Sennheiser IE900 VS AFUL Dawn-X

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

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

Sennheiser’s IE900 delivers a sub-bass–focused tuning with tight control and real tactility, but its trademark upper-mid recession (≈2–5 kHz) keeps vocals and instruments a step back. A pronounced 9–10 kHz lift adds sparkle and air; depending on tolerance, that energy can read either engaging or a touch sharp/sibilant. Technical chops are strong for a single DD—resolution and microdetail are genuinely competitive.

The sticking point is tonal balance and value. While the IE900 is refined and punchy, that blunted midrange character contrasts with its bright treble, creating a love-it-or-leave-it “blue cheese” appeal. Against peers—and especially Sennheiser’s own IE600, which fixes the mids while preserving similar resolution—the IE900’s $1,300 price starts to look tough.

In short: choose the IE900 for its clean sub-bass slam, crisp transients, and airy top if that treble profile hits the spot. If the priority is natural mids and better value without giving up much technical ability, the IE600 feels like the smarter pick—and the real redemption of Sennheiser’s IEM line.

Crin original ranking