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Image © AmazonAFUL PERFORMER 5
68/ 100
Good
HearWiki score
Priced about right
$220
typical price, USD
Discontinued
At a glance
- Brand
- Aful
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2022
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound7.9
Value7.2
A five-driver hybrid IEM using one dynamic driver for the low frequencies and four balanced-armature drivers for the mids and highs. AFUL designed it as an ergonomic performance-focused IEM for general hi-fi listening.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The AFUL PERFORMER 5 is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a single dynamic driver with four balanced armatures to deliver a neutral-to-U-shaped sound signature. It offers controlled bass, clear mids, and solid resolution for its price, though some listeners may find its soundstage a bit narrow and its treble occasionally edgy. Overall, it's a competent and comfortable choice for those seeking a well-tuned, non-fatiguing listening experience at a mid-range budget.
What works
- Balanced, neutral-to-U-shaped tuning with controlled bass
- Good sub-bass extension without bloat
- Clear and resolving mids with good dynamics
- Comfortable fit and decent isolation
- Strong price-to-performance value
What doesn't
- Soundstage can feel somewhat compressed or narrow
- Mid-bass texture may come across as soft
- BA timbre can sound slightly unnatural at times
- Treble may exhibit occasional harshness or oddities
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 1DD + 4BA hybrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | hybrid |
| Driver configuration | 1DD + 4BA |
| Drivers per side | 5 |
| Impedance | 35 Ω |
Audio
| Driver | 1DD + 4BA hybrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | hybrid |
| Driver configuration | 1DD + 4BA |
| Drivers per side | 5 |
| Impedance | 35 Ω |
Design
| Connector | 2-pin 0.78 mm |
|---|
What the reviews said
6 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Mixedacross 5 videosReviewers agree the AFUL Performer 5 offers excellent build quality, a comfortable fit, and a well-balanced, engaging sound with strong bass and good technical performance for its price.
Reviewers liked
- Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
- Well-balanced sound with tasteful bass boost
- Strong technical performance for the price
Reviewers flagged
- Treble can be bright or sibilant for some listeners
- Soundstage depth and size vary by reviewer
- Amplifier-dependent sound in some setups
14:17REVIEW OF THE AFUL PERFORMER 5
The reviewer praises the AFUL Performer 5 as an outstanding value at $219, noting its excellent build quality, comfortable fit, and well-balanced sound with a tasteful bass boost. They highlight its strong technical performance, including good detail retrieval, soundstage, and imaging, which they say competes with more expensive IEMs like the Moondrop Blessing 2 and 7Hz Timeless. The overall verdict is highly positive, with the reviewer calling it a new standard at its price point.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
16:00in-Ear Fetish Review \\ AFUL Performer5 IEM
The reviewer is impressed with the AFUL Performer 5's innovative full PCB crossover and 4BA+1DD configuration, which delivers a unique, three-dimensional soundstage and clean bass. However, the sound is amplifier-dependent, becoming bright on some amps, and the reviewer hopes the price stays under $300 to recommend it as a buy.
MixedWatch on YouTube
9:24Aful Performer 5 Review (Great for Gaming)
8.2/10The reviewer finds the AFUL Performer 5 to be an excellent IEM for both music and gaming, praising its lush midrange, fast bass, and comfortable fit. For gaming, it scores highly in verticality, depth, and imaging, though separation suffers in chaotic moments, especially in Apex Legends. Overall, it's a strong performer in its price range, earning a solid 8.2 average gaming score, though it doesn't quite match top-tier competitors like the Dunu Vulcan or Raptgo Hook X.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
4:23AFUL Performer 5 (1DD+4BA) IEM First Impressions, Not a Review
The reviewer finds the AFUL Performer 5 to be a well-built IEM with good sound quality, particularly praising the comfortable design and excellent cable. However, a mid-treble emphasis causes discomfort for the reviewer due to their hearing sensitivity, making them prefer a different model, though they acknowledge many others will enjoy this tuning.
MixedWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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