Fir Audio E12 VS AFUL Dawn-X

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

Fir Audio E12 and AFUL Dawn-X are in-ear monitors. Fir Audio E12 costs $1,799 while AFUL Dawn-X costs $1,299. Fir Audio E12 is $500 more expensive. AFUL Dawn-X holds a decisive 5.6-point edge in reviewer scores (4 vs 9.6). AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better mids with a 5-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better treble with a 7-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better soundstage with a 4-point edge.

Insights

Jaytiss Score
Fir Audio E12
4 /10
Jaytiss Score
AFUL Dawn-X
9.6 /10
Score gap: 5.6
Metric Fir Audio E12 AFUL Dawn-X
Mids 4 9
Treble 2 9
Soundstage 5 9
Dynamics 4 7
Tonality 4 8.6
Technicalities 2 9
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Fir Audio E12 and AFUL Dawn-X reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Jaytiss Reviews Comparison

Fir Audio E12 reviewed by

Jaytiss 4 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
E+ Tech
Head fi tour inc

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C- Treble: E+ Dynamics: C- Soundstage: C+

AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by

2025-09-18
Jaytiss 9.6 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech
This has a really natural midrange, best BC iem I've heard by far.
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.

Mids: S Treble: S Dynamics: A- Soundstage: S

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Fir Audio E12 Details

Driver Configuration: n/a

Tuning Type: n/a

Price (Msrp): $1,799

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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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Fir Audio E12 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C-
  • Expect a patchy tonal profile that makes instrumentation feel mismatched. EQ is almost mandatory to tame the response.

Average Technical Grade

E+
  • A foggy, one-dimensional presentation wipes out layering and obscures the finer points of a mix. Spatial cues barely register at all.
Mids C-
It delivers a workable midrange that could benefit from smoother transitions. Timbre isn't quite convincing yet.
Treble E+
Expect a dark-tilted treble that keeps excitement in check. Sibilants are dull, but so is everything else.
Dynamics C-
Dynamics are average—competent yet lacking real excitement. It keeps music listenable but uninspiring.
Soundstage C+
It pushes sound outward confidently while leaving height development as an unfinished idea. Height remains subtle but detectable.

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.
Mids S
You hear a masterclass in midrange fidelity, from tonal balance to micro-detail. It sets a gold standard for midrange fidelity.
Treble S
The treble defines reference standards, projecting endless air with lifelike tone. Air surrounds instruments in 3D space.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage S
It summons a grand acoustic sphere where distance, height, and width feel unrestricted. You perceive true venue size effortlessly.

Fir Audio E12 User Reviews

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AFUL Dawn-X User Reviews

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