Aful Performer 5+2 VS Aful Explorer
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and Aful Explorer use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 1DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while Aful Explorer costs $120. Aful Performer 5+2 is $109 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.1). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 1.8-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better treble with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better imaging with a 1.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | Aful Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 6.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 6.2 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 6.8 |
| Details | 7.6 | 6.5 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 6.5 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 6.6 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Performer 5+2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $229
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Aful Explorer Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: bass-boosted neutral
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $120
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Aful Performer 5+2 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 Explorer 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+2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AAful Explorer Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Aful Explorer Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Aful Performer 5+2 Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
8.5
Reviewer Score
My kind of neutral, improves a lot on my favorites. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
8*
* score normalized
Overall it is sounding more visceral and incisive than the Performer 5.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
A detailed, engaging all-rounder that's exciting without being shouty or harsh. Smooth, neutral tuning with a bass boost, excellent bass quality, clean mids, forward vocals, and sparkly, incisive treble. Great detail. I wouldn’t change a thing.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
check links for more info: Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Clean, balanced, neutral sound with good layering and tech. Relaxing vocals, but lacks power and last bit of vocal extension. Bass has good controll, but lacks impact. Has sizzly planar timbre in the treble. Safe but forgettable. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
IEMRanking AI
2025-09-07
7.7
Reviewer Score
The AFUL Performer 5+2 (also listed as “Performer 7”) uses a 2DD+4BA+1 micro planar driver array and AFUL’s LC-network crossover plus a 3D-printed acoustic tube system, aiming for clean band splits without smearing. The shell also integrates a high-damping air-pressure balance system, a design AFUL has used across its line. Official listings put MSRP around $229 and outline the same core tech features.
Tonally it trends neutral with a sub-bass lift: bass has solid depth and texture, mids stay relatively linear, and the presence/treble region adds energy without veering into sharpness on most chains. Multiple reviews characterize it as warm-neutral with bass boost or slightly V-shaped depending on perspective, which matches listening notes about a lively but controlled upper end. Sensitivity and load are portable-friendly (≈109 dB, 15 Ω), so it reaches performance without demanding amplification.
Technicalities are competitive for the class: imaging is tidy with good instrument separation, micro-detail retrieval is above average, and soundstage is moderate (more width than depth). Build and comfort are typical resin-shell fare; some users note occasional lower-treble bite depending on tips and recordings, so treble-sensitive listeners may wish to pair accordingly. Overall value is strong at its price, especially if a clean, bass-supported neutral curve is the priority.
Aful Explorer Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
8*
* score normalized
Relaxed upper mid-range. Vocals sound a little bit more forward than instruments. Smooth treble performance.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
7.6
Reviewer Score
The mids still upset me, but it sounds magical. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit. Loaner
6.8
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:
6.5
Reviewer Score
Perfect for rock and metal. Smooth, relaxing tuning, great bass with good slam, rich mid-range, safe treble. Upper mids may be too relaxed for some, treble is a bit dark.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
6.4
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:
6
Reviewer Score
High volume set, very immersive, scales great with no sharpness, wide staging, enough detail/extension, good bass, just crank it up and enjoy the music. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewAful Explorer User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own review