Performer 5+2 / Performer 7

I guess here is my take on a comparison for headphones, I'm nothing special just someone who is picky with audio likes my home theatre systems and draw most of my desire for good audio from using soundbars or more robust proper 5.1 systems i've had. Never traditionally used much for headphones aside from gaming stuff, and in ear beats and air pods. Moved to a desk setup more lately so sold some HT stuff and I'm putting it into headphones, so far i cant seem to get close to what I like. Generally WIDE, detailed deep, boomy sound but I don't need crazy rumbling bass and appreciate vocals and mids as ofc. knowing nothing about IEMs i couldn't decide from reading so I ordered a handful of sets. So i compared all of these across a range of music using the same 30 songs or so. Watched some Anime/movies, played R6 siege and did 1-3 matches with each for footsteps(most I've played in years), immersive solo games( I Used the dead space remake and Subnautica some helldivers and some forza), and then judged their comfort levels for fit after extended periods of time and then how much pain I had from Highs which is normal for me as I like to crank things a lot, and 97% of the time the sharp highs are what stop me from going further.) I listed the prices I got them for in CAD, pre much all from amazon so i could return if it wasn't a keep. And a brief summary without getting too detailed into sound description as idk what means what sometimes. Some i payed less attention to than others once i realized quickly I didn't like them compared to others I had already tried. Everything was also tested on the single ended output of my Fiio K11, except AFUL Performer 5+2 and 1 other i think. 580$ Linsoul THIEAUDIO Hype 4 (return) * music 7/10, anime/movie 8/10, FPS 7.7, immersive (DS- 8.3), uncomfortable 7/10, pain from sound 7/10 * These were solid for sure, and had some nice bass top 3 for bass for me on this list, but also the easiest no for me.... as for the price I quickly tried others that got too close to these for way less... Fanciest packaging and presentation though it wins that (but that's just a bonus) also loved their look. So naturally wanted to like these badly. These were actually pretty big though one of the bigger ones and did stretch my little ear holes a bit much maybe the most... Hurt my ears an average amount for sharp sounds. 300$ ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete (return) * music 5.5/10, anime/movie 6.3/10, FPS(possibly the best here), immersive(DS-8.0), uncomfortable 5/10, pain from sound 6/10 * Comfier fs, If all i played was competitive gaming and wanted to go all out there, id probably keep these, they handled music and shows well, but I didn't LOVE how they sounded for that... idk not the signature I wanted for those uses, but FPS def super nice however for me I don't play a ton of FPS and others were close to as good as these in that area for WAY less. Also Love the look of these. Somewhat pricey didn't make sense to keep these for my uses. **Xenns Mangird Tea Pro** 510$ seen them for 475 on AliExpress (return) * Music 7.9, anime/movie 8.0, FPS 8.0, immersive 8.4, uncomfortable 6.4, pain from sound 5,  * So I wanted to like these more than any other on this list after seeing the raves about it. Loved the packaging my 2nd fav here or fav idk. My favorite look also probably god so pretty. Definitely top 2 for overall quality IMO here was neck and neck with AFUL performer 5+2, in most areas, these MIGHT have been better by an edge.... But once I found the AFULs for 275 on Alieexpress vs 600 on amazon.... I realized these don't sound 300$ better... sadly... they sound slightly different fs than the AFULs but nothing crazy as the difference with others here, and better idk my noob ears weren't skilled enough to see the difference. Also I thought these were quiet balanced compared to others that may have excelled in some areas and poorer in others. * after extended periods prob top 5 comfiest for my baby holes :( * Also Slightly thicker at the tip than id like and one of the harder ones to get tips on, which idk less convenient to me, and di tire my ears out fit wise sooner than others, not that bad but also when i took them out after an hour or so my ears thanked me a little.... * Maybe best but hard to tell between performer 7 and these AFUL Performer 5+2 / Performer 7 4.4mm on balanced OP 600$ amazon… current number 1 overall  (KEEP) 275 alieexpress * Music 7.9, anime/movie 8.1, FPS(R6 7.3 maybe?) immersive 8.45 haha, uncomfortable 4, pain from sound 4.9,  * pretty balanced, not crazy poor or crazy standoutish in any one area imo... not uncomfy at all, maybe not the smallest or uncomfiest, but extended listening periods were no issue, seems people don't like these smooth nozzles but i loved it so far... easy to change tips and never had them budge once they are on. idk how i feel ab the open holes tho... I kinda love these fell in love quicker than the tea pros, feels a little gentler on me, I know i didn't track soundstage * don't love the look of these as much as many but they are too good for the price on alieexpress * said it above, Linsoul 7Hz Timeless II 230$ (return) * music 6.0, anime/movie solid 7.6 maybe, fps solid average didn't use for this much, immersive(DS-7.7), uncomfortable 4.3,  pain from sound 5.5 * Balanced all around… solid for the price I think nothing crazy in anything so far but solid… came with some extra pieces others didn't, look slick and unique, very good all around and quite comfy, feel pretty worth it for the price and a good option id recommend them fs, no real complaints, returned bc i liked the afuls better for 50$ more basically and i think they sounded 50$ better or more so yeah Truthear x Crinacle Zero: BLUE2 65$ (return) * music 5.7, anime/movie 7, fps 7.0, immersive(DS-7.5), movie, uncomfortable sooo big 6.6, pain from sound 6.3 * So solid for the price most competitive w timeless perhaps less balanced, but performs great where it does and isnt terrible anywhere, these were my first I'm going to keep these pic, but after spending lotsss of time with these i determined it was not worth the discomfort, as they did unholy things to my ear holes, if i met someone with big ear holes id recommend 100%, also felt decently bassy imo, worth it as a jump from he 7hz crinnacle zero imo as well if your ear holes could fit this, pained me not to keep these AFUL Explorer 255$ (return) * Music 6.0 MAYBE? idk ab this, anime/movie 6.9, FPS 6.7, immersive 6.8, uncomfortable 1.5, pain from sound 3.5,  * Very well rounded and most comfortable maybe over alll others, almost feels NICE to wear these haha, loved them, they sounded super well rounded but also not the signature I was looking for, but sounded kinda unique compared to others imo, pleasant though... as much as i liked them they didn't draw me in like many others, they seem worth the price i guess... but idk, idk what id use them for, if they were 100$ less id consider way more i think? * Could probably wear these indefinitely Linsoul Kiwi Ears KE4 270$ (return) * Music 7.6, anime/movie 7.8, FPS 7.4, immersive solid 7.5, uncomfortable 2.4, pain from sound 3.9  * bassy.. I do like this.. best for bass so far, id say out of all these if I was a bass head these would be my pic, which i do think I am somewhat but prioritize other things as much or more so maybe not, also comfy esp for the size for sureee, * I hated this brands packaging * These kinda felt like just better supermixes... Linsoul SIMGOT SuperMix 4 213$ (return) * Music 6.3, anime/movie 7.5, FPS 8.4), immersive (DS 7.8),  uncomfortable 2.0, pain from sound 4.0,  * these feel pretty well rounded not that uncomfy… kinda like timeless but more quality sound a step up sorta, loved these for FPS arete barely edged them out i think, really liked this pair was shocked but i think id pick it over the timeless? very comfy and balanced i think, for the price it makes it easier choice id choose these over timeless... i liked this tempted to keep as they were great for FPS and performed well in most other areas, if you wanted to spend more on a pair that was good for FPS, but also wanted one pair that could handle other content maybe better than the arete(except FPS) than this would be my pick and i almost kept them, * Supermix might be bested by kiwi ears seems so in anime/movie, music is 50/50…  * i do think that - Explorer vs supermix 4 - supermix wins in all explorer wins in comfort but supermix above average still for comfort  7hz crinnacle zero:2 30$ (KEEP) * Music 5.5, anime 6.5, FPS 8.1, immersive 6.8, movie, uncomfortable 5.0, pain from sound 4.0,  * for 30$ these are one of the most worth it purchases i've ever made, sure they feel cheap and look cheap, but for 30$ i will recommend this to most people i know, also i swear they were great for fps... Linsoul Tripowin x 0DiBi: Vivace 40$ (KEEP) \- Music 5.0, anime/movie 5.7, FPS 8.3, immersive 6.5, uncomfortable 5.9, pain from sound 5.5,  \- got these purely off the top 5 gaming iem rec, and yeah prob top 5 here for it or close, for the price that's why i kept them felt fair to spend that much for how good they were for fps for the amount i play, cheaper than buying arctis novas or something just for footsteps, a few others were better sure, but i don't play enough. I disliked these for pre much everything else they were meh, will keep tho Truthear hexa 101$ (return) * Music 6.0, anime, FPS 7.7, immersive, movie, uncomfortable 5.0, pain from sound 4.7,  * Feel like some of the most purposeless here... idk what to say about them.. not bad mid in every way... wouldn't pay 100$ maybe 70 TOPS, feels like while maybe they are better than the zero blues (way comfier) they lack anything impressive... but def more balanced than the blues and don't hurt my ear holes ig I have to give it that.... Linsoul Kiwi Ears Cadenza 43$ (return) * Music 5.7, anime/movie 6.5, FPS 6.0, immersive 5.5, uncomfortable 4.5, pain from sound 5.3,  * For some reason these troubled me so much, i tried to really give these a lot of chances, bc ppl praise them so much for the price. but from the moment i put them in my ears i hated how they sounded lol, towards the end i started to appreciate them ONLY for music but in a different way than most others here... idk If i was to collect multiple IEMs maybe id keep this one next bc i felt like it was useful for a specific genre maybe? idk overall tho not the sound signature i appreciate a lot... even if maybe i did start to see it a little bit... A lot of uncomfortableness felt with IEMs is noticed after I take them out, they immediately feel achy and I notice my ears feel better with them out, in is still an issue though for some. In the end I found a few that didn't bother my ears at length, My scales here aren't perfect from IEM to IEM, some are pretty accurate on MY scale others not 100 from IEM to IEM if yknow what i mean. Did all the IEMs first and didn't realize how much more i liked them over the coming Open backs which were new to me entirely. For fun Beats fit pro 200$ (KEEP) * Music 5.0, anime/movie 4.0, FPS, immersive, uncomfortable, pain from sound,  * Just for fun I connected these VIA Bluetooth to my pc, they are my main out of the house headphones love them super comfy and been through the wash and dryer 5x lol, and sweat on them a ton in the gym over 4 years i think, still work as good as day one battery never dies on me, and never fall out of my ears god I love them. * Ofc right away I confirmed the IEM chase was worth it as these sucked lol but I don't notice that in the gym and cant stand wires on the move. 590$ 490 pros (debating) * don’t sound as boomy, but listening pain is severely reduced from intenseness, only pain is slight sharp highs, biggest downsides perhaps needing to turn it up higher bc sounds less boomy in ears meaning more risk for sharp highs, less boomy up front but beats lots of the IEMs for the pro/cons in some areas, gain on high at 40, I love these but the more I used the more i realized they cost double he performers and I was picking the performers for like everything over this, these definitely allowed me to listen to music in a way i haven't before, but also.... left me wanting moreeeee, detailed and analytic to me... but too simpleeee didn't draw me in enough i feel too far from the music idk considering the price I am pre sure I will keep, but prob top 3 comfiest over ears I've worn in my life, and maybe best sounding I guess hard to say? I feel like Over ears should be able to sound this good for less... * music 7.9/10, anime/movie 8.5/10, fps 7.5, immersive(DS-8.0), uncomfortable (slight pressure on top of head and ears 3.5, pain from sound 6.5/10(only bc I have to crank them to feel what i want in music... ) DT880 290$ (return) * tight fit not my favorite, 600 ohm barely enough on k11, but enough to listen and judge, honestly sounds way worse than 490 pro, also firm pads and tight fit on my big picky ears, not the comfiest, worst open backs I’ve tried (out of 5), expected to love these for the price came in excited and loved the look, almost failed in every way.... looks nice tho... nice lil bag it came with? * anime 6.7, music 5.0, fps 4.0, rest doesn't matter maybe I’m picky but I hate these to me they suck ATH-R70x 340$ (return) * sounds way better than DT880, still needs GAIN on high at around 75 to be loud enough, sound is almost competitive with 490 pros , not as good but for price comparison I’d take these except… these get very hot very quick, and hurt my ears, 490 pros are top 3 comfy I’ve ever worn these made me appreciate the 490 pros comfort, if comfort didn’t suck I’d keep especially if I could get them like 50$ cheaper 300$ CAD flat  * Lightest headphones I’ve ever felt * Not the comfiest though no adjustment… * More competitive with hd490 pro * Anime/movie 8.3, music 7.8, fps 6.7, for most of it these are a touch under the 490 pros in most if not all areas, * but for the price I was going to keep these, then as i wore them more I realized absolutely not 490s are way comfier, I HAVE always been super picky with over ear headphones my whole life though for comfort and these were no different sweaty hot and hurt my ears So I did not expect this but so far I think im not keeping any over ears, opposite of what i expected before i started, wondering If i just dont like open backs... so im trying the DT 770s and the FIIO FT1s this week, aside from that I have AKG K702 coming as well, but my hopes aren't high anymore. Can i not afford the taste I have in headphones or something? I said id spend up to 900CAD on a pair of over ears if they nailed it all right now, but I'm thinking that wont even do it, and I feel like Im happy enough with my AFULS, however I would like the option of over ears at least one pair for solo gaming/movies/music that I don't have to put in my ears when I wanna give my holes a break. How hard can it be to find some that don't disgust me for under 1000? haha I have also tried on Audeze MM100s, HD600s, and Arctis pro Nova 1 or whatever the top ones all quite a bit but didn't test on my own stuff or time. I liked the MM100s a lot out of these, the HD 600 sounded great but too simple 3 separate soundstages kinda and boring to me. MM100s were nice but like idk i dont rmemeber being blown away that much. I also briefly tried on LCD-2s and yeah they were pre sweet worth the price idk ab that, also didnt test enough to really say. So based off all this and maybe my weird tastes idk where should I go from here? or do I need to chill and just stop entirely :( I just want headphones that make it sound like im in front of my 1300$ 5.1 HT system kinda yknow lemme feel that width and immersion w out losing detail and the important stuff Def biggest post ever for me lol

Good questions, I figure I have tiny baby holes bc I seem to complain about big nozzles maybe more than the average person so I figure I’m a tiny cry baby, and can’t take a proper nozzle, also 4.9 vs 4.8 isn’t supposed to mean much, however it’s more of just a HUNCH as I suspected one might have been slightly more uncomfortable than another, but it was also so close so hard to say without extensive back and forth between two, so I just went with a ratinglike that, I do think that’s somewhat true, but also as someone else reading this one that’s that close I wouldn’t take into consideration too much, as it’s so close I’d say either could fit you better, as you have differ t holes and it would probably sit different at that level of similarity for me. If that makes sense…

So far… they aren’t as good as the 490 pros no doubt… but I wouldn’t ever complain about them they sound great I quite like these, came with a nice vase and way better packaching than 490 pros, more satisfying to hold and look at, feel way more premium and are heavier, nothing wrong w the sound for me, I do think the sound is simpler than the 490s… biggest difference though is the comfort they beat the DT 880s and the ATHs I tried, and really not that bad I don’t get sore yet after an hour, but the moment I swap to the 490 pros to compare a song it’s like WOW A BREATH OF FRESH AIR MY SKIN AND HAIR CAN BREATHE AGAIN HAHHA, both sound wise and comfort these are selling me more on the 490 pros lol

Beats the DTT880 for me and the Audio technicals I tried, from memeory hard to say but from what I remember about HD600 I think I prefer these…. Been a while tho…. Been using them legit all day, and I have to say…. It’s tough between these and the HD490s… ugh it’s killing me ngl, I want these FT1 pros to cut it bad bc 250$ difference and they come with a better case and feel and look nicer but… idk… No doubt HD490 pros are better, I use the Ft1 and the more I do I go wow these are solid I’ll keep these then put the 490s on and go ehhhhhh its better…

Honestly final opinion, FT1 pros are prob second best of the open backs I’ve tried and maybe all headphones I’ve tried, and possibly best value for ALL headphones I’ve tried at 300$ CAD. I’d recommend to most people I know assuming it fit their needs as a first buy. However I’ve decided I like what the the HD490 pros offer in improvements and the fact that I’m more willing to put them on and wear them at length is a major pro, I knew comfort was this important but this I’m sure of now, if it’s not maximally comfortable it directly takes away from how much you want to use them so… Also side note… I could be wrong here… but while the FT1 pros do not have sharp pericing highs which I am normally sensitive to, and I do find them quite balanced. There is this phenomena I can’t explain I don’t normally encounter where the actual sound is fatiguing to listen to without ever any sharp sounds that hurt, rather just normal sound after an hour I take them off and my head/ears were ALMOST slightly ringing… this does not happen with the HD 490s… weird… turning them down I found made this happen less but it’s weird for me bc it was at a volume level I’d normally be totally comfortable with, I’m not sure why this is or if this is a thing people find with some headphones sometime but it was a first for me… I still think they’re great j turn them down a little but that’s my only true SMALL complaint about them the rest is just that the 490 pros are better

Yeah I know, I figured as much, in some cases the numbers were more memory cues for myself to remind me, "yeah this one isn’t that much better these are too close to call, this isn’t worth rating lower or better but I liked this one better or just a hunch or feeling, I do feel like many of these performed VERY close to each other and truly almost none of the IEMs I tried actually SUCKED, they were all great, so to an untrained here, it was rather hard to differentiate at times, hence my numbers were sometimes a little hunchier than I’d have liked I think. For someone else reading this I’d pay more attention to larger number gaps, or if you had a specific question about one or the other I’d ask and I could try answering.

Fair questions yes, Hype 4 and timeless were quite different for sure, Time less came off as way more balanced and well rounded to me, while the hype 4s excelled in a lot of the music i tired as well as immersive type games compared to the timeless. For the price id pick the timeless at half price or less, but the hype 4 were a better specialist for sure, i liked their bass as well, i preferred the bass in the KE4s, but hype 4 was solid. In the end My AFULs felt like a direct step up from these and beat the timeless in every way, but had a comparable type of sound, so it was an easier choice. For under 200 CAD i think they would be a sweet choice. AFUL vs tea pro was so hard for me to tell i wont lie, the only thing im 100% sure about is the AFU:ls were more comfortable to me and I can wear for way longer. As for the sound its that point to me where sound is so close you'll be happy either way, and I'm not skilled enough to explain well, however i would say i preferred the AFULS by the tiniest edge ever in sound not just comfort, i couldn't explain it but yeah I'm more happy listening to them, Tea pros if anything beat the afuls in FPS games, and probably SOME kinds of music that's all i could give them myself. And to note more than most others on my list, this sis my opinion after Getting both to keep.. I kept the AFULS and asked for a return on the tea pros, but got refunded instead I'm in shock but have never seen that but now i have both to keep and have been going back and forth having tried tons of tips on the tea pro now i finally found some DUNUs i was happy enough to wear for a longer period not comfy but enough, and even still with these i pick the afuls if I'm sitting down to play games movies, or even a lot of music.... the sound preference id argue is subjective at this level for tea pro over aful so some might disagree, but what's not arguable for me is the cost difference i found them at and that made it an easy choice for how close they were. oh and for the comfort value affecting sound yeah, id imagine it does somewhat but idk, what i meant that rating for was purely how much they hurt my ears over time of wearing

I jumped on the P5+2. I love it. I don't see myself upgrading for a long time.

I currently have my Aful P5+2 on my AZ20, works great after the circumcision mod.

the Top Pro and Hyper 4 MK2 are basically sidegrades from what y understand, both being more or less equal with the Top Pro having better soundstage and instrument separation, while the Hype MK2 has better treble and sparkle, so it kind of depends how you like your audio. For me instrument separation is key to life to music, and the treble on the top pro is enough for me, Then again i do go back to my Aful P5+2 once in a while for that smooth microplanar treble, i guess thats why so many people enjoy the Daybreak by crinear, its basically a gift at 170 bucks.

From those i own currently, I love the Letshuoer S12 Pro the most currently, because they just carry the most energy when I'm listening to my favourite metal bands. Other than that I also love my performer 5+2 if I'm listening to other genres or want something more comfortable.

It may just be because my initial IEM was the Performer 7's, but the Hype 4 and Hype 4 MK2 had amazing bass comparably. It is legit tight and punchy. It actually makes the hype 4 seem muddled and the P7's non-existant. Id be VERY curious to try something that sounds better, honestly.

The pricing on the P5+2 is RIDICULOUSLY good!!! I got mine a few months back and I love them. Don't regret spending close to MSRP for them at all. They are my go-to all rounder. My current "end-game" set 😂😂

Kiwi Ears Canta (around 100usd) Punch Audio Martilo (300ish usd) AFUL P5+2...have a mini planar in there...(a little over 200usd) Simgot ET142 .... planar with pzt driver (around 200) I have all those...and I love em. That's my regular rotation

Love them...still my go-to for critical listening. That is THE set giving me pause when I'm considering upgrading.

thanks. I used a headband cover and stuffed it (fluff like you'd find in a stuffed animal) So I got both the comfort and fit sorted for the XS. I might venture to Audio Technica after I pick up the XV. Nice IEM collection... love the P5+2. It is the set that's held back my purchases.

I have heard good things about the Armor. I own the Martilo and the P5+2. The Martilo's sub-bass shelf NOT bleeding into the mids sets it apart. So for a "bass head" they may not seem enough. As bass centric IEM...it's quite good. I don't think they're "as technical" as the P5+2...but I think it's just the tuning and my perception of the presentation of sound. It is a good choice if you want a lot of more bass...while retaining some shimmer in the treble.

OP ... nice box. Good call to use a watch box storing a collection. I understand playing in the price ranges you've been in. Honestly, it's too low for diminishing returns just yet. Hexa does punch above it's weight...and it's still VERY relevant today. My "top" set at the moment is the AFUL P5+2. I love them. Can do what the Hexa does...but better. Warmer without sacrificing the "technicalities" The treble is present....some even say it's too bright. For me, they're great. There's enough bass for this to be an all-rounder for me. I own the 7Hz Legato...that's my bassy boy. I like bass...but I'm not spending excessive money for a basshead set. Compared to the Castor Pro Edition...it's better. The sub rumble is satisfying, mid bass (especially certain bass guitar heavy tracks) are velvety smooth. I run wide bores on the Legato...helps the treble stand out from the bass. Really balances it all out. I'd say...determine what your prefer sound signature might be. Technicalities? Vocals? Bass-head? Harman? Meta tuning? Then search out that set for yourself. Perhaps you'd want a planar IEM? Or an all BA set? Some people are into single DD IEMs (have heard some god-tier type comments about Final Audio A-Series IEMs) You have plenty to taste...now is a good time to take that step up. Note...the Hexa is the outlier in your collection because they are THAT good. However, you are not close to the area of diminishing returns yet https://preview.redd.it/uvhdjvl2ov0f1.jpeg?width=2377&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f215eb7329c908f39c7017ec7f311cde6c784451 Here's my collection

OP...thanks for this post. Interesting to see other's opinions on this. I have the Hexa...and they compete with my AFUL P5+2 for rotation time. I'd imagine the Hexa causes a lot of issues for people looking the upgrade...but finding it difficult because the Hexa is really THAT GOOD. I see you mentioning soundstage/headstage. I get what you're trying to say. Hexa is alright getting the music out into space around you via imaging and how it manages the treble. In this regard...I think it's better than the P5+2. If you're looking for dac/amp set up for your desktop...it WILL provide peace of mind your source is now "cleaner" It MAY affect the sound for you (depends on how you perceive sound as well as how critically you listen to your music) You shouldn't ever have to wonder if there's enough power driving your IEMs. With that said...if you want headspace/soundstage... Open back headphones is what you're after. Nothing beats a treated room with properly set up speakers. Open back might be the closest thing to speakers. Good luck with your search for an upgrade. Be interesting to see what you eventually decide on.

I’m also a bit of a newbie to the hobby. I got the AFUL performer P7s recently and they’re really great

I just got the AFUL performer 5+2 and can’t recommend them enough. Upgraded from simgot em6l if that helps you