Disclaimer

I got this product as a review unit from AFUL. Except from the review unit, I did not receive money or any other necessities to influence the review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion on AFUL Performer 5+2. My likes and dislikes on this IEM are based solely on my own personal experience.

Design & Build Quality

Design wise, I personally like the AFUL Performer 5 more than the AFUL Performer 5+2. That being said, Performer 5+2 looks cleaner. The Performer 5+2 looks more unique with its glitter like shiny, blue and green contrast. Black stripes on them creates triangles. AFULs logo is on the lower side of the faceplate as usual.

The inner side of the shell look pitched black, but it’s semitransparent if you observe it closely. The shape of the inner side is the same as the AFUL Performer 5.

Build wise, the stock cable of AFUL Performer 5+2 is exactly the same as the Performer 5. It just has more metal like color. Both the Performer 5 and the 5+2 has the same issue. It’s painful to angle the 2 pin perfectly in order to fit in the drivers. Other than that, it’s robust, has 0 memory, looks premium.

The carrying case is the same as before. Same branding on top of the case. It’s durable as metal, as it’s made of metal (obviously). Although you might break it by throwing a Nokia 1100. Jokes apart, more space on the inside would help, as I need to adjust it properly, every time I put them back.

Comfort

The AFUL Performer 5+2 might have the same shell as the Performer 5, as I didn’t feel much difference. It was decently comfortable. The isolation was quite good, but not extraordinary like a full BA system. By not having any memory, the cable didn’t cause any trouble while wearing. I was able to wear it for more than 3 hours. As it is winter, I cannot confirm any issue that might occur in hot weather countries.

Packaging

• AFUL Performer 5+2 drivers
• SPC Cable
• 9 pairs ear tips (S/M/L) [3 each type]
• Metal Case
• User Manual
• Warranty

Specification

● Driver: 2DD+4BA+1Micro Planar
● Frequency response: 10Hz-35kHz
● Impedance: 15Ω 士20%
● Sensitivity: 109dB
● Cable: 8 Core Silver Plated Copper Cable
● Pin Type: 2pin, 0.78mm
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Plug Type: 3.5mm/ 4.4mm

The unit sent to me has 4.4 balanced output.

Pairings

Sources

• Ibasso DC04 Pro
• Cayin Ru7
• Cayin Ru6
• Fosi audio DS1
• IFI Hip-Dac 2
• Cayin N3 ultra
• Questyle QP2R
• Plenue R2
• ΚΑΕΙ Tap-2
• DUNU DTC-480
• Moondrop Dawn Pro

AFUL Performer 5+2 performs great with most of the DACs. But I personally like to pair it with a warm analogue sounding device, or a neutral one. As it is really power efficient, you don’t need a powerful source or any dedicated AMP. A normal DAC is sufficient to power it.

Eartips

• Stock
• DDHIFI ST35
• Final E (Black)
• Spinfit CP100+
• Tri Clarion 
• KBear 07
• Dunu Candy
• Spinfit W1
• UCOFIT

I personally wouldn’t recommend you use the stock ear tips. DUNU Candy pairs well but fall off from the nozzle. DDHIFI ST35 was another good option, but it lacks details. Finally found the UCOFIT and it pairs almost perfectly. The bass response got even better. It just shortens the soundstage slightly. Aside from that, I think it’s perfect.

Cable

• Stock
• KBear (Inspiration C) 4 core copper
• NiceHCK mixPP

Other than the fitting issue on the driver (while plugging in), the stock cable already paired well with the set. So, I decided to stick with them. But copper cable makes the vocals richer and the bass more soothing.

Sound Quality

The addition of another Dynamic driver and a micro planner has significantly improved the sound quality of AFUL Performer 5+2. The Bass got better characteristics, especially the Sub-bass. The Vocals are slightly laid-back compared to Performer 5, not laid-back vocals in general sense. The treble is not as aggressive as the Performer 5, has details still being smooth. Let’s discuss them in detail.

For reference, here’s a graph from AFUL Audio.

Sub-Bass

The sub-bass got some buff from its predecessor. It’s quite relaxing yet engaging at the same time. The sub-bass is rumbly, deep and has a good texture. There is no trace of roll offs. It’s not a bass that is boosted and becomes the star of the show, instead it’s more like having warmth, richness, creating a good combination with the mid-bass and make you praise the bass more without you even realizing whom you’re praising.

Mid-Bass

The mid-bass of Performer 5+2 is AMAZING. It has such a nice body and texture. The bass presentation is just perfect, it more than enough for enjoyment, yet not too much to cause bleeding in the mid-range. The bass has clarity, details and it’s punchy. Bass notes have good weights. The attacks are decently fast, and it decays at a good rate, which is neither too fast nor too slow.

Pairing it with a copper cable and UCOFIT makes it busted! It just sound soo soothing, warm and rich!

Mid-range

AFUL Performer 5+2 also shines with its mid-range. The mid-range is clean, thanks the controlled bass response. It has a hint of warmth, which make the mid-range sound more delightful. With that hint of warmth, the vocals sound even more soothing. Let’s dive further into the vocal section.

Male Vocals

Male vocals in AFUL Performer 5+2 sound so wonderful. The vocals sound rich and has a really nice texture. Heavy male vocals has a good weight. All these together makes the vocal of performer 5+2 so good that can only be felt by listening. It’s neither forward, nor laid-back, just being at the right spot. Male vocals in Performer 5+2 sound meaty and emotional.

Female Vocals

Female vocals on Performer 5+2 sound sweet and clear at the same time. Vocals that scales high does not create any sort of fatigue if paired with a warm sounding DAC. The accenting of female vocals sound wonderful, although the descending isn’t that worth noting. Overall it sound great having a good texture, being detailed even on tracks with many instruments.

Treble

The treble section is smooth. Has a lot of details without causing any harshness. Perfect for people with sensitive ears. The table is well extended, and feels quite airy in the upper treble.

Instruments

Every instrument in most of the tracks sound well this performer 7. Drums has that punchiness with a good body. Piano and flute sound soothing. Guitar, ukulele, violin, every string instrument sound nice with them.

Technicalities

Performer 5+2 is quite promising in terms of technicalities. It’s fast, relatively accurate, yet sound melodic. The soundstage is quite wide and the imaging is decently accurate. It doesn’t have any planet timber, despite having a micro planner for the upper treble.

Gaming

In gaming it performed great as well. Having a wide soundstage helped me locate my enemies footsteps easily. Gun fire sound was accurate as well, without creating any fatigue. But you might miss the sound of footsteps and explosives from far.

Why should you consider it

• If you good bass
• If you like open mid-range
• If you like airy treble
• If you need an all-rounder device
• If you like vocals
• If you’re sensitive to treble

Why should you look elsewhere

• If you’re a treble lover
• If you like forward vocals
• If you don’t like warm sound
• If you like bass heavy IEMs

Verdicts

AFUL performer 5 + 2 is a great pick for anyone who likes a balanced sound. It is without any doubt better than performer 5. Personally I really enjoyed the bass and the vocals of this IEM. If you’re someone like me, who likes good sub-bass with good vocals, and a treble that isn’t harsh, yet enjoyable, than you should definitely try this once.

As always thank you for your attention! Let me know your thoughts on this IEM. 

Until then,
Keep on listening ·͜·♡

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