Aful Dawn-X vs Moondrop Illustrious: 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
Moondrop Illustrious

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

8.0

Value

7.5

6.5

Price (USD)

$1,300

$900

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

Both shipped in 2025. 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-X2025
Illustrious2025

Specifications

Dawn-XIllustrious

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,300; $900
HearWiki score: 81; 75
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid; 1DD
Driver type: tribrid; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST; 1DD
Driver size: -; 11 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 1
Impedance: 15 Ω; 25 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Aful Dawn-X vs Moondrop Illustrious
Spec	Aful Dawn-X	Moondrop Illustrious
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,300	$900
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	75 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid	1DD
Driver type	tribrid	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD + 8BA + 4EST	1DD
Driver size	-	11 mm
Drivers per side	13	1
Impedance	15 Ω	25 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	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

Moondrop Illustrious

The Moondrop Illustrious is a premium single-dynamic-driver wired IEM that delivers a refined, neutral, and relaxed sound signature leaning toward diffuse-field tuning. It pairs a high-quality build with excellent accessories, making it a strong choice for listeners who value natural presentation and monitor-style accuracy over bass-heavy coloration. While its tuning is impressive for detail and balance, the bass lacks significant impact, which may not suit bass enthusiasts.

Pro:Premium build quality and materials
Pro:Refined, neutral, and natural sound tuning
Pro:Excellent accessory package

Con:Bass lacks impact and punch
Con:Relaxed tuning may feel too subdued for some
Con:High price for a single-driver design

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

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New comparison Aful Dawn-X Moondrop Illustrious