Crinear Meta VS INTUAURA Balance
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Crinear Meta and INTUAURA Balance use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+4BA driver setups respectively. Crinear Meta costs $250 while INTUAURA Balance costs $299. INTUAURA Balance is $49 more expensive. INTUAURA Balance holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.4). Crinear Meta has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Crinear Meta has better treble with a 0.5-point edge and Crinear Meta has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Crinear Meta | INTUAURA Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 7.4 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 7 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7 |
| Details | 7 | 7.4 |
| Soundstage | 7.3 | 6.5 |
| Imaging | 7 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7 |
Crinear Meta Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
INTUAURA Balance Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
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 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
Crinear 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
INTUAURA Balance (more reviews)
INTUAURA Balance reviewed by Jaytiss
7.6
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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INTUAURA Balance reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
INTUAURA Balance reviewed by Web Search
7.2
Reviewer Score
The INTUAURA Balance delivers a cohesive sound with well-controlled bass that avoids overwhelming the mids, while maintaining clarity in vocal reproduction. Its treble presentation is smooth and non-fatiguing, making it suitable for extended listening sessions without harshness. This tuning approach creates a balanced yet engaging signature that works across genres like acoustic and pop music.
Technical performance shows decent instrument separation and soundstage width for its price bracket, though complex tracks can reveal some limitations in layering depth. The included accessories, such as the detachable cable and multiple ear tip options, provide practical customization for fit and comfort. At its MSRP, it competes effectively against other hybrid models in the sub-$300 category.
Crinear Meta Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: CrinEar Top CrinEar IEMs
Price (Msrp): $250
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INTUAURA Balance Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Price (Msrp): $299
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Crinear Meta User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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INTUAURA Balance User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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
AINTUAURA Balance Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-Crinear 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.
INTUAURA Balance Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A-- A competent technical showing keeps separation intact while delivering modest staging. It feels tidy even when recordings stack layers.
Crinear Meta User Reviews
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