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CrinEar Reference vs Sony MH755: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Outstanding overall at around $350.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

CrinEar Reference leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • Sony MH755
HearWiki score
86
53
Sound
9.1
7.1
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
-

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The CrinEar Reference is 13 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 13 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Reference202613 yr newer
  • MH7552013

Specifications

ReferenceMH755
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
-
HearWiki score
86
53
Released
2026
2013
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
1DD
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
1DD
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
5
1
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor with a hybrid 2DD + 3BA driver setup, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature. It features a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and relies on a tight seal for passive isolation, making it a strong choice for critical listening at its price point.

  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexible connectivity
  • Pro:Good passive isolation from proper eartip seal
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise isn't fully blocked
  • Con:Requires a balanced source to fully utilize the 4.4mm connector
  • Con:Fit may be finicky for some users to achieve optimal seal

Sony MH755

This is a small, wired in-ear headphone that uses a single dynamic driver, originally included as a free accessory with Sony's Bluetooth adapters rather than being sold separately as a typical retail product. It was designed for simple, budget-friendly listening on the go, without any active noise cancellation features.

  • Pro:Compact and lightweight design
  • Pro:Single dynamic driver for clear sound
  • Pro:Wired connection for reliable audio
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Not sold as a standalone retail unit
  • Con:Limited to wired use only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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