Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Sony MDR-EX800st: 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
Sony MDR-EX800st
68Good
$300
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
- Sony MDR-EX800st
HearWiki score
84
68
Sound
8.8
7.8
Value
9.2
7.1
Price (USD)
$170
$300
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 15 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 15 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Daybreak202515 yr newer
- MDR-EX800st2010
Specifications
DaybreakMDR-EX800st
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 68
- Released
- 2025
- 2010
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 16 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- -
- 16 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- -
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 108 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- -
- 7 g
- 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
Sony MDR-EX800st
The Sony MDR-EX800ST is a wired in-ear monitor designed for professional stage use, developed in collaboration with Sony Music Studios. It features a 16mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable, prioritizing accurate sound reproduction for live performance monitoring. This lightweight IEM (7g) offers high sensitivity, making it a reliable tool for artists on stage.
- Pro:Professional-grade sound accuracy for monitoring
- Pro:Large 16mm dynamic driver for detailed audio
- Pro:Lightweight design (7g) for comfortable extended wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation, relying on passive isolation only
- Con:Wired-only design limits portability without a source
- Con:Premium price point may not suit casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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