Aful Dawn-X vs Thieaudio Monarch MkIII: 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

Aful Dawn-X
Thieaudio Monarch MkIII

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

Value

7.5

Price (USD)

$1,300

$1,000

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
Monarch MkIII2023

Specifications

Dawn-XMonarch MkIII

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,300; $1,000
HearWiki score: 81; 79
Released: 2025; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid; tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST; -
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 13; -
Impedance: 15 Ω; 20 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Aful Dawn-X vs Thieaudio Monarch MkIII
Spec	Aful Dawn-X	Thieaudio Monarch MkIII
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,300	$1,000
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	79 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2023
Audio
Driver	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid	tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 8BA + 4EST	-
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	13	-
Impedance	15 Ω	20 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

Thieaudio Monarch MkIII

The Thieaudio Monarch MkIII is a premium tribrid in-ear monitor that delivers a refined, balanced sound with impressive technicalities like detailed imaging, clear vocals, and a spacious stage. While its tuning and overall performance earn high praise, the large shell and plain design may not suit everyone, and it lacks features like noise cancellation or wireless connectivity, making it less ideal for active or office use. Overall, it stands out as a strong contender in the high-end IEM market for those prioritizing audio quality over portability or versatility.

Pro:Exceptional soundstage and imaging
Pro:Rich, textured bass with balanced tuning
Pro:Clear and detailed vocal reproduction

Con:Large shell may be uncomfortable for some
Con:Plain stock design lacks visual flair
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless support

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 Thieaudio Monarch MkIII