AFUL Dawn-X VS Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
AFUL Dawn-X and Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke use 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC and 1DD driver setups respectively. AFUL Dawn-X costs $1,299 while Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke costs $199. AFUL Dawn-X is $1,100 more expensive. AFUL Dawn-X holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.4 vs 7.1). AFUL Dawn-X has slightly better bass with a 0.4-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better mids with a 2.5-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better treble with a 2.1-point edge, Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has better dynamics with a 0.8-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has better soundstage with a 0.7-point edge and AFUL Dawn-X has better details with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | AFUL Dawn-X | Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 8.5 | 6 |
| Treble | 8.9 | 6.8 |
| Details | 8.5 | 7.7 |
| Soundstage | 8.5 | 7.9 |
| Imaging | 8 | 8.1 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 8.3 |
| Tonality | 8.4 | 7.2 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 6.3 |
AFUL Dawn-X Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.4Very Positive
Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.1Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-18
9.6
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-20
7.6
Reviewer Score
Hidizs MK12 x DucBloke arrives as a limited-edition single-DD collab with a 12 mm pure magnesium diaphragm, dressed in a striking red shell/nozzle. Pricing sits around $260 (about $240 on pre-order). The package is handsome: a plush, roomy case, a red flat 2-pin cable with clear L/R indicators and a tidy Y-split, plus a 3.5 mm option. Swappable nozzles exist for the MK12 line, but the supplied red nozzle is the standout for the mids—and the one trusted by multiple ears in the scene. Comfort is strong, the shell is vented, and it ships with Divinus Velvet tips.
Tonally, this is an organic, warm, downward-sloping tuning with a thumpy, fun bass, generous width, and an overall rich timbre. It suits R&B and hip-hop especially well; stage feels broad and “concert-like,” vocals come across analog and full. Treble is agreeable rather than flashy—on tracks like “Thriller” the cymbals could use a touch more bite—yet detail retrieval and resolution remain respectable. Not a dead-neutral monitor; more a musical, engaging daily driver for listeners who embrace warmth.
Against peers and prior Hidizs sets, MK12 x DucBloke carries the brand’s better traits with cleaner treble energy than some earlier efforts and a bass shelf that avoids muddle. It echoes the warmth of certain high-end references while adding a bit more upper-treble air. EQ is a playground here: presets like Sparkle (air lift), Neutral (slight sub-bass bump), and Hard-Hitting (more bass, more linear) all work well, and the Jaytiss-tuned profile adds extra air without breaking balance. Final take: a solid “A” fun set with 9/10 bass & dynamics, warm-leaning mids, polite treble, big stage, and strong technical underpinnings—an easy recommendation for those wanting a rich, vented, EQ-friendly single-DD in a gorgeous red suit.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by IEMRanking AI
2025-09-18
8
Reviewer Score
The AFUL Dawn-X is a 14-driver quadbrid IEM—1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC—wired together via a six-way electronic + physical crossover and AFUL’s 3D Micro-Resonance acoustic paths; the stabilized-wood shells and included 6N copper cable reinforce its flagship positioning. Specs are published at 15 Ω and 101 dB sensitivity, with an official MSRP of $1,299.99.
Early listening reports describe a balanced-to-U-shaped tuning with textured sub-bass, forward yet clean vocals, and airy treble extension; some note abundant micro-detail that can make the stage feel more intimate on certain tracks. AFUL also claims a “Wideband Electrostatic” implementation letting EST drivers contribute from ~5 kHz upward, which aligns with impressions of crisp but smooth top-end energy.
Objectively, the Dawn-X targets high technical performance—resolution, imaging precision, and treble refinement—more than aggressive coloration, which suits critical listening but may read as slightly cool on some material. Given the price bracket, value hinges on a buyer needing its specific mix of detail retrieval and composure versus similarly ambitious hybrids from rivals at or below the same MSRP.
Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke reviewed by IEMRanking AI
2025-09-20
6.6
Reviewer Score
The Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke is a special-tuned edition built on the MK12 “Turris” platform, which uses a single 12 mm dynamic driver with a 91% magnesium diaphragm and a 1.5 T magnet system inside a CNC-milled metal shell. The base MK12 includes three swappable pneumatic filters and retails around $199 (often $179 on sale), with Hidizs officially confirming the DucBloke collaboration and demos at CanJam SoCal 2025.
Tonal balance with the MK12 platform is broadly warm U-shaped and can be shifted via the filters: Silver lifts treble, Rose Gold/Gold aims for a balanced profile, and Red boosts low frequencies while relaxing the upper mids—behavior documented across launch materials and reviews. This aligns with independent measurements/impressions noting the red filter’s fuller bass and the silver filter’s added upper-energy, giving the DucBloke edition a clear path toward a bass-weighted yet smooth top end.
Technical performance is competitive in the sub-$200 class: reviewers consistently describe a spacious soundstage, convincing imaging, and strong dynamics for a single-DD, while ultimate micro-detail and treble air are good rather than class-leading. With the right filter and tips, the set offers solid clarity without harshness and bass impact that should satisfy listeners seeking weight and physicality. Overall, the value proposition is strong at its street price, especially if the DucBloke tuning prioritizes the red-filter’s engaging low-end.
AFUL Dawn-X (more reviews)
AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by Audionotions
2025-09-26
9
Reviewer Score
AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-09-28
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by Super* Review
2025-09-23
7*
* score normalized
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
Super* Review Youtube ChannelAFUL Dawn-X Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,299
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Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Warm U-shaped
Price (Msrp): $199
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AFUL Dawn-X User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke User Review Score
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AFUL Dawn-X Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.8Gaming Grade
AHidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+AFUL Dawn-X Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
B- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
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