Aful Explorer VS Kinera Celest Relentless

Youtube Video Summary

Aful Explorer hits way, way above its bracket. Tuning snaps into focus with impact, cohesion, and smoothness that feel “stupid good” for $120—the kind of price that triggers a double-take. Expect a balanced, warm-leaning presentation that takes volume like a champ and turns kick drums into head-hugging thunder without smearing detail. Timbre is clean, clarity pops, staging gets big and immersive, and bass boost toggles aren’t required to have fun. Call it a giant killer, an easy 10/10, and a “top five of the year” contender that begs for playlist shuffles—from anime scores to classic synths—while scaling noticeably with better amps.

Build is light and comfy with twinkly blue faceplates, flush 2-pin sockets, and a stock cable that’s nicely twisted and terminated in 4.4 mm (full approval), though the ear hooks are thick and springy—softening the bend helps. The nozzle is a simple open port (no mesh), so keep ears clean. Accessories include multiple silicone tips and a compact, rubberized case that’s genuinely pocketable. Inside, it’s a 1DD + 2BA hybrid with a proper electronic crossover, 3D-printed acoustics, and pressure-balance tech; on paper it’s 26 Ω and “easy to power,” in practice it plays nicely from affordable dongles yet still rewards class-A and tubes with extra body and space. Minor QC quirks (a cosmetic cable sleeve can slip; easily fixable or just swap cables) don’t blunt the verdict: this is Aful’s most exciting budget brawler to date, out-punching the Performer series on pure fun-per-euro.

Youtube Video Summary

The AFUL Explorer presents as a compact resin hybrid with a striking galaxy-style faceplate, very low weight and a venting scheme that avoids occlusion, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit even for long sessions. The stock case is practical and pocketable, but the accessory set is minimal, with only generic silicone tips and a fixed, non modular cable that feels soft and usable yet unremarkable at this price.

Sonically, the bass is the stand out: sub bass rumble is described as insane for the price, with powerful, textured impact and mid bass punch that hits hard without bleeding into the lower mids. The lower mids remain clean yet full bodied, giving male vocals and instruments natural thickness, while the upper mids follow a non Harman approach that keeps vocals and instruments energetic but never shouty, shrill or fatiguing even at high volumes. Treble is another strong suit, combining very high detail and air with smooth, incisive cymbal and hi hat reproduction, offering zero sibilance and allowing harsh genres like rock and metal to stay controlled.

In terms of technicalities, the Explorer delivers way above average performance for its bracket, with excellent imaging, clear separation of micro and macro details and dynamics that feel punchy and lively without losing control. The soundstage is more on the intimate side with moderate width but good depth, which enhances vocal focus even if it does not feel as spacious as some rivals. Across comparisons it consistently outperforms well regarded sets such as TruthEar Nova, Kiwi Ears Quartet, AFUL MagicOne and Simgot EM6L in bass quality, resolution and overall balance, and even trades blows with more expensive models like the CKLVX, making it a genuine value gem around the 120 dollar mark for listeners who want powerful clean bass and smooth detail rich treble.

Youtube Video Summary

Celest Relentless is a seven driver hybrid with a lightweight shell, beautiful ocean like faceplate and an excellent eight wire modular cable that feels soft, secure and premium in daily use. The included case, foam and silicone tips, brush and manual create a complete package that supports different fits and tonal balances without feeling like an afterthought.

The tuning is a slight V shape with elevated low and high frequencies, delivering a very strong sub bass rumble and mid bass slam that feel visceral, fast and authoritative while still avoiding muddiness in the lower mids. Male vocals sound clean and clear, but the midrange emphasis leans toward female vocals and upper mids, giving them extra presence and nuance without pushing the center mids too far back.

The treble is highly extended, airy and extremely detailed, with micro and macro information presented right at the front, which enhances clarity, imaging sharpness and a slightly wide but not very deep soundstage. With silicone tips some tracks in bright heavy metal or compressed EDM can sound spicy in the upper treble, but foam tips remove most of the edge while keeping the resolution that lets this set compete with favorites like TruthEar Nova, Moondrop Kato and even hint at aspects of Blessing 2. Overall Relentless offers excellent bass, standout detail and above average technicalities for its bracket, making it a very competitive choice for listeners who can handle or tame its energetic top end.

Youtube Video Summary

Build & accessories punch above the price: the familiar Aful shell is exceedingly comfortable, light, and easy to seal, with a fit that feels “custom-like.” The new pocketable case has a soft, leathery feel and solid zipper, and the off-white two-pin cable mirrors the Pilgrim’s look and handling—supple, tidy, and on-theme with the Explorer’s subtle “space” aesthetic. Overall presentation feels notably premium for ~\$120.

Tonally, this is a dark, L-shaped tuning with a confident bass shelf and great dynamics, a deliberate 4–6 kHz dip for long-term comfort, and smooth upper-treble “air.” The graph aligns closely to the target aside from a subdued 1.5–4 kHz region, so vocals are relaxed rather than forward—non-fatiguing but not for strict Harman chasers. Versus Performer 8 and 5, Explorer brings deeper bass and a calmer presence region; compared with Magic One, it sounds richer and more organic; against CCA Hydro or PULA PA02, it offers more natural timbre, better build, and stronger value. Stage and mids can feel intimate, and tip selection/modular options are basic, but as a whole it earns a solid 8.1/10 and a full recommendation for listeners wanting a smooth, bass-weighted, non-fatiguing set that “hits different” at this price—akin in spirit to a darker Jupiter, at a tiny fraction of the cost.

Youtube Video Summary

AFUL Explorer arrives as the most affordable entry in the AFUL lineup, carrying a three driver hybrid configuration with one dynamic driver and two balanced armatures in a small 3D printed resin shell. The shell feels light, secure and well shaped, with an easy fit that should work for many ears, while the gradient blue sparkle faceplate gives a subtle night sky vibe that ties nicely into the Explorer theme. The stock cable is clearly a budget unit and can feel slightly plasticky and stiff, but it behaves well enough in daily use, and the included case and tip selection round out a package that feels very solid at roughly 119 dollars.

Sonically, Explorer follows a relaxed upper midrange approach similar to the AFUL Performer series, combining a touch of extra low mid and mid bass energy with a more laid back vocal region for a smooth and natural presentation. The dynamic driver delivers strong sub bass extension and satisfying slam with good dynamics, even if the transition into the mids is not perfectly controlled and brings a hint of bass bleed that slightly softens lower mid clarity. Male vocals and instruments benefit from the added warmth and weight, while vocal presence remains sufficiently forward to stay engaging even if a little more pinna gain energy would be welcome. Lower treble rises enough to give guitars bite and cymbals sparkle, but Explorer impressively avoids the harshness, sibilance and splashiness that often plague sets in this range, keeping treble smooth yet controlled and adding a healthy dose of detail without ever becoming aggressive.

Upper treble does roll off past 10 kilohertz, so air, shimmer and the very finest micro detail are slightly restrained, and the overall Sound Stage remains on the intimate and somewhat narrow side, though imaging is still decent and positional cues are easy to pick out. Detail retrieval sits comfortably in line with other good options around this price rather than standing out as a technical monster, but taken as a whole the Explorer gets a lot right and sidesteps many of the usual budget pitfalls. With some of the best bass and most natural midrange at this price point combined with treble that is unusually well behaved for the segment, Explorer joins the top tier of sub 150 dollar options and stands as one of the most compelling all round budget IEM choices for listeners who value a relaxed but engaging tuning over maximum stage width or hyper analytical detail.

Youtube Video Summary

Celest Relentless is a seven driver hybrid with one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures in a fully resin shell, and the build quality comes across as very polished for 169 dollars. The glossy shells look like cresting waves inspired by the East China Sea and the Relentless bird, feel light in the ear and, with the wide bore tips, provide an excellent seal and comfort for long sessions. The modular cable with 3.5 and 4.4 terminations, two pin connectors and very low memory is easy to roll up, resists tangling and overall gives the set a premium, well sorted feel out of the box.

The tuning is a clear v shaped signature with elevated bass and treble and recessed mids, firmly in the fun and engaging camp but with some trade offs. Bass quantity sits on the stronger side for this price range and brings good dynamics, tactility, slam and sub bass extension, although a bit of bleed into the lower mids adds some warmth and slight muddiness. The midrange has a notable dip around 500 to 700 hertz that makes parts of the low mids sound a little sucked out and less natural, even though the rise into the upper mids around 2.2 kilohertz puts some life back into vocals and instruments. Treble energy is generous and extends well, pushing cymbals, high hats and air forward in the mix for a very lively presentation, but it can approach fatigue for treble sensitive listeners and occasionally sounds a bit splashy and less controlled.

Where Relentless really stands out is in technical performance and overall engagement. For the price it delivers strong detail and micro detail, a wide and immersive soundstage with decent depth and convincing instrument separation that are not common at this level, allowing it to compete comfortably with many of the better sub 200 dollar sets even if it sits just behind models like Chopan or Performer 5. This is not a neutral or strictly natural listen and it does carry the usual v shaped compromises, but for listeners who want an energetic, highly engaging and budget friendly set that prioritizes excitement and technical bite over strict midrange correctness, Celest Relentless becomes a very compelling option.

Youtube Video Summary

Aful Explorer sits around the $100 mark as a set that trades raw resolution for a uniquely relaxing tuning. At mid volume it’s a smooth, non-fatiguing listen with vocals a touch pulled back, a gentle upper-mids scoop, and a roll-off past ~15 kHz—so don’t expect sparkle or air in that range. The magic happens when it’s cranked: the set scales exceptionally, staying silky even loud, vocals come forward more naturally, and staging gets that wrap-around, immersive feel without turning sharp thanks to restrained 3 kHz energy.

Against pricier or punchier peers: versus Da Vinci, Explorer’s low-end has tighter mid-bass separation and quicker decay, but it doesn’t slam as hard; Da Vinci is more resolving, extended, and better balanced at mid volume, while Explorer becomes the more engulfing listen once volume climbs. Compared with the S8 planar, Explorer brings deeper sub-bass and fuller notes but a softer attack and less upper-mid/treble detail; the S8 stays cleaner, faster, and a bit brighter, thriving at moderate levels, whereas Explorer is the turn-it-up specialist.

For alternatives, Ziigaat Cinno is the cleaner, more airy take with sharper imaging and higher detail (with hints of BA timbre) and leaner sub-bass; Explorer hits harder, deeper, and stays smoother and more “musical.” CKVX offers a fuller low-end with a more pushed-back stage and better mid-volume resolution, while Explorer is the intimate, high-volume pool-of-sound. Magic One runs the warmest, with huskier vocals and mid-bass-centric weight that suits drums/rock/jazz but lacks the Explorer’s sub-bass presence and immersion. Net: if playlists lean hip-hop, rock, R&B, or lo-fi and volume tends to be lively, Explorer is a standout flavor; for quieter sessions or a priority on air and micro-detail, look to Chino/S8/CKVX. Both Explorer and Chino make compelling side-grades to the usual Harman-ish suspects like Nova and Supermix 4 without bruising the wallet.

Youtube Video Summary

Aful Explorer debuts at $120 with a clever blend of the Performer series’ RLC crossover and the Magic One’s 3D-printed resonators. The package is generous: a compact blue suede case, a silvery two-wire cable (3.5mm, also available in 4.4), and six tip pairs. The resin shells are neatly finished, pressure-relieved, and lightweight; the nozzles have open bores (mind debris—tips with mesh help). Comfort follows the usual semi-custom story: when the shape matches, they disappear; when it doesn’t, they don’t. The softer white stock tips work better than the stiffer blue cores, and SpinFit swaps (CP145/CP100) can improve retention. Aesthetic verdict from the “council”: sparkly blue with silver cable gets compliments.

Tonally, Explorer leans warm-neutral with a fun low-end. Sub-bass digs deep with tactile rumble, mid-bass adds weight without bloat, and the single DD keeps it tight. The mids are the star—natural, even, and unmasked; instruments and vocals sit correctly without husk or nasality. Up top, the treble is smooth and relaxed yet still resolves detail; cymbal timbre and vocal overtones decay cleanly without glare, inviting volume increases without fatigue. Technicals are quietly confident: clear separation, tidy imaging with some depth from the bass foundation, and a stage that feels average in size but organized. Sensitivity is high and impedance low, making them easy to drive from phones, tablets, and laptops.

Against peers, Explorer feels special under $300. Versus Letshuoer S08, Explorer is the more neutral and laid-back partner with a touch more sub-bass, while S08 adds upper-mid and mid-bass energy for a slightly more “exciting” tilt (Opera favors Explorer; classical often flatters S08). Performer 5 is more balanced with lighter bass and forward mids, and ZiiGaat Doscinco brings a warmed-up V-shape with bigger slam and more treble energy. Net-net: Explorer is a superb all-rounder with unique, well-executed tuning, standout accessories (that case!), and beautiful shells. The only asterisk is fit—try before you buy or use a friendly return policy. If the S08 felt too warm or planar-flavored, Explorer’s smoother hybrid take should be near the very top of the shortlist.

Youtube Video Summary

Aful Explorer is a $120 hybrid (1DD + 2BA) that breaks from the brand’s usual neutral-with-sub-bass tilt and goes for a warm, bass-tilted signature. The package is simple but well chosen: two full sets of tips, a compact, soft-touch zip case, and a handsome stock cable available in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm (with a secure chin slider and standard 2-pin). The semi-custom acrylic shells are medium-small, comfy, and stable—even suitable for side-sleepers—with above-average isolation and sensible venting. Overall build and ergonomics punch above the price.

Tonally, Explorer delivers satisfying impact with both sub-bass rumble and enough mid-bass to give kick drums real punch. Upper-mids are a touch relaxed, so vocals sit more within the mix rather than spotlighted. Treble is smooth yet carries a bit of sparkle for definition; despite graphs suggesting limited “air,” the timbre and perceived clarity are well judged. Stage favors depth over width, and the overall presentation stays engaging without stridency or mud—warm, dense, but not soupy.

Against peers, it’s the warmest pick here: more bass-rich than the Truthear Hexa (which remains the vocal-friendly warm-neutral choice), fuller and more polished than the older FiiO FH3 (though FH3 still throws a slightly wider image), and punchier than the single-BA Aful Magic One. Explorer is also the most distinctive AFUL tuning to date and arguably the most fun—especially for listeners prioritizing bass satisfaction over vocal focus. Verdict: a confident 4 stars for an entry-level IEM that brings a fresh flavor to AFUL’s lineup.

Youtube Video Summary

Kinera Celest Relentless is a 1+6 hybrid tuned for low volume listening. Vocals are pushed well above Harman for forward vocals that stay clean and present, while a large upper treble lift preserves audibility and air at quiet levels. The 8 mm dynamic driver adds a punchy mid-bass with restrained sub-bass, keeping the shelf complimentary to the intended volume.

At the correct low level, the response spans end-to-end with an extended and spacious feel. Female vocals sit right on the early upper-mids rise, note edges are crisp, but true resolution and textural detail remain modest at this volume, so the hybrid character is suggested more than fully realized.

Raise the volume and the balance shifts quickly: upper mids and treble become shouty, thin, even nasal, leading to fatigue. This is a niche set designed for quiet listening; low-volume listeners get clarity and air, while medium-volume listeners should look elsewhere.