AFUL Acoustics Performer 5 Hybrid Drivers in-Ear Monitors, 1DD + 4BA in-Ear Earphones IEMs (AFUL Performer 5)

In embarking on a journey to review these remarkable in-ear monitors (IEMs), allow me to share a diverse array of songs that exemplify their impressive capabilities. Tunes such as Rick James' groovy "Mary Jane", Lee Suhyun's ethereal "Alien", Lana Del Rey's melancholic "Summertime Sadness", Seven Lions/HALIENE's emotive "What's Done is Done", Felix Laband's electronica piece "Black Shoes", Synthetic Epiphany's melodic "Icarus" featuring CoMa, Masked Wolf's rhythmic "Astronaut in the Ocean", Leonard Cohen's reflective "In My Secret Life", Sigur Ros' atmospheric "Svefn-g-englar", and Taylor Swift's enchanting "Bejeweled", to name a few, truly brought out the magic in these IEMs.With their tuning exhibiting a subtle U or slight V shape, the Performer 5 captivates with bass that reaches profound depths, stimulating a palpable rumble. Coupled with a tightly controlled mid-bass, you're left under no illusion of the sheer power of the Performer 5.The mid-range performance leaves no detail overlooked, with a spacious yet intimate soundstage. (I know an Oxymoron 😉) Instrument separation is finely executed, and the stage ranges from average to slightly above, depending on the track.Treble extension is noteworthy without being overbearing, thereby ensuring a sibilance-free and non-harsh experience. Vocals are perfectly placed within the mix, neither receding too far nor thrust too close, creating an optimal balance that resonates beautifully with both male and female voices.These IEMs undeniably sit atop the S-tier category, and have quickly become my go-to audio companions. I ran them through a variety of amps, DACs, and dongles, with the Shanling M3X and XDUOO TA-10 - paired with a Mullard tube - emerging as my preferred setups. The tube hybrid added a satisfying punch, which I found was somewhat diminished with the stock tube.I also experimented with my stack SMSL SU-9 tied to an ifi Zen Can. Although the bass was intense and physically resonant, it tended to overshadow the other frequencies, demonstrating its strength perhaps a touch too forcefully.In summary, the Performer 5 IEMs, priced at a reasonable $200, have shown their capability to outshine even those within the $500 range. Their value is unquestionable, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking an immersive auditory experience.(Came with a wonderful 3.5mm cord, but switched out to a 4.4. Comfort is above average for my ears. Very stylish/beautiful IEMs. Build quality is also good, but time will tell. Using SpinFit CP100 eartips)

These IEMs have truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve been using them consistently since May, primarily for playing bass, and they’ve quickly become an essential part of my setup. The sound quality is nothing short of outstanding—smooth, accurate, and balanced across the entire frequency range. The bass response is particularly impressive; it’s deep and resonant without ever feeling overpowering, which is crucial when you’re focused on the low-end like I am.The highs are equally remarkable, delivering crystal-clear detail that allows every nuance of the music to shine through. Whether I’m practicing, recording, or just jamming, these IEMs provide a level of clarity and precision that enhances the entire experience.The fit is also worth mentioning—they’re incredibly comfortable, even during extended sessions, and the sound isolation is fantastic. It’s easy to get lost in the music without any distractions from the outside world.But it’s not just for bass playing where these IEMs excel. When I use them for casual music listening, they’re equally impressive. The soundstage feels expansive, and the audio reproduction is so accurate that it feels like I’m hearing my favorite tracks in a whole new way.Overall, these are hands down the best IEMs or headphones I’ve ever purchased. They’ve significantly elevated my listening and playing experiences, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the investment. If you’re looking for high-quality IEMs that deliver on every front, these are an excellent choice.

The fit on these is pretty good. I didn’t care for the sibilants on the vocals, but the base is good. Midrange was a little bit thin for me. Female vocals were decent, but couldn’t deal with the sibilants. These are nice looking IEMs, but not for Rock or myself.

- This IEM is terrific.- My audio stuff for reference:- Fiio K5 Pro DAC/amp- DT 1990 Pro- DT 990 Pro- DT 700 Pro- Kiwi Ears Orchesta Lite- Kiwi Ears Quartet- Raptgo Hook X HBBI am not a producer or mixer and I just dabble in the audiophile space. I mostly play PC games, watch movies, shows, and listen to music via Tidal. So take my opinion with a grain of salt.Bass:- The bass is really good. It's accurate and textured. Has good sub bass extension. Does not bleed into the mids/vocals. 8/10 bass imo.Mids:- The mids are good. Clear and slightly forward. Very easy to discern between male and female vocals.Treble:- Treble is nice and not overly sibilant for me. It has good energy and detail. Ok sound stage. You're not going to get open back levels of sound stage out of an IEM anyways but these hold their own.- Imaging is spot on. I play BF2042 and I can easily pinpoint foot steps and enemies around corners and walls. Vertical imaging is also spot on which is something IEM's tend to have a difficult time with. These are fantastic for imaging.- The comfort on these are top notch. The IEM themselves are perfectly sized for me. They are lightweight. The nozzle size gives me no issues at all. The nozzle has a slight lip at the end which helps with keeping the ear tips on when removing the IEM from your ear. I've swapped my ear tips out for the Spinfit W1's and holy moley do those make the bass sound phenomenal. I recently purchased and tried the JVC dot ear tips. Those are comfortable and increase the clarity, mids, and treble a bit but tones down the bass just a hair.- The included cable is really nice. It's weaved and braided feeling. Doesn't suffer from cable memory like some do. Easily curls up and straightens back out without getting deformed. Great cable.All-in-all, I feel that this is the best IEM you can purchase for the price point.- The traveling case that comes with it is...meh. Nothing fancy but it works.