Aful Dawn-X vs Sony IER-Z1R: 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
Sony IER-Z1R

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.0

Value

7.5

6.5

Price (USD)

$1,300

$1,700

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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Dawn-X20257 yr newer
IER-Z1R2018

Specifications

Dawn-XIER-Z1R

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,300; $1,700
HearWiki score: 81; 78
Released: 2025; 2018
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid; hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST; -
Driver size: -; 12 mm
Drivers per side: 13; -
Impedance: 15 Ω; 40 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 103 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: -; 26.1 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Aful Dawn-X vs Sony IER-Z1R
Spec	Aful Dawn-X	Sony IER-Z1R
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,300	$1,700
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	78 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2018
Audio
Driver	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid	hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 8BA + 4EST	-
Driver size	-	12 mm
Drivers per side	13	-
Impedance	15 Ω	40 Ω
Sensitivity	-	103 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	-	26.1 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
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

Sony IER-Z1R

The Sony IER-Z1R is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that prioritizes a powerful, immersive sound with exceptional bass depth and a wide, airy stage. Its tuning is far from neutral, instead offering a bold, engaging signature that suits bass lovers, though it comes with notable comfort and midrange compromises. The build is elegant and the technical performance is top-tier, making it a standout flagship for those who value impact over accuracy.

Pro:Enormous, visceral bass response that adds weight to any track
Pro:Huge, holographic soundstage with precise imaging
Pro:High-quality, luxurious shell and detachable cable

Con:Recessed midrange can make vocals sound distant or veiled
Con:Large, heavy housings may cause discomfort during long sessions
Con:Requires significant burn-in before reaching its full potential

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 Sony IER-Z1R