DAWN-X

My current favorite as well, though I'm also really enjoying the BGVP Solomon for a more airy, treble-forward alternative. I'd like to pick up a basshead set in the same price range...

IE600s are notoriously v-shaped IEMs that are pretty far out from neutral with exaggerated bass and treble. In terms of form factor there isn't really a like-for-like replacement for something as small as the IEs. Some additional recommendations worth checking out: Aful Dawn-X, laid-back and natural sound, almost inoffensive. Symphonium Crimson, aggressively fun like the IE600. 4 BAs make it one of the simplest constructions in that price range. Symphonium Europa, a more balanced brother to the Crimson. Letshuoer Mystic 8, very dry tonality but that's also what makes it special. A statement piece of an IEM. Actually close to neutral, as in, most people will find there's too little bass. Yu9 Que, if you could get your hands on one. The hype mainly comes from its price-performance ability and it could absolutely go toe-to-toe with many $1k sets, though I find its tuning stereotypical. It's a solid all-rounder choice if I don't know what your tuning prefs are. 64audio Tia Trio, if you're considering the U12t already you could also consider this. Some of the best bass I've heard in an IEM bar none. U12t sounds boring by comparison. Sony IER-M9, another laid-back oldie and a perennial competitor to the IE600. Depending on where you are, they could be had for cheap. Warm neutral presentation with treble boost, dynamics are its Achilles heel. Thieaudio Valhalla, much more refined v-shape presentation than the Monarch MkIV and more comfortable. Given your budget goes up to $2k, this is very much worth checking out. In terms of fit, Thieaudios are notorious for big shells and contentious comfort, so the advice is always to try before you buy if you could. You'd have the best luck with 64audio, maybe Symphonium, but Symphoniums will take some time getting used to because they aren't vented.

It would be a very big reply. Many things to understand. But in short, the driver selection the tuning philosophy and the crossover they've used it's usually seen on a much higher price point. The cable material is also very carefully chosen. I have Valhalla, Monarch Mk4, U12t. Auditioned Dawn X and jetblack. I loved jet black and ordered jetblack and Mest Fortune very recently. Many of my friends in the audiophile world considered Spectrumica as the value king. The sound it produced is unique.

To be very honest I'm no one to rate. I respect brands efforts. And the hobby is too diverse. I loved the lows on Spectrumica over these. Valhalla comes close. I had V16 Divinity. They are better than mk4, Dawn X and U12t. Mids are neck to neck. U12t is still God tier mids even after all these years. Highs on Spectrumica again well ahead of U12t, Dawn X, Valhalla. Mk4 I would say it's a bit forwarded which I don't prefer.

AFUL Dawn-X. Like the other poster I have a Supernova and love it, I thought it was one of the best tunings. Dawn-X is better. Everything just sounds natural, but with better bass and upper treble, along with sneaky good techs. I tried a Monarch Mk4 recently and while that's super fun, its tuning is overly thin and too focused on the upper treble.

Goooood morning y’all. Very good morning. I picked up an Aful Dawn X and we’ve had a chance to get acquainted. I plan to take my sweet time with it, but I wanted to share a few snaps and thoughts for now. This thing has a ridiculously insane driver configuration that I simply had to hear. 1 dynamic driver, 8 balanced armatures, 4 electrostatic drivers, and 1 bone conduction driver per ear. Holy shit, just writing it out is crazy. Listening is even more wild. It definitely ticks the first box I look for in a kilobuck: It’s an experience. Dawn X takes a warm neutral sound signature and injects excitement into the sound with exquisite textures that are impossible to achieve without going to these hardware lengths. The BC drivers give the sensation of extending the subbass while maintaining a neutral grounding. The ESTs are giving me my definition of 3D holographic treble. Incredibly incisive, defined, well-extended and clear. The chorus of BA’s gives us a lush midsection. And DD bass for a natural timbre. My favorite Aful set for sure so far. As I’d hope! I’ll put it up against my Cantor and Dunu Glacier for the review. They’re all very different, but should be fun to compare and contrast. Thanks for reading as always, and Happy Sunday y'all.

Having heard all of them: 1. Valhalla - what your looking for 2. Dawn X- amazingly fun for a “neutralish” set, very cool gimmick in the full-range BC. 3. Monarch MK4 4. Myth- I advise against, it’s far too bright for my taste. For those with treble hearing loss and the older crowd.