Model: Cantor by AFUL

Name: Cantor
Brand: AFUL
Rating: 7.9 (3 reviews)

Multi-BA

14BA

$$$$$

14 x Balanced Armature

$$$$$

Score

7.9

IEM Description

The AFUL Cantor combines technical precision with musicality in a hybrid design. Featuring a dynamic driver for powerful bass and multiple balanced armatures for clean mids and sparkly highs, it delivers a spacious soundstage with excellent separation. Tuning leans slightly toward a balanced-bright signature, making it a solid choice for detail lovers who still want some low-end punch.

The driver configuration is Multi-BA. It consists of 14 Balanced Armature.

Brand Information

This Taiwan-based company specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of audio-related products, including earbuds and headsets. They focus on delivering innovative technology with an emphasis on comfort and sound quality.

Technical/Other Specifications

Drivers
Driver Types	x14 Balanced Armature Driver (per side)
Crossover	RLC Network Electronic Crossover

Audio Performance
Sensitivity	106 dB/mW
Impedance	20 Ω

Cable
Cable	4Braid 5N OFC Cable
Connectors	2-pin 0.78mm; Cable Termination 3.5mm or 4.4mm (Not Interchangeable)

General Tags

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Highlevel & Tierlist

First Overview, Tierlist & Ratings

Overall, Packaging & Quality

This section offers a broad look at the general quality, packaging, and everyday usability of the IEM—beyond just the sound. From build integrity and comfort to cable quality and included accessories, each aspect is carefully rated to help you understand the overall experience. Whether you're a casual listener or a gear enthusiast, this overview gives insight into what it’s like to unbox, wear, and live with the IEM on a daily basis. Think of it as the foundation before we dive deeper into performance.

Sound

0.0 / 10

Comfort Fit

0.0 / 10

Build Quality

0.0 / 10

Stock Cable

0.0 / 10

Accessories

0.0 / 10

Tier List

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Sound Characteristics

Ratings sound, tonal signature & target group

Ratings, Sound Analysis & Tags

This section dives into how the IEM sounds — not just in technical terms, but also in how it feels to the listener. Ratings here reflect detailed impressions across a wide range of sonic aspects, from sub-bass rumble to treble sparkle, from note weight to soundstage width. In addition, the Tonal Signature slider helps visualize the IEM’s position between opposing characteristics like dark vs. bright or smooth vs. crisp — giving a quick feel for its personality. Lastly, the Target Group graph shows who this IEM is best suited for: bassheads, treble lovers, vocal fans, or those seeking balance. Combined with genre recommendations, this section helps you understand whether the IEM fits your taste — before you even hit play.

Sound Analysis

Sub-bass is powerful and lush, giving the music weight and rhythm. The bass response is assertive and authoritative, adding authority to the sound. The bass feel is rich and vibrant, adding punch to every hit. There's a grainy fullness that makes instruments sound organic. A shimmery boost in the upper mids adds presence and energy. Treble extension in this region is brilliant and lively. The top end is smooth with a touch of brilliance. The soundstage is spacious, placing instruments far across the field. You can hear every well-shaped texture and microdynamic. Instruments are well-defined with authoritative placement across the soundstage. Minimal masking ensures a clear presentation even in busy tracks. Note weight is balanced and natural. Impact is explosive, adding excitement to every hit. Sibilance is airy but well-handled, avoiding harshness. Timbre is well-tuned with a touch of coloration. Tonality is harmonious and blended, enjoyable across genres. There’s a tactile quality that enhances timbral depth.

Sound Characteristics

Tonal Signature

DARK

BRIGHT

WARM

NEUTRAL

SOFT

ANALYTICAL

SMOOTH

CRISP

RELAXED

ENGAGING

MUSICAL

DRY

Target Group

Rankings

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External Reviews

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FAQs

FAQs for every question you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this IEM a good choice for audiophiles?

Yes – IEMs in the $500–$1000 range are often considered the entry point to true audiophile-grade performance. Here, you start seeing more advanced driver technologies like tribrids, multi-BA setups, or premium planar implementations. Tuning becomes more refined and genre-versatile, and build quality is often luxurious. These IEMs are designed not just for fun listening, but for people who want to hear every nuance in a track – from microdetails to accurate timbre and dynamic control. If you value technical performance and want a serious portable audio experience, this is where it starts getting exciting.

How do balanced armature drivers affect sound?

Balanced Armature (BA) drivers are highly efficient and designed to focus on specific frequency ranges. They excel in detail retrieval, fast transients, and clarity — especially in the mids and highs. However, they may sound less natural in the bass unless paired with a dynamic driver. Multi-BA configurations allow for tailored tuning and separation across frequencies.

Is this IEM considered a benchmark in its class?

Yes, it often serves as a reference point for others in its price or performance tier. Its tuning, technicalities, or build quality set a standard that other IEMs are compared against.

Comments

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COMMENTS

2025-07-27:

The Cantor really suprised me. I’ve tried a few AFUL IEM’s before, but this one feels more refined. The tuning is kinda neutral with a slight bass kick — not boomy, just enough to keep it fun. What really stands out are the mids, very clean – vocals and acoustic stuff sound really natural. Soundstage isn’t huge but it's pretty focused. Build quality is great and the stock cable actualy feels quite premium. Definately a solid pick for the price

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Model: Cantor by AFUL

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IEM Description

Brand Information

Technical/Other Specifications

General Tags

Highlevel & Tierlist

First Overview, Tierlist & Ratings

Overall, Packaging & Quality

Tier List

Sound Characteristics

Ratings sound, tonal signature & target group

Sound Analysis

Sound Characteristics

Tonal Signature

Target Group

Rankings

You might be interested in our lists we created. Check them out:

Best IEMs Under 1000

Similar IEMs

Similar sounding, similar rated. See other models or compare them directly.

Monarch Mk4

Thieaudio

Mk12 Turris

Hidizs

Clairvoyance

Thieaudio

Glacier

DUNU

External Reviews

Check if our collected data is matching other reviews.

FAQs

FAQs for every question you have.

Is this IEM a good choice for audiophiles?

How do balanced armature drivers affect sound?

Is this IEM considered a benchmark in its class?

Comments

Join the dommunity.

COMMENTS

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