Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs DUNU Kima: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Daybreak comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: CrinEar Daybreak - Outstanding overall at around $170.
Wired IEMs
DUNU Kima
56Average
$110
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Daybreak leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Daybreak
- DUNU Kima
HearWiki score
84
56
Sound
8.8
6.3
Value
9.2
6.2
Price (USD)
$170
$110
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 Daybreak is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Daybreak20253 yr newer
- Kima2022
Specifications
DaybreakKima
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $110
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 56
- Released
- 2025
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 2× 10 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 2
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 15 g
What reviewers said
CrinEar Daybreak
The CrinEar Daybreak is a well-rounded wired IEM that delivers a balanced, natural sound with a slight sub-bass emphasis, making it a strong contender around the $170 price point. It excels at reproducing acoustic music with lifelike mids and offers a non-fatiguing treble, though its overall presentation may feel too subdued for those seeking a more colored or dynamic experience. While not class-leading, it competes effectively as a reference-style option with minor trade-offs in build and technical performance.
- Pro:Natural, lifelike midrange especially for acoustic tracks
- Pro:Balanced tuning with solid bass texture and non-fatiguing treble
- Pro:Good value for the price in its category
- Con:Stock cable feels cheap and flimsy
- Con:Can sound shouty on certain recordings
- Con:Lacks excitement for listeners wanting more coloration
DUNU Kima
The DUNU Kima is a wired, dual-dynamic-driver IEM with a sturdy build and warm, smooth tuning that appeals to listeners favoring balance over flash. It offers solid imaging and a comfortable fit, but its technical performance and treble airiness leave room for improvement, making it a competent yet not exceptional choice at its price. Overall, it's a well-rounded option for those prioritizing build and tonality over raw detail retrieval.
- Pro:Sturdy, well-constructed design
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
- Pro:Warm, smooth sound signature
- Con:Limited treble airiness
- Con:Not a major upgrade over cheaper alternatives
- Con:Technicalities are average for the class
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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