Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs NF ACOUS NM20: 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
NF ACOUS NM20
57Average
$120
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
- NF ACOUS NM20
HearWiki score
84
57
Sound
8.8
6.1
Value
9.2
5.8
Price (USD)
$170
$120
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
CrinEar Daybreak (2025) against NF ACOUS NM20 (2024). 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.
- Daybreak20251 yr newer
- NM202024
Specifications
DaybreakNM20
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 57
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Drivers per side
- 3
- -
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 108 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
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
NF ACOUS NM20
The NF ACOUS NM20 is a wired dynamic-driver in-ear monitor designed as the follow-up to the NM2, catering to both studio and stage use. It features a custom MC2L-100P driver and a Clutter Trap acoustic system to deliver clear, balanced sound. With a 108 dB sensitivity and standard 2-pin connector, it offers reliable performance for monitoring applications.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning suited for critical listening
- Pro:Efficient 108 dB sensitivity works well with most sources
- Pro:Interchangeable 2-pin cable adds versatility
- Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation relies on ear tips
- Con:Lacks wireless or Bluetooth convenience
- Con:May require a quality source to fully shine
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.