AFUL Performer 5+2 Review / A Symphony IN Your Ears

Hey everyone!

As most of you probably know, AFUL made waves with their first IEM, the Performer 5, and since then, they’ve dropped several fantastic models for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. A month or two ago, they launched the updated version, the AFUL Performer 5+2. Now, if you’re familiar with AFUL, you probably already know them for their impressive acoustic and crossover designs, as well as their engineering.

So today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the new AFUL Performer 5+2. I’ll be giving you a rundown of what’s great and what’s not so great about this IEM, and I’ll also throw in a few tips on how to get the best output from it. I really hope my review will help you get a good idea about whether this IEM is worth your time. So stick around for the full review, and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer:

A big thanks to AFUL for sending me the Performer 5+2 for review. AFUL provided this unit for my honest and unbiased review, and at no point have they influenced me to say anything specific about it. Every observation in this review is based solely on my personal experience during daily use. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, drawn from the time I’ve spent testing the IEM.

If you want to learn more about AFUL and their products, feel free to visit their official website.

For those looking to purchase the AFUL Performer 5+2, you can check out their official AliExpress store, where they also offer other excellent IEMs. If you’re in Bangladesh and want to purchase AFUL IEMs without any hassle, Geek Mart is a reliable option. They provide official warranty coverage and ensure smooth delivery of AFUL products right to your doorstep.

Build quality

The AFUL Performer 5+2 comes with a full resin build, and just like their previous models, the build quality leaves no room for complaints. AFUL seems to have mastered this craft; holding the IEM gives you that solid, one-piece feeling, like it’s built to last. The resin is smooth and perfectly finished, with no rough edges or imperfections. Moreover, it’s skin-friendly, so comfort is not compromised even during extended listening sessions.

Even though AFUL went with black resin here, I really wish they had gone with a clear shell. Why? Well, because their internal acoustic designs—things like the tubing and driver arrangements—are genuinely a work of art. It’s a shame not to show that off. That said, this opaque resin still feels sufficiently premium and doesn’t cheapen the overall impression one bit. This IEM feels solid in the hand and exudes confidence that it’ll serve well for years without any issues.

Design

Design, of course, is subjective, but to my eye, the Performer 5+2 positively stands out. First off, the artistry has to do with the fact that AFUL has situated the faceplate itself—at an angle, it does this deep blue; at a straight view, very vibrant green. Patterns over the faceplate give this modern look without being outdone.

On the right earpiece, you have the “P5+2” branding, while on the left, you’ll only find the “AFUL” logo. It’s understated but elegant.

One thing that I do appreciate in the design is how the light interacts with the color. When it’s under the right light, it’s dynamic—attention-seeking without being loud. Such subtle attention to detail proves that AFUL has really put thought into not only performance but also aesthetics.

All in all, the Performer 5+2 fuses excellent build quality and a design that exudes premium feel with a very unique visual. Though a transparent shell is something I would slightly prefer, man, I just can’t deny how this design is polished, durable, and just plain good. Really, for an IEM in this segment, you tick all the boxes between function and form.

Fit and Comfort

Fit is where the AFUL Performer 5+2 really deserves the highest marks. The shell design is very well considered, providing a snug, natural fit without inducing any undue pressure in the ear. To my ears, the shell size feels like a true medium and should work well for most ear shapes-small, medium, or even slightly larger ears. It just slides in effortlessly and sits there securely, no adjustments needed every few minutes.

Comfort? No complaints here at all. I have used the Performer 5+2 for extended listening sessions, sometimes hours at a stretch, and I never felt any discomfort. Even while traveling, I could use it without feeling that annoying ear fatigue some IEMs tend to cause. Whether I sat back and listened to music for hours, gamed in long stretches, or just used it while walking around outside, this fit stayed solid and comfort never wavered.

I appreciate how light the shell is yet still premium. It’s easy to forget they’re even in your ears after a while, which is exactly what you want for an IEM designed for both critical and casual listening. So overall, in terms of fit and comfort, AFUL nailed it-this is an IEM you can wear for long hours without a single complaint. Perfect for listening, traveling, or just enjoying your music without a care.

Cable

The stock cable that comes with the AFUL Performer 5+2 is honestly pretty good on paper—AFUL calls it an 8-strand, 144-core high-purity copper cable with silver plating. And visually? Yeah, it looks solid. The cable feels soft and well-behaved in use, and I didn’t notice any major tangling issues or microphonic noise while using it. The preformed ear hooks sit perfectly over the ears, never causing any unwanted pressure, which allows the IEM to naturally lock into place. In addition, the 2-pin connectors, 4.4mm jack, and metal Y-splitter further give the cable a robust and premium look.

But—yes, there’s a but here—I do feel AFUL missed an opportunity by not including an interchangeable plug system for a $200+ IEM. For the price, that’s fair enough, but a more versatile cable would have made the package feel complete. More importantly, in my experience, the stock cable didn’t pair as well with the Performer 5+2 as I’d hoped. In some tracks, I noticed a bit of sharpness in the “ss” and “sh” sounds—almost like they were slightly over-boosted, and it could get fatiguing.

With regards to upgrading and opening up the Performer 5+2 to its fullest, I would strongly recommend using an aftermarket copper cable. Stuff like DUNU Lyre Mini, NiceHCK Mixpp, DUNU Hulk Pro Mini, or even NMD Audio Neptune does the magic. For me, it did present a much smoother BA timbre while overall sound leans toward better technical performance, which becomes way more balanced. Noticeable upgrade and worth it if one’s quite picky about the refinement in the sound.

Tips

If I have one major complaint, it’s with the stock tips. Let me just say it point-blank—I didn’t care for them. The Performer 5+2 is an IEM that had a sound held back by these AFUL stock tips. The output from this IEM is clearly fantastic, and I think these stock tips from AFUL are underwhelming in quality and hold that great output potential back a little.

For the best experience possible, I strongly recommend tinkering with some aftermarket tips. My personal favorites for the Performer 5+2 include the SpinFit W1, Final Type-E Clear (Pick), and Penon Liqueur Black tips. With those, the sound opens up beautifully—improving the seal, taming any sharpness, and generally offering better comfort. If you have a larger collection of tips, I encourage you to shuffle through them to find what works best for your preferences. A good tip swap can make this IEM deliver its true, reserved power, and it’s a game-changer.

At the end of the day, while the Performer 5+2 stock cable and tips are decent enough to get started, there is definitely more room for improvement. With a high-quality copper cable and carefully chosen tips, you can squeeze out every bit of performance this IEM has to offer. Trust me—it’s worth it.

Source compatibility

Okay, let’s talk about the most important part for me—source 😁. Now, I know some people say, “source doesn’t matter that much for IEMs,” but honestly, it does. Just because your IEM gets good loudness from your phone, laptop, or PC doesn’t mean it’s performing at its best. The AFUL Performer 5+2 can sound decently loud from almost any source, but if you really want to unlock its full potential—its dynamics, depth, and overall performance—you’ll need to pair it with a good DAC or DAP.

Here’s the thing though, it doesn’t mean you need an expensive dongle or high-end DAP to make it sing. During my testing, I found that the Performer 5+2 pairs best with sources that have a warm-neutral, warm, or even slightly analog-sounding signature. For example, it works beautifully with options like the Cowon Plenue R2, Ibasso dc elite, Cayin RU7, Cayin N3 Ultra, iBasso DC04 Pro,Onix Alpha XL 1 and Bqeyz Lin ( budget dac dongle ). These sources bring out the natural tonality of the Performer 5+2, keeping the treble smooth, the dynamics engaging, and overall avoiding fatigue during long sessions.

On the flip side, I didn’t have as great an experience pairing it with brighter or more analytical DACs and dongles like the Questyle M15, Dunu DTC480, or Kinera CD20. With these, the Performer 5+2’s BA timbre felt more pronounced, and the treble harshness was noticeable, especially with some tracks. Over time, this brightness could cause listening fatigue, making it less ideal for extended sessions.

So, my advice? If you already have a bright or analytical source, I’d recommend avoiding this pairing or at least testing it out first if you can. But if you’re working with warmer, smoother sources, the Performer 5+2 can really shine. It’s all about finding that balance to get the most out of this IEM.

Testing Source

• Cowon Plenue R2
• Astell & kern SP1000M
• Cayin N3 Ultra
• Ibasso DX180
• Hiby R3 ii
• Ibasso DC Elite
• Cayin ru7
• Questyle M15
• ONIX Alpha Xl 1
• Shanling h5
• IFI Hip DAC V2
• Xduoo xd05 basic
• Fiio btr7
• IFI Go Blue
• Ddhifi TC44 PRO E2
• Dunu DTC 480
• Fosi audio ds1
• Kinera CD20 And CD10
• Epz Tp35
• Epz Tp20 pro
• Moondrop Dawn Pro
• Bqeyz Lin

The Bass performance

Sub-Bass

AFUL Performer 5+2 delivers an impressive sub-bass performance that feels both deep and well-crafted. The extension reaches low enough to make you feel the rumble without overwhelming other frequencies, maintaining a solid texture and body. There’s a warmth here that feels intentional, adding an emotional weight to the music without making it sound artificial or overdone.

Immediately playing Angel by Massive Attack, the sub-bass stood out. That opening bassline, with soft layers of percussion, was so immersive. The Performer 5+2 captured that low-frequency hum with precision while letting the snare drums and cymbals breathe freely. Even the subtle electronic effects remained clear and distinct, adding to the atmosphere of the track.

Switching to Lose Yourself to Dance by Daft Punk, and the deep kick drums with the bass guitar lines were satisfyingly rumbling. It’s not about the depth, but how it controls the sub-bass. Performer 5+2 drives the rhythm and groove without forgetting the upfront and crisp vocals of Pharrell. The claps? The synth layers? The funky guitar riffs? It’s all there, separated beautifully despite this being a very bassy mix.

What really impressed me was how versatile the sub-bass felt across genres. On jazz or classical tracks, like with double bass sections, the Performer 5+2 provides just enough warmth to complement the instruments naturally. But it’s in hip-hop and electronic tracks where it shines the most. The layering is on point—you can feel the bass rumble, but the mids and highs never feel overshadowed.

Mid-Bass

If you thought, “The sub-bass sounds great, but maybe the mid-bass won’t be as good,” let me stop you right there. AFUL didn’t just stop at giving us great sub-bass; they have put in the same level of care and engineering into the mid-bass, and it shows. From the moment I started listening, I could tell this wasn’t just an afterthought.

The mid-bass is tight, punchy, and detailed. There’s a very slight boost in there that gives it some added warmth and makes the music feel alive without overpowering the rest of the spectrum. What really stands out, though, is how clean and fast it is. Even in tracks with super-fast bass lines or otherwise busy arrangements, the Performer 5+2 keeps every note distinct.

Take, for example, Ticks & Leeches by TOOL. If you know this track, you know how well Danny Carey’s drumming can overwhelm lesser IEMs. The Performer 5+2 handles it beautifully, though. That mid-bass captures the power of the kick-drum well, with each strike hitting hard but never bleeding into the toms or the bass guitar. Even when this song gets to that explosive, chaotic part, you can still sense an intricate interplay between Justin Chancellor’s bass guitar and the drums. That is just remarkable because of the level of clarity that is here.

Poem of Chinese Drum by Hok-Man Yim: Now, this is a masterpiece for testing mid-bass detail and dynamics. For the depth and texture of the drums, the Performer 5+2 absolutely nailed it. The large taiko drums sound with natural, earthy warmth; the small percussion instruments – like the high-pitched bianzhong bells and rapid claps of the woodblocks – remain crisp and distinct. Weight and body come across for every stroke of the drums, and yet it’s all presented so cleanly you can tease the layers apart at your pleasure.

What really impressed me in the Performer 5+2 is the speed of it. On such a track, with such an agile and fast rhythm section, if the bass is a tad slower, the details become blurred. But here, every note seems perfectly in time, tight, and impactful. It’s about precision, not just the power, and both are accomplished by the Performer 5+2.

Mid-Range

AFUL Performer 5+2 presents a smooth and inviting mid-range, with just enough warmth to make vocals and instruments feel alive and natural. Male vocals, in particular, are rich and organic in quality. Always on My Mind by Michael Bublé sounded full-bodied and emotional, his voice having just the right touch of warmth that brought out the depth in his baritone without losing clarity. The subtle piano notes and strings in the background were well-separated for a balanced and intimate presentation. In the same manner, the powerful crescendos of You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban were beautifully handled by the Performer 5+2, maintaining the richness in his vocals while allowing the orchestral backing to shine through.

For female vocals, the IEMs bring airiness and that touch of extension that can feel detailed but never harsh if paired with a warm or analog-sounding DAC. In Day Breaks by Norah Jones, her voice carried a soft, natural tone; the piano chords felt textured, yet never intrusive. The saxophone solo in the track added the layer of richness that Performer 5+2 rendered smooth, and never overpowered the vocal. On Simply Falling by Chantal Chamberland, her airy, emotive delivery came across with perfect nuance. The guitar plucks and bassline were cleanly separated, giving her voice a spacious backdrop.

And then, of course, there’s the mid-bass. The tracks with heavier instrumentation don’t sound full or muddy. The Performer 5+2 handled the interplay between instruments and vocals with ease; the mid-range never sounded crowded. Whether it was the strings, piano, or soft percussion—everything felt like it had its place and sounded articulate, even on dense arrangements.

That said, on certain recordings, female vocals might seem a bit forward, which will depend on your source. But this is fairly easily managed with a warm DAC or amp, thus keeping the overall balance in place. Performer 5+2 proves quite versatile across genres; while it handles male and female voices with panache, separation and clarity in the mid-range stand tall.

Treble

The treble in the AFUL Performer 5+2 finds balance between crisp and smooth without making detail sound coarse and instead comes across with nuance. The micro-planar driver included is apparent due to its contribution to speed and fine control of high-frequency play, illuminating small details in many instruments such as cymbals and hi-hats and being heard clearly without fatiguing brightness.

On Debussy’s Clair de Lune, the Performer 5+2 captures the delicate upper harmonics of the piano with remarkable accuracy. The higher notes feel airy and natural, blending into the overall composition without losing their sparkle. The treble extension adds a sense of space, enhancing the ambiance and depth of the piece.

With Keith Don’t Go (Live) by Nils Lofgren, the Performer 5+2 reveals an intricate level of detail within the acoustic guitar work. Each pluck and slide is reproduced with lifelike precision, and the treble imparts just the right amount of shimmer to give weight to the resonance of the strings. The applause and crowd noise in the live recording come across as airy and well-separated, giving the track a realistic, three-dimensional feel.

The airiness in the treble further extends the Performer 5+2’s capabilities of creating a spacious and open soundstage. Tracks with subtlety in their high-frequency reproduction are done well by the clarity and control of the IEM. Not once does the treble ever cross into harsh territory despite the great detail retrieval, making it suitable for long listening sessions without fatigue.

Technical Performance

The soundstage of the AFUL Performer 5+2 is rather wide, providing a kind of virtual area without any crowding sensation. On It’s A Hard Life (Live In Rio), by Queen, the live atmosphere is wonderfully conveyed: crowd cheering, the voice of Freddie Mercury, all the instruments—naturally creating echoes for an out-of-head experience where the stage is wide open, and each of its elements is positioned in its area, not crushed against others.

Imaging is pinpoint accurate, placing instruments and effects with precision. Performer 5+2 tracks the movement of sounds around the stage on Bubbles by Yosi Horikawa—from the dancing droplets through to the layered percussive elements—with consummate ease. Every sound seems discrete, yet it’s part of a cohesive whole, really showing how well the IEM renders complex mixes.

Layering is similarly powerful; the Performer 5+2 remains clear well into thick tracks. The Slipknot Drum Solo often tends towards the extreme, but even that manages to separate rapid hits from drums and cymbals without congestion. For dynamics, this is stellar, assuring energy and shifts in intensities are caught with incredible subtlety.

Speed and separation of notes are poignant. Here is where the micro-planar driver shows its capability by ensuring that fast tracks, like Drum Solo, remain tight and articulate. The Performer 5+2 doesn’t blur transitions: every hit, strum, and effect is cleanly delineated.

Other strong points are the retrieval of detail: Subtle nuances such as the ticking of the clocks, soft guitar harmonics, and the echoes on Time by Pink Floyd can easily be heard. This does not sound forced—the Performer 5+2 presents these micro-details with ease, and while adding dimension to the listen, without overemphasizing the presence.

In general, the AFUL Performer 5+2 is a technically fine performer that can give good sound staging, correct imaging, and excellent separation—even with complicated passage tracks.

Conclusion

The AFUL Performer 5+2 is a solid iem. It is not about the specifications or fancy drivers; it is about the experience. The bass? Deep and textured. The midrange? Smooth and alive. Treble? Crisp and detailed but never harsh. Grooving to classic Michael Bublé or diving through layers in Pink Floyd’s Time, this IEM knew how to make the music alive.

Now, it’s not perfect. The stock cable and tips? Meh, they don’t do justice to the real potential of this IEM. Swap those out, and suddenly, the Performer 5+2 feels like it’s stepped into another league. And yeah, pairing it with a warm or neutral DAC really takes things up a notch—like unlocking its hidden personality.

What I really love is how versatile it is. Whether you’re into hip-hop, classical, or even live rock performances, this IEM doesn’t disappoint. But it’s not just for audiophiles—it’s for anyone who wants their music to feel alive. Sure, it takes some experimenting to get the best out of it, but honestly, isn’t that part of the fun?

So, would I recommend it? Yeah, totally. It’s not just an IEM—it’s an experience.