AFUL Audio is surely making a name for itself within the circles of audiophiles with its very fresh designs and a promise to keep things at the top. They have been gaining huge popularity with their in-ear monitors, and they are all about making your music sound amazing, whether you are a casual listener or you're an audiophile—variety to fit everyone's taste. AFUL IEMs are all about giving you a great listening experience with cool stuff like hybrid driver setups, smart tuning, and comfy designs. Their new release, "Performer 5+2' is also with the same characteristics. A hybrid set with 2 DD, 4 BA, & 1 micro planar driver which Aful tuned in a very different manner. Let's dive into the review to see how this set holds up in a real-world test.
Aful Performer 5+2 Review
As an ‘Aful fanboy,’ it’s impossible for me to avoid any new product from them. I love their tuning, except for Performer 8, which is too spicy for me! My first IEM from Aful was the magical MagicOne, and since then I haven’t looked back! The very first time I encountered the P 5+2 or P7, whatever you may say, it left me in ‘awwwwwwweeee!’ The tuning is so mature and detailed with fantastic clarity. I especially love the soundstage and the separation; though they are not ‘out of the world’ type, but they gave my playlist a different definition.
The tricky part for me is the synergy. It shows its analytical side if paired with a bright or analytical source, which I don’t like actually. Analytical or technical sounds give me a headache every time. I paired it with my balanced sources like Dunu DTC 480, Celest CD-10, etc., and they sound good. But with my ifi Hip DAC2, Fosi Audio DS-1, iBasso DC04 Pro, and Cayin RU7, it shines like a star with a very musical tonality. But with Cayin N3 Ultra, the story is totally different with a lush analog vibe!
DISCLAIMER
AFUL was kind enough to send me the Performer 5+2 to review. I am not affiliated with Aful and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘Aful Performer 5+2 review’ are my subjective thoughts.
One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary because of personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase, checkout GEEK MART or AFUL for their fantastic products and promotions (non-affiliated link).
GEAR USED
● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Tempo Tac V3, iBasso DX180, Cayin N3 Ultra
● DAC: ifi Hip DAC 2, Cayin RU7, iBasso DC 04 Pro, Dunu DTC 480, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Celest CD-20 Hidizs SD8 Pro Robin, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
● Smartphone: Poco X3
● Files: Spotify & local Hi-Res FLAC & DSD files.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
● Driver: 2DD+4BA+1Micro Planar
● Frequency response: 10Hz-35kHz
● Impedance: 15Ω
● Sensitivity: 109dB
● Cable: 8 core high purity copper with silver plating
● Pin Type: 2pin, 0.78mm
● Cable Length: 1.2M
● Plug Type: 3.5mm/ 4.4mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
● Aful 5+2 IEMs
● Stock cable
● 9 pairs, 3 types ear tips (S/M/L)
● Storage box
● Some official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
Unboxing the P5+2 is totally like unboxing the P5. Even the package is the same in terms of design, size, and accessories. The package carries the classic Aful legacy of simplicity. Open the cardboard box, and you will be greeted by an AFUL-branded box cover. Underneath that cover, the IEMs are nested in a foam cut-out. Besides this, you will find the carrying box with ‘AFUL’ text in it, and you will have the stock cable by opening it up. Uncovering the foam piece, there lie all the stock ear tips in foam cut-outs.
This is simple without any complicity and really straight-forward approach to introducing all the accessories with the IEM.
BUILD & DESIGN
Aful always delivers well-built and good-looking IEMs, and the Performer 5+2 is no exception. Made with high-quality resin, the shells feel robust and lightweight at the same time. The design is a blending of aesthetics and functionality. As per Aful, the design takes inspiration from traditional Suzhou garden motifs, and this gave the faceplate a unique and artistic appeal. The faceplates are too beautiful to look at and change colors with the shade of light.
With the seven drivers inside, the shells are still in a reasonable size. And you can’t tell that this IEM is jam-packed with drivers like they did in the Cantor!
The faceplate design embodies the beauty of Eastern aesthetic, reminiscence of Chinese Suzhou garden: “In the secluded path, the Zen room is deep with flowers and trees.”- AFUL
FIT & COMFORT
Aful always delivers very comfortable IEMs, no matter how many drivers are inside. Except for the MagicOne, which is tricky to fit, I didn’t find any IEM from Aful which is an uncomfortable one. The Performer 7 fits well in my average ear and it feels like they were tailored just for me. The resin shells are very light and comfortable to wear. It sits and fits well.
The ergonomic design of the inner part, which sub-marge in the ear, made it so comfortable. And along with that the thoughtful pressure-damping system, which eliminates the air buildup that some IEMs can cause uncomfortable feelings during long sessions, made it my daily driver.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
I completely slipped on the AFUL Performer 5+2, and out of the blue, my playlist felt brand new. The bass hit just right; the mid had this nice warmth, while the treble sparkled like stars. Every little detail popped, with instruments just floating around me. It’s not just sound; it’s a different experience I didn’t expect!
Here is the frequency graph (courtesy: Aful Audio )-
Let’s dive deep…
SUB-BASS
It has dual dynamic drivers, so you can expect a quality bass section, right? True that. I love bass, not overly boosted but the one with good body & texture. This IEM delivered the sub-bass exactly the way I wanted it to. It wasn’t a simple rumble; it was more like this cool, controlled vibe that really made the music pop. I loved how they had it tuned so that the sub-bass wasn’t all bloated or even too much. It worked super with the mid-bass by keeping everything clear and not merging together.
I was listening to “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel, and, man—it just made the song feel super warm and deep. The notes had this awesome weight to them, giving it a cool textured low-end that made the track feel rich. The sub-bass didn’t steal the spotlight; instead, it provided a subtle yet impactful environment, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the song.
MID-BASS
Performer 5+2 strikes an impressive balance between punch and clarity when it comes to mid-bass delivery. It makes the listening a joy. I tested it with a variety of genres, including jazz, rock, pop, and metal, and was amazed at how the mid-bass added energy without ever feeling bloated. It gives percussion and bass guitar notes a sense of weight and presence by delivering a solid thump with a natural decay, that feels life-like. And it doesn’t bleed into other frequencies, preserving the clarity of vocals and instruments in the midrange.
Got an electrifying experience while listening to “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by YES on this IEM. Right from the opening bass line, the mid-bass comes alive with well-defined notes and punch that provide the track with its iconic groove. It captures the rhythmic drive of the bass region with precision, giving each note a dynamic presence. It hits hard but remains tight and controlled. The mid-bass perfectly compliments the vibrant highs and clear mids. It creates a very engaging listening experience.
VOCALS
MALE
I tested tracks with rich, baritone vocals and was struck by how Performer 7 captured the depth and emotion. The male vocals are a highlight of this set which is rendered with warmth, detail, and a natural tone. This kind of presentation will pull you right into the music. The vocal reproduction is balanced here, it has enough weight to convey richness, yet the note remains clean and articulate. It avoids any harshness or strain and maintains a smooth, refined presentation.
I feel like re-discovering the song “Suddenly” by Billy Ocean with these earphones. The voice is rendered with a warmth and clarity that makes the whole presentation so emotional. The P7 captures the depth of his baritone beautifully, giving his voice a soulful, rich presence. During the more exciting parts of the song, when Ocean’s voice really kicks in with passion, the IEM deals with the changes effortlessly, keeping it all smooth and avoiding any rough spots. This is fantastic how the IEM balances his singing with the gentle keyboard and string backdrops, making sure everything is clear but still fits together nicely.
FEMALE
‘Stunningly clear and emotionally engaging’- that’s all I will say when it comes to the female vocals of the Aful Performer 5+2. This IEM really nails the midrange and treble, making female voices sound super detailed. I tried it with some vocal-heavy songs, and the IEM just nailed all the delicate textures, vibrato, and those breathy little details that make female vocals pop.
Listening to “It’s All Coming Back: by Celine Dion on this set is an exhilarating experience. Celine’s voice, it has this emotional depth, and it sounds so clear, like she is singing to you alone. The midrange tuning of these IEMs gives her voice a smooth, comfortable warmth. It really nails the depth and vibe that make her performance so unforgettable. This earphone reveals the tender textures of her delivery: the breathiness, the controlled vibrato, and the subtle shifts in tone in these quieter verses.
INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION
Performer 7 stands out from the crowd when it comes to instrument separation by producing layered and detailed music. This clear and detailed presentation handles the Rapidity of sound and gives out a clear output. Just like in Rock music, the drum beats, guitars, and singing in the energetic parts of the song, where so many things are going on within the mix—through this IEM, everything will stay clear and balanced. That separation by IEM between the instruments gives it a detailed quality while still being musical. And it’s enjoyable for easy listening and even for analytical kind of listening.
I felt like stepping into the heart of a windy ballad while listening to “Snows of New York” by Chris De Burgh. The earphones did an amazing job of separating the instruments, and this rich, emotional track sounded really clear and distinct. From the gentle piano in the start to the sparkly strings and soft percussion, everything is like perfectly positioned in the mix, almost pulling me right into the music.
TREBLE
Some may expect ‘planar timber’ in the treble region of this IEM, but that’s not true. OK, let’s confess the ugly truth- the source. Yes, your source matters. With bright and analytical sources, it will automatically deliver spicy upper frequencies with your scary ‘planar timber.’ But when you pair it with balanced or warm sources, the story is different. The treble presentation is detailed, smooth, and pleasant to listen to. It gives the high notes a sense of airiness and clarity with a very good extension. This extension is well enough to capture the subtle details in high frequencies.
The experience is exciting with “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. This IEM does a great job of keeping the treble bright, clear, and well-defined but not overdone. From little cymbal taps to those crazed-out high guitar solos, the Performer 5+2 really nailed this treble with amazing precision and control. The cymbals shine so bright but without harshness. When the solo kicks in, the high notes on the electric guitar are very dynamic and lively, and you can hear each string being plucked. Even with a high volume, the treble isn’t all distorted and annoying, keeping the listening enjoyable.
SOUNDSTAGE
It’s really open and specious here with a sense of depth and width. This kind of presentation will make you feel like you are at the center of a live performance. Listening to multilayered songs, such as orchestral or rock music, the Performer 5+2 created a wide space in which every instrument was in its place. It felt as if the sound was coming from a bigger area around me, not just inside my ears. Even in busy songs with a lot going on, this IEM keeps the soundstage organized.
Listening to “Our Shangri-La” by Mark Knopfler through the AFUL Performer 5+2 is like being taken to some peaceful concert stage. The song starts with gentle guitar playing and quiet supporting instruments, and the Performer 5+2 immediately makes the space feel big and natural. When Mark Knopfler’s voice comes in, it feels up-front and personal yet still surrounded by that wide range of instruments. Each instrument sounds like it has its own space. The guitar leans slightly forward and to the sides, but the drums and bass hold steady in the background.
TECHNICALITIES
DYNAMICS
The dynamic range on this set is energetic and lively, making music sound alive. Every time music crosses over from soft to loud or vice versa, the Performer 7 handles it—all the way, accurately capturing each transition from a silent piano to a burst of volume never once losing control of the details within. Instruments like drums and strings make their impact with a balanced intensity level, which is exciting for every beat.
SPEED
The IEM is strong where speed is involved, such as when playing really fast and complicated pieces. Its dual-dynamic and balanced armature drivers work in symphony to create fast sounds. Every hit of the drum, strum of the guitar, and tap on the high-hat is sharp and accurate. With fast rock or metal, it keeps up the speed effortlessly, pounding out the notes clearly and distinctly. Even with complex music containing layered rhythms, it sounds tight and well-controlled.
ANALYTICS
This earphone is good at analyzing music; it makes all the fine details very clear. You can definitely hear soft sounds, like a singer’s breath or a slight echo in the room. It separates the instruments nicely, so you can clearly distinguish each part of a song from the rest. Whether it’s an intricate orchestral composition or a simple song, every layer is clear and distinct.
SOURCES
Sources are to provide power and give you a good/bad synergy that can bring out the potential or the weaknesses of the IEM. I will divide this section into two sub-sections. Now let’s jump in right away.
POWER
With an Impedance of 15Ω and 109dB sensitivity, this is not a power-hungry set rather it’s easy to drive. I tested it directly from 3.5 mm audio jack of my smartphone and it sounds quite well, but not to its fullest. But if you give it a bit more juice, it will shine to its full potential. So, I will recommend a decent DAC with a balanced output to pair with it. Remember, a good source with good power will give you the ultimate result.
SYNERGY
This is a bit tricky here. The P7 contains BA & planar magnetic driver, which tends to deliver spicy upper frequencies if paired with bright or analytical sources. If you are an analytical sound lover, it won’t be a problem for you. But if you are like me and literally hate those analytical needles, then you need to pair them with analog or warm sources. A balanced source like Dunu DTC480 or Celest CD-10 also can give you a very tasteful output. But sources like ifi Hip Dac2, iBasso DC04 Pro, Fosi Audio DS1, Cayin RU7, and Cayin N3 Ultra can give you an experience that will take you to another world of enjoyment!
CABLE & TIP ROLLING
The supplied cable is capable enough to produce the original tonality of the P5+2. But in my testing, I found that a balanced copper cable can make a good difference. With Dunu Lyra mini, the midrange opens a bit with a hint of warmth in the mid-bass region. I shuffled almost all my cables and finally sticked with Lyra mini for the tone it brings.
The stock tips are totally useless. You will find them with almost all of the Aful IEMs, except Cantor. I rolled tips a lot, used Dunu Candy, S&S, Spinfit W1, Omni, ePro horn-shaped tips, Divinus Velvel (regular & wide boar), and finally found that ePro tips gave me the ultimate fit, comfort, and sound tonality that I love.
RECOMMENDED FOR
● Balanced sound lovers
● If you are searching for good detailed sound
● If you love wide soundstage
● Comfort-seeking marathoners
● If you have different types of sources
● If you want an IEM with mid-tier price but with high performance
NOT FOR
● Bass heads (sorry, bro!)
● Analytical source owners scared of ‘planar timber’ (ha ha ha)
● Looking for high-technical details
● Aful haters (again… ha ha ha ha)
CONCLUSION
The AFUL Performer 5+2 feels like a trusted friend for music fans, blending good looks, flexibility, and some serious tech skills. From the very first note, when I put them on my ears, this sound came across as highly involving yet highly detailed. The dual dynamic drivers pump up the warmth and power in the bass, while the balanced armatures and micro planar driver give some nice clarity and sparkle to the mids and highs. Details like subtle textures in vocals to crispy high-hat taps in complicated instrumentals pop out.
If you’re looking for IEMs that bring a bit more emotional tone to the music, with some solid details, then the Performer 5+2 is definitely something you should give a listen to. It’s going to make you rediscover your favorite songs and provide an extremely personal and fulfilling sound experience.
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