Performer 5+2 (Performer 7)vs.Variations
Sound & Specs Comparison
Information
Both IEMs are widely regarded in the audiophile community. See how they differ in terms of sub-bass response, upper mids, clarity, and overall tonality. Spider charts and rating breakdowns included.
Objective Comparison
Facts, details, stuff.
| General Info | Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) | Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | AFUL | Moondrop |
| Country | Taiwan | China |
| IEM Description | AFUL Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) delivers a dynamic and engaging listening experience with deep, controlled bass, clear mids, and airy treble. Its tuning strikes a balance between technical precision and musical enjoyment, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of genres. Crafted with precision acoustic design and a modern, ergonomic shell, it offers both comfort and performance in a sleek package. | Moondrop Variations is a hybrid in-ear monitor combining electrostatic, balanced armature, and dynamic drivers for a precise and immersive listening experience. Known for its balanced, reference-style tuning with tight bass, clean mids, and extended treble, it’s a favorite among audiophiles who crave clarity and technical performance. Ideal for detail lovers and those seeking a high-fidelity sound signature. |
| Price Level | 100 – 500 | 500 – 1.000 |
| Housing & Driver | ||
|---|---|---|
| Driver Config | Tribrid | Tribrid |
| Driver Types | Micro Planar Tweeter + Dynamic Driver + Balanced Armature | Dynamic Driver + Balanced Armature + Electrostatic |
| Shell Material | – | Copper |
| Cable | – | – |
| Technical | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freq Range | – | 9-40,000 Hz |
| Impedance (Ω) | – | – |
| Sensitivity (dB) | – | – |
| Crossover | – | – |
| Platform Info | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comments | 1 | 1 |
| Visit Count | 264 | 69 |
| External Reviews | 1 | 3 |
Meta Ratings
Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) delivers readably better sound reproduction, offering a more immersive and engaging experience overall. Its tonal balance, clarity, and spatial imaging stand out clearly compared to Variations (7.9 vs 6.5). For comfort fit, Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) performs evidently better (8.1 vs 7). Even under close inspection, Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) maintains a distinctly cleaner, more seamless design — whereas Variations occasionally reveals minor imperfections. Users may find the Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) cable distinctly more confidence-inspiring for both daily use and long-term durability. Performer 5+2 (Performer 7)’s bundled components feel readably more premium, suggesting a stronger focus on user satisfaction and long-term value.
| Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) | Variations | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | 8.2 | 6.5 |
| Comfort Fit | 7.9 | 7.0 |
| Build Quality | 8.3 | 6.5 |
| Stock Cable | 7.4 | 5.5 |
| Accessories | 7.2 | 6.0 |
Sound Characteristics
Variations delivers a tighter sub-bass response, controlling low-end rumble with more precision than Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) (6.5 vs 5.5). The bass in It feels d more physical and textured, with improved rumble and body compared to Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) (8.5 vs 7). It offers a greater shimmer and nuance in the lower treble, revealing micro-details that Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) misses (7.5 vs 7). Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) organizes musical elements a better across depth, enhancing spatial realism over Variations (7.8 vs 7). Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) keeps competing frequencies under control a more effectively, reducing sonic congestion compared to Variations (7.8 vs 7). Notes played through Variations feel a weightier and fuller, giving a more satisfying impact than those from Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) (8 vs 6.8). It hits with d more authority during transients, creating a more explosive effect than Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) (8.5 vs 6.5). Listeners may experience a fewer sharp edges in 'S' and 'T' sounds with It, whereas Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) can get fatiguing (9 vs 5.5). It presents instrument timbre with a more natural coloration, giving a realistic tone that Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) lacks (7.5 vs 7). Tonality on Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) is s more coherent and refined, yielding a more pleasing overall signature than Variations (7.7 vs 7). Variations renders texture a more precisely, making instrument surfaces and vocal grain more palpable than Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) (7.5 vs 6.8).
| Performer 5+2 (Performer 7) | Variations | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub Bass | 5.8 | 6.5 |
| Bass | 6.7 | 6.5 |
| Bass Feel | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Lower Mids | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Upper Mids | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Lower Treble | 6.4 | 7.5 |
| Upper Treble | 7.8 | 8.0 |
| Sound Stage Width | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Detail | 7.8 | 8.0 |
| Layering | 7.8 | 7.0 |
| Masking | 7.8 | 7.0 |
| Note Weight | 6.8 | 8.0 |
| Slam | 6.5 | 8.5 |
| Sibilance | 5.5 | 9.0 |
| Timbre Color | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 7.0 |
| Texture | 6.8 | 7.5 |
Tonal Signature
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