Aful Cantor VS Thieaudio Hype 10
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Cantor and Thieaudio Hype 10 use 14BA and 2DD+10BA driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Thieaudio Hype 10 costs $899. Thieaudio Hype 10 is $99 more expensive. Both score 8.5 from reviewers. Aful Cantor carries a user score of 8.5. Aful Cantor has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Thieaudio Hype 10 has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Aful Cantor has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Cantor | Thieaudio Hype 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 9 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 8 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Aful Cantor reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Cantor delivers a balanced and neutral sound signature, praised for its exceptional upper air, treble extension, and pristine clarity. While the bass offers sufficient dynamics without being thunderous, and female vocals sound natural, some listeners might desire a touch more punch in the upper mids (around 2-3kHz) and find a slight peak in the 4-6kHz region occasionally noticeable. The premium build quality stands out, featuring a unique and stunning "star night" face plate, a thick but comfortable shell with a slender nozzle, and excellent accessories. These include a slightly microphonic but otherwise nice-looking flat two-pin cable and an exceptionally plush case typically found on far more expensive IEMs.
Graph comparisons reveal the Cantor's tuning shares similarities with models like the Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk and the AFUL Explorer, but it distinguishes itself with superior detail retrieval and dynamics. It competes impressively against significantly pricier offerings like the Elysian Annihilator in technical performance, offering a smoother presentation with slightly less sub-bass focus. The overall sonic presentation is described as sophisticated, refined, and highly engaging, creating a sense of music surrounding the listener. Minor tuning preferences aside – wishing for a bit more upper mid presence and slightly less energy around 4-6kHz and 8kHz – the core sound quality is highly regarded.
Representing strong sonic value despite its price point, the Cantor earns a high ranking for its unique and beautiful design, premium feel, and exceptional technical performance. While acknowledging excellent cheaper options like the AFUL Explorer exist, the Cantor justifies its cost with its detailed, airy presentation and overall package. It's highly recommended for those seeking a neutral, high-performing IEM, though a demo is advised given the investment. Ultimately, the AFUL Cantor is considered a treasure, fulfilling over a year of anticipation with its beautiful aesthetics and uniquely engaging sound.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Thieaudio Hype 10 reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & comfort hit the modern Thieaudio groove: a compact shell with a gentle wing, secure nozzle lip that plays nice with most tips, and a faceplate that’s tasteful if not flashy. The stock EST cable feels soft and skin-like with tidy ear hooks, a steady chin slider, and a clean Y-split—nothing fussy, everything practical. On-ear fit is extremely comfortable, light, and stable over long sessions.
Tonally, Hype 10 brings impactful—but controlled—bass, pristine mids/treble, and a spacious stage with convincing imaging. It reads neutral with a hint of fun: satisfying sub-bass lift, healthy upper-mids, and air/extension that adds space without splash. Note weight and slam aren’t “insane,” but resolution is high and the overall presentation is natural, clean, and engaging. It’s also one of those rare sets that doesn’t beg for EQ.
Against the lineup and peers: Hype 2 feels flat and unexceptional by comparison; Hype 4 is very close, but Hype 10 fixes the upper-air/treble shortfall and steps up stage and resolution. Versus Monarch Mk I, Hype 10’s extra bass avoids leanness; against Oracle MK3, it avoids that 4–6 kHz “flat energy” rise and sounds more natural up top. Dunu’s Mirai charms but runs leaner with a sharper edge; Jupiter can out-punch and extend, yet the price undercuts its appeal; Diva has special upper mids but the dip-switch fiddle and pricing dull the value. Net: under $1,000 (open-box deals around $800 sweeten the pot), Hype 10 is a standout recommendation—and while Hype 4 gets you ~99% of the flavor if its treble suits you, Hype 10 is the more complete, everyday-ready choice.
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Aful Cantor Details
Driver Configuration: 14BA
Tuning Type: Vocal-focused
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $800
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Thieaudio Hype 10 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+10BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $899
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Aful Cantor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
S- It resolves with authority, pairing lightning-fast transients with holographic staging. Ambient cues wrap around with ease.
Thieaudio Hype 10 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
Aful Cantor User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewExcellent overall clarity and imaging, though fit demands can be a deal-breaker
Pros
Tonally balanced signature with superb detail retrievalCons
Requires deep insertion and has a large shell that may challenge fit for someWell-rounded flagship IEM with refined tuning and tech for the money.
Pros
Exceptional clarity and tonal balance that punches above its price bracket.Cons
Requires precise tip fit for best performance and subtle treble can be fatiguing at high volumes.Thieaudio Hype 10 User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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