DUNU x KOTO ITO VS Aful Performer 5+2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
DUNU x KOTO ITO and Aful Performer 5+2 use 2DD+2BA and 2DD+4BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. DUNU x KOTO ITO costs $199 while Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229. Aful Performer 5+2 is $30 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.7). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 1.9-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has slightly better details with a 0.4-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | DUNU x KOTO ITO | Aful Performer 5+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.1 | 8 |
| Mids | 6.1 | 8 |
| Treble | 6.2 | 7.6 |
| Details | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Tonality | 7.1 | 7.6 |
| Technicalities | 6.2 | 7.5 |
DUNU x KOTO ITO Aggregated Review Score
DUNU x KOTO ITO Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Aful Performer 5+2 Average Reviewer Scores
DUNU x KOTO ITO Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Strong V
Price (Msrp): $199
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Aful Performer 5+2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Price (Msrp): $229
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DUNU x KOTO ITO User Review Score
DUNU x KOTO ITO Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Aful Performer 5+2 User Review Score
Aful Performer 5+2 Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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DUNU x KOTO ITO Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.4Gaming Grade
C+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
ADUNU x KOTO ITO 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 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.
DUNU x KOTO ITO Reviews
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by: Jaytiss
2025-09-11
7.4
Reviewer Score
It's a fun tuning that I think people will like. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Build & accessories land in a solid spot for the price: comfortable shells with secure nozzles, clear L/R marks, and a supple modular cable that swaps between 4.4mm and 3.5mm (no USB-C in-box). The hard case is nicely made and pocketable, and the whole package feels durable if not premium. Nothing glaring in QC—just a clean, practical presentation.
Sonically, this is a bold V-shape—huge sub-bass punch with elevated upper mids to keep things lively. The bass can turn boomy/pillowy on some tracks, and a scoop around 300–800 Hz can leave female vocals a touch recessed; treble is clean and controlled, a little dark up top with limited sparkle. Technicalities are decent rather than class-leading—separation and air trail sets like Punch Audio Martillo or Crescent, while tuning kinships show up against DUNU Glacier and even Grand Maestro-style balances. Compared to value darlings (e.g., Truth Ear Pure, Jazzer Defiant), ITO feels more audiophile-flavored fun than an all-rounder.
In DUNU’s lineup it reads as a unique basshead option: very engaging slam, thick note weight, and non-fatiguing treble, but only average mids/technicalities. Think hip-hop/EDM-friendly impact over neutral precision. Verdict: around 3–3.5 stars—competitive at $200 for those chasing thump and excitement; listeners wanting neutrality, vocal presence, or extra air may prefer other picks or a “tactful V” with less bass and less upper-mid bite.
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by: Z-Reviews
2025-09-07
6.8
* score normalized
Dunu’s collab with Japanese creator Kaji Kaji lands as the ITO, tuned nothing like the stereotype of “treble ’til you die.” The presentation leans smooth, warm, and open, with a notably wide soundstage that flatters jazz and intimate acoustic sets—think late-night, bourbon-and-smoky-room mood without the glare. It’s built for relaxed musicality rather than forensic detail extraction.
Low end carries a thick, satisfying sub-bass that stays tasteful—present when the track calls for it, not a constant spotlight. The ITO plays “fun first”: big space, plush tone, and enough detail to keep things engaging, landing beside a “T Pro”-type set but with the clinical edges dialed back to emphasize bass and stage. In short, a “perfect fun IEM” vibe that prefers groove and atmosphere over microscope listening.
Ergonomically the shells are a bit thick, but build and accessories impress: a quality Dunu cable with interchangeable plugs, a case, and a spread of tips (including Dunu SS). The hybrid 2DD+2BA setup (ultra-low DD + low/mid DD, mid BA, ultra-high BA) at around 37 Ω runs well from modest sources and scales nicely; pricing circles the $200 mark, making it an easy recommendation for listeners who want warm, expansive, and genuinely musical tuning without chasing every last micro-detail.
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-09-07
7.6
Reviewer Score
DUNU x KOTO ITO is a $199.99 hybrid IEM built with Japanese reviewer Kaji Kaji (“Koto”). It uses a 2DD+2BA array (10 mm bio-diaphragm DD + 8 mm LCP DD, plus two treble BAs), comes with DUNU’s Q-Lock quick-swap plugs, and lists 105 dB sensitivity at 37 Ω with shells at ~6.5 g each.
Tonally, ITO aims for a U-shaped, bass-tilted balance: sub/mid-bass punch is elevated, mids sit slightly back but avoid haze, and treble is smooth with workable extension rather than bite. Early community impressions frame it as energetic and a touch V-leaning versus DUNU’s more neutral sets, which tracks with the collab’s “full-bodied” intent.
Technicalities are competent for the class: dynamics and imaging keep up with busy mixes, while soundstage and microdetail are closer to average among sub-$200 hybrids; driveability is friendly given 105 dB/37 Ω. As a package—tuning, accessories, and fit—it offers good value for listeners wanting engaging bass without sharp treble, though those chasing expansive stage or strict neutrality may prefer other options.
Aful Performer 5+2 Reviews
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Z-Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
My kind of neutral, improves a lot on my favorites. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Super* Review
8*
* score normalized
Overall it is sounding more visceral and incisive than the Performer 5.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
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
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
check links for more info: Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Jays Audio
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
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: 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.
DUNU x KOTO ITO User Reviews
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