DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank HIFIGO for providing this review unit.
The AFUL Explorer can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/aful-explorer (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Carrying case
For a $100ish USD set, the accessories are decent enough. A modular cable or even a selection of foam tips or other silicone type variants would have been appreciated, but this array of inclusions is definitely serviceable for this price-bracket.
We have 2 variants of silicone tips, the white wide-bore ones boost a bit of treble and soundstaging, whereas the blue narrow-bore ones increase bass with some slight staging compression.
We have a stock 2-pin copper silver-plated cable, which AFUL markets to be individually hand-braided. Indeed, this is one of the better stock cables I've encountered in my audio journey - it is supple with zero microphonics or tangling. There's a chin cinch for added grip, and one can opt between a 3.5 mm (single-ended) or 4.4 mm (balanced) cable when placing an order.
Last but not least, there is a round clam-shell zipper case, which is semi-rigid. The internals are lined with webbing and a velvety material for cushioning the contents.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock white silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The Explorer's housing features a blue and black cosmic motif. The shells are fashioned from 3D-printed resin, and the earpieces are lightweight and ergonomic, incorporating a small bean-shaped profile. There's a conch protrusion for stabilization during usage, and I did not encounter any discomfort despite using it for longer listening sessions.
Despite being vented, isolation is above average, and I did not encounter any driver flex on my pair.
INTERNALS
The Explorer is a 3 driver hybrid, comprised of a 1 x 8 mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver, plus 2 x self-developed balanced armature drivers.
Like other AFUL products - you can read about the MagicOne for example - this IEM incorporates some innovative tech.
Firstly, we have a special 3D-printed acoustic tube with a deliberately-designed resonator, which elongates the rest of the tubing and enhances bass. This is no gimmick, and as we will read below, this micro-resonator system provides quite a copious amount of sub-bass on this set, more so than what a conventional acoustic tubing can provide.
AFUL has also installed a high-damping air pressure system, which relieves ear canal pressure, in addition to boosting bass presence. Also, we have a multi-layered electronic crossover plus RLC network frequency division crossover utilized in this IEM.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Explorer with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is easily driven, and amplification is not truly required.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the AFUL Explorer via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Explorer can be described as neutral with a sub-bass boost. This is quite distinctive, compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish releases we see every week.
The Explorer is a sub-bass focused set, with the aforementioned bass tubing conferring deep sub-bass extension, with sufficient rumble. This is not a basshead IEM by any means though, but the mid-bass is punchy and speedy, with no mid-bass bleed. Texturing is very solid.
The Explorer's lower midrange is clear and transparent, with no mid-bass encroachment. With a mere 4 dB ear gain, the upper midrange is sedate and pulled back, so we do not encounter shouty vocals - the anti-pinna gain gang would be very pleased here!
The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, with no sibilance noted. Even though it is not steroid-boosted in the treble - which is a common party trick that CHIFI tuners use to garner "fake" resolution - the Explorer is not lacking in resolution. Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Verily, this is one of those rare IEMs that can be pushed up higher in the volume without getting ice-picks in the ear - as per the Fletcher Munson curve.
In technicalities, as detailed above, the Explorer has a fine grasp of micro-detailing and resolution despite not packing a high-strung treble. Imaging is accurate and instrument separation is excellent, even on tracks with competing complex instrumentation. One area that could be improved, would be the soundstage - while width is above average - height and depth are bang average.
The AFUL Explorer has a tinge of BA timbre in the upper frequencies when acoustic instruments come out to play, but this is not the worst offender here.
COMPARISONS
The AFUL Explorer will be compared against other $100ish USD hybrids. Single DDs, multi-BAs, and planars are left out as the different driver types have their pros and cons.
Simgot EM6L
The EM6L is a harmanish hybrid, with less sub-bass but more upper mids than the Explorer. Indeed, this IEM's upper midrange may be somewhat sharp for those who are sensitive to pinna-gain.
The EM6L has a wider soundstage, but has weaker imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation. The EM6L has a more metallic timbre.
Penon Fan 2 (on the regular 50% off coupon it is a $100 ish set)
The Fan 2 is a warm neutral set, with less bass presence than the Explorer. However, the Fan 2 has a thicker note weight in the lower mids, with better timbral accuracy.
In terms of technicalities, other than soundstage, the Fan 2 loses in other departments such as imaging, instrument separation and micro-detailing. Bass is also not as textured on the Fan 2.
Of note, the Fan 2 has super long nozzles, which may potentially pose a fitting issue for some consumers. The Explorer, in contrast, is very well fitting.
CONCLUSIONS
In a sea of Harmanish releases, the AFUL Explorer espouses a unique neutral with sub-bass boost tonality, which is quite balanced for a myriad of music genres.
Bass is the highlight - with a cleverly designed micro-resonator furnishing great sub-bass extension. Fast and clean literally describes the bass quality on offer - we hear punchiness and solid texturing with zero bleed - though it has to be said, the Explorer is not a basshead IEM in terms of sheer quantity.
This IEM's midrange is clean, with no piercing upper midrange; pinna-gain detractors will definitely approve of this! Treble is smooth yet retaining good resolution, which is admittedly a very difficult balance to obtain. The Explorer is one of those rare IEMs that allows users to jack up the volume without the eardrums getting pierced by a massive peak in the upper frequencies, so this will be a good option for those that like to blast their music.
In non-tangible assets, the Explorer is decently accessorized, with comfortable fit, above average isolation and easy drivability, making it a suitable everyday carry (EDC). Some nitpicks would be a soundstage on the intimate side and a small whiff of BA timbre for acoustic instrumentation.
By and large, at the low $100 bracket, the AFUL Explorer stands out for the multiple benefits - tuning, technicalities, externals etc - it brings to the table, with few cons. And all this is with a non-Harman inclined frequency response, so it isn't something we see - or rather, hear - every day. For folks who are keen to upgrade from the budget segment, the Explorer would certainly be a great recommendation.
I would like to thank HIFIGO for providing this review unit.
The AFUL Explorer can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/aful-explorer (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 1 x 8 mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver + 2 x self-developed balanced armature drivers
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz
- Impedance: 26 Ω
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
- Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; copper silver-plated cable; 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination available
- Tested at: $119.99 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Carrying case
For a $100ish USD set, the accessories are decent enough. A modular cable or even a selection of foam tips or other silicone type variants would have been appreciated, but this array of inclusions is definitely serviceable for this price-bracket.
We have 2 variants of silicone tips, the white wide-bore ones boost a bit of treble and soundstaging, whereas the blue narrow-bore ones increase bass with some slight staging compression.
We have a stock 2-pin copper silver-plated cable, which AFUL markets to be individually hand-braided. Indeed, this is one of the better stock cables I've encountered in my audio journey - it is supple with zero microphonics or tangling. There's a chin cinch for added grip, and one can opt between a 3.5 mm (single-ended) or 4.4 mm (balanced) cable when placing an order.
Last but not least, there is a round clam-shell zipper case, which is semi-rigid. The internals are lined with webbing and a velvety material for cushioning the contents.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock white silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The Explorer's housing features a blue and black cosmic motif. The shells are fashioned from 3D-printed resin, and the earpieces are lightweight and ergonomic, incorporating a small bean-shaped profile. There's a conch protrusion for stabilization during usage, and I did not encounter any discomfort despite using it for longer listening sessions.
Despite being vented, isolation is above average, and I did not encounter any driver flex on my pair.
INTERNALS
The Explorer is a 3 driver hybrid, comprised of a 1 x 8 mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver, plus 2 x self-developed balanced armature drivers.
Like other AFUL products - you can read about the MagicOne for example - this IEM incorporates some innovative tech.
Firstly, we have a special 3D-printed acoustic tube with a deliberately-designed resonator, which elongates the rest of the tubing and enhances bass. This is no gimmick, and as we will read below, this micro-resonator system provides quite a copious amount of sub-bass on this set, more so than what a conventional acoustic tubing can provide.
AFUL has also installed a high-damping air pressure system, which relieves ear canal pressure, in addition to boosting bass presence. Also, we have a multi-layered electronic crossover plus RLC network frequency division crossover utilized in this IEM.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Explorer with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is easily driven, and amplification is not truly required.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the AFUL Explorer via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Explorer can be described as neutral with a sub-bass boost. This is quite distinctive, compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish releases we see every week.
The Explorer is a sub-bass focused set, with the aforementioned bass tubing conferring deep sub-bass extension, with sufficient rumble. This is not a basshead IEM by any means though, but the mid-bass is punchy and speedy, with no mid-bass bleed. Texturing is very solid.
The Explorer's lower midrange is clear and transparent, with no mid-bass encroachment. With a mere 4 dB ear gain, the upper midrange is sedate and pulled back, so we do not encounter shouty vocals - the anti-pinna gain gang would be very pleased here!
The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, with no sibilance noted. Even though it is not steroid-boosted in the treble - which is a common party trick that CHIFI tuners use to garner "fake" resolution - the Explorer is not lacking in resolution. Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Verily, this is one of those rare IEMs that can be pushed up higher in the volume without getting ice-picks in the ear - as per the Fletcher Munson curve.
In technicalities, as detailed above, the Explorer has a fine grasp of micro-detailing and resolution despite not packing a high-strung treble. Imaging is accurate and instrument separation is excellent, even on tracks with competing complex instrumentation. One area that could be improved, would be the soundstage - while width is above average - height and depth are bang average.
The AFUL Explorer has a tinge of BA timbre in the upper frequencies when acoustic instruments come out to play, but this is not the worst offender here.
COMPARISONS
The AFUL Explorer will be compared against other $100ish USD hybrids. Single DDs, multi-BAs, and planars are left out as the different driver types have their pros and cons.
Simgot EM6L
The EM6L is a harmanish hybrid, with less sub-bass but more upper mids than the Explorer. Indeed, this IEM's upper midrange may be somewhat sharp for those who are sensitive to pinna-gain.
The EM6L has a wider soundstage, but has weaker imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation. The EM6L has a more metallic timbre.
Penon Fan 2 (on the regular 50% off coupon it is a $100 ish set)
The Fan 2 is a warm neutral set, with less bass presence than the Explorer. However, the Fan 2 has a thicker note weight in the lower mids, with better timbral accuracy.
In terms of technicalities, other than soundstage, the Fan 2 loses in other departments such as imaging, instrument separation and micro-detailing. Bass is also not as textured on the Fan 2.
Of note, the Fan 2 has super long nozzles, which may potentially pose a fitting issue for some consumers. The Explorer, in contrast, is very well fitting.
CONCLUSIONS
In a sea of Harmanish releases, the AFUL Explorer espouses a unique neutral with sub-bass boost tonality, which is quite balanced for a myriad of music genres.
Bass is the highlight - with a cleverly designed micro-resonator furnishing great sub-bass extension. Fast and clean literally describes the bass quality on offer - we hear punchiness and solid texturing with zero bleed - though it has to be said, the Explorer is not a basshead IEM in terms of sheer quantity.
This IEM's midrange is clean, with no piercing upper midrange; pinna-gain detractors will definitely approve of this! Treble is smooth yet retaining good resolution, which is admittedly a very difficult balance to obtain. The Explorer is one of those rare IEMs that allows users to jack up the volume without the eardrums getting pierced by a massive peak in the upper frequencies, so this will be a good option for those that like to blast their music.
In non-tangible assets, the Explorer is decently accessorized, with comfortable fit, above average isolation and easy drivability, making it a suitable everyday carry (EDC). Some nitpicks would be a soundstage on the intimate side and a small whiff of BA timbre for acoustic instrumentation.
By and large, at the low $100 bracket, the AFUL Explorer stands out for the multiple benefits - tuning, technicalities, externals etc - it brings to the table, with few cons. And all this is with a non-Harman inclined frequency response, so it isn't something we see - or rather, hear - every day. For folks who are keen to upgrade from the budget segment, the Explorer would certainly be a great recommendation.
Out of these three dongle/dac/amp would you think will best pair up with the AFUL Explorer?
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm
FiiO KA11
iFi Go Link