Moondrop Aria 2 Review (Gaming)

My thoughts on the Moondrop Aria 2 for gaming.
Link to the Moondrop Aria 2: amzn.to/40nBkoQ
My Twitter: / freshreviewsyt
My Twitch: / freshreviews
CODE fresh for savings of up to 5-20%:
lethalgaminggear.com
padsmith.com
pmm.gg
puretrak.com
tjexclusives.com
rogueenergy.com
Affiliate links:
addiceinc.com/?afmc=fresh
www.pulsar.gg/?ref=FreshReviews
www.linsoul.com/FreshreviewsYT
Link to purchase my gaming gear:
__________________________
✅ Wallhack Headphone Tier List:
HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite - www.linsoul.com/products/harm...
DT 900 Pro x - amzn.to/35aVutL
DT 1990 - amzn.to/3CGauei
Sennheiser HD 560S - amzn.to/3oTAY74
Sennheiser HD 800S - amzn.to/3CJYvMW
HE100SE - amzn.to/45m1OIg
__________________________
✅ Wallhack IEM Tier List (mid range):
(1) XENNS Top - www.linsoul.com/products/xenn...
(2) Yanyin Canon 2 - www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(3) Aful Performer 8 - amzn.to/46o0Mgq
(4) Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite - www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(5) Yanyin Canon: www.linsoul.com/products/yany...
(6) Dunu Vulkan - www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
__________________________
✅ TOP Wallhack IEM (HIGH END):
64Audio Volur - 64audio.com
GL-AMT16 - www.linsoul.com/products/gold...
Monarch MK3 - www.linsoul.com/products/thie...
__________________________
✅Wallhack IEM Tier List (budget):
(1) Simgot EM6L: www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(2) Truthear x Crin Zero (OG or Red WITH adapter): amzn.to/3Pk6gQ1
(3) 7hz Sonus: www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
(4) Dunu Kima: www.linsoul.com/products/dunu...
(5) Kiwi Ears Quartet (best all rounder): www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
(6) Simgot EW200 - www.linsoul.com/products/simg...
(7) Truthear Hexa: amzn.to/3OqOiwo
__________________________
✅Affordable amp/dac:
iFi Zen Dac v2 - amzn.to/3xchaQe
Topping DX3 Pro+ - amzn.to/3SgDth7
SMSL C200 - amzn.to/3Nui0Am
Geshelli J2S / Archel 3 Pro - geshelli.com/
__________________________
✅Monitors:
Asus 1440P 360 (primary) - amzn.to/44oPUxg
Asus PG259QN: amzn.to/3qMXNuG (Secondary)
__________________________
✅ Top Mice Picks:
G Pro Superlight 2: amzn.to/46mOOTL
Razer DAV3: amzn.to/3FkaPYd
Pulsar X2H / X2 & X2V2: amzn.to/3xx0Dru
Zowie EC2-CW - amzn.to/3PxGt8K
Ninjutso Sora 4K - ninjutso.com
Vaxee XE Wireless - vaxee.co
__________________________
✅ My Keyboard:
Razer BlackWidow V4: amzn.to/46nRoZK
_________________________
✅Mousepad Picks
Artisan Raiden Xsoft - amzn.to/4573RzT
Lethal Gaming Gear Saturn Pro (soft) - lethal.gg
Pulsar Superglide (polarity)
ESPTiger Shan Hai Series
InfinityMice Speed
XTEN Control - amzn.to/3PZCpjr
LaOnda - Rizz / Pelz
_________________________
✅Computer Components
Case: Neo Qube 2 - amzn.to/3rfaodK
CPU: AMD 7950x3D - amzn.to/3rduC7C
RAM: G.Skill DDR5 64gb - amzn.to/3NyqJS4
GPU: MSI 4090 Suprim - amzn.to/3NTChAO
Mobo: Gigabyte Extreme X670 E - amzn.to/3XwsEex
Fans: Corsair AF120 - amzn.to/3XCVnhY
AIO: Corsair H150i Elite - amzn.to/43cu5jo
Webcam: BenQ Ideacam - amzn.to/3mte0Gh
As an Amazon Affiliate - I earn from all qualifying purchases (all links above are Amazon Affiliate Links and support the channel)
#counterstrike #apexlegends #valorant #gaming
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:36 - In the box
3:11 - Tuning & Gaming
3:54 - Valorant
6:08 - CS2
7:33 - Apex Legends
8:59 - Conclusion

[@FreshReviewsYT]

All testing for this IEM was done on two setups. Topping dx9 and the fiio k11. Issues less prevalent on the dx9 as it has a greater sense of depth, but still present.

[@jaydenhogan507]

Loving these reviews, hands down the best gaming hardware reviewer for me. Keep it up

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Tysm

[@Patife_PT]

Thanks for the review! Great as always! 🙏 You should think about doing a scoring system with all the iem"s and headphones you reviewed so far. I would love to know how my hd560s compare to the crin zero's for example. Or how the best iem's from the mid tier compare to the cheapest ones from the high tier list.

[@jannmitchelle123]

Aye congrats on Fresh jr we pray for your family to grow safe and sound.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!!!

[@karl.Kolerika]

I like the new "style element" of the video. The fact that the in-game scenes aren't just cut in, but that you first see the click on the video and the media player on the monitor. Not really important for the content and only a small detail, but somehow an even nicer flow when looking at it.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha that’s good to hear

[@prepbrep67]

Should i buy moondrop aria 2 or simgot ea500lm? I also listen to music and i dont like sharp treble. I also play PUBG and apex

[@FahimPlayz]

Is it worth the price tho and what about compared to some gaming headsets like the cloud 2. Been looking to get a decently priced replacement

[@anthonybustos2204]

Do you have a word doc or anything of your IEM ranking tier list?

[@whoframedthatguy]

banger review once again, keep up the content fresh!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Appreciate it!

[@xXGunnzzXx]

My absolute go to for newly released PC peripherals! Loving the output, Fresh

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!!!!

[@spades._.]

Can you do a review on the steelseries tusq as well as the antlion kimura because only problem with iem for me is having to use a seperate mic.

[@C0nnie]

How long is the cable? I have to plug this behind my pc hoping it’s long enough. Or do they sell a longer cable maybe ?

[@niklasgs1470]

Nice video keep doing headphones and sound related tests! I would like you to try some high end headphones for gaming. Like the Sennheiser hd660 or something like that. Keep it up

[@Stevo19801]

Any recommendations for a close back with similar performance to the zero?

[@Crisheight]

Dude your review for gamers who want a first actual good headphone are so clutch. I got a 560s and personally felt some vagueness in valorant with imaging compared to my g pro x (having a harder time placing distance in the stage), and no one but you even really comes at them from your angle (although hifi people do say 560s good for gaming, and it is solid). I just got 660S to try and see if they're better (better imaging and more intimate sound stage might work better for me). I am a high level player for fun and watch a lot of streams / videos / music and some of these hifi sets are fatiguing or unnatural for vocals. ^ All that being said I am now looking for a pair of IEMs to complement a good open back, and to my surprise you are still cooking out gamer specific videos, I found this video on accident AGAIN (it's been a week) like when I was hunting for 560S stuff. It's really good because to be that all purpose I do need a precise imaging unit.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

❤️

[@frustyxd7733]

I've heard QDC Anole VX are the best ones for gaming, if you can pls make a review for it

[@Jaytiss]

Thanks for the video! I want to hear a bit more about your dx9.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Coming asap

[@AustrianPowersHD]

Nice video as always! Did you ever consider testing Custom IEM's? I always wanted some nice fitting customs, but am afraid that they don't work out for gaming.

[@zDennii]

well i guess it depends on which driver config and tuning you go , they all can fit ur purpose, if they are good.

[@gudsushii]

instead of complete custom reshelling, you can look at adv-sound eartune custom tips. the tips only fit one iem, but if you find they dont work for you then youre not stuck with something you dont like. if the iem model you want tips for isnt available, you can send in your iem and they will work with it so you tips that sound right. the tips alone are $200 usd, but again, you if you dont like them you can just remove them and go back to universal tips. i personally have full reshells, but these custom tips seem like a much more convenient option.

[@linegrinder]

For me I always just wonder which amp / dac I should pair with which IEM in your recommended list. Could you maybe add to your yt video description in brackets which dac you recommend for each IEM? Would that be something that makes sense?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Im going to add a pinned comment now

[@monsieurhandsome5018]

Thank you for all of these reviews! Finally got to buying the Xenn Tops as my first IEM due to your reviews/guides. Would you recommend just plugging it straight into the MOBO or should i get a DAC/AMP. If so, which DAC/AMP would you recommend to go with it?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Really depends on your budget. There are some nice all in ones like the smsl do400 or dx3 pro + or smsl c200.

[@monsieurhandsome5018]

@@FreshReviewsYT Budget sits around 200-300 for a DAC. Appreciate the recommendations :)

[@wcghavii7625]

These are good for artists like sleepy hallow or pop smoke?

[@rbwnorth]

I watched your video about Truthear X Crinacle Zero. Now I am torn between these two. Is spending a couple of dollars worth it to go for the Moondrop Aria 2? I mainly play Valorant.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The aria 2 is worse than the zero for gaming. So no

[@muhammadnawfal1169]

versus the tangzu fudu, which one is better?

[@MayankJairaj]

another tangent but did u feel any difference between the audio queues in CSGO and CS2? Theres a lot of debate on whether its true or not, sry havin been up with the streams so might be a repeated question. Great to see yters like u spend so much in upping the production quality - a measurement rig is such a cool addition!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Oh for sure I notice a difference. Cs 2 I have really good results with certain IEMs but others that worked well in go are kind of just. Meh in cs2

[@_fiftyseven_]

Would you recommend getting this over the Audio Technica M40X? I will get a new headphone for my PC and was wondering which one to get for mostly gaming, video editing and music.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Actually haven’t tried that one

[@Axel-lt5jb]

Is it worth the price compare to EW200? Someone said it is very similar..

[@lukee..]

how loong is the cable? i need to know if i need to get an extending cable

[@FpsPhil]

Loving the channel and the content 😀 will you be doin a video for black-friday sales?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Amazing idea!!!

[@colinmartin9797]

Id be curious to hear your opinions on the simgot em6l and moondrop chu 2. The em6l feels downright superb in games,

[@adrieel]

He did a full review on the EM6L and highly recommends it

[@vvraithz]

Great review! Congrats on the kid! I just joined the dad club a couple months ago, it has me eyeing the Audeze Maxwell haha. I never played pro but was very good at Halo 2. Loved me some 1v1, FFA, and big team battle. What do you think of Infinite?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I actually need to jump back into it! I need to grab the Maxwell and do a review asap for you

[@Evan-xs8ts]

I really want to see what an upgrade from the orchestra lite would be, but am conflicted. I want to upgrade primarily for music listening, but do not want to compromise gaming. Is the xenns top a worthy upgrade, or should I wait for a better one like the monarch mk3?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like the top for music yea

[@Samammie]

Been a while since I have seen one of your videos on my feed ❤❤Hope you and the fam are doing well! Still recommending the Dunu Kima's at that price point for gaming? 😅😅

[@FreshReviewsYT]

For sure!!!! Good seeing you 😜

[@nightmode.]

I love the case included. It's definitely larger than the one included in the first Aria.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

It’s not bad! Just feels a bit flimsy

[@filosavage7475]

Massive improvement to the cable compared to the aria 1 which frayed and kinked hard

[@themilk3]

Awesome review. I just got the Simgot EM6L based on your recommendation and it's very very good. I use it for COD multiplayer and it's awesome. Keep up the very helpful and amazing videos. The gaming focus of your content is very helpful. If possible please review the Final Audio VR3000 and E500. They are iems specialized on spatial audio for gaming. It would be great if you could give your perspective on them. There is also the VR2000 but I think right now its only available in Japan lol.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Glad they worked out!

[@-jetset-331]

I have to say this is the best video I have seen on iems since I have started on this hobby. (I have watched a lot of videos)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Wow Ty!

[@bluecost]

Can't wait to hear 2 cents on the lamzu maya.

[@zerotactix5739]

Hey Fresh, I have the Truthear Zero blues, and I love them for most games. But just wanna ask you if the Zero Reds are also great for a few games like Doom, Metal Hellsinger where the Blues could get fatiguing after like an hour of play. For such do you think the warmer Reds would sort the issue while sounding good? I feel such games with continuous music banging would require something warm or even dark.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I think they’d be good yea! Could try something like the kiwi ears melody too

[@zerotactix5739]

@@FreshReviewsYT but games like Doom and Metal Hellsinger are quite heavy on layering, which you said the Melody struggles with. They basically play metal songs on top of game sounds and they're quite hectic as well. So I guess I'll play it safe and just get the Reds. Thanks Fresh!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@zerotactix5739 that’s true! And my apologies. I felt the melody would be good for resolution and immersion but I’m actually unfamiliar with the doom campaign. Actually haven’t played it ! Layering and separation can definitely be a pain with a lot going on

[@MayankJairaj]

just cut out the treble frequencies and tune the midrange down a bit specifically for doom, I have both there isn't a lot of difference in between the two

[@KaibillKaan]

yeaaaah buddy! a new fresh iem review! my favorite flavor. not surprised another moondrop iem didnt make the list. they make alright stuff, but their pricing to quality and tonality is outta wack for me. Also are you gonna do a review for that fiio k11? looks like a nice budget AIO, it doesnt meet my power needs personally, but would still love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!

[@nickb365]

Just noticed you are using an elagto xlr. I was thinking about getting it and was wondering how the audio is out the jack or do you use a normal dac and amp?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Normal dac amp. I wouldn’t use the audio out of the back

[@nvt1188]

Hi Fresh i kinda consider zero red blue or aria 2 or should i afford more to buy the hexa? (apex player and music soft btw)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Zero blue

[@toolanddie9789]

I just ordered the xenns mangird top based off your recommendation. Can't wait to get them. What ear tips do you recommend for them?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I believe I used spinfits as my primary if I recall correctly

[@toolanddie9789]

@@FreshReviewsYT thank you

[@colophus1735]

Hey! Id love to get your insight on an IEM replacement for my Arctis Nova 7 over ears. I am getting too much head fatigue! I plat Finals, cod and League mostly!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Hey check my newest video and check the description. Have recommendations for different price points

[@exactom6320]

I just got the Free DSP cable from moondrop it looks just like that aria2 stock cable.

[@Nimgyu]

I'm trying to decide between aria 2 and vesper 2, which one has less muddy mid/low mids? (thinking about metal music)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t tried the vesper two unfortunately

[@itsbige8312]

Dr Stone wallpaper, I see you're a man of great taste Mr Fresh

[@FreshReviewsYT]

❤️

[@miksyapan4914]

New subscribre here. I hope you could provide soon a tier list of IEM for tact shoot esp. CS2 and PUBG. I have been looking for a channel that is dedicated for competitive tact for IEMs.

[@adrienpech5925]

What audio settings in cs2 do you use ? From what I saw, I put the crisp profile, Isolation L/R between 50 to 70% and disable improved perspective, I also disable windows spatial enhancement. I personally use the EM6L thanks to your recommendation ;)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Glad they’re smacking!!

[@zDennii]

uff crisp ? im high sensitive it would maybe blast my ears out. which dac/amp you are using ? .. I just tested Shanling ua3 & ve prime dac. Both are great for my Ears.

[@zDennii]

cant comment on the EM6L pick but my Simgot EA500 seems not good anymore for CS2 its to chaos with the sounds. Seeaudio Bravery good , Letsshuoer Z12 are good and blon B03 are okeeeey.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@zDennii I didn’t like the ea500

[@zDennii]

@@FreshReviewsYT in csgo it was fine to game with them but they lacking very hard now in cs2. But for music its a great iem :D

[@SpicyKalabasa]

I got the simgot em6l based on your recommendation. I travel a lot and my hd560s is taking too much space in my luggage. Now my hd560s stays at home. If i have to upgrade in the future from em6l, what do you suggest? Huge upgrade from em6l but not too expensive

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like the Yanyin canon 2

[@SpicyKalabasa]

@@FreshReviewsYT thanks Fresh, will definitely look into it.

[@Sinhearted]

do you also use audio mixer software for gaming? if so which ones.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t

[@calpispop]

Being able to screw down and lock the plug is a nice touch to the cable and also keeps the plug shorter overall than most that have interchangeable plugs. Also congrats getting a measurement rig! Will you be doing a dedicated vid about it once you get it dialed it?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

For sure! And I’ll go back through and measure older IEMs I’ve tested

[@rkk960]

Hey could you reccomend a basshead IEM my budget is about $300, i tried the sennheiser ie300 and do like them however they didnt fit my ear well, and i have tried the tangzu wu heyday and do love them but they are a bit big. I want something bassy with good gaming performance and music listening and on the smaller side.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Mmmmm the Yanyin canon 2’s are great. Not necessarily pure bass head but great bass level and clean

[@rkk960]

gotcha, I know they are in totally different price brackets but what do you think about the moondrop variations and the moondrop s8@@FreshReviewsYT

[@user-iv7oh9uq1h]

Will these be good for Xbox gaming for cod or apex. I see lulu luvely use them so curious

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yes but you would need a mic solution

[@roviccastillo9087]

I don't know if you'll ever check it out but if you can review the Softears Studio 4 it would be highly appreciated Thank you for your insights and contribution for the audiophile/gaming community, keep up the good work! 🤟

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!!!

[@riddick5019]

Bro when Truthear Nova?I have huge expectations that Nova will be ZERO on Steroids.

[@jannmitchelle123]

Same I'm waiting for it too, solid releases this month from simgot, the chopin and nova. They're tuned pretty close so I'm excited about how they sound

[@FreshReviewsYT]

This weekend I can try my best!

[@Kaido128]

Literally just was gonna comment this

[@zerotactix5739]

I know they look like the Zeroes aesthetically, but I think they're the opposite of it based on other reviews I saw. Might not be the ideal choice for gaming.

[@francisplourde2277]

I heard they suck

[@MuseR.]

U gonna review that scuff envision pro to the side 👀👀

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I need to use it more for sure

[@MuseR.]

@@FreshReviewsYT you should, I'd like to see your thoughts on it for sure.

[@soomeboi]

Im currently using the dunu vulkans and in 2 games (warzone and the finals) whenever i shoot my gun the audio is way too loud but all other audio (enemies shooting/footsteps) is hard to hear. Any idea why this is? Im not using an amp or anything. They're Just plugged directly into the p.c..can anybody relate?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Can absolutely be the amp dac that will solve that for you. On board audio can have lack of depth and stage, leading to things having less separation so when you shoot it just feels like a hot sizzlly mess

[@khonjel_singh]

I'm kinda fed up with Moondrop as a brand tbh. I've never thought about filter imbalance before I used Moondrop IEMs. OG Aria and Chu both experienced channel imbalance because of filter issue. Didn't know you got a kid. Congrats and pity I guess lol. I can feel the tiredness in your voice.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Very tired these days lol. Was up till 3am doing this one

[@khonjel_singh]

@@FreshReviewsYT oof hang in there bud.

[@mmhoss]

removed the filters from chu and never had a problem again

[@vlad1500]

hi, ive been watching for a while. mostly to know what IEMs are good for gaming. but one thing you lack is just including comfort when reviewing these IEMs. Like how big are the nozzle etc. for instance the truthear zero has really big nozzles making them not so comfortable to use. So i can't fully 100% just go by what you are saying i needed to google more information. i would appreciate if you included that information. thanks.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Comfort is veeeerrrrryyyy subjective though. But just so you know, for me I’d say this is one of the smaller and more comfortable fitting IEMs

[@vlad1500]

@@FreshReviewsYT yes but if you started to say whats comfortable to you and whats not and we do buy that IEM we would have a frame of reference as what you find comfy.

[@khonjel_singh]

@@vlad1500 nah. It's better this way. Like he said comfort is subjective and reviewing audio gear is already subjective enough.

[@MayankJairaj]

​@@vlad1500the problem is people like me wouldve missed out on really good iems if he said it's not comfortable 😅 The earholes are a bit adaptible is what I'm trying to say. For me I use the largest tips on the TxC 0 and I don't even feel the nozzle

[@ruthwursun747]

TruthearHexa or crinale x zero red or aria 2 or ea500 In my cart rn i need to buy 1 watched so many review couldn't decide what to buy please give some suggest Note: this was my first Iem

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Crinacle zero blue if gaming focus or if you can go higher the simgot em6l

[@ruthwursun747]

@@FreshReviewsYT why not recommending aria 2 coz aria 1 was super hit ig ??

[@emilttfu2108]

hey, what mousepad is that? :)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

That’s a monochrome rizz pad! Coming soon

[@ChrisBtw]

They were growing on me till i joined discord......the audio of discord sounds the same as £5 corner store bought cheap made earphones.

[@Fahad1999win]

How do you compare it with dunu kima ?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Kima is much better

[@jonathansanchezmedina]

For cs2 what iems you recommend?

[@deadzone29]

Truthear x crinacle zero blue Truthear x crinacle hexa (the best) And this one in the video snow version

[@maanga888]

LFG time to graph em all

[@ifteykharulislam]

Can u suggest a basshead iem plz

[@FreshReviewsYT]

What’s your budget!

[@oofdz]

what was your alias in cs1.6?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Kimber.

[@SebiX-fp2ux]

What is the mousepad on the background?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Monochrome rizz

[@SebiX-fp2ux]

@@FreshReviewsYT Thanks!

[@nez5732]

Moondrops releases are kinda meh, congrats on having Fresh Jr tho Godspeed on your journey! also cs2 audio engine is just horrible, i saw a vid on twitter on how terrible directional audio is. great vid as always, hope to see more, cheers!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ty!!!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Definitely explains why they were worse in cs2 haha

[@nez5732]

@@FreshReviewsYT any chance of reviewing the fiio k11? heard its pretty good as a budget dac for audio, would love to see your take on how it does on gaming

[@SlickSniper3]

Do you remember FluaxoN from the 1.6 days?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t. Was he on west coast? I was primarily east. I played for TEC, united5, ascension and a few others. My name was Kimber

[@MuseR.]

Yeeeea boi 😤😤😤

[@brrrserkr]

Where is the Xenns Top review?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

it was in a round up

[@brrrserkr]

@@FreshReviewsYT It's unfortunate that it didn't get its own video considering it's topping your mid-fi leaderboard

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@brrrserkr Maybe we will change that if we have time

[@pokrog]

Yeah this went pretty much exactly like I thought it would lol. I still can't believe there are people out there that rave about the OG Aria for gaming. It just plain sucks.

[@marx7048]

Congrats on having a kid!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha thanks. Recently it’s actually number two! 😱 ❤️

[@dreidrei1643]

Jesus Loves all of you guys

[@matthewbeavs]

🫡

[@chrisjohnson9306]

👋😀👍

[@luizengrazia5169]

I wanna be just like you when I grow up🥹