Short answer: the CrinEar Reference. It ranks #635 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $349.99; the Penon Dome ranks #744, rated 3.6/5, at $349. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The case for the CrinEar Reference: A very even tilt: the median of 30 measurements has a near zero tonal tilt and the mids hold close to target, giving a relaxed, inoffensive presentation. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 5 dB short at 30 Hz and bass about 2 dB short, so it lacks the low end weight its two dynamic drivers suggest.
Why pick the Penon Dome: A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 69 against the Harman target. Watch for: Treble about 6 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
Buy the CrinEar Reference. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $0.99 with the Penon Dome does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
A very even tilt: the median of 30 measurements has a near zero tonal tilt and the mids hold close to target, giving a relaxed, inoffensive presentation.
Amazon $349.99 eBay
A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 69 against the Harman target.
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Specifications Side By Side
| CrinEar Reference | Penon Dome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $349 |
| Ranked | #635 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #744 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired (3.5mm / 4.4mm) |
| Driver Type | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 2 x 10mm dynamic + 3 x balanced armature | 1 Dynamic, 3 Balanced Armature |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | - |
| Frequency Response | 2Hz - 44kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 70 (median of 30 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 69 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.12 dB standard deviation | 2.40 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the CrinEar Reference from aden, aftersound, animagus, atechreviews, audioamigo, bassaudio, bloomaudio, boizoff, breampike, dentreviews, dl, doltonius, dvewlsh, elrics, faxepremium, fernandagunsan, flare, hbb, hobbytalk, iemocean, jaraba, jaytiss, lestat, lumerion, practiphile, precog, soundignity, superreview, tdl and tonedeafmonk; the Penon Dome from flare, mmagtech, theaudiostore, tonedeafmonk and treblewellxtended, all via squig.link.
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