Heartfield CU8 and Aful Performer 5+2 use 4BA and 2DD+4BA+1PLA driver setups respectively. Heartfield CU8 costs $279 while Aful Performer 5+2 costs $239. Heartfield CU8 is $40 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (6.7 vs 7.7). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Heartfield CU8 | Aful Performer 5+2 |
---|---|---|
Bass | 6.7 | 8 |
Mids | 5 | 8 |
Treble | 6 | 7.5 |
Soundstage | 6 | 8 |
Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
Gaming capabilities | 6.7 | 7.4 |
Heartfield CU8 Aggregated Review Score
Heartfield CU8 Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Aful Performer 5+2 Average Reviewer Scores
Heartfield CU8 Details
Driver Configuration: 4BA
Tuning Type: harman
Price (Msrp): $279
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Aful Performer 5+2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1PLA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Price (Msrp): $239
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Heartfield CU8 User Review Score
Heartfield CU8 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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Heartfield CU8 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+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
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Heartfield CU8 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
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.
Heartfield CU8 Reviews
Heartfield CU8 reviewed by: Jays Audio
2025-07-16Warmer Harman 2019 with less shouty vocals. Bassy all-rounder with decent tech. Build and plate design is very pretty... but price is a bit high and not that competitive - wait for sale unless you really dig the look. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Heartfield CU8 reviewed by: Jaytiss
2025-07-10It's fine, but is fine worth your purchase? Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Heartfield CU8 reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-08-30
The Heartfield CU8 delivers a neutral sound that closely follows the Harman target curve, providing a balanced and accurate listening experience suitable for both critical monitoring and musical enjoyment. Its bass response is tight and textured, with a slight mid-bass bump that adds a touch of warmth without bleeding into the mids, while the treble remains smooth and free of sibilance.
Build quality is a standout, featuring a hand-finished brass chamber that feels premium but contributes to a heavier design, which might affect fit for some users during extended wear. The included cable is thin relative to the IEM's weight, though the deep recessed 2-pin connectors ensure a secure connection.
Overall, the CU8 excels with a natural timbre and cohesive presentation, making it a strong choice for those seeking an analytical yet engaging signature across genres, though its weight and sparse accessories are minor drawbacks. The PUR vibration control system effectively enhances dynamics, allowing its four balanced armatures to perform with the impact of more complex driver setups.
Aful Performer 5+2 Reviews
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Z-Reviews
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Super* Review
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: Jays Audio
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: Tim Tuned
check links for more info: Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
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: Jaytiss
My kind of neutral, improves a lot on my favorites. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Heartfield CU8 User Reviews
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