Crinear Meta VS Epz K9
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Crinear Meta and Epz K9 use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+8BA driver setups respectively. Crinear Meta costs $250 while Epz K9 costs $299. Epz K9 is $49 more expensive. Epz K9 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.7). Epz K9 has significantly better bass with a 1.1-point edge, Crinear Meta has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Crinear Meta has better treble with a 0.6-point edge, Epz K9 has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge, Epz K9 has better details with a 0.6-point edge and Epz K9 has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Crinear Meta | Epz K9 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 7 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 6.9 |
| Details | 7 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7.3 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 7 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.4 |
Crinear Meta Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
Epz K9 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Crinear Meta reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
CrinEar Meta lands as a clean, balanced, slightly bright-leaning all-rounder with a distinctly sparkly treble. The top end carries a “special sauce” — sharp attack, quick decay, airy cymbal splash and strong micro-detail — creating an open sense of space with tidy separation and layering at around mid-volume (~65 dB). Bass and vocals sit at a “normal” distance: clear and resolving but not emphasized; expect punch rather than deep sub-bass rumble or chesty slam. Fit is tip-dependent: stock silicones can sound peaky; clear soft EPZ tips keep the shimmer without harshness, while “white” Tongu Senai tips smooth the treble further.
Technically, Meta punches above its $250 bracket, hanging with sets like Dusk 3.5 and Estrella for resolution and imaging despite not using ESTs. Timbre stays natural and the build/accessories feel solid. Trade-offs appear when cranking volume: the treble rise can turn fatiguing past ~75–80 dB, especially on bright, electronic-leaning tracks. Genre picks lean toward pop, J-/K-pop, rock, metal, and indie instrumentals at mid-volumes, where the upper-mid cut reins in hot mixes and the sparkle makes cymbals addictive; for hip-hop/rap/EDM, some will want more rumble, slam, and note weight.
Versus Ziigaat Estrella, it’s apples to oranges: Estrella brings more low-end authority and smoother treble with vocals popping forward, while Meta counters with a brighter, sparklier presentation better for K-/J-pop and bands. Against other bright-neutral sets (Dusk, P5+2, Brain Dance), Meta sounds fuller in the low end with a more natural, less sizzly treble; compared to Canon Pro, it’s the more energetic and less laid-back choice. For pure vocals, Volume S, EPZ P50, or Cadenza 4 remain stronger. Scaling champs like Ziigaat Odyssey and AFUL Explorer take higher volumes better but trade away some of Meta’s detail sparkle. Limited-run caveat aside, this is an easy recommendation for listeners wanting a balanced daily driver with distinct, glittery treble at sensible listening levels.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
EPZ K9 lands as a sweet, balanced all-rounder with a tasteful, slightly V-shaped tilt. Bass is snappy and well-controlled, with a mid-bass fill that adds natural note weight to vocals and drums without muddying the mids. Treble extends cleanly with a hint of air, steering clear of both dullness and sharpness, while imaging is a touch sharper than entry peers. Think EM6L’s vibe but less shouty up top, a bit more resolving, and a clear upgrade path from sets like the Clean/EW300.
Against rivals, K9 takes a more vocal-centric approach: fuller mid-bass, smoother presence, and better slam/body on drums. Astral counters with stronger sub-bass texture, extra air, and a tamer upper-mid for high-energy genres; both trade blows on detail with K9 edging imaging. Versus Odyssey, K9 offers cleaner treble extension and forward vocals, while Odyssey is bassier, with deeper sub-bass texture and louder-volume scaling. Overall technicals sit around Pilgrim/Dusk level, which is solid for the price, especially with the nicer cable, case, and a black color option.
Usability is largely easygoing—tip-rolling is flexible and the stock clears keep things smooth—though the shell edge can feel uncomfortable over long sessions. Best at mid-volume listening (around 60–65 dB); push higher and upper mids/treble can get lively on K-pop/EDM, while R&B/indie scales sweetly up to ~75 dB. Compared with bass-tilted sets (Tea Pro/Hype 4/Estrella/Punch/Martello), K9 is cleaner, tighter, and more mid-range focused; versus neutral leaners (Pilgrim/Dusk/Canon Pro/“5+2”), it has a more complete upper-mid for vocals. Not a market-breaker in pure price/perf, but as a refined, musical package with balanced tonality and comfort-adjacent caveats, K9 is a very solid all-rounder.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Buy Epz K9 on Aliexpress
Ad
Price: $339
Buy Epz K9 on Aliexpress
Crinear Meta (more reviews)
Crinear Meta reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
CrinEar Project Meta lands as a genuinely significant release: a new brand from Crinacle at an aggressive $250, limited to a small run, with a compact metal shell that fits securely and comfortably. Accessories are sensible (two eartip sets, chunky but protective case), while the swappable termination cable looks great in black/copper yet feels too long and relies on a friction fit that can be cumbersome and a bit kink-prone. Logos are plain, but overall build and ergonomics impress; a slightly shorter tip can improve seal and sound.
Tuning targets the tilted diffuse-field “Meta” profile: essentially neutral from the mids up, coupled with a deliberate, mostly sub-bass boost. The result is more contrasty than many peers—dense low end plus a touch of upper-treble sparkle—without turning sharp or sibilant. Bass is the standout: tighter and more textured than typical “new-meta” sets, though still a hair elevated and capable of sounding heavy on bass-laden tracks. Vocals sit a bit relaxed rather than forward; timbre is excellent, imaging is incisive, and the stage favors depth over width. Tip rolling (slightly shorter or attenuating tips) can tame the sparkle and lock in the balance.
Against rivals, Meta consistently punches up: it edges EPZ P50 and Kiwi Ears K4 with cleaner bass and more transparent timbre; versus AFUL Performer P5+2/P7 it trades that set’s wider stage and vocal presence for better overall naturalness. Pricier options can still win on preference: Softears Volume S brings more addictive mid-bass physicality and forward vocals; HiSenior Mega5EST nails the low-contrast, open midrange (though with softer bass); and Moondrop × Crinacle Dusk remains more vocal-centric with greater lateral openness. Verdict: a solid 4/5 and likely the pick at its price—slightly V-tinged, expertly executed, and a very promising first step for CrinEar.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelCrinear Meta reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.1
Reviewer Score
Crinear Meta reviewed by Z-Reviews
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
CrinEar Meta lands as a limited-run, $250 bass-tilted collab that’s already sold out—and feels like a “little baby bass monster” in the best way. Build is clean and understated: aluminum shells with rose-gold accents, a nice interchangeable cable, and an overbuilt hard case that embarrasses most sets at this price. The nozzles are chunky (think Chronicle’s Red/Daybreak vibes), so foam or “render”-style tips help with seal and comfort. Specs are oddly opaque—driver configuration isn’t listed anywhere—yet the package still screams more value than expected.
Tonally this is unapologetically V-shaped: elevated bass that punches on cue, crisp treble that reaches in and gets attention, and a clear midrange that can read V because the ends are lively. The stage is intimate/narrow, giving a “small loud room” energy that’s exciting but can trend fatiguing over long sessions. Crucially, it passes the body-movement test—put on a groove and there’s immediate “wiggly-wigglies”—where a safer, cleaner sibling like Daybreak can feel a bit too polite. Meta sounds less filtered, more gusto, more fun; Daybreak is the seat-belted version.
Chain matters: with spatial enhancement (think soundstage wideners on a fancy DAC), the main gripes fade and the presentation breathes, though even stock the tuning remains engaging and lively. Net take: this is the version of Daybreak many wish existed—more out of the box, more toe-tapping—so it gets the nod on sheer enjoyment. New? It was a steal at $250. Used around $200? No-brainer collector keep if that energetic, bass-forward V is the target.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Crinear Meta reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
Epz K9 (more reviews)
Epz K9 reviewed by Fox Told Me So
7.8
Reviewer Score
Sub-bass reaches good depth—elastic and bouncy rather than thunderous—giving just enough physicality without overloading the mix. The bass isn’t heavy-handed; quantity is moderate, punch on the softer side, yet always clearly outlined with clean texture and tight control.
Mids tilt slightly toward female vocals, made airier by a 500Hz dip that trims warmth and opens the space. Vocals sit forward, sweet, and expressive, aided by a mild lift between 600Hz and 1 kHz. A 6kHz rise sharpens edges and adds clarity to cymbals and hi-hats, but a smooth roll-off past 5–8kHz keeps sibilance comfortably restrained.
Treble is bright but polished, extending easily with a gentle 13kHz rise that introduces a touch of air without excess sparkle. The stage impresses with width and layering, offering a lively yet well-controlled image.
Verdict: EPZ K9 isn’t about brute force—it’s about coherence. Smooth highs, open mids, articulate bass, and a wide stage make it an elegant, finely balanced hybrid that performs far beyond expectation.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
EPZ K9 brings a flashy spec sheet and premium feel: a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) dressed in a world-class shell that fits securely, vents properly, and looks gorgeous with its blue-white case. The stock cable offers swappable 3.5↔4.4 termination and a steady chin slider, though the fabric sheathing and barely visible L/R markers are quirks. Originally teased near $300 and now closer to $400, the package screams polish more than compromise.
Sonically, this is a V-shaped tuning with rich bass, thick lower mids, and extra energy in the 3–6 kHz band that can make stick hits and sibilants feel a touch sharp. The midrange clarity is only decent and the upper-air/treble extension is just okay, but staging comes across pleasantly open. Graph comparisons paint the picture: versus EPZ’s own P50 (safer, flatter upper mids) and the more majestic, warm-lean V of the EPZ 530, K9 pushes that presence region a few dB higher. Sets like Afu Dawn X flatten that band while extending air; Softears Volume offers a very similar profile but even more 5–6 kHz energy; and options around this price—Magic Top Pro, Yu9 Chua—show alternate takes with either dipped presence or stronger bass/1 kHz support.
In practice, K9 aims for excitement: weighty bass, a forward upper-mid/low-treble bite, and a lively stage. Listeners craving a crisp, energetic V will find plenty to enjoy, while those sensitive to brightness or seeking mid clarity and airy refinement may prefer the P50, 530, or similarly priced competitors. Stunning build and respectable performance, but the tuning choices make it a taste-dependent recommendation rather than a universal pick.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Epz K9 reviewed by Web Search
7.6
Reviewer Score
The EPZ K9 is a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) with a 3-way acoustic/electronic crossover, rated at 14 Ω and 108 dB sensitivity; it also ships with interchangeable 3.5 mm/4.4 mm plugs, making it easy to pair with portable sources. Retail pricing varies by region—seen around $299 at some retailers and into the low-$400s elsewhere—so value will depend on where it’s purchased.
Tonally, K9 presents a warm W-shaped balance with substantive mid-bass and a restrained but present upper-mid/treble rise, aiming for smoothness over bite. Frequency-response sets published by community sources also show insertion-depth sensitivity (deep vs shallow), which helps explain reports of “calmer” treble and broader perceived width with deeper seals.
Technical performance is competent for the segment: macro-dynamics and bass slam are a noted strength, while resolution and imaging sit a touch below the class leaders; stage is more wide than deep, but cohesive for a multi-BA hybrid. Multiple long-form impressions describe it as clean and open yet non-fatiguing, which aligns with a safe-tilt treble and fuller lower mids.
Crinear Meta Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: CrinEar Top CrinEar IEMs
Price (Msrp): $250
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Epz K9 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA
Tuning Type: Warm, W-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $299
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Crinear Meta User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Epz K9 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Crinear Meta Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AEpz K9 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
ACrinear Meta Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Epz K9 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Crinear Meta User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewEpz K9 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS