Aful Dawn-X vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12: 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 Dawn-X
Letshuoer Cadenza 12

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.0

Value

7.5

6.0

Price (USD)

$1,300

$2,300

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

The Aful Dawn-X is 2 years newer, but it is 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-X20252 yr newer
Cadenza 122023

Specifications

Dawn-XCadenza 12

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,300; $2,300
HearWiki score: 81; 77
Released: 2025; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid; 1DD + 11BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST; 1DD + 11BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 12
Impedance: 15 Ω; 16 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Aful Dawn-X vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12
Spec	Aful Dawn-X	Letshuoer Cadenza 12
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,300	$2,300
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	77 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2023
Audio
Driver	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid	1DD + 11BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 8BA + 4EST	1DD + 11BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	13	12
Impedance	15 Ω	16 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

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

Letshuoer Cadenza 12

The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that prioritizes balanced, versatile sound over a single signature trick. It combines a 10mm dynamic driver with 11 balanced armatures to deliver refined, technically capable audio that competes with top-tier rivals, while also offering strong comfort and a generous accessory package. This makes it a compelling all-rounder for discerning listeners seeking a high-end wired experience without noise cancellation.

Pro:Well-rounded, cohesive tuning that suits many genres
Pro:Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval
Pro:Comfortable fit with premium build quality

Con:High price point limits accessibility
Con:No noise cancellation (wired-only design)
Con:May lack a distinctive character for those wanting a unique signature

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

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