Thieaudio Monarch MK3 VS Aful Dawn-X
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 and Aful Dawn-X use 2DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch MK3 costs $1,000 while Aful Dawn-X costs $1,299. Aful Dawn-X is $299 more expensive. Aful Dawn-X holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 8.8). Thieaudio Monarch MK3 carries a user score of 6.8. Aful Dawn-X has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Aful Dawn-X has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Dawn-X has significantly better treble with a 1.2-point edge, Aful Dawn-X has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Aful Dawn-X has better details with a 0.8-point edge and Aful Dawn-X has better imaging with a 0.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch MK3 | Aful Dawn-X |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 7.7 | 8.5 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| Details | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 9 |
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Dawn-X Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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Aful 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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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Aful Dawn-X User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AAful 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
7.7Gaming Grade
AThieaudio Monarch MK3 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
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.
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Reviews
Reviewed by: Z-Reviews
10
* score normalized
Reviewed by: Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Shuwa-T
8.2
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelReviewed by: Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
2025-08-14
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Precogvision
7.3
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Nymz
7.1
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by:
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Aful Dawn-X Reviews
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
2025-09-18
9.5
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
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.
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 User Reviews
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Pros
Detail retrievalCons
Recessed mids and odd timbre.Aful Dawn-X User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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