CrinEar Project Meta

This is a solid IEM for the price, I’m very happy to have been part of this launch and to have “played the game” of hype around it…because it was promised a sound signature and the product is delivering that sound signature.

I really like the cable, the case and the fit of the IEM. I am less happy with the ear tips…foams work well for me, and I think they deliver the real intended sound for the product, but the silicon ones are not that great and uncomfortable (at least for my ear shape). I would’ve liked a better selection and an included cleaning tool for the price, but I’m happy with the quality of the IEM itself and the included cable and case, so spending 40p for a cleaning tool is not a big deal but you can see how this can become quickly a fallacy.

Regarding the driver config, I genuinely think it’s a simple DD+BA+high-frequency BA or microplanar on a three way crossover. It has both the pros and the cons of a similar configuration and for the price would be adequate, what’s really great with it is the tuning. Crin surely spent time and money on getting it right and you can hear it: it is Metal tuning done right.

I can’t wait to buy Reference and Daybreak, because if this IEM is the start of something great then the premise is very good!!!

It’s a shame it can’t be bought anymore, I really recommend it!

Engaging and balanced, details pushed to the front, which sometimes affect stage/position. Overall a great set.

The title says it all, i have a kilobucks iem and i think i still prefer the meta overall. The meta sounds U shaped to my ears, an emphasis on the low and treble while still maintaining the clean midrange, both male and female vocals also sounds great albeit sounds a bit forward.

Very energetic but not offensive sound signature. The Fit is exceptional, and the black and cooper is a nice look.
Room for improvement: The included case is wayyyy to big to ever use, I dont like it at all. The cable has recessed 2 pin connectors for a flush 2 pin IEM, makes it feel less intentional.
The packaging is very handsome, but the little „how to use“ booklet on top of the case was stuck to the case, ripped the paper and left some stubborn residue on the „crinear“ logo on the case.

It's worth every penny. These were my first foray into owning any IEMs above $50, but I've long been a fan of Crinacle's collabs and new that I HAD to get my hands on these. I was not disappointed. The sound is clear, and the IEM is very versatile for a broad range of genres. It has very clear treble extension and, for me, has the perfect amount of sparkle in the treble without being fatiguing. Technicalities are amongst the best I've heard at any IEMs under $500. The build quality and the case are also very notable. It's a shame this was a limited run bc I'd recommend these almost as blind buy for most people. If I had a critique, it would be that maybe the bass isn't as thumpy as some bass heads might look for, but I think the subass quality makes up for it. Also, I think some tip rolling will help people bring the most out of these bc I didn’t think they were a great fit for me, sound, and fit-wise, while using the stock tips. Overall it's a 9.6/10 for me.