Aful Performer 5 VS ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5 and ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews are 1DD+4BA in-ear monitors. Aful Performer 5 costs $220 while ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews costs $249. ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews is $29 more expensive. ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (6.4 vs 7.4). Aful Performer 5 has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Aful Performer 5 has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge, ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5 | ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.1 | 7.4 |
| Mids | 6.4 | 6 |
| Treble | 5.8 | 4 |
| Details | 5.8 | 7.4 |
| Soundstage | 6.5 | 7 |
| Imaging | 5.3 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 6.4 | 7.3 |
| Technicalities | 6.2 | 6.5 |
Aful Performer 5 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.4Mixed to Positive
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Jaytiss
7.3
Reviewer Score
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ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Jaytiss
6.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete is a 1DD + 4BA hybrid at $249 with a clean, durable shell, metal nozzle, front filter, rear vent, and flat 2-pin sockets. Fit is stable and comfortable, though the body lacks the little “wing” that adds extra grip on some sets. The package feels thoughtful: the familiar ZiiGaat hard case is genuinely useful, while the stock cable is a straightforward 3.5 mm run with color-coded sides and a slightly loose chin slider—perfectly serviceable for the set’s gaming-first pitch.
Sonically, Arete goes for a boomy, thick, and grounded bass with pleasing note weight, a well-shaped FR, and an overall fun balance that flatters EDM and casual play sessions. The trade-off shows up in the 4–5 kHz zone and upper-treble “air,” where energy and refinement can feel uneven—engaging for some, a touch fatiguing or slightly dull for others over time. Versus adjacent options, Arcadia reads darker in presence; sets like Estrella or recent ZiiGaat releases can sound more “special” for pure music listening, while the new Odyssey emerges as the sub-$300 benchmark in this family for a more complete top-end and overall polish.
On the scorecard, Arete slots in at a solid 8.0 overall with a 9/10 bass, 8/10 mids, and a treble/air/imaging segment that sits a step behind its low-end authority. It’s an exceedingly competitive tuning at the price—easy to enjoy, easy to recommend to gamers and bass-leaning listeners—yet it invites a future revision with a dedicated upper-treble driver (tweeter BA, micro-planar, or EST) to lift extension and finesse. If the priority is weighty low end and a plug-and-play package, Arete is a strong pick; if chasing top-end sparkle and extra separation, Odyssey (and a few peers) make a stronger case.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Yifang
6.5
Reviewer Score
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Yifang
7.5
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Retail package is clean and familiar: a small, heavy-duty carrying case on the bottom, a set of silicone ear tips plus one pair of foam, and a lightweight, all-black 2-pin 3.5mm cable with a tidy braid that performs just fine—cable upgrades are optional, not necessary. The shell is an ergonomic resin with a modest metal nozzle that should fit most ears comfortably; the slightly translucent body shows off the balanced armatures and dynamic driver. Up top, a gray/pink faceplate carries a chrome ZiiGaat logo and a subtle holographic effect that shifts blue-yellow-green while staying primarily pink—flashy without going overboard.
In-game, the tuning is light, airy, and open—not bright—keeping mid-bass warmth in check so ambient noise doesn’t cloud the picture. The big story is depth perception, imaging, and separation/layering: in Valorant, footsteps and ability cues cut through the mix with clear “data reads”; in Apex, the set maintains yardage and verticality during zip lines, ult spam, batteries, and storm rumble without drowning micro-details; in Call of Duty’s rough engine, mortar/airstrike resonance is tamped down so slides, taps, and above/below positioning remain audible. Gunfire has a tidy punch without bloated sub-bass rumble, making it easier to micromanage positioning and health when chaos hits. It sits comfortably among strong competitors like Splendor 2 and Yanyin Canon 2, and reads as a set that’s equally at home with music and gaming while leaving room for the community to weigh in on the finer points.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelAful Performer 5 (more reviews)
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Tim Tuned
6.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.4
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Jays Audio
6
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Nymz
5.2
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5 reviewed by Precogvision
5.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews (more reviews)
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.7
* score rescaled + normalized
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews reviewed by Web Search
8.5
Reviewer Score
The ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews IEM delivers a meticulously balanced tuning that excels for both music and competitive gaming. Its hybrid 1DD+4BA configuration produces deep, controlled sub-bass with a 9dB shelf for impact without muddiness, while neutral mids ensure vocals and instruments remain natural and engaging. The smooth, non-fatiguing treble and cohesive crossover design create an immersive yet analytical listen across genres, making it exceptionally versatile.
Comfort is a standout, with lightweight resin shells and ergonomic shaping allowing marathon gaming sessions without fatigue, though the basic stock cable and tips benefit from aftermarket upgrades. For gaming, the Arete shines with precise imaging and a spacious soundstage, letting players pinpoint footsteps in FPS titles like Valorant or CS2, while cinematic adventures feel richly atmospheric.
Aful Performer 5 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $220
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ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $249
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Aful Performer 5 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews 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 Performer 5 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.3Gaming Grade
BZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Aful Performer 5 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
B- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
ZiiGaat Arete x Fresh Reviews Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Aful Performer 5 User Reviews
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