Aful Performer 5+2 VS DUNU x KOTO ITO

Aful Performer 5+2 and DUNU x KOTO ITO use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while DUNU x KOTO ITO costs $199. Aful Performer 5+2 is $30 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 7.4). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, DUNU x KOTO ITO has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.

Jaytiss Score

Aful Performer 5+2

8.5 /10

Jaytiss Score

DUNU x KOTO ITO

7.4 /10

Score gap: 1.1

Metric	Aful Performer 5+2	DUNU x KOTO ITO
Mids	8	5
Treble	7	5
Soundstage	8	7.5
Dynamics	7	8
Tonality	7.5	6.4
Technicalities	7	5

Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Aful Performer 5+2 and DUNU x KOTO ITO reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Jaytiss Reviews Comparison

Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by

8.5 Reviewer Score

A Tuning

A- Tech

It's spicy treble is something to watch out for, it's unique.

Youtube Video Summary

Aful Performer 5+2 lands as a hybrid of the beloved Performer 5 and the punchier Explorer. The unboxing is the familiar P5 affair—same case, same style of tips—nothing flashy, but solid. The shell mirrors the P5 in size with a comfy little stabilizing wing that locks in well. No metal nozzle or front filter here, yet tip retention is secure and hassle-free. The flat 2-pin socket is straightforward, and the stock cable feels thick and supple with a reliable chin slider and handy red/blue channel markers. Overall: understated build, great ergonomics, daily-driver ready.

Sonically, this one aims neutral with a very distinct top end—clean, dynamic, incisive. Think switching from black-and-white to color; cymbals and overtones pop with a slightly crunchy/pristine edge that energizes detail without turning harsh on good recordings. Bass isn’t about sheer quantity; it’s about slam and dynamics—quick on the draw, well-controlled, and satisfying when called upon. Vocals sit a notch forward, microdetail is strong, and the overall presentation is coherent, clear, and technical with convincing stage, resolution, and imaging. Not a treble-shy or bass-bombed tuning—more a refined all-rounder for those who want clarity and bite.

Versus the original P5, the 5+2 fixes the missing “air” and soft edges, trading them for crisper transients and better extension. Compared with Explorer (a value champ), the 5+2 brings superior upper-treble reach, detail, and vocal focus. Against Performer 8 and Cantor, it feels more visceral—the P8 is smoother and more relaxed, while Cantor pulls finer microdetail but with less bass slam. Sets like Dino Quattro or J’s Estrella bring bigger fun or treble theatrics, yet the 5+2’s balance and everyday versatility win more often. Net take: a neutral-leaning, highly technical upgrade that stands tall in its bracket—easy to recommend to anyone chasing clarity, speed, and controlled impact over pure warmth or excess bass.

Mids: A+ Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A+

Jaytiss original ranking

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Price: $213

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DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by

2025-09-11

7.4 Reviewer Score

B Tuning

C+ Tech

It's a fun tuning that I think people will like.

Youtube Video Summary

Build & accessories land in a solid spot for the price: comfortable shells with secure nozzles, clear L/R marks, and a supple modular cable that swaps between 4.4mm and 3.5mm (no USB-C in-box). The hard case is nicely made and pocketable, and the whole package feels durable if not premium. Nothing glaring in QC—just a clean, practical presentation.

Sonically, this is a bold V-shape—huge sub-bass punch with elevated upper mids to keep things lively. The bass can turn boomy/pillowy on some tracks, and a scoop around 300–800 Hz can leave female vocals a touch recessed; treble is clean and controlled, a little dark up top with limited sparkle. Technicalities are decent rather than class-leading—separation and air trail sets like Punch Audio Martillo or Crescent, while tuning kinships show up against DUNU Glacier and even Grand Maestro-style balances. Compared to value darlings (e.g., Truth Ear Pure, Jazzer Defiant), ITO feels more audiophile-flavored fun than an all-rounder.

In DUNU’s lineup it reads as a unique basshead option: very engaging slam, thick note weight, and non-fatiguing treble, but only average mids/technicalities. Think hip-hop/EDM-friendly impact over neutral precision. Verdict: around 3–3.5 stars—competitive at $200 for those chasing thump and excitement; listeners wanting neutrality, vocal presence, or extra air may prefer other picks or a “tactful V” with less bass and less upper-mid bite.

Mids: C+ Treble: C+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A

Jaytiss original ranking

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Price: $199

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Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1Planar

Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost

Top Neutral with Bass Boost IEMs

Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs

Price (Msrp): $229

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$213

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Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA

Tuning Type: V-Shaped

Top V-Shaped IEMs

Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs

Price (Msrp): $199

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$199

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Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.

Average Technical Grade

A-

It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.

Mids A+

It offers a luxurious, resolving midrange that captures micro-detail beautifully. Every vocal inflection is captured.

Treble A-

It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.

Dynamics A-

It delivers crisp, authoritative dynamics that keep music thrilling. Subtle level shifts are clearly conveyed.

Soundstage A+

It crafts a floating sphere of sound where directional cues shimmer with precision. Layering remains stable even when pushed.

DUNU x KOTO ITO Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

C+

An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.

Mids C+

Expect a competent midrange that keeps vocals grounded and instruments clear. Tone is acceptable across multiple genres.

Treble C+

Highs come through with reasonable clarity while staying mostly smooth. Sibilance is mostly controlled.

Dynamics A+

The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.

Soundstage A

The stage stretches in every direction, carving out clear three-dimensional pockets for each player. Placement accuracy impresses from the start.

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