AFUL Explorer: 1DD+2BA Hybrid IEM Review Roundup

AFUL launched the Explorer, a three-driver hybrid set of in-ear monitors earlier this year. Using the patented technologies that AFUL developed for their exquisite models like the Magic One and Performer 5/8, the AFUL Explorer brought an amazing listening experience for the users at a pocket friendly price bracket. AFUL featured a three-driver hybrid setup on the set housing a dynamic driver unit with dual balanced armature drivers on the Explorer. With advanced technologies such as multi-layered electronic crossover, precise 3D printed acoustic structure, etc. allows each driver unit to perform to the best of their abilities. AFUL Explorer is a high-resolution in-ear monitor that promised and delivered a rich and dynamic sound profile. Since the Explorer came out in the market, it has grabbed solid attention of the audiophiles globally. They have poured love to the pair on different social media platforms, Audiophile communities, etc. Today in this blog, we are going to cover some of the things that users have mentioned about the AFUL Explorer. Let’s begin.

A Short Disclaimer:-

All thoughts and opinions in today’s blog are from the respective reviewers only. We have just summarised/optimized the words for an easy to understand presentation. At the time of this blog, the AFUL Explorer retails for $119.99, you can check out its features, technical information, and purchase it as well if you want from our store here.

Gizaudio:-

Timmy from Gizaudio finds the AFUL Explorer to be a very relaxing sounding set. As per his opinion, the Explorer has a warm, smooth, thick, and a very relaxed presentation. In his own words here, “The upper midsection on the AFUL Explorer is tamed down, so you won’t get any shoutyness in the vocals or sharpness in instruments.” For the bass section, Timmy finds the Explorer to has an elevated sub-bass response producing a strong rumble while the mid-bass is complementing and doesn’t thump too hard. This elevated sub-bass gives a strong sensation but doesn’t get too boomy or bossy in the signature coming across as smooth presentation. Timmy finds the tuning of the AFUL Explorer to be quite unique. As per him around the Explorer, none of the IEMs have such a smooth and relaxing tuning profile. Do check out his complete video review on the Gizaudio Channel linked below.

AndyAudioVault:-

Andy is an amazing reviewer and the mind behind the amazing DongleMadness series. He has shared this in-depth review of AFUL Explorer on his YouTube channel. He mentions the signature of the Explorer to be on the balanced side leaning slightly to a warmer and musical presentation. Andy finds the pair to have a smooth, inoffensive, natural sound presentation with good details and a tight-controlled bass response. He mentions the midrange on the Explorer to be slightly forward bringing rich, lively vocals and acoustic instruments. As per Andy, Explorer handles the treble region well as well delivering a smooth and non-fatiguing listening experience. In his video review, Andy mentions that being the fourth IEM from AFUL, the Explorer definitely has the same DNA and characteristics of the AFUL Family products like the Magic One, Performer5, Performer8, etc. Overall, he really liked the well-balanced sound response of the Explorer. In his video, he has compared the AFUL explorer to some similarly priced IEMs as well, so check out his complete take in the Video.

Super* Review:-

Mark has shared this in-depth review of the AFUL Explorer where he has compared it with some similarly priced IEMs such as the Truthears Hexa, FiiO FH3, and AFUL’s own MagicOne as well. In his review, Mark also shared his love for the Explorer and rewarded the pair with a solid 4/5 rating. Mark also mentions the tuning of the AFUL Explorer to be a sub-bass focused warm profile. As per his own words, “Even though we have a lot of elevation in the sub-bass region, the Explorer’s are not completely deprived of the mid-bass. It has good weight to the mid-bass as well”. He mentions that the upper midrange on the set is relaxed, and similarly he mentions the treble region on the pair to be smooth as well. Mark’s review is quite crisp and easy to understand as well, we recommend you give this one a watch if you haven’t already. We will link his review below.

Audio-In Reviews:-

Dave from Audio-In Reviews has loved the AFUL Explorer for its unique tuning profile and sound presentation. The inclusion of different technologies developed by AFUL has also impressed Dave here. As per his review, Dave finds the pair to have the signature AFUL sound which they introduced in the highly-successful Performer series(P5 and P8 at the time). He mentions that the upper midrange is relaxed, giving the set a smooth feel. The vocals are not as forwarded as we have on standard harman tuned IEMs in the market. Dave states that the AFUL Explorer has a relaxing and bossy sound profile with a natural, smooth tone. He finds the pair to have good dynamics in the lower-end. As per him, the Sub-bass lays a strong foundation for the other frequencies giving them a complementing, strong bass to start with. Just stating his own words here, “Midrange, especially lower-mid have a good warmth to them. I also notice a little bit of bass bleed yet it sounds very clean. The pair has good weight to the male vocals.”  He just wishes there was a little bit more energy in the upper midsection for his taste. Dave finds the energy to pick up in the lower-treble region giving the instruments like acoustic guitars more presence in the mix. His review is also quite detailed, with every section described beautifully. Do check out his complete review, we will link it below.

MakeitWain(Head-Fi):-

Next, we will cover up some written reviews on Head-Fi. We have this beautiful review by MakeitWain, an active head-fi’er. This is an amazing read with some beautiful images reflecting the beauty of the galactic face covers of Explorer. In his review, MakeitWain has covered different aspects of the pair from unboxing to the design and well-described sound section as well. We also have comparisons with 7Hz Five and 7Hz Legato in this review. The reviewer here likes the overall smooth signature of the Explorer with great bass and comfortable design. He also appreciates the full, lush midrange and safely tuned treble as well. However, he mentions that the Explorer is not a good choice for trebleheads or analytical sound listeners. We enjoyed reading this review, you should also check it out here.

Nealz(Head-Fi):-

Just putting Nealz's words here, “If you are looking for a laid back, warm, organic and bassy IEM without sacrificing too much resolution or technicalities at the sub $100 price range, then the Aful Explorer is an excellent choice. It’s not really a detail or technicalities monster nor is it pretending to be one. The Explorer provides a soothing sound you can listen to for hours without feeling any fatigue.”. We love that people appreciate what AFUL has done with the Explorer. This set is designed for a smooth, relaxing sound profile which captivates and holds the listeners for long hours of music enjoyment. You can check out his review on Head-Fi here.

Sajid Rahman(Head-Fi):-

Sajid has reviewed the AFUL Explorer as a part of a review tour in his country. With some beautiful clicks and a thoughtfully put review, his take is both, interesting and eye-catching. Sajid likes the well-rounded warm sound profile of the pair. Combined with excellent build quality and good passive isolation, the AFUL Explorer provided him with a good listening experience. Let us just put his own words here, “The AFUL Explorer IEMs are a solid choice for audiophiles looking for a balanced, detailed sound in a well-constructed package. They excel in sound quality, build, and comfort, making them suitable for various musical tastes and listening environments. Given their performance, the AFUL Explorer IEMs can be considered a great value.” Check out his complete review on Head-Fi here.

nikbr(Head-Fi):-

If you want to understand the sound of AFUL Explorer in simple language with an in-depth review, nikbr has done an excellent job in portraying the same in his review on Head-Fi. He mentions that the AFUL Explorer packs an amazing sound profile with a good-quality bass response. He summarizes the AFUL Explorer has a truly joyful sound experience, and it is an easy recommendation to those who prefer a warmer tilt. If you have some time, do read his review on Head-Fi, he thoroughly explains the set in a simple and sophisticated manner.

domq422(Head-Fi):-

Domq422 has shared a well-written review on the AFUL Explorer on Head-Fi. His review also includes some beautifully clicked images of the pair. We would just like to post his own words here, “All-in-all, the Explorers are not the tech beasts of the IEM world. But what they are is an immersive, fun, and dynamic listening experience with a larger-than-life presentation for EDM and dance music if that’s your thing. I did not listen to much rap on the Explorer but I assume that is also going to be a strong area where they excel. Combined with the laid-back upper-mids, which gives the listener a silky smooth listening experience, with a healthy bass shelf and a treble that is deceivingly fun when it needs to be and you have yourself an IEM that might just be a specialist but it’s damn good at it. Depending on your ear shape and size, these have some of the best fit I’ve experienced around, above and below this price point no doubt about it and I totally forgot to mention that the stock cable is one of the most comfortable cables I’ve used, stock or 3rd party.” He refers to the AFUL Explorer to be a fantastic recommendation for extended listening sessions. Do check out his complete review on Head-Fi here.

Final Words:-

There are plenty more reviews available on both YouTube as well as Head-Fi platforms. Users have showered the AFUL Explorer with immersive love and affection especially for its relaxed and bassy sound profile. If you ask us, AFUL Explorer sounds unique for the price bracket. Its smooth, inoffensive sound with rich and natural vocals just creates the perfect blend of a relaxing sound which one can listen to for hours without feeling any fatigue or getting tired. We hope you guys enjoyed reading these reviews and impressions of the AFUL Explorer from the audiophile forums. For any questions or queries, you can write to us at support@hifigo.com.