AFUL Magic One Review – Chosen

Comparisons –

Moondrop Aria 2 ($89): The Aria 2 makes for an interesting comparison given its broadly similar tuning but on a single-DD platform. This is immediately evident when booting up a bassy track for the Aria 2 boasts texture and dynamics the MagicOne is not capable of. Its bass is slightly more present, offers a more affirmative, defined slam and overall showcases greater authenticity in terms of texturing. The MagicOne decays quicker and has slightly better separation but overall, the Aria 2 has a more desirable bass response to my ears. The midrange is quite similar between the two also. Despite the MagicOne having less presence on measurement, the positioning is actually quite similar as the Aria 2 sounds bassier than its measurements would suggest. The voicing is slightly different being a little fuller on the Aria 2 and more transparent on the MagicOne.

The MagicOne is also slightly more articulate which brings small details to the fore. Notably, the MagicOne showcases higher resolution which combined with its more articulate tuning gives it a clear advantage on detail retrieval and layering especially. The treble response is slightly brighter on the MagicOne but this is mostly because the Aria 2 rolls off through the mid-treble. The MagicOne has a sharper transient response with more defined lower-treble instruments. Moreover, it has more air and much better background detail retrieval. Overall, it has a large resolving power advantage. The soundstage is larger and more complex on the MagicOne also.   

Letshuoer S12 ($109): The S12 is another IEM I praised for punching above its price class from a technical point of view. However, it did so with a hyper-contrasted tuning that made it less versatile. The MagicOne is almost as resolving but has a much more pleasing tuning to my ears. The bass performance is similar on both. The S12 offers slightly better extension and dynamics while the MagicOne has superior note definition and a more natural timbre. The S12 has a bit more bass presence and the S12 has a thicker, fuller note presentation. The midrange is more contrasted on the S12 due to a more aggressive lower-mid dip and larger 2.5kHz peak. The S12 showcases smoother transitions, and the tonality matches this in listening. The S12 has slightly smaller and more laid-back vocals. The S12 also showcases excellent definition but the MagicOne is slightly more resolving yet and has a more natural and balanced voicing.

The MagicOne also has better layering which gives its midrange more nuance and depth. The S12 conversely is a little more forgiving in the midrange as its articulation is a touch smoother. The treble comparison is very interesting and both are roughly on par technically but for different reasons. The S12 has a smoother lower-treble meaning its leading edge isn’t as defined. Accordingly, the MagicOne has slightly better fine detail retrieval and separation in the foreground alongside a more natural note timbre. By contrast, the S12 has more aid in the mid-treble region and also a bit more sparkle and micro detail at the very top. It sounds more esoteric and vibrant while the MagicOne is more focused and realistic in its delivery but lacks the same pizazz at the very top. In terms of soundstage, the S12 has slightly more depth while the MagicOne has a bit more width. The S12 has slightly more multi-dimensional imaging while the MagicOne has better separation.

Campfire Audio Satsuma (199): The Satsuma is a competing single-BA model from Campfire Audio sporting a 3D printed acoustic chamber also but comes in at twice the price. The Satsuma is more mid-focused and offers a warmer bass. The MagicOne has a slightly better bass extension giving it more slam and weight. The Satsuma has a bigger mid and upper-bass so it sounds richer and warmer but it lacks the same depth and definition. The midrange is more present on the Satsuma and is clearly expressed but also more coloured.

It combines greater presence with greater warmth and smoothness. The MagicOne has much better transparency and better balance. It sounds more articulate and detailed. The Satsuma is more musical but lacks the same nuance and balance. The treble also is crisp and clean on the Satsuma. While it has a good amount of air, it misses bite in the lower treble so its notes tend to be more smoothly presented. The MagicOne has more bite and a cleaner transient response. Fine details are better delineated and more apparent. The MagicOne has a larger soundstage and more complex imaging.

Kilpsch X10 (Disc.): The X10 is one of the first IEMs I ever purchased as an audiophile and a legacy single-BA design from the era of the first innovative BA designs like the FIBASS and Grado GR10. It’s a good representation of where we’ve come from. The X10 has a very solid bass response but this comes heavily at the detriment of treble extension. The MagicOne offers similar bass extension but a much better treble response showcasing improved overall range. The tuning is vastly different, the X10 being more L-shaped, the MagicOne more balanced. The X10 has more bass, mid-bass especially offering a warmer, richer sound. The MagicOne has a cleaner, more balanced sound with better proportion between sub and mid-bass granting it a more defined, natural note presentation and a bit more slam at the very bottom.

The midrange is warmer on the X10 with greater lower-mid presence. Due to this, it is notably fuller and warmer with more present male vocals. The MagicOne is much more transparent and balanced, touting better definition and separation. The treble has a nice crispness in the lower-treble on the X10 but it lacks overall definition and rolls off quickly through the mid-treble. The MagicOne has a much cleaner transient response and much better extension. Fine details are far more apparent and the soundstage is larger and more layered, the X10 being fairly intimate with no delineation between background and foreground layers.

Verdict –

As a reviewer, my social media is littered with new releases and the MagicOne’s unique design set it aside. However, due to AFUL’s limited explanation of their technologies, I was sceptical until impressions started appearing online. A good and trusted friend at THL even compared it to modern kilobuck designs and it was then I knew I had to try the MagicOne. It is rare to see a company invest so much R&D into a custom driver and its surroundings, especially at such an attainable asking price. This IEM goes beyond a proof of concept and is AFUL’s love letter to the single-BA innovations of yesteryear showcasing what can be achieved with new tech and similar smarts.

More than that, it’s simply a great product. The shell is gorgeous and sports excellent ergonomics. The sound tuning is very agreeable and its midrange and treble resolution indeed compete with much more expensive models. The main con is the bass response which is neither especially present nor dynamic. It is also somewhat subject to occlusion effect due to the deep fit and sealed housing – perhaps a pressure relief system similar to that on the Performer 8 would have aided this impression. Barring this, the MagicOne represents terrific value and appeals to those wanting excellent long-term listenability whilst upholding a natural timbre and excellent resolution.

The MagicOne is available from HiFiGO (International) for $109 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with HiFiGO or AFUL and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Billie Eilish – dont smile at me

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Rae Street

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Jasen – BYE

John Mayer – Continuum

Kanye West – Ye

Missy Higgins – The Sound of White

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride