Aful Performer 5+2 VS Kiwi Ears KE4
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and Kiwi Ears KE4 use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while Kiwi Ears KE4 costs $199. Aful Performer 5+2 is $30 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 6.9). Kiwi Ears KE4 carries a user score of 6.5. Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.6-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | Kiwi Ears KE4 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7 |
| Mids | 8 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 6.7 |
| Details | 7.6 | 6.9 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 6.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7.1 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 6.8 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears KE4 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
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Kiwi Ears KE4 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Jm1
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $199
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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 KE4 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
6.5Cautiously Favorable
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 KE4 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BAful 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 KE4 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
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.
Kiwi Ears KE4 Reviews
8*
* score normalized
New Meta tuned IEM. This gives you a bass boost and it's not the best bass. If you want the Hexa + Bass this is what you want.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
It's boring. So boring, like mega boring to the max. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
7.1
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
Just get Odyssey it's better. Warm/bassy with solid vocal and treble extension (not buried) that scales really well with good treble air to not sound too intimate. Has a fuller noteweight with one of the best low-ends under $200. Recommended to be listened at higher volumes. A mid-volume version of the Explorer, bassier, and more open. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
Almost dead neutral tuning in the best of ways Lacks excitement, bass is alright Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
6
* score normalized
6
Reviewer Score
Solid reference. Great Meta tuning. Could use more detail, not very engaging.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
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 KE4 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewSolid pick for the price, if you're after a warm neutral sound.