Aful Performer 5+2 - It All Adds Up

 4.5⭐️

+ Combination of musical and resolving that is a rare find

+ Clean and balanced with great technicalities 

+ A slight emphasis on bass adds a good amount of weight and rumble

+ Midrange with a touch of warmth and emotionally expressive vocals

+ Treble is crisp, airy, and well extended without sibilance

+ Price to performance ratio

- The warmth lover in me pines for more

- Midbass could use a little more emphasis

- No lip on the nozzles could be an issue for some (it's not for me)

- I would prefer a zipper case and modular cable at this price point

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by Aful in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

Chinese-based audio company Aful has been on a hot streak recently. They have released some very well-received IEMs, including the Explorer, Cantor, and one of my all-time favorites, the MagicOne. This newest model goes by a few names: Aful refers to it as the Performer 5+2 since it's an update to their original Performer 5, but with two additional drivers. Some call it the Performer 7, and still, others jokingly refer to it more accurately as the Performer 2+4+1 since it features dual dynamic, four balanced armature, and a single micro planar driver (personally, I'm partial to calling it the P5+2). It is currently available for $239.99 and can be found at HiFiGo and other vendors. Let's break down this newest Aful release and see if their streak of great products continues.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The packaging of the Performer 5+2 features a beautiful photograph of the shells. The unboxing experience and accessories are simple and straightforward. Its adequate for the price, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed, especially compared to some of the other mid-fi sets I've reviewed recently. The shells are made of solid black resin with an attractive green/teal/blue geometric pattern on the faceplate that can change color slightly depending on the angle and lighting. According to Aful's marketing material, the design is reminiscent of a Chinese Suzhou garden, but it reminds me of a turtle shell. The shells are lightweight and offer a semi-custom shape that makes them very comfortable to wear for extended periods. The nozzle measures 5.7mm and is smooth with no lip for tips. This style of nozzle doesn't bother me, but I know some people don't prefer it as tips can slide off more easily. The stock cable is an eight-strand high-purity copper cable with silver plating. It's lightweight and malleable with a tight weave. It feels nice in the hand and is available with a 3.5 or 4.4mm termination, but it would be nice to have a modular termination at this price point. There are nine pairs of tips included in three different styles. As usual, I tried each stock variant, but the Penon Liqueurs are my current go-to tips, and the sticky texture helps keep the seal intact. I don't really care for the puck-style case, and it feels like a cheap inclusion at this price. I do wish Aful had gone with a zippered option like on the Explorer. The flat 2-pin connections on the shells are incredibly snug. It took a lot of pressure to get the stock cable to connect, and other cables that I tried were just as difficult. I'm not sure if this is a quality control issue, but I was afraid of damaging either the shells or my cables, so I didn't test as many as I would have liked. I ended up purchasing an ivipQ Welfare cable which I've paired with the P5+2 because the color matches so well.

Sound impressions:

The overall tuning is clean, well-balanced, and mostly neutral with good treble extension and a slight bass emphasis. The note weight is in a good place—not too thick or thin, but I would personally like to see it skewed a little thicker for my tastes. This set is easy to drive and get to high volumes, but more amplification can help to bring out better performance, especially in the soundstage and bass. The detail retrieval is decent with plenty of nuances and resolution, but it does have a more musical presentation to my ear. The soundstage has an impressive amount of width and depth. It's not the most expansive I've heard, but it's definitely a standout feature and punches above its weight. The only little issue I have is that it doesn't quite feel like the entire stage is filled or being utilized to its full effect. There is some space between notes that, if filled, could add a little more fullness that would elevate it further. The timbre is incredibly natural and organic, and it's another standout feature for the price range. It can't quite compete with another set I recently reviewed, the Dunu DK3001BD, but it's also half the price, so I still find it impressive. The imaging is very accurate and three-dimensional, and the dynamics are strong as the tuning remains constant no matter the volume. There is great separation and layering, which help to create an interconnected and cohesive sound. The P5+2 does a great job of striking an almost perfect balance of musicality and detail that is not often found in this price bracket. 

After testing my various dongles, I found the best pairing to be the Dunu DTC480 in high gain mode. It helped to smooth out any small peaks in the treble while preserving the slightly elevated bass response and the subtle warmth of the midrange. 

●Lows - The bass is a little more sub-bass focused than mid-bass. It extends fairly low, and the rumble and reverberation are adequate, but true bassheads will find it slightly lacking. I would like a slight mid-bass boost to add some weight, fullness, and warmth, but overall I'm satisfied with what's here. The bass texture might be very slightly wet, but it's not muddy or pillowy, and I prefer it to a drier texture. The impact is adequate, and the bass has a decent amount of punch without detracting from the other frequencies. There is minimal, if any, bleed into the midrange, and the bass does well to stay in its lane. The speed is very quick, and double bass kicks are incredibly smooth and resolving. The decay is also slightly fast, and I would welcome it to linger just a little longer. While the P5+2 has a smooth, punchy bass with decent rumble, resolution, and extension, it's still first and foremost a well-balanced tuning. I wouldn't tout this one as an exceptionally bassy or bass-forward tuning, but what it does, it does very well. 

●Mids - I think the midrange is where the P5+2's magic is on full display. The mids provoke an emotional response while still showcasing a great affinity for detail and resolution. Vocals are pushed just forward enough without being shouty or too in your face. Both male and female artists are well represented, with neither being more recessed or of better quality than the other. Even with the lower midrange being slightly underutilized, cellos and lower brass instruments are still well represented without getting lost in the mix. The midrange exhibits a smooth and slight warm tonality with a natural vocal and instrument timbre that is a strong suit of the tuning. Instruments sound lifelike, and vocals are organic without any nasally quality. The excellent separation is on full display in the midrange, which plays well to both uptempo and mellow tracks alike. Overall, the mids are a highlight of the P5+2's tuning, and the technicalities in conjunction with the slight warmth help to showcase some of what makes this a special set. 

●Highs - The treble is clear, well-separated, and has just a slight edge and brightness to keep things interesting. It's definitely not warmed over like the midrange, but neither is it overly bright. There's a decent amount of energy and excitement here while still remaining poised and controlled. Cymbals, hi-hats, claps, and snares sound crisp, clean, exciting, and accurate without being overemphasized, harsh, or splashy. There's a good amount of upper-end extension which helps to create a full sound profile. To be clear, it's not super airy or the most extended treble I've heard, but neither does it sound suffocated or underwhelming. I didn't pick up on any real sibilance, but some vocal notes and instruments can come across as ever so slightly harsh at higher volumes. If you've read this far, you'll have noticed that the theme of "balance" continues to emerge, and it's no exception here. The treble, in conjunction with the bass and midrange, creates a clean and cohesive tuning while steering clear of being overly emphasized, bright, or sibilant.

Comparisons: Credit to The Audio Store for the graphs. 

●Dunu DaVinci ($300) - The DaVinci is a 2DD, 4BA hybrid versus the Performer 5+2's tribrid configuration. The P5+2 shells are smaller and more comfortable, but the DaVinci are not uncomfortable for me either. The Dunu accessories are much better than Aful's offerings, especially the modular cable and case. The DaVinci has a bigger and fuller bass response with more emphasis on the midbass than the P5+2. It's also a little bit more energetic with more bass impact and a slightly more forward midrange. In comparison, the P5+2 sounds more balanced but still has a touch of warmth. Both sets offer something special in their midrange presentations that really appeal to me. The P5+2 has a little more mid-treble energy and comes across brighter. It also has better separation, timbre, and is a bit more detailed. Its soundstage is a little bit wider, and the overall tuning sounds slightly more cohesive, smoother, and cleaner. However, the bolder bass of the DaVinci hits really nicely and is hard to resist. They do sound similar, but both have their own unique qualities and sound amazing in their own right. Basically, the DaVinci is more fun and engaging, whereas the P5+2 is slightly more balanced and well-rounded.

My pick: This one is difficult. Gun to my head, I'm taking the DaVinci, but these are both so, so good!

●Ziigaat Estrella ($300) - The Estrella has the same 2DD, 4BA hybrid configuration as the DaVinci. The P5+2 includes a better tip selection and a far superior stock cable, but the Estrella has a zipper case, which I prefer. Both have well-contoured shells and offer a comfortable fit and good seal, but the nozzle on the P5+2 lacks a lip for tips, which might be an issue for some. The Estrella is more V-shaped with a bigger bass response, more midbass impact, and better extension on both ends. It's also brighter and can be peakier in the treble, with a little harshness at times. Its vocal presentation lacks a certain special quality when compared to the P5+2, which has a more natural timbre and a warmer, fuller, and more emotionally charged vocal emphasis. The Estrella is more energetic and dynamic, with a slightly bigger soundstage. It's also better suited for more complex tracks and has superior separation, but it can come across as a bit clinical at times compared to the P5+2's more musical style. The Estrella might have a slight edge in technical performance, but the P5+2 is more balanced with a smoother and overall more enjoyable tuning for my taste.

My pick: Aful P5+2

●Intuaura Splendor II (~$250) - The Splendor II sports a single DD versus the P5+2's tribrid configuration. The Splendor II is not a super popular set and it didn't receive a lot of attention, but it is one of my favorite units that I reviewed this year. The accessories are about even but I do prefer the zipper case of the Splendor plus it includes a USB-C DAC as well. Both shells are comfortable for me but the P5+2 has a semi-custom shape that some may prefer. Compared to the P5+2, the Splendor has a warmer tonality with a more intimate overall presentation. It is also bassier, particularly in the midbass, with a thicker note weight. Vocals are clearer and more natural sounding on the P5+2 but more musical and emotional on the Splendor. The P5+2 offers a cleaner and better balanced frequency response with a wider soundstage, better detail, a more natural timbre. It also has better treble extension and a little warmth but definitely less than the Splendor. While the Splendor's warmth, mid-bass, and vocal presentation have a little more of that special quality for me, this contest's winner has to be the IEM that offers superior technicalities and an overall more balanced tuning.

My pick: Aful P5+2

● ISN H60 ($349) - Here we have yet another 2DD, 4BA hybrid against the tribrid configuration of the P5+2. Unfortunately, I can't compare accessories since the H60 was a loan and only included the IEMs. The shell and nozzle of the H60 are much larger and will likely cause fit and comfort issues for those with smaller ears. The Performer 5+2 sounds much more balanced, with cleaner bass and better-represented male vocals. The bass of the P5+2 is more sub-bass focused but still has a decent mid-bass impact and slam. The midrange is much cleaner and more resolving, thanks to the lack of mid-bass bleed. Vocals are also positioned more forward and better balanced with the overall tuning. The treble is definitely brighter and more extended, with a more distinct punch, but not overwhelming. The P5+2's technicalities are much better across the board for me. It's more resolving, has better detail retrieval, and a more natural timbre. It's honestly a massacre. That's not to say the H60 is without its own charms, but boy, what Aful has been able to do here is impressive, and the P5+2 is also over $100 cheaper. The H60 has a more unique tuning and a certain warmth and musicality that the Aful lacks, but that's not to say the P5+2 is not musical in its own right. These two are very different and fill different roles. The H60 is a strong contender and has more of a niche tuning, but the P5+2 is simply a better all-rounder and the superior performer (see what I did there?).

My pick: Aful P5+2

In conclusion:

Aful has been on an impressive streak of releases since the debut of the MagicOne late last year, which, as some of you already know, I hold in high regard. Their subsequent IEMs, the Explorer and Cantor, received a lot of praise and helped to solidify their tuning prowess. The Performer 5+2 builds on that reputation even further and is another very strong product in their lineup. From the natural and organic timbre to the fine balance of musicality and technicalities that is often only found in higher price brackets, the P5+2 is the definition of a fantastic price-to-performance set. I personally love the comfortable fit and geometric shell design, and I feel that this is a special IEM at $240. It showcases some excellent tuning and technicalities that make for a great all-rounder. The only minor issues that hold me back from awarding a full five stars are the very slight treble emphasis that falls just outside my preferences and the somewhat underwhelming accessories, specifically the case and the lack of a modular cable. However, these are minor nitpicks and are easily overlooked once this set is in your ears and the music starts playing. I wish it were possible to give a 4.75 star rating, but I will tell you here that that would be my score. The Performer 5+2 deserves all of the heaped praise from myself and others. At this point, Aful has cemented its status as one of the most consistently impressive mid-fi manufacturers, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!