Our Verdict

I liked the Aful Performer 8S from the moment I plugged them in. Sure, that was was probably influenced by their glitter-lined, rings-of-Jupiter-inspired faceplate; their incredible comfort and the excellent cable that shines a pleasing, earthy brown and grey. But mainly it was because the Performer 8S sounds smooth and inviting. It’s not all gravy, though. For $389 you don’t get swappable terminations, and I have some questions about this 'passive radiator' 'driver'.

For

Smooth yet detailed

Good imaging

Strong bass

Exciting

Immersive

Against

Pushed back vocals

Not ultra detailed

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Sound profile

Comparisons & value

Bass port fail

Build & comfort

Should you buy it?

When I first listen to an IEM and I like what I hear, I'm in no rush to find out why.…