Introduction
In the past few years, Aful Audio has made a name for itself by launching a few meticulously researched IEMs. Models like the Performer 5, Performer 8, Explorer, MagicOne, and Cantor have become beloved by audiophiles worldwide. Now, Aful has released the sequel to its popular Performer 5: the Aful Performer 5+2 (also known as Performer 7), priced globally at $239.
Equipped with a 2 dynamic drivers, 4 balanced armature drivers, and 1 micro planar driver, the Performer 5+2 promises to deliver a balanced and refined audio experience. In this review, I'll share my impressions after testing this unit, which was kindly loaned to me by Mr. Pulkit from Gadget Generations. Please note that all opinions shared are my own and are not influenced by Aful Audio or Mr. Pulkit. Having recommended the Performer 5 to many enthusiasts in India, my expectations for the Performer 5+2 were high. Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The Aful Performer 5+2 features a shell made from high-quality medical-grade resin. Its faceplate design is inspired by the Suzhou garden with the motif, “In the secluded path, the Zen room is deep with flower and tree,” which is both aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching. The right earpiece is marked with "P5+2," while the left features Aful branding. The inner shell is a sleek black resin, giving the IEMs a premium look.
The stock cable is soft, flexible, and well-constructed but comes with a fixed 3.5mm or 4.4mm jack. I was hoping for a modular cable option at this price point, but overall, the design and build quality are impressive.
Comfort and Fit
With a medium-sized shell, the Performer 5+2 offers a secure and stable fit, even during extended listening sessions. Aful includes three different types of eartips in three sizes. For me, the blue-stemmed, grey outer eartips worked perfectly. The inner shell has ergonomic lines, providing a semi-custom fit, which contributes to its exceptional comfort.
Even during long listening sessions, I didn’t experience any uncomfortable air pressure buildup thanks to the IEMs' well-designed pressure-damping system. In my opinion, Aful consistently excels in providing IEMs with great comfort and fit.
Sound Quality
For my listening sessions, I paired the Performer 5+2 with the HiBy R8 II using the stock 3.5mm cable and eartips. Right away, I noticed the familiar sound signature of the Performer 5, but with enhanced bass and treble. The Performer 5+2 delivers a natural sound with no harshness or sharp edges, maintaining a mature yet dynamic profile. The soundstage is holographic and wide, with no need for a demanding source, as these IEMs are easy to drive.
Bass
The bass on the Performer 5+2 is clean, powerful, textured, and perfectly balanced. It's a quality-over-quantity approach, with more emphasis on sub-bass. There’s no bass bleed into the midrange or treble, which adds to the listening pleasure. The bass is controlled and tight, with fast decay, and its texture and detail are prominent. It never feels fatiguing, making long listening sessions enjoyable.
Midrange
The midrange is warm, natural, and rich. Both male and female vocals sound authentic, with a balanced weight and body. Reverbs and echoes are noticeable without effort. I didn’t detect any harshness in the upper midrange, particularly in female vocals, which is often a sensitive area. The Performer 5+2 maintains a grand and rich midrange presentation, providing an immersive listening experience.
Treble
The treble on the Performer 5+2 is smooth, detailed, and musical. Compared to the Performer 5, the treble has improved, becoming more detailed and refined. It strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and dynamism. The separation between instruments is exceptional, making the Performer 5+2 feel immersive and resolving, especially in comparison to its predecessor.
Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage of the Performer 5+2 is expansive and holographic. Imaging is precise, with excellent stereo separation. You’ll experience a lifelike representation of the music, with each element sitting clearly in its place.
Value and Competition
Priced around ₹20,000 in India, the Aful Performer 5+2 competes with models like the Juzear Butterfly 61T and the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 IEMs.
Aful Performer 5+2 vs Juzear Butterfly 61T
The Juzear Butterfly 61T has a more relaxed sound signature compared to the Performer 5+2. The Butterfly's bass is more polite, while the Performer 5+2 offers a more powerful and clean bass response. Both IEMs offer similar midrange performance, though the upper mids on the Butterfly are slightly more forward. In the treble, the Performer 5+2 is more detailed, providing an overall richer and more immersive experience.
Aful Performer 5+2 vs Letshuoer Cadenza 4
The Letshuoer Cadenza 4 has a cleaner, more midrange-forward tuning compared to the Performer 5+2. In terms of bass, the Performer 5+2 delivers more power and rumble. The midrange on the Cadenza 4 is slightly more forward, while both IEMs offer smooth treble. However, the Performer 5+2 presents more detail and an airier presentation, making it a better choice for those who prefer a broader and more immersive soundstage.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Balanced sound with enhanced sub-bass | Lacks a modular audio jack cable |
| Clean, powerful bass with excellent texture | Carry case could be more spacious |
| Warm and rich midrange | |
| Smooth and detailed treble | |
| Wide, holographic soundstage | |
| Precise imaging and stereo separation | |
| Comfortable for long listening sessions | |
| Easy to drive |
Conclusion
If you're considering an IEM around the ₹20,000 price range and have been eyeing the Aful Performer 5, the Performer 5+2 is a worthwhile upgrade. With more detail, smoother sound, and enhanced bass, it’s a strong recommendation for both seasoned audiophiles and those new to the hobby.
For those who already own the Performer 5 and are looking for a more refined sound with greater detail, the Performer 5+2 is definitely worth considering. In our view, it ticks all the boxes for what makes a great IEM.
Finally, a big thank you to Mr. Pulkit for allowing me to review his unit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more content, and check our frequency graph database for detailed insights. Thank you for reading, and see you next time!
