Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Softears Studio 2: 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
Softears Studio 2
44Weak
$170
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
- Softears Studio 2
HearWiki score
84
44
Sound
8.8
5.0
Value
9.2
4.1
Price (USD)
$170
$170
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
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
- Studio 22025
Specifications
DaybreakStudio 2
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 44
- Released
- 2025
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- -
- Driver type
- tribrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Drivers per side
- 3
- -
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
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
Softears Studio 2
The Softears Studio 2 is a wired in-ear monitor built around a dual balanced-armature driver setup, aimed at stage use, live monitoring, and casual listening. Its detachable cable and lack of active noise cancellation keep the design straightforward and focused on sound accuracy rather than extra features. This model offers a professional-oriented tuning at a modest price point for those who prioritize clarity and detail.
- Pro:Dual balanced-armature design for detailed sound
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
- Pro:Suitable for stage monitoring and critical listening
- Con:No active noise cancellation for isolating environments
- Con:Wired only, limiting portability convenience
- Con:May require proper fit for optimal seal and bass response
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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