Aful Performer 5+2 VS Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 1DD+2BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass costs $599. Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass is $370 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.4). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better soundstage with a 1.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7 |
| Mids | 8 | 7 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 8 |
| Details | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 6 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.7 | 7 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Naming drama aside (P5+2? just call it Performer 7), this Aful packs a quirky driver party: 2DD for low end, 4 BA split across mids/treble, plus a tiny micro-planar for the highest sparkle, all marshaled by Aful’s neat miniature crossover. The shells are lightweight, comfy and prettier than they need to be; the cable feels “don’t bother swapping” nice, with 3.5 or 4.4 options. The box is loaded with silicone tips but no foam—a miss, because the right seal changes everything. Price target sits around $250, which sets expectations high but not ridiculous.
Stock silicone yields a surgical, respectful tuning with bass that skews neutral and controlled. Swap to well-sealing foam or hybrids and feed a juicy source (warm Class A or tubes) and the set wakes up—stage snaps into a cohesive scene right in front, imaging gets laser-etched, and that micro-planar adds a pinch-of-salt treble spice without turning harsh. It’s an up-close presentation—sometimes almost claustrophobically detailed—in the best way: think “men with trumpets in the head,” precise placement, and excellent extension up top. Not as rowdy as the Explorers; more like a surgeon in a Hawaiian shirt—technical, but with a wink.
Practical upside: the clarity and positioning make this great for gaming and even viable for mixing/mastering checks; just don’t crank it into pain territory. Bass stays tight and responsive, treble sails high, and coherence holds. Tip and source matter a lot: with foam + warm power, it sings; with plain silicone, it’s merely polite. Final tally: a confident 8.5/10—doing a lot right at its price, dinged half a point for making everyone do math on the name.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Buy Aful Performer 5+2 on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $213
Buy Aful Performer 5+2 on HiFiGO
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Z-Reviews
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass takes the already clean, wide, crisp Mega5 tuning and pours a thick, buttery layer of low-end over it—think “Eris-sized” weight without muddying the mids. On bass-light tracks, the presentation stays tidy and balanced; when a track calls for slam, the sub-bass turns the room into a vibrating wooden shack (in a good way). The core technicalities—clarity, stage, and treble finesse—stick around, now backed by a warmer, more physical foundation that makes music feel more alive. For listeners who believe most gear is starving the soul of the music, this tuning argues for more bass normalization, not less.
Build and accessories are generous: a stylish case, multiple tip sets, spare filters, cloth, and a quality 2-pin cable. There’s a fit quirk—the nozzles feel a touch long, often sealing best when backed out slightly—but once seated, it’s rock solid. Big warning, though: skip any 4.4-to-3.5 “illegal” adapters and just choose the right termination up front; the balanced option is the move. Under the hood it’s a 1DD + 2BA + 2EST hybrid that clearly cranks the dynamic driver for that plush sub-bass shelf while keeping vocals articulate and highs smooth.
At $589 (vs. the original’s $549), the upcharge buys the “Bass+” ethos done properly: warmth, weight, and fun without trashing detail. It’s the kind of tuning that encourages long sessions and guilty grins—less about clinical reference curves, more about musical gravity. Call it a price-tag score of “589”: not a penny less than it sounds.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Buy Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $589
Buy Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass on HiFiGO
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Aful Performer 5+2 lands as a hybrid of the beloved Performer 5 and the punchier Explorer. The unboxing is the familiar P5 affair—same case, same style of tips—nothing flashy, but solid. The shell mirrors the P5 in size with a comfy little stabilizing wing that locks in well. No metal nozzle or front filter here, yet tip retention is secure and hassle-free. The flat 2-pin socket is straightforward, and the stock cable feels thick and supple with a reliable chin slider and handy red/blue channel markers. Overall: understated build, great ergonomics, daily-driver ready.
Sonically, this one aims neutral with a very distinct top end—clean, dynamic, incisive. Think switching from black-and-white to color; cymbals and overtones pop with a slightly crunchy/pristine edge that energizes detail without turning harsh on good recordings. Bass isn’t about sheer quantity; it’s about slam and dynamics—quick on the draw, well-controlled, and satisfying when called upon. Vocals sit a notch forward, microdetail is strong, and the overall presentation is coherent, clear, and technical with convincing stage, resolution, and imaging. Not a treble-shy or bass-bombed tuning—more a refined all-rounder for those who want clarity and bite.
Versus the original P5, the 5+2 fixes the missing “air” and soft edges, trading them for crisper transients and better extension. Compared with Explorer (a value champ), the 5+2 brings superior upper-treble reach, detail, and vocal focus. Against Performer 8 and Cantor, it feels more visceral—the P8 is smoother and more relaxed, while Cantor pulls finer microdetail but with less bass slam. Sets like Dino Quattro or J’s Estrella bring bigger fun or treble theatrics, yet the 5+2’s balance and everyday versatility win more often. Net take: a neutral-leaning, highly technical upgrade that stands tall in its bracket—easy to recommend to anyone chasing clarity, speed, and controlled impact over pure warmth or excess bass.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass comes as a custom set with personalized shells and a straightforward Pelican-style case. The build is compact and comfortable with an easy tip-lip, though the color matching can look inconsistent in certain light and the stock cable feels a bit lackluster—thin, slightly stiff, and not as plush as expected at this tier.
Sonically, this is where it clicks: a tasteful bass shelf for proper foundation, pristine upper-mids for clarity, and airy EST extension that brings out detail without harshness. It tracks close to a personal target shaped by sets like the Elysian Annihilator and JM1—cleaner and more engaging than the stock Mega5-EST, which can feel like “clean water” to some. Comparisons paint the path here: the affordable Hexa shows the right upper-mid behavior; the Chopin is a fun benchmark under $200 with small quirks; Hype 4 offers a Mega-style tuning on a budget but with less bass; and Binary Dynaquattro scratches a V-shaped itch while being harder to drive. Mega5-EST +Bass blends these lessons into a punchy, articulate, and well-imaged presentation.
Value is strong for a custom with EST drivers under a grand—excellent channel matching, convincing technicalities, and a tuning that feels “just right” for modern music without turning strident. Caveats: the order process can be slow (think weeks) and communication runs through Hisenior/Facebook, so patience helps. Not the only answer at the price, but as a preference-targeted custom that adds the missing low-end weight to the original Mega5-EST’s clarity, this one earns an unapologetic S-tier.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Performer 5+2 (Performer 7 / P7) takes the P5 recipe and adds a second 6 mm dynamic for the lows and a micro-planar for the highs, nudging MSRP to $240. Unboxing mirrors the P5: nine pairs of tips and a decent case, but the accessories feel bare-bones at this price—no foam tips and a non-modular cable, even though the included 8-wire is supple and well-behaved. Build is classic AFUL: 3D-printed resin, blended nozzle (no mesh or lip—watch tip retention), single rear vent, and striking blue-green mosaic shells inspired by Suzhou gardens—cool-wall approved with four compliments to one “meh.” Fit is semi-custom and a touch chunkier than P5; comfortable for most, a conditional pass for small ears. Note a sporadic batch quirk: some units have over-tight 2-pin sockets; exchanges fixed it for affected buyers.
Tuning sits in warm-leaning neutral territory. The dual dynamics deliver punchy, textured bass that rumbles without bloating; guitars and drums carry convincing weight. Mids are the star—rich, full-bodied, vocal-forward without shout, with clean separation and natural tone. Treble from the micro-planar is smooth yet energetic: cymbals and vocal harmonics sparkle, special effects have bite and body, and only treble-sensitives may find hot mixes a bit lively. Technicalities impress for the money—detail retrieval and nuance feel a class up—while stage and imaging are solid rather than showy.
Against peers: the Tangzu x HBB budget pick mirrors the overall tonality but P7 offers higher resolution and more treble finesse; the planar “Heyday” alternative is brighter/faster with leaner bass; versus Performer 5, P7 brings tighter low-end, smoother treble, and better extremes detail; the Fresh-collab competitor pushes vocals further forward with bigger stage but leaner lower mids. Verdict: a versatile all-rounder that suits broad libraries and even content creation thanks to its balanced tonality and detail. Not for bassheads, trebleheads, or strict Harman-lean seekers, and the accessory pack/cable quirk holds it back from a slam-dunk. For roughly $240, though, it’s a brilliant, resolving upgrade in the AFUL line.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior’s Mega5-EST +Bass takes the acclaimed Mega5 recipe and dials in a tasteful bass boost without upsetting the balance. The unboxing screams premium: a plush sheepskin Manta case, a chunky 4.4 mm Manta cable (nicely built, but heavy), shirt clip, multiple tips, and replaceable nozzle filters for longevity. The resin shells with metal nozzles feel sturdy and look flashy—mismatched shells add flair—while the semi-custom shape fits securely for most, though smaller ears may struggle with the shell size and nozzle girth. On paper it’s a tribrid (1DD + 2BA + 2EST), 24 Ω and >100 dB, so easy to drive; note that higher output impedance or a 15 Ω adapter tilts the FR warmer and bassier, turning it from warm-neutral into near basshead territory.
Sonically, this is bass-boosted neutral done right: sub-bass has real rumble, mid-bass hits with authority yet stays tight. The midrange is the star—rich and full without bloom, giving weight to male vocals while keeping female vocals smooth and clean; separation makes dense mixes effortless. Treble from the ESTs is airy and non-fatiguing, with “Goldilocks” sparkle that lets cymbals and harmonics pop without glare. Technical chops impress: fine detail retrieval, stable stereo separation, and a convincing 3D soundstage that places instruments with confidence—competitive with strong mid-fi performers and nibbling at the heels of pricier flagships.
In A/Bs, think of it as the “luxury performance” take on Kiwi Ears K4 (similar balance but smoother, more detailed, and punchier), richer and bassier than the Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci (which pushes vocals a bit more), and far more all-rounder than the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch (a true basshead set). The KZ EDC Pro echoes the general contour at a budget, but the Mega5-EST +Bass crushes it in refinement, texture, and resolution—as it should at $590. Value isn’t its calling card, but as a limited edition built on 2024’s crowd-favorite tuning—now with extra low-end fun and a killer accessory pack—this comfortably sits in the “this is brilliant” tier for anyone seeking a bass-tilted meta tuning that still nails mids, treble smoothness, and day-to-day listenability.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Aful’s Performer 5+2 upgrades the original hybrid with 2DD + 4BA + 1 micro-planar tweeter and lands around $240–$250. The unboxing is practical: three sets of silicone tips, a pocketable puck case, and a soft, nicely draping cable (available in 4.4 or 3.5), though the braid can look a bit loose and the pre-formed hooks run large. The resin shells shift between blue and green under different light; fit is medium-large, very stable, and comfortable once the right tips are found. Note the narrow nozzle without a retaining lip and partially exposed bores/filters—tip grip is key and a little care prevents ear-gunk ingress.
Tonally this leans mild V-shaped: a clean midrange with a confident bass boost, a touch of lower-treble presence for bite, and well-extended air up top. The result is more incisive and punchy than the original P5, with clearer on/off transients that aid separation and layering. Trade-offs show as a hint of gritty/plasticky treble texture on cymbals and brushes—not harsh, but less natural than ideal—while the bass stays tight and exciting.
Against Aful’s Explorer, this sounds brighter, more spacious, and more technical; Explorer plays warmer/denser with smoother treble but less openness. Versus the pricier Thieaudio Oracle MK3, tuning is broadly similar: Oracle is smoother and deeper with a softer attack, while the Performer 5+2 brings more snap and engagement for less money. As a modern mid-tier hybrid, it absolutely still has a place—energetic, spacious, and well-executed—earning a solid four stars.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass tweaks a proven formula with a flashier shell, a softer puck case in place of the Pelican box, and a thick-but-nice stock cable. The most eyebrow-raising extra is a 3.5→4.4 mm adapter that converts single-ended to balanced—an unusual direction that invites skepticism, even if the brand says it’s safe. Fit remains compact and comfortable with a medium nozzle and semi-custom contour; stock tips are serviceable, though shorter tips like SpinFit can improve seal for some. Aesthetically, the red-black motif reads a bit gaudy, but ergonomics and accessory quality are solid overall.
From ~300 Hz up the tuning mirrors the original Mega5-EST: a gently warm midrange, clean upper-mids, and neutral, well-behaved treble that avoids glare while keeping definition. The change is all down low: roughly a +5 dB bass boost that tilts upward from the lower mids rather than living purely in sub-bass. The result is hefty slam that doesn’t completely smear the picture, but it does shave away some micro-contrast and vocal texture; on bass-forward tracks the low end can turn a touch droning and distracting. Still, transient attack up top stays crisp, and the overall presentation remains coherent—just decidedly bass-first.
Versus the standard Mega5-EST, this edition trades nuance for weight; those who wanted “Mega5-EST, but more bass” get exactly that without wrecking the top end. Compared to a purpose-built warm set like the Symphonium Meteor, the Hisenior’s low end feels less integrated and less intentionally voiced, while Meteor’s treble has a bit of special sauce. Verdict: a 3/5—easy to enjoy and well-tuned above the bass shelf, but the extra low-end doesn’t feel necessary and slightly blunts what made the original so delicate and engaging.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelAful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Tim Tuned
6.5
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Jays Audio
6.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Performer 7 lands with a neutral-balanced, laid-back tuning and good treble reach. The presentation is clean and generally safe, though there’s a touch of sizzly “planar-ish” timbre up top. Technicals are solid for ~$200—slightly behind sets like Quintet and Super Mix 4, about on par with Nova. Bass from the dual 6 mm DDs is tight, controlled, and free of bleed, but lacks the slam and rumble of competitors using larger drivers; mids are well separated with decent layering.
The weak spot is vocal extension: a push around 1.5 kHz tries to bring them forward, but a dip through 3–6 kHz keeps them from opening up. Tamer upper-mids help avoid fatigue for rock/metal, yet the modest low-end impact leaves drums and basslines feeling uneventful. It’s a mid-volume set that doesn’t scale well—turning it up accentuates the 1.5 kHz emphasis and treble sizzle. Treble isn’t peaky, just a bit glassy at times; for K-pop the smoother mids can work if less extended vocals are acceptable.
As a value play, there are stronger options: Nova, Chopan, and Super Mix 4 offer better bang-for-buck; for a similar clean/neutral target, Tanchjim Origin sounds more natural with better bass texture and vocal reach, and DynaQuattro adds sub-bass and fuller vocals—none with the planar-ish timbre. Even AFUL’s own P5 is cheaper and more fun, while the Explorer undercuts the price and scales impressively. In today’s crowded market, P7 is a competent all-rounder but not distinctive enough to stand out.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 (more reviews)
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audionotions
2025-09-28
7
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Web Search
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.
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass (more reviews)
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
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:
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Basshead
Brand: Hisenior Top Hisenior IEMs
Price (Msrp): $599
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!
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass 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
7.7Gaming Grade
AHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass 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
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
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 reviewHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass 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 reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS