Aful Cantor VS Thieaudio Origin
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Cantor and Thieaudio Origin use 14BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Thieaudio Origin costs $849. Thieaudio Origin is $49 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 4-point edge and Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Cantor | Thieaudio Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 9 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 9 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 5 |
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 Origin reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Thieaudio Origin brings a wild driver stack—1 DD + 4 BA + 2 EST + 1 bone conductor—inside a massive yet surprisingly comfortable shell. Build feels premium: striking faceplate, visible bone-conductor puck, proper nozzle lip, and a thicker cable than usual from the brand. The hockey-puck case is a nice touch, and for about $100 more there’s custom artwork available, making the unboxing and ownership experience feel a bit more special.
Sonically, this one swings for impact. Bass hits clean, strong, and fun, with upper mids that come across pristine. The trade-off: a hotter mid/treble band (around the 4–10 kHz region, with a notable 6 kHz glare) that can push cymbals and strings into an unnatural territory. Resolution and imaging don’t always keep pace for the price; stage is big and enveloping, but fine detail and separation can blur, making it a specialist that thrills on bass-centric tracks yet feels less convincing on metal or complex orchestral pieces.
Against its siblings, Origin sits like a more fun, bass-forward take compared with HYPE 4/10, but with a treble execution that’s less refined. Versus Oracle MK3, the latter’s ESTs sound crisper and cleaner; versus Monarch MKIII, that model’s tasteful 5–8 kHz dip lends better resolution. If pure detail is the target, sets like HiSenior Mega5 Bass or the Subtonic Annihilator may prove more satisfying. As a whole, Origin is a unique, bass-thrilled experience with excellent fit, huge space, and customization perks—great for those chasing visceral low-end and a cinematic stage, less ideal for listeners prioritizing treble finesse and microdetail at this tier.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Price: $849
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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 Origin Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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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 Origin 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
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Aful Cantor User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
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 Origin User Reviews
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Cons
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