Aful Explorer VS EarAcoustic VSA-MAX

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

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Aful Explorer and EarAcoustic VSA-MAX are in-ear monitors. Aful Explorer costs $120 while EarAcoustic VSA-MAX costs $149. EarAcoustic VSA-MAX is $29 more expensive. Aful Explorer holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.1). Aful Explorer has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Aful Explorer has significantly better treble with a 3.8-point edge and Aful Explorer has significantly better soundstage with a 1.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric Aful Explorer EarAcoustic VSA-MAX
Bass 6.5 7.1
Mids 6.2 5
Treble 6.8 3
Details 6.5 7.1
Soundstage 6.3 5
Imaging 6.5 7.1
Dynamics 7 7
Tonality 7.1 4.8
Technicalities 6.9 3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Smirk Audio Gizaudio Axel Shuwa-T Jays Audio
Jaytiss Kois Archive Audionotions
Audio Amigo Z-Reviews Super* Review Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Aful Explorer reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
A- Tech
The mids still upset me, but it sounds magical.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Soundstage: B
YouTube video thumbnail

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EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-07-20
Jaytiss 5.8 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
D Tech
Warm fun set, but Has a lot of upper trebble for me to love.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: D Dynamics: A- Soundstage: C+
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8 * score rescaled + normalized
28 community members have rated the AFUL Explorer at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviewed by Head-Fi.org

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

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Aful Explorer (more reviews)

Aful Explorer reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
An amazing hybrid. Trades blows with the S08. Gorgeous Shells

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 8* * score rescaled + normalized
Relaxed upper mid-range. Vocals sound a little bit more forward than instruments. Smooth treble performance.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮 | Comfort: 8 wide and unique warm tuning relaxed vocals and treble

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Aful Explorer reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7 Reviewer Score
Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Aful Explorer reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 6.8 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Details: B+ Imaging: B+

Aful Explorer reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
Perfect for rock and metal. Smooth, relaxing tuning, great bass with good slam, rich mid-range, safe treble. Upper mids may be too relaxed for some, treble is a bit dark.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Aful Explorer reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.4 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B Mids: B+ Treble: B+ Soundstage: B+ Details: B+ Imaging: B+

Aful Explorer reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
B+ Tech
High volume set, very immersive, scales great with no sharpness, wide staging, enough detail/extension, good bass, just crank it up and enjoy the music.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

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Price: $119

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Aful Explorer User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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EarAcoustic VSA-MAX 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 Explorer Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

6.9

Gaming Grade

B+

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

3.5

Gaming Grade

D+

Aful Explorer Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Bass B+
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B+
Treble is articulate and clean, adding excitement without harshness. It adds sparkle without harshness.
Dynamics A-
You get outstanding dynamic agility, from subtle nuances to big hits. Impact comes with quick recovery.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Imaging B+
Depth cues step forward, giving performances a dimensional presence. Front-to-back cues become more immersive.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • The tuning lacks refinement, jumping between dull and shouty without settling. Vocals frequently sound off-kilter.

Average Technical Grade

D
  • Even moderate complexity exposes the limited resolution and narrow sense of space. Technical fans will find it lacking.
Mids C+
Expect a competent midrange that keeps vocals grounded and instruments clear. Tone is acceptable across multiple genres.
Treble D
Treble response is uneven, jumping between dull spots and sharp peaks. Peaks poke out unpredictably.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage C+
You start to perceive distinct rows of players even if the ceiling still feels low. Layering is present but still modest.
Gaming D+
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

Aful Explorer User Reviews

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EarAcoustic VSA-MAX User Reviews

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