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.
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.
Underrated-Moondrop Meteor as well.
NiceHCK Tears is frequently reviewed but I still don't see a lot of organic hype being generated relative to your Wan'ers, Bunny, Salnotes and Chus. I think it deserves to be in the same conversation as all these.
Overrated- Aful Dawn X. Don't get the appeal at all. It's not terrible, besides the 5kHz peak and the bass, but if you ask me what I like about it, I wouldn't have anything to say.
I agree, it’s a great set. The bass is neutral and natural, but does have a punch, the BC driver coming to life at a higher volume. The EST drivers give a fantastic separation of instruments and sounds, the best soundstage of the IEMs I own. The mids are clear, warm and full, the vocals stand up in the mix and are never lost. It’s not a dry reference IEM, it has great clarity and a musicality. Nothing seems to over power any of the tonal range, with 14 drivers they seem to have pulled off a cohesive whole.
It is not a bass head set, it’s balanced, U shaped with lots of clarity
bthf
