
CrinEar Daybreak vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Daybreak comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score 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
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
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?
Both shipped in 2025. These are 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.
- Daybreak2025
- S12 Ultra2025
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 80
- Released
- 2025
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- -
- 14.8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 1
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- 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
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum shell. It delivers the signature planar sound of the S12 line—fast, detailed, and punchy—in a refreshed design aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts. With a low 16-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with most sources, though it lacks any active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Fast, detailed planar sound with strong dynamics
- Pro:Lightweight and sturdy aluminum-alloy build
- Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance
- Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
- Con:Planar timbre may not suit all listeners
- Con:Cable and accessories are basic for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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