Crinear Daybreak VS Dita Prelude
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Crinear Daybreak and Dita Prelude use 1DD+2BA+2mPT and 1DD driver setups respectively. Crinear Daybreak costs $170 while Dita Prelude costs $159. Crinear Daybreak is $11 more expensive. Crinear Daybreak holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.5 vs 6.2). Crinear Daybreak carries a user score of 7.4. Crinear Daybreak has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Crinear Daybreak has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Crinear Daybreak has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Crinear Daybreak has significantly better soundstage with a 1.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Crinear Daybreak | Dita Prelude |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.2 | 6.2 |
| Mids | 8 | 5 |
| Treble | 7.4 | 7 |
| Details | 8.2 | 6.2 |
| Soundstage | 7.6 | 6 |
| Imaging | 8.2 | 6.2 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 6.7 |
| Technicalities | 7.4 | 7 |
Crinear Daybreak Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
7.5Strongly Favorable
Reviewer Average Score
7.4Generally Favorable
Dita Prelude Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
6.2Mixed to Positive
Reviewer Average Score
6.9Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Jaytiss
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
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Dita Prelude reviewed by Jaytiss
7
Reviewer Score
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Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Web Search
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.
Dita Prelude reviewed by Web Search
6.7
Reviewer Score
The DITA Prelude aims for a mild V-shaped presentation that stays easy on the ear: bass has a gentle lift, mids stay clean, and treble adds air without harshness. DITA itself describes the Prelude as mild V with an emphasis on technicalities, which lines up with its relaxed yet open tonality . Treble extension and perceived headroom are standouts at the price, helping stage and layering feel a notch above typical entry-level fare .
Hardware is straightforward: a single 10 mm dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm and dual magnets, plus dual-volume venting for control and consistency . The metal shell is compact and sturdy, and the 0.78 mm 2-pin interface keeps cable options open if you want to swap later . Detail retrieval is good for the bracket; micro-detail won’t challenge kilobuck sets, but separation holds up well in busy tracks.
Value is helped by the bundled ANTE USB-C DAC/amp dongle, which pairs neatly and removes source guesswork for newcomers . Bass is tastefully elevated rather than boomy, so bassheads may want more slam, but the Prelude’s balance and treble smoothness feel well judged for long sessions. Street pricing sits around $159, making it an easy recommendation for a first serious single-DD IEM .
Crinear Daybreak (more reviews)
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Joyce's Review
9.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The CrinEar Daybreak is presented as the first mass production model under Crinacle as a personal brand project, targeting an IEF Preference 229 style curve at around 169 USD. The shell looks very ergonomic with a thin, long nozzle that fits securely, and the semi transparent body reveals a 3D printed internal waveguide. Inside, a tri driver configuration with one dynamic driver subwoofer, two custom tuned balanced armatures and dual micro planar tweeters is supported by a refined silver plated copper cable with interchangeable 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs and a firm leatherette case, giving the whole package a mature and well thought out feel.
In terms of tuning, the bass delivers a just right amount of power and impact with most of the weight in the sub bass and a quicker rolling mid bass that keeps the low end clean. Sub bass hits sit close to the ear and neck area, giving a sense of depth without bloating, while decay is quick, snappy and well separated from the mids and highs. Vocals sit intimate and close with excellent resolution and imaging, presenting a neutral and clear midrange where grit and texture of voices and instruments are preserved, and only a slight touch of brightness and sibilance reminds that this is an intentionally more revealing tuning.
The treble shows a classic 3 kHz rise with a 7 kHz dip to tame excess sibilance and then a gentle, extended upper region with subtle peaks that create a strong sense of air and openness. Treble remains bright, clean and crisp, with tight imaging and a good balance between openness and control, only leaning a little dry and thin in the very top where its more analytical character shows. Compared with sets like the K4, Daybreak offers stronger instrument separation, more defined vocal edges and notably better horizontal and vertical soundstage, combining punchy but controlled bass, clear vocal lines and textured instruments into a presentation that feels highly resolving yet coherent and great value at this price.
Joyce's Review original ranking
Joyce's Review Youtube ChannelCrinear Daybreak reviewed by Super* Review
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
Super* Review Youtube ChannelCrinear Daybreak reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Crinear Daybreak comes in at 169 dollars as a tribrid with a dynamic driver subwoofer, dual balanced armatures and twin micro planar tweeters, and the tuning shows a smart balance between fun and control. Sub bass hits on tracks like Kendrick Lamar Backseat Freestyle are downright vicious, with a semi detached, subwoofer like thump that slams far harder than the graph suggests, yet the mid bass sits just under a bass heavy target so the low end never feels bloated. 808 drops, kick drums and bass guitars all hit with huge slam and weight while staying tight, giving hip hop and rock a very addictive sense of drive.
Through the mids, the Daybreak keeps that energy without stepping on vocals. Male and female singers come through clean, forward and centered, with naturally husky voices staying clear instead of turning muddy, helped by a slightly restrained mid bass and a tasteful lift around the upper mids and ear gain. The treble region takes a safer approach: harmonics are present and natural but not overcooked, avoiding the grainy sand on glass kind of glare that can show up when late treble rises above the ear gain peak. The result is a set that feels non fatiguing and easy to listen to for long sessions, with no hint of sharpness or planar harshness from the micro planar tweeters.
Genre handling is where this set really shines. From hip hop with big 808s, to classic rock like Led Zeppelin and Dire Straits, to Fleetwood Mac Rumours and even large scale orchestral, the Daybreak behaves like a jack of all trades with a serious subwoofer mode on tap when the music calls for it. There is no obvious deal breaker in the tuning, no weird peak that needs a warning label, and the overall technical performance supports that tuning with satisfying dynamics and solid control. At 169 dollars, backed by a designer who is deeply embedded in the hobby and stands behind the product, this is an easy big recommendation and arguably the best collaboration set yet to carry this name.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelCrinear Daybreak reviewed by Paul Wasabii
7.6
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
CrinEar DayBreak presents a balanced end-to-end tuning that shifts with power. At low volume it can read warm and soft, but when driven a bit harder the bass and treble rise to meet the mids, revealing clean impact, clear treble extension from the BA + microplaner stack, and a more open presentation. Vocals carry natural body from a lower-mid bump without being pushed unnaturally forward, so the overall character leans more versatile than strictly vocal-centric.
Versus Meta, DayBreak fixes the bass shelf and stretches upper energy for easier air, trading some midrange push for better layering and imaging. Compared with Odyssey, high-volume listening yields more space and separation; against vocal sets like Cadenza 4 or Zero Red, DayBreak gives up a bit of mid focus but wins on genre range, especially EDM. Not a sub-bass monster, yet the bass hits harder than the graph suggests, with cleaner texture and a healthier sub-to-mid-bass ratio. The only nit is a slightly energetic 2–5 kHz zone that some will prefer a dB lower.
Call it an unintentional banger: the treble is sloped enough to avoid glare while keeping drops vivid, letting big builds explode without turning sharp. For listeners who play a notch louder and want balanced energy at both ends with mids that stay natural, DayBreak delivers a satisfying hybrid package for the price.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Crinear Daybreak reviewed by Fox Told Me So
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 Jays Audio
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 Daybreak reviewed by Z-Reviews
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 Daybreak reviewed by Precogvision
5.5
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
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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Dita Prelude Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $159
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Crinear Daybreak User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.4Generally Favorable
Dita Prelude User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Crinear Daybreak 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
ADita Prelude Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Crinear Daybreak 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-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
Dita Prelude Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Crinear 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.Dita Prelude User Reviews
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Pros
- Example pro 1
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Cons
- Example con 1
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