Aful Cantor VS Aful Performer 5+2

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

Aful Cantor and Aful Performer 5+2 use 14BA and 2DD+4BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229. Aful Cantor is $571 more expensive. Both score 7.7 from reviewers. Aful Cantor carries a user score of 8.5. Aful Performer 5+2 has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Cantor has significantly better treble with a 1.2-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.6-point edge, Aful Cantor has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Aful Cantor has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and Aful Cantor has better imaging with a 0.6-point edge.

Insights

Metric Aful Cantor Aful Performer 5+2
Bass 8 8
Mids 7.3 8
Treble 8.8 7.6
Details 9 7.6
Soundstage 8.3 7.8
Imaging 8.5 7.9
Dynamics 6 7.6
Tonality 8 7.8
Technicalities 9.1 7.7

Aful Cantor Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.7

Strongly Favorable


Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.7

Strongly Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Aful Cantor reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

This is AFUL’s flagship science project: the Cantor packs 14 BAs per side (28 total) and a heap of buzzword tech—Dual-Channel Acoustic Maze for sub-bass, non-destructive direct-drive topology, and multi-dimensional crossover trickery that reads like Star Trek schematics. The housing even extends a stainless-steel nozzle to the tip’s end to bypass tip coloration—smart for consistency, dicey for ears with wide-bore silicones. Stick to the stock silicones or better yet foams to calm treble and avoid any scrape-risk.

Sonically it’s a hyper-resolving analyzer: every band is so present that volume tends to go down, not up, and mediocre recordings get roasted on the spot. Imaging is precise but a bit less cohesive than simpler sets; stage stays as the track dictates, while separation feels like a mixing desk with 14 faders. The sub-bass dives shockingly deep for an all-BA—think whisper-low “whoomp”—yet it isn’t a bass-monster; overall balance leans revealing rather than lush.

Pairing matters: clinical amps make it razor-edged, while warmer sources (R2R, iFi, RME-ish) and foam tips smooth it into addictive detail. At $800 it isn’t the one IEM to rule them all; it’s the specialist tool for listeners who want to dissect space, mic technique, and mix decisions—more control room than mosh pit. Cable and case are solid (4.4 mm balanced), and a tuning switch would have been nice, but for the right kind of nerd this thing lets you become the squig.


Z-Reviews original ranking

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Price: $687

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

Naming drama aside (P5+2? just call it Performer 7), this Aful packs a quirky driver party: 2DD for low end, 4 BA split across mids/treble, plus a tiny micro-planar for the highest sparkle, all marshaled by Aful’s neat miniature crossover. The shells are lightweight, comfy and prettier than they need to be; the cable feels “don’t bother swapping” nice, with 3.5 or 4.4 options. The box is loaded with silicone tips but no foam—a miss, because the right seal changes everything. Price target sits around $250, which sets expectations high but not ridiculous.

Stock silicone yields a surgical, respectful tuning with bass that skews neutral and controlled. Swap to well-sealing foam or hybrids and feed a juicy source (warm Class A or tubes) and the set wakes up—stage snaps into a cohesive scene right in front, imaging gets laser-etched, and that micro-planar adds a pinch-of-salt treble spice without turning harsh. It’s an up-close presentation—sometimes almost claustrophobically detailed—in the best way: think “men with trumpets in the head,” precise placement, and excellent extension up top. Not as rowdy as the Explorers; more like a surgeon in a Hawaiian shirt—technical, but with a wink.

Practical upside: the clarity and positioning make this great for gaming and even viable for mixing/mastering checks; just don’t crank it into pain territory. Bass stays tight and responsive, treble sails high, and coherence holds. Tip and source matter a lot: with foam + warm power, it sings; with plain silicone, it’s merely polite. Final tally: a confident 8.5/10—doing a lot right at its price, dinged half a point for making everyone do math on the name.


Z-Reviews original ranking

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Price: $213

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Aful Cantor reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
S Tech
Maybe best detailed set, fit is extremely difficult.
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.

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

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
It's spicy treble is something to watch out for, it's unique.
Youtube Video Summary

Aful Performer 5+2 lands as a hybrid of the beloved Performer 5 and the punchier Explorer. The unboxing is the familiar P5 affair—same case, same style of tips—nothing flashy, but solid. The shell mirrors the P5 in size with a comfy little stabilizing wing that locks in well. No metal nozzle or front filter here, yet tip retention is secure and hassle-free. The flat 2-pin socket is straightforward, and the stock cable feels thick and supple with a reliable chin slider and handy red/blue channel markers. Overall: understated build, great ergonomics, daily-driver ready.

Sonically, this one aims neutral with a very distinct top end—clean, dynamic, incisive. Think switching from black-and-white to color; cymbals and overtones pop with a slightly crunchy/pristine edge that energizes detail without turning harsh on good recordings. Bass isn’t about sheer quantity; it’s about slam and dynamics—quick on the draw, well-controlled, and satisfying when called upon. Vocals sit a notch forward, microdetail is strong, and the overall presentation is coherent, clear, and technical with convincing stage, resolution, and imaging. Not a treble-shy or bass-bombed tuning—more a refined all-rounder for those who want clarity and bite.

Versus the original P5, the 5+2 fixes the missing “air” and soft edges, trading them for crisper transients and better extension. Compared with Explorer (a value champ), the 5+2 brings superior upper-treble reach, detail, and vocal focus. Against Performer 8 and Cantor, it feels more visceral—the P8 is smoother and more relaxed, while Cantor pulls finer microdetail but with less bass slam. Sets like Dino Quattro or J’s Estrella bring bigger fun or treble theatrics, yet the 5+2’s balance and everyday versatility win more often. Net take: a neutral-leaning, highly technical upgrade that stands tall in its bracket—easy to recommend to anyone chasing clarity, speed, and controlled impact over pure warmth or excess bass.

Mids: A+ Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A+

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Aful Cantor reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 8.4 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S+ Tech
Rating: S | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8 insane technicality, totl treble bit bright. bass could be more dynamic
Youtube Video Summary

AFUL Cantor is a 14-BA, ~$800 set that looks premium and shows off its acoustic maze tubing through a semi-transparent shell, with faceplates in Star Knight or Marine Echo. The fit can be tricky: a long metal nozzle wants a deep insertion, and short tips won’t seal; longer tips like SoftEars Ultra Clear or Dunu S&S keep the nozzle covered and the tonality stable. The stock nylon cable feels nice but is very microphonic, making a swap advisable. Measurement quirks from shallow insertion are misleading—proper deep fit removes the apparent treble spike and reflects what’s actually heard.

Tuning follows the AFUL house sound: a mild U-shape, fairly neutral with a brightish tilt. The maze tech gives BA bass surprising decay and texture, with neutral mid-bass and a touch more sub-bass focus—close to a DD feel, if not identical. Mids sit clean; female vocals sound natural and sweetened by the steady rise through the upper-mids, while a gentle ~300 Hz dip makes male vocals and lower-octave instruments a bit lean. Treble is smooth yet energetic, with standout extension (impressively achieved without ESTs); it hovers near the upper tolerance for brightness but remains controlled with the right tips.

Technical performance is where Cantor shines: top-tier resolution, precise imaging, and a notably wide soundstage—great for detail retrieval and gaming, where positional cues pop (think footstep clarity in FPS titles). Versus Performer 7, Cantor trades P7’s fuller low-mids and better male vocals for cleaner female vocals and a more even treble. Against 64 Audio U12t, Cantor’s bass quality impresses, its mids differ (U12t’s 3 kHz dip adds sweetness but can feel odd), and Cantor’s treble sounds smoother; both resolve at a very high level, with Cantor edging imaging and stage width. Overall: an excellent but not universal pick—cable microphonics, deep-fit demands, and slightly thin lower mids mean careful matching to preferences. For detail lovers with female-vocal libraries who tolerate a brighter treble, it earns a one-star recommendation; others may prefer alternatives in this bracket.


Kois Archive original ranking

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7.8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech
Rating: A+ | Value: ⭐⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 9 very nice neutral sound recessed female vocals

Kois Archive original ranking

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Aful Cantor reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 8 Reviewer Score
Very well balanced with very good details and separation. Bass is punchy and fast, mids are clean with excellent instrument separation, treble is well extended and airy. Nothing stands out as offensive - no sibilance, just a very balanced signature. Plays everything I throw at it well. It's a full BA set but it is well vented - I usually have trouble with full BA sets and had no issue with the Cantor.

Audionotions original ranking

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7.5 Reviewer Score
Slightly warm leaning balanced signature - Very engaging, decent clarity. Slight metallic/digital sheen but it's not too bad.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Aful Cantor reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech
One of the most resolving IEMs. It reveals details you’ve never noticed before. Exceptional detail, neutral tuning, and great bass quality. Very revealing. Could use more bass for my taste.

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A- Tech
A detailed, engaging all-rounder that's exciting without being shouty or harsh. Smooth, neutral tuning with a bass boost, excellent bass quality, clean mids, forward vocals, and sparkly, incisive treble. Great detail. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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Aful Cantor reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
S Tech
LOW VOLUME SET. Clean, airy, and highly resolving at its price with endgame separation and detail. Low-end is quick, but lacks impact and a bit of texture. Notes are on the lighter side, not very full, male vocals are a little thin and recessed. Not very dynamic but clean and balanced, but can be borderline clinical. NOT RECOMMENDED past 60dbs or so, gets too shrill and fatiguing in the treble with a slight metallic timbre in the treble depending on the song. Doesn't scale very well and not that immersive, but overall very technical IEM, probably the best tech wise under $1000.
Youtube Video Summary

The Aful Cantor presents a complex and frustrating case, offering what might be some of the most detailed and resolving performance under $1,000. The clarity, separation, and sheer resolution are described as "pretty nuts," positioning the Cantor as a potential benchmark for technical ability. It delivers a clean, smooth, light, and airy sound signature with a bass that is very fast, lean, and features a tight sub-bass rumble. At lower volumes, this presentation is highly enjoyable and non-fatiguing, making it exceptionally good for critical, quiet listening sessions where its technical prowess can shine without drawback.

However, this technical marvel comes with a significant and unusual caveat: it is physically fatiguing to the point of causing headaches and a ringing sensation in the temples after only 15-30 minutes of listening at moderate volumes (around 70-80 dB). This is not a fit or nozzle issue, but rather an inherent property of the IEM itself. The problem manifests as a shrill and overly intense quality in the treble at higher volumes, accompanied by a metallic timbre on tracks with lots of cymbals, making it unsuitable for energetic genres like K-pop, J-pop, or EDM. This shrillness is not fully solved by EQ and is believed to be related to the driver design, nozzle, or venting rather than just the tuning.

When compared to peers, the Cantor is more resolving than the warmer, fuller, and smoother Letshuoer Supernova but falls short of its natural timbre. It also can't match the Monarch MK3 as an all-rounder, which offers a more impactful bass, better vocals, and a smoother, more engaging experience. The Cantor's vocals are also a weak point, being recessed, light, and borderline thin. The final recommendation is to definitely demo these first; they are only easy to recommend for those who listen at very low volumes (under 60 dB) and are not sensitive to treble intensity, as its scaling at normal listening levels is poor.


Jays Audio original ranking

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
Clean, balanced, neutral sound with good layering and tech. Relaxing vocals, but lacks power and last bit of vocal extension. Bass has good controll, but lacks impact. Has sizzly planar timbre in the treble. Safe but forgettable.
Youtube Video Summary

Performer 7 lands with a neutral-balanced, laid-back tuning and good treble reach. The presentation is clean and generally safe, though there’s a touch of sizzly “planar-ish” timbre up top. Technicals are solid for ~$200—slightly behind sets like Quintet and Super Mix 4, about on par with Nova. Bass from the dual 6 mm DDs is tight, controlled, and free of bleed, but lacks the slam and rumble of competitors using larger drivers; mids are well separated with decent layering.

The weak spot is vocal extension: a push around 1.5 kHz tries to bring them forward, but a dip through 3–6 kHz keeps them from opening up. Tamer upper-mids help avoid fatigue for rock/metal, yet the modest low-end impact leaves drums and basslines feeling uneventful. It’s a mid-volume set that doesn’t scale well—turning it up accentuates the 1.5 kHz emphasis and treble sizzle. Treble isn’t peaky, just a bit glassy at times; for K-pop the smoother mids can work if less extended vocals are acceptable.

As a value play, there are stronger options: Nova, Chopan, and Super Mix 4 offer better bang-for-buck; for a similar clean/neutral target, Tanchjim Origin sounds more natural with better bass texture and vocal reach, and DynaQuattro adds sub-bass and fuller vocals—none with the planar-ish timbre. Even AFUL’s own P5 is cheaper and more fun, while the Explorer undercuts the price and scales impressively. In today’s crowded market, P7 is a competent all-rounder but not distinctive enough to stand out.


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Aful Cantor reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 6 * score rescaled + normalized
Achieves levels of soundstaging and detail resolution that compete with $2000 IEMs, truly top of the line acousitc performance. IF AND ONLY IF, you can achieve a deep enough fit in your ears. Metal nozzle extension can cause irritation or cuts. Stock cable is super microphonic
Youtube Video Summary

AFUL’s $800 flagship pushes hard on engineering: 14 balanced armatures, a five-way network, 3D-printed shells, and the brand’s acoustic maze that coaxes unusually textured, dynamic-driver-like bass out of an all-BA setup. Packaging is “classic AFUL”—nice case, multiple tip sets, cleaning brush—but light for the price, and the cloth-sheathed cable, while beautifully machined and very low resistance, is highly microphonic. The big talking point is the metal nozzle extension: tips must be pushed down to the rim for a deep fit, which optimizes tonality and treble smoothness. Comfort varies wildly by ear; some report irritation, and the long nozzle feels fragile if dropped.

Sonically, this is AFUL’s house sound elevated: a slightly warm-neutral balance with clean, meaty lows, natural mids, and an upper-mid/treble that sits right on the edge—silky and detailed with a deep fit, but bright and fatiguing if worn shallow or with the wrong tips. It is extremely revealing of mastering quality, rewarding good recordings with elite microdetail, imaging, and a huge, tall stage that can hang with far pricier sets. A mild impedance adapter (or higher-Z source) can warm the tone and shave some air, though at a small cost to sparkle and openness.

Against AFUL’s own lineup, the closest kin is the Performer 7: similar flavor, less resolution and scale, but a far better value. Cantor is the brand’s “thesis statement”—the most complete execution of its tuning—with true summit-fi technicals at a mid-summit price. Still, it carries caveats: fit sensitivity, that microphonic cable, and accessory stinginess. Recommended only if the budget is comfortable, a deep, stable fit is achievable and comfortable for long sessions, and AFUL’s warm-neutral house sound already hits the spot; for everyone else, the P7 or Explorer make safer picks.


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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 8 * score rescaled + normalized
Evolution of the Performer 5 tuning. Smoother, airier treble, deeper, punchier bass. Fantastic All-rounder with incredible resolution for the price. 2-Pin connectors have some quality issues
Youtube Video Summary

The AFUL Performer 5+2 (Performer 7 / P7) takes the P5 recipe and adds a second 6 mm dynamic for the lows and a micro-planar for the highs, nudging MSRP to $240. Unboxing mirrors the P5: nine pairs of tips and a decent case, but the accessories feel bare-bones at this price—no foam tips and a non-modular cable, even though the included 8-wire is supple and well-behaved. Build is classic AFUL: 3D-printed resin, blended nozzle (no mesh or lip—watch tip retention), single rear vent, and striking blue-green mosaic shells inspired by Suzhou gardens—cool-wall approved with four compliments to one “meh.” Fit is semi-custom and a touch chunkier than P5; comfortable for most, a conditional pass for small ears. Note a sporadic batch quirk: some units have over-tight 2-pin sockets; exchanges fixed it for affected buyers.

Tuning sits in warm-leaning neutral territory. The dual dynamics deliver punchy, textured bass that rumbles without bloating; guitars and drums carry convincing weight. Mids are the star—rich, full-bodied, vocal-forward without shout, with clean separation and natural tone. Treble from the micro-planar is smooth yet energetic: cymbals and vocal harmonics sparkle, special effects have bite and body, and only treble-sensitives may find hot mixes a bit lively. Technicalities impress for the money—detail retrieval and nuance feel a class up—while stage and imaging are solid rather than showy.

Against peers: the Tangzu x HBB budget pick mirrors the overall tonality but P7 offers higher resolution and more treble finesse; the planar “Heyday” alternative is brighter/faster with leaner bass; versus Performer 5, P7 brings tighter low-end, smoother treble, and better extremes detail; the Fresh-collab competitor pushes vocals further forward with bigger stage but leaner lower mids. Verdict: a versatile all-rounder that suits broad libraries and even content creation thanks to its balanced tonality and detail. Not for bassheads, trebleheads, or strict Harman-lean seekers, and the accessory pack/cable quirk holds it back from a slam-dunk. For roughly $240, though, it’s a brilliant, resolving upgrade in the AFUL line.


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Aful Cantor reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized
It's super impressive but also really difficult to edge on comfort. It's not my favorite sound but good sounding. Competing well at it's price point
Youtube Video Summary

The AFUL Cantor lands as a flagship all-BA set with 14 balanced armatures at $800, packaged with a great-handling nylon cable and a handsome shell. The catch is fit: a very long nozzle with a metal insert demands a deep insertion, and comfort varies widely; AFUL’s stock tips are essentially required to keep that nozzle from poking and to restore some flex. Build and presentation impress, but the ear-fit can be fussy and the shells tend to stick out.

Tuning trends U-shaped: a lower-mid dip into a hefty sub-bass boost, relaxed upper mids, and noticeable upper-treble energy. When seated correctly, the set delivers crisp transients with a touch of “planar-like” pluck, good imaging, and clean BA bass that favors electronic thump over kick-drum slam; with the wrong tip or depth it swings to brittle/bright or muted. The midrange can read a bit thin, so the contrast comes more from bass/treble edges than from vocal saturation.

Compared with Symphonium Helios, both are all-BA and graph-adjacent, but Helios leans vocal-forward and smooth while Cantor is the more contrasty, fun listen that trades mid presence for excitement. Net: technically capable and competitive when dialed in, yet compromised by comfort and tip dependence. Final verdict: 3/5 stars—a better match for listeners with deep pockets and deep ears.


Super* Review original ranking

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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 8* * score rescaled + normalized
Overall it is sounding more visceral and incisive than the Performer 5.
Youtube Video Summary

Aful’s Performer 5+2 upgrades the original hybrid with 2DD + 4BA + 1 micro-planar tweeter and lands around $240–$250. The unboxing is practical: three sets of silicone tips, a pocketable puck case, and a soft, nicely draping cable (available in 4.4 or 3.5), though the braid can look a bit loose and the pre-formed hooks run large. The resin shells shift between blue and green under different light; fit is medium-large, very stable, and comfortable once the right tips are found. Note the narrow nozzle without a retaining lip and partially exposed bores/filters—tip grip is key and a little care prevents ear-gunk ingress.

Tonally this leans mild V-shaped: a clean midrange with a confident bass boost, a touch of lower-treble presence for bite, and well-extended air up top. The result is more incisive and punchy than the original P5, with clearer on/off transients that aid separation and layering. Trade-offs show as a hint of gritty/plasticky treble texture on cymbals and brushes—not harsh, but less natural than ideal—while the bass stays tight and exciting.

Against Aful’s Explorer, this sounds brighter, more spacious, and more technical; Explorer plays warmer/denser with smoother treble but less openness. Versus the pricier Thieaudio Oracle MK3, tuning is broadly similar: Oracle is smoother and deeper with a softer attack, while the Performer 5+2 brings more snap and engagement for less money. As a modern mid-tier hybrid, it absolutely still has a place—energetic, spacious, and well-executed—earning a solid four stars.


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Aful Cantor (more reviews)

Aful Cantor reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 8.3 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S- Tech
Comment: A massive improvement over the prototype at canjam, a killer set for techs under US$1000, nothing else really comes close. Finally a true u12t competitor with better fit, cable, and accessories at a lower price. Crystal clear across all frequencies, extremely revealing set that slices apart the layers in the music; treble so nuanced yet pleasant that you cannot believe an all BA set is doing this Less midbass presence, overall tonality can come across as a little too lean especially with treble focus

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A+ Mids: A Treble: S- Soundstage: S- Details: S Imaging: S-

Aful Cantor reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.4 * score rescaled + normalized
15 community members have rated the AFUL Cantor at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Aful Performer 5+2 (more reviews)

Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+

Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7.7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A Tech

The AFUL Performer 5+2 (also listed as “Performer 7”) uses a 2DD+4BA+1 micro planar driver array and AFUL’s LC-network crossover plus a 3D-printed acoustic tube system, aiming for clean band splits without smearing. The shell also integrates a high-damping air-pressure balance system, a design AFUL has used across its line. Official listings put MSRP around $229 and outline the same core tech features.

Tonally it trends neutral with a sub-bass lift: bass has solid depth and texture, mids stay relatively linear, and the presence/treble region adds energy without veering into sharpness on most chains. Multiple reviews characterize it as warm-neutral with bass boost or slightly V-shaped depending on perspective, which matches listening notes about a lively but controlled upper end. Sensitivity and load are portable-friendly (≈109 dB, 15 Ω), so it reaches performance without demanding amplification.

Technicalities are competitive for the class: imaging is tidy with good instrument separation, micro-detail retrieval is above average, and soundstage is moderate (more width than depth). Build and comfort are typical resin-shell fare; some users note occasional lower-treble bite depending on tips and recordings, so treble-sensitive listeners may wish to pair accordingly. Overall value is strong at its price, especially if a clean, bass-supported neutral curve is the priority.


Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

Aful Cantor User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 2 user reviews

8.5

Excellent

Aful Performer 5+2 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Aful Cantor Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

8.3

Gaming Grade

A+

Aful Performer 5+2 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.7

Gaming Grade

A

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.
Bass A+
Bass performance is excellent, combining depth with rock-solid control. Basslines feel tactile and enveloping.
Mids A-
The mids sound lush and articulate, capturing emotion effortlessly. Strings and keys shimmer with realism.
Treble S-
The treble performance feels luxurious, marrying air, control, and excitement. You can place every high-frequency element.
Dynamics B
Expect energetic dynamics that bring music to life without harshness. It injects enthusiasm into fast music.
Soundstage A+
Three-dimensional layering becomes effortless, placing performers on a lifelike virtual stage. Venue ambience wraps around convincingly.
Details S
Resolution reaches the limit of perception, exposing layers you didn't know existed. Clarity remains pristine regardless of complexity.
Imaging S-
Movement flows gracefully, tracing arcs that are rendered with surgical accuracy. Movement effects are rendered with precision.
Gaming A+
Reliable positional tracking with good environmental awareness. Maintains clarity during busy scenes while conveying atmospheric depth. Premium pricing warrants consideration of gaming-first alternatives for lower cost

Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Bass A+
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A+
It offers a luxurious, resolving midrange that captures micro-detail beautifully. Every vocal inflection is captured.
Treble A
It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.
Dynamics A
It delivers crisp, authoritative dynamics that keep music thrilling. Subtle level shifts are clearly conveyed.
Soundstage A
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Details A
Low-level information blossoms, presenting a rich tapestry of articulate sound. Analytical listeners will be delighted.
Imaging A
Spatial cues respond immediately, reflecting every movement in the mix. Spatial cues respond instantly to the mix.
Gaming A
Clear spatial presentation handles directional cues effectively. Distinguishes key gameplay sounds while maintaining decent immersion.

Aful Cantor User Reviews

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A Aeris
8

Well-rounded flagship IEM with refined tuning and tech for the money.

Tuning: A+ Tech: S- Bass: A Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A+ Details: S- Imaging: S-
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.
N Nexus
9

Excellent overall clarity and imaging, though fit demands can be a deal-breaker

Tuning: S Tech: S Bass: S- Mids: S Treble: S Dynamics: S- Soundstage: S Details: S Imaging: S
Pros
Tonally balanced signature with superb detail retrieval
Cons
Requires deep insertion and has a large shell that may challenge fit for some

Aful Performer 5+2 User Reviews

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