64 Audio Tia Trio VS AFUL Dawn-X

The tia Trio comes across as a hybrid with personality: rich, thick, and warm, with slightly forward treble that adds air without tipping into the harsher edge heard on the U18t. Vocals are pulled back, yet the presentation feels cohesive and surprisingly natural given its unconventional response. What really stands out is the depth and head-stage—a wraparound sense of space that feels more immersive than most peers, making guitar strums and ambient cues pop in a way that’s immediately engaging.

Despite the 1DD + 2BA configuration, bass isn’t a simple upgrade over the U12t’s BA low end; it carries a touch more body and plosive weight but can feel a bit slower and less refined. Still, detail retrieval punches well above the driver count, and the overall tuning—while relaxed in the mids—stays clean and exciting. With the usual 64 Audio caveats (no apex swapping here and a mediocre stock cable), the tia Trio earns a five-star verdict for its intoxicating stage and atmosphere, even if it’s not the safest all-rounder at its $2,300 price.

Super* Review original ranking

AFUL’s house sound shows up here in its most polished form: Dawn-X is a tribrid (1DD + 8BA + 4EST + bone conduction) flagship at $1,300 that prioritizes consistent fit and execution over flash. Build is understated with stabilized-wood faceplates, above-average isolation, and a medium/medium-large shell that fits better—and more consistently—than the Cantor. The accessory loadout is solid (four silicone tip sets, large but well-made case), though the stock cable does not have swappable terminations (choose 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm).

Tonally, it’s a balanced, warmer-leaning take on AFUL’s signature: a dense, controlled bass that borders on decadent yet stays quick and clean, slightly relaxed mids, and a precise, mildly forward lower-treble that keeps definition high without tipping into harshness for most listeners. Stage favors front-to-back depth over width; transients are clean and a touch clinical, giving strong separation without sounding smeary. The result is a mature, confident presentation that reads refined rather than showy.

Against peers: versus Cantor, Dawn-X is warmer, smoother, and far more consistent thanks to fit; Cantor can sound brighter and a bit wider. Compared with FiiO FX17, Dawn-X has tighter bass and crisper treble, where FX17 feels looser and fuller. The 64 Audio U4s plays softer and wider; Dawn-X is more precise/clinical. DUNU Glacier hits harder and more V-shaped with smoother treble but less natural acoustic timbre; Dawn-X sounds truer on instruments. Versus ThieAudio Monarch MK4, MK4 is more neutral, vocal-forward with greater width, while Dawn-X offers denser low-end and a calmer demeanor—and a friendlier fit for many ears. Verdict: 3/5 stars—not the flashiest in its bracket, but arguably AFUL’s best execution yet of its signature sound.

Super* Review original ranking

The tia Trio mirrors 64 Audio’s flagship DNA at a lower price point ($2,299) with the same compact, lightweight aluminum build, generous tip selection, and a comfortable shell that suits smaller ears. Sonically it carries a present but well-judged bass shelf, adding a touch of warmth by settling around ~180Hz rather than the usual sub-bass focus. Crucially, the midrange corrects the Forte’s biggest flaw: upper mids aren’t hollowed out here. There’s a mild 1.5–3k dip (about 1–2dB), yet vocals and instruments remain properly contoured and far more natural and engaging without requiring EQ.

Up top, the Trio shows recognizable treble landmarks—an emphasis near 5k that can sound a bit shouty and another at 8k adding slight sizzle—tempered by the healthier mids, so the presentation is lively without becoming harsh. Treble extension is excellent, with “air” above 10k running a tad hot depending on taste. On technicalities, detail retrieval and image clarity track surprisingly close to both the Forte and Legend Evo; the soundstage is expansive for an IEM (strong depth and layering) though not as outsized as Forte, and imaging is accurate for music but not surgical enough for competitive FPS. Taken as a whole—and especially without EQ—the tia Trio feels like the more complete listen: a high-end IEM that preserves the fun while fixing the midrange, trading only a slice of stage grandeur for a much more balanced, recommendable experience.

Precogvision original ranking

Large, sculpted shells with a bulbous rear (housing the bone conductor) make the Aful Dawn-X a substantial fit—comfortable for some, but risky for small ears. The stock cable feels quality but is 4.4 mm-only, and the case/accessories are tidy; importantly, the nozzle grips tips securely (unlike some past AFUL sets). Overall build is handsome and premium, with fit being the main variable.

Sonically, the tuning favors sub-bass over mid-bass, pairs rich mids with smooth, natural treble that avoids harsh spikes yet has mild 4–6 kHz energy, and presents a cohesive, almost speaker-like soundstage. It wakes up with a bit of volume/power, prioritizing clarity, micro-detail and air over outright slam; the bone conductor subtly supports the midrange more than the lows. At $1,300 it’s competitive for listeners chasing technical refinement and a natural tonality, while value seekers or mid-bass lovers may prefer cheaper AFUL options or sets with more punch.

Jaytiss original ranking