Side by side
Koss KSC75 vs Crinear Reference
Koss KSC75
85 positive (81%) · 10 mixed (10%) · 10 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted: +72%
AI summary — not a quote
The Koss KSC75 is a legendary budget-friendly clip-on headphone celebrated for its exceptional clarity, airy soundstage, and lightweight design. While it is frequently cited as the 'best bang for your buck' in audio, it is defined by its open-back nature, which results in zero noise isolation and a notable lack of sub-bass. Users prize it for long gaming sessions and casual listening where situational awareness is required, though many recommend mods like Yaxi pads or headband swaps to improve comfort and sound signature.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and forward vocals for a budget price point
- Extremely lightweight 'barely there' comfort for long-term wear
- Wide soundstage and accurate imaging, making it a strong performer for gaming
- Highly moddable; compatible with various third-party pads and headbands
Cons
- Significant lack of sub-bass, leading to a 'flat' sound in bass-heavy genres
- Bright treble can be fatiguing or 'sharp' for sensitive listeners
- Zero noise isolation; unsuitable for loud commutes or public spaces
- Noticeable sound leakage to people nearby
Top excerpts
The thicker pad on the ksc75 clips bring them a bit further from the ear and makes Porta Pro drivers sing. It clears up the amazing but sometimes muddled mid bass.
It is light in bass, not particularly detailed sound, upper mids are hot to the point of being fatiguing over long time use for sensitive people, but they have good spatial audio for fps, not muddy sound profile for audiophiles
I have Koss KSC75 and Koss Porta Pro which are considered to be part of so called "60Ohm" Koss line along KPH40, all using same or variants of a similar driver
KSC75 sounds like a complete opposite of it, and spatial performance about matches SHP9500. The only slight beef I got with KSC75 is when playing Warzone the metallic sounds of gunshots with silencers on them, are a bit sharp on the ears.
I'm of rather bad opinion on Koss Porta Pro, and find KSC75 to be superior
Crinear Reference
11 positive (79%) · 2 mixed (14%) · 1 negative (7%)
Trust + time weighted: +72%
Top excerpts
Something like the CrinEar Reference that has both extremely well-sorted tuning and high quality metal shells is worth considering. They should flat-out be more durable, the component quality is excellent, and the out-of-the-box tuning is about as on-point for most people as IEMs come.
Yeah they’re amazing. They’re like an HD600 IEM with a proper subbass response and that’s all I’ve been looking for personally.
Good review! I also love this IEM but I can't help but lament its comfort
They’re honestly as good as the review states. ... I will say though, the references treble comes across a little too safe potentially. I feel it missing a little air, which could contribute to a smaller sense of stage.
The short version of my review is that *this* one was a big enough step forward to buy.