Kiwi Ears Astral VS Aful Explorer

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The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.

Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.

The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.

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Build & accessories punch above the price: the familiar Aful shell is exceedingly comfortable, light, and easy to seal, with a fit that feels “custom-like.” The new pocketable case has a soft, leathery feel and solid zipper, and the off-white two-pin cable mirrors the Pilgrim’s look and handling—supple, tidy, and on-theme with the Explorer’s subtle “space” aesthetic. Overall presentation feels notably premium for ~\$120.

Tonally, this is a dark, L-shaped tuning with a confident bass shelf and great dynamics, a deliberate 4–6 kHz dip for long-term comfort, and smooth upper-treble “air.” The graph aligns closely to the target aside from a subdued 1.5–4 kHz region, so vocals are relaxed rather than forward—non-fatiguing but not for strict Harman chasers. Versus Performer 8 and 5, Explorer brings deeper bass and a calmer presence region; compared with Magic One, it sounds richer and more organic; against CCA Hydro or PULA PA02, it offers more natural timbre, better build, and stronger value. Stage and mids can feel intimate, and tip selection/modular options are basic, but as a whole it earns a solid 8.1/10 and a full recommendation for listeners wanting a smooth, bass-weighted, non-fatiguing set that “hits different” at this price—akin in spirit to a darker Jupiter, at a tiny fraction of the cost.

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Kiwi Ears Astral arrives as a 7-driver hybrid at $300 with glittered resin shells, a comfy semi-custom shape, and a genuinely nice modular cable (incl. 4.4 mm). The accessory set is decent—case, tips, and notably replacement filters that help longevity—though more tip options would be welcome. Fit is generally good but the short nozzles can loosen long-stem tips; smaller ears may struggle, so try before you buy. A tiny nitpick: recessed 2-pin sockets on non-recessed shells look a bit clunky.

Tuning is meta-ish: a clean, controlled bass that rumbles down low without mid-bleed, natural mids with convincing body, and vocal-forward presence that adds shine without shout. Treble is smooth yet airy, showcasing percussion and harmonics without harshness; only very top-end sensitivity might find the shimmer a touch much. Higher output impedance or an adapter subtly trims that top-air, but the core balance stays intact. Overall it’s a mature all-rounder tonality—engaging, tidy, and easy to live with.

On technicals, Astral delivers good resolution and separation with a roomy, average-for-price stage. It’s a clear step up from the K4 (tighter bass, more forward vocals), trades blows with Dunu DaVinci (Astral is cleaner/steadier; DaVinci punchier/sparklier), sits under the more neutral, airier, and resolving AFUL Performer 7, and the Softears Volume S offers a calmer, truer neutral take. Moondrop x Crin Dusk feels like the more refined next rung if you spend more. Verdict: This is brilliant—a superb $300 all-rounder that should be on any shortlist unless the goal is maximum bass, treble fireworks, or sheer technical flex.

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Aful Explorer debuts at $120 with a clever blend of the Performer series’ RLC crossover and the Magic One’s 3D-printed resonators. The package is generous: a compact blue suede case, a silvery two-wire cable (3.5mm, also available in 4.4), and six tip pairs. The resin shells are neatly finished, pressure-relieved, and lightweight; the nozzles have open bores (mind debris—tips with mesh help). Comfort follows the usual semi-custom story: when the shape matches, they disappear; when it doesn’t, they don’t. The softer white stock tips work better than the stiffer blue cores, and SpinFit swaps (CP145/CP100) can improve retention. Aesthetic verdict from the “council”: sparkly blue with silver cable gets compliments.

Tonally, Explorer leans warm-neutral with a fun low-end. Sub-bass digs deep with tactile rumble, mid-bass adds weight without bloat, and the single DD keeps it tight. The mids are the star—natural, even, and unmasked; instruments and vocals sit correctly without husk or nasality. Up top, the treble is smooth and relaxed yet still resolves detail; cymbal timbre and vocal overtones decay cleanly without glare, inviting volume increases without fatigue. Technicals are quietly confident: clear separation, tidy imaging with some depth from the bass foundation, and a stage that feels average in size but organized. Sensitivity is high and impedance low, making them easy to drive from phones, tablets, and laptops.

Against peers, Explorer feels special under $300. Versus Letshuoer S08, Explorer is the more neutral and laid-back partner with a touch more sub-bass, while S08 adds upper-mid and mid-bass energy for a slightly more “exciting” tilt (Opera favors Explorer; classical often flatters S08). Performer 5 is more balanced with lighter bass and forward mids, and ZiiGaat Doscinco brings a warmed-up V-shape with bigger slam and more treble energy. Net-net: Explorer is a superb all-rounder with unique, well-executed tuning, standout accessories (that case!), and beautiful shells. The only asterisk is fit—try before you buy or use a friendly return policy. If the S08 felt too warm or planar-flavored, Explorer’s smoother hybrid take should be near the very top of the shortlist.

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Priced at $300, the Kiwi Ears Astral stands as the brand's most expensive IEM, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and six balanced armatures. The build is notably large and deep, with a design described as "pepper" yellow or more appealing "blue crystal" – though the included accessories are minimal, offering just one set of tips, replacement filters, and an interchangeable connector (3.5mm or 4.4mm). The gunmetal gray four-wire cable earns praise for its quality and flexibility, but the deep connector adds significant length, potentially hindering portability. Simply put, at this price with so little included, the sound must deliver.

And deliver it does. The Astral produces an exceptionally wide and holographic soundstage, achieving impressive "instrument realization" – creating an almost unsettling sense of space where sounds can emerge from above, below, behind, or beside the listener. The tuning is decidedly chill and smooth, prioritizing effortless listening over aggressive detail. The dynamic driver handles frequencies up to 300Hz, providing satisfying warmth and weight to the bass, while the six BAs contribute significantly to the expansive staging and air. This isn't a sound easily found in sub-$100 IEMs; it offers a unique, relaxed presentation reminiscent of far more expensive models, like certain $1,500 Final Audio IEMs known for holographic imaging.

The Kiwi Ears Astral emerges as a strong contender for favorite IEM of the year. While it lacks accessories and its large, somewhat plain design might not win beauty contests, its unique sonic character justifies the $300 price tag. It carves out a niche as a "big wide smooth" option, perfect for extended, fatigue-free listening sessions where the goal is pure enjoyment and astonishment rather than analytical treble scrutiny. It competes favorably with $500+ IEMs known for soundstage, offering a glorious, spacious, and utterly engaging listening experience that makes revisiting tracks a joy. For those seeking a high-end, chill sound with exceptional staging and bass foundation, the Astral is a magnum opus worth serious consideration.

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Aful Explorer hits way, way above its bracket. Tuning snaps into focus with impact, cohesion, and smoothness that feel “stupid good” for $120—the kind of price that triggers a double-take. Expect a balanced, warm-leaning presentation that takes volume like a champ and turns kick drums into head-hugging thunder without smearing detail. Timbre is clean, clarity pops, staging gets big and immersive, and bass boost toggles aren’t required to have fun. Call it a giant killer, an easy 10/10, and a “top five of the year” contender that begs for playlist shuffles—from anime scores to classic synths—while scaling noticeably with better amps.

Build is light and comfy with twinkly blue faceplates, flush 2-pin sockets, and a stock cable that’s nicely twisted and terminated in 4.4 mm (full approval), though the ear hooks are thick and springy—softening the bend helps. The nozzle is a simple open port (no mesh), so keep ears clean. Accessories include multiple silicone tips and a compact, rubberized case that’s genuinely pocketable. Inside, it’s a 1DD + 2BA hybrid with a proper electronic crossover, 3D-printed acoustics, and pressure-balance tech; on paper it’s 26 Ω and “easy to power,” in practice it plays nicely from affordable dongles yet still rewards class-A and tubes with extra body and space. Minor QC quirks (a cosmetic cable sleeve can slip; easily fixable or just swap cables) don’t blunt the verdict: this is Aful’s most exciting budget brawler to date, out-punching the Performer series on pure fun-per-euro.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral presents a well-rounded, balanced sound signature characterized by a boost in sub-bass and treble air, sharing some DNA with the Meta but offering significant improvements. It delivers a punchier, harder-slamming low end with better texture, making drums feel livelier and more impactful compared to the Meta. The mid-range and vocals are also more forward and less relaxed, creating a fuller sound versus the Meta's brighter, leaner presentation that highlights treble sparkle. While not vocal-centric like the Arcanis, the Astral excels as a true all-rounder.

Technically, the Astral edges out the Meta, offering better bass texture, improved vocal clarity, and slightly more micro-details in the mid-range and treble. Its value is strong at roughly $50 more than the Meta. However, the boosted air region can make the treble sound slightly wispy or fatiguing at higher volumes on very energetic tracks laden with symbols or air, making it best suited for mid-volume listening (around 65 dB). Genre-wise, it shines as an all-rounder at this volume, providing clean, extended, natural vocals, a thumpy low end with good rumble, and extended, airy treble. Compared to the Odyssey, the Astral is cleaner, more detailed, smoother, and airier, working better for mid-centric genres like indie, acoustic, and classical, though the Odyssey scales better at higher volumes and feels fuller for pop, metal, R&B, and hip-hop.

Positioned as a strong contender for the best all-rounder under $300, the Astral is seen as a more complete version of sets like the Pilgrim and Dusk, offering better sub-bass extension, texture, and rumble with less shouty vocals and sizzly treble. It significantly outperforms the Performer 5+2 technically for only $50 more and is a tier above the Kiwi Ears KE4 in clarity and technicalities. While specific alternatives like the EPZ P50, Tanchjim Origin, or Cadenza 4 are better for vocal focus, and sets like the Estrella or Deuce excel for bass, the Astral stands out for its balanced, engaging, and technically proficient performance across most genres at mid-volume. Expecting potential sales around $260, it's heralded as the new all-rounder benchmark under $300, ideal for listeners who want a single versatile IEM where "everything just sounds great."

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Aful Explorer sits around the $100 mark as a set that trades raw resolution for a uniquely relaxing tuning. At mid volume it’s a smooth, non-fatiguing listen with vocals a touch pulled back, a gentle upper-mids scoop, and a roll-off past ~15 kHz—so don’t expect sparkle or air in that range. The magic happens when it’s cranked: the set scales exceptionally, staying silky even loud, vocals come forward more naturally, and staging gets that wrap-around, immersive feel without turning sharp thanks to restrained 3 kHz energy.

Against pricier or punchier peers: versus Da Vinci, Explorer’s low-end has tighter mid-bass separation and quicker decay, but it doesn’t slam as hard; Da Vinci is more resolving, extended, and better balanced at mid volume, while Explorer becomes the more engulfing listen once volume climbs. Compared with the S8 planar, Explorer brings deeper sub-bass and fuller notes but a softer attack and less upper-mid/treble detail; the S8 stays cleaner, faster, and a bit brighter, thriving at moderate levels, whereas Explorer is the turn-it-up specialist.

For alternatives, Ziigaat Cinno is the cleaner, more airy take with sharper imaging and higher detail (with hints of BA timbre) and leaner sub-bass; Explorer hits harder, deeper, and stays smoother and more “musical.” CKVX offers a fuller low-end with a more pushed-back stage and better mid-volume resolution, while Explorer is the intimate, high-volume pool-of-sound. Magic One runs the warmest, with huskier vocals and mid-bass-centric weight that suits drums/rock/jazz but lacks the Explorer’s sub-bass presence and immersion. Net: if playlists lean hip-hop, rock, R&B, or lo-fi and volume tends to be lively, Explorer is a standout flavor; for quieter sessions or a priority on air and micro-detail, look to Chino/S8/CKVX. Both Explorer and Chino make compelling side-grades to the usual Harman-ish suspects like Nova and Supermix 4 without bruising the wallet.

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Unboxing & build land solidly for the price: a genuinely pocketable zip case, three pairs of narrow-bore tips, spare nozzle filters, and a modular 3.5/4.4 cable with a secure push-pull lock. The four-wire cable is soft, low-memory, and only lightly microphonic at the slider. Resin shells are a bit chunky with a short metal nozzle (6.0 mm at the widest) and average isolation, but the seal is stable and the comfort is excellent for long sessions—just not ideal for sleeping due to the slight protrusion.

Tonally, Astral aims for a Meta-style tuning with extra upper-treble air: clean, detailed, and engaging. The bass is sub-bass focused—tight, textured, never boomy—with punchy but restrained mid-bass; quality over quantity, delivering standout rumble and definition (A+ bass quality). Mids are the highlight: clean, forward vocals with natural timbre and strong separation. Lower treble adds clarity without sibilance, while the elevated upper air brings sparkle and space; it can read a touch crisp for sensitive listeners, especially on bright masters or at high volume.

Technicalities impress: excellent imaging, open width, and resolution that surfaces micro-details and locks centers convincingly. Versus Kiwi Ears K4, Astral trades K4’s warmer, fuller mid-bass for tighter bass, clearer vocals, and more air; versus Xenns Tea Pro, Astral offers better bass texture and cleaner, more forward vocals; against ZiiGaat Odyssey, Astral is the more resolving and airy set, while Odyssey feels fuller and more relaxed with tamer upper treble. Recommended for those wanting a detailed all-rounder, Meta-leaning balance, forward mids, and textured sub-bass; not for upper-treble-sensitive listeners or those craving heavy mid-bass and warmth. Final verdict: 4/5, competitive and confidently recommended at its price.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral, priced at $299, combines one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures in an exceptionally ergonomic and lightweight 3D printed resin chassis. Comfort is phenomenal, allowing for extended listening sessions exceeding eight hours without discomfort. Available in striking blue or gold faceplates, the Astral impresses immediately with its build and feel.

Tonally, the Astral offers a fantastic, well-balanced V-shaped tuning. It features punchy, airy, and well-separated bass with notable sub-bass rumble that avoids muddying the exceptionally clear and resolving mids. The treble provides very good extension, feeling airy, technical, clean, and fast, contributing to an overall presentation that sounds more expensive than its price tag. While generally excellent, providing too much power can make the upper region slightly spicy with certain intense audio cues. The technical performance – imaging, separation, layering, and micro-detail retrieval – is phenomenal across various music genres.

For competitive gaming, the Astral truly shines, demonstrating holographic imaging and precise depth perception. In Valorant, it excels at differentiating multiple footsteps and gunfire sources with urgency and precise horizontal and vertical placement. It handles chaotic moments in CS2, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty exceptionally well, maintaining clear separation during intense firefights, grenade explosions, and air strikes without becoming fatiguing or overwhelming. Tip selection is crucial for optimal performance, with recommendations leaning towards options like the Azla EarFit Light. Despite including a decent interchangeable cable and silicone tips, third-party tips are suggested. Ultimately, the Kiwi Ears Astral is a fantastic all-rounder, delivering top-tier performance for both music and competitive gaming at its mid-range price point.

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Astral is a 1DD+6BA hybrid around $299 that aims for a sub-bass-heavy U-shape. The low end is boosted yet relatively clean and fast, avoiding bloat while anchoring drums and electronic hits. Mids are flattened by the mid-bass tuck and an early upper-mid rise, which can thin vocals and push presence forward; at low volume it sounds warmer and more natural, at higher volume it turns sharper and more resolving.

Treble carries enough energy to match the bass shelf, but balance is volume sensitive; borrowing a bit of the 200 Hz lift and slightly reducing 1-2 kHz via EQ yields a more even result. Stage shows decent width and some height, while depth and layering need work unless re-balanced. In a crowded $299 field, Astral is a solid platform for listeners who enjoy elevated sub-bass and do not mind fine-tuning, rather than an out-of-box reference.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral arrives in a package typical for the brand, featuring a resin shell and a metal nozzle. While the design isn't groundbreaking, the build feels sturdy. The included cable is a pleasant surprise, better than expected and features interchangeable terminations. A major highlight is the inclusion of Sancai ear tips, considered valuable accessories at this price point. However, the fit presents some challenges: the shells are notably bulky and chunky, pushing comfort limits for larger ears, and the angled cable hooks can cause sealing issues, though switching to larger tips helps significantly.

Sonically, the Astral delivers a solid bass and mid-range balance. Yet, the standout issue is the treble presentation. It's perceived as quite forward and adds a noticeable digital edginess to the timbre, making details sound overly prominent and somewhat unnatural. While technical performance seems improved over models like the original Wan'er, this treble character overshadows the positives. Initial impressions suggest it falls short of previous Kiwi Ears releases like the Quartet or Singolo, with even the Lush potentially being preferred. The Sancai tips and overall package offer good value, but the tuning needs refinement.

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Aful Explorer is a $120 hybrid (1DD + 2BA) that breaks from the brand’s usual neutral-with-sub-bass tilt and goes for a warm, bass-tilted signature. The package is simple but well chosen: two full sets of tips, a compact, soft-touch zip case, and a handsome stock cable available in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm (with a secure chin slider and standard 2-pin). The semi-custom acrylic shells are medium-small, comfy, and stable—even suitable for side-sleepers—with above-average isolation and sensible venting. Overall build and ergonomics punch above the price.

Tonally, Explorer delivers satisfying impact with both sub-bass rumble and enough mid-bass to give kick drums real punch. Upper-mids are a touch relaxed, so vocals sit more within the mix rather than spotlighted. Treble is smooth yet carries a bit of sparkle for definition; despite graphs suggesting limited “air,” the timbre and perceived clarity are well judged. Stage favors depth over width, and the overall presentation stays engaging without stridency or mud—warm, dense, but not soupy.

Against peers, it’s the warmest pick here: more bass-rich than the Truthear Hexa (which remains the vocal-friendly warm-neutral choice), fuller and more polished than the older FiiO FH3 (though FH3 still throws a slightly wider image), and punchier than the single-BA Aful Magic One. Explorer is also the most distinctive AFUL tuning to date and arguably the most fun—especially for listeners prioritizing bass satisfaction over vocal focus. Verdict: a confident 4 stars for an entry-level IEM that brings a fresh flavor to AFUL’s lineup.

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The AFUL Explorer presents as a compact resin hybrid with a striking galaxy-style faceplate, very low weight and a venting scheme that avoids occlusion, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit even for long sessions. The stock case is practical and pocketable, but the accessory set is minimal, with only generic silicone tips and a fixed, non modular cable that feels soft and usable yet unremarkable at this price.

Sonically, the bass is the stand out: sub bass rumble is described as insane for the price, with powerful, textured impact and mid bass punch that hits hard without bleeding into the lower mids. The lower mids remain clean yet full bodied, giving male vocals and instruments natural thickness, while the upper mids follow a non Harman approach that keeps vocals and instruments energetic but never shouty, shrill or fatiguing even at high volumes. Treble is another strong suit, combining very high detail and air with smooth, incisive cymbal and hi hat reproduction, offering zero sibilance and allowing harsh genres like rock and metal to stay controlled.

In terms of technicalities, the Explorer delivers way above average performance for its bracket, with excellent imaging, clear separation of micro and macro details and dynamics that feel punchy and lively without losing control. The soundstage is more on the intimate side with moderate width but good depth, which enhances vocal focus even if it does not feel as spacious as some rivals. Across comparisons it consistently outperforms well regarded sets such as TruthEar Nova, Kiwi Ears Quartet, AFUL MagicOne and Simgot EM6L in bass quality, resolution and overall balance, and even trades blows with more expensive models like the CKLVX, making it a genuine value gem around the 120 dollar mark for listeners who want powerful clean bass and smooth detail rich treble.

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AFUL Explorer arrives as the most affordable entry in the AFUL lineup, carrying a three driver hybrid configuration with one dynamic driver and two balanced armatures in a small 3D printed resin shell. The shell feels light, secure and well shaped, with an easy fit that should work for many ears, while the gradient blue sparkle faceplate gives a subtle night sky vibe that ties nicely into the Explorer theme. The stock cable is clearly a budget unit and can feel slightly plasticky and stiff, but it behaves well enough in daily use, and the included case and tip selection round out a package that feels very solid at roughly 119 dollars.

Sonically, Explorer follows a relaxed upper midrange approach similar to the AFUL Performer series, combining a touch of extra low mid and mid bass energy with a more laid back vocal region for a smooth and natural presentation. The dynamic driver delivers strong sub bass extension and satisfying slam with good dynamics, even if the transition into the mids is not perfectly controlled and brings a hint of bass bleed that slightly softens lower mid clarity. Male vocals and instruments benefit from the added warmth and weight, while vocal presence remains sufficiently forward to stay engaging even if a little more pinna gain energy would be welcome. Lower treble rises enough to give guitars bite and cymbals sparkle, but Explorer impressively avoids the harshness, sibilance and splashiness that often plague sets in this range, keeping treble smooth yet controlled and adding a healthy dose of detail without ever becoming aggressive.

Upper treble does roll off past 10 kilohertz, so air, shimmer and the very finest micro detail are slightly restrained, and the overall Sound Stage remains on the intimate and somewhat narrow side, though imaging is still decent and positional cues are easy to pick out. Detail retrieval sits comfortably in line with other good options around this price rather than standing out as a technical monster, but taken as a whole the Explorer gets a lot right and sidesteps many of the usual budget pitfalls. With some of the best bass and most natural midrange at this price point combined with treble that is unusually well behaved for the segment, Explorer joins the top tier of sub 150 dollar options and stands as one of the most compelling all round budget IEM choices for listeners who value a relaxed but engaging tuning over maximum stage width or hyper analytical detail.