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 wired tribrid IEM that delivers a well-balanced, reference-style sound with a focus on accurate reproduction and natural mids. It performs admirably across various genres, though its stock cable and occasionally shouty upper mids may not suit everyone.
- Pro:Balanced, neutral-leaning tuning
- Pro:Natural and lifelike midrange
- Pro:Strong bass texture with sub-bass emphasis
- Con:Stock cable feels cheap
- Con:Can sound shouty on certain tracks
- Con:Not the most exciting or dynamic presentation
DUNU Kima
The DUNU Kima is a wired IEM with a dual 10mm dynamic driver setup featuring a DLC diaphragm, offering a warm, smooth, and balanced sound signature. It boasts solid construction, comfortable fit, and a generous accessory package, making it a competent choice for the price, though it falls short in technical performance and treble airiness for critical listeners. Its value is decent but not exceptional, appealing more to those who prioritize tuning and build over raw detail retrieval.
- Pro:Sturdy build quality with premium feel
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
- Pro:Warm, smooth, and balanced tuning
- Con:Lacks standout technical performance
- Con:Treble could use more airiness and extension
- Con:Not a significant upgrade over cheaper alternatives
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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