The Aful Explorer was an amazing IEM, and this is tuned very close to that, but with a bit more treble. The only knock on Explorer was that it was too dark for some people. Super Review is about the only person that has graphs for both.
Its really tough, some people like me just hear it as imbalance. And then you listen to everything else and it seems like compensation for it. At the same time, I know people just will like it for the forwardness.
Not quite the same as Simgot but people are used to a bit of space in this price range. The 2x6mm is another thing when you look at what the competition is using and where bass lies in your prefs
glad you got to review this. i like my vocals a bit forward, but not so much where it kills everything else. i might have to rethink about this one. don't forget to order more black ink, poor printer must've really went hard printing that graph.
Yeah its a difficult one in that respect and why I struggled with it. The other hybrid/tribrids might have different balance, more bass, less bass, etc but the general presentation is familiar. P5+2 is not that way for me.
Based on your description, this set seems similar to Quintet? Micro planar, a little hot in the upper treble, and boosted sub bass. I do have and like the Quintet, but it's ultra specific. Really thought Aful would make the 5+2 as broadly appealing as the P5 was. I also thought the Explorer tuning would influence this set, but apparently not. Bummer. Thx for the review.
Yeah, similar but actually later in the treble than Quintet. The planar crossover is also way up there, 12k. I do think it will be more appealing, but shifted the problem, That shift also tends to not be as noticeable, weird people like me listen to tracks that hit out there in 12k+ or subbass. It will be more appealing if your music hits lower or have a warner source. But for me, once you flatten the stage, even if its not spicy, that hurts the joy for me.
I was hoping this would be a straight upgrade from the P5 but it seems like more like a cousin- similar graph but very different technical presentation. I also don't think the price jump is warranted considering it solves maybe 1 problem of the P5 but then introduces 2 more (I have yet to see a good micro-planar implementation). No doubt there are people who will love this approach (vocal vs instrument focus), but the price is not competitive when original P5 goes on sale for like $160 and Orchestra Lite on sale for $180. Performer 5+2 is getting closer to the price of the P8 which is a significant step up technically. Aful is trying to push the price on it's more popular models it seems, I also thought Explorer should have launched at $100. Weirdly $800 Cantor seems like the best value Aful IEM now.
I never heard the P5, but watched Super*Review review and he has similar issues and says about what you said, fixed one, added 2. I think if you are going to add a 2DD and a microplanar, make sure those two standout for good reasons. The reality is there a lot of good hybrids out there and it is harder to compete a year after P5.
Nice review! Currently rocking Zero:Red with an adapter, but I'm looking for an iem, for an iem that would be an endgame. The most priciest I looked on is Dusk and Tea Pro, and with release of P5+2, now I have a hard time choosing. I want something with more treble details, and a wider stage. Is it even worth paying extra for Tea or Dusk, or P5+2 will be enough?
Tea Pro is better executed similar style with the heavier bass, cleaner treble. Dusk is brighter but better for treble fans than Tea Pro. Dusk and Tea Pro are very nice, just focused on different ends. The midpoint might be a set like Hype 4.
Hi Paul, thanks for the early review of this IEM. I was waiting for this P7 to be released, but now I would like to ask what would you recommend as a better IEM alternative in the same price range for casual listening (for almost all music genre)? Thanks :)
I am not sure what the price range is yet but most of the recent hybrids are quite nice. You have the bassy sets, Davinci and Xenns Tea Pro, the chill but high quality Cadenza4, the energetic Estrella and then the U-shaped family, Ziigaats and Thieaudio Hype. A couple other specials, Crinacle's Dusk and Simgot Supermix4 for Harman fans. This is exactly why price matters on P7 and why it needed to standout on bass and planar, there are a lot of great sets in the price range.
Doesn't. It comes down to the same issue I saw on other reviews, the crispy treble. Perhaps if you have P5, this is normal, but it's not like the others as I said. Plus the bass is better on TP.
@PaulWasabii Gotcha, so in that case the Tea Pro would probably be the better upgrade from the Aful Magicone 😂 thank you for the help, I really appreciate it!
@@PaulWasabiiyou helped me dodging a bullet. I have the tea pro and quite enjoying it. One of these sets that has enough bass while not losing details. Clarity is there but it’s still relaxed. Was gonna get the p5+2 for a secondary set for office, and for their looks lol. Guess not
@@PaulWasabii that is a fact, I was listening to my S12 Nobody today, Nobody made me skip the S12 2024 and many others. I was more or less leaving a comment to help your TH-cam analytics as much as anything. Cheers my SB friend.
Estrella because it really pushed hard into the treble with nice drivers. But its a lot of both bass and treble. I think S12 2024 or Pro are hard to beat on techs for the money. Or jump up to the Variations
I am glad they did $239 instead $300. Tea Pro is better in a similar style, but then the other hybrids like DaVinci (heavy bass), Estrella (very energetic at both ends), Hypes in the middle, etc are all different flavors. You might also look at AFUL Explorer is you want smoother and stick with AFUL
Tea Pro is mostly executed right with a similar signature. Better bass, better treble. If you are concerned about boring, the opposite of that is Estrella. Interesting boring comment though as some people will want more treble presence where Xenns is more relaxed. And I would say it that way, relaxed versus boring but I think you are asking the right question if you like a more energetic treble.
Interesting. I don't think I've heard another review mention that it's 2 6mm drivers, which seems a bit odd to gloss over. Also found it odd that no one I've come across so far compared it to the SuperMix 4 given what they were describing about it. But thanks for giving other things to consider on it!
I was wondering the same. I think the "microplanar" they use is similar to the one in SM4. It looks like a BA in the disassembled diagrams. So anyone with problems with SM4's treble timbre should hear the same thing in P5+2 IMO. I think Canta has similar drivers too.
Its in the listing on Hifigo. The tuning is quite different than Supermix and I would say the microplanars have been different also, Dusk's are great. SM4 is hard for non-Harman target folks. It EQs really well though. I think the other popular hybrids doing U-shapes and even SM4 with Harman, those are familiar tuning styles that work well with hybrid configs. If you are going to be different, it better have a benefit other than being different.
Not many and I haven't tried most of the Ziigaats, but I like Cadenza4, Xenns Tea Pro, and S12 2024. Lots of $200 sets aren't worth $200 which is why I don't like many of them, often you are better off paying less or a lot more.
Hype 4 falls into that similar U-shape that was vetted over the past year. That set isn't going anywhere. Nice drivers, nice tuning gets you longevity.
Hi Paul it's quite a negative review on this set , let me know what your favourite IEM sets are ? I may have very different tastes of IEM set to yours . I loved my Performer 8 a lot as well as the Explorer, I don't know if the stock cable would make you have this negative review. Both Gizaudio and. Tone Deaf Monk rated them so high with the tuning of Performer 5+2 , can you explain why your review is so different to them ????? Thank You.
He said it all in the video tho. All in all, it sounds like nothing more than marginal upgrade to P5. Which is not bad by any means but nothing outstanding to rave about. The 250$-400$ range is very crowded nowadays so considering the P7 would fall somewhere in there, it seems like "just another option". Frankly, i love that Paul is not overhyping it and keeps it real. Audio-In is yet to make a full review but from his first impressions, he too painted it as "just P5 upgrade".
@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 Audio-in doesn't seem very stocked about the P7 either so idk. Gizaudio, i liked it when it was just Timmy. Now i only watch Audio-in's DAC reviews on there. They just overhype everything new thats comes to the market.
@@3ildcard I'm not agree with you Gizaudio review talks about how you can enjoy an IEM in certain areas good and not as good, and Paul only doing his review in an analytical way and he seems doesn't know how to enjoy IEMs , he always nitpicking and magnify the bad. He will never be happy or maybe he reviewed in a wrong way , I tested IEMs with Spotify was a mistake, music from TH-cam are much better with high quality recording videos, if he keeps using Spotify, nothing can satisfy him. I'm in doubt with his review accuracy. I can get amazing sound from the Simgot EW300 when you get the right source and DAC AMP set up , of course it can't out perform a $200/$300 set , it's all about enjoyment, not picky on every detail of an IEM set , that is too depressing. I think Paul and Mark ( Super Review ) both reviewed IEMS incorrectly. If any reviewer can't tell the difference with an upgraded cable, not necessarily expensive, then that's not qualified as an IEM reviewer ,this is Mark Ryan, most stock cables are cheap and slightly harsh sounding. I don't know if Paul can tell any difference with better cable.
@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 Oh my god, not another "cable changes sound" snake oil guy. Also, Paul is different from other reviewers because he tries to objectively REVIEW a product instead of mindlessly overhype everything that comes to the market. Its not about enjoyment, its about providing information and valid criticism when needed, thats why it is A REVIEW, not a podcast. He tells you how a product sounds, its up to you to know whether or not that is what you're looking for. Also, you use 50$ IEM and you're mad that someone like Paul who have used over 200 IEMs god knows at what cost combined would be shocked/blown away by "yet another 200-something$" IEM? By the way, TH-cam over Apple Music, Tidal and even Spotify? You can't be serious. I pay for Tidal and get the supposed "audiophile" sound and let me tell you, you need A VERY GOOD GEAR to tell a difference. I don't have that good gear so 320kbps or 24bit 192 hz - all sounds the same. I can literally A/B test with 2 clicks. No difference. If you think you're hearing a difference on TH-cam Music because its "higher quality than Spotify", you're unapologetically delusional. As Timmy from Gizaudio used to say - a good IEM will sound good regardless of where you stream your music. If an IEM sounds like sh&t on Spotify, it'd sound like sh&t on Tidal too.
I agree, I lean towards they should have gone bigger on at least one. 6mm is a nice compliment to a larger DD but interesting to hear a pair of 6. The competition is also using larger DD so it was a tough design decision.
For the price it can be End Game IEM set , for people who don't want to spend more , greatest separation and clarity, Gizaudio and Audio In Review they both loved it, just don't expect it to compete with $300+ ones.then you will be super happy with this set , spend more for Performer 8 you will get higher quality bass and beautiful texture, just both required upgrade cables , try NICEHCK $50+ ones , cheers.they aren't Paul's favourite somehow I don't get it , it could be the stock cable that makes him not like them.Thank you.
I’ve watched toooo many videos on IEM. Ive had 3 sets of KZ ZS10 pro all of them the left dynamic went out. I liked them but I need a little bit more low end. I have the Kiwi Candenza they are lacking low end and to me are little bright, I also have shure 215. I play drums so can you give me an idea of something like the zs10 pro with a little more depth or low end
@@eliteanarchy is that the new one it’s showing not available? Im trying to go by these graphs and I have no clue how to read them or if they really mean anything the ZS10 pro has been as close to what i want but it hasn’t been relabeled at all plus it’s missing a little bit of the punch I’m looking for
@@PaulWasabii I was actually thinking about the saga I thought about getting both the balanced and the bass version just in case. I somehow got talked into the KBEAR OS1 because someone told me it was what I needed but it was muffled sounded like Charlie Browns teacher. I’ll start there I do have EQ through all of my softwares but some of these won’t react to the eq like I would have thought
While i dont always agree with your takes, Paul, this is why i want multiple reviewers when a set peaks my interest. So far this is the only review critiquing this set while a lot of other seem to enjoy it and your insights are valuable in my purchasing decisions
As I said, I know people will like it because the close vocals. When people buy it and tell me I am 100% wrong, its basically that, I won't like most sets that push vocals and flatten the stage. Thrashes everything else you are paying for in a hybrid/tribrid.
Shouty is probably the wrong word, it is congested later in the treble. As I said, the stage is odd so it doesn't have the space that other hybrid/tribrids do so the layering and separation aren't as nice as they should be.
Cadenza4 is a killer set if you are into natural. People said it was boring which is kinda true, there is no crazy boost but just great execution on branded BAs and a super DD.
Paul... you a real one; you dead-a$$ kept it 💯 on 5+2/P7. Nothing but respect because cats out here treating Aful like the next coming of Moondrop. And as you know they been more like Moondroppings (💩) lately, so... there's that. Fairly certain I don't have the sensibilities to appreciate their sets (good diplomatic answer😎).
AFUL tunes sets that appeal to some people, but as I said, it is hard to compare it to the other popular sets because their priorities are different. Some people will love the vocals and people like me hear the stage and can't unhear it.
All "Performers" seem to graph really closely. P8 seems very boring (and many tend describe it that way), P5 a bit more engaging. P7 seems to graph really closely to P5 so the extra drivers better do some magic. All in all, it seems like a direct upgrade to the P5 but it really comes down to how they'll play their cards in terms of pricing. Judging by your take, without glazing it just because of hype, it sounds a little too safe and underwhelming (due to higher expectations).
I think you are right, the price will nearly be the most important part. The competition a year later is tough so it will be hard to go much above P5 price and I am sure they really want to.
In music the only thing I care about is female vocals 😂I don't even need instruments 🤣.. The fact that it's all squished up and crowded is not good though.. i want something thats vocal centric, but a good implementation, ~300$
Vocal centric is not the same as vocal forward. The way there is space around vocals in vocal centric is everything, you need to have a good ear for treble control.
Who else wants to see Pauls iem collection. Gotta be in the hundreds.
Yeah its up there. I have done 130ish this year and a lot to go before the end of the year.
Those shells look so good
Can you recommend an upgrade for the Hidizs MP145.
The Aful Explorer was an amazing IEM, and this is tuned very close to that, but with a bit more treble. The only knock on Explorer was that it was too dark for some people. Super Review is about the only person that has graphs for both.
On AFUL sets, the only graph that matters is theirs. All of their sets seem to graph strangely which is why I didn't show mine.
Thanks for this review Paul it saves me from being disappointed. Being in the camp of not liking forward vocals/mids
Good point. Yep. I'm not a fan of that Simgot sound either. Overly forward upper mids sound like a pass for me. Also, dual 6mm DDs??
Its really tough, some people like me just hear it as imbalance. And then you listen to everything else and it seems like compensation for it. At the same time, I know people just will like it for the forwardness.
Not quite the same as Simgot but people are used to a bit of space in this price range. The 2x6mm is another thing when you look at what the competition is using and where bass lies in your prefs
@@PaulWasabii Hi Paul. Could you elaborate on what you mean by a bit of space?
Thanks for the review. There's a lot of hype for these.
Yep, they will appeal to some people, some not. Problem is more competition now than when P5 came out.
glad you got to review this. i like my vocals a bit forward, but not so much where it kills everything else. i might have to rethink about this one.
don't forget to order more black ink, poor printer must've really went hard printing that graph.
Yeah its a difficult one in that respect and why I struggled with it. The other hybrid/tribrids might have different balance, more bass, less bass, etc but the general presentation is familiar. P5+2 is not that way for me.
I love this beautiful face cover
Based on your description, this set seems similar to Quintet? Micro planar, a little hot in the upper treble, and boosted sub bass. I do have and like the Quintet, but it's ultra specific. Really thought Aful would make the 5+2 as broadly appealing as the P5 was. I also thought the Explorer tuning would influence this set, but apparently not. Bummer. Thx for the review.
Yeah, similar but actually later in the treble than Quintet. The planar crossover is also way up there, 12k. I do think it will be more appealing, but shifted the problem, That shift also tends to not be as noticeable, weird people like me listen to tracks that hit out there in 12k+ or subbass. It will be more appealing if your music hits lower or have a warner source. But for me, once you flatten the stage, even if its not spicy, that hurts the joy for me.
I really would like to get one just because of that green.
Yes, the faceplates are nice. They have a small story on it
Great stuff
I was hoping this would be a straight upgrade from the P5 but it seems like more like a cousin- similar graph but very different technical presentation. I also don't think the price jump is warranted considering it solves maybe 1 problem of the P5 but then introduces 2 more (I have yet to see a good micro-planar implementation). No doubt there are people who will love this approach (vocal vs instrument focus), but the price is not competitive when original P5 goes on sale for like $160 and Orchestra Lite on sale for $180. Performer 5+2 is getting closer to the price of the P8 which is a significant step up technically. Aful is trying to push the price on it's more popular models it seems, I also thought Explorer should have launched at $100. Weirdly $800 Cantor seems like the best value Aful IEM now.
I never heard the P5, but watched Super*Review review and he has similar issues and says about what you said, fixed one, added 2. I think if you are going to add a 2DD and a microplanar, make sure those two standout for good reasons. The reality is there a lot of good hybrids out there and it is harder to compete a year after P5.
Nice review!
Currently rocking Zero:Red with an adapter, but I'm looking for an iem, for an iem that would be an endgame. The most priciest I looked on is Dusk and Tea Pro, and with release of P5+2, now I have a hard time choosing. I want something with more treble details, and a wider stage.
Is it even worth paying extra for Tea or Dusk, or P5+2 will be enough?
Tea Pro is better executed similar style with the heavier bass, cleaner treble. Dusk is brighter but better for treble fans than Tea Pro. Dusk and Tea Pro are very nice, just focused on different ends. The midpoint might be a set like Hype 4.
@PaulWasabii Thanks!
@@PaulWasabii also, is there any info about Moondrop's unit variations on Dusk? Did it become better?
Hi Paul, thanks for the early review of this IEM. I was waiting for this P7 to be released, but now I would like to ask what would you recommend as a better IEM alternative in the same price range for casual listening (for almost all music genre)? Thanks :)
I am not sure what the price range is yet but most of the recent hybrids are quite nice. You have the bassy sets, Davinci and Xenns Tea Pro, the chill but high quality Cadenza4, the energetic Estrella and then the U-shaped family, Ziigaats and Thieaudio Hype. A couple other specials, Crinacle's Dusk and Simgot Supermix4 for Harman fans. This is exactly why price matters on P7 and why it needed to standout on bass and planar, there are a lot of great sets in the price range.
@@PaulWasabii Thanks, Paul. From what I read from other online sources, the P7 will be priced around $300.
@@johnpaulguevarra6916239$
How would you say the Aful P5+2 compares to the Xenns Tea Pro?
Doesn't. It comes down to the same issue I saw on other reviews, the crispy treble. Perhaps if you have P5, this is normal, but it's not like the others as I said. Plus the bass is better on TP.
@PaulWasabii Gotcha, so in that case the Tea Pro would probably be the better upgrade from the Aful Magicone 😂 thank you for the help, I really appreciate it!
@@PaulWasabiiyou helped me dodging a bullet. I have the tea pro and quite enjoying it. One of these sets that has enough bass while not losing details. Clarity is there but it’s still relaxed. Was gonna get the p5+2 for a secondary set for office, and for their looks lol. Guess not
Thank you Paul, this is one set I will not be jonesing for. I can always count on you to give a unbiased review.
Eh, you have plenty of nicer sets. This is more for the P5 fans.
@@PaulWasabii that is a fact, I was listening to my S12 Nobody today, Nobody made me skip the S12 2024 and many others. I was more or less leaving a comment to help your TH-cam analytics as much as anything. Cheers my SB friend.
Hello Paul,
do you have the Aful Explorer, too? If so, can you compare them both together, please?
I do not
What's the best set for detail and tech at 300$ range?
Estrella because it really pushed hard into the treble with nice drivers. But its a lot of both bass and treble. I think S12 2024 or Pro are hard to beat on techs for the money. Or jump up to the Variations
@@PaulWasabii how's the Tea Pros for detail & tech compared to the Estrella?
Is this good value at $239 or would you still suggest the other hybrids - Davinci, Tea Pro etc?
I am glad they did $239 instead $300. Tea Pro is better in a similar style, but then the other hybrids like DaVinci (heavy bass), Estrella (very energetic at both ends), Hypes in the middle, etc are all different flavors. You might also look at AFUL Explorer is you want smoother and stick with AFUL
how do you compare this with tea pro ? and also , does tea pro sound boring to you ?
Tea Pro is mostly executed right with a similar signature. Better bass, better treble. If you are concerned about boring, the opposite of that is Estrella. Interesting boring comment though as some people will want more treble presence where Xenns is more relaxed. And I would say it that way, relaxed versus boring but I think you are asking the right question if you like a more energetic treble.
Interesting. I don't think I've heard another review mention that it's 2 6mm drivers, which seems a bit odd to gloss over. Also found it odd that no one I've come across so far compared it to the SuperMix 4 given what they were describing about it. But thanks for giving other things to consider on it!
I was wondering the same. I think the "microplanar" they use is similar to the one in SM4. It looks like a BA in the disassembled diagrams. So anyone with problems with SM4's treble timbre should hear the same thing in P5+2 IMO. I think Canta has similar drivers too.
Its in the listing on Hifigo. The tuning is quite different than Supermix and I would say the microplanars have been different also, Dusk's are great. SM4 is hard for non-Harman target folks. It EQs really well though. I think the other popular hybrids doing U-shapes and even SM4 with Harman, those are familiar tuning styles that work well with hybrid configs. If you are going to be different, it better have a benefit other than being different.
Paul, what do you actually like alot at$200-250? Thanks.
Not many and I haven't tried most of the Ziigaats, but I like Cadenza4, Xenns Tea Pro, and S12 2024. Lots of $200 sets aren't worth $200 which is why I don't like many of them, often you are better off paying less or a lot more.
@@PaulWasabii Thanks
ohh dear :((((....i was saving up for this set...now i think i will just go for hype4...
Hype 4 falls into that similar U-shape that was vetted over the past year. That set isn't going anywhere. Nice drivers, nice tuning gets you longevity.
How does this compare vs the dusk,b3,and estrella?
Eh, needs better drivers and tuning to compete with those.
Hi Paul it's quite a negative review on this set , let me know what your favourite IEM sets are ?
I may have very different tastes of IEM set to yours .
I loved my Performer 8 a lot as well as the Explorer, I don't know if the stock cable would make you have this negative review.
Both Gizaudio and. Tone Deaf Monk rated them so high with the tuning of Performer 5+2 , can you explain why your review is so different to them ????? Thank You.
He said it all in the video tho. All in all, it sounds like nothing more than marginal upgrade to P5. Which is not bad by any means but nothing outstanding to rave about. The 250$-400$ range is very crowded nowadays so considering the P7 would fall somewhere in there, it seems like "just another option". Frankly, i love that Paul is not overhyping it and keeps it real. Audio-In is yet to make a full review but from his first impressions, he too painted it as "just P5 upgrade".
@@3ildcard Gizaudio and Audio In Review are my favourite channel, my liking is very different to Paul.
@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 Audio-in doesn't seem very stocked about the P7 either so idk. Gizaudio, i liked it when it was just Timmy. Now i only watch Audio-in's DAC reviews on there. They just overhype everything new thats comes to the market.
@@3ildcard I'm not agree with you Gizaudio review talks about how you can enjoy an IEM in certain areas good and not as good, and Paul only doing his review in an analytical way and he seems doesn't know how to enjoy IEMs , he always nitpicking and magnify the bad.
He will never be happy or maybe he reviewed in a wrong way , I tested IEMs with Spotify was a mistake, music from TH-cam are much better with high quality recording videos, if he keeps using Spotify, nothing can satisfy him.
I'm in doubt with his review accuracy.
I can get amazing sound from the Simgot EW300 when you get the right source and DAC AMP set up , of course it can't out perform a $200/$300 set , it's all about enjoyment, not picky on every detail of an IEM set , that is too depressing.
I think Paul and Mark ( Super Review ) both reviewed IEMS incorrectly.
If any reviewer can't tell the difference with an upgraded cable, not necessarily expensive, then that's not qualified as an IEM reviewer ,this is Mark Ryan, most stock cables are cheap and slightly harsh sounding.
I don't know if Paul can tell any difference with better cable.
@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 Oh my god, not another "cable changes sound" snake oil guy. Also, Paul is different from other reviewers because he tries to objectively REVIEW a product instead of mindlessly overhype everything that comes to the market. Its not about enjoyment, its about providing information and valid criticism when needed, thats why it is A REVIEW, not a podcast. He tells you how a product sounds, its up to you to know whether or not that is what you're looking for.
Also, you use 50$ IEM and you're mad that someone like Paul who have used over 200 IEMs god knows at what cost combined would be shocked/blown away by "yet another 200-something$" IEM?
By the way, TH-cam over Apple Music, Tidal and even Spotify? You can't be serious. I pay for Tidal and get the supposed "audiophile" sound and let me tell you, you need A VERY GOOD GEAR to tell a difference. I don't have that good gear so 320kbps or 24bit 192 hz - all sounds the same. I can literally A/B test with 2 clicks. No difference. If you think you're hearing a difference on TH-cam Music because its "higher quality than Spotify", you're unapologetically delusional.
As Timmy from Gizaudio used to say - a good IEM will sound good regardless of where you stream your music. If an IEM sounds like sh&t on Spotify, it'd sound like sh&t on Tidal too.
I’d rather have one 10mm (or 12mm ideally) than two 6mm DD. Waiting for them to bring deeper bass.
I agree, I lean towards they should have gone bigger on at least one. 6mm is a nice compliment to a larger DD but interesting to hear a pair of 6. The competition is also using larger DD so it was a tough design decision.
@@PaulWasabii exactree
Are these better than the Hydros? If so how much would you say?
Nope. Could have been but again, got to get the treble and micro planar sorted out before you can take on higher count BA sets.
Ok thanks 👍🏾
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the aful explorer
Maybe someday. I noticed the people who liked it probably like different sets than I do or at least bass styles. I am curious though.
For the price it can be End Game IEM set , for people who don't want to spend more , greatest separation and clarity, Gizaudio and Audio In Review they both loved it, just don't expect it to compete with $300+ ones.then you will be super happy with this set , spend more for Performer 8 you will get higher quality bass and beautiful texture, just both required upgrade cables , try NICEHCK $50+ ones , cheers.they aren't Paul's favourite somehow I don't get it , it could be the stock cable that makes him not like them.Thank you.
❤
I’ve watched toooo many videos on IEM. Ive had 3 sets of KZ ZS10 pro all of them the left dynamic went out. I liked them but I need a little bit more low end. I have the Kiwi Candenza they are lacking low end and to me are little bright, I also have shure 215. I play drums so can you give me an idea of something like the zs10 pro with a little more depth or low end
Theres the ikko high ear c, good low end very punchy.
@@eliteanarchy is that the new one it’s showing not available? Im trying to go by these graphs and I have no clue how to read them or if they really mean anything the ZS10 pro has been as close to what i want but it hasn’t been relabeled at all plus it’s missing a little bit of the punch I’m looking for
If you just want to try a cheap one with more bass, KZ Dawn. KZ Saga too if you like metal shells but not sure that will agree with playing drums
@@PaulWasabii I was actually thinking about the saga I thought about getting both the balanced and the bass version just in case. I somehow got talked into the KBEAR OS1 because someone told me it was what I needed but it was muffled sounded like Charlie Browns teacher. I’ll start there I do have EQ through all of my softwares but some of these won’t react to the eq like I would have thought
@@PaulWasabii and thank you for taking the time to respond
While i dont always agree with your takes, Paul, this is why i want multiple reviewers when a set peaks my interest. So far this is the only review critiquing this set while a lot of other seem to enjoy it and your insights are valuable in my purchasing decisions
As I said, I know people will like it because the close vocals. When people buy it and tell me I am 100% wrong, its basically that, I won't like most sets that push vocals and flatten the stage. Thrashes everything else you are paying for in a hybrid/tribrid.
waiting for your kadenz video
No Kadenz, but have a Kima 2 on the way.
Does it sound shouty in busy tracks?
Shouty is probably the wrong word, it is congested later in the treble. As I said, the stage is odd so it doesn't have the space that other hybrid/tribrids do so the layering and separation aren't as nice as they should be.
@PaulWasabii thanks for explaining further. ❤️
how does this compare with cadenza4?
Cadenza4 is a killer set if you are into natural. People said it was boring which is kinda true, there is no crazy boost but just great execution on branded BAs and a super DD.
Can you rank the best 5 technical sets between 300-400 ?
No, but start with Moondrop Variations, S12 Pro/2024, and even Estrella which has very nice drivers.
@@PaulWasabii oook, estrella more technical than dusk and tea pro?
vs davinci ?
Tough, I'd take Davinci for the drivers but both need EQ. For me, the Tea Pro is the one that got the signature right, bassy hybrid.
Paul... you a real one; you dead-a$$ kept it 💯 on 5+2/P7. Nothing but respect because cats out here treating Aful like the next coming of Moondrop. And as you know they been more like Moondroppings (💩) lately, so... there's that. Fairly certain I don't have the sensibilities to appreciate their sets (good diplomatic answer😎).
AFUL tunes sets that appeal to some people, but as I said, it is hard to compare it to the other popular sets because their priorities are different. Some people will love the vocals and people like me hear the stage and can't unhear it.
All "Performers" seem to graph really closely. P8 seems very boring (and many tend describe it that way), P5 a bit more engaging. P7 seems to graph really closely to P5 so the extra drivers better do some magic. All in all, it seems like a direct upgrade to the P5 but it really comes down to how they'll play their cards in terms of pricing. Judging by your take, without glazing it just because of hype, it sounds a little too safe and underwhelming (due to higher expectations).
I think you are right, the price will nearly be the most important part. The competition a year later is tough so it will be hard to go much above P5 price and I am sure they really want to.
Very harsh review. Are you always this brutal?
😂
Eh, most people keep mentioning the treble. There is a reason for that.
Paul is tough, but he doesn't hold back. Gotta respect that.
In music the only thing I care about is female vocals 😂I don't even need instruments 🤣.. The fact that it's all squished up and crowded is not good though.. i want something thats vocal centric, but a good implementation, ~300$
Vocal centric is not the same as vocal forward. The way there is space around vocals in vocal centric is everything, you need to have a good ear for treble control.
@@PaulWasabii what would you recommend for jpop/kpop/female vocals around 300-400$?
Studio 4 @@GFClocked
@@AichaSeghrouchni even when compared to dusk DSP default profile? i heard studio4 can be a bit boring, is that true?