Today, we are reviewing the AFUL Performer 5+2 IEM. It is priced at $239 USD.
Disclaimer: HifiGo sent us the Performer 5+2 from AFUL for this review. As always, I am here to convey my honest experience with the product.
AFUL
Established in 2018, AFUL began its journey with an expert acoustic team dedicated to advancing audio technology. By 2019, the team had developed prototypes featuring innovative circuit topology and acoustic structures, significantly enhancing traditional designs with BA drivers.
Through continuous technological advancements, AFUL secured three patents in 2020 and commercialized its S&E Math technology in 2021, receiving recognition from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and support from the Suzhou Municipal Government. The launch of the Performer series earphones in 2022 marked a global success.
In 2023, AFUL launched the Performer 8, continuing its innovative approach in the field of micro devices / portable audio. As Headfonia, we covered Performer 8, Performer 5, Magic One, Explorer, and Flagship Cantor IEMs on Headfonia. You can check out those reviews by clicking on their names. Let’s get to today’s highlight without further ado.
AFUL Performer 5+2
The AFUL Performer 5+2 (aka. Performer 7) fills a niche in the $200 price range, which sees less competition compared to the more crowded $100 and $300 brackets. This tribrid IEM features a 7-driver setup, combining two dynamic drivers, four balanced armature drivers, and a micro planar driver. It also incorporates several patented technologies from AFUL’s Performer series, such as the RLC network passive crossover, a 3D-printed acoustic tube structure, and an air pressure management system.
The IEMs feature 3D printed resin shells with faceplates inspired by Suzhou Gardens. These aesthetic faceplates feature a triangular pattern with blue-green glitter accents.
The Performer 5+2 / Performer 7 is available on HifiGO for $239 USD. You can also buy it on Amazon or Aliexpress. Please You have the option to choose between 4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm single-ended variants.
Specifications & Highlights
Configuration: x2 DD + x4BA + x1 Micro Planar Tribrid
Impedance: 15Ω
Sensitivity: 109dB/mW
RLC Network Electronic Crossover
3D Printed Acoustic Waveguide
High-Damping Air-Pressure Balance System
144-core Silver-Plated Copper Cable with 2-pin 0.78mm
Cable Termination 3.5mm or 4.4mm (Not Interchangeable)
Packaging & Accessories
The Performer 5+2 comes in a box that matches the faceplate design of the earphones. The name of this new IEM can be a bit confusing, as AFUL refers to it as both Performer 5+2 and Performer 7. However, the packaging consistently uses the Performer 5+2 name. The box has small informative badges highlighting the technologies utilized in the earphones, with detailed specifications printed on the back.
Opening the lid of the box reveals a round plastic carrying case with the AFUL logo and the earphones themselves. Beneath the protective layer, you’ll find three sets of ear tips embedded in the foam in small, medium and large sizes. All three sets have a similar form factor and silicone texture – almost indistinguishable, in fact. I found the quality of the stock tips lacking, so I swapped them out for my Divinus Velvet and Divinus Velvet Wide tips, which I often use as a fit reference due to their comfort and compatibility with my ears.
The carrying case is lightweight, sturdy, and crush-proof, which is a welcome addition. However, I was surprised that a more premium case was not included, especially considering that the Explorer model came with a better one. The Performer 5+2 does not include a cleaning tool or any other extra accessories, which is a bit disappointing.
As for the cable, it’s an 8-braid, 144-core SPC cable with long, shrink-wrapped ear guides. Its glossy gunmetal accents look better than the usual chrome Chi-Fi uses but don’t quite match the aesthetic of the earphones. The cable is 1.2 meters long and has a 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced plug, depending on your choice at the time of purchase, as the cable does not come with an interchangeable plug system. On the plus side, the cable is very pliable and ergonomic, making it comfortable to wear.
Design, Build Quality & Fit
Despite housing a seven driver per side Tribrid setup, a custom printed waveguide and a large RLC Network crossover board, the Performer 5+2 manages to maintain a surprisingly compact form factor. This is likely due to the use of advanced 3D resin printing technology. Thank you, Chuck, for inventing it.
The opaque black shells and artwork faceplates follow the design language of the Performer series, with AFUL taking inspiration from a custom-designed garden window at the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou. While AFUL’s interpretation is more triangular, the faceplates feature a similar bokeh background with green and blue glitter accents. The green is slightly dominant, giving the faceplates a subtle green hue and sheen that is visually striking.
Weighing approximately 10-12 grams, the Performer 5+2 shells are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The inward-facing portion of the shell is ergonomically shaped with a rounded protrusion that sits securely in the cymba concha area, improving both stability and comfort. The nozzles are fairly long and relatively wide and lack a notch, so third-party ear tips with grippy stems are a must. I have used the Divinus Velvet series without any issues.
Like other AFUL IEMs, the Performer 5+2 is well-built and carefully assembled. I like the design; it looks unique, and the triangular pattern looks aesthetic to my taste. The fit was perfect for me, but since I have large ears, I’ll help contextualize the size for a broader audience.
I can put the Performer 5+2 somewhere between M and ML. To understand this better, here’s a comparison of a few popular IEMs: ThieAudio’s Hype 4 and Hype 10 can be labeled as “ML.” An “L” would mean something like the Oriolus Monachaa, and the “M” would be something like the Mega5EST.
AFUL Performer 5+2 – Sound Impressions
The Performer 5+2 can be labeled as a warm-neutral IEM with a tasty bass boost. It features an elevated low end with satisfying impact, depth, and texture. The midbass is not as prominent as its little brother, the Explorer, and the midrange is linear, as we expect from AFUL’s skilled team of engineers. The presence region is lively yet never harsh, inducing energy and clarity into the presentation, while the treble follows a somewhat elevated and energetic recipe, differentiating it from the Explorer.
The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.
Page 1: AFUL, Performer 5+2 IEMs, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build Quality & Fit, Comparative Sound Impressions Pt. 1
Page 2: Comparative Sound Impressions Pt. 2, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
