Aful Performer 5+2 VS Ziigaat Arcanis
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and Ziigaat Arcanis use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD+5BA driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while Ziigaat Arcanis costs $399. Ziigaat Arcanis is $170 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.5). Ziigaat Arcanis carries a user score of 8.5. Aful Performer 5+2 has better treble with a 0.6-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | Ziigaat Arcanis |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 7 |
| Details | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.6 | 8 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 8 |
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Ziigaat Arcanis Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.5Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
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
Buy Aful Performer 5+2 on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $213
Buy Aful Performer 5+2 on HiFiGO
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by Z-Reviews
7.2
* score normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis, priced at $379, immediately raises eyebrows with its cheap packaging and accessories. The included 3.5mm cable is deemed insufficient, especially for the low 12-ohm impedance, and the IEM shells themselves have an unfortunate mold-like appearance. The basic case and lack of balanced cable option feel mismatched for the price tag. Simply put, the unboxing experience and stock accessories scream budget, not near $400.
Getting great sound out of the Arcanis requires significant aftermarket investment. The stock cable must be swapped for a high-quality, low-impedance cable (like Effect Audio) and the stock tips replaced with Velvet tips to fix staging compression and treble issues. Pairing with a powerful, capable amplifier is also essential. Once these costly upgrades are made, the 2DD + 5BA configuration truly shines, delivering excellent clarity, a unique "gooey" texture, and surprisingly good detail retrieval. However, the soundstage is notably intimate, with everything happening "behind the eyeballs", lacking the width found in competitors.
Ultimately, the Arcanis offers genuinely excellent sound quality that justifies a $400 tag – but only after spending significantly more on cables, tips, and amplification. The stock experience feels like a $300 product hampered by the included accessories and questionable shell design. It's a frustratingly high-maintenance IEM; you absolutely can achieve top-tier performance, but the effort and extra cost required make the overall value proposition hard to swallow at full price.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Buy Ziigaat Arcanis on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $399
Buy Ziigaat Arcanis on Linsoul
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
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by Jaytiss
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis, priced at $400 as the brand's most expensive standalone IEM, presents a mixed bag outside of its core sound. Build quality is decent but unremarkable, featuring comfortable shells with a well-fitting nozzle, though the aesthetic is described as slightly "weird." The included cable feels distinctly mid-tier and underwhelming for the price, while the case shows noticeable fraying almost immediately, contributing to an absolutely horrific unboxing experience deemed unacceptable at this cost.
Sonically, the Arcanis is a deeply divisive set with an extremely dark tilt and a significant dip around 6kHz. Initial impressions can be harsh or disappointing, but extended listening reveals its strengths: pure, clean sound free of sibilance or harshness, quality bass, clean highs, and beautiful vocals. This unique tuning philosophy creates a smooth, sophisticated, and non-fatiguing presentation. While the $230 Odyssey is praised as a fantastic value and the second-best in Ziigaat's lineup, the Arcanis is considered sonically superior, offering a more refined experience – albeit only marginally better for some. It competes favorably against sets like the Mega5EST and Dunu DaVinci, and surprisingly challenges far pricier offerings like the $1,800 Apostle in tonal beauty, though the Apostle has more "show." The $320 Volume S is a close competitor with a different, brighter tonality, making the Arcanis's value proposition relative.
Ultimately, the Arcanis shines as a beautifully dark, serious, and smooth IEM that excels at high volumes without becoming offensive. It delivers great detail without fatigue, standing out in a market saturated with energetic tunings. Despite the subpar accessories and unboxing befitting a much cheaper product, its unique and effective sound signature makes it a highly recommended pick under $400 for those seeking a refined, non-sibilant listen, though the Odyssey remains the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audionotions
2025-09-28
8
Reviewer Score
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
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 ChannelZiigaat Arcanis reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis offers a warm, somewhat thick sound signature with a noticeable bass boost and a lean lower midrange. This is balanced by a relaxed upper midrange and lower treble, contributing to its overall smooth character. While it provides decent extension, the Arcanis can occasionally present vocals with a slightly wet or near-sibilant edge, especially depending on ear tip choice and fit depth. Its transient response is sharper than the Yanyin Canon Pro, giving it better definition and crisper imaging, though the bass physicality is only middling.
Physically, the Arcanis features lightweight plastic shells with a distinctive dark black and green aesthetic. However, the build quality feels somewhat cheap for the $400 price point, especially paired with the included thin, glossy cable. The shells are notably long, leading to a fit that can feel deep and occasionally aggressive in the ear canal, exacerbated by the stock ear tips. Users may experience noticeable driver flex or squish when inserting them. Comfort is generally acceptable for upright listening but becomes problematic when lying on your side.
Ultimately, the Arcanis earns a three-star rating. While it delivers a generally inoffensive, warm sound with decent technicalities like transient bite and imaging, it lacks standout qualities or strong definition at its price. The physical experience, particularly the fit and perceived build quality, further holds it back from being a compelling recommendation. It ends up feeling like a competent but unremarkable offering in its tier.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review 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
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by Jays Audio
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis positions itself as a potential new vocal benchmark under $500, offering a clean yet full sound signature. A slight boost from 6 to 15kHz makes the upper mids and early treble pop out, adding extra dynamics without becoming sharp or fatiguing. Essentially, the Arcanis is a smoother, more resolving, and more spacious evolution of the original Mangird TEs, retaining their essence but with greater refinement. Vocals, the main attraction, are exceptionally clear, natural, resolving, and open, featuring the "special sauce" – a distinct bite to consonants that enhances dynamics and emotional impact. This is achieved through a careful balance: a cut at 3-6k reduces sharpness and fatigue, while a gradual rise from 800Hz to 2kHz pushes vocals slightly forward for clarity, and the 6-15k boost provides essential extension and openness.
Technical performance is impressive, with a notably open stage, pinpoint imaging, and excellent micro-details, making it great for gaming, OSTs, and classical. The bass is quick, well-textured, resolving, and controlled, offering good slam without bleeding. However, it lacks the deep sub-bass extension for genres like hip-hop or EDM, where sets like the Estrella or Dusk outperform. Scaling is crucial: busy pop or EDM tracks sound best at mid-volumes (around 60-65 dB) to prevent the treble bite from becoming overwhelming, while slower ballads and acoustics truly shine and open up at higher volumes (around 80 dB+), revealing micro-nuances and emotional depth.
Comparisons highlight the Arcanis's strengths. It's more technical and spacious than the Volume S (warmer, better for male vocals) and Studio 4 (fuller, more neutral), offering superior treble air and detail. It outpaces the RS5 in technicalities and value, though the RS5 has fuller male vocals. Against the Oracle MK1, the Arcanis boasts better treble extension, micro-details, dynamics, and that crucial vocal bite. While bright-neutral sets like the Dusk or Meta have more bass and treble emphasis, the Arcanis feels more natural and musical, especially in vocals and bass texture. Compared to Ziigaat's own Odyssey, the Arcanis is cleaner, more technical, more vocal-focused, and airier, while the Odyssey is bassier, darker, and scales better for hip-hop/rock. Despite its strengths, the accessories and cable feel unacceptably basic for the $400 price point. Ultimately, the Arcanis is highly recommended for higher-volume listening on vocal-focused tracks, but other options might be better all-rounders for mid-volume pop or bass-heavy genres.
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.
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The Ziigaat Arcanis offers a bright-neutral sound profile, leaning heavily on technical prowess over bass impact. Its dual dynamic drivers in an isobaric configuration deliver tight, textured sub-bass rumble but lack mid-bass slam, making them better suited for analytical listening than bass-heavy genres. Vocals and midrange instruments shine with exceptional clarity and natural timbre, though an upper-mid lift can induce fatigue on sibilant tracks or at higher volumes.
Technical performance is the Arcanis’ standout trait, with pinpoint imaging and a holographic soundstage that excels in gaming and complex orchestral pieces. However, its treble polarizes listeners: some praise its airy extension, while others find it harsh with metallic tinge. Comfort is excellent for long sessions, but driver flex during fit adjustments and sparse accessories (basic cable, minimal tips) undermine its $399 positioning.
Aful Performer 5+2 (more reviews)
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Ziigaat Arcanis (more reviews)
Ziigaat Arcanis reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
7*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ziigaat Arcanis and Lush IEMs offer distinct flavors at their price points, both featuring resin builds with eye-catching faceplates—sparkly green for the Arcanis and silver-black for the Lush. Fit is familiar to other Ziigaat models, and accessories include a basic cable, ear tips, and carrying pouch. Sonically, the Arcanis delivers a holographic, punchy presentation with emphasized sub-bass and upper mids, making footsteps, slides, and distant gunfire pop with urgency. The Lush leans darker and smoother, relaxing upper mids to tame gunfire harshness while maintaining clean bass and excellent separation.
For gaming, performance varies by title. In Valorant and CS2, the Lush shines with precise imaging and a smoother, fatigue-free experience—gunfire feels controlled without sacrificing detail. The Arcanis excels in COD, where its aggressive tuning highlights critical cues like footsteps and slides with greater potency. However, in Apex Legends, the Lush’s relaxed profile struggles with subtle audio cues (e.g., light taps or shield cells), earning a B rating. The Arcanis fares better (B+) with superior depth reads and emphasis on environmental sounds, though complex fights can overwhelm its separation compared to top-tier sets like the Mangird Tea Pro.
Ultimately, the Arcanis is a versatile all-rounder, slightly favored for both music and most gaming scenarios. The Lush carves a niche for smooth, non-fatiguing sessions in Valorant/CS2, filling a unique spot in Ziigaat’s lineup. Both IEMs offer exceptional resolution and layering for their prices, but the choice hinges on preference: the Arcanis for its energetic clarity, or the Lush for its refined, relaxed signature.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
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:
Ziigaat Arcanis Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $399
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!
Ziigaat Arcanis User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.5Excellent
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
AZiigaat Arcanis Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.4Gaming 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.
Ziigaat Arcanis 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+- Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.
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 reviewZiigaat Arcanis User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA refined smooth-neutral IEM offering exceptional vocal transparency and fatigue-free listening, though let down by underwhelming accessories
Pros
Natural midrange with excellent vocal clarity, smooth non-fatiguing treble extension, and tight technical bass with good textureCons
Subpar accessories including basic cable and minimal ear tips, noticeable driver flex when adjusting fit, lacks balanced cable optionFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS