I'm a lifelong songwriter, and I use iems to listen at night. A cool, maybe surprising story here. I was recording a session and Id listen later on my car stereo, my home setup, and iems; a good way to assess the tracks and production. We had a track we thought was great, and I felt something was off but couldn't hear it. That night I put it on replay and fell asleep listening. The next morning at the studio I told the engineer I knew what was wrong.The kick drum track was leaking into the bass track, we used an amplifier and miced the bass, and that mic had picked up random sounds from the kick drum. We re-recorded the bass track and it worked out great. My thoughts here is that I heard that and caught what was wrong in my sleep, so Im convinced that our minds still do a lot even when we're asleep.We had all listened on studio monitors and couldn't pick it out. I knew the problem as soon as I woke up. All the best, Sonny T@SuperReview
Every time I'm looking at new IEMs I always come back to your videos, thanks for all the help all these years, glad to see you're still at it! :) Hope you know how many people rely on your helpful reviews!
Agreed, this went directly into my top 5. I really enjoy the tuning, lower pinna gain, some extra bass, and it is not like most of the others. They are very nice accessories at that price point, and really smooth sound. The other perk is they are small, and very comfy, and they are pretty. They might be one of the best all-day listening IEMs I have heard.
Great spot on review. I got in early with the Aful Explorer. It has immediately gone in to my top three iems. It is just plain fun and very addictive. Highly recommended.
I already worked in its review (spanish), and i really love them, the sound is pretty good for its price and Im really happy with this IEM. it's the first model of Aful I Try
Great and detailed review! 👍I love this IEM. It's super comfortable, has great bass, smooth treble, and the lower pinna gain really makes perfect with rock music.
I sleep with IEMs, too, and I’ve noticed that sleep performance does not always correlate with upright performance. Fit has something to do with (size and flat surface), but also fidelity and separation at low volume seem to vary widely. It would be nice to include sleepability in future reviews, and maybe the subject of a separate video.
Well, the fluids in your ear change position, but I don't think it'd matter, unless you have something like Mernières syndrome. What does change for sleepytime listening is that our hearing is best late at night when we're in a more relaxed state than during the day.
FH3 was my first IEM, thanks in part to Mark’s accurate rec at the time. Its imaging, treble and sub bass presentation still hold water since I bought them one hundred years ago (in IEM years). If the Explorer mostly bests FH3, that’s saying something.
i love the kiwiears cadenza's full bodied warmth and smoothness, and the explorer reminds me of cadenzas if they were enhanced in quality. so this was a no brainer for me
The Aful Explorer is really good , but the Performer 8 is next Level , more dense and texture on the vocal as well as high quality SubBass and treble they are not perfect but still giving you a smile on the face .Both are good in separation Thank You . Try them on UA-cam music video , not recommend on spotify for testing IEMs Cheers.
@@Mixail747 Just adding a tip that has worked nicely for me with the em6l. It has a metall grill, but there is no filter in it. So my tip might not change anything, but i do it just in case:D. I add those small bags of Silica gel thingys where i store the iems, they are supposed to catch humidity or help with it.
I’ve really fallen in love with this iem and it’s all I use now. NEVER harsh, even when tested with kpop and stuff like that, but still super clear and natural. The bass makes make vocals really nice and rich but i don’t think it bleeds much. It’s just nice to use. I game with them too and they’re great. Edit: oh and it fits great in my small ears!! Refreshing to get a small semi custom shell with a SMALL NOZZLE. Got real tired of so many iem’s having huge nozzles for no reason and alienating us small ear canal folks for no reason
Went from ER2XR (I lost them, I loved them) to Zero Red and it has been kind of a let down. In comparison, bass feels boomy, not tight and vocals/guitar don't feel so clear and forward. I'm not satisfied with Red so I'm ready to change. Hexa is on my list but I wouldn't like a single db less bass than ER2XR so that is keeping me from buying it. Explorer seems like a good option as I love bass. I won't get ER2 because I want a "normal" IEM (putting them on and off sucks, I had to do a ritual everytime my wife spoke and I didn't hear her). Love your channel :)
Balanced headphones can help reduce crosstalk between channels by eliminating the common ground plane and allowing the left and right headphone drivers to have separate electrical circuits. This can be beneficial because most ground-loop problems occur with unbalanced connections. Balanced connections can also be more resistant to noise interference. This is good in a noisy chain or PC system. Also the 4.4 mm is a bit thicker and sturdier for those accidental bumps.
It's simple: It's an absolute waste of time, makes things less convenient, and the only audible sound changes are that you get double the hiss with sensitive IEMs.
I'm coming from a 7Hz Salnotes Zero. I'm looking for an IEM around this price point($100~) with a sub bass focus and textured bass with overall better technical performance and more detail compared to my 7Hz Salnotes Zero. My main genres are EDM and Pop. Do you have recommendations that fit the bill?
Alba is considerably more trebly, a more aggressive tune that can be more exciting, more sense of separation between sounds, and more contrasty, versus Explorer is more laid back, huskier sound.
Would u say the Explorer over the Magic One for on stage performance monitoring? Also I suggest you take a look at the FiiO JH5, a new solid budget set. Much love
Hi! I have had the Moondrop ssr cable since a long time ago when you recommended it. Loved it ever since. That and the Hexa have been great recs from you, thank you! But the ssr cable is not working anymore. I see you are using the Truthear Gate cable on the Hexa. Is that cable "better" than the ssr cable? Or are they kinda the same? Like the feel, weight etc. Any insight would be appreciated
I like both cables quite a bit. The Gate cable has a nice functional chin slider, and the black look is a better match for some IEMs (like the Hexa). On other IEMs, lately I've been using the Chu 2 cable instead of the SSR cable because it has a smaller Y-split.
Hi Mark. Just curious, in your squig, I see the Cadenza 4 and Tinhifi dudu. Will you be reviewing them? If not, may I know your thoughts on both sets? Thanks
Cadenza 4, don't think so, Dudu yes. Cadenza 4 was pretty solid when I heard it at CanJam, mayyyyybe a little safe and boring like Performer5 but similarly well executed.
Hexa is not really fitted so it doesn't snug in as secure. Hexa will be pickier with tips for maximizing the fit, where the Explorer can work well with most tips.
@@SuperReview Good but dirty. I enjoy everything but on some songs I constantly think "oh yeah the artist definitely didn't intent this" in the back of my head
@@brssnkl you'd be surprised on how little the artist intent matters in maisntream music. It often comes down to the mixing engineer and producers, and often times the end result is just the product of sloppy techniques
Wait, is that how it's actually supposed to be pronounced? Here I've been giving them the benefit of the doubt in my head thinking they meant it to be "AY-Full".
Some similarities, could see this as a "baby Meteor" though Meteor is bassier / warmer, more relaxed sound and even better treble. I've been listening to Meteor a lot lately as well as Explorer.
I can't sleep with IEM's in my ears like Mark, but I still agree this one is indeed slept on.
Oh man sleeping with IEMs is the best.
@@SuperReview I agree wholeheartedly! Great review btw :) I am able to sleep with all of the Aful iems without consequence.
I'm a lifelong songwriter, and I use iems to listen at night. A cool, maybe surprising story here. I was recording a session and Id listen later on my car stereo, my home setup, and iems; a good way to assess the tracks and production. We had a track we thought was great, and I felt something was off but couldn't hear it. That night I put it on replay and fell asleep listening. The next morning at the studio I told the engineer I knew what was wrong.The kick drum track was leaking into the bass track, we used an amplifier and miced the bass, and that mic had picked up random sounds from the kick drum. We re-recorded the bass track and it worked out great.
My thoughts here is that I heard that and caught what was wrong in my sleep, so Im convinced that our minds still do a lot even when we're asleep.We had all listened on studio monitors and couldn't pick it out. I knew the problem as soon as I woke up.
All the best,
Sonny T@SuperReview
@@thesonnytackettshow7949 That's awesome, thanks for the story 🤙 And I agree, I do some of my best problem solving in my sleep.
@@SuperReviewYeah and it keeps the spiders out!
Every time I'm looking at new IEMs I always come back to your videos, thanks for all the help all these years, glad to see you're still at it! :) Hope you know how many people rely on your helpful reviews!
Agreed, this went directly into my top 5. I really enjoy the tuning, lower pinna gain, some extra bass, and it is not like most of the others. They are very nice accessories at that price point, and really smooth sound. The other perk is they are small, and very comfy, and they are pretty. They might be one of the best all-day listening IEMs I have heard.
The comparison section is my personal favorite segment 😃
Great spot on review. I got in early with the Aful Explorer. It has immediately gone in to my top three iems. It is just plain fun and very addictive. Highly recommended.
I already worked in its review (spanish), and i really love them, the sound is pretty good for its price and Im really happy with this IEM. it's the first model of Aful I Try
I love this little blue iem. Great review!
Great and detailed review! 👍I love this IEM. It's super comfortable, has great bass, smooth treble, and the lower pinna gain really makes perfect with rock music.
I'm still listening to it this week after the review, which is rare.
Aful in the name only
Like always
I like the Explorer, smooth, relaxing, and has good warmth as well. Great review Mark!!
Thanks for the report 👍
Always providing a detailed review. Thanks for the work!
🤙
@@SuperReview How do they compare to the Truthear Nova? Looking for an IEM with a sub-bass focus and textured bass for Electronic Dance Music.
Very interested in these, love me some bass. Great review, as always!
Thanks emjay.
I sleep with IEMs, too, and I’ve noticed that sleep performance does not always correlate with upright performance. Fit has something to do with (size and flat surface), but also fidelity and separation at low volume seem to vary widely. It would be nice to include sleepability in future reviews, and maybe the subject of a separate video.
Well, the fluids in your ear change position, but I don't think it'd matter, unless you have something like Mernières syndrome. What does change for sleepytime listening is that our hearing is best late at night when we're in a more relaxed state than during the day.
FH3 was my first IEM, thanks in part to Mark’s accurate rec at the time. Its imaging, treble and sub bass presentation still hold water since I bought them one hundred years ago (in IEM years).
If the Explorer mostly bests FH3, that’s saying something.
🤣 What's that in regular years? Like 0.625
@@enligh10ed8 that’s about right.
Bought one from Amazon for only $89 after watching your review 🤯 price was too good to pass up
Good price!
i love the kiwiears cadenza's full bodied warmth and smoothness, and the explorer reminds me of cadenzas if they were enhanced in quality. so this was a no brainer for me
Is the Explorer mucn better than the Kefine Delci? I am VERY interested in both of these and any advice is welcome !
Agreeed!! It’s currently my #1 iem
these really interesting to me and think they will suit my personal sound preference. Ali express upcoming sale £78
Holy, I usually don’t like bass at all but bought these any ways, I like them a lot for some reason.
Cuz they gud 👍
The Aful Explorer is really good , but the Performer 8 is next Level , more dense and texture on the vocal as well as high quality SubBass and treble they are not perfect but still giving you a smile on the face .Both are good in separation Thank You .
Try them on UA-cam music video , not recommend on spotify for testing IEMs Cheers.
Next level in price too. Not everybody can burn money on iems like that
Good review, and a nice departure for Aful. I haven’t even seen any other prominent reviews, which is unusual, given the brand’s reputation.
I do enjoy the Explorer but the MagicOne is still my favorite Aful iem to date.
I knew its gonna be a sleeper hit. One of my favorites at this price range.
I have condensation issues with full grills/ filter on a nozzle, that's why I'm now only looking at the designs like the Explorer has, or the Hexa.
Interesting, I would think these filters would have similar issues if not worse. I guess you don't find that's the case?
@@SuperReview Surprisingly not. I guess the size matters.
So it is not only me:O My old moondrop kato drove me insane with the condensation issues. Not bought an iem with grills since!
@@fakedcastle5950 And I thought it was only me!
@@Mixail747 Just adding a tip that has worked nicely for me with the em6l. It has a metall grill, but there is no filter in it. So my tip might not change anything, but i do it just in case:D. I add those small bags of Silica gel thingys where i store the iems, they are supposed to catch humidity or help with it.
14:59 “only 8 bucks!” 😂
he said only eighty bucks.
Explorer is now my favorite daily driver now!
🤙
I’ve really fallen in love with this iem and it’s all I use now. NEVER harsh, even when tested with kpop and stuff like that, but still super clear and natural. The bass makes make vocals really nice and rich but i don’t think it bleeds much. It’s just nice to use. I game with them too and they’re great.
Edit: oh and it fits great in my small ears!! Refreshing to get a small semi custom shell with a SMALL NOZZLE. Got real tired of so many iem’s having huge nozzles for no reason and alienating us small ear canal folks for no reason
Thank you for the small ear report 👍
Thanks Mr. Ryan! If it has reverse masking the best test is to listen to Abbey Road backwards to hear McCartney admit to being deceased. 🙂
That sounds like a conspiracy theory, so yes.
@@SuperReview If the Hexa can’t detect it then I am truly skeptical. 🤔
Please suggest- I have Tangzu Fudu which has a warm sound signature. Aful explorer will be an upgrade or not ??
Went from ER2XR (I lost them, I loved them) to Zero Red and it has been kind of a let down. In comparison, bass feels boomy, not tight and vocals/guitar don't feel so clear and forward. I'm not satisfied with Red so I'm ready to change. Hexa is on my list but I wouldn't like a single db less bass than ER2XR so that is keeping me from buying it. Explorer seems like a good option as I love bass. I won't get ER2 because I want a "normal" IEM (putting them on and off sucks, I had to do a ritual everytime my wife spoke and I didn't hear her). Love your channel :)
Looking at how you wear your IEMs is making me think I am not wearing my IEMs deep enough.
Balanced headphones can help reduce crosstalk between channels by eliminating the common ground plane and allowing the left and right headphone drivers to have separate electrical circuits. This can be beneficial because most ground-loop problems occur with unbalanced connections. Balanced connections can also be more resistant to noise interference. This is good in a noisy chain or PC system. Also the 4.4 mm is a bit thicker and sturdier for those accidental bumps.
Mark - would love to see a video on your thoughts/dislikes for a balanced connection.
It's simple: It's an absolute waste of time, makes things less convenient, and the only audible sound changes are that you get double the hiss with sensitive IEMs.
Its gonna be my FH3 upgrade.
Hello, i would love to have your opinion comparing them with the EM6L or the JH5
Hey Mark, great detailed review as always, I am planning to buy the Meze Alba for a smooth relaxed listening, should I go with the alba or Explorer?
I'm coming from a 7Hz Salnotes Zero. I'm looking for an IEM around this price point($100~) with a sub bass focus and textured bass with overall better technical performance and more detail compared to my 7Hz Salnotes Zero. My main genres are EDM and Pop. Do you have recommendations that fit the bill?
I've been trying to find comparisons to the alba and the explorer. They seem to have similar profiles and similar price tags.
Alba is considerably more trebly, a more aggressive tune that can be more exciting, more sense of separation between sounds, and more contrasty, versus Explorer is more laid back, huskier sound.
@SuperReview thank you
Im very torn between the Performer 5 and explorer. I mainly listen to death metal and hip hop. Which would you say is a good fit for me?
Typical Tips has a lot more inherent wordplay to it, than I expected to hear in this review.
Would u say the Explorer over the Magic One for on stage performance monitoring?
Also I suggest you take a look at the FiiO JH5, a new solid budget set.
Much love
Hi! I have had the Moondrop ssr cable since a long time ago when you recommended it. Loved it ever since. That and the Hexa have been great recs from you, thank you! But the ssr cable is not working anymore. I see you are using the Truthear Gate cable on the Hexa. Is that cable "better" than the ssr cable? Or are they kinda the same? Like the feel, weight etc. Any insight would be appreciated
I like both cables quite a bit. The Gate cable has a nice functional chin slider, and the black look is a better match for some IEMs (like the Hexa). On other IEMs, lately I've been using the Chu 2 cable instead of the SSR cable because it has a smaller Y-split.
Compared to the Truthear Nova, are the Explorers better? Thanks !
I prefer the Explorer, it has more body and engagement.
It's got a nice-looking cable
It do be kinda hot. Why 4.4mm, whyyyy
Does Mark attend CanJams? I would love to hear opinions on some of the Nightjar Acoustics iems...
Yeah I've been to three so far.
Hi Mark. Just curious, in your squig, I see the Cadenza 4 and Tinhifi dudu. Will you be reviewing them? If not, may I know your thoughts on both sets? Thanks
Cadenza 4, don't think so, Dudu yes. Cadenza 4 was pretty solid when I heard it at CanJam, mayyyyybe a little safe and boring like Performer5 but similarly well executed.
Suitable for rock and hip hop? Or any better suggestion for that price point?
Genre based recommendations are not very useful IMO.
For all-day use (while working), would go Explorer or SM4?
I found SuperMix4 a bit intense / sibilant.
How does it compare to artti r1?
Hi Mark! Should I pick aful explorer or hexa for my first iems?
I like Hexa better personally. But if you think you want more bass than "neutral" Explorer is a good alternative.
@@SuperReview thanks, mate! I don't know how you always find time to respond to every question. I really appreciate your help!
Mark, do you plan to review Ziigaat Doscinco/Cincotres?
Thanks for the Aful video :)
No, no plans.
How is the size and fit compared to the Hexa? Are they close?
Hexa is not really fitted so it doesn't snug in as secure. Hexa will be pickier with tips for maximizing the fit, where the Explorer can work well with most tips.
@@SuperReview what about the size? Would you consider them to be similar in size?
I definitely won't sleep on any iems. I don't want to break them or suffocate them since I want some air in the treble.
Just don't side sleep.
@@SuperReview I can't control my body when it's unconscious. It does what it must. Which is mostly sleep on my side.
@@SuperReview Side slept on my Final ZE3000 tws and the left side broke. Now's it's at half volume 🥲
vs Davinci?
Not as bassy, treble is smoother, but DaVinci imaging is much stronger.
Im looking at this or the Performer 5.
the upgraded performer 5 (the aful performer 5+2) is underway soon and is supposed to be an improvement on those, so look out for that
@@shockwavy1 yeah, I noticed
Aful in the sub bass
Is the tunning similar to davinci?
Not really no.
@@SuperReview Thanks!
It feels like someone took the perfect IEM and added bass in EQ :D
That good or bad?
@@SuperReview Good but dirty. I enjoy everything but on some songs I constantly think "oh yeah the artist definitely didn't intent this" in the back of my head
My friend, you are the artist.
@@brssnklWhy do you care what the artist intended? It should sound good to YOU
@@brssnkl you'd be surprised on how little the artist intent matters in maisntream music. It often comes down to the mixing engineer and producers, and often times the end result is just the product of sloppy techniques
Looks similar in graphic to the Mest Mk2 albeit with less treble energy
That comparison did cross my mind.
Looking forward to aful performer 3!
What would you hope for it?
@@SuperReview Isn't this technically the performer 3?
@@vael_ I did wonder why they didn't call it the Performer 3, guessing because of the different sound signature.
Been using the Explorer for the last two weeks. Perfectly matches with my favorite genre, 80/90s rock and metal.
@@SuperReview maybe retain the treble tuning in under 150$?
Tho I also agree that the explorer could've been the aful P3
2:06 pretty tipical you could say
Tipically aful.
Hey! I need your help.
Iam confused whether to chose Moondrop chu 2 (DSP) Type C or Salnotes zero Type C
I need one for mainly gaming and music
3:03 Suede. Fake suede. Psuede.
Psuede, I like it.
I don’t know how anyone could like the Hexa… the shoutiest IEM I’ve ever tried.
That’s a very well groomed beard Mark. If audio reviews fail you, you should consider a grooming channel
I've been asleep for the last couple of IEM releases lol
my wallet dead
Fair, fair.
Wait, is that how it's actually supposed to be pronounced? Here I've been giving them the benefit of the doubt in my head thinking they meant it to be "AY-Full".
“Ahh-Foo”
How does this compare to the meteor? Realise the price difference is huge.
Some similarities, could see this as a "baby Meteor" though Meteor is bassier / warmer, more relaxed sound and even better treble. I've been listening to Meteor a lot lately as well as Explorer.
Seems like you are using the audiosence s400 tips with it, which are actually one of my favourite.
Still waiting for the eartips comparison video!
I don’t think I can own something called Aful. What terrible branding
What about Schiit? I do wonder how intentional the Aful branding is.
@@SuperReview Forgot about Schiit. I still feel weird every time a reviewer talks about their “schiitstack”
“Ahh-Foo”
@@Rsalmond83 “I pity Ah-Foo.”
Don't pass on juzear 61t 👀
That review is coming up. Spoiler: I prefer the Explorer.
Oh wow that's great news👏👏
Another AFUL review?
Is that a pun.
IDK man, first time when hearing the name, I was...like...what the branding name is that ??? #AwFUL 😅😅😅
IEM market is insane to me.
Which would you put in your Top 8?
mark this is one of the few iems I couldn't enjoy no matter what. different doesn't always mean good. It's too claustrophopic
I hope you didn't get the impression that I'm saying different = always means good.
@@SuperReview I didn't but for explorer it was undoubdtedly one of the worse ones for me
@@fahryst Bummer! Is it just the stereo width? I've been listening to a lot of The Marias, L'Imperatrice, and Cigarettes After Sex lately.
@@SuperReview it literally felt like I was listening under the water. Bass was reaching deep but overall it was suffocating.