Thieaudio Monarch MK3 VS AFUL Dawn-X
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 and AFUL Dawn-X use 2DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch MK3 costs $1,000 while AFUL Dawn-X costs $1,299. AFUL Dawn-X is $299 more expensive. AFUL Dawn-X holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 9.6). Thieaudio Monarch MK3 carries a user score of 6.8. AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Thieaudio Monarch MK3 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch MK3 | AFUL Dawn-X |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 7 | 9 |
| Treble | 7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 8.6 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by
2025-09-18
9.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Large, sculpted shells with a bulbous rear (housing the bone conductor) make the Aful Dawn-X a substantial fit—comfortable for some, but risky for small ears. The stock cable feels quality but is 4.4 mm-only, and the case/accessories are tidy; importantly, the nozzle grips tips securely (unlike some past AFUL sets). Overall build is handsome and premium, with fit being the main variable.
Sonically, the tuning favors sub-bass over mid-bass, pairs rich mids with smooth, natural treble that avoids harsh spikes yet has mild 4–6 kHz energy, and presents a cohesive, almost speaker-like soundstage. It wakes up with a bit of volume/power, prioritizing clarity, micro-detail and air over outright slam; the bone conductor subtly supports the midrange more than the lows. At $1,300 it’s competitive for listeners chasing technical refinement and a natural tonality, while value seekers or mid-bass lovers may prefer cheaper AFUL options or sets with more punch.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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AFUL Dawn-X Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,299
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Thieaudio Monarch MK3 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
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
AFUL Dawn-X Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
Average Technical Grade
S- Expect an effortlessly clean presentation that keeps complex mixes perfectly organized. There is zero sense of congestion even at high volume.
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 User Reviews
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Pros
Detail retrievalCons
Recessed mids and odd timbre.AFUL Dawn-X User Reviews
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Cons
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