Aful Performer 5+2 VS MYER SL224
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and MYER SL224 use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD+2BA+4Micro-Planar driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while MYER SL224 costs $270. MYER SL224 is $41 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.4). Aful Performer 5+2 has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, MYER SL224 has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge, MYER SL224 has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge and MYER SL224 has better details with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | MYER SL224 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 8.2 |
| Mids | 8 | 7.5 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| Details | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 8.1 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.1 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
MYER SL224 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
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
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MYER SL224 reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-24
8.6
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMYER SL224 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-31
6.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Packaging overdelivers: a modular cable with 3.5/4.4/USB-C and an included dongle that gets loud enough, seven pairs of silicone tips plus foam, and a small zip case (nice but tight). The shell looks premium with a depth-effect faceplate and a metal nozzle (≈6.1 mm lip); fit is snug though potentially big for smaller ears. Build and accessories feel thoughtful at the price, with only a slightly rubbery cable texture to nitpick.
Tuning is a smooth, vocal-focused, meta-inspired balance: refined mids, a friendly yet detailed top end, and a clean, controlled low end. Bass quality is textured and separated but intentionally polite—not for hip-hop/EDM impact chasers. The midrange brings clear, natural tone without shout; both male and female vocals sit forward. The treble is the star: highly resolving, airy, and surprisingly non-fatiguing for the four micro-planars, avoiding metallic glare while adding tasteful sparkle.
Technically, separation and resolution impress, with a mild cohesiveness quirk where the treble detail outshines bass/mids. Versus peers: CK2V is more V-shaped and brighter-hot; SL224 sounds more natural. Moondrop Meteor offers smoother treble and mid timbre, but SL224’s bass quality and value punch back. Dunu Brain Dance is technically stronger; SL224 wins on tonality. SoftEars Studio 4 remains more lifelike/cohesive; SL224 brings more air and fun. AFUL Performer 7 is the better all-rounder; SL224 is for lighter-bass, vocal clarity. Kiwi Ears Astral is airier/more micro-detailed; SL224 plays it safer up top with more forward vocals. Recommendation: vocal lovers and treble-sensitive listeners wanting detail without sting. Not for bassheads or warm-tilted tastes. Final verdict: a confident 4/5 and the most compelling Myer release so far.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful 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
MYER SL224 reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-07-10
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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.
MYER SL224 reviewed by Web Search
2025-10-07
7.5
Reviewer Score
The MYER SLIIVO SL224 is an eight-driver hybrid built around 2DD+2BA+4 micro-planar units with a 36 Ω impedance and 108 dB sensitivity, positioned at an MSRP around $269.99 (often on sale near $230). This configuration, including 10 mm and 6 mm dynamic drivers, suggests an intent toward a clean, extended response rather than a bass-dominant tuning. Specs & pricing: 2DD+2BA+4 micro-planar, 10 mm + 6 mm DD, swappable 3.5/4.4/Type-C cable, sale price ~$229.49, regular $269.99.
Subjective reports converge on a balanced/neutral tonality with energetic yet controlled low end from the dual-DD array, lively mids, and an airy but not piercing treble. Mobileaudiophile characterizes bass as fast and powerful with engaging mids and treble, yielding a coherent, never-boring balance; this aligns with the SL224’s technical focus rather than coloration. Tonality & balance references: balanced tuning, lively mids, airy treble; bass praised for speed and control.
Technical impressions emphasize dynamics, detail retrieval, and cleanliness, with community notes calling out tight, quick mid-bass and respectable separation; limitations include occasional midrange forwardness that can mask other bands on some tracks and a stage that reads more precise than expansive. These traits point to strong value in the ~$230 bracket for listeners prioritizing clarity and midrange presence over sheer sub-bass weight. Community impressions & caveats: tight mid-bass, good dynamics; mids can get a bit forward depending on material.
Aful Performer 5+2 (more reviews)
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score 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
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audionotions
2025-09-28
8
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score 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 ChannelAful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
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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MYER SL224 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+4Micro-Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral
Price (Msrp): $269.99
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Aful Performer 5+2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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MYER SL224 User Review Score
Average User Scores
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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
AMYER SL224 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.3Gaming Grade
A-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.
MYER SL224 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 Performer 5+2 User Reviews
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