AFUL EXPLORER: EXPLORE YOUR MUSIC

Review by arifgraphy

Pros:

 • Relaxing warm tuning

• Tasteful Sub-bass

• Very good thump in mid bass

• Enjoyable Vocal (male & female)

• Non fatiguing, airy treble

• Good build quality (as usual from Aful)

• Nice & usable cable

• Practical carrying pouch

Cons:

 • Lacks sub-bass body a bit

• Not enjoyable for those who loves powerful vocal presentation

• Treble lacks sparkle

• Not technical or analytical

AFUL EXPLORER: EXPLORE YOUR MUSIC

After launching three highly tuned IEMs, including the Performer 8, Performer 5, and MagicOne, Aful takes a different approach to tuning. This time it's warm, melodious, and treble-safe. During development, they dubbed it Performer 3 since it had three driver configurations: one DD and two BA. However, in their formal announcement, they call it 'Explorer'. Aful's approach to new experiments is not novel; they demonstrated this by introducing MagicOne, an IEM with a single BA driver, and their proprietary acoustic chamber. This time with Explorer, they explored with a warm balanced tone that reflected the current trend in the chi-fi IEM industry. To establish the sound character, they use a DD for bass and lower frequencies, as well as two self-developed BAs, one for mids and another for treble.

Will they stand out in the present crowded IEM market, or will they simply be another IEM to wear? Let's go through all Aful has to offer with this package.


CONTEXT:

For your information, I am an avid Aful fan. I adore their stunning IEMs with amazing sound quality. So I always check their social media platforms for any updates. When they introduced a new IEM titled 'Performer 3', I was eager to try it. I made the choice to buy it after listening to just one song. The pleasant tone is so satisfying and relaxing, and it sounds quite laid-back. I'm not a usual basshead; instead, I'm a warm-head and treble-sensitive man. That's why Explorer sounds so delightful and safe to my ears. I enjoy the bass presentation, both sub and mid. The vocals are clear and textured, but not overpowering. Oh, the treble... They are quite smooth and airy without being overly active or sparkling.

I tested the Aful Explorer using my favorite DAP, the Cowon Planue R2, and was amazed by how well it performed. My Hip Dac 2 provides some warmth and body to the bass region, while my Moondrop Down Pro opens up the mids and makes them more enjoyable. The set is not power hungry and very easy to drive but scales up very well if you push a little more power into it. I swap cables and roll tips, as usual. Although the included cable is fine for most uses, I constantly attempt to experiment with different types of cables to see if the sound quality improves. According to my testing, the NiceHCK MixPP works really well with it and highlights the IEM's impeccable sound qualities. For this price range and an IEM of this kind, the stock tips are too basic. I used a variety of tips and chose either Dunu S&S or TRN Clarion because of their comfort, fit, and sound quality. I'll go into further detail about the cable and tips at a later section of this review.

DISCLAIMER:

I bought the AFUL Explorer with my own money and interest; this is not a review unit. I do not have a monitory transaction with AFUL Acoustic. And my verdict is entirely objective, based on my listening experiences during the previous week or two.

One thing more:. My personal experience and information gained from many sources form the basis of this review. Due to individual preferences and variations in physique, such as variations in the depth and form of the ear canal, your experience may differ significantly.


For your personal purchase-

Geek Mart is the place, if you are in Bangladesh.
For international buying checkout HifiGo


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:

• Drivers: 1DD+2BA
• Impedance: 26Ω±10%>
• Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-30kHz
• Connector Type: 0.78m 2-pin connectors
• Cable Termination: 3.5mm/4.4mm


WHAT’S IN THE BOX:

• Aful Explorer IEMs
• Braided silver plated single-crystal OFC copper cable
• Two types of ear tips (S,M,L each type), total of six pairs
• A synthetic leather made carrying case
• Official papers

UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:

The Aful Explorer is packaged simply, with cardboard packaging that emphasizes practicality over flashy design. When you open it, you can see the IEMs safely housed in a foam insert. The Explorer doesn't compromise on style, despite its simple packaging. You are then greeted with a lovely carrying case, most likely made of synthetic leather. A braided, silver plated single-crystal OFC copper cable is shown when the casing is opened, adding a sophisticated touch. Ear tips are included, though the selection seems to be on the basic side.

It's impressive to see the IEMs themselves. Their faceplates, which are crafted from 3D-printed resin, have an enthralling "cosmos" pattern with glittering stars. This space-inspired design will draw attention and enhance the Aful Explorer's overall look. The Explorer appears to prioritize necessities over aesthetics, providing an attractive and practical solution for the audiophile on a limited budget.

DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY:

First, let's hear from Aful about how they approached the striking design: ”Inspired by a cosmos themed design symbolizing limitless exploration among the stars, and with strong support from friends for the name “Explorer,” we decided to name this IEM Explorer, reflecting its unique tuning akin to the performer series.” The IEMs have amazing looks! Resin-made shells are excellently constructed and have a shiny sparkle that draws attention, despite their dark blue color. The most striking feature of them is their face plates, which resemble thousands of stars sparkling in the deep blue night sky. It draws my attention with no time, because I love the night sky and am a passionate astro photographer.

In terms of construction, these IEMs are exceptionally well-made and lightweight due to their resin construction. But they truly feel more expensive than comparable IEMs with metal construction. It demonstrates how Aful continues to produce lightweight, comfortable IEMs with a beautiful appearance and presentation. The nozzles are on the longer side and are capable of holding silicon or foam tips with ease. They also seal effectively. The quality that Aful brings to their stock cable is noticeable. It's silky, untangled, and nicely braided. Longer listening sessions felt comfortable as the ear hooks are also soft & comfy. But the ear tips are very basic and cheap looking. Since the beginning, Aful has been providing their IEMs with far too simple ear tips, they should take this area seriously.

FIT & COMFORT:

Because the Aful Explorer is constructed of resin and is quite light, it is an extremely comfortable IEM. You get the impression that there is almost nothing there, and they sit comfortably in your ear. When you wear these with your preferred sized ear tips, they fit flawlessly. Here, picking the proper tips is essential for perfect isolation and a high-quality audio experience. You need to use some after-market tips and roll them to achieve the best fit because the supplied ear tips are not up to par. There is no pressure applied to the ear by the soft, comfy cable that comes with it. To prevent interior vacuums, it has an air vent system. I must say that Explorer is designed to give you the ultimate comfort and a superb audio experience.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

According to Aful, they make use of MagicOne and P-series IEMs' technologies and drivers in Explorer. That means the 8mm DD is from P5 & the BAs are from MagicOne. Therefore, one may hope that it will sound expensive & high-end. Surprisingly, that is true. The Explorers sound warmer than previous IEMs released by Aful and that’s the target here. I am a warm-head audiophile and expect a warm-tuned IEM from them, and the Explorer is what they gave. Thanks to Aful's inventive acoustic bass tube construction, the 8mm DD performs brilliantly in this case, providing excellent bass in both the sub and mid sections. The mid-bass has weight and thump, while the sub-bass offers the right amount of rumble and "woomph." This IEM can handle any bass heavy track with ease and let you feel the bass with perfect quality & quantity.

Aful’s tailor maid BAs are well known for their smooth and enjoyable mids and treble. The Explorer didn’t fail here. Both male & female vocals shine with rich texture and intensity. You will notice a slight thickness in the vocals for the warm characteristic, but the tone is not muted. Though vocal lovers will miss the sparkle in the upper frequencies, as the treble is very tamed. Talking about treble, my favorite part of the Explorer. I am a treble sensitive guy and don’t like sparkles in upper frequencies; the Explorer's treble sounds amazing to me. They are airy, they are smooth, they are light, and they don’t create any fatigue, even for a marathoner like me.

As Aful claims, “the Explorer is compatible with various music genres, from pop to classic symphonics.” I experimented with them using several genes and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Let's dive in and discover the audio quality of each frequency they produce.


SUB-BASS:

The Aful Explorer has a very strong and punchy sub-bass section. It delivers a satisfying thump to the bassline without overwhelming the mix. This means you will hear the low-end rumble in electronic music or the deep bass notes in rock or metal tracks with very good definition. But it occasionally rolls off to compliment the balanced and detailed sound signature.

One of my favorite bands is Rainbow, and their rock number “Man on the Silver Mountain” is my go-to anthem. The Explorer delivers deep, resonant sub-bass that flourishes the powerful riffs and rhythmic bass lines in the song. In a complex mix of various instruments, the IEM ensures that the bass guitar and drum kick are both prominent and clear. That enhances the overall heaviness of the song without overpowering other higher frequencies. The sub-bass was tastefully thick, and the notes are well pronounced. The low frequency has bold authority without being disturbing or fatiguing.

Keep in mind that, though it’s a set with a warm signature but the sub-bass extension isn’t the deepest. Bassheads who crave bone-cracking, subwoofer-like low-end presentation might find the Aful Explorer a bit lacking in this department.


MID-BASS:

‘Thump with definition’ is what you will find when you listen to the mid-bass of the Aful Explorer. This characteristic adds warmth and body to the overall sound, making genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop particularly engaging. The bass notes were rendered clear and well-defined, avoiding muddiness that can obscure other instruments. The whole presentation of mid-bas emphasizes accuracy and detail, ensuring the basslines complement the music rather than overpowering it.

Bad wolves’ cover of The Cranberries’ hit number “Zombie” is a statement of their musical talent and effort. The Explorer’s performance on this track is quite noteworthy. This track has a mid-bass with a powerful presence, delivering a punchy and authoritative impact. The IEM presented this true nature and enhanced the dynamic elements of the music. It manages to balance mid-bass well, ensuring that it doesn’t muddy the overall sound presentation. The tactile quality of the mid-bass in the Explorer, delivered as both dense and clean, enhances the texture of the bass guitar and drum kicks, providing a satisfying slam that is both palpable and precise.

Overall, the mid-bass in the Explorer has its body with good control. It has the musicality without sacrificing the clarity that makes it a choice for a wide range of genres. But you may find it slightly lean if you love super-saturated and boosted mid-bass.

MALE VOCALS:

It's warm & detailed in the Aful Explorer, which translates well to a clear and engaging performance with male vocals across genres. You can expect a natural and present delivery, regardless of whether you’re listening to the smooth baritone of a crooner like Michael Bublé or the raspy growl of a rock vocalist like Myles Kennedy.

I love country music since my childhood, and Alan Jackson is one of my very favorite country singers. The Explorer delivers clear and engaging male vocals. The mix of DD & BA setups work together to create a warm & detailed midrange, and that plays the perfect magic. It renders Alan Jackson’s voice with accuracy and presents it with rich timber. When listening to tracks like “Remember When,” the IEM ensures that the lower midrange captures the depth and resonance of his vocals, giving a full-bodied and authentic sound. The slightly forward presentation in the midrange allows Jackson’s voice to stand out without overshadowing the instruments in the composition.

Overall, the Aful Explorer renders a natural and enjoyable presentation of male vocals and controls any sibilance that may occur with certain consonants like “s” or “t” very well.


FEMALE VOCALS:

The shiny part of the Aful Explorer is female vocals, offering a rich and engaging listening experience. It renders female vocals with a natural tonality and clarity. The hybrid driver set-up ensures that female vocals are detailed and present.

Listening to “Beautiful Goodbye” by Amanda Marshall, the experience is captivating. It handles the dynamic range well, maintaining a balance between the softer verses and powerful choruses. At the beginning of the track, the IEM captures every texture of her breathy voice, making each subtle note audible. This clarity is impressive, there is no muddiness between the vocals and the piano playing in the background in the same frequency range. Marshall's vocal delivery becomes more intense as the song's emotional depth increases, and the IEM demonstrates its supremacy by preserving the vocalist's natural timber, texture, and airiness.

In Summery, the Explorer excels in delivering a pleasing and textured representation of female vocals with a strikingly good balance. It’s not the perfect scenario all the time, there are some limitations. As the midrange is smooth, certain female vocals may occasionally exhibit a slight recession, making them feel less forward.

TREBLE:

The Aful Explorer is a very good treble performer and walks a line between smooth detail and a touch of warmth. It manages to strike a balance between extension and decay. The treble sits forward in the line with the midrange, creating an airy sensation and adding clarity. While it doesn’t excel in extreme detail retrieval, it certainly holds its ground in this regard.

While listening to Metallica’s “The Unforgiven ii,” I was amazed by the precise transition of the mix of guitar riffs and delicate acoustic interludes. The treble is well-extended, capturing the tiny details of the cymbal crashes and high-hat patterns without being harsh. The IEM manages to maintain a perfect balance and allows the treble to shine without overpowering the mids or bass.

The Explorer has a balanced but enjoyable presentation in this section. But listeners who love sparkle in treble or love brighter sound signature will not be satisfied with the treble section of Aful Explorer, as its approach is to deliver a fatigue free and clear treble.


INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION:

The Aful Explorer is a fantastic performer in this section and has a commendable instrument separation, a critical feature for audiophiles. It’s driver configuration contributes to its ability to maintain distinct layers of sound across different frequencies. Tacks with dense arrangements, such as piano, keyboards, saxophone, bass and multiple guitars, are handled with clarity, ensuring that each instrument is easily identifiable.

One of my very favorite bands is Pink Floyd, and I listen to them almost every day. Their thoughtful lyrical track “Us & Them” is known for its complex layering and rich instrument arrangement. The Aful Explorer manages to distinctly present them all. From the mellow saxophone solo to the delicate synthesized keyboards, they were presented in such a way that you could point each instrument in different position on the stage. During the chorus, where the backing vocals and saxophone interplay, they are clearly delineated, adding depth and dimension to the performance.

However, there are limitations. In really complex tracks, some users may notice a slight congestion in the lower mids, which can make instruments in that region sound a little less distinct. Additionally, even while the high frequencies are generally clear, they may occasionally become a bit sharp, distracting from the overall smoothness of the presentation.

SOUNDSTAGE:

The Aful Explorer has a more intimate soundstage with a forward-projecting midrange that makes the components seem closer to the listener. The soundstage is not small, even though it is small; it has a respectable breadth and above-average depth, which add to the rich and immersive listening experience.

The Explorer showcases it’s capabilities and limitations in soundstage performance, when listening to Led Zeppelin’s rocking track “Kashmir.” The track featuring dynamic strings, powerful brass, and Page’s iconic guitar riffs and the IEM presented in a very distinctive way and place these elements in a manner that gives a good sense of space separation. John Bonham’s thunderous drumming feels impactful, while Robert Plant’s vocals positioned prominently.

For audiophiles looking for a really spacious listening experience, the Aful Explorer's soundstage might not be the best choice. The IEM excels in horizontal separation, providing a clear distinction between left and right channels, but it lacks some depth and verticality. This limitation may affect the overall sonic experience to those who are keen on a three-dimensional soundstage.

CABLE & TIP ROLLING:

To me, these are very important, because I like to hear the sound to its full potential and with comfort, as I’m a marathoner, who loves to enjoy music for 5–6 hours straight. There is nothing to say about cable swapping, as Aful delivered one of the best stock cables with the Explorer. But you can try different cables, if you have them in collection. The stock cable can deliver the original sound signature with ease but to me, the NiceHCK MixPP is the first cable to use & examine after the stock one. I found it works well with most of the IEM I own and also fits & sounds very well with the Explorer. It didn’t make any change in the signature but pushed up a bit to optimize the full potential of the IEM.

Now, ear tips. The Explorer comes with six pairs of totally non usable, cheap-looking, and basic silicon tips, which I didn’t bother to use. Spinfit W1, Omni, CP145, CP100+, Divinus Velvet, Tangzu Tan Sanchi, Dunu S&S, TRN Clarion, and Pinon Liqueur all fit well to the nozzle. After a lot of research with various ear tips, my top picks are Dunu S&S and TRN Clarion. S&S make a good seal and give you the perfect comfort but Clarion makes the mids livelier and adds a bit openness in soundstage while giving you a very good fit & comfort. With clarion, you will find that, the vocals (male & female) are rendered quite lively. So, my obvious choice here is the ‘TRN Clarion.’ If you don’t have this, don’t bother to buy one, they are very cheap and easy to find.

Who should get the Aful Explorer:

The Aful Explorer is a well-rounded and versatile IEM that is perfect for:

1. Warm sound lovers
2. Detail-Oriented audiophiles
3. Genre hoppers
4. Loves thick vocals
5. Comfort seekers
6. Love aesthetics in IEM design
7. Budget conscious audiophiles.


Maybe look elsewhere if:

Though it is an all-rounder, it has its own cavities. It’s not perfect for:

1. Treble lovers
2. Seeking ultimate energy in vocals (especially female)
3. Loves IEM made of metal
4. Wide soundstage seekers
5. Requires critical listening needs
6. ‘BA timber’ nitpickers.




CONCLUSION:

The Aful Explorer is a perfect choice for budget-minded audiophiles seeking a balanced and engaging, warm sound signature. Though it might not have the widest soundstage and deepest bass extension, its strengths lie in its warm and detailed midrange, punchy mid-bass, and smooth yet detailed treble. This combination presents a clear and enjoyable listening experience, whether you are a fan of rock, pop, metal, country, jazz or blues. The comfortable shape, secure fit, and stylish aesthetics add further value to the package. If you prioritize a fatigue-free listening experience with a focus on clear vocals and well-defined instruments on a budget, the Aful Explorer is here for you to offer the best sonic experience in this price point.