Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs FiiO FH5s: 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
FiiO FH5s
63Good
$250
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
- FiiO FH5s
HearWiki score
84
63
Sound
8.8
7.1
Value
9.2
5.3
Price (USD)
$170
$250
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Daybreak20254 yr newer
- FH5s2021
Specifications
DaybreakFH5s
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 63
- Released
- 2025
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- -
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 4
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 40 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 106 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 8.8 g
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- 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
FiiO FH5s
The FiiO FH5s is a wired hybrid IEM combining dual dynamic and dual balanced armature drivers to deliver a balanced, detailed sound with solid bass and clear mids. Its semi-open design, adjustable tuning switches, and detachable MMCX cable add versatility, while the lightweight build and comfortable fit make it a strong value at its price point.
- Pro:Balanced, neutral-leaning sound signature
- Pro:Detailed and engaging midrange
- Pro:Adjustable tuning switches for sound customization
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Tuning switch effects are subtle
- Con:Requires decent amplification due to 40-ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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