Aful Cantor VS Hisenior Mega7
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Cantor and Hisenior Mega7 use 14BA and 1DD+6BA driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Hisenior Mega7 costs $449. Aful Cantor is $351 more expensive. Hisenior Mega7 holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.8 vs 8.5). Aful Cantor carries a user score of 8.5. Hisenior Mega7 has significantly better mids with a 1.3-point edge, Aful Cantor has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge and Aful Cantor has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Cantor | Hisenior Mega7 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8.7 |
| Treble | 8.6 | 8.2 |
| Details | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Soundstage | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Imaging | 8.9 | 8.6 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 8.4 |
Aful Cantor Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Hisenior Mega7 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.5Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Aful Cantor reviewed by Jaytiss
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Hisenior Mega7 reviewed by Jaytiss
9.2
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Hisenior Mega7 positions itself as a higher-end evolution of the Mega line, essentially a continuation of the Mega5 EST concept but executed with branded BA drivers at around $450. The shell is small, light and very comfortable, with good isolation, proper venting and an anti-tragus lip that helps it sit securely without creating pressure or moisture buildup. Build quality feels premium throughout: a dark, spacey faceplate, metallic nozzle, flat 2-pin connectors for easy cable rolling, and a surprisingly luxurious stock cable with solid hardware and a stable chin slider that would not feel out of place on a more expensive set. The package is rounded out with a puck-style case, a variety of tips, foamies, a 4.4 mm adapter, shirt clip, cleaning cloth and cable clip, making the overall accessory set very complete for the price.
Sonically, the Mega7 goes for a natural, dynamic and clean neutral presentation rather than a heavily colored or basshead tilt. Bass is described as rumbly, tight, impactful and deep, with a tasteful shelf that feels a touch stronger in-ear than on the graph but remains balanced and controlled. Upper mids are clean and controlled, avoiding shout, and the treble carries a bit of extra energy and air around 10–15 kHz, contributing to a lifelike, “alive” character with strong detail retrieval. There can be occasional sibilance or hiss on certain tracks, and the mids can lean slightly dry or recessed around 400 Hz, but the overall tuning stays cohesive and highly revealing, exposing recording quality rather than smoothing everything over. The result is a studio-leaning neutral that many would consider one of the most convincing neutral tunings in this price range.
In comparisons, Mega7 often comes across as the more refined, natural and detailed option versus both Hisenior’s own Mega5 EST and popular competitors like NiceHCK Rockies, Hercules Audio Noah, YU9 “Chu/Que”, Astral, Ziigaat Horizon and others. Sets like Cano Cristales, Punch/XHBB or Noah offer more fun, boosted bass or colored mids, while Astral and Horizon bring extra warmth or air coloration; Mega7, by contrast, focuses on a more pristine, lifelike neutrality with rich but controlled bass and extended treble. With a score of 9.2 and inclusion in a very small “five-star recommendation” tier, it is treated as a top-tier all-rounder that can even make some EST-based competitors feel redundant. For listeners seeking a flat-neutral IEM with strong sub-bass, excellent technicalities and airy extension rather than heavy coloration, Mega7 is portrayed as a beautiful, well-packaged set that feels fairly priced and absolutely worth keeping.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Aful Cantor reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelHisenior Mega7 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Hisenior Mega 7 is a hybrid with a sub-bass focused low end, a mostly neutral midrange and elevated treble, delivering a tonality that clearly leans toward a bright, clarity-first presentation. The shell is lightweight and contoured, offering a stable and very comfortable fit, while the stock cable and generous tip selection make it easy to fine-tune the seal and treble energy. Overall the tuning prioritizes precision and openness over warmth or slam, immediately setting the Mega 7 apart from more bass-heavy or relaxed competitors.
Bass is centered on deep sub-bass rumble with good extension, but the mid-bass is on the lighter side, so hip-hop kicks and drums have less physical impact and punch than some might expect. In return, the low end stays ultra clean and controlled, never bleeding into the midrange, which sounds exceptionally transparent, pristine and uncolored, giving vocals a very clear, separated presentation. Treble is boosted and sits forward in the mix, but it is also smooth, refined and airy, avoiding harsh splashiness while delivering plenty of sparkle and detail; swapping to the “smooth” tips can gently tame the upper treble if needed.
Where the Mega 7 really stands out is in its technical performance: detail retrieval, separation, clarity and imaging are all excellent, creating an open, resolving stage that is packed with micro-detail. This makes it an especially strong choice for listeners who prioritize clean bass, ultra clear vocals and a light, spacious top end over sheer low-end weight. It is not aimed at bassheads or fans of a thicker, warmer midrange, but for those who enjoy clean, clear and airy sound with a sub-bass tilt and strong technicals at this price, the Hisenior Mega 7 offers a compelling and focused package.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Cantor (more reviews)
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Cantor comes across as a true flagship, with a large but well sculpted shell, long nozzles and stock blue tips that reward a deep, secure fit when installed as recommended. Despite the size, the angles and shapes are dialed in so the result can be surprisingly comfortable, while the build and finish are stunning, whether in the Star KN edition or the iridescent blue version. The matching nylon sleeved cable, chrome hardware and roomy, well made case make the whole package feel like a very polished high end IEM.
On the tuning side, Cantor follows the familiar AFUL U shaped approach with a sub bass focused low end, slightly relaxed upper mids and energetic but refined treble. The bass has more rumble and depth than punch, with very impressive BA bass dynamics, a clean transition into the mids and essentially zero bleed, giving plenty of detail and texture without bloat. The midrange stays natural and resolving with vocals and instruments held clearly in the center, though some listeners may wish for a touch more low mid warmth and weight on certain male vocals, while female vocals pick up a slightly more magical spotlight.
For top end and technical performance the Cantor steps firmly into kilobuck territory. The treble carries real energy yet keeps an uncommon mix of smoothness, refinement and natural timbre, delivering strong detail, micro nuance, extension, air and shimmer without sounding sharp when the fit is correct. Soundstage width, imaging, separation and depth are all excellent for the price, and in direct comparisons it edges out several other favorites around 500 to 800 dollars in sheer detail. Taken together with the tuning, design and overall execution, this feels like an underpriced sub 1000 dollar benchmark that raises the bar and becomes the IEM to beat under 1000 dollars for anyone who values clean sub bass, resolving mids and energetic yet controlled treble.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelAful Cantor reviewed by 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 Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Kois Archive
8.4
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.3
Reviewer Score
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Aful Cantor reviewed by Paul Wasabii
7
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
AFUL Cantor presents as a premium 14 balanced armature set with solid build quality and a distinctive elongated nozzle, but that nozzle makes fit unusually finicky for an 800 dollar IEM. Finding the midpoint between shallow and deep insertion is critical, as too shallow makes the treble peaky while too deep collapses the stage and dulls extension. The whole experience of tip selection and insertion feels overly complicated at this price, with questionable payoff for the effort.
The tuning follows a very U shaped profile where sub bass and upper treble act as the tent poles and the entire midrange sits relatively flat and lean. Bass is tight and textured but heavily sub bass focused, with very little mid bass weight, leading to a clean yet somewhat sterile presentation that leaves lower mids thin and lacking body. Mids themselves are clean and reasonably natural thanks to a restrained ear gain region, but the combination of reduced mid bass and elevated upper treble pushes the overall balance toward a cool, unengaging character rather than a rich, everyday listen.
Where Cantor excels is in technical performance: resolution, micro detail and treble clarity are strong, and the BA timbre is impressively well controlled, giving the set a crisp, analytical edge. However, the reliance on upper treble energy to restore presence can become fatiguing on bright material, and the otherwise good stage is highly dependent on nailing the exact fit, making the presentation inconsistent from listener to listener. Taken together, Cantor feels more like a high priced specialist tool for those who prioritize technicalities over warmth and musicality than a balanced, broadly appealing flagship all rounder.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audio Amigo
6
* score rescaled + normalized
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.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
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
Super* Review Youtube ChannelAful Cantor reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.3
* score rescaled + normalized
Hisenior Mega7 (more reviews)
Hisenior Mega7 reviewed by Web Search
8.2
Reviewer Score
The Hisenior Mega7 is a mid-to-upper tier hybrid IEM built around a 1DD+6BA configuration, using a 10 mm dual-cavity dynamic driver for lows plus Sonion and Knowles balanced armatures for mids and treble, tied together by a 4-way crossover and four acoustic bores. The shell integrates Hisenior’s APRM pressure-relief system and comes with a high-purity Orca copper cable, aiming for low listening fatigue and solid isolation rather than ultra-small shells or extreme portability. Priced around $449, it occupies a competitive bracket where buyers expect a clearly refined tuning plus a discernible step up in technical performance over sub-$300 offerings.
Tonal balance is best described as neutral with a sub-bass lift: Hisenior’s own documentation emphasises deep-reaching sub-bass, a natural, ruler-flat midrange and smoothly extended treble, while remaining aligned with a “stay true to the original sound” studio philosophy. Community impressions broadly support this, characterising the Mega7 as bright-neutral yet not thin, with full-bodied vocals and bass that is firm and controlled rather than boomy or overly mid-bass focused. The result is a balanced, slightly energetic tuning with forward, clearly articulated mids and a treble that prioritises detail and air; listeners who are treble-sensitive may still prefer a warmer source or softer tips to keep long sessions comfortable.
On the technical side, the Mega7 aims to justify its price with strong resolution, clean separation and agile dynamics: user feedback frequently mentions very clear midrange detail, solid extension at both ends, and imaging that feels precise for both music and gaming use. Soundstage is generally described as moderate in width but with good depth and layering, producing an intimate but three-dimensional presentation rather than a very wide, out-of-head image. Given its 7-driver architecture, balanced tuning and price, the Mega7 offers a compelling mid-fi package focused on clarity and control; however, in absolute terms it still sits below kilobuck flagships in sheer stage size, ultimate microdetail and refinement, which is consistent with its value-oriented flagship positioning under $500.
Aful Cantor Details
Driver Configuration: 14BA
Tuning Type: Vocal-focused
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $800
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Hisenior Mega7 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Hisenior Top Hisenior IEMs
Price (Msrp): $449
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Aful Cantor User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
8.5Excellent
Hisenior Mega7 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
8.1Gaming Grade
A+Hisenior Mega7 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.1Gaming 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.
Hisenior Mega7 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.
Average Technical Grade
A+- It sounds refined and controlled, keeping instruments neatly separated with immersive staging. Busy arrangements remain neatly organized.
Aful Cantor User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewWell-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.Excellent 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 someHisenior Mega7 User Reviews
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