Submitted by iampidugu t3_zsiacq in headphones
Pros:
- Easy to drive
- Great isolation
- Fits well
- Balanced tonality
- Build quality
Cons:
- Fingerprint magnet
- Timbre might be off rarely
- Soundstage might not be for everyone
- A CIEM-like design might cause some pain for very small ears
Disclaimer: This is a subjective preference based on my experiences with the unit. This is an unpaid review which is not influenced by HiFiGo or AFUL. However, I recommend you test the unit before making a purchase. Thank you to HiFiGo for organising this review tour.
Product link: AFUL Performer5 1DD + 4BA IEMs — HiFiGo
About the Unit:
Performer 5 is a brand new five-driver hybrid set of in-ear monitors from AFUL Acoustics. The pair houses a combination of a powerful dynamic driver and four high-performance balanced armature drivers on each side tuned precisely using in-house developed RLC Network Frequency Division Correction Technology. AFUL Acoustics has featured ergonomic and lightweight ear shells with uniquely textured face covers. With several different patented technologies from AFUL Acoustics, the Performer 5 is made to deliver a quality performance for its listeners with impressive sound delivery. (Source: HiFiGo)
Features of AFUL Performer 5:
- Five-driver hybrid configuration.
- 1 Powerful Dynamic Driver for lower end.
- Four High-Performance Customised Balanced Armature Drivers (2 for mids, 2 for highs).
- EnvisionTEC High-Precision 3D Printed Acoustic Tube Structure.
- High-Damping Air-Pressure Balance System.
- RLC Network Frequency Division Correction Technology.
- Ergonomic & Lightweight.
- Unique designer face covers.
Technical Specifications:
- Impedance: 35Ω.
- Sensitivity: 110dB@1kHz.
- Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-35kHz.
- Passive Noise Reduction: 26dB.
- Connectors: 2-pin 0.78mm.
- Termination: 3.5mm
- Package Weight: 0.5kg
My Experience with the Unit:
Lows: Aful Performer 5 to me is neutrally tuned with a bass boost. It mainly focuses on the sub-bass rather than the mid-bass. Lows are clear with minimal distortion even at higher volumes. They don’t bleed into mids and have good cohesion. On some tracks, I might have felt bass lacked a little energy and punch.
Mids: Midrange is neutral and very straightforward, but sometimes might lack energy on some tracks. Overall, the mids are balanced which doesn’t sound on your face nor be recessive to be heard and are suitable for longer listening sessions.
Highs: Treble is not sparkly might be due to the less air and there’s zero sibilance whatsoever. However, you might feel that the lower treble is smooth and the upper is a little darker. Overall, highs are smooth and have good cohesion with mid and low ranges despite being a multi-driver architecture.
The review is based on using Roon (Offline FLACs) as a source via laptop onto an Audio Quest Cobalt at the same volume level for all tracks. Please keep in mind that I have used the stock cable and tips with the unit.
Tracks used for this review:
- Wow by Post Malone
- Carry On by XXXTentacion
- Jiya Jale by AR Rehman
- Moh Moh Ke Dhaage by Anu Malik
- Street Dancer by Avicii
- One Kiss by Calvin Harris
- Get Low by Dillion Francis and DJ Snake
Conclusion: AFUL Performer 5 is a great IEM at 219 USD with a solid build/design. It fits well (at least for me with small ears), with good isolation and balanced tonality. I might say a little more refinement and exciting sound would make it ideal. Nevertheless, a solid deal for the price if you are not into technicalities.
ArkhamKnight0708 t1_j18zcek wrote
What's the nozzle size? Is it smaller than a Truthear Zero or Blessing 2?