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Aful Dawn-X vs Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM: 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.

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 Dawn-X
  • Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM
HearWiki score
81
81
Sound
8.8
9.0
Value
7.5
6.5
Price (USD)
$1,300
$2,200

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 Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM (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.

  • Dawn-X20251 yr newer
  • Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM2024

Specifications

Dawn-XAstrolith - Dual Planar IEM
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,300
$2,200
HearWiki score
81
81
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid
2× 14.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
tribrid
planar
Driver configuration
1DD + 8BA + 4EST
-
Driver size
-
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
13
2
Frequency response
-
5 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance
15 Ω
8.2 Ω
Sensitivity
-
94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Voice assistant
-
No
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

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

Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM

The Campfire Audio Astrolith is a premium dual-planar IEM that delivers a fast, clear, and highly detailed sound with impressive staging and technical precision. Its nearly flat impedance and very low distortion make it a strong performer, though it benefits from quality sources and has a couple of minor ergonomic quirks. Overall, it's a notable step forward in the brand's planar lineup, offering a cohesive and resolving listen for those seeking top-tier wired performance.

  • Pro:Exceptional speed and clarity across the frequency range
  • Pro:Very low distortion and flat impedance for consistent performance
  • Pro:Wide, well-defined soundstage with precise imaging
  • Con:Slight mid-bass bloom can color certain tracks
  • Con:Stock ear tips are not very good and may need replacement
  • Con:Best results require a high-quality source or amplifier

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 comparisonAful Dawn-XCampfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM