AFUL - Performer 5+2 / Performer 7
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Last updated: Dec 23, 2025 Scoring
bought the Aful P7 and i think i should have gone for the Tea pro.
r/iems • Made me tear up a little(In a good way) ->amazingly, i use them with the tips that came with my AZ80, sound amazing.
r/iems • Made me tear up a little(In a good way) ->I hate KZ, but i was told to try the PRX, and they synergize amazingly well with my Retro Nano So i have the cheapo setup which is the retro nano with KZ PRX and the expensive setup which is the Aful P7 with the BTR17. really amazing what you can get for 50 bucks today.
r/headphones • Budget iems are crazily good nowadays ->I currently have my Aful P5+2 on my AZ20, works great after the circumcision mod.
r/iems • A little off-topic but i need your advice ->Ive owned a Moondrop Blessing 2, the EM6L has toyota build quality next to that piece of junk. Also the reason i picked up the Aful P7 instead of the dusk. moondrop sounds great, they just dont last long.
r/headphones • Another Simgot EM6L with the nozzle fallen off ->The mids are really nice on the Performer 5+2. I also really like the detailed upper midrange and treble, and the textured bass.
r/iems • An Aful Family Portrait (and ranking) ->I can not stand the Harman tuning even though this tuning is very popular with many people. My tuning preference is very similar to the HBB tuning. I prefer the HBB tuning's 8 dB rise for the simulated pinna gain in the upper midrange since the Harman tuning's 10 to 11 dB rise for the simulated pinna gain in the upper midrange is too sibilant for me. I also don't like how the Harman tuning decreases the lower midrange. Right now my two favorite IEMs under $300 are the Aful Performer 7 and the Dunu DaVinci. The Performer 7 simply is an improved version of the Performer 5 across the board. I still love my Performer 5 IEMs. At first I didn't like the DaVinci's powerful sub bass relative to the mid bass, but I found some eartips which fixed this issue such that the sub bass is in balance with the mid bass. I have some other favorite IEMs at lower price points. I was very surprised by how much I like the Kima 2 which Dunu sent to me. I knew that the Kima 2 uses single dynamic drivers, yet when I listened to the Kima 2 I could have sworn that there must also be BA drivers in the mix since the macro and micro details are very well defined. For example, the Kima 2 performs much better than the Thieaudio Legacy 2. It also dawned on me that the Kima 2 is tuned very similarly to the original Moondrop Starfield which was my first IEM, yet the Kima 2's technical performance is so much nicer to listen to in comparison to the OG Starfield. There always a very slight veil to the sound when I listened to the OG Starfield, and the Kima 2 totally rips any veil away. On the budget side, I really like the Simgot EW200 after I easily added some self adhesive mesh filters to shift the overall tuning from Harman to HBB. The transition after adding the mesh filters was splendid. The thing is that after adding the mesh filters to adjust the tuning, I was able to really appreciate the quality of the EW200's dynamic drivers. I hope that the above helps you with your research.
r/iems • What are you favourite IEMs Under $300? ->I think that the Performer 5+2 (the P7) is very worth it for $185. The P7 is one of my two favorite IEMs. I mostly listen to classic rock and EDM, jazz, and bossa nova. The P7 is quite good in terms of the things which you desire. I particularly enjoy female focals. I also really enjoy the clean bass and the very clean macro and micro details throughout the midrange and the treble. Aful managed to achieve these things while making sure that the P7 has a natural overall sound signature.
r/iems • Is AFUL Performer 5+2 worth it for $185 USD? ->My two favorite IEMs are the Aful Performer 5+2 and the Dunu DaVinci. Perhaps ask if either of these IEMs work well for metal.
r/iems • My very first dive in the IEM world ->I am glad that you offered your suggestions since you listen to metal. I don't listen to metal. I do really like the Performer 7's clean and clear macro and micro details. I also like the Kiwi Ears Quintet for the same reason. Thank you for suggesting some IEMs which I have not listened to.
r/iems • My very first dive in the IEM world ->The May is a single DD IEM. Planar IEMs provide the most resolution and technical performance, but this is at the expense of having a more natural overall sound signature. I suggest that you upgrade path, at this point, would be to consider multi-driver IEMs which improve the technical performance throughout the entire midrange and treble regions, and which also have a more natural overall sound signature. Single DD IEMs have the most natural overall sound signatures. This is what you presently are used to hearing with the May. Jumping to any planar IEMs which have a very technical sound signature might not float your boat since you may be losing too much of an overall natural sound signature. This is why I suggest that your next step up might be a multi-driver IEM. Metal music is not my thing even though I am impressed with the sheer speed and complexity in really busy portions of metal tracks. One of my favorite multi-driver IEM is the Aful Performer 5+2 since this IEM provides very nice technical performance and clean technical details throughout the entire midrange and the treble, while still retaining a rather natural overall sound signature. This is merely a suggestion for you. I hope that others here who love metal music will jump in to ask you questions and to offer suggestions. I really like your photo of your audio gear!
r/iems • Current setup for listening to metal. any clearer upgrade path for a bit more analytical in ear? ->You are welcome. You might want to consider the Aful Performer 5+2 which has very detailed mids and treble yet with less pinna gain, and the sub bass is not boosted relative to the mid bass.
r/iems • Opposite sound of Simgot Supermix 4? ->I have considered planar IEMs. Planars are harder to drive. I also prefer IEMs which have a more natural overall sound signature. Right now my favorite IEM is the Performer 5+2. A musician stated that the Performer 8 is more tonally correct for classical instruments, yet of course the Performer 8 has noticeably different overall tuning in comparison to the Performer 5+2. Tuning also means a lot to me. I guess I am curious about overall tunings which make some IEMs noticeably more suitable for classical music.
r/iems • When do IEMs start to get mind-blowing? ->I like the same genres that you like, but I don't listen to quite as much classical as you do. I am hoping to enjoy listening to more classical music. I can't imagine listening to classical music with no bass since I do enjoy listening to Anna Lapwood performing on concert hall organs. The only fairly moderately priced single DD IEMs which I like when listening to classical and to Hans Zimmer stage performances is the Kima 2. I also am really enjoying listening to my Aful Performer 7 IEMs while listening to classical music even though I would like a touch of more natural overall tuning. The Tea Pro and the Orchestra Lite are outside of my budget. I have so wanted to try both of these IEMs. The Orchestra Lite are supposed to be very nice for classical and orchestral music. I suppose that it is since it is an all-BA IEM which very slightly relaxes the bass and very slightly relaxes the upper treble or air region. I think that it would be interesting for the OP to do some tip rolling in order to see if the OP lands on an ideal set of eartips for use on the Tea Pro.
r/iems • Best IEM for Classical Music ->I think that the same acoustic resonance technology is used in the Aful P7. I noted that Mark was using medium bore eartips on his Explorers. The stock medium bore eartips which came with the P7 made the P7's bass sound slightly less tactile than when I switched to wide bore eartips. I think that the acoustic resonance system couples better to the inner ears if you use wider bore eartips.
r/iems • Juzear Defiant Review ->The Dunu DaVinci is tuned very similarly to the Tea Pro. Both have a 6 kHz dip in the upper midrange to remove harshness in female vocals and to make the upper midrange sound a bit more relaxing. I have the DaVinci and the Performer 7 and both of these IEMs are endgame IEMs for me. The DaVinci has more bass than the P7. The P7 has a slightly early rise for the simulated pinna gain. I listen to the DaVinci when I want more bass and a more relaxing upper midrange. I listen to the P7 when I want a somewhat more energetic upper midrange. I pick one or the other to listen to depending on my mood and the genres which I want to listen to. So for me, the DaVinci and the P7 are somewhat yin and yang IEMs to each other. I like being able to pick up a pair of IEMs to listen to depending mostly on my mood. I have never looked at the iemrankings website until hearing about this website from your post, so I don't know what to make of this website. I can say that the P7 and the DaVinci are on a similar level but with differences. The Tea Pro is potentially the third endgame that I want since I think that its tuning will fit between the DaVinci and the P7. Although the P7 is really good and punches above its price, I find it hard to believe that the P7 is better than the Tea Pro.
r/iems • Aful Performer 5+2 with already Xenns Mangird tea pro, yes or no? ->I love my Aful P5. I love my Aful P7 even more. The P7's bass is tighter and punchier (in the sense of having a cleaner initial attack). The P7 also improves everything else. The P7 is just as comfortable as the P5 since the shells are the same yet do extend slightly more upwards. Or in other words, Aful didn't mess with the shape and fit of the P5's shells other than somewhat extending the height of the shells. I never sleep with IEMs. Even so, I realize that comfort and fit would be a priority. I really like the Kefine Klean since I really like its overall sound signature and since I also really like its technical performance which exceeds many other IEMs in its price range. The Klean does have pretty thin shells. I can see the Klean as being very comfortable IEMs to listen to while falling asleep, yet this is not my thing.
r/iems • Mid range IEM suggestions! ->I really liked the Hype 4. I have only had a chance to audition it during a live YouTube chat with Joyce. She auditioned all three of the Hype IEMs. The Hype 4 sounded to me like the best bang for the buck. This also was the general consensus. I also really like the white shell color which you chose to purchase since I realized that the metal flakes reflect the colors of surrounding objects. I currently have two favorite IEMs which are yin and yang pairs of IEMs. I really enjoy the Aful Performer 7 for its very nice details which require me to have an alert mind. Yet when I am tired, I prefer the Dunu DaVinci's relaxing sounding upper midrange which still has very nice details. Amazingly, I am able to enjoy the DaVinci's more intense yet still amazingly layered and textured bass even when I am tired. I really like your very simple question since your simple question can open up avenues for discussion, such as yin and yang IEMs, one of which is preferred during daytime, or another of which is preferred in the evening when being more tired.
r/iems • What is your favorite IEM and why ? ->Ive had TE Nova, s12 Pros, Ziigaat Arcadia. All pale in comparison to my hd560s in terms of soundstage but I think are still good enough for an iem. Still able to tell directions, space and width but imo I dont find audio gear that necessary for gaming even for competitive ones. Any decent soundstage iem or headphone is enough. I never heard the Arete before and I know freshreviews is like the gold standard for audio gear reviews catered to competetive gaming side of things so it might be a great leap but from the OG TE Zero which he said was good for gaming, didn't notice much of a difference upgrading to the Nova. Idk man, unless you REALLY want to get into high ranking comp games, I personally don't see the benefit. Actually I also ordered the Performer 7 for about the same price and can't wait to get it though I wanted it purely for music enjoyment and maybe casual gaming or media consumption. Better iems or headphones never got me better at gaming so yeah lol. Good luck on deciding tho. Sorry for the lenghty reply
r/iems • Performer 5+2 vs Ziigaat Arete. Is it worth the price jump? ->Yeah, same with me a few days ago. Been hearing them nonstop since I got them. They make everything sound good. And the details, man I thought I was already hearing most of them on my TE Nova or S12 Pro but these bring out even the most barely noticable details out. Admittedly, the technicalities, they are not 2x times as good as my highest set, not even 50%. I'd say they are about 20% better than my current best sets but that 20% does make it a pretty noticable improvement when the song has them. Solely on the tuning, boy these are almost perfect. Like I said, they make anything sound amazing. My little nitpick if I had any, is that they do make me slightly fatigue after a couple hours but seems like I'm slowly getting used to it already. Definitely my endgame set for a long while, also because Im broke lol and the $115 I spent on them means I would need to go severely up in price to gain an improvement.
r/iems • Performer 5+2 vs Ziigaat Arete. Is it worth the price jump? ->I don't know how these IEM manufactures interpret "basshead" as someone who loves to hear big explosions that will overpower every other instrument and vocal, instead of punchier, cleaner, hard hitting bass, that won't bleed into other frequencies. It sounds so simple, yet impossible for them to understand. I am currently satisfied with the bass I get on Blon bl03 and performer 5.
r/iems • Bass IEMs Fatfreq Scarlet Mini vs. Thieaudio Origin ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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I'm also a bit of a newbie to the hobby. I got the AFUL performer P7s recently and they're really great
r/iems • Best IEMs around $300? ->I just got the AFUL performer 5+2 and can't recommend them enough. Upgraded from simgot em6l if that helps you
r/iems • IEM Recommendations 2025 $300 range or less ->before 10 days there was on sale the Aful performer 5+2 at 202$ . Super great iem.
r/iems • For under 200$, what should I get as the first IEM? ->I have both. P7's more analytical but only sound good with clear recordings. Explorers sounds fantastic in everything and any genre. Love them.
r/iems • My Impressions of the AFUL Explorer ->I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR POINTS: https://preview.redd.it/vwxf7i53neye1.jpeg?width=2377&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9aafdf70e38f01e9e6e88692e4c7f79caca103d8 This is MY collection...and I'm very early in the journey. I don't have the budget, knowledge or experience to blind buy a 500USD+ set of in ears that may or may not fit my ears or my preferences. While my journey doesn't completely fit OP's blueprint...I have/had the same thought process regarding purchasing IEMs. Not pictured are the Moondrop Chu 2 and 7Hz Sonus. I started with the Chu 2, 7Hz Zero 2 and Kiwi Ears Cadenza. From listening, watching and reading reviews...I was able to learn about all the terms, labels, and vocabulary to describe what I like or don't like. I threw money at the Wyvern Abyss...I mean...LOOK AT THEM😂. The Kz Castor Bass was a curiosity buy...want to hear if a set touting bass response was really that bassy. My next steps were the NiceHCK F1 Pros, Kiwi Ears Canta and the 7Hz Sonus. The F1 Pros and the Sonu were on sale at the time of purchase...good value and able to narrow things down more for myself. I knew I liked the planar sound...I have a set of open ear planar cans. The F1s felt disappointing (until I tip rolled) The Sonus was about much for my taste (in the mids) The Cantas were quite nice for me. By this point...I had a good grasp of what I was looking for and the direction (s) I want to go in. AFUL Performer 5+2 is currently my go-to...for all around listening. Sourced from R2R DAC lined out into a desktop tube amp. It's like a warm blanket on crisp bright and snowy winter day. I picked up the Hexa because I wanted to hear the hype...and yes...they definitely fulfill the hype and then some. I've EQed my IEMs... especially the planar. They can mimic the sound...but it's only a part of the equation. I now rotate through 3-4 sets at my desktop listening station. The cheapo ones all have 3.5mm out for around the house or for bed. If they break...ill decide if I want to replace. Tip rolling is a journey of itself. Some tips can dramatically change an IEM and rescue it from the bottom of the pile. My Planars now sport foam tips...easing off the treble was huge. Anyway...long post...if you got this far thanks for sticking with my diarrhea of words. TLDR: I agree with the OP
r/iems • How to Actually Learn What You Like in IEMs (and Why One Mid-Tier IEM or EQ Won't Teach You) ->The pricing on the P5+2 is RIDICULOUSLY good!!! I got mine a few months back and I love them. Don't regret spending close to MSRP for them at all. They are my go-to all rounder. My current "end-game" set 😂😂
r/iems • Prime Day ->Kiwi Ears Canta (around 100usd) Punch Audio Martilo (300ish usd) AFUL P5+2...have a mini planar in there...(a little over 200usd) Simgot ET142 .... planar with pzt driver (around 200) I have all those...and I love em. That's my regular rotation
r/iems • Any recommendations for a budget hybrid planar? ->Love them...still my go-to for critical listening. That is THE set giving me pause when I'm considering upgrading.
r/iems • My Impressions of the AFUL Explorer ->thanks. I used a headband cover and stuffed it (fluff like you'd find in a stuffed animal) So I got both the comfort and fit sorted for the XS. I might venture to Audio Technica after I pick up the XV. Nice IEM collection... love the P5+2. It is the set that's held back my purchases.
r/iems • Current Collection ->I jumped on the P5+2. I love it. I don't see myself upgrading for a long time.
r/iems • Prime Day ->Aful p5+2, myer audio ck2v, kiwi ears ke4, epz p50, ziigaat odyssey. The 200$ish range has a lot of hidden gems based on my experience, so check them out. For EDM I think you need a good textured bass, great instrument separation, and good treble extension, but that's my preference, so I can hear the details from what the producer intended.
r/iems • Ultimate IEMs Recommendations List ->It just fits my music, the hype4 is the cheapest one in my favorites so it is my carry around but honestly Ill take a lower cost set if I'm going to do something dirty or sweaty. My B list is something like Estrella Performer 5 n5005 Ie200
r/iems • View on Reddit →Kiwi Ears Canta (around 100usd) Punch Audio Martilo (300ish usd) AFUL P5+2...have a mini planar in there...(a little over 200usd) Simgot ET142 .... planar with pzt driver (around 200) I have all those...and I love em. That's my regular rotation
r/iems • View on Reddit →Yeah, same with me a few days ago. Been hearing them nonstop since I got them. They make everything sound good. And the details, man I thought I was already hearing most of them on my TE Nova or S12 Pro but these bring out even the most barely noticable details out. Admittedly, the technicalities, they are not 2x times as good as my highest set, not even 50%. I'd say they are about 20% better than my current best sets but that 20% does make it a pretty noticable improvement when the song has them. Solely on the tuning, boy these are almost perfect. Like I said, they make anything sound amazing. My little nitpick if I had any, is that they do make me slightly fatigue after a couple hours but seems like I'm slowly getting used to it already. Definitely my endgame set for a long while, also because Im broke lol and the $115 I spent on them means I would need to go severely up in price to gain an improvement.
r/iems • View on Reddit →The pricing on the P5+2 is RIDICULOUSLY good!!! I got mine a few months back and I love them. Don't regret spending close to MSRP for them at all. They are my go-to all rounder. My current "end-game" set 😂😂
r/iems • View on Reddit →The May is a single DD IEM. Planar IEMs provide the most resolution and technical performance, but this is at the expense of having a more natural overall sound signature. I suggest that you upgrade path, at this point, would be to consider multi-driver IEMs which improve the technical performance throughout the entire midrange and treble regions, and which also have a more natural overall sound signature. Single DD IEMs have the most natural overall sound signatures. This is what you presently are used to hearing with the May. Jumping to any planar IEMs which have a very technical sound signature might not float your boat since you may be losing too much of an overall natural sound signature. This is why I suggest that your next step up might be a multi-driver IEM. Metal music is not my thing even though I am impressed with the sheer speed and complexity in really busy portions of metal tracks. One of my favorite multi-driver IEM is the Aful Performer 5+2 since this IEM provides very nice technical performance and clean technical details throughout the entire midrange and the treble, while still retaining a rather natural overall sound signature. This is merely a suggestion for you. I hope that others here who love metal music will jump in to ask you questions and to offer suggestions. I really like your photo of your audio gear!
r/iems • View on Reddit →Love them...still my go-to for critical listening. That is THE set giving me pause when I'm considering upgrading.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I love the P7, it's definitely in my top5, you can listen to any genre on them. If I'm to recommend an IEM for someone who has never tried one, it would be the P7 or the Astral. Go for it and you won't regret
r/iems • View on Reddit →Aful p5+2, myer audio ck2v, kiwi ears ke4, epz p50, ziigaat odyssey. The 200$ish range has a lot of hidden gems based on my experience, so check them out. For EDM I think you need a good textured bass, great instrument separation, and good treble extension, but that's my preference, so I can hear the details from what the producer intended.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I just got the AFUL performer 5+2 and can't recommend them enough. Upgraded from simgot em6l if that helps you
r/iems • View on Reddit →I'm also a bit of a newbie to the hobby. I got the AFUL performer P7s recently and they're really great
r/iems • View on Reddit →Ive had TE Nova, s12 Pros, Ziigaat Arcadia. All pale in comparison to my hd560s in terms of soundstage but I think are still good enough for an iem. Still able to tell directions, space and width but imo I dont find audio gear that necessary for gaming even for competitive ones. Any decent soundstage iem or headphone is enough. I never heard the Arete before and I know freshreviews is like the gold standard for audio gear reviews catered to competetive gaming side of things so it might be a great leap but from the OG TE Zero which he said was good for gaming, didn't notice much of a difference upgrading to the Nova. Idk man, unless you REALLY want to get into high ranking comp games, I personally don't see the benefit. Actually I also ordered the Performer 7 for about the same price and can't wait to get it though I wanted it purely for music enjoyment and maybe casual gaming or media consumption. Better iems or headphones never got me better at gaming so yeah lol. Good luck on deciding tho. Sorry for the lenghty reply
r/iems • View on Reddit →You are welcome. You might want to consider the Aful Performer 5+2 which has very detailed mids and treble yet with less pinna gain, and the sub bass is not boosted relative to the mid bass.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I like the same genres that you like, but I don't listen to quite as much classical as you do. I am hoping to enjoy listening to more classical music. I can't imagine listening to classical music with no bass since I do enjoy listening to Anna Lapwood performing on concert hall organs. The only fairly moderately priced single DD IEMs which I like when listening to classical and to Hans Zimmer stage performances is the Kima 2. I also am really enjoying listening to my Aful Performer 7 IEMs while listening to classical music even though I would like a touch of more natural overall tuning. The Tea Pro and the Orchestra Lite are outside of my budget. I have so wanted to try both of these IEMs. The Orchestra Lite are supposed to be very nice for classical and orchestral music. I suppose that it is since it is an all-BA IEM which very slightly relaxes the bass and very slightly relaxes the upper treble or air region. I think that it would be interesting for the OP to do some tip rolling in order to see if the OP lands on an ideal set of eartips for use on the Tea Pro.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I am glad that you offered your suggestions since you listen to metal. I don't listen to metal. I do really like the Performer 7's clean and clear macro and micro details. I also like the Kiwi Ears Quintet for the same reason. Thank you for suggesting some IEMs which I have not listened to.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I really enjoy my Aful performer 5+2 for gaming, super comfortable, and the sounds are very accurate.. I just use a beyerdyamic USB mic tucked behind my monitor for multiplayer, setup works perfectly.. I have a dac/headphones amp aswell, the topping mx3s to run the iems. Also use my beyerdyamic dt 770 prox a fair bit
r/iems • View on Reddit →I think that the Performer 5+2 (the P7) is very worth it for $185. The P7 is one of my two favorite IEMs. I mostly listen to classic rock and EDM, jazz, and bossa nova. The P7 is quite good in terms of the things which you desire. I particularly enjoy female focals. I also really enjoy the clean bass and the very clean macro and micro details throughout the midrange and the treble. Aful managed to achieve these things while making sure that the P7 has a natural overall sound signature.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I really liked the Hype 4. I have only had a chance to audition it during a live YouTube chat with Joyce. She auditioned all three of the Hype IEMs. The Hype 4 sounded to me like the best bang for the buck. This also was the general consensus. I also really like the white shell color which you chose to purchase since I realized that the metal flakes reflect the colors of surrounding objects. I currently have two favorite IEMs which are yin and yang pairs of IEMs. I really enjoy the Aful Performer 7 for its very nice details which require me to have an alert mind. Yet when I am tired, I prefer the Dunu DaVinci's relaxing sounding upper midrange which still has very nice details. Amazingly, I am able to enjoy the DaVinci's more intense yet still amazingly layered and textured bass even when I am tired. I really like your very simple question since your simple question can open up avenues for discussion, such as yin and yang IEMs, one of which is preferred during daytime, or another of which is preferred in the evening when being more tired.
r/iems • View on Reddit →You mean the 5+2? I haven't tried it, but I have the 5. The 5s are not bad but at the moment IEMs around 150 beat them. To be honest the Odyssey recomendation is from the YouTuber Jays Audio. He has a ranking list of IEMs and their prices.
r/iems • View on Reddit →The pilgrim has clean midrange and It's a great IEM, but no excitement whatsoever, technicality is good but it's a bit boring. I would go for the Dusk, it is slightly bright neutral with beautiful bass boost. More exciting than pilgrim. Don't expect a huge jump from the P7 but they are different I like having both.
r/iems • View on Reddit →before 10 days there was on sale the Aful performer 5+2 at 202$ . Super great iem.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I think your preferences would be far better served by something like the KiwiEars KE4, or the also new Ziigaat Odyssey. As your preference with Fan3 would indicate you like that later JM1 style upper mids Pina Gain. An out of left field alternative would be the AFUL Performer 5. Or possibly the Performer 5+2 (or Performer 7 as some people call it). Personally the Performer 5 is a little brighter, which leans more towards the Fan3, but the 5+2 has a little more clinical detail up top. And way out in super right field, is the KiwiEars Airoso, it might be a little too U shaped for proper monitor use. But it is very clean in the upper mids and treble, and has excellent detail. There really isnt anything i have found that the Airoso cant play well. And for the current sub-$100 price, it punches WAY above its price target. Not that you came here looking for advice, buuuuttt...its interesting to get some alternative perspectives. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Ziigaat_Lush,Ziigaat_Cinno,Ziigaat_Odyssey,Penon_Fan_3_BC_Off,Kiwi_Ears_KE4,AFUL_Performer_5,Kiwi_Ears_Airioso
r/iems • View on Reddit →My two favorite IEMs are the Aful Performer 5+2 and the Dunu DaVinci. Perhaps ask if either of these IEMs work well for metal.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I love my Aful P5. I love my Aful P7 even more. The P7's bass is tighter and punchier (in the sense of having a cleaner initial attack). The P7 also improves everything else. The P7 is just as comfortable as the P5 since the shells are the same yet do extend slightly more upwards. Or in other words, Aful didn't mess with the shape and fit of the P5's shells other than somewhat extending the height of the shells. I never sleep with IEMs. Even so, I realize that comfort and fit would be a priority. I really like the Kefine Klean since I really like its overall sound signature and since I also really like its technical performance which exceeds many other IEMs in its price range. The Klean does have pretty thin shells. I can see the Klean as being very comfortable IEMs to listen to while falling asleep, yet this is not my thing.
r/iems • View on Reddit →There aren't that many once you've ruled out Etymotic. Honestly at that 'lower than Studio 4' price range you might as well go for the Studio 4. Aful Performer 5+2 / 8: Relaxed pinna gain at 2-4kHz means reduced vocal bite; speech and 'breathiness' is sacrificed slightly for a more relaxed, pleasant presentation. Not neutral. Anecdotally, I've heard the Performer 8, the soundstage is wide but centre image is weak. Moondrop Dusk: crinacle's house sound = big bass shelf. No go for neutrality. Moondrop Blessing 3: Upper-mids/lower treble emphasized (4-6kHz) beyond neutral. Supermix 4: Harman, i.e not neutral (bass and upper-mids emphasized) Thieaudio: U-shaped is their house sound from the Hype 2 all the way to the Valhalla. Extra bass and spicy treble. Not neutral. I would add that the Hexas aren't neutral either, they have too much bass for it, it's simply masked by the fact that its bass is sloped, not a shelf. All the 'Meta' IEMs out so far also fail in the neutral bass department by having too much of it. This includes the KE4, Volume S, Mega5EST and even CrinEar's 'Reference', if his chart is to go by. Graphs are worth looking at for reference. So you only really have the Studio 4 left. That, or an IER-M7 if you could get it for cheap.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I think that the same acoustic resonance technology is used in the Aful P7. I noted that Mark was using medium bore eartips on his Explorers. The stock medium bore eartips which came with the P7 made the P7's bass sound slightly less tactile than when I switched to wide bore eartips. I think that the acoustic resonance system couples better to the inner ears if you use wider bore eartips.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I have an Aful Explorer purchased from AliExpress for $78 a few months ago and have the Performer 5+2 on the way now, purchased for $154 in the most recent Ali sale. The Amazon prices aren't quite that good, so I'm glad I got them when and where I did. I'm looking for a good deal on the MagicOne but $111 is not it. It's been as low as $58 in AliExpress sales in the past, so gonna wait and see if that price comes around again.
r/iems • View on Reddit →The Dunu DaVinci is tuned very similarly to the Tea Pro. Both have a 6 kHz dip in the upper midrange to remove harshness in female vocals and to make the upper midrange sound a bit more relaxing. I have the DaVinci and the Performer 7 and both of these IEMs are endgame IEMs for me. The DaVinci has more bass than the P7. The P7 has a slightly early rise for the simulated pinna gain. I listen to the DaVinci when I want more bass and a more relaxing upper midrange. I listen to the P7 when I want a somewhat more energetic upper midrange. I pick one or the other to listen to depending on my mood and the genres which I want to listen to. So for me, the DaVinci and the P7 are somewhat yin and yang IEMs to each other. I like being able to pick up a pair of IEMs to listen to depending mostly on my mood. I have never looked at the iemrankings website until hearing about this website from your post, so I don't know what to make of this website. I can say that the P7 and the DaVinci are on a similar level but with differences. The Tea Pro is potentially the third endgame that I want since I think that its tuning will fit between the DaVinci and the P7. Although the P7 is really good and punches above its price, I find it hard to believe that the P7 is better than the Tea Pro.
r/iems • View on Reddit →thanks. I used a headband cover and stuffed it (fluff like you'd find in a stuffed animal) So I got both the comfort and fit sorted for the XS. I might venture to Audio Technica after I pick up the XV. Nice IEM collection... love the P5+2. It is the set that's held back my purchases.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I don't know how these IEM manufactures interpret "basshead" as someone who loves to hear big explosions that will overpower every other instrument and vocal, instead of punchier, cleaner, hard hitting bass, that won't bleed into other frequencies. It sounds so simple, yet impossible for them to understand. I am currently satisfied with the bass I get on Blon bl03 and performer 5.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I have considered planar IEMs. Planars are harder to drive. I also prefer IEMs which have a more natural overall sound signature. Right now my favorite IEM is the Performer 5+2. A musician stated that the Performer 8 is more tonally correct for classical instruments, yet of course the Performer 8 has noticeably different overall tuning in comparison to the Performer 5+2. Tuning also means a lot to me. I guess I am curious about overall tunings which make some IEMs noticeably more suitable for classical music.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I have both. P7's more analytical but only sound good with clear recordings. Explorers sounds fantastic in everything and any genre. Love them.
r/iems • View on Reddit →Honestly it's really hard to pick the one I like the most cause they're very different. It depends on the mood, what kid of music I'm listening to, do I feel like bright and wide or warm and chill. If I'm to keep only 3 I'd keep the Top Pro, Volume S and Horizon. But I'd also really miss the P7 the Astral and the Dusk.
r/iems • View on Reddit →It'll depend a lot on the things you like in your music. The DaVinci and DosCinco are more forward with female vocals than the Performer 7 or the S08. S08 is a bit more forward than the P7. P7 is the most neutral of the bunch. Best bass is going to depend on what you're specifically looking for. Sub bass rumble is probably best on the DosCinco, while the S08 has my favorite mid-bass punch. The DaVinci is nice, but can be a bit soft. The P7 sounds amazingly tight and accurate, but is lacking in intensity compared to the other three, which are much bassier. Cymbals your thing? The Performer 7 is airy and detailed and wonderful. The DaVinci is a close 2nd, but isn't as smooth as the P7. I would say, if you want dynamic sound that makes those genres sound as exciting as possible, try and get the DosCinco on sale. It's probably the best fit for Hip/Hop-Rap and Metal overall. The Performer 7 might be too neutral for your tastes, but it's in my opinion, probably the most detailed and resolving of the bunch. The S08 is great as well, and might be the best value overall, but if you have the budget for the DosCinco and the DaVinci, then I would go for one of those. I personally prefer the DosCinco over the DaVinci, especially on sale. But if you're sensitive to pressure issues or driver flex, I encountered driver flex on the DosCinco, but not on the DaVinci.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR POINTS: https://preview.redd.it/vwxf7i53neye1.jpeg?width=2377&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9aafdf70e38f01e9e6e88692e4c7f79caca103d8 This is MY collection...and I'm very early in the journey. I don't have the budget, knowledge or experience to blind buy a 500USD+ set of in ears that may or may not fit my ears or my preferences. While my journey doesn't completely fit OP's blueprint...I have/had the same thought process regarding purchasing IEMs. Not pictured are the Moondrop Chu 2 and 7Hz Sonus. I started with the Chu 2, 7Hz Zero 2 and Kiwi Ears Cadenza. From listening, watching and reading reviews...I was able to learn about all the terms, labels, and vocabulary to describe what I like or don't like. I threw money at the Wyvern Abyss...I mean...LOOK AT THEM😂. The Kz Castor Bass was a curiosity buy...want to hear if a set touting bass response was really that bassy. My next steps were the NiceHCK F1 Pros, Kiwi Ears Canta and the 7Hz Sonus. The F1 Pros and the Sonu were on sale at the time of purchase...good value and able to narrow things down more for myself. I knew I liked the planar sound...I have a set of open ear planar cans. The F1s felt disappointing (until I tip rolled) The Sonus was about much for my taste (in the mids) The Cantas were quite nice for me. By this point...I had a good grasp of what I was looking for and the direction (s) I want to go in. AFUL Performer 5+2 is currently my go-to...for all around listening. Sourced from R2R DAC lined out into a desktop tube amp. It's like a warm blanket on crisp bright and snowy winter day. I picked up the Hexa because I wanted to hear the hype...and yes...they definitely fulfill the hype and then some. I've EQed my IEMs... especially the planar. They can mimic the sound...but it's only a part of the equation. I now rotate through 3-4 sets at my desktop listening station. The cheapo ones all have 3.5mm out for around the house or for bed. If they break...ill decide if I want to replace. Tip rolling is a journey of itself. Some tips can dramatically change an IEM and rescue it from the bottom of the pile. My Planars now sport foam tips...easing off the treble was huge. Anyway...long post...if you got this far thanks for sticking with my diarrhea of words. TLDR: I agree with the OP
r/iems • View on Reddit →AFUL Performer 5 or Performer 5+2. They can play anything, and are generally unoffensive in their tuning, and provide a premium sound experience.
r/iems • View on Reddit →Right? I got it for less than its predecessor, the Performer 5, is currently selling for.
r/iems • View on Reddit →The mids are really nice on the Performer 5+2. I also really like the detailed upper midrange and treble, and the textured bass.
r/iems • View on Reddit →I can not stand the Harman tuning even though this tuning is very popular with many people. My tuning preference is very similar to the HBB tuning. I prefer the HBB tuning's 8 dB rise for the simulated pinna gain in the upper midrange since the Harman tuning's 10 to 11 dB rise for the simulated pinna gain in the upper midrange is too sibilant for me. I also don't like how the Harman tuning decreases the lower midrange. Right now my two favorite IEMs under $300 are the Aful Performer 7 and the Dunu DaVinci. The Performer 7 simply is an improved version of the Performer 5 across the board. I still love my Performer 5 IEMs. At first I didn't like the DaVinci's powerful sub bass relative to the mid bass, but I found some eartips which fixed this issue such that the sub bass is in balance with the mid bass. I have some other favorite IEMs at lower price points. I was very surprised by how much I like the Kima 2 which Dunu sent to me. I knew that the Kima 2 uses single dynamic drivers, yet when I listened to the Kima 2 I could have sworn that there must also be BA drivers in the mix since the macro and micro details are very well defined. For example, the Kima 2 performs much better than the Thieaudio Legacy 2. It also dawned on me that the Kima 2 is tuned very similarly to the original Moondrop Starfield which was my first IEM, yet the Kima 2's technical performance is so much nicer to listen to in comparison to the OG Starfield. There always a very slight veil to the sound when I listened to the OG Starfield, and the Kima 2 totally rips any veil away. On the budget side, I really like the Simgot EW200 after I easily added some self adhesive mesh filters to shift the overall tuning from Harman to HBB. The transition after adding the mesh filters was splendid. The thing is that after adding the mesh filters to adjust the tuning, I was able to really appreciate the quality of the EW200's dynamic drivers. I hope that the above helps you with your research.
r/iems • View on Reddit →Soundstage the Horizon and the Arete stand out, the Top Pro and Astral are good as well. Imaging, many of them are really good, not ranking them but these are the ones that comes to mind for imaging. The P7, the Astral, the Dusk, the Horizon, Studio 4 and the Top Pro
r/iems • View on Reddit →