Aful Cantor vs Aful Dawn-X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Aful Dawn-X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Aful Dawn-X - Great overall at around $1300.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Aful Dawn-X leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Aful Cantor
Aful Dawn-X

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

8.8

Value

7.0

7.5

Price (USD)

$800

$1,300

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Aful Dawn-X (2025) against Aful Cantor (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Cantor2024
Dawn-X20251 yr newer

Specifications

CantorDawn-X

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $800; $1,300
HearWiki score: 77; 81
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 14BA; 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: 14BA; 1DD + 8BA + 4EST
Drivers per side: 14; 13
Impedance: -; 15 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Connector: -; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Aful Cantor vs Aful Dawn-X
Spec	Aful Cantor	Aful Dawn-X
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$800	$1,300
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	14BA	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	14BA	1DD + 8BA + 4EST
Drivers per side	14	13
Impedance	-	15 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

Aful Cantor

The AFUL Cantor is a premium all-balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes technical clarity and a balanced, natural soundstage. It delivers excellent detail retrieval and an effortless, spacious presentation, though it demands a deep fit and may not satisfy bass lovers. Its build quality is solid, but the large shell and limited tip compatibility are notable ergonomic considerations.

Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and resolution
Pro:Balanced, natural tonality with convincing timbre
Pro:Wide and spacious soundstage

Con:Requires deep fit for optimal performance
Con:Large shell may be uncomfortable for some
Con:Bass quantity can feel light on certain tracks

Aful Dawn-X

The Aful Dawn-X is a flagship wired IEM with a warm-neutral signature that combines deep, controlled bass with smooth, natural mids and treble. It offers impressive detail retrieval and a spacious soundstage, though its large shells and slightly plasticky build may not suit everyone. Overall, it delivers strong performance that rivals more expensive models in its class.

Pro:Layered, well-controlled bass
Pro:Natural and smooth midrange
Pro:Excellent soundstage and imaging

Con:Large shells may fit poorly for some
Con:Build quality feels less premium than expected
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Aful Cantor Aful Dawn-X