Softears Twilight VS Aful Cantor
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Twilight and Aful Cantor use 1DD and 14BA driver setups respectively. Softears Twilight costs $930 while Aful Cantor costs $800. Softears Twilight is $130 more expensive. Aful Cantor holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.3 vs 8.5). Aful Cantor carries a user score of 8.5. Softears Twilight has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and Aful Cantor has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Twilight | Aful Cantor |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 9 | 8 |
| Treble | 7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 5 |
| Tonality | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Softears Twilight reviewed by
8.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears Twilight presents as a compact, metal, cube-like single-DD with a surprisingly comfortable fit, small nozzle, and recessed 2-pin sockets; build feels solid and understated. The stock cable is tasteful and practical, featuring a 4.4 termination with a matching 4.4-to-3.5 adapter that fits the aesthetic. Overall execution gives premium vibes without flash, and the in-ear ergonomics are notably good despite the chunky silhouette.
Tonally, Twilight carries modest bass presence with a gentle rise through the lower mids, then blossoms into crispy upper-mids and airy treble. The result is world-class imaging and stage, vivid separation, and some of the most engaging vocals in its bracket; however, cymbals can skew a touch sharp and strings may sound glassy if a track leans hot. Listeners craving slam or extra bite may notice a lack of “snap,” but a light EQ shelf can wake up the low end nicely.
Against peers, RSV offers a bit more bass weight and a smoother mid transition, Noir is the more balanced all-rounder, and Monarch trades blows on technicalities while feeling more polite. Twilight’s charm is its engagement: punchy, airy, and uniquely “fantastical,” with sweeter upper registers and less shout than sets like Aurora. Priced around $930, it’s best viewed as a must-demo for vocal lovers and those tolerant of leaner bass—an A-class experience for the right tuning preference, and a tempting buy if found closer to mid-fi pricing.
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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.
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Price: $687
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Softears Twilight Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Warm
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $930
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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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Softears Twilight Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
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.
Softears Twilight User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewAful 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.Find your next IEM:
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