Moondrop Para: Savior of Chinese Headphones?

headphone market better start watching their backs...
Ad read sponsored by headphones.com
~~~
PATREON: / crinacle
TWITTER: / crinacle
DISCORD: / discord
SUBREDDIT: / inearfidelity
HOODIE: merch.crinacle.com
~~~
00:00 Intro
01:09 Disclaimers
• Why you SHOULDN'T trus...
02:08 Moondrop Venus
• Can Moondrop disrupt t...
03:24 Moondrop undercutting themselves
05:07 Build quality
06:03 Why is the Para good?
07:40 Versus the competition
~~~
CAM: Sony a7S III + FE 35mm f/1.8
MIC: Sony UWP-D27

[@crin]

Want to test out the Para? Come to The Hangout! 29B Mosque Street, Level 3 Singapore 059507 goo.gl/maps/qRhMgtUBZ2FWu6gX9

[@artimation4710]

Yo mama

[@karolkilian2402]

Hi i would like to ask if these will be good with the moondrop dawn pro or should I go with the Moonriver 2Ti????????

[@VaultF]

Hey Crin, did you get the Moondrop Joker yet?

[@miraixu6817]

​@@VaultFwatch his shorts

[@VaultF]

@@miraixu6817 ok thanks.

[@rickyaozora]

i'm here for the moondrop's anime art

[@tarigof123]

Same

[@MCPEngu1]

+1

[@VSN-wb2ly]

Got priority straight

[@forginator]

you got that right

[@heyking8583]

The only thing moondrop did right

[@SpookySkeletonGang]

I probably won't pick em up, but I cannot WAIT for overear headphones to go through the same revolution that IEM's went through (if it can). I've been waiting to upgrade my 6XX's since those things launched and there's been nothing that really caught my eye that isn't also 3x the price.

[@EikoandMog]

I'm absolutely in the same boat as you. I have been very close to picking up some Hifiman Edition XS, though.

[@ReikiMaulana]

Genuinely can't wait for a sub $200 audiophile headphones..

[@user-mh6ie9wm6m]

@@ReikiMaulana Fiio JT1 big dog. absolutely slammin for the price. This is coming from a guy who uses LCD-2c's. SLAMMIN, for the price. Theiaudio ghost's too.

[@mikafoxx2717]

The Aune ar5000 looks like it's like the Para but even better.. flat bass, good mids, not overly bright treble. I use 600's and Sundara and this sounds like the best in between of their best qualities.. Will have to see how it goes since I ordered a pair.

[@eugenekoh94]

I can attest: I auditioned the Para at the Hangout for good while and after that I was sold enough to zip straight down to Sam Audio and buy myself a pair. Absolute steal of the year!

[@Superlee900]

I know crin touched on it briefly in the video, but i was wondering how you think they compare to the HD600 (if you have tried)? I was thinking of buying a pair of those but i am now intrigued by the para. I currently only have blessing 2 as my iems which i love and grado sr80x are my only headphones however i dont love them. Looking for something to use for music but also as headphones for general pc/gaming use. Thanks

[@raf.nogueira]

I can't decide between the Moondrop Para, and Hifiman Sundara or Hifiman Ananda... Can you please help me , I can't buy all of these to test it =/

[@Athez]

What do you think about it's weight? Does it distribute its mass on your head and fit well, or was it bothering you by any chance?

[@zurielchew3083]

@@raf.nogueirai’ve tried all, and in my opinion, the ananda is the best! and it’s becoming really affordable these days so…definitely i’d recommend the anandas!

[@nclark5720]

how do they sound compared to say the AKG k371 or the moondrop aria/starfield/kato IEMs? i love the harman-like sound those all have. the AKG k371 is awesome but the build quality is quite troubling

[@Dartagnyan]

6 months in and my theory of "my weird head shape" it's not just the screws falling off, it's the plastic going snape 3 times already. I returned it and slammed down my cash for an LCD-X.

[@catdampawshaker2735]

Not quite a once a week video thing but still great and wonderful to see you uploading consistent content. Hope you have a great week

[@cadmiumpureland]

I have no doubt Moondrop will come up with a more budget “Para” at around $150 very soon. I think their tactics is to test water first. If responses are good, they will go all out in “attack mode” with their more budget Para. 😊

[@vianhoho19]

Definitely looking forward to try these 👀 considering the price, these might be the Sundara alternative I've been looking for and I adore the Sundara 🥰

[@raf.nogueira]

I can't decide between the Moondrop Para, and Hifiman Sundara or Hifiman Ananda... Can Someone please help me , I can't buy all of these to test it =/

[@juanblanco7898]

​​@@raf.nogueira Have you got any headphones already? You can try equalising them to Para, Sundara and Arya as targets. See what sounds best to you. Alternatively if there's a different target curve you prefer you could try looking how well those can be equalised to it via AutoEQ in Crinacle's measurement comparison tool. You can assess how well do they confirm to the target you're aiming for, how much filters each of them requires and how drastic/intense those filters have to be (less is better). Generally the model that has the least amount of deviations from the target out of the box is best, but it's not always the case. If there are big dips/spikes in the treble area you won't be able to EQ them well and it may come with some potentially significant drawbacks. Also you may look at how smooth the FR graph is. IIRC Sundara has a somewhat wobbly FR throughout the entire audible range with fluctuations of around ~0,5-1,5 dB, which are most likely audible and cannot be corrected via EQ. How much do they affect the perceived sound and to what detriment is an open question, though. But they seem to have less stable/linear driver behaviour than Para.

[@raf.nogueira]

I didn't yet @@juanblanco7898 Still trying to choose between Moondrop para, hifiman sundara and ananda

[@vincelongman3264]

Nice to see more headphone reviews :D

[@jamescruz8678]

Can't wait for Moondrop to rerelease these for $100 less

[@hamedori]

That's the problem lol. They are going to make a cheaper version of this for like $150 or something, taking into account how often they pump out new products. For me, I might as well go for a different specialization like the HD6x0 for now, Prime day discounts and all. Will probably bag Para once it goes down priced.

[@jamescruz8678]

@@hamedori If it even is a problem, it's a good one to have. Good headphones should be more accessible.

[@hamedori]

@@jamescruz8678 Agreed. Just speaking about the now.

[@pliedtka]

Considering that I will have to Locktite the falling screws and it's quite heavy, the $100 would compensate for it.

[@Tilt_TM]

I have a pair of Sundara headphones and I love them. I find that the angled ear cups fit my head very well and it completely negates the need for any swivel. I don't like how poorly secured the leather strap is though, I had it pull out on one side because I accidentally dropped something on top of them while they were sitting on my headphone stand.

[@duchieu235]

i have a theory that headphones arent as popular in asia because the climate is hot therefore everyone uses fans therefore you cant use open back headphones because of the noise

[@IsaacBrown-kk7jx]

Also headphones make ears hot

[@Chin2006]

that's true for me at least 🤣

[@peerapongruaksasarn7641]

Yes, sweat around the ears is the worst. I have to turn on AC if I want to use it. Noise from fan is not much of a problem for openback tho.

[@J7T800]

Headphones are also more of a "sit-down" activity. You need to be stationary to get the best experience. I can't do that when I'm constantly walking for hours. Also, wearing headphones during travel feels like I have side mirrors on my head. I need to compensate distance just in case the headphones get snagged onto something.

[@Draciel360]

I can see that, before I sat down to watch this video with Sundaras on I got up to turn off my air purifier lol

[@ArvidOlson]

Would love to hear you thoughts on the sound of the moondrop space travel

[@fluffyfluffz584]

We need crins take on space travel vs nekocake

[@st.altair4936]

Yess

[@thanhthanh-eq6fx]

i only have space travel , but nekocake based on grpah the mid range is distorted , space travel has better mid , treble is not harsh, no peaks, nothing to complain abt treble in that price range, just no flaw in the treble. soundstage is decent but imaging is bad like all tws ive tried . detail/resolution is.... bad ? ( im used to planar and ba so i find dynamic has lower detail but dynamic has much more note weight and sounds more relaxing so currently i prefer dynamic ) . bass is ok , quantity is not too much/too little and quality is not deep/thump, just only acceptable, but the bass does not standout in the music and i prefer it cuz it makes music more natural. it has some noise floor but only in 0db environment. sometimes the connection drops ( 3~5 times per day). Disclamer : it's my opinion not fact so your mileage may vary

[@chair5728]

@@thanhthanh-eq6fxHow’s the noise cancelling?

[@heyking8583]

Better than xm4 for sure

[@TheElly750]

Thats great. That's exactly what i was expected from moondrop getting into headphones. And i was looking for something new in that price range too.

[@derkoekje]

You should review the NAN-7. I know you put up measurements for the NAN-6. Interested to hear your take, and it might be interesting for people to try out in your demo space since it's not very commonly available.

[@soejrd24978]

Interested in the Timeless V2 and latest releases around the €300 mark. Just picked up a regular Timeless for €220 and very happy with it.

[@chair5728]

I’ve heard iffy things about the Timeless V2’s, like tuning and MMCX

[@LyK0sa]

Resolve measured the TV2 in a vid recently, no idea if he had a straight up broken unit, but to say the tuning was borked was an understatement.

[@rokushou]

I got my Venus pretty soon after release and have been using it since as my daily driver for home listening. Even though it's not redefining the price bracket, I still think it's very good.

[@kiahweelee9994]

Great view. Awesome that you only focus on sound quality.

[@yasins449]

hey crin. great video as always. I have question for you. are you ever planning on starting to test monitoring speakers and creating a tier list?

[@fahmitaufik1254]

IMO testing for speakers is much more challenging than IEM and Headphones mainly because there's so many parameter that can affect the sound even on the same models, namely room accoustics, mic placement, etc and it's a much more niche market.

[@Pizzastealingninja]

Listening to this on my work-provided meeting headset from the esteemed hifi titan Dell, I'm sure you approve without hesitation. I can almost hear your sibilances.

[@user-ej8db5ej2e]

Finally, update for the over-ear ranking list.

[@onyhow]

Wait, isn't it $50 cheaper than Sundara? I thought Sundara is 350, the same as ATH-R70x? Speaking of that, I wonder how Para compares to the ATH-R70x or the HD600

[@bernardoandrade88]

R70X 🥰

[@andrearenaudo9045]

Sundara MSRP is 350$, but its street price nowadays is closer to 250$

[@millsjonah]

Nope, Sundara MSRP is $300 now

[@onyhow]

@@millsjonah Huh, interesting. Still yeah, still interesting to see the Para only get B+, which is still below the 2 headphones I mentioned, which get A- from crin despite the glowing reviews here.

[@issyoi]

went to hangout to try these holy its good

[@karolkilian2402]

OMGGGG OMGGGG THANKS FOR THIS REVIEWWW!!!!!! LOVE YOUUUU! WAS WAITING FROM WHEN THEY DROPPED IT!!! I REALLY MEAN IT! LOVE U!

[@HebuTheLoneWolf]

i havent given a try for IEMs yet but i have been some what interested. these cans look nice but still pricy for my budget. i mainly want over ear headphones due to the comfort but being some one who loves sub bass its hard to find headphones that perform well in the low 30Hz range. the music i listen tends to hover in the low 30Hz high 40Hz and sometimes going as low as low 20Hz range. but trying to find ones that perform well and sound clean in the 100€ range is bit hard and i prefer ones that have swappable cable so i can quickly swap for cans that perform better when gaming and then swap to EQ that is more suited for them and i know. having a good speaker setup with subwoofer is the best option for low bass music but living in a apartment building, low powerful bass aint good if u dont want to get kicked out xD

[@Jenner_IIC]

It's nice to see more good headphones enter the mid budget bracket, as something of a broke fuck myself due to weak currency in country, it's good to see more stuff I could reasonably potentially afford to finally replace my DT770 Pro

[@Ballacha]

Really hope to see chifi DD headphones. I’m so tired of the entry level DD market being dominated by shit tuning from audiotechnica and beyerdynamic etc. Chifi lords please come and fill this void.

[@HDStreichholz]

first time i hear about beyers having shit tuning

[@juanblanco7898]

​@@HDStreichholz You can't be serious, m8.

[@Knowbody42]

​@@HDStreichholz beyers remorse?

[@Ballacha]

@@HDStreichholz on a scale of 9 to 10 how much do you enjoy Beats by Dre?

[@DANKKrish]

okay but hd560s

[@el_projects]

you made me laugh, you get a thumbsup from me. haven't laugh for a while now

[@botpotato]

I like your new hair style

[@matthewhilty4209]

I don't usually like the planar headphone sound but I like the Sundara. If they tamed that upper treble on the Para as you said this might be a decent upgrade.

[@hypnoz7871]

Just learn to EQ...

[@prithvib8662]

Does that ranking mean an incoming update to the headphone ranking list?

[@fungalgrowth]

I don't see it as competition to my HD560S at that ridiculous weight but this is a pretty exciting development that instills hope in the future

[@legendredux1291]

are they close to each other in terms of tuning or dunno I aint audio guy but I have the 560s and looking at para or venus

[@mikew9788]

560s are very good

[@nftbandit9645]

I’ve tried the chu, chu 2, aria SE and now Kato. The Katos are incredible and I love them. I’ve really enjoyed their line of products except for one small problem… The filter issue that I have had now which is very common apparently is SO DAMN ANNOYING. I’ve had 3 sets of Chus, all 3 have experienced the filter issue. Even one pair of them within one week of use. My Aria SE gave me this issue as well after 5 months,

[@findingjapanartist9836]

Kato heavy user here Well the filter is definitely an issue for Kato and I found that u can't get the new filter where moondrop only sells the whole set for both nozzles for the price around 10$ I tried to buy it once and it still wear out like the stock set for around half a year So what I do is I go find a stainless steel filter online for just a few bucks and slap it on the nozzle like usual and it works perfectly fine U can go find one too and the size is 4.0 mm

[@nikilragav]

What's the issue?

[@aj0413_]

Thank you for including link to other review in timeline/description; always annoying when I have to manually go find that when a creator references previous video :/

[@ClampyStew]

definitely interesting offer from moondrop

[@DK83650]

Crin, will u make 7hz Sonus review? Any time soon?

[@fsalencar]

thank you man

[@massamendmentauditor114]

back to your other video saying we don't need a amp do you think we are going to need a amp ? for the para or do you think a dongle dac will work fine ? i own a THX dongle dac and have a para coming was wondering if its enough my daily drivers are the Xenns up love those more of a iem person going to be my first over ear

[@Medsas]

poor Timmy he has to listen to the video very carefully to get all the instructions from his boss 😂😂😂

[@CalvinMOfficial]

Crinacle, How is the transient response and soundstage on the Para compared to the Sundara and Edition XS? Im looking for a Planar for mixing duties and have narrowed it down to Para, MM100 or Edition XS? Ive already owned the Sundara but found transients to be soft, similar to my HD 600 and I would like a planar with great transient detail, great midrange, extended bass but not over powering and a better soundatage than my HD600.

[@AWDjesus]

Tried both at SoCal CanJam and I preferred the Para over the Venus.

[@bigb0ss282]

The KZ ZSX was already plenty great. + the new TWS adapters with less buzzing...

[@bukursglass6990]

Man out of everyone I’ve asked if absolutely love your opinion!! I’m getting the HD 800s headphones, specifically for gaming , I just really want an immersive experience, can you please recommend a dac and amp to pair it with?

[@Polyfusia]

I think come the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 there will be several options that make the Para seem antiquated. This is a new market that is just taking off. Other manufacturers of headphones should be worried, and audiophiles should rejoice that it's finally taking off.

[@chinmaykapoor]

An irrelevant question to this video: But should I buy Oppo enco air 3 pro or nothing ear 2 if they are both available at the same price i.e 60$ ? Because that's my budget👀

[@izzy_kunn]

hi crin can you review the hisenior t4 and the hisenior okavango cause i didn't see much review about this product and i want to know what your thought on it

[@matejgrim]

Now I'm waiting for a closed back

[@amuria55]

I almost got this one. I actually got a Hifiman Edition XS because it was on a super sale, it will arrive next week. But I have the feeling my next headphones will be from Moondrop. Not sure wich one yet.

[@naff9n435]

Hey crin can you do a test for current IEM bluetooth module(trn,kz,fiio,ibasso) on a plannar IEM? I always wondered how the Bluetooth modules performs because there have been development since the first time they were introduced on the market

[@disastrousemouse]

Compared to Edition XS? Does it compete with that?

[@aleknadane473]

@crincacle Have you compared to the Fiio FT5?

[@jsuwangsa]

Now I need them halves the price again for the next one 😂

[@fauzanmuharram4202]

please review your ranking a headphones..the old king r70x and hd600 :)

[@vascosilva8755]

Hello. Nothing related to this video but im not sure what to buy. I want to buy iems but a want a mic too. I dont know if i buy the kimura solo wich already have mic or if i buu the truthear zero and then the kinera celest riyu cable wich have a mic. The price is almost the same but i dont know wich is best. Any help here?

[@markothomas9765]

the left channel of my edition xs died recently and it will cost me 170us to get these replaced. Should I go ahead with this or should I put my money towards a para or a future even better headphone. Thought the crin viewers might have opinions

[@fatdoi003]

Crin, can you please upload again your Drop HD8XX video?? missed your rant on that one

[@bezchlebalukas1779]

Hello @crinacle thanks for video, i would like to ask would you recomend sennheiser HD600 or would you recommend Para? Is it compartable? Thanks of answer.

[@BOOGA97]

Dont worry crin, im still developing a way to get my big ass truck over there via driving on the bottom of the ocean. Im close to a breakthrough to get to that sampling room

[@st.altair4936]

Thoughts on Moondrop Space Travel?

[@nazarinoutama8269]

Just wait a few months till they undercut this again lol Joke aside, planning to get Para soon, glad I found your video

[@hannahjocelyn4021]

How would you compare it to the ATH R7Ox?

[@lgude]

Nice review. I have a lot of Chifi. It is great value.

[@sonGOKU_007]

is shp9600 good? or is there something better in the same price range.

[@boojoos]

Hey Crinacle, I was wondering if you can recommend a pair of headphones for music in the price range of $100-150 dollars there’s a lot of options online just hard to pick I just want some clean overall sounding headphones. ❤

[@CastledMallard]

Hey Crinacle! could you please make video on the Google Pixel buds pro? i really am interested in buying them but i cant bring myself to buy them until i hear an opinion from the Audio king!

[@DelusionalCookie]

I can't wait to try these. I've been waiting on buying headphones until I can get a good pair of waifu box headphones. lol. Too bad I don't have a reason to take a trip up to Singapore for a day or two to come check out your place. Hopefully soon...

[@dressant4541]

PARAbéns (congratulations in portuguese) to Moondrop for create a new revolution on Head-fi

[@AzusaNyaa]

Parabens aren't good things in English 🤣🤣

[@vzxvzvcxasd7109]

Blessing 3 crin collab please!!

[@pawebielak7129]

I won't lie : sitting here in Poland and checking how far is your lounge earphone place makes me very sad

[@mehedihassan3692]

What do you think about recent bangers from Simgot? Have you tried them yet?

[@DjamTG12345]

god I wish I lived in singapore, I would literally be at crinacles place everyday

[@EfectTorn]

what is the name of black ear tips use in truthear x crinacle zero??

[@Boundless2k10]

the chinese company Sivga also has decent headphones (love my Sivga SV023 to death)

[@getsideways7257]

Sivga Aiva is probably the best choice in the "cheap" region.

[@markvicferrer]

Given the history, should I just wait for them to undercut themselves again?

[@bakaoug4g491]

People in Africa transport belonging on their heads. While people complain 500gr is too heavy.

[@texmo42]

Which amplifier was used for testing? It's impedance is 8 ohm, probably requires lot of current.

[@getsideways7257]

Probably a poweramp for driving loudspeakers :)

[@AnbuReckz]

Crin uploads I watch. That is all

[@azeilor]

Have you tried the Kimura Duo IEM's?

[@cloudchaser21]

Can anyone help me remember the song played in 1:06 , I swear I've listened to this tune alot but I cant point it out exactly which song is it.

[@luthfifalaqi8138]

Dude, have you try Asus ROG TWS? I sceptical about it, they do make a good laptop but idk about TWS

[@ZenzaburoBronica]

with the ananda stealth refurbs at 350 usd and amazon selling them new for 399 usd, would these still compete price per dollar?

[@getsideways7257]

And what about the Ananda Nano...

[@leziggy]

Moondrop undercutting the competition and themselves, guess friendly fire was on xD

[@andikawidianto9060]

Damn shure 440 might go down to b- or even c rank in the upcoming rankings

[@thatboywolf9123]

We need a galaxy buds FE video soon

[@DriveKnightJaden175]

You didn't review the Moondrop Chu 2 so now I had to buy them without knowing your rating for them, I got them for $17 on sale though

[@Katzykor]

Dark sabers next week?

[@acasccseea4434]

Blessing 3 crin when please

[@HyperOpticalSaint]

Solis 2 review?

[@noreworks]

Is there a wireless moondrop aria?

[@ShinraExecutive]

Anyone have a recommendation for alternative pads?

[@DaBigBoo_]

they come with two types. so you should be covered

[@sr7productions564]

Can you review Marshall Minor 3 tws?

[@SlavicDedede]

Have you tried the Chu 2s yet?

[@getsideways7257]

And the FD11...

[@MrEsteb4n]

Crinacle please review Moondrop Chu 2

[@Flash_510]

you think these are good for a competitive gamer ? like great imaging/soundstaging?

[@legendredux1291]

does this make venus obsolete ?

[@totally_not_a_bot]

The Venus looks like brushed stainless steel, the Para looks like media blasted Aluminum. Aluminum is about 10% lighter than steel.

[@shalinkhalif]

Boys should i get galaxy buds 2 or truthear zero's ? (All i care about is sound but yes convenience still helps ) ,as Rated by crinacle buds 2 are B+ ,zero's are not better then hexa so they're for sure atmost b+ as well

[@burns0100]

Honestly I could of had the Venus, HBB did a giveaway and I got to pick between Venus and Beautiful World. End up with BW IEM as I'd never spend $1200 AUD on an IEM and I knew the Para was coming out soon. I think Moondrop have nailed the Planar market for their own little place in it. I just think they'd do the same with the dynamic market now and have a solid closed back option. Give Beyerdynamics a run for their money. I think Moondrop have gone a little off the deep end with launching products half way through RnD, like a little more work on tuning and they'd be good and a little more quality in the materials used for the build and they'd be great. Just seems like another 6-12 months of work and some of these headphones would rival that of their IEM's releases. Hopefully in the future Moondrop can pull it off, I give them some slack because not many companies even those big ones like Sennheiser can manage to pull off making good products for both Headphone and IEM markets. It's generally one or the other. So Moondrop having two decent headphones already with the Venus and Para and hopefully another on its way with the ES driver flagship, I have to give them credit. So far it's a 50% success rate which is good.

[@biggestch33se]

still can't afford it :(

[@NormalGuy964]

am i the only one who has moondrop products failing after a few months ?? , my 2 chu's didnt last over 7 months before they left headphones died, and the aria my friend bought came with a faulty cable so only one side works for now,, has anyone had a working fine for a year or somthing like that ???