![]() This mod is easily reversible, you just rip the tape off again. The sonic differences modded/unmodded are more substantial than the graphs indicate. This results in a fuller, warmer, non-fatiguing but also less energetic midrange - a boomier, softer bass perception - and in my desire for a tad more lower treble. ![]() Here a simple variation for listeners who are sensitive to the 2-4 kHz “Chi-Fi peak” area: taping the nozzles over with 3M micropore surgical tape by 90% tones down the upper midrange and, less so, the 15 kHz treble peak. My bickering aside, the Moondrop Starfield’s imaging is outstanding. The other technicalities such as instrument separation and spatial cues are towards the higher end of what you expect from a single DD. The soundstage is tall, reasonably deep, but about average in width in my perception….controlled by the low end. It rises sharply to a broader spike at around 15 kHz to add sparkle and fake resolution. The lower treble is taken back quite a bit and is inoffensive, so that cymbals migrate into the background. Frequency responses of the Starfield and KPE, both close to the Harman target response. But at lower volumes, this upper midrange yields a pleasant, holographic (“cavernous”) listening sensation in the Moondrop Starfield. This is a common occurrence also present in such popular models as the JVC HA-FDX1 and the Blon BL-03. The upper midrange is (once again) a tad forward, which, on the one hand, energizes the vocals department, but, at higher volumes, it also may add minor harshness that can be fatiguing to some over longer listening periods. The midrange is very close to that of the KPE which appears to be Moondrop’s signature: neutral, clear and clean, dry, and crisp…but since the bass is less prominent than in the KPE, the vocals are not perceived as attenuated they are actually nicely sculptured and reasonably dense. This may add warmth but also minor congestion in some tracks.įrequency response of the Moondrop Starfield. There is a light mid-bass hump that can make the low end slightly boomy and that can bleed into the lower mids. The low end is not the fastest but also not the slowest, it is nicely textured, well rounded, and not overbearing. Striking is that the bass has been dialled down compared the the KPE (I don’t know the KXXS), but it nevertheless digs deep enough (I would not want more). I used low-impedance sources such as my iPhone SE with or without the Audioquest Dragonfly amp/dac. The Starfield are easy to drive. Isolation is what you make out of it, and it was good in my case using the largest included silicone eartips. ![]() The large earpieces fit me well and are reasonably comfortable. The 24 AWG Litz 4N OFC cable may have been chosen for optimal sound but it is a bit stiff and does not feature a chin slider. The quality metal earpieces are identical in shape with those of the Moondrop KXXS and KPE, and the beautiful powder coating makes them a work of art: the surfaces sparkle under light. I received the Moondrop Starfield not in the retail box but in a plastic bag with the content shown in the photo: two sets of S/M/L silicone tips, cable, and the earpieces. But wait…ĭriver Unit: CNT carbon nano tube diaphragm-10 mm dual cavity dynamic driverįrequency Response: 10 Hz – 36 kHz(free-field 1/4 inch MIC, -3dB)Įffective frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz As I had mentioned (KPE review) before, Moondrop is also distinct from other companies in the relatively small world of Chi-Fi in that they are not located in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, but in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, a place better known for its spicy food than for its high tech. Moondrop’s signature build appears to be high-quality metal shells with smooth, polished finishes. Moondrop also revived the premium earbud with their “Liebesleid” model (after a beautiful violin piece by Vienna violinist Fritz Kreisler, if you ever wondered). In the budget area, the company pleased the critics with their excellent Moondrop Crescent that was discontinued way too early. These single-dynamic-driver earphones settled in the sub-$200 segment. Moondrop have become a household name recently, for example through their successful and popular Kanas, Kanas Pro Edition (KPE), and most recently through their KXXS. It features a warm low end, a neutralish midrange, and a conservative, slightly cautious top-end resulting in a warm to neutral overall sound close to the Harman target curve. The Moondrop Starfield appears to be the slight variation of their KXXS flagship at a more affordable price. Pros - Well-executed Harman target tuning excellent imaging sound improved over the Kanas Pro Edition (KPE) beautiful design and build.Ĭons - Upper-midrange forward not for the most sensitive ears treble a bit shy.
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