Aful Performer 5+2 VS ZiiGaat Crescent
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Performer 5+2 and ZiiGaat Crescent use 2DD+4BA+1Planar and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Aful Performer 5+2 costs $229 while ZiiGaat Crescent costs $279. ZiiGaat Crescent is $50 more expensive. Both score 8.5 from reviewers. ZiiGaat Crescent carries a user score of 7.4. Aful Performer 5+2 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and ZiiGaat Crescent has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Performer 5+2 | ZiiGaat Crescent |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 7 |
| Treble | 7 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Aful Performer 5+2 reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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ZiiGaat Crescent reviewed by
2025-07-20
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The ZiiGaat Crescent, priced at $279, features a familiar, comfortable ZiiGaat shell build that's durable and slightly larger than models like the Magic One. The package includes a new premium-feeling case with a vibrant color and a great black cable featuring easy-to-change connectors and a functional chin slider. Overall, the build and accessories are solid, representing a step up from previous ZiiGaat offerings.
Sonically, the Crescent delivers a strong V-shaped signature characterized by great, impactful bass that some might find a touch boomy and elevated upper air/treble. While not the most incisive or natural treble, it's clean and engaging. Technical performance is really good, making it a hyper-competitive option in its price bracket. It compares favorably to the ZiiGaat Odyssey (more fun, more bass), the Arcanis (more V-shaped vs vocal specialist), and the Binary Dynaquattro (more refinement, richer mids). While the Luna offers cleaner micro-details and a more "audiophile" tuning for $100 more, the Crescent provides a richer, more organic, bass-forward alternative. It shares similarities with the S-tier Top Pro, differing by only 1-2%.
Ultimately, the Crescent earns a strong A+ rating and a strong recommendation. It's a fantastic value with excellent dynamics, well-done tuning, and great technicalities for the price. This is a highly competitive set ideal for those seeking an engaging, fun signature with elevated bass and air. While its specific tuning won't suit everyone, especially those sensitive to bass or preferring absolute neutrality, it's a special set worth serious consideration and likely a keeper for many.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Aful Performer 5+2 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $229
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ZiiGaat Crescent Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $279
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Aful Performer 5+2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- 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.
ZiiGaat Crescent Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Aful Performer 5+2 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewZiiGaat Crescent User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA fun, vibrant IEM that delivers lively treble and vintage character at strong value.
Pros
Sparkly treble and warm, analog-like texture with controlled, focused bass.Cons
Treble can be fatiguing on energetic tracks and doesn’t scale well at high volume.Find your next IEM:
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