Aful Cantor VS Eminent Ears Emarald
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Cantor and Eminent Ears Emarald use 14BA and 1DD+2BA+1BC driver setups respectively. Aful Cantor costs $800 while Eminent Ears Emarald costs $829. Eminent Ears Emarald is $29 more expensive. Eminent Ears Emarald holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.8 vs 8). Aful Cantor carries a user score of 8.5. Eminent Ears Emarald has better bass with a 0.6-point edge, Eminent Ears Emarald has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Cantor has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Eminent Ears Emarald has slightly better dynamics with a 0.4-point edge, Aful Cantor has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Aful Cantor has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge and Aful Cantor has significantly better imaging with a 1.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Cantor | Eminent Ears Emarald |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.7 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 8.6 | 7.6 |
| Details | 8.9 | 7.8 |
| Soundstage | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| Imaging | 8.9 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 7.8 |
Aful Cantor Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Eminent Ears Emarald Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Aful Cantor (more reviews)
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Cantor comes across as a true flagship, with a large but well sculpted shell, long nozzles and stock blue tips that reward a deep, secure fit when installed as recommended. Despite the size, the angles and shapes are dialed in so the result can be surprisingly comfortable, while the build and finish are stunning, whether in the Star KN edition or the iridescent blue version. The matching nylon sleeved cable, chrome hardware and roomy, well made case make the whole package feel like a very polished high end IEM.
On the tuning side, Cantor follows the familiar AFUL U shaped approach with a sub bass focused low end, slightly relaxed upper mids and energetic but refined treble. The bass has more rumble and depth than punch, with very impressive BA bass dynamics, a clean transition into the mids and essentially zero bleed, giving plenty of detail and texture without bloat. The midrange stays natural and resolving with vocals and instruments held clearly in the center, though some listeners may wish for a touch more low mid warmth and weight on certain male vocals, while female vocals pick up a slightly more magical spotlight.
For top end and technical performance the Cantor steps firmly into kilobuck territory. The treble carries real energy yet keeps an uncommon mix of smoothness, refinement and natural timbre, delivering strong detail, micro nuance, extension, air and shimmer without sounding sharp when the fit is correct. Soundstage width, imaging, separation and depth are all excellent for the price, and in direct comparisons it edges out several other favorites around 500 to 800 dollars in sheer detail. Taken together with the tuning, design and overall execution, this feels like an underpriced sub 1000 dollar benchmark that raises the bar and becomes the IEM to beat under 1000 dollars for anyone who values clean sub bass, resolving mids and energetic yet controlled treble.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
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Aful Cantor reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
This is AFUL’s flagship science project: the Cantor packs 14 BAs per side (28 total) and a heap of buzzword tech—Dual-Channel Acoustic Maze for sub-bass, non-destructive direct-drive topology, and multi-dimensional crossover trickery that reads like Star Trek schematics. The housing even extends a stainless-steel nozzle to the tip’s end to bypass tip coloration—smart for consistency, dicey for ears with wide-bore silicones. Stick to the stock silicones or better yet foams to calm treble and avoid any scrape-risk.
Sonically it’s a hyper-resolving analyzer: every band is so present that volume tends to go down, not up, and mediocre recordings get roasted on the spot. Imaging is precise but a bit less cohesive than simpler sets; stage stays as the track dictates, while separation feels like a mixing desk with 14 faders. The sub-bass dives shockingly deep for an all-BA—think whisper-low “whoomp”—yet it isn’t a bass-monster; overall balance leans revealing rather than lush.
Pairing matters: clinical amps make it razor-edged, while warmer sources (R2R, iFi, RME-ish) and foam tips smooth it into addictive detail. At $800 it isn’t the one IEM to rule them all; it’s the specialist tool for listeners who want to dissect space, mic technique, and mix decisions—more control room than mosh pit. Cable and case are solid (4.4 mm balanced), and a tuning switch would have been nice, but for the right kind of nerd this thing lets you become the squig.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Cantor delivers a balanced and neutral sound signature, praised for its exceptional upper air, treble extension, and pristine clarity. While the bass offers sufficient dynamics without being thunderous, and female vocals sound natural, some listeners might desire a touch more punch in the upper mids (around 2-3kHz) and find a slight peak in the 4-6kHz region occasionally noticeable. The premium build quality stands out, featuring a unique and stunning "star night" face plate, a thick but comfortable shell with a slender nozzle, and excellent accessories. These include a slightly microphonic but otherwise nice-looking flat two-pin cable and an exceptionally plush case typically found on far more expensive IEMs.
Graph comparisons reveal the Cantor's tuning shares similarities with models like the Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk and the AFUL Explorer, but it distinguishes itself with superior detail retrieval and dynamics. It competes impressively against significantly pricier offerings like the Elysian Annihilator in technical performance, offering a smoother presentation with slightly less sub-bass focus. The overall sonic presentation is described as sophisticated, refined, and highly engaging, creating a sense of music surrounding the listener. Minor tuning preferences aside – wishing for a bit more upper mid presence and slightly less energy around 4-6kHz and 8kHz – the core sound quality is highly regarded.
Representing strong sonic value despite its price point, the Cantor earns a high ranking for its unique and beautiful design, premium feel, and exceptional technical performance. While acknowledging excellent cheaper options like the AFUL Explorer exist, the Cantor justifies its cost with its detailed, airy presentation and overall package. It's highly recommended for those seeking a neutral, high-performing IEM, though a demo is advised given the investment. Ultimately, the AFUL Cantor is considered a treasure, fulfilling over a year of anticipation with its beautiful aesthetics and uniquely engaging sound.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Kois Archive
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
AFUL Cantor is a 14-BA, ~$800 set that looks premium and shows off its acoustic maze tubing through a semi-transparent shell, with faceplates in Star Knight or Marine Echo. The fit can be tricky: a long metal nozzle wants a deep insertion, and short tips won’t seal; longer tips like SoftEars Ultra Clear or Dunu S&S keep the nozzle covered and the tonality stable. The stock nylon cable feels nice but is very microphonic, making a swap advisable. Measurement quirks from shallow insertion are misleading—proper deep fit removes the apparent treble spike and reflects what’s actually heard.
Tuning follows the AFUL house sound: a mild U-shape, fairly neutral with a brightish tilt. The maze tech gives BA bass surprising decay and texture, with neutral mid-bass and a touch more sub-bass focus—close to a DD feel, if not identical. Mids sit clean; female vocals sound natural and sweetened by the steady rise through the upper-mids, while a gentle ~300 Hz dip makes male vocals and lower-octave instruments a bit lean. Treble is smooth yet energetic, with standout extension (impressively achieved without ESTs); it hovers near the upper tolerance for brightness but remains controlled with the right tips.
Technical performance is where Cantor shines: top-tier resolution, precise imaging, and a notably wide soundstage—great for detail retrieval and gaming, where positional cues pop (think footstep clarity in FPS titles). Versus Performer 7, Cantor trades P7’s fuller low-mids and better male vocals for cleaner female vocals and a more even treble. Against 64 Audio U12t, Cantor’s bass quality impresses, its mids differ (U12t’s 3 kHz dip adds sweetness but can feel odd), and Cantor’s treble sounds smoother; both resolve at a very high level, with Cantor edging imaging and stage width. Overall: an excellent but not universal pick—cable microphonics, deep-fit demands, and slightly thin lower mids mean careful matching to preferences. For detail lovers with female-vocal libraries who tolerate a brighter treble, it earns a one-star recommendation; others may prefer alternatives in this bracket.
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.3
Reviewer Score
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Aful Cantor reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Cantor reviewed by Paul Wasabii
7
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
AFUL Cantor presents as a premium 14 balanced armature set with solid build quality and a distinctive elongated nozzle, but that nozzle makes fit unusually finicky for an 800 dollar IEM. Finding the midpoint between shallow and deep insertion is critical, as too shallow makes the treble peaky while too deep collapses the stage and dulls extension. The whole experience of tip selection and insertion feels overly complicated at this price, with questionable payoff for the effort.
The tuning follows a very U shaped profile where sub bass and upper treble act as the tent poles and the entire midrange sits relatively flat and lean. Bass is tight and textured but heavily sub bass focused, with very little mid bass weight, leading to a clean yet somewhat sterile presentation that leaves lower mids thin and lacking body. Mids themselves are clean and reasonably natural thanks to a restrained ear gain region, but the combination of reduced mid bass and elevated upper treble pushes the overall balance toward a cool, unengaging character rather than a rich, everyday listen.
Where Cantor excels is in technical performance: resolution, micro detail and treble clarity are strong, and the BA timbre is impressively well controlled, giving the set a crisp, analytical edge. However, the reliance on upper treble energy to restore presence can become fatiguing on bright material, and the otherwise good stage is highly dependent on nailing the exact fit, making the presentation inconsistent from listener to listener. Taken together, Cantor feels more like a high priced specialist tool for those who prioritize technicalities over warmth and musicality than a balanced, broadly appealing flagship all rounder.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Aful Cantor presents a complex and frustrating case, offering what might be some of the most detailed and resolving performance under $1,000. The clarity, separation, and sheer resolution are described as "pretty nuts," positioning the Cantor as a potential benchmark for technical ability. It delivers a clean, smooth, light, and airy sound signature with a bass that is very fast, lean, and features a tight sub-bass rumble. At lower volumes, this presentation is highly enjoyable and non-fatiguing, making it exceptionally good for critical, quiet listening sessions where its technical prowess can shine without drawback.
However, this technical marvel comes with a significant and unusual caveat: it is physically fatiguing to the point of causing headaches and a ringing sensation in the temples after only 15-30 minutes of listening at moderate volumes (around 70-80 dB). This is not a fit or nozzle issue, but rather an inherent property of the IEM itself. The problem manifests as a shrill and overly intense quality in the treble at higher volumes, accompanied by a metallic timbre on tracks with lots of cymbals, making it unsuitable for energetic genres like K-pop, J-pop, or EDM. This shrillness is not fully solved by EQ and is believed to be related to the driver design, nozzle, or venting rather than just the tuning.
When compared to peers, the Cantor is more resolving than the warmer, fuller, and smoother Letshuoer Supernova but falls short of its natural timbre. It also can't match the Monarch MK3 as an all-rounder, which offers a more impactful bass, better vocals, and a smoother, more engaging experience. The Cantor's vocals are also a weak point, being recessed, light, and borderline thin. The final recommendation is to definitely demo these first; they are only easy to recommend for those who listen at very low volumes (under 60 dB) and are not sensitive to treble intensity, as its scaling at normal listening levels is poor.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Audio Amigo
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
AFUL’s $800 flagship pushes hard on engineering: 14 balanced armatures, a five-way network, 3D-printed shells, and the brand’s acoustic maze that coaxes unusually textured, dynamic-driver-like bass out of an all-BA setup. Packaging is “classic AFUL”—nice case, multiple tip sets, cleaning brush—but light for the price, and the cloth-sheathed cable, while beautifully machined and very low resistance, is highly microphonic. The big talking point is the metal nozzle extension: tips must be pushed down to the rim for a deep fit, which optimizes tonality and treble smoothness. Comfort varies wildly by ear; some report irritation, and the long nozzle feels fragile if dropped.
Sonically, this is AFUL’s house sound elevated: a slightly warm-neutral balance with clean, meaty lows, natural mids, and an upper-mid/treble that sits right on the edge—silky and detailed with a deep fit, but bright and fatiguing if worn shallow or with the wrong tips. It is extremely revealing of mastering quality, rewarding good recordings with elite microdetail, imaging, and a huge, tall stage that can hang with far pricier sets. A mild impedance adapter (or higher-Z source) can warm the tone and shave some air, though at a small cost to sparkle and openness.
Against AFUL’s own lineup, the closest kin is the Performer 7: similar flavor, less resolution and scale, but a far better value. Cantor is the brand’s “thesis statement”—the most complete execution of its tuning—with true summit-fi technicals at a mid-summit price. Still, it carries caveats: fit sensitivity, that microphonic cable, and accessory stinginess. Recommended only if the budget is comfortable, a deep, stable fit is achievable and comfortable for long sessions, and AFUL’s warm-neutral house sound already hits the spot; for everyone else, the P7 or Explorer make safer picks.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Aful Cantor reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Cantor lands as a flagship all-BA set with 14 balanced armatures at $800, packaged with a great-handling nylon cable and a handsome shell. The catch is fit: a very long nozzle with a metal insert demands a deep insertion, and comfort varies widely; AFUL’s stock tips are essentially required to keep that nozzle from poking and to restore some flex. Build and presentation impress, but the ear-fit can be fussy and the shells tend to stick out.
Tuning trends U-shaped: a lower-mid dip into a hefty sub-bass boost, relaxed upper mids, and noticeable upper-treble energy. When seated correctly, the set delivers crisp transients with a touch of “planar-like” pluck, good imaging, and clean BA bass that favors electronic thump over kick-drum slam; with the wrong tip or depth it swings to brittle/bright or muted. The midrange can read a bit thin, so the contrast comes more from bass/treble edges than from vocal saturation.
Compared with Symphonium Helios, both are all-BA and graph-adjacent, but Helios leans vocal-forward and smooth while Cantor is the more contrasty, fun listen that trades mid presence for excitement. Net: technically capable and competitive when dialed in, yet compromised by comfort and tip dependence. Final verdict: 3/5 stars—a better match for listeners with deep pockets and deep ears.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelAful Cantor reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.3
* score rescaled + normalized
Eminent Ears Emarald (more reviews)
Eminent Ears Emarald reviewed by Joyce's Review
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Eminent Ears Emerald delivers a bone conduction implementation that prioritizes control and balance over sheer bass quantity, with a sub bass focused shelf that feels deep and satisfying yet avoids mid bass bloat or muddiness. Bass notes hit tight and punchy with fast decay and excellent elasticity, contributing to a relatively wide soundstage and clean separation from the midrange, while the overall tonality remains more even handed than the typical bass head bone conduction tuning. The lower mids are slightly attenuated, but an upper mid emphasis around the vocal region keeps singers upfront and intimate without sounding shouty, creating a vocal centered yet balanced presentation that works across many genres.
The midrange is a clear highlight, offering polished and slightly bright but natural vocals that have full body, strong verticality, and a three dimensional feel, avoiding any sense of hollowness. Instruments in the midrange are rendered with clean layering, a touch of creaminess to strings, and convincing timbral richness, allowing them to blend coherently while still maintaining realistic separation. Treble has been refined compared with earlier prototypes, now sounding smooth, transparent, and articulate with respectable extension and an airy character that keeps sibilance in check while still adding sparkle and openness to the stage.
Technically, Emerald offers solid resolution, a relatively wide stage, and clear separation, though ultra fine spatial detail and ultimate air still favor the more expensive Audio Origin comparison partner. Compared with that more V shaped, bass heavier set, Emerald comes across as more balanced, vocal focused, and genre flexible, making it an appealing gateway into bone conduction for listeners who usually prefer neutral leaning tunings but want to sample this driver technology. At around 600 USD, the combination of controlled low end, natural and detailed vocals, and well integrated treble justifies a solid 8 out of 10 rating within its price class, especially for listeners who prioritize vocal clarity and balance over sheer slam.
Joyce's Review original ranking
Joyce's Review Youtube ChannelEminent Ears Emarald reviewed by Web Search
7.9
Reviewer Score
The Eminent Ears Emerald is positioned as the most accessible model in the brand’s Gemstone series, designed by a small Hong Kong team of enthusiasts as a more attainable entry into their line-up. It uses a tribrid configuration with 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures and 1 bone conduction driver, an 8Ω impedance and 106 dB/mW sensitivity, making it relatively easy to drive from portable sources. The semi-transparent shells, deep-fit ergonomics and stock Vortex copper-silver cable with 4.4 mm termination are aimed at long-term comfort and stable contact for the bone-conduction element.
Sonically, Emerald follows a neutral-with-bass-boost approach: bass is deep and weighty, with the bone conduction driver adding tactile presence that enhances immersion in live recordings and rhythm-heavy material. Despite the emphasis on low frequencies, the midrange remains forward and clear, giving vocals a slightly bright, energetic presentation that suits pop and vocal-centric music. Treble is tuned on the smoother side: extension and air are adequate rather than spectacular, prioritising fatigue-free listening over maximum sparkle and micro-detail.
Technical performance is solid for its segment: soundstage has above-average width with convincing center focus, and imaging is precise enough to separate instruments and backing vocals, though ultimate resolution and treble refinement lag behind top-tier tribrids at higher prices. At an asking price around the mid-to-upper hundreds, Emerald offers a comfort-focused, warm and engaging tuning with competent technicalities rather than chasing absolute resolution, making it a good fit for listeners who value bass impact and vocal presence over analytical treble detail. In value terms it sits as a well-executed, musically oriented option in the higher price bracket, but not a price-to-performance outlier when compared with more aggressive competitors around and below the same budget.
Aful Cantor Details
Driver Configuration: 14BA
Tuning Type: Vocal-focused
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $800
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Eminent Ears Emarald Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Price (Msrp): $829
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Aful Cantor User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
8.5Excellent
Eminent Ears Emarald 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 Cantor Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.2Gaming Grade
A+Eminent Ears Emarald Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Aful Cantor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
S- It resolves with authority, pairing lightning-fast transients with holographic staging. Ambient cues wrap around with ease.
Eminent Ears Emarald Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Aful Cantor User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewWell-rounded flagship IEM with refined tuning and tech for the money.
Pros
Exceptional clarity and tonal balance that punches above its price bracket.Cons
Requires precise tip fit for best performance and subtle treble can be fatiguing at high volumes.Excellent overall clarity and imaging, though fit demands can be a deal-breaker
Pros
Tonally balanced signature with superb detail retrievalCons
Requires deep insertion and has a large shell that may challenge fit for someEminent Ears Emarald User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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