Aful Explorer VS Kiwi Ears Airoso

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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.

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Kiwi Ears Airoso brings a hybrid recipe that just works: 1DD + 4BA with the dynamic driver clearly doing the low-end heavy lifting while the BAs keep mids and highs clean and balanced. The presentation is warm, musical, and staged with satisfying depth—vocals sit a step back without getting hazy, and the overall image is organized rather than in-your-face. Comfort is on point, the stock cable is light and nicely straight, and the box tosses in a case plus three styles of silicone tips. At around $129.99, the feature set and tuning feel cheekily generous.

On music, the Airoso delivers sub-bass authority without bloat, stellar imaging that pins pianos and cellos in distinct spaces, and treble that’s controlled enough to survive vinyl/tape hiss tests without turning sharp—there’s only a hint of “S” energy on some tracks. Separation through the midrange is strong for the price, and the whole signature has that “sing-along” ease that makes long sessions effortless. Isolation is decent with the right tips, and at about 15 Ω it’s easy to drive from modest sources.

Nitpicks? The look is not a showpiece—plain metal faceplates and a logo font that won’t win design awards. The cable is 3.5 mm only, so balanced users will want an upgrade. Beyond that, it’s hard to gripe: this set behaves like a confident all-rounder with better-than-budget control up top and real weight down low. Value talk veers bold—easily feels like a $160–$200 tuner—so at the actual tag it’s an easy recommend, nudging into “nine-ish” territory on a scorecard.

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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.

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Solid build for the price: compact metal shells that feel durable, a metal nozzle with a small lip, and a flat 2-pin cable with a working chin slider and clearly marked channels. The accessories are straightforward but good—three tip sets and a surprisingly nice, leatherette-style case. Overall fit is comfortable and the presentation feels a notch above typical budget fare.

Tonally, Airoso is a fun, slightly V-shaped hybrid (1DD+4BA) with punchy bass, weighty mids, and a lively top end. The graph shows a tasteful bass rise to ~300 Hz, a small presence dip around 4–5 kHz, and extra energy through the 6–8 kHz and upper “air” region—peaking near 13 kHz—that can sound brilliant on many tracks yet occasionally spicy for sensitive ears. Note weight, air/space, and overall engagement are strong; however, that treble character can nudge imaging and highs to about 7/10 depending on the listener and fit.

Comparisons paint it as a smart tuner’s set: echoes of high-end shapes (e.g., Annihilator and X-Elise Audio Europa) with less 6 kHz sting and less ultimate air; kinship with the Kiwi Ears Quintet (Airoso has more bass, Quintet’s zing is nearer 10 kHz), and a more energetic, “not boring” alternative to K4. Versus the AFUL Explorer, Airoso brings bigger upper-mid punch while Explorer offers a tidier treble; think of AFUL P7 as a cautionary tale for those sensitive to upper air—Airoso can poke similar nerves if that 13 k region doesn’t agree. At $129—often discounted—this is an excellent value for anyone wanting bold bass, confident mids, and sparkle, with the caveat that treble-sensitive listeners may prefer something smoother.

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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.

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The Kiwi Ears Airoso (1DD + 4BA) goes for a slightly warm-leaning, smooth presentation with a bit of treble air and contrast. It sits between sets like the EM6L and SLA3: fuller and more contrasty than the EM6L, but smoother and less peaky than the SLA3. Vocals are thicker/huskier without congestion, and treble reaches cleanly for a sense of openness; overall the tuning feels intentional and musical rather than clinical.

Technical performance is solid for the price, though options like Nova and SuperMix 4 still edge it for neutral/Harman value. The Airoso scales well but watch the 8–10 kHz region, which can get lively on energetic tracks—best enjoyed at moderate volume. As an all-rounder it fits pop, hip-hop, ballads, and instrumentals, with the appeal driven more by its tonality than by raw resolution. Versus its sibling Aether, the Airoso is warmer and more colored, while Aether is cleaner and more technical. Think of Airoso as a tasteful upgrade over sets like EW300—better timbre and a touch more air—delivering an engaging, musical listen that’s recommended if this tuning profile hits the sweet spot.

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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.

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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.