Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Etymotic ER2SE Earphones: 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
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
70Good
$220
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Daybreak leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Daybreak
- Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
HearWiki score
84
70
Sound
8.8
7.7
Value
9.2
6.3
Price (USD)
$170
$220
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Daybreak20256 yr newer
- ER2SE Earphones2019
Specifications
DaybreakER2SE Earphones
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 70
- Released
- 2025
- 2019
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 16 kHz
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 15 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 96 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 15 g
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- -
- MMCX
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
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
The Etymotic ER2SE is a wired, single dynamic driver IEM designed for studio monitoring and critical listening, offering a neutral and reference-tuned sound signature. It delivers strong clarity, accurate vocals, and high passive isolation, making it a solid choice for those seeking a transparent and detailed presentation. Its lightweight build and easy drivability add to its appeal, though the deep-fit design may not suit all users.
- Pro:Neutral, reference-tuned sound with accurate detail
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation for immersive listening
- Pro:Easy to drive from most devices without an amp
- Con:Protruding shells may cause discomfort for some
- Con:Bass response is modest and not for bass lovers
- Con:No inline controls or app support for adjustments
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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