Aful Explorer VS Tanchjim Fission

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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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The Tanchjim Fission is an absolutely spectacular IEM that feels and performs far beyond its $129 price tag. It comes loaded with a ridiculous amount of customization, featuring three interchangeable nozzles (stainless steel, titanium, and brass) and a four-way tuning switch, creating a potential 12 different sound combinations. The entire package feels flagship-tier, boasting an excellent interchangeable cable system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, a waterproof bag, and even a keychain tool for adjustments.

After extensive testing, the definitive "cheat code" for the best sound is using the brass nozzles with the tuning switch set to Pop mode, which seemingly bypasses internal circuitry for a pure, direct sound. This configuration delivers exceptional clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage, though they are not bass monsters. The fit is excellent, passing the "pinky test," and the build quality on everything from the IEMs themselves to the accessories is exceptional.

While not every combination of nozzles and switches is a winner, the sheer number of options ensures you can find a sound you love. For the price, the value is unmatched, feeling like a product that should cost $279. It comes as a full recommendation, offering a premium, highly tunable experience that is arguably one of the best deals in the IEM market, cementing Tanchjim's reputation for making no bad gear.

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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.

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Tanchjim Fission comes in at $130 with a quirky onboard tuning dial that offers four bass positions—but every setting trends toward modest bass anyway, making the adjuster more novelty than necessity. The default “bass-max” profile presents that familiar single-DD contrastiness with a bit of dynamic punch, a slightly bright/forward tilt, and overall inoffensive treble. It never tips into harshness or sibilance, but the bass attack reads a touch pillowy and the whole presentation stops short of truly incisive.

In direct comparison, it’s more comfortable tonally than the spikier sets yet less engaging and less tight than the standouts, settling into a solid C-tier alongside other “fine but unremarkable” options. Resolution and imaging are serviceable, treble stays safe, and the included cable is surprisingly nice, but there’s not enough slam or bite to push it up the chart. Net result: a competent, easy-listen single-DD for those who value smoothness over excitement, with limited payoff from that bass dial.

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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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The Tanchjim Fission presents fantastic value right out of the box, largely thanks to its inclusion of a high-quality USB-C DAC cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The all-metal build feels premium, and the included cable is extremely silky and pleasant to use. A standout feature is the set of interchangeable nozzles that allow for sound tuning; the gold nozzle is the clear winner, providing the best balance, while others can make the bass less impactful. However, the fit can be a challenge for some as the shell lacks a pronounced lip, and the nozzles can be tricky to remove and replace.

Sonically, the Fission is extremely close to the more expensive and beloved Tanchjim Origin, offering a smooth, energetic sound with a tonality that is highly enjoyable. It provides a touch of warmth, pristine detail, and good air, making it a set that is easy to recommend and daily drive. When compared to other sets in its price range, it holds its own against competitors like the Dunu Kima (which has better fit and accessories) and the Kiwi Ears Quintet (which offers more bass), though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for tonality and the value placed on its tunable nature.

While it doesn't break the so-called "curse of the $150 IEM," the Fission is a strong contender and gets a full recommendation. Its few cons include a fit that may not work for all ears and a bass quantity that some may wish was greater. For those who value its specific sonic qualities, the excellent build, and the incredible package value with the included DAC cable, the Tanchjim Fission is a fantastic and competitive option that is very easy to enjoy.

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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 Tanchjim Fission presents a neutral, balanced, and clean sound signature that is also described as smooth and full. It offers a very natural and laid-back listening experience, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe, non-fatiguing tuning. The technical performance is solid for its price, with good detail retrieval and instrument separation, though it isn't the most dynamic or sparkly set available.

Tip selection is crucial, with recommendations for the Tri Clear or Final E tips to open up the sound, while the Spinfit CP155 can add a touch more bass. The included tuning switches are largely seen as a gimmick; only the middle silver setting is recommended, as the others introduce a significant sub-bass roll-off. The Fission excels with genres like rock, indie, acoustics, and classical at moderate volumes, but its lack of sub-bass rumble and extension makes it a weak choice for hip-hop, EDM, or rap.

Its greatest strength is its value proposition, as it is essentially a cheaper version of the Tanchjim Origin, sharing the same driver and sound profile for a lower cost. This makes competitors like the Moondrop Kato seem less relevant. However, when compared to other all-rounders like the Juzear 4U or Simgot EW300, the Fission faces stiff competition. The EW300, in particular, offers more bass, tuning variety, and similar technicalities for half the price, making the Fission a tougher sell unless its specific brand of smooth, neutral tonality is exactly what you're after.

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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.