Wired IEMs
7th Acoustics Supernova
74Great
$750
Full review data7th Acoustics Supernova vs Aful Performer 8S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Aful Performer 8S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Aful Performer 8S - Outstanding overall at around $390.
Wired IEMs
Aful Performer 8S
80Outstanding
$390
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Aful Performer 8S leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- 7th Acoustics Supernova
- Aful Performer 8S
HearWiki score
74
80
Sound
8.8
8.6
Value
7.1
8.1
Price (USD)
$750
$390
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Aful Performer 8S is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Supernova2022
- Performer 8S20264 yr newer
Specifications
SupernovaPerformer 8S
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $750
- $390
- HearWiki score
- 74
- 80
- Released
- 2022
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 6BA
- 1DD + 6BA + 1PL tribrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 6BA
- 1DD + 6BA + 1PL
- Drivers per side
- 6
- 8
- Impedance
- 15 Ω
- 26 Ω
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
7th Acoustics Supernova
The 7th Acoustics Supernova is a wired, six-balanced-armature IEM that prioritizes smooth, natural tonality and cohesive musicality over raw resolving power. Its tuning is well-balanced with a particularly engaging midrange, lifelike vocals, and a spacious, well-imaged soundstage, making it a highly enjoyable listen. However, it doesn't dig up quite as much micro-detail as some peers in its price class, and its limited availability can be a hurdle for potential buyers.
- Pro:Smooth, natural timbre with excellent tonal balance
- Pro:Outstanding midrange and vocal reproduction
- Pro:Wide soundstage with precise imaging
- Con:Detail retrieval lags behind top competitors
- Con:Can be difficult to purchase due to limited availability
Aful Performer 8S
The Aful Performer 8S is a tribrid in-ear monitor with a relaxed, smooth tuning that avoids harshness in the treble, making it a comfortable choice for long listening sessions. Its easy drivability and spacious soundstage are highlights, though its upper-midrange presentation may leave some vocals feeling distant, and its bass lacks the punch some listeners prefer. Overall, it's a competent performer that doesn't strongly outshine similarly priced rivals.
- Pro:Easy to drive with most sources
- Pro:Spacious and clean soundstage
- Pro:Smooth treble that never fatigues
- Con:Female vocals can sound recessed
- Con:Bass impact and density are underwhelming
- Con:Doesn't stand out against competitors at this price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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