Wired IEMs
Kinera Thorking
81Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataKinera Thorking vs Symphonium Audio Crimson: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kinera Thorking comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kinera Thorking - Outstanding overall at around $2499.
Wired IEMs
Symphonium Audio Crimson
76Great
$1,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Symphonium Audio Crimson leads on 2 of 4 measures.
- Kinera Thorking
- Symphonium Audio Crimson
HearWiki score
81
76
Sound
9.2
9.2
Value
6.0
7.6
Price (USD)
$2,500
$1,500
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 Kinera Thorking is 2 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.
- Thorking20252 yr newer
- Crimson2023
Specifications
ThorkingCrimson
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $2,500
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 76
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
- balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST
- -
- Drivers per side
- 11
- -
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 6 Ω
- Weight
- -
- 7 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
Kinera Thorking
The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
- Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
- Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
- Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
- Con:Can sound dry at times
Symphonium Audio Crimson
The Symphonium Audio Crimson is a premium all-balanced-armature IEM delivering flagship-level dynamics, resolution, and a spacious soundstage with a lively, U-shaped tuning. It offers high-energy, technical performance with strong detail retrieval and precise separation, though its low 6-ohm impedance makes it sensitive to source pairing and eartip choices. This wired, non-ANC model suits listeners seeking an engaging, controlled sound that rewards careful setup.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and separation
- Pro:Spacious, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Lively, energetic tuning with good control
- Con:Very low impedance requires quality source gear
- Con:Sound varies significantly with eartips
- Con:Upper treble can be sharp if fit is shallow
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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