Aful Performer 5+2 VS FatFreq x HBB Deuce

Aful Performer 5+2 and FatFreq x HBB Deuce use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while FatFreq x HBB Deuce costs $239. FatFreq x HBB Deuce is $10 more expensive. Aful Performer 5+2 holds a decisive 1.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 6.8). Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Jaytiss Score

Aful Performer 5+2

8.5 /10

Jaytiss Score

FatFreq x HBB Deuce

6.8 /10

Score gap: 1.7

Metric	Aful Performer 5+2	FatFreq x HBB Deuce
Mids	8	6
Treble	7	5
Soundstage	8	6
Dynamics	7	6
Tonality	7.5	5.8
Technicalities	7	5

Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Aful Performer 5+2 and FatFreq x HBB Deuce 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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FatFreq x HBB Deuce reviewed by

6.8 Reviewer Score

B- Tuning

C+ Tech

Hits Hard, and is super fun. Suprisingly great mids.

Youtube Video Summary

FatFreq x HBB Deuce brings a compact, comfortable shell with a gray metallic finish and easy tip fitment; ergonomics and weight are spot-on. Packaging is straightforward but solid, and the stock cable is decent—secure chin slider and tidy Y-split—though a bit microphonic. The recessed 2-pin connector can be fragile if carelessly handled; a replacement unit solved earlier issues. A standout extra is the included impedance adapter (4.4mm), which meaningfully alters drive and response.

Sonically, this is a double dynamic driver set tuned for excitement: clean mids with realistic note weight, lively upper presence, and genuinely pleasing air and sparkle. The hallmark is a colossal bass shelf beginning around ~200 Hz—punchy, tactile, and sometimes “pop-out-of-nowhere” feisty. With the adapter, expect roughly ~10 dB more low-end and a need for a couple volume clicks, turning it into full-on guilty-pleasure territory. Despite the bass emphasis (and a slight “tuck” sensation), vocal presence stays intact and timbre remains cohesive for a DD-driven set.

Against FatFreq siblings and peers, Deuce feels more controlled than Scarlet Mini’s later-rising low shelf, cleaner and more coherent than Maestro Mini, and trades blows with Black Up while echoing some of the top-end fun found in Grand Maestro. Versus higher-priced favorites (e.g., Jupiter, Binary Dynaquattro), it gives up some refinement/extension but returns remarkable value around ~$240. For those craving “gigachad” bass without wrecking the mids, this is a distinctive, versatile daily that suits many genres and feels special at the price. Final take: a strong 87/100 and one of the most enjoyable recent HBB collabs—imperfect, yes, but thrilling and highly recommended for bass-inclined listeners.

Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: B Soundstage: B

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

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

Buy Aful Performer 5+2 on

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Driver Configuration: 2DD

Tuning Type: n/a

Price (Msrp): $239

Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:

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.

FatFreq x HBB Deuce Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

B-

It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

C+

Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.

Mids B

The region sounds composed and expressive, giving vocals a natural spotlight. It keeps vocals front and center nicely.

Treble C+

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

Dynamics B

Expect energetic dynamics that bring music to life without harshness. It injects enthusiasm into fast music.

Soundstage B

A satisfying balance of width and depth yields a stage that feels organized and engaging. Imaging lines up with the intended mix.

Aful Performer 5+2 User Reviews

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FatFreq x HBB Deuce User Reviews