Aful Explorer VS Tipsy M1
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Explorer and Tipsy M1 are in-ear monitors. Aful Explorer costs $120 while Tipsy M1 costs $99. Aful Explorer is $21 more expensive. Aful Explorer holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.2). Aful Explorer has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge and Tipsy M1 has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Explorer | Tipsy M1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.5 | 7.2 |
| Mids | 6.2 | 6 |
| Treble | 6.8 | 5 |
| Details | 6.5 | 7.2 |
| Soundstage | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 7.2 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.1 | 6.2 |
| Technicalities | 6.9 | 5 |
Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
Tipsy M1 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Aful Explorer reviewed by Jaytiss
7.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Tipsy M1 reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-03
7.2
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Tipsy M1 brings a novel bamboo-fiber diaphragm to the ~$99 bracket, wrapped in a tiny, lightweight shell with a metal nozzle, QDC connectors, venting, and a tidy accessory set (puck case, 6.3 mm adapter, labeled cable with a firm chin slider). The petite housing is a double-edged sword: comfort for small-ear fits, but seal and stability can be finicky and demand tip-rolling—sticky tips help. Build and finish are attractive (notably the green and the red/orange colorways), and the cable feels good if not “hyper-premium.”
Sonically, M1 leans into a thick, rich bass with a downward-sloping balance and agreeable mids; it benefits from being cranked and carefully dialed in. The FR shows a small dip around ~500 Hz, a solid bass shelf, and a fair amount of upper mids; while treble extension and micro-detail aren’t the star, the overall tonality is pleasant and cohesive. Versus its stablemates, it’s judged better than Star One, preferred over SPA 260 and Drummer (those trend hotter up top), and competitive against a crowded ~$100 field: sets like the Pula/Pool Unic trade comfort and accessories, Defiant offers a touch more mid-treble air, planars like S08 push detail and sparkle, while something “lean-clean” like Truthear Pure dials back bass/upper-mids.
What emerges is a fun, bass-forward single-DD with good dynamics, surprisingly tidy FR for its price, and a cautious recommendation for listeners who value warmth and musicality over ultimate air and incisive technicalities. It’s described as Tipsy’s strongest recent effort—a set that can occasionally underwhelm in treble finesse but, when the fit and power are right, delivers a sweet, engaging tonality and even a hint of soundstage expansion. Call it a competitive <$100 option that would shine even brighter with a more secure shell and a touch more top-end refinement.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Aful Explorer reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Tipsy M1 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.2
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer (more reviews)
Aful Explorer reviewed by Audio Amigo
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer reviewed by Kois Archive
7
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
Aful Explorer reviewed by Smirk Audio
6.8
Reviewer Score
Aful Explorer reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Explorer reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.4
Reviewer Score
Aful Explorer reviewed by Jays Audio
6
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $120
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Tipsy M1 Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $99
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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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Tipsy M1 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Tipsy M1 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.4Gaming Grade
C+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.
Tipsy M1 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Aful Explorer User Reviews
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