Crinear Reference

[Xaviedie]

Currently being tested... not yet fully broken in, but already meeting my expectations and "neutral" marketing.

(A blissful sonic delight => my eardrums are on vacation!)

End of the Crinear Ref ear tip test between sizes S, M, and L:
Size "L" => the most peaceful (soft) and pleasant sound (to my ears),
Size "M" => the least soft sound of the three ear tips, but rest assured, still not aggressive due to the IEM's frequency response,
Size "S" => the most resolute sound of the three, and softer than size M,

Verdict: I don't know if it's due to age or something else, but my ears have chosen size "L," which best meets my criteria, or what I expected from the Crinear Ref.

Followed by size "S" > "M".

Time for extended listening while awaiting my final verdict on the Crinear Ref.

 

[Soria Moria]

I'm skeptical about JM-1 being treated as the «neutral reference». It's too «dull» sounding to me. Not enough sub-bass and too much 100 to 800 Hz energy for me. Of course these things are subjective, but where are the listening tests that verify JM-1 as being the most neutral target to the most people?

 

[IngMishael]

Currently being tested... not yet fully broken in, but already meeting my expectations and "neutral" marketing.

(A blissful sonic delight => my eardrums are on vacation!)

End of the Crinear Ref ear tip test between sizes S, M, and L:
Size "L" => the most peaceful (soft) and pleasant sound (to my ears),
Size "M" => the least soft sound of the three ear tips, but rest assured, still not aggressive due to the IEM's frequency response,
Size "S" => the most resolute sound of the three, and softer than size M,

Verdict: I don't know if it's due to age or something else, but my ears have chosen size "L," which best meets my criteria, or what I expected from the Crinear Ref.

Followed by size "S" > "M".

Time for extended listening while awaiting my final verdict on the Crinear Ref.

yup... haven't bought an IEM in nearly 6 years and demoing this at CANJAM was enough to make me excited to spend. I have an IER-M9 which I have EQd to match my ears as best and the Reference may need only 2 filters for my ears from my demo of them. Excited to test when it arrives at my home.

 

[kemmler3D]

The response looks really nice but for $350 I'll just EQ my Hexas...

 

[zonk]

There is a very high number of good IEMs below 100$/€. I don't see any reason to spend 350.

 

[Xaviedie]

I'm skeptical about JM-1 being treated as the «neutral reference». It's too «dull» sounding to me. Not enough sub-bass and too much 100 to 800 Hz energy for me. Of course these things are subjective, but where are the listening tests that verify JM-1 as being the most neutral target to the most people?

We never talk about ear tips, but they play a major role in the perceived sound (essential). Once you find the right ones, it's night and day. Listening to the soundtrack of the film "Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood" is a real treat. (No aggression, gentle as an angel and very balanced - perfect, its Roger Federer in tennis sport aha class )

Je possède également les iem « Truthear x Crinacle Zero », et il n'y a pas de comparaison possible avec les prestigieuses Crinacle Reference ( in taille « L » - standard).

 

[Zoide]

Currently being tested... not yet fully broken in, but already meeting my expectations and "neutral" marketing.

(A blissful sonic delight => my eardrums are on vacation!)

End of the Crinear Ref ear tip test between sizes S, M, and L:
Size "L" => the most peaceful (soft) and pleasant sound (to my ears),
Size "M" => the least soft sound of the three ear tips, but rest assured, still not aggressive due to the IEM's frequency response,
Size "S" => the most resolute sound of the three, and softer than size M,

Verdict: I don't know if it's due to age or something else, but my ears have chosen size "L," which best meets my criteria, or what I expected from the Crinear Ref.

Followed by size "S" > "M".

Time for extended listening while awaiting my final verdict on the Crinear Ref.

Thanks for your first impressions! I hope that by "not fully broken in" you were referring to brain "burn-in", since there's no such thing as drivers "breaking in"...

 

[Xaviedie]

Thanks for your first impressions! I hope that by "not fully broken in" you were referring to brain "burn-in", since there's no such thing as drivers "breaking in"...

It's fantastic, in a word. The transition (brain "break-in") is so quick and neutral with the "L" tip.

Forget that awful term "break-in" (clumsy). I've already forgotten my second IEM exists.

Thankfully, for the price

 

[Xaviedie]

The curves don't lie, and it's the "L" size tip that defines it. The aggressiveness is at 0% and true to the frequency response curve.

This is the definition of sonic peace. Neither boring nor artificial, the music flows effortlessly, as if it were maximizing its energy to perfection.

You can wear them all day. They're relaxing, comfortable, and allow you to enjoy all the tracks without any harshness, with excellent definition, sound quality.

The volume range is impressive, and I almost forgot, I use the famous FiiO KA11 with Crinear Reference iem.

I think I've said what's essential.

Satisfied with my purchase. I'm married.

Good night.

 

[thewas]

They seem to really measure and sound fine (depending of course on the individual ear canal):

LLM summary of above:

In this video, Andrew from The Headphone Show reviews the CrinEar Reference, an In-Ear Monitor (IEM) designed by the well-known reviewer Crinacle. Andrew names it his new favorite IEM and places it at the top of his ranking list due to its exceptional tuning and fit.

Key Takeaways​

• Neutral Signature: The "Reference" is designed to be neutral, focusing on clarity and "unmasking" details in music rather than adding artificial excitement through boosted bass or treble [00:06:20].
• Superior Shell Design: The machined aluminum shell features a unique contour that allows for deeper insertion than most IEMs. This helps eliminate common treble resonance issues caused by ear canal anatomy [00:03:49].
• Versatile Tips: The product includes an extensive selection of ear tips. Andrew notes that the "short wide" tips can tilt the sound toward a "neutral-warm" signature, while others maintain a strictly neutral presentation [00:12:42].
• Comparison: Andrew compares it favorably to the $1,400 Prisma Audio Lumen, stating that the Reference offers a better mid-range and fit for a significantly lower price [00:16:34].

Sound Quality Breakdown​

• Bass [00:10:38]: Prioritizes quality over quantity. It is tighter, more "nimble," and tonally rich compared to the "sluggish" bass found in many modern "meta-tuned" IEMs.
• Mid-range [00:11:16]: Described as the "star of the show" and possibly the best Andrew has heard. It balances lower and upper mids perfectly, avoiding a "shouty" or aggressive sound.
• Treble [00:12:22]: Mostly smooth, though Andrew notes a slight forwardness in the lower treble (around 4.5 kHz) with certain tips. This is easily mitigated by using the included wide-bore tips.

Final Verdict​

Andrew gives the CrinEar Reference a 7.5/10, the highest spot on his current ranking list. He concludes that it is one of the best IEMs on the market for those who want a versatile, high-fidelity tool that reveals the true character of their music [00:19:18].

More measurements

CrinEar Reference: Nothing to Prove

The CrinEar Reference claims to be the world's flattest IEM. Here's what that actually means to Fc-Construct as he compares it against a host of other IEMs.

headphones.com

 

[Xaviedie]

The very neutral sound is really cool; it won't try to impress you with coloration.
It's stable and relaxing without seeking approval.
A mature sound, the hallmark of professional listening.

Its temperature is clear in the treble without being aggressive. The mids are clean, and the bass is flat with a slight boost without being bassy (globally).

In life : I am allergic to harsh, high-pitched or treble-heavy sounds in audio.
With the Crinear Reference earphones, the treble is clear but neutral; with the "L" size ear tip, it's the best combination for my ears => the smoothest treble of the 3 tips.
It's a little clearer with the "S" and "M" size ear tips => I preferred the "L" size, which gives the best, softest treble (prolonged listening).

 

[PBSequence]

I've got a pair as well. They're like a HD600 but IEMs (and with an acceptable subbass response)... and that is all I want.

What I do struggle with is the fit, there's a lot of eartips included but basically only one of them really fits me (Standard S).

 

[Xaviedie]

I've got a pair as well. They're like a HD600 but IEMs (and with an acceptable subbass response)... and that is all I want.

What I do struggle with is the fit, there's a lot of eartips included but basically only one of them really fits me (Standard S).

IEMs and ear tips aren't affordable for everyone.

Thank God, size "L" fits me perfectly

 

[Seige]

Just my 2 cents, fwiw:

The shell design is great. Finally, an IEM that I can insert deeply into my ear canals. Also, it does not wiggle out over time. I was able to go down one size with the coffee tips (which are very similar to the short wide tips, that come with the IEM). The Reference sounds very neutral to my ears, with a nice presentation of the mid range. The shorter tips reduce the treble peak, similar to what Andrew has shown in the video.

Admittedly, I do prefer the coloration of the Mega5est at times (still my favourite), but at the price point, the Reference seems to be a great pair of IEM!

 

[Selkirks]

Admittedly, I do prefer the coloration of the Mega5est at times (still my favourite), but at the price point, the Reference seems to be a great pair of IEM!

I agree they are a good pair of IEMs, but I find myself using the less neutral Binary Dynaquatro and Dunu Dk3001 BD more often. I might keep them around as a "reference" if they get more use.

 

[ChurchSoundGuy]

Just got a pair and have been testing.

Best set of IEMs ive ever used. Period. Agree on the HD600 comparison, but with the bass that you always wished was there.

Star of the show ironically is the bass, the definition and 'purr' on them is unreal without losing any sense of balance with the mids or treble. The treble is exactly what i'd want - perfectly smooth.

The best bit - i have absolutely no desire to do any EQ - it "just works" - out of the box.

Don't think unless some huge new technology comes along in the future i'll ever need to buy another pair of IEMs. Endgame for me.

Congrats Crin!

 

[Zoide]

Just got a pair and have been testing.

Best set of IEMs ive ever used. Period. Agree on the HD600 comparison, but with the bass that you always wished was there.

Star of the show ironically is the bass, the definition and 'purr' on them is unreal without losing any sense of balance with the mids or treble. The treble is exactly what i'd want - perfectly smooth.

The best bit - i have absolutely no desire to do any EQ - it "just works" - out of the box.

Don't think unless some huge new technology comes along in the future i'll ever need to buy another pair of IEMs. Endgame for me.

Congrats Crin!

Nice! I wonder how they'd compare to the HEDDphone D1, which is also considered to be "neutral".

 

[ChurchSoundGuy]

Never tried the HEDDphone D1 - but compared to the Reference IEMs, obviously 1) its a headphone, and 2) it's over twice the price

 

[KenMasters]

I'd be interested in trying these, or any other of these other newer, well reviewed IEMs. The wired connection is an issue for me though, since I use my iPhone for music on the go.

Having done quite a bit of Googling, it doesn't seem like there are any good wireless earhook options that fit these or the Truthears?

 

[Asher]

I'd be interested in trying these, or any other of these other newer, well reviewed IEMs. The wired connection is an issue for me though, since I use my iPhone for music on the go.

Having done quite a bit of Googling, it doesn't seem like there are any good wireless earhook options that fit these or the Truthears?

There are a number of bluetooth earhook options out there. All the Truthears I own use 2-pin .78mm connectors, as does the Crinear Daybreak. I couldn't confirm the connector on the Crinear Reference, but I'd be shocked if they went with a different connector. Something like this should work:

TRN BT20S PRO | Worldwide Shipping | TRN-AUDIO

TRN BT20S PRO is a wireless Bluetooth 5.0 modules. Qualcomm QCC3020 chipset. AptX/AAC/SBC HD codecs. 72 hours continuous playback. Learn more!

trn-audio.com