TLDR;
In this review, the Super* Review examines the AFU Dawn X, a flagship in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a tribrid design with a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, ESTs, and a bone conduction driver. The review covers the IEM's build quality, fit, sound signature, and compares it to other IEMs in its price range, including the Cantor, Fiio FX17, 64 Audio U4s, Doo Glacier, and Monarch mk4. The Dawn X is praised for its balanced sound, warm and dense bass, and well-defined treble, making it a strong contender in the competitive high-end IEM market.
- The AFU Dawn X is a $1,300 tribrid IEM with 14 drivers.
- It features a balanced sound signature with a warm, dense bass and well-defined treble.
- The IEM is compared to other models like Cantor, Fiio FX17, U4s, Glacier and Monarch mk4.
Intro [0:00]
The AFU Dawn X is the latest flagship IEM from AFU, known for their consistent house sound across different models. This new IEM is considered their best yet, surpassing even the Cantor in some aspects due to its improved fit and consistent performance. The review will cover the physical attributes, build quality, and sound analysis of the Dawn X, comparing it to other AFU IEMs and similarly priced competitors to determine its value in the high-end market.
What's in the box [2:05]
The packaging includes a large, well-made carry case with soft materials and an elasticated band for accessories, a cable tie, and a cleaning tool. The IEM comes with four different sets of silicone ear tips in various colors, offering options for achieving the best fit and sound. The variety of ear tips is a notable inclusion, allowing users to fine-tune their comfort and listening experience with the Dawn X.
Build quality [4:20]
The cable lacks swappable terminations but is available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm options. The cable is of typical AFU quality, though not as exceptional as the one included with the Cantor. It features a small Y-split and a chin slider that stays in place. The cable has pre-formed ear hooks with a less appealing heat shrink wrap. The IEM uses standard two-pin connectors, allowing for cable swapping. The earpieces are made from stabilized wood with a handsome design, though somewhat plain with a solid black shell. The reviewer appreciates the red color and notes that the wood pattern will vary between units.
Fit & comfort [8:00]
The shell size is a bit chunky in depth but medium in other dimensions. The nozzle is moderately sized at 5.8mm and slightly long. The IEM fits comfortably, with semi-custom molding that provides stability. The reviewer found the isolation to be stronger than average. The nozzle length was the only comfort issue, addressed by using the smallest ear tips and positioning them close to the nozzle end.
Sound quality [11:05]
The Dawn X features a balanced sound signature with a warmer, low-end dominated presentation compared to other AFU IEMs. The bass is strong and dense, while the lower treble region provides contrast and definition, preventing congestion. The imaging is not particularly wide, offering more front-to-back depth. The bass is deep, rich, and physical, with a quick decay. The sound is a polished, mature version of the AFU sound, with well-defined treble and no sibilance.
vs. Cantor [16:40]
Compared to the Cantor, the Dawn X sounds warmer and smoother overall. The Cantor's longer nozzle can cause inconsistent sound depending on the fit. The Dawn X offers a more consistent and better-performing sound, though the Cantor may present a slightly wider soundstage due to its brighter presentation.
vs. Fiio FX17 [17:55]
The Fiio FX17, priced at $1,500, is also a tribrid set with a similar driver configuration but more ESTs. The FX17 has a full warmth sound signature, with a looser and less impactful bass compared to the Dawn X. The FX17 is closer to a neutral sound signature, with a looser, softer, and more rounded treble. Both are fantastic sets, but the FX17 is more to the reviewer's personal taste, while many may prefer the Dawn X's bass experience.
vs. U4s [20:00]
The 64 Audio U4S is a hybrid set with a single dynamic driver and three balanced armatures. The U4S is warmer and softer than the Dawn X, with a wider, more enveloping headstage. The Dawn X is more precise and clinical, with front-to-back image depth. The reviewer leans toward the U4S, partly due to its appealing metal shells.
vs. Glacier [21:18]
The Doo Glacier, priced similarly at $1,350, features an all stainless steel shell, making it heavy and dense. The Glacier has a Harmon-style sound signature, more contrasty and V-shaped, with a more bombastic bass. The Dawn X offers a more accurate and natural sound with acoustic instruments, while the Glacier is exciting with a lot of music. The Glacier's treble is smoother overall, though the presence region is more forward.
vs. Monarch mk4 [22:45]
The Audio Monarch Mark IV is a more neutral, vocal-forward set with higher vocal detail and stereo width. The Dawn X is denser in the bass presentation and more clinical and relaxed sounding. Fit is a major consideration, as the Dawn X fits the reviewer fantastically, while the Monarch Mark IV does not work well for their ear.
Conclusion & Rating [23:50]
The AFU Dawn X is a very good IEM in a competitive price range, earning a rating of three stars out of five. Its main drawback is that it is an evolution of a sound that can be found at cheaper prices, making it less special compared to some competitors. However, it is the best execution of the AFU sound to date.