Crinear Meta - Reviews & Ratings

5 Reviews (A Tier | 7.3/10)

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Summary

Based on 5 reviews, the Crinear Meta is standing out as a favorite among reviewers, who note that it elevates everyday playlists.

Average Reviewer Scores

Jays Audio Smirk Audio Z-Reviews Audionotions
Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable

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Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.5

Gaming Grade

A

Crinear Meta Details

Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA

Tuning Type: n/a

Brand: CrinEar Top CrinEar IEMs

Price (Msrp): $250

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Reviews

Reviewed by: Super* Review

Super* Review 8* * score rescaled + normalized
YouTube video thumbnail
Versus similar priced IEMs this is probably the IEM I would be buying. Very nice IEM and a little bit on the contrasty side.
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 Channel

Reviewed by: Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Bright-leaning all-rounder with sparkly treble sauce. Great tech for price and great accessories. Good coloration that's not vanilla and safe as other crin collabs. Can be fatiguing at higher volumes, tip dependent, rec sancai wide/regular or Softear Ultra Clear/EPZ clear tips.
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 original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.1 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
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Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A Treble: A Dynamics: A- Details: A- Imaging: A-

Reviewed by: Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7 * score rescaled + normalized
YouTube video thumbnail
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 original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Audionotions

Audionotions 7 Reviewer Score
Similar to Moondrop Dusk (the non-Dusk collab with Crin) but a step down overall sonically (tonality and techs) but a step up in ergonomics and build quality. Unboxing experience is excellent and almost excessive, especially for the price. U-shaped tuning with a focus on deep and powerful bass and sparkly treble. It's an exciting listen and for a first entry from a new brand, it's quite commendable. That said, it lacks a bit of refinement and control on both ends of the frequency response. Bass quantity often overwhelms the mix and there is something odd in the treble that adds an aritificial shimmer that detracts from timbre. Mids are very nice but probably needs a bit more body to balance out the treble and bass. I'd suggest a broad eq down of the bass shelf and some toning down especially of the higher treble region.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

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Compare Crinear Meta to popular alternatives

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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.
Bass A-
It serves up confident rumble and texture while keeping the spectrum balanced. You can enjoy bass-heavy music without fatigue.
Mids A
It delivers an excellent midrange that feels vibrant and true to life. It balances clarity with natural smoothness.
Treble A
Highs feel superbly executed, revealing micro-detail without hint of sibilance. Highs stay smooth even at volume.
Dynamics A-
Dynamic performance is excellent, combining sharp transients with strong contrast. Transients snap with authority.
Details A-
Resolution feels both high and relaxed, capturing nuance with ease. There's zero smearing even at high volume.
Imaging A-
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
Gaming A
Clear spatial presentation handles directional cues effectively. Distinguishes key gameplay sounds while maintaining decent immersion. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

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