Wide nozzle may not fit all ears comfortably
- Con:Lacks active noise cancellation (wired-only design)
- Con:Fit could be finicky for smaller ear canals
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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