AFUL MagicOne

Intro:

First thing first. If you have source with warm neutral or analog type of sound signature, then AFUL MagicOne is truly for you. People with bright or analytical sound sources might find a lots of nail pocking in the ear!

In photo: Someone with bright source




Context:

I was a bit curious to test this IEM since it’s announcement as it is with a single BA, which is not in my comfort zone. But their advertisement and some reviews made me super curious to give it a try. In my first audition, I was blown away by its clarity and detailed sound reproduction. Surfed through my classic country collection and oh man, MagicOne did its magic and I took it home for longer & in-depth listening. After 4 months or so, the BA drivers are burnt well and become smooth like butter.

All of my listening I’ve done with Cowon Planue R2, ifi Hip Dac 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro & Hiby R3 (occasionally) using silver mix copper cable & pure copper cable. I find a very good synergy with Hip DAC 2 as this DAC is well known for its’ warm sound signature with draatic ‘X-Bass’ function. Planue R2 also get the job done so very well. And with Dawn Pro, I find the mids are bit fuller are open wide. Sound stage & instrument separation become precious with the price of a bit less bass warmth (but it’s OK!).

In my listening experience, pure copper cable makes the sound comparatively a bit thicker, so it’s my go-to preference as I personally love warm and thicker sound. I used Spinfit 100+, W1, Omni, Divinus Velvel, Pinon Liqueur Orange with the IEM and find that W1 is a perfect tip to choose from for its seal & comfort.

I will explain a bit more on this later.




Disclaimer:

I bought this IEM with my own money and for my personal interest. This is not a review unit nor any monitory understanding/ transaction between me and the respective company. The whole review is my unbiased experience and honest opinion with the sound I listened to.

[Grab you copy from Geek Mart if you are in Bangladesh.
For international buying, you can grab it from Hifigo]

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Technical Specification:
 Driver: Aful’s self-developed wide frequency response Single BA Driver
 Frequency response: 5Hz – 25kHZ
 Impedance: 32Ω
 Sensitivity: 103dB
 Pin Type: 0.78mm 2-pin
 Cable Length: 1.2m
 Plug Type: 3.5mm/ 4.4mm

What’s in the box:
 Aful Magic One IEMs
 6 pairs of silicon tips (almost non-usable)
 Very nicely braided high purity OF Copper & OF Copper Silver plated cable
 IEM storage box with AFUL branding
 Some official papers
















Unboxing Experience:
Unboxing the MagicOne is a fuss-free affair. Everything you need to get started is neatly packed and easy to find. The braided cable feels sturdy and connects to the IEMs with a satisfying snap. Though my experience is, you should swap cables if you have any pure copper cable with you, which I do have. You will find a selection of ear tips which you may or may not use (I personally don’t think they are usable).







Build Quality:
Crafted from a lightweight resin, these IEMs feel well-built and sturdy without being bulky. They're comfortable to hold and inspire confidence that they can handle everyday wear and tear. The included braided cable feels reassuringly secure with a satisfying snap when connecting to the two-pin connectors. While not the most luxurious materials, the finish is impressive for the price.






Fit & Comfort:
The Aful Magic One shines in terms of fit and comfort. Their lightweight design with the perfect choice of ear tips (to me, it’s Spinfit W1) ensures a secure and comfortable fit for even the longest listening sessions. Though the fit of this IEM seems to be a bit of a double-edged sword in the audiophile community. While some users praise the snug, secure fit (thanks to the protruding wing) and deepish insertion, others find it uncomfortable or even irritating for extended listening sessions. This could be due to ear shape variations, and non-proper selection of ear tips might not offer a perfect seal for everyone.

Another thing is, it creates air pressure due to lack of ‘breath hole’ to prevent any air leak from the acoustic chamber. Some may feel it uncomfortable, but to me, this seal makes me disconnected from outside and let me enjoy my music with ease. And for your kind information, I don’t use any IEM while I walk on a busy road or while driving.




Sound impressions:
Before explaining a single thing about the sound, lets state the official statement about their patented 3D printed acoustic tube structure, which plays the vital role in sonic performance of this IEM. As per AFUL “This technology uses physical frequency division to adjust the sound frequency response of MagicOne. This helps in having a physical crossover on the set. MagicOne has a long and ultra-thin acoustic design in a 77mmX0.91mm compact resonator tube that helps the pair produce a deep-hitting, thick lower-end response.” And they named the invention as “Special-shaped Sound Channel Physical Frequency Division Structure of an Earphone.”


Patented acoustic tube design -



Clear view of AFUL's "ZWX-BA-100" Driver-



Now let’s dive deep into the sound details to see what MAGIC that acoustic chamber can bring throughout the frequency range from low to high.


Sub-Bass:
The sub-bass presence on the Aful MagicOne is a topic of some debate, as it’s a single BA driver unit. Bass lovers accustomed to earth-shattering lows might find it a touch lean. There's definitely some sub-bass presence there, but it takes a more subtle approach. Think of it as a tight kick drum foundation rather than a booming explosion. However, for genres like EDM or hip-hop heavy on sub-bass, the impact might not be as visceral. On tracks like "Bass Canon" by Matoma, the deepest low frequencies aren't as prominent as on some bassier IEMs. But for genres like rock where a tight kick drum is desired, like in "Here I go again" by White Snake or in “Hysteria” by Def Lappered, the MagicOne delivers a satisfying punch without bleeding into the guitar work or the vocals. Ultimately, whether the sub-bass is enough depends on your personal preference.

If you crave the deepest of lows, the MagicOne might not be your perfect match. But for most listeners who appreciate a balanced sound with a controlled sub-bass presence, the Aful MagicOne performs admirably.


Mid-Bass:
The Aful MagicOne shines in the mid-bass department, delivering a tight and punchy performance that elevates genres like rock and pop. This isn't loose, boomy bass – it's a precise response that adds a satisfying kick to drums and bass guitars without muddying up the mix. Imagine the difference between a punchy kick drum and a loose, sluggish one on a track like "Basket Case" by Green Day. The MagicOne delivers the former, ensuring the drums retain their attack and energy. This translates well to bass guitar lines as well. In "Under Pressure" by Queen, the iconic bassline comes through with clarity and definition, adding a powerful foundation to the song without overpowering the vocals or guitars.

While some audiophiles might prefer a slightly warmer mid-bass, the overall response here is tight, controlled, and perfect for those who appreciate a clear and dynamic listening experience.


Male vocal:
The Aful MagicOne excels at reproducing male vocals with exceptional clarity and a touch of natural warmth. Every nuance, from the subtle inflections to the power behind the notes, is faithfully presented. While listening to Deep Purple's "Soldier of fortune" – the MagicOne allows the richness and depth of David Coverdale's voice to resonate with a smooth presence, filling the soundstage and conveying every ounce of emotion. This detailed presentation extends to more powerful vocals as well. Take, for instance, David Draiman's distinct voice in Disturbed's "The Sound of Silence." The MagicOne captures both the raw power and the subtle emotional shifts in his delivery, making the listening experience truly captivating. It even don’t miss the textures in vocals like Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springsteen or Rod Stewart.

Overall, the Aful MagicOne's handling of male vocals is a definite highlight, offering a clear, nuanced, and emotionally engaging performance. And it lets you feel the emotional up-down of the male artist’s voice so well, you can clearly feel it, not only hear it.


Female vocal:
Get ready to be impressed by female vocals on the Aful MagicOne! These IEMs are a delight for fans of singers with sparkling clarity and a touch of sweetness in the upper mids. This combination allows you to appreciate the airiness and subtle details in a singer's voice without any harshness. Listening to Cinéad O Connor’s "Nothing compares to you" – the MagicOne beautifully captures the breathy quality and delicate inflections in her voice. The upper midrange emphasis adds a touch of shimmer, making her vocals sound clear and captivating. This translates well to powerhouse female vocalists as well. Take, for instance, Whitney Houston’s iconic performance "I will always love you" or Laura Branigan’s “The power of love” or Mariah Carey’s “Without you.” The MagicOne delivers both the power and the nuance in their voice, allowing you to hear the subtle control and emotion behind each note.

Overall, the Aful MagicOne's handling of female vocals is a clear winner, offering a detailed, airy, and emotionally engaging performance.


Instruments:
The Aful MagicOne excels at presenting a clear and well-separated soundscape for a wide range of instruments. Guitars are a particular highlight, with a satisfying body and fullness that allows you to appreciate the intricacies of picking and strumming techniques. Listen to the opening riff of Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" – the MagicOne reproduces the distinctive twang and bite of the guitar with accuracy. Violins and cymbals also benefit from the clear presentation, with violins shimmering with a touch of sparkle (like the versatile violin lines in Mozart’s "Violin Concerto No. 3") and cymbals delivering crisp crashes without any harshness (like the impactful cymbal work in Hans Zimmer's "Time" from the Inception soundtrack). Live arrangements like Pink Floyd’s ground breaking concert “PULSE”, where different instruments plays in different tunes, this IEM will let you hear everything clearly and soulfully from the deepest bass stroke to soft piano notes.

This clean separation of instruments ensures a detailed and engaging listening experience, allowing you to follow individual musical lines within complex arrangements.


Treble:
The Aful MagicOne walks a tightrope with its treble performance, striking a balance between detail and fatigue. It delivers a well-balanced treble that adds a touch of detail and sparkle to your music without becoming harsh or sibilant. This allows high notes from instruments like flutes and piccolos to shine through with clarity, without any piercing or artificial brightness. While listening to Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" – the delicate melody of the flute is reproduced with a crisp and airy presence. However, cymbals retain a natural character, avoiding any overly harsh s sounds. While I’m hearing the energetic drumming in Rush's "Tom Sawyer" – the cymbal crashes are clear and defined without becoming fatiguing.

Overall, the treble on the Aful MagicOne is well-tuned, adding a touch of brilliance to the sound without sacrificing listening comfort.


Soundstage & Instruments separation:
Expectations for soundstage with in-ear monitors (IEMs) need to be managed, and the Aful MagicOne is no exception. While it won't compete with open-back headphones in terms of spaciousness, it delivers a surprisingly decent soundstage for a single BA driver IEM. The emphasis here is on clarity and separation rather than vast width. Instruments are well-defined within their own space, making it easy to follow individual lines in complex arrangements. Listening to Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" – the distinct placement of Gilmour's guitar on the left and Wright's keyboard on the right allows you to appreciate the interplay between the instruments. This separation extends to subtle details as well. For instance, in Phil Collins' "One more night," the subtle backing vocals and percussion flourishes are easily discernible within the overall mix.

While the soundstage might not be expansive, the Aful MagicOne's focus on precision and separation creates an engaging and detailed listening experience.






Cable & Tip:

I’m a huge fan of cable swapping & tip rolling and fortunately, I have good collection of those. This IEM can deliver a good sound with the stock cable, which they clarify as “high purity OF Copper & OF Copper Silver plated cable”. And it is OK to use this. But if you have some copper cables in your collection, you may swap it to experience some thicker note all over the frequency. I always love to swap cables and with AFUL MagicOne, I settled with a hand braided pure copper cable.

Now about tip rolling. As I mention earlier, I tried Spinfit 100+, W1, Omni, Divinus Velvel, Pinon Liqueur Orange with this IEM and find that W1 is perfect. It seals well and give you the ultimate sonic experience of Aful MagicOne. Unfortunately, Pinon didn’t give me the comfort but it boosted the bass a bit extra. Omni is also good in delivering sound, specially it opens up mids a little bit. But the same problem here as Pinon, the comfort was not that good as W1. I’m a marathoner and to me, comfort comes first. So, Spinfit W1 is a clear winner here.




Tracks used:

Offcourse a lodas of Pink Floyed, Deep Purple, Led Zepelin, Queen, Eagles, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Rush, Rainbow, White Snake, Guns N’ Roses, Green Day, BB King, Mark Knopfler, Brian Adams, Richard Marks, Bruce Springsteen, Ros Stewart, Phill Collins, Alan Jackson, John Denver, Randi Travis, George Jones, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Laura Branigan, Gloria Estefan etc.


Conclusion:

The Aful MagicOne carves a niche for itself in the budget-friendly IEM market. Don't be fooled by the single BA driver – these IEMs impress with their detailed and clear sound, exceeding expectations for their price point. They shine in terms of comfort that making them ideal for everyday listening. Male and female vocals take center stage with exceptional clarity, while instruments are well-separated and defined within a clear, albeit not expansive, soundstage. Sure, bass lovers like me might crave a stronger low-end presence.

And a good quality source is recommended to unlock their full potential. But for audiophiles seeking a neutral, accurate listening experience with a slight touch of warmth, the Aful MagicOne delivers exceptional value. If you prioritize detail, clarity, and a comfortable fit at a budget-friendly price, the Aful MagicOne is definitely worth an audition.








Who Should Get the Aful MagicOne?

The Aful MagicOne caters to a specific set of audiophiles, making them a great choice for:

Budget-Minded Audiophiles: Looking for exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank? The Aful MagicOne delivers impressive detail and clarity at a very attractive price point (at the time of writing the review, it is on sale at USD 99.39). You'd be hard-pressed to find many other IEMs offering this level of performance for the money.

Vocal Enthusiasts: Want to hear every nuance in your favorite singers' voices? The MagicOne excels at reproducing both male and female vocals with exceptional clarity and a touch of natural warmth. Prepare to be captivated by the details and emotion conveyed through your music.

Comfort Seekers: If long listening sessions are your thing, the Aful MagicOne won't disappoint you. Their lightweight design ensures a secure and comfortable fit for hours of fatigue-free listening.

Those with Good Source: To truly unleash the full potential of the MagicOne, consider using a good quality source like a powerful DAC or DAC-Amp or dedicated music player with neutral or warm neutral sound signature. A weak source might limit their sonic capabilities.



Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Bass Heads: Craving earth-shattering, sub-bass heavy sound? The Aful MagicOne leans towards a neutral sound signature with a controlled sub-bass presence. While it's there, it might not be enough for those who prioritize deep, booming bass.

Wide Soundstage Seekers: If a spacious, expansive soundstage is your top priority, there might be better options like DUNU SA6 Mii (with five times price of MagicOne). The MagicOne delivers a decent soundstage for a single BA driver IEM, but it focuses more on clarity and separation within a focused space.

Luxury Material Enthusiasts: While the build quality of the MagicOne is good, the materials used might not feel as luxurious as some higher-end IEMs. If premium aesthetics are a major factor for you, there might be other options to consider.

Bright Sound source Owners: If you have any DAC or Audio player with bright sound signature, for example, Hidizs AP80/Pro/Pro-X, Fiio M11S, Questyle M15, Fiio KA3 etc., you shouldn’t think of the MagicOne. This IEM act differently with bright sources and may create disturbance in your listening sessions.

I've had my eyes on this set since around when they first came out after hearing raving reviews and seeing the graph but never had a reason to pick up a pair until recently when they went on sale on Amazon for Prime members for $89.59 USD. I got them as soon as I saw the deal and while I waited for them to arrive I dug deeper into them and what makes them "magical."

These are some of the first single balanced armature IEMs (or at least some of the first good ones) and since it is a single BA, usually not much is expected. One thing that caught my eye was that AFUL made the driver themselves, another thing that caught my eye was how AFUL went about tuning these. Through the use of an RLC electro-acoustic network, AFUL has created technology known as "SE-Math," which enables better extensions at the high-frequency area by compensating for the difference between the driver and the pure sound. The IEM also uses a massive and complex acoustic chamber AFUL is calling the "Acoustic Chamber of Nautilus Structure" which helps the BA push out more and better quality bass.



Build, design, and Comfort


Design + Fit

The MagicOne features a beautiful clear resin shell and a white and silver faceplate. The clear resin shows off the beautiful internals such as the custom BA driver, the Acoustic Chamber of Nautilus Structure, wires, and RLC circuit. I really enjoy the snowy design of the faceplate and how the white looks like snow. These IEMs are some of the most comfortable I've ever used, they are smooth, shaped very naturally and are a good size for my ears.

Sound

Overall, these are warm IEMs with plenty of sparkle, extension and treble clarity you would expect with multi-driver IEMs, they have great bass, while it is not as punchy and deep as a dynamic driver, it covers all bass spectrums and has good sub extension, but lacks sub emphasis. The mids are buttery smooth with natural warmth and timbre. The treble is smooth and does not have any BA "glassiness" or " tinniness", also great extension on the upper treble giving them good air.




And to dig in a bit deeper:

Bass
I've never had a problem with BA bass, but compared to other BA sets these have more dynamic and punchy bass than a lot I've tried. The bass is controlled and has good sub extension and instead of pounding your ears with deep punchy bass, the bass kind of just adds color to the mix with a controlled impact. The sub may have extension, but it lacks emphasis. The midbass is smooth and elevated compared to the sub, the midbass doesn't bleed into the mids.

Mids
The MagicOnes are tuned to be mid-focused, so the mids are pushed forward in the mix, but not intimate, they create a good sense of space and separation. The mids have a bit of warm coloration, but not muddy or letting the bass bleed into the mids. The timbre and clarity produced by these custom drivers by AFUL is really amazing, vocals and instruments sound very natural and rich. Male vocals, cellos, trombones and pianos are warm and smooth due to the boost in the low mids and female vocals, violins, trumpets and guitars are sparkly, sweet and clean.

Treble
These IEMs use a new technology that pretty much just enhances the treble response and gives it some extra shine, sparkle and detail. Just like the mids, the treble has great timbre and sounds natural without being tinny or glassy. The treble is very smooth and clear with the best imaging and detail I've heard in an IEM. These create a great sense of openness and clarity in the treble while still being non-fatiguing and smooth.

Techs
The MagicOne creates a great sense of openness and separation between sounds. I would not say these have the best imaging overall but It's the best I've tried so far. It's easy to pick apart different sounds even in a complex song and hear what direction the sounds are coming from, but not exactly pinpointable. I really enjoy the soundstaging on these, nothing sounds stuffed or narrow.

What's in the box

• AFUL MagicOne
• Braided cable
  • This is by far the best stock cable any IEM I've owned. It's pretty, soft, strong, and clearly high quality
• Pack of 3 sizes of black silicone tips
  • Sizes seem a bit limited but work for me
• Pack of 3 sizes of white silicone tips
  • No apparent acoustic difference from the black tips
• Aluminum puck case
  • My favorite IEM case for daily use, stong, easy to open, pocketable
• Paper stuff
  • (Didn't read)
• Certificate of authenticity

Comparisons:
AFUL MagicOne ($140 USD) VS Audiosense DT200 ($150 USD) (DISCONTINUED)

(THE GRAPH DOES NOT SHOW THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO)

These two IEMs are compared a lot due to their similar(ish) tuning and the fact they are all BA setups.
The Audiosense DT200 features a dual Knowles BA driver setup with a warm tuning. The DT200 also has amazing timbre and smoothness, everything sounds clear, though the lower treble can be overpowered by the mids at times. They are very non-fatiguing and I can listen to them for hours without fatigue. The DT200 has a smaller shell also made out of smokey clear-grey 3D printed resin.

The bass on these two IEMs is very comparable but I find the MagicOne to have the superior quality and texture but due to the DT200s having less treble the bass is more emphasized on them

The mids are also comparable but the MagicOne has leaner low mids and more spacious upper mids. The DT200 has slightly superior timbre, it sounds fuller and more natural.

The treble is the biggest difference between these two, the MagicOne definitely has more treble overall, and much better coherency. I find I can analyze high sounds much better on the MagicOnes, but the MagicOnes are much more fatiguing due to the analytical treble. This is another area where the DT200 timbre quality is apparent, the DT200 is more natural sounding, but also duller.

The techs on these two is another much different area, the MagicOne has far wider staging and much more accurate imaging, especially in the treble region. Due to the DT200s more recessed treble, the bass is louder overall and you can feel it more than the MagicOnes, which can make it easier to analyze than the MagicOnes.

Overall comparing these two is much like the Sennheiser HD600 (MagicOne vs the Sennheiser HD 6XX/650 (DT200), one is warmer one is brighter, some prefer one and some might prefer the other. These are two amazing IEMs and are my two daily drivers so if you like one you will most likely like the other.

AFUL MagicOne ($140 USD) VS AFUL Performer 5 ($220 USD)

These two IEMs are compared quite a bit as well because the P5 (Performer 5) is another one of AFUL's cheaper IEMs.
The AFUL P5 uses a 1DD + 4BA driver setup and has a pretty common and pretty safe tuning. Emphasis on sub bass and upper mids with sometimes peaky treble.

I did not enjoy the P5 as much as the MagicOnes due to their sub-par timbre. On EDM tracks the glassy timbre is very obvious and can be too harsh for me at times. Sibilance can also be sharp at times making me have to turn down my volume.

While these are lacking in treble performance, they make up for it with the best bass dynamics out of any of the sets I compared the MagicOne to, it's deep, punchy and clean. I prefer bass tuning closer to the MagicOne so sometimes there was more bass than I'd like, but a basshead would be satisfied with it.

The P5 also has smooth lower mids with far better timbre than the upper mids and treble. Male vocals have a warm body but aren't intimate such as the DT200. The upper mids have worse timbre making female vocals and violins sound digital or synthetic but are more forward in the mix and more intimate than male vocals.

The techs are pretty close on these two sets, but the P5 beats the MagicOne's bass texture and mids imaging, while the MagicOne takes over with it's superior treble detail and imaging.

Overall I much prefer the MagicOne's tuning and sound but the P5 is not a bad IEM by any means. I think most people would prefer the P5s more generic tuning vs the MagicOne's more "niche" tuning, especially if you want something more "analytical" than the MagicOne's colored tuning. These are both great sets from AFUL and I think they are both decent choice, though the P5 is a bit overpriced I feel.


Gear Used + Songs Tested

Gear Used
All gear was tested on an Apple Dongle, M2 MacBook Pro output and an Apogee Duet 2

Songs Tested
White Owl - Josh Garrels
WILDFLOWER - Billie Eilish
i love you - Billie Eilish
THE GREATEST - Billie Eilish
BLUE - Billie Eilish
when the party's over - Billie Eilish
Flight - Hannah Parrot
A Time For Love - Jamie Cullum
Oh Rosy - Milena
Smokeless Fire - Octave Lissner
Long After You Are Gone - Chris Jones
Love is In Love - Geggy Tah
Lovely - Billie Eilish
Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye
From The Start - Laufey
Flow - Bernth
海色 - AKINO from bless4
why my love? - Aja Monet
into your eyes - Alex Tyché
That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
Passing Through - Gabe Dixon
THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND - Bad Omens

Intro/Disclaimer​

The AFUL MagicOne has garnered a lot of attention towards the end of 2023 but does this single BA set still compete in 2024? Read on to find out.

I purchased this set of IEMs with my own money and all opinions are my own. My review is solely based on what I hear with my own two ears as this is a very subjective hobby. My ratings are also based on how I think this IEM fares against other IEMs in its price range.

My primary litmus test when it comes to audio gear is whether or not vocals and instruments sound natural/organic. Regardless if the IEM has the biggest bass or the most technical treble. If it doesn’t sound natural to my ears then it’s a red flag. SPOILER: The Aful MagicOne definitely delivers on this front.

Packaging and accessories​

Standard cardboard sleeve packaging that you see with all other IEMs around this price range but it’s what’s inside that matters. Along with the IEMs, you get six pairs of tips and one of the best stock cables I’ve handled around this price range. The cable is made with high-purity oxygen-free copper and oxygen-free copper silver plated in a 32+37 core configuration. It is well braided and has a decent amount of heft.

Build, Comfort and Fit​

I really liked the build of this IEM, from the snowy faceplate to the full translucent resin shell that puts everything on full display. Originally, I had some troubles with the fit in my right ear but once I did some tip swapping I was able to get an excellent seal in both ears (very important with this IEM). Some people have expressed discomfort from a suction effect but I did not experience this phenomenon. This IEM is vented.

Sound​

Sources Used
AFUL MagicOne <- Questyle M15 <- MacMini M1 <- Apple Music Lossless

Songs played

Initial impressions (before brain burn in)
I usually like to jot down my first impressions when it comes to listening to new gear. Because whether you believe it or not, brain burn-in is a real thing.

Upon listening to the first few songs in my library, I was immediately impressed with the lush midrange and impactful bass. You won’t get a rumbling subbass from this set but the mid-bass does hit hard when you have a proper seal. Also, this single BA IEM needs Power to really shine. Once you meet the requirements, you are presented with a wonderful mid range focused set with excellent vocals and instrument clarity. The timbre and tonality AFUL produced from this single custom BA is truly amazing.

Bass

• Clean, controlled and impactful
• Lack of sub bass rumble
• No mid bass bleed

Mids

• Top tier timbre and tonality
• Excellent presentation for both male and female vocals
• Subtle warmth that adds some nice richness to the mids

Treble

• Good clarity and natural sounding
• Smooth and detailed without being sibilant
• High hats sound extremely natural

Technicalities (Soundstage/Separation/Imaging)

• Excellent resolution and imaging
• Good micro-details
• Soundstage is above average in both directions
• Great coherency due to single driver
• Great layering and instrument separation

Comparisons​

Comparisons are a bit tricky as I have not listened to any other one BA sets in this price range. However, compared to other multi-BA sets I’ve listened to like the Dunu SA6, the AFUL MagicOne definitely holds its own. Yes, it doesn’t have quite the same amount of low end grunt but it definitely makes up for it in overall tonality, timbre and resolution.

Conclusion​

The MagicOne is a great example of a proof-of-concept gone right. AFUL did a wonderful job developing this Single-BA IEM and it truly shows when you put it in your ears. The MagicOne is the IEM to reach for when you just want to listen to music without much fanfare or fatigue. You will be extremely happy with this IEM if timbre and tonality are at the top of your requirements list. Just remember that proper amplification is required to get this IEM to perform its best.