Because of the lack of proper contour definition, the kick drum sounds hollow and lack energy and weight. The extension is impressive tough not very linear and a hint boomy, in a light way because bass hit lack leads and edge to the definition. So the BASS is smooth and a bit liquid but avoid any bleed even if it’s not what I would call thigh bass. Sub-bass is notably boosted in rumble-resonance, and lower mids-upper bass is notably tamed. TONALITY would be what I describe as Bassy Crisp Neutral following a smoothed W shape signature, inspired by Harman Target. (Using SMSL SU9-SH9 for desktop, Audirect BEAM2 for on the go streaming, Ibasso DX90 for the rest) In fact, this cable looks very fragile and I have already seen consumers complain about it. When it comes to the CABLE, hum, i’m less sure if the choice to use nylon braided surface is a good one because it’s prompt to bending and tangling….still, i want to love this cable because it’s very light. Design shape is similar to Starfield and very comfortable. 2pin connectors are solidly embedded and promise long durability and a secure fit. The Matte finish is pleasant for the fingers and the eyes. The ARIA is no exception and have a sturdy metal construction with a sober yet elegant design. Their IEM never feels like an half-baked idea or design concept and unlike other less visionary Chifi companies, we never see Moondrop playing copycat of others IEM design. All in all, the whole presentation feel more premium than it should be!ĬONSTRUCTION is rarely disappointing with Moondrop, which gives good care to the design and esthetic of all their products. 8 pairs of silicone ear tips to cover any fit. The accessories are generous enough and of decent quality. The waifu is classy and meditative not too girly or erotized. The presentation is beautiful, with lot of care to details.

PACKAGING is as fancy as it can get for the price.

And having listened to Sony EX1000 that use Liquid Crystal diaphragm too, I can conclude that some timbre similarities do occur, especially in texture even if more emphasized than Aria, anyway, the tonal balance being very different similarities stop there, in timbre brightish and very transparent rendering. If you wanna know where the secret of Timbre hides, I think you must give a look at diaphragm material. Aria is the only one using Liquid Crystal Diaphragm, while Starfield use Carbon nanotube diaphragm and KXX’s Diamond-like Carbon nanotube. Now, if we talk timbre and overall musicality, it’s another story because those 3 IEM doesn’t use the same type of dynamic driver. Priced 80$, the Aria can be put in the same family than Starfield and KXX’s, and while some would think it’s 30$ cheaper price could mean it’s technically inferior to those 2, it would be misleading because the Aria are in fact superior to the Starfield in that aspect. Most Moondrop IEM feels like the tuner try to find a compromise between W and U shape signature, thus the Harman target welcomes help. Rarely you will find fast punchy bass with proper kick drum presence and separation from Moondrop earphones, but rarely you will find bass bleed that hollow mids too.

More time goes, more it’s evident that Moondrop has an ”house sound”, which is inspired by Harman acoustic target curve but with their own twist about finding the right balance between naturalness, crispness and dynamic weight. Moondrop doesn’t need an introduction anymore, they are well known among the audio community for best-selling releases like their Hybrid Moondrop Blessing or numerous competent single-DD release like super budget Spaceship-SSR-SSP or flagship DD like KXXs, Starfield and now the ARIA that seem to get important recognition like all those mentioned before. Pros: Big and Deep Soundstage, Realist Timbre, Smooth Tonal Balance, Clear and delicately detailed, macro-resolution, Treble extension, Clean bass, Safe but lively Harman tuning, Good transparency, a Step up from pricier Starfield, exquisite construction-design, price valueĬons: Lack of kick drum impact and presence, a bit thin timbre, lack of overall dynamic weight, lack some bite and edge in attack, not the most versatile sounding IEM

Moondrop aria vs starfield