Right this moment, we’re reviewing the AFUL Performer 5+2 IEM. It’s priced at $239 USD.
Disclaimer: HifiGo despatched us the Performer 5+2 from AFUL for this overview. As all the time, I’m right here to convey my trustworthy expertise with the product.
AFUL
Established in 2018, AFUL started its journey with an skilled acoustic workforce devoted to advancing audio know-how. By 2019, the workforce had developed prototypes that includes modern circuit topology and acoustic buildings, considerably enhancing conventional designs with BA drivers.
By means of steady technological developments, AFUL secured three patents in 2020 and commercialized its S&E Math know-how in 2021, receiving recognition from the Chinese language Academy of Sciences and assist from the Suzhou Municipal Authorities. The launch of the Performer sequence earphones in 2022 marked a worldwide success.
In 2023, AFUL launched the Performer 8, persevering with its modern strategy within the subject of micro units / transportable audio. As Headfonia, we coated Performer 8, Performer 5, Magic One, Explorer, and Flagship Cantor IEMs on Headfonia. You may take a look at these opinions by clicking on their names. Let’s get to at present’s spotlight with out additional ado.
AFUL Performer 5+2
The AFUL Performer 5+2 (aka. Performer 7) fills a distinct segment within the $200 worth vary, which sees much less competitors in comparison with the extra crowded $100 and $300 brackets. This tribrid IEM includes a 7-driver setup, combining two dynamic drivers, 4 balanced armature drivers, and a micro planar driver. It additionally incorporates a number of patented applied sciences from AFUL’s Performer sequence, such because the RLC community passive crossover, a 3D-printed acoustic tube construction, and an air strain administration system.
The IEMs function 3D printed resin shells with faceplates impressed by Suzhou Gardens. These aesthetic faceplates show a triangular sample with blue-green glitter accents.
The Performer 5+2 / Performer 7 is offered on HifiGO for $239 USD. It’s also possible to purchase it on Amazon or Aliexpress. You may have the choice to decide on between 4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm single-ended variants.
Specs & Highlights
Configuration: x2 DD + x4BA + x1 Micro Planar Tribrid
Impedance: 15Ω
Sensitivity: 109dB/mW
RLC Community Digital Crossover
3D Printed Acoustic Waveguide
Excessive-Damping Air-Strain Steadiness System
144-core Silver-Plated Copper Cable with 2-pin 0.78mm
Cable Termination 3.5mm or 4.4mm (Not Interchangeable)
Packaging & Equipment
The Performer 5+2 is available in a field that matches the faceplate design of the earphones. The title of this new IEM is usually a bit complicated, as AFUL refers to it as each Performer 5+2 and Performer 7. Nevertheless, the packaging constantly makes use of the Performer 5+2 title. The field has small informative badges highlighting the applied sciences utilized within the earphones, with detailed specs printed on the again.
Opening the lid of the field reveals a spherical plastic carrying case with the AFUL brand and the earphones themselves. Beneath the protecting layer, you’ll discover three units of ear suggestions embedded within the foam in small, medium and huge sizes. All three units have an identical type issue and silicone texture – virtually indistinguishable, in reality. I discovered the standard of the inventory suggestions missing, so I swapped them out for my Divinus Velvet and Divinus Velvet Vast suggestions, which I typically use as a match reference on account of their consolation and compatibility with my ears.
The carrying case is light-weight, sturdy, and crush-proof, which is a welcome addition. Nevertheless, I used to be stunned {that a} extra premium case was not included, particularly contemplating that the Explorer mannequin got here with a greater one. The Performer 5+2 doesn’t embrace a cleansing device or every other additional equipment, which is a bit disappointing.
As for the cable, it’s an 8-braid, 144-core SPC cable with lengthy, shrink-wrapped ear guides. Its shiny gunmetal accents look higher than the same old chrome Chi-Fi makes use of however don’t fairly match the aesthetic of the earphones. The cable is 1.2 meters lengthy and has a 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced plug, relying in your alternative on the time of buy, because the cable doesn’t include an interchangeable plug system. On the plus aspect, the cable may be very pliable and ergonomic, making it comfy to put on.
Design, Construct High quality & Match
Regardless of housing a seven driver per aspect Tribrid setup, a {custom} printed waveguide and a big RLC Community crossover board, the Performer 5+2 manages to take care of a surprisingly compact type issue. That is seemingly on account of using superior 3D resin printing know-how. Thanks, Chuck, for inventing it.
The opaque black shells and art work faceplates observe the design language of the Performer sequence, with AFUL taking inspiration from a custom-designed backyard window at the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou. Whereas AFUL’s interpretation is extra triangular, the faceplates function an identical bokeh background with inexperienced and blue glitter accents. The inexperienced is barely dominant, giving the faceplates a delicate inexperienced hue and sheen that’s visually hanging.
Weighing roughly 10-12 grams, the Performer 5+2 shells are light-weight and comfy to put on. The inward-facing portion of the shell is ergonomically formed with a rounded protrusion that sits securely within the cymba concha space, enhancing each stability and luxury. The nozzles are pretty lengthy and comparatively broad and lack a notch, so third-party ear suggestions with grippy stems are a should. I’ve used the Divinus Velvet sequence with none points.
Like different AFUL IEMs, the Performer 5+2 is well-built and punctiliously assembled. I just like the design; it seems distinctive, and the triangular sample seems aesthetic to my style. The match was good for me, however since I’ve massive ears, I’ll assist contextualize the scale for a broader viewers.
I can put the Performer 5+2 someplace between M and ML. To know this higher, right here’s a comparability of some in style IEMs: ThieAudio’s Hype 4 and Hype 10 may be labeled as “ML.” An “L” would imply one thing just like the Oriolus Monachaa, and the “M” could be one thing just like the Mega5EST.
AFUL Performer 5+2 – Sound Impressions
The Performer 5+2 may be labeled as a warm-neutral IEM with a tasty bass enhance. It options an elevated low finish with satisfying influence, depth, and texture. The midbass isn’t as distinguished as its little brother, the Explorer, and the midrange is linear, as we anticipate from AFUL’s expert workforce of engineers. The presence area is energetic but by no means harsh, inducing vitality and readability into the presentation, whereas the treble follows a considerably elevated and energetic recipe, differentiating it from the Explorer.
The overview continues on the following web page. Click here or use the leap beneath.
Page 1: AFUL, Performer 5+2 IEMs, Packaging & Equipment, Design, Construct High quality & Match, Comparative Sound Impressions Pt. 1
Page 2: Comparative Sound Impressions Pt. 2, Technical Functionality, Comparability, Final Phrases
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