Crinear Meta VS Crinear Daybreak
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Crinear Meta and Crinear Daybreak use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+2BA+2mPT driver setups respectively. Crinear Meta costs $250 while Crinear Daybreak costs $170. Crinear Meta is $80 more expensive. Both score 7.3 from reviewers. Crinear Daybreak carries a user score of 7.4. Crinear Daybreak has better bass with a 0.6-point edge, Crinear Meta has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge, Crinear Daybreak has slightly better dynamics with a 0.3-point edge, Crinear Daybreak has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Crinear Daybreak has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Crinear Meta | Crinear Daybreak |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 7.6 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 6.2 |
| Details | 7 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 7.3 | 6.9 |
| Imaging | 7 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.3 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 6.8 |
Crinear Meta Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
Crinear Daybreak Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Crinear Meta reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
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 ChannelCrinear Daybreak reviewed by Super* Review
2025-07-25
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The CrinEar Daybreak lands at $170 as the second IEM from Crinacle, positioned as a more accessible follow-up to the limited-edition Meta. This tribrid features a single dynamic driver, two balanced armatures, and two micro planars handling the highs. The build includes compact, semi-custom dark smoky resin shells offering good stability and comfort, though the molding might be slightly aggressive for some. The included cable provides swappable terminations (3.5mm and 4.4mm) but is noted for being somewhat stiff and kink-prone. Accessories are solid for the price, including a leatherette case and multiple tip options, with the stock silicones recommended for optimal fit due to the slightly longer nozzle.
Sonically, the Daybreak delivers what the review calls the best tonal balance yet within the popular "new meta" tuning category. Its frequency response is described as exceptionally neutral and natural from the mid-bass upwards, creating a low-contrast, chill, and non-fatiguing listen with forward, textured vocals and non-existent sibilance. However, this comes with trade-offs: the bass lacks ultimate tightness and slam, and the treble exhibits a light, wispy quality (likened to cotton candy) that lacks some bite and definition. While technical performance like imaging is solid, it doesn't stand out as exceptional.
In direct comparisons with six competitors around $200 (including the Meta, Binary x Chopin, EPZ P50, Ziigaat Lush, Truthear Pure, and Kiwi Ears KE4), the Daybreak consistently ranked highest for tonality. It was praised as a modern benchmark for natural tuning at its price. However, it fell behind in bass physicality and treble incisiveness. Ultimately rated a strong four stars, the Daybreak is highlighted as an excellent choice for those prioritizing a refined, natural midrange and easy listening experience over sheer technical prowess or visceral impact, earning the label of a "modern-day Etymotic ER2XR" with far better comfort.
Super* Review original ranking
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Crinear Meta reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-07-16
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The CrinEar Daybreak offers a balanced, clean, and non-fatiguing sound signature, functioning effectively as an all-rounder. Every frequency region is solid, delivering a smooth presentation without harshness or overwhelming warmth. The bass provides a slight sub-bass rumble and integrates cleanly into the mids, avoiding bleed, though it lacks significant impact, slam, or deep texture. Similarly, the mid-range and vocals are well-separated and forward enough, free from congestion or odd timbre, but don't specialize. The treble has enough extension and air, avoiding darkness or excessive sharpness, but misses out on micro-detail, sparkle, and expansive staging. It’s a decent, inoffensive performer across the board, described aptly as a "very good vanilla ice cream cone".
Technically, the Daybreak is competitive but not class-leading. Sets like the Meta, Ziigaat Crescent, Kiwi Ears Astral, Simgot EM6L, or TruthEar Nova offer slightly better detail retrieval, imaging, and resolution. Its main challenge comes from remarkably similar competitors, particularly the EPZ P50 and SLIIVO SL224, which share nearly identical tuning, driver configurations, and technical performance around the same $160-$180 price point. The P50 leans slightly more vocal-centric, while the SL224 offers marginally better bass texture and treble detail (though costing more). If you already own either, the Daybreak becomes largely redundant. Against alternatives like the bassier, more dynamic Ziigaat Odyssey ($200), the Daybreak feels safer but less engaging at higher volumes. Compared to Harman-tuned sets like the Supermix 4, Chopin, or Nova, the Daybreak boasts fuller tonality and less fatigue but gives up some layering and detail.
Ultimately, the Daybreak is a competent, well-packaged all-rounder at $170, delivering a balanced and inoffensive listen suitable for any genre library. However, it fails to stand out uniquely in a crowded field. Its sound signature is replicated almost exactly by the existing P50 and SL224. While it earns a half recommendation as a solid option for those seeking a non-fatiguing all-rounder who *don't* own those twins, it's unlikely to become a favorite due to its lack of distinctive character. Value is decent, but alternatives offer more specialization or technical prowess for similar or lower cost.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Crinear Meta reviewed by Z-Reviews
2025-08-29
7
* score rescaled + normalized
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 Youtube Channel
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Z-Reviews
2025-08-23
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Crinacle Daybreak is a technically excellent IEM that offers exceptional clarity and detail retrieval without being fatiguing. Its five-driver configuration delivers a cohesive and precise sound signature that is clean, flat, and incredibly balanced. The bass is present and punchy but never exaggerated, making it a perfect tool for studying music and hearing every nuance in a recording.
However, this precision comes at the cost of fun. The tuning is described as a little dry and somewhat intimate, lacking the expansive soundstage and flavorful character that makes other IEMs more engaging for pure enjoyment. While the build is solid with an acceptable cable and nice connectors, its looks are admittedly boring. It’s a perfectly cooked meal that follows the recipe without any surprises.
Ultimately, the Daybreak is a highly respected and much-loved IEM that fills a specific niche for a clean, reference-like sound. It’s a business suit of an IEM, but it wouldn't be the first choice for someone looking for a more exciting, fun, or "f***ed up" sound signature to get them moving. It commands respect for its technical merits, even if it isn't to everyone's personal taste.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Crinear Meta reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Crinear Meta (more reviews)
Crinear Meta reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.1
Reviewer Score
Crinear Daybreak (more reviews)
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-07-31
7.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The CrinEar Daybreak features a metal nozzle and metal faceplate with comfortable contours, though the fit is noted as a bit dainty and small. Isolation is practically non-existent, and the fit isn't particularly secure. The included cable looks nice and photographs well, featuring interchangeable terminations for versatility, but its chin slider moves too easily and isn't recommended for those needing a functional one. The case is deemed aesthetically pleasing and feels good, though not especially premium, magnetically shutting with adequate space.
Sonically, the Daybreak leans boring and somewhat sterile or dry. It offers nice bass and a lot of upper mids, which are done decently with a standard 3K peak. However, the combination of this upper-mid focus and an incisive peak around 8K contributes to a perceived harshness and sharpness, lacking in overall detail retrieval. Graph comparisons reveal its signature has significantly more upper mids and often more bass than competitors like the Moondrop Dusk or TruthEar Nova, resulting in a less engaging listen. Sets like the Defiant, Chopin, and Performer 7 are cited as more engaging alternatives at similar or lower prices, with the Defiant specifically recommended over the Daybreak. Even the Punch Audio martillo and Moondrop Meteor, sharing driver configurations, are considered more fun or better tuned.
Ultimately, the Daybreak is a solid A-minus IEM, well-packaged and a commendable first effort for the brand, but it's not hypeworthy or a benchmark. It lacks imagination and falls short against numerous compelling alternatives around its price point, such as the Performer 7, ZOS Defiant, Chopin, or discounted planar options like the Aether. While a good value, especially if found on sale via Linsoul or the used market, its piercing upper mids and failure to truly excel make it hard to fully recommend over the competition.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Fox Told Me So
2025-09-26
7.2
Reviewer Score
This is it.
Crinear Daybreak's tuning follows the New Meta family with two quirks: a dip at 400 Hz that slightly thins male vocals, and a dip around 8 kHz that smooths treble but softens cymbals/overtones. Otherwise it’s safe, balanced, and within preference bounds.
Bass has moderate body with audible rumble and quick decay, though slam could hit harder; Mids sit neutral, neither pushed nor recessed, keeping instruments evenly balanced; Treble rolls off smoothly—pleasant, but lacks the final lift that would open it up. Resolution is average for the price: clear layers but compressed depth, like a lasagna being pressed flat.
Within the $169 bracket, Daybreak is neutral, natural, and non-fatiguing—an easy daily driver.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Web Search
2025-07-25
7.5
Reviewer Score
The CrinEar Daybreak is a tri-brid IEM built around a 5-driver array—1DD + 2BA + 2 micro-planar tweeters—with a moderate 20 Ω load and 105 dB/mW sensitivity, making it easy to drive from portable sources. MSRP sits at $169.99, placing it squarely in the competitive mid-budget segment. These core specs are confirmed on the official product page and retail listings.
Tonally, Daybreak trends toward neutral with a mild sub-bass lift and restrained warmth, but listener experience can swing with tip choice. Multiple independent impressions note a touch of upper-mid / lower-treble energy (ear-gain region) on stock narrow-bore tips, which relaxes with wide-bore options; overall midrange balance and resolution are strong for the price. These observations are echoed in in-depth evaluations and measurements from Headphones.com’s reviews.
Build is a resin shell with metal faceplate and a compact pseudo-custom profile; comfort is generally good, though the 6 mm nozzle and angle may not be ideal for every ear. Accessory quality is serviceable—SPC cable with interchangeable 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm terminations, a leatherette case, and basic tips—leaving room for aftermarket tip rolling to fine-tune treble behavior and staging. These physical details and inclusions are documented by the maker and retailers.
Crinear Meta Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: CrinEar Top CrinEar IEMs
Price (Msrp): $250
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Crinear Daybreak Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2mPT
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: CrinEar Top CrinEar IEMs
Price (Msrp): $169.99
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Crinear Meta User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Crinear Daybreak User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.4Generally Favorable
Crinear Meta Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
ACrinear Daybreak Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-Crinear Meta Scorings
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.
Crinear Daybreak Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
B+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Crinear Meta User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewCrinear Daybreak User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA well-toned, easy-listening IEM that excels at midrange clarity even if it doesn’t dazzle technically.
Pros
Balanced and non-fatiguing tuning with smooth, natural mids.Cons
Bass lacks slam and treble can feel veiled or lacking crisp sparkle.Find your next IEM:
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