Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Sound Rhyme SR5: 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
Sound Rhyme SR5
66Good
$150
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
- Sound Rhyme SR5
HearWiki score
84
66
Sound
8.8
7.6
Value
9.2
6.7
Price (USD)
$170
$150
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
- SR52023
Specifications
DaybreakSR5
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $150
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 66
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 1DD + 4BA hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 4BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 5
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 26 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
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
Sound Rhyme SR5
The Sound Rhyme SR5 is a well-balanced hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for a clean, transparent sound. It stands out for its open, natural midrange, making it a strong choice for listeners who prioritize realistic vocals and acoustic instruments at this price point.
- Pro:Clean and transparent overall presentation
- Pro:Open and natural midrange for vocals and instruments
- Pro:Well-balanced tuning across the frequency range
- Con:Lacks active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired connection only, no wireless option
- Con:May require a decent source to drive optimally
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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