Aful Performer 5+2 VS Kiwi Ears Aether
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and Kiwi Ears Aether are in-ear monitors. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while Kiwi Ears Aether costs $170. Aful Performer 5+2 is $59 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 6.8). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Kiwi Ears Aether has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.6-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | Kiwi Ears Aether |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 6.8 |
| Mids | 8 | 6 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 8 |
| Details | 7.6 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 6.8 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears Aether 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:
Kiwi Ears Aether Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $170
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!
Kiwi Ears Aether 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
AKiwi Ears Aether 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 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.
Kiwi Ears Aether 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
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
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.
Kiwi Ears Aether Reviews
7.9
Reviewer Score
Not for bassheads, but one of the best planars I've ever heard. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
Clean, balanced, with slight air boost in the treble. Bass sounds like a DD with great texture. Cheaper better tuned P5+2. Not as smooth as Timeless 2 with more dynamic contrast with a slight sizzle from the treble boost. Good value for a planar. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
6.8
* score normalized
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
6.5
Reviewer Score
One of the best planar IEMs out there. The treble is smoother and easier on the ears than most planars. Balanced sound with clean bass, smooth mids, and detailed treble. Great clarity, wide soundstage, and natural timbre for a planar. Bass might be a bit light, and treble can be a little forward for some.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
6.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
6*
* score normalized
A little bit spicy in the treble (like the other planars). Relaxed upper mid-range. Warmer tuning than S12. It's a decent IEMSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review 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 reviewKiwi Ears Aether 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