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Aful Dawn-X vs Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five): 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
  • Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)
HearWiki score
81
72
Sound
8.8
8.2
Value
7.5
6.5
Price (USD)
$1,300
$730

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 4 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. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Dawn-X20254 yr newer
  • RSV (Reference Sound Five)2021

Specifications

Dawn-XRSV (Reference Sound Five)
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,300
$730
HearWiki score
81
72
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid
5BA
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 8BA + 4EST
5BA
Drivers per side
13
5
Impedance
15 Ω
8 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
-
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

Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)

The Softears RSV is a five-driver balanced-armature IEM that prioritizes a smooth, natural, and engaging listening experience over raw technicalities. Its tuning is widely described as safe and euphonic, making it an easy recommendation for those who value musicality and long-term comfort, though its imaging and peak technical performance lag some rivals in its price bracket. It serves as a refined, tonally pleasant alternative rather than an analytical or reference-focused monitor.

  • Pro:Very smooth and inoffensive tuning that is easy to enjoy
  • Pro:Natural timbre and good tonal balance across the spectrum
  • Pro:Good resolution with an organic, non-fatiguing presentation
  • Con:Imaging performance is a notable weak point
  • Con:Technical resolution trails some competitors at this price
  • Con:Not a strictly accurate reference tuning despite the name

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-XSoftears RSV (Reference Sound Five)