Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs THIEAUDIO ELIXIR: 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
THIEAUDIO ELIXIR
62Good
$210
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
- THIEAUDIO ELIXIR
HearWiki score
84
62
Sound
8.8
7.6
Value
9.2
-
Price (USD)
$170
$210
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Daybreak20253 yr newer
- ELIXIR2022
Specifications
DaybreakELIXIR
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $210
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 62
- Released
- 2025
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- -
- Drivers per side
- 3
- -
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 18 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- 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
THIEAUDIO ELIXIR
The THIEAUDIO ELIXIR is a wired dynamic IEM that delivers a lively yet balanced sound, blending engaging tuning with solid technical ability for its price. It offers good resolution, natural timbre, and precise imaging, though it may not suit listeners seeking a purely neutral signature. Comfort and fit can be finicky over long sessions, and certain vocal ranges may show minor coloration.
- Pro:Engaging, balanced tuning that bridges fun and neutral
- Pro:Strong technical performance and resolution for the price
- Pro:Natural timbre and precise imaging
- Con:Can become fatiguing in treble and midrange over time
- Con:Fit is sensitive and may affect comfort or seal
- Con:Soundstage width is somewhat limited
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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