Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
83Great
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Ziigaat Horizon: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Great overall at around $350.
Wired IEMs
Ziigaat Horizon
81Great
$330
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
- Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.1
8.7
Value
8.9
8.4
Price (USD)
$350
$330
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 Ziigaat Horizon (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
- Horizon2025
Specifications
ReferenceHorizon
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $330
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 81
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 5
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 24 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- 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
Ziigaat Horizon
The Ziigaat Horizon is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers impressive technical performance for its price, featuring a spacious, holographic soundstage and strong detail retrieval. Its W-shaped tuning balances clarity and engagement, though its energetic treble and lighter bass impact may not suit everyone. While the sound quality is a standout, the build and accessories feel less premium than the audio performance.
- Pro:Excellent technical ability and detail retrieval
- Pro:Large, holographic soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Well-executed W-shaped tuning that balances fun and precision
- Con:Treble can become fatiguing or slightly sibilant for sensitive listeners
- Con:Mid-bass punch is limited, with bass more technical than physical
- Con:Build quality feels somewhat cheap for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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