Thieaudio Oracle VS Aful Performer 5+2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Oracle and Aful Performer 5+2 use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 2DD+4BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Oracle costs $540 while Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229. Thieaudio Oracle is $311 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.1 vs 7.7). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better bass with a 1.4-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better treble with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better dynamics with a 2.6-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better imaging with a 2.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Oracle | Aful Performer 5+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.6 | 8 |
| Mids | 7.6 | 8 |
| Treble | 6.8 | 7.6 |
| Details | 6.2 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 7.8 |
| Imaging | 5.8 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 7.6 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 6.7 | 7.7 |
Thieaudio Oracle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.1Generally Favorable
Aful Performer 5+2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The ThieAudio Oracle (original) is a tribrid at around $540 using two ESTs, two BAs, and one DD. The shell echoes the Monarch’s look but is smaller; comfort and fit security are excellent for medium-large ears, though occasional pressure/venting imbalance can require a quick reseat. Build is well-made plastic with a busy aesthetic, and the stock all-white cable feels premium but the optional 2.5 mm with bulky adapters is a miss.
Tuning skews lean-neutral with a mild lower-mid scoop, a clean sub-bass lift, and lively upper energy. It’s airy and sparkly with strong treble extension, delivering a notably wide soundstage, clear imaging, and satisfying sub-bass rumble without bloat. Nitpicks: the mid-bass is on the lean side (some classic rock can feel thin), staging depth can flatten on tracks lacking sub-bass, and treble rides the line into splashy territory for the sensitive.
Against peers, Letshuoer EJ07M “Kinda Lava” is warmer/darker with narrower stage but standout bass physicality; Moondrop Blessing 2 stays reference-neutral with superb midrange resolution but less air. Taken together, Oracle earns a confident 4/5: on the right material it delivers real wow-factor excitement and expansive staging, only tempered by mid-bass thinness, treble edge, and fiddly sealing. Note that a Mark II exists—those who always chase the newest may want to consider that.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelBuy Thieaudio Oracle on Linsoul
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Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + 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 ChannelBuy Aful Performer 5+2 on HiFiGO
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Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Tim Tuned
8
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
Reviewer Score
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Thieaudio Oracle aims for an incredibly clean, natural, slightly airy presentation with zero midrange masking. Bass is well-separated and punchy yet deliberately tame, trading tactility and slam thickness for control—clearly not the star of the show, unlike bass-forward sets like the UP or Meteor. This restraint sets the stage for the Oracle’s real strengths without smearing or bloom.
With less mid-bass emphasis, vocals come through open, clean, and naturally flowing, carrying just enough note weight for male voices while avoiding the infamous scoop. Placement sits at a perfect distance, with a gentle airiness and shimmer on the tail of notes. Midrange clarity is top tier: piano, guitars, and flutes are easy to parse, layering stays organized (think RS5, SA6, EJ07M), and detail holds up on demanding tracks like “Traces of Time,” “Flower Town,” and “House in Nebraska.”
The treble adds a tastefully controlled air—not boosted like U12t or Oracle Mk II—thanks to a lower-gain 1.5–3 kHz region that nudges vocals slightly back and lets the top end sparkle without fatigue. Dynamics remain smooth even at higher volumes. As a vocal specialist, Oracle sits in a personal top five behind RS5 and the original Mangird Tea, roughly trading blows with EJ07, Monarch Mk II, and Dark Magician (similar airy shimmer, but Oracle is cleaner and more laid back). The verdict is a strong recommendation for the original Oracle—worth full retail, and a steal on sale—especially for R&B, acoustic, and chill listening where its poise and polish shine.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Aful 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
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Jaytiss
7.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories: a chunky but comfortable shell in classic Thieaudio style, with a secure 2-pin socket and a nozzle lip that locks tips in place. The faceplate looks premium, and overall ergonomics impress, ranking among the more comfortable shells. The stock cable is decent and modular (4.4 mm / 2.5 mm), though the plug system can loosen under tug; a cable swap may appeal. Standard tips and the familiar Thieaudio case round out the package.
Tuning & comparisons: MK3 pulls back from MK2 with less bass and calmer upper-mids, reading more neutral on the graph. Tonally it resembles a Hype 4–style balance—slightly scooped upper-mids with added energy in the 4–6 kHz zone, plus audible upper-air (10–15 kHz) lift from the ESTs. Versus Pilgrim, MK3 sounds a touch less bright; Pilgrim Noir is bassier with a lower-mid dip. It also calls to mind Supernova (similar bass shelving; MK3 has punchier bass dynamics) and the HiSenior Mega5 EST (both relatively flat down low but different air emphasis). Across this price band, sets often trade blows rather than clearly outclass each other.
Verdict: short sessions showcase a clean, airy presentation and solid bass control, but longer listening (music, gaming, podcasts) can reveal a fatigue zone around 4–6 kHz. As a result, this feels like a solid yet unoriginal take that many will enjoy—especially fans of Pilgrim-leaning balances—while others may prefer alternatives like Hype 4, Supernova, Mega5 EST, or budget upstarts (e.g., Juzear 61T, Hidizs MP145/MP43, and the forthcoming Binary Dino Quattro). A capable, neutral-tilted tribrid with great ergonomics, but not an automatic recommendation given competition and potential treble fatigue.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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
Thieaudio Oracle (more reviews)
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Crin
7.5
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.3
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Nymz
5.6
Reviewer Score
Thieaudio Oracle reviewed by Precogvision
5.5
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 (more reviews)
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + 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
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The AFUL Performer 5+2 (Performer 7 / P7) takes the P5 recipe and adds a second 6 mm dynamic for the lows and a micro-planar for the highs, nudging MSRP to $240. Unboxing mirrors the P5: nine pairs of tips and a decent case, but the accessories feel bare-bones at this price—no foam tips and a non-modular cable, even though the included 8-wire is supple and well-behaved. Build is classic AFUL: 3D-printed resin, blended nozzle (no mesh or lip—watch tip retention), single rear vent, and striking blue-green mosaic shells inspired by Suzhou gardens—cool-wall approved with four compliments to one “meh.” Fit is semi-custom and a touch chunkier than P5; comfortable for most, a conditional pass for small ears. Note a sporadic batch quirk: some units have over-tight 2-pin sockets; exchanges fixed it for affected buyers.
Tuning sits in warm-leaning neutral territory. The dual dynamics deliver punchy, textured bass that rumbles without bloating; guitars and drums carry convincing weight. Mids are the star—rich, full-bodied, vocal-forward without shout, with clean separation and natural tone. Treble from the micro-planar is smooth yet energetic: cymbals and vocal harmonics sparkle, special effects have bite and body, and only treble-sensitives may find hot mixes a bit lively. Technicalities impress for the money—detail retrieval and nuance feel a class up—while stage and imaging are solid rather than showy.
Against peers: the Tangzu x HBB budget pick mirrors the overall tonality but P7 offers higher resolution and more treble finesse; the planar “Heyday” alternative is brighter/faster with leaner bass; versus Performer 5, P7 brings tighter low-end, smoother treble, and better extremes detail; the Fresh-collab competitor pushes vocals further forward with bigger stage but leaner lower mids. Verdict: a versatile all-rounder that suits broad libraries and even content creation thanks to its balanced tonality and detail. Not for bassheads, trebleheads, or strict Harman-lean seekers, and the accessory pack/cable quirk holds it back from a slam-dunk. For roughly $240, though, it’s a brilliant, resolving upgrade in the AFUL line.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
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 Web Search
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.
Thieaudio Oracle Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $540
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Aful Performer 5+2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $229
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Thieaudio Oracle User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Aful Performer 5+2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Thieaudio Oracle Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BAful 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
7.7Gaming Grade
AThieaudio Oracle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
B+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Thieaudio Oracle User Reviews
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