Aful Dawn-X vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Aful Dawn-X
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.4

Value

5.8

7.6

Price (USD)

$1,300

$1,150

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
Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

Dawn-XMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,300; $1,150
HearWiki score: 78; 84
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 8BA + 4EST; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 10
Impedance: 15 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Aful Dawn-X vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Aful Dawn-X	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,300	$1,150
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 8BA + 4EST tribrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 8BA + 4EST	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	13	10
Impedance	15 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Aful Dawn-X

The AFUL Dawn-X is a relaxed, flagship-grade in-ear monitor that pairs a warm-neutral signature with impressive technical detail. Its deep, controlled low-end, natural midrange, and smooth treble make it a strong contender against more expensive models, though its large shells and modest build quality may not suit everyone.

Pro:Warm-neutral tuning that remains detailed
Pro:Deep, layered bass with good control
Pro:Natural midrange and smooth treble

Con:Large shells may fit poorly for some
Con:Build could feel more premium
Con:Requires a capable source due to low impedance

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.

Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters

Con:High price point limits accessibility
Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears

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 MKIV