Xenns Tea Pro VS CrinEar Daybreak

Xenns Tea Pro lands with the familiar “Tea” swagger: a baby-blue, sparkled shell that looks subdued but premium, a modular 3.5/4.4 cable that clicks together more cleanly than most, and the infamous ultra-soft pouch (yes, the “chinchilla” one). Build is hefty yet comfortable, with a tiny ear “shelf” that doesn’t poke and giant L/R markers that actually help. Inside is an 8-driver stack—2 dynamic + 6 balanced armatures—priced around $360, right in the historic Tea lane. Wide-bore tips can make the upper range shouty, but switch to foams or X-Elastic and the tuning snaps into place: smooth, powerful, and deeply satisfying.

Sonically it’s the sports car that rides like a chaise lounge: speed and detail on tap, but with the warmth dialed up ~20% so long sessions feel luxurious. Bass reaches low with a tactile rumble that sneaks up in tracks, mids are rich and present, and treble is tastefully shaved to avoid glare—energy without edge. The stage isn’t stadium-wide; instead it’s an immersive “pressed-in” bubble that places the orchestra around the head with excellent instrument presence and macro-dynamics. It carries the Tea/T2 lineage forward by focusing less on sterile “detail points” and more on excitement and physicality—music shoved into the ear in the most pleasurable way. Verdict: an unabashed 10/10 crowd-pleaser in its bracket and a default recommendation—pop on the 4.4 plug, use the right tips, and let it cook.

Z-Reviews original ranking

Xenns Tea Pro lands as a confident mid-tier contender with a 2DD+6BA setup around $350–360, going head-to-head with sets like DaVinci, Estrella, and Dusk. Sub-bass has real grunt—808 drops, the 38 Hz hit on Big Boi’s “Kill Jill,” and early-2000s hip-hop cues slam with authority yet stay controlled. Electric-bass lines have clean pluck and release, avoiding mid-bass bloom, so the low end never muddies male or female vocals; the tuning plots close to a favored target without sounding sterile.

The midrange keeps vocals center and natural—no husky haze from mid-bass, no shout from upper-mids—and treble carries harmonics without tizzy edge, handling tricky voices (think Neil Young, Elton John, Jim Croce) with ease. Fans of the Moondrop Variations’ leaner, drier 3 kHz-pushed profile may find the Tea Pro richer and less “etched,” but that extra body reads as musical rather than bloated. Crucially, the BAs avoid that metallic tinge, giving cymbals and keys a clean, pleasing sheen.

On balance, this is the kind of tuning that competes directly with its peers—and depending on priorities, arguably beats them. With punchy sub-bass, stable mids, smooth but detailed top end, and zero fatiguing quirks, the Tea Pro sits between a firm “would buy” and a potential “shameless hype” slot—prime material for renewed top-five shortlists now that the market has cooled.

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Build & presentation scream premium: a matte metal alloy shell with lush green-blue fade and gold script, plus a black-silver sparkle faceplate that looks like wearable art. Ergonomics are excellent despite a slightly wider nozzle and a bit of heft, allowing long sessions without discomfort. The package impresses with a gallery-style unboxing, matching carrying case, and a silver cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 terminations. Under the hood: 2 dynamic drivers + 6 BAs at ~$360.

Tonally it’s a balanced, warmer-leaning set with elevated sub-bass depth, clean attack/decay, and more treble extension and sparkle than comparable sets. The stage sits a touch more intimate, but separation and layering are immaculate, and imaging locks in with precision. Mids don’t pop as forward as some peers, yet overall resolution stays high with “oodles of detail,” giving music a rich, cohesive presentation that still feels highly detailed.

For competitive play the performance is A-tier: in Apex, Valorant, and especially Call of Duty, imaging and depth perception are master-class. Gunfire comes through cleaner with less reverb; airstrikes and mortar noise get pushed back so crucial cues like footsteps, slides, and shield pops cut through. The more intimate stage aids crosshair placement and micro-positioning, while separation stays clear even in chaotic fights. Verdict: a high A- on the Wall-Hack Certified list—an excellent pick for gamers wanting warmth, sub-bass authority, and elite imaging without sacrificing musical enjoyment.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

The Xenns Tea Pro stands as the most refined and well-rounded iteration of the Tea series to date, offering strong competition in the $300 IEM market. While it loses some of the unique "sauce" found in earlier models, it delivers significant improvements, particularly sounding like a "better Da Vinci" with its bass presentation. The Pro features a similar heaviness and thickness to the notes but adds more upper mids, treble extension, and overall better resolution. For roughly $60 more than the Da Vinci, the Pro offers upgraded drivers from Knowles, contributing to better timbre, a bump in technical performance, and equally good accessories.

Compared to the original Tea and Tea 2, the Pro emerges as the better all-rounder but lacks their distinct character. The original Tea remains superior for its highly addicting vocals, bite, and holographic staging, while the Pro offers more balanced, fuller, smoother, and more versatile vocals alongside superior bass in slam, texture, impact, resolution, and rumble due to its new dual dynamic drivers. Treble extension, overall resolution, and a more open stage also see noticeable improvements over both predecessors. Technical performance-wise, the Pro is highly competitive with other $200+ IEMs, offering better resolution, imaging, transience, attack, and separation than the Da Vinci, along with a more natural sound.

Positioned under $400, the Tea Pro fits as a balanced choice between neutral and exciting tunings. Against the clean, neutral Pilgrim or Dusk, the Pro provides a bassier, heavier, fuller sound with more forward vocals and better note weight. Compared to the exciting Estrella, the Pro is more balanced, thicker, and slams harder, while the Estrella offers more dynamic contrast and crispier treble. Versus the similarly priced Hype 4, the Pro delivers harder slam, deeper bass, and sharper vocals with more bite, though the Hype 4 is slightly quicker, smoother, and more balanced. Essentially, the Tea Pro excels as a versatile, resolving set with satisfying bass and well-tuned vocals, making it the best pick for most listeners despite losing some quirks of earlier models.

Jays Audio original ranking

The Xenns Tea Pro impresses most with its exceptional build quality and aesthetics. The metallic shell feels substantial and premium in the ear, featuring a comfortable wing design and a nice metal nozzle. While slightly larger than its predecessors like the Tea and Tea2, the Pro's shell represents an upgrade in feel and technology, boasting a prettier faceplate. The included cable is thick, braided, and features a swappable termination (4.4mm or 3.5mm), contributing to an overall solid package that feels like a significant step up from previous models.

Sonically, the Tea Pro offers a bassy but clean signature with strong, impactful low end. However, it presents some key drawbacks: the bass can feel slightly boomy or distorted rather than pristine, and the overall presentation leans dark and rich. This comes at the expense of upper treble sparkle, air, and micro-details, resulting in a narrow soundstage and less impressive instrument separation than expected at its price point. While extremely pleasant and engaging for music listening, it feels slightly muffled and lacks the clarity and detail retrieval of many competitors.

When stacked against rivals like the Dunu Da Vinci, Kiwi Ears Quintet, EM10, DUNU DaVinci, Hype 4, or CCA CA4, the Tea Pro often falls short sonically. Competitors generally offer better air, treble extension, cleaner bass, or superior detail. Its own predecessor, the Tea2, is considered more neutral and relaxed. Consequently, while the Tea Pro is a contender with its fantastic build and fun tuning, it might be skippable for those prioritizing pure sound quality. It earns a recommendation for newcomers or those valuing premium construction, but audiophiles seeking the best sound may find better options elsewhere.

Jaytiss original ranking

Xenns Tea Pro lands as an easy pick around $300 thanks to a natural, versatile tuning that blends tasteful fun with everyday usability. A gentle bass boost adds heft, slam, and definition without muddying the mids, while a touch of upper-mid lift keeps vocals clear—even on bass-heavy tracks—without tipping into thin or clinical territory. Treble stays smooth regardless of shallow or deep fit, supporting lifelike timbre and realistic decay that favors long, fatigue-free listening. Detail comes across as “natural detail” rather than etched; micro-nuances don’t jump out, but nothing feels missing or dulled either.

Against the Top Pro, bass through mids on the Top Pro can sound a bit tighter and more transparent, but its treble risks feeling overcooked and a touch “BA-like,” trading naturalness for extra sparkle and perceived detail. Tea Pro keeps the highs non-fatiguing and tonally convincing, making it the safer everyday choice. The “dream combo” would marry Top Pro’s bass-to-upper-mids with Tea Pro’s treble, but as it stands, Tea Pro remains a well-balanced, easy recommendation for its class—natural yet fun, clean vocals, and a bonus metal shell that seals the deal for all-day use.

Tim Tuned original ranking

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

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 original ranking

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 original ranking

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 original ranking