AFUL Explorer - Setting a Benchmark for 119usd

[@Helmond2017]

It's my daily driver nowadays. A very well tuned IEM that I can enjoy for hours without fatigue.

[@VinterEvig]

The more reviews I watch, the more confusing it gets to make a choice what to buy. Lol

[@someoneusa]

Believe me, its hard to go wrong. I'd start with a few similar sounding ultra budget sets and decide what aspect you want to upgrade. Price is not indicative of quality or lack there of.

[@VinterEvig]

@@someoneusa I hear you. I'm not an absolute audiophile for anything. I enjoy the zero reds and kz s10 pro. I enjoy experiencing different sounding IEMs, but I mostly use them while I'm out and about and rather not have something that needs a portable amp to push them.

[@someoneusa]

@@VinterEvigha, I hear ya but you're here so you're probably an audiophile, lol. Just not the snobby type! I rarely use my portable amp, just pull it out when I really want to go loud. I bought a $2 cable extension that hooks up 5 IEMS for when I want to nerd out. I found out by accident that it amplifies and warms the sound. Now I have an extra cheap, Uber portable "warm source". My old phone has a built in dac so it works well as my music player. I got into the hobby 2 years ago, I've eq'd my entire life and now mod IEMS, but just discovered today the dac has settings! Can't believe I'm admitting this lol. It's quite amazing the improvement it made on already great sounding sets. IF price is important avoid FOMo and wait for sales. Let the sales, not the hype, guide your purchase. If you know what you like, there are so many good super cheap sets that aren't reviewed. I love my ZS10 Pro X which was only $13 a few months ago. FUDU got down to $50 last week so I finally jumped on it. If you listen carefully to the more detailed reviewers like Tony, you can compare their prefences to yours. Also as long as you start with good drivers and similar tuning, you can pretty much make a budget set sound like it's more expensive cousin. I watch rhwaen @VinterEvig I rarely use my amp, just pull it out when I really want to go loud. My old phone has a built in dac so it works well as my music player. I got into the hobby 2 years ago, I've eq'd my entire life and now mod IEMS, but just discovered today the dac has settings! Can't believe I'm admitting this lol. It's quite amazing the improvement it made on already great sounding sets. go loud. I avoided HYPE/FOMO and learned how to mod by using reviews as education and finding budget gems. Only want to spend over $100 if it's unique/novel driver config or tuning. Saw a DD/planar hybrid for $22 which I'll get next sales cycle unless it goes cheaper.

[@Sforzabull]

I can tell you this with certainty, you will not find another reviewer who takes the time to position a set the way Tony does. After watching one of Tony's reviews, I feel like I know exactly what a set is capable of. Our music preferences aren't even close, I own 50+ sets, and I still look for Tony's review before I purchase a set. He has saved me no less than $2k and pointed me in the direction of some really nice sets that weren't even on my radar. Spend some time watching more of his reviews. If you know what you're looking for sonically, you're in the right place.

[@someoneusa]

@@Sforzabull yep! People need to get to know their own preferences VS reviewer's and really LISTEN. Tony does an excellent job in educating!

[@galen3614]

Thanks for the comparisons Tony. Loved the AQ4, looking forward to hearing Explorer. :)

[@fiddlix]

Thank you for the fantastic review and comparisons. The AFUL Explorer and the Simgot Supermix4 have just been put on my shortlist. Cheers my friend..!

[@choydeliverer7162]

Same, the sm4 and the explorer were among the recent release that are appealing to me value-wise

[@igorzovko5854]

Great review. How does it compare with CKLVX D41?

[@Hijynx87]

I'd say it trades blows but somewhat similar tonality.

[@lordofpainBCN]

The Fudu is now in offer for 55€, i think is a very good price. Thanks for your work.

[@someoneusa]

Had my eye on Fudu since it came iit, got mine for $50 otw. Can't wait!!

[@Hijynx87]

I love the case and cable it comes with. Dang good cable! They changed the earhook hardware to metal.

[@tristankrafft4201]

What is the coherency like for the aful explorer? And if you had to choose the yume, supermix 4 or the explorer taking into account coherency, which would you choose?

[@Hijynx87]

I just got mine the other day, dang it sounds great! I prefer it over the p5, about on par with the cklvx d41...just much smaller.

[@alexeiboukirev8357]

Agree on lettering being too prominent on the shells. Having P5 and MagicOne and enjoying both, I will definitely consider Explorer.

[@KENNETHDRUMMER]

What brand are the D7 tips that you use? My go to tips are the Sednafits lights and standard, along with the Divinis velvets. The right tip can make a $100.00 iem sound like a $3-400.00 iem. Thanks for the great review, which motivated me to me to order the Explorer!!

[@dilankalpa]

Hi Tony, how does this compare to SLIIVO SL41 MK2

[@paulosilva8200]

Explorer. Perfect for loud volumes with edm and metal. Because the high frequency boost a lot aiver 80db. Perfect for my taste.i gee things i did not agreed with what you said about size of drivers. But ok.good job

[@Hijynx87]

Yeah, this is a total winner for metal!

[@someoneusa]

So do metal and EDM respond to the same tuning? Makes sense since some EDM can get sound like a noisy mess on the wrong tuning which I imagine can happen with most metal. EDM mids/highs will attempt to make your brain bleed or give you a migraine if the lows get too thumpy with a bad sub to Midbass ratio. Or if the drivers can't handle the amount of bass needed to bring you the magic, it becomes a sad pile of mushy shite. I love my Bassfinch and some other warm bassy sets for EDM. Especially trance, as much as I like them, gotta be careful with the brighter bass sets when listening to Tiesto and Armin. Chainsmokers at Tomorrowland 2023 is such a badass, extremely energetic set which sounds horrible on the wrong IEM. I love my current sets so I've been able to wait patiently for the right set to upgrade my basshead game. Finally pounced at a $50 Fudu. Can't wait!

[@paulosilva8200]

@@someoneusa remember that driver quality for high volumes . Explorer is a good choice for metal

[@someoneusa]

@@paulosilva8200 100%

[@KURRYOUS]

Happy that cheap iems are getting better and better

[@JohnClarkW]

This is one that has my interest, the graph looks different. The treble being a lot more tame than many of the current IEMs. Based on the graphs, it seems similar to the Galileo, or Yume II, and looking at those, the price seems reasonable.

[@jackhandy6211]

Thank you for your analysis on the Explorer. Have been curious of your thoughts on this one.

[@marksr12]

Nice review Akros! I have the P5s and I think maybe the Simgots would be a better choice for me.

[@ineras3]

The L-shaped tuning on this reminds me a bit of the ivipQ V11. Are they pretty similar? Not sure if this is worth picking up when I have the V11 already.

[@MegaJosue101]

you forgot to show the graph comparison with the star city 😔 wich is the one I got, but in your opinion the explorer is better, or a sidegrade of the star city? and how the star city stands vs the xm4?

[@someoneusa]

Skipping this and Delci, got Fudu coming for $50, the most Ive spent on an IEM so far. Though the tips are worth $35, so at $15 it's right in line with my other sets. Lol. Can't wait. My Linsoul $10 gems, Piccolo and DQ6S are in. I already had DQ6S so I knew I like it. Will probably end up modding it to make it a tad warmer. I was underwhelmed by Piccolo until I realized my dac was set to ambient sound and was making everything sound off. No wonder I've been modding nearly all my sets lately. Lol. I taped the vents and with the dac now optimized, very impressed! Lovely vocals, dynamic stage and plenty of details. The additional subbass from the taped vents is not a huge amount, but makes them quite smooth and relaxing. I also eq'd +1-2 db of subbass, as I usually need to do for most IEMS. I feel that most have a middbass bump while ignoring the sub which feels unbalanced and lacks depth/texture. That's just me.

[@someoneusa]

Actually got Fudu and Delci and now returning both. Edx lite and Orca have same sound and just as good or better. Painted ORCA, it's beautiful now and one of my current favorites for sound, Soundstage is way better than Delci. $3 EDX PRO X are nearly identical sounding to T10.

[@jb678901]

Curious, no comparison with the HEXA?

[@Hijynx87]

I was just thinking that this is Hexa's more fun brother. I like it more than the Hexa and p5.

[@kamrhd]

Akros what would be a good upgrade to the Yume 2? I’ve had it since around its release and while I do love it, I could go for better resolution and more sub bass.

[@Hijynx87]

thieaudio hype 4, juzear 61t, dunu davinci, dusK

[@johnhayes8476]

Can’t wait to hear these!

[@amanieux]

Does explorer have more bass quantity than supermix 4 ? Thanks

[@Hijynx87]

It sure sounds like it, at least midbass.

[@revan.3994]

Great review, as always! Thanks so much 👏👌... and I like to see you use the Yuki this time 👍

[@rubenviegas6358]

Hi Tony, between this Aful Explorer and the Dunu Falcon Ultra, is it worth paying the difference for the Falcon? Which is the best in your opinion? And thank you for your dedication, it’s not easy to keep up with this world Chifi… ✌🏼Escrevo em EN para todos perceberem mas, saudacões do Barreiro 🤙🏼

[@Hijynx87]

Completely different sound. The explorer is a darker smoother set, the falcon ultra has more energy in the treble and mids. Both are great, but I can see more people being impressed with the falcon. Explorer is great for louder listening sessions and fantastic for metal.

[@alexmontoya2312]

Akros one big question betweem this explorer and the Vesper 2 which one would be better?

[@p.grimhound]

how would you compare this to the Simgot Supermix 4 in terms of Soundstage?

[@DrinkWater713]

Ever heard the AQ7 PRO? I wonder how it compares here...

[@Ch1vers]

How do you rate the virtual stage at the Explorer?

[@JohnClarkW]

I found the stage a bit congested, lacking some depth, but the imaging is really good.

[@Krasche02]

Excellent review, thanks!!

[@masterbeef92]

what are the 07 eartips you are referring to? if i get this iem then i want to try it with that eartip so i can get that even more sense of soundstage. thanks for the video it was so detailed. ive been looking for an engaging iem with sound quality that doesnt have too much fatigue. :)

[@Krasche02]

Probably Kbear07

[@JohnClarkW]

I would guess the KBear 07, or the Acoustune AET07

[@masterbeef92]

Thanks guys! I really thought I replied to krache. I had it written out and everything. Maybe it was my connection. Anyways thanks for taking the time answering my question

[@someoneusa]

Kb07 are Tony's go to. Though lately he's been mixing it up more. I think it's a testament to an improving tip game.

[@aura_guardian35]

VE Sie between explorer and fudu?

[@amanieux]

You seem to use tp50 more often than yuki that is beside in your strap, does it mean you prefer tp50 over yuki ?

[@Cirillion]

Hey, I don’t know if it will help you, but most of the time I agree with that what Tony is saying (about the stuff I could listen to) and I personally prefer the TP50. The Yuki has a nice analogue-like tone, but is a little bit grainy and lacking in technicalities compared to the EPZ. The latter one sounds a lot more clean, has better dynamics, resolution, black background and soundstage/imaging. It leans towards the Mojo2 to my ears and the Yuki more warm and „R2R‘ish“ towards Hiby FC6. Besides that the EPZ is way cheaper…

[@abderezzakansari1756]

Hello sir, what is your opinion of the explorer compared with EM6L on sound stage and imaging

[@dave91863]

Great review Organic warm oldskool signature, i like the sound of that but i allready have the penon serial so maybe it doesnt make sense to buy this

[@Musicophile-p5l]

How does it compare with the Delci AE?

Explorer vs Isn neo 3?

[@akros9333]

Explorer.....Neo3 is very good but the price difference is hard to justify

[@saullete]

very good review, thanks

[@Filpsa]

sm4 or explorer?

[@akros9333]

SM4 because it's more unique in its set-up

[@jakubaugustyn9817]

Try qoa adonis new

[@ravirajpawar7734]

Gonna hold on my fudu for a lil longer i guess..😅

[@rustyshakelford1466]

Great review as always Tony! This looks like a great IEM but I think I'll skip it since I already own the P5, even though I love the blue shell but I think the text needs to be smaller like their other IEMs. Still want a P8 but for now I'm looking at the black edition Phoenix Call, would love if you had a look at that one.

[@brssnkl]

The video sound is only on right channel. You should upload the videos in mono :D

[@akros9333]

Apologies.....not sure why that happens .....I always seen ti have some issue with the video recording. My apologies

[@MaLaLiberty]

No comparison to hexa?

[@haydersdk5088]

what is the better iem under 100 usd, artti t10 or simgot ea500lm ?

[@luvingyouu]

Better is subjective, what do you listen to? I do think though the planar used in the t10 is great and far better than the DD in the LM. If you are fine with a potentially more metallic timbre ( I only personally notice this on planars if my source is bad or playing from an iphone, androids with a decent usb c dac is fine.

[@haydersdk5088]

@@luvingyouu i have the truthear hexa and i want an iem to complement it since its a neutral iem, i want a fun and engaging iem under 100 usd.

[@luvingyouu]

@@haydersdk5088 You have hexa already, I would sell it and get a genuine 120-150 iem range upgrade or more and be done. Although the t10 tbh is defo an upgrade in most departments, the LM maybe not as much but slightly better overall than hexa (not much tho). Cklvx d41 is a great suggestion for an upgrade too. SR5 is older but the sound to me is still great.

[@paulosilva8200]

Depends of the volumes. High volumes the simgot I had to add tuning filters because of the highs in high volumes. Medium volume. The simgot is a good choice.

[@Cirillion]

@@haydersdk5088I personally love the Fudu. It sounds analogue and is a lot of fun.

[@AlexSmorodin-u7p]

I really don't understand people, changing tips to different ones. There is only one comfortable brand-azzla 😃 You don't need anything else.

[@akros9333]

Funny you say that I actually ordered some AZLA .....will report back with the results!

[@someoneusa]

NOPE! Unless all your IEMs have the same tuning and you hate bass. My Azla (Crystals or xlastics) are collecting dust. Probably since I bought them for my Galaxy Buds Pro, also collecting dust. I have them on over 20 sets and they kill the bass, especially the subbabas on all. As someone who nearly always Eqs 1-2db into everything, losing even 1db is a hard no. Not to mention Azla now offers 4-5 different styles and we all have different needs for at the very least comfort. NOT collecting dust are all my budget offerings. That being said I think I'll try modding the $200 Buds Pro to see if I can get it to trade blows with my $5-50 sets. ALL sound better!

[@masterazlan6999]

Awful...ops Aful hmm..yea they've Indentity in their iem ..pioneer of resonator bla2. ..Gd 1..Peace! Btw I think this better then the Nova truthears...n I think developing company own transducer is parctical towards Signatures sound, example Sony..U will know it's a Sony IF u heard it YUP signatures sounds..Peace2!