Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Kiwi Ears Melody: 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
Kiwi Ears Melody
63Good
$89
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
- Kiwi Ears Melody
HearWiki score
84
63
Sound
8.8
6.9
Value
9.2
7.1
Price (USD)
$170
$89
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 2 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.
- Daybreak20252 yr newer
- Melody2023
Specifications
DaybreakMelody
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $89
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 63
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 1 planar
- Driver type
- tribrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1 planar
- Driver size
- -
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 1
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 18 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 102 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
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
Kiwi Ears Melody
The Kiwi Ears Melody is a budget-friendly planar IEM that delivers a lively, bass-forward sound with a warm tilt, making it an engaging listen for those who prioritize fun over analytical precision. It offers excellent comfort thanks to its featherweight build, though its technicalities like micro-detail retrieval are only average, and the bundled accessories are basic for the price. Overall, it's a strong value for listeners seeking a distinctive, energetic planar tuning without breaking the bank.
- Pro:Punchy, well-extended bass with a fun, energetic character
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Smooth yet lively treble that avoids harshness
- Con:Micro-detail resolution is only average, not highly resolving
- Con:Midrange tonality can sound a bit uneven or recessed
- Con:Accessories and packaging are fairly basic for the cost
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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