Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (2DD+2BA+2Planar) IEM Review

Thank you Crinacle for sending this for review.
Disclaimer!!! This is all subjective, take everything I say with a grain of salt.
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[@HobbyTalk]

Moondrop Dusk Update: After using the test track Listener suggested in their review I was able to hear the digital artifacts they noticed: headphones.com/blogs/reviews/moondrop-x-crinacle-dusk-an-inconvenient-truth#section-3 The presence of these artifacts raises significant concerns regarding the performance of the DSP cable. Consequently, I find it challenging to endorse its purchase for individuals seeking the DSP tuning feature. Still great analog. Thank you Listener for bringing this to my attention. I will include this test track in future listening sessions.

[@KarthikGRisKGR]

Even with its issues isn't it the best money can buy at this price range or do we have a better option if we increase our budget a little bit.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@KarthikGRisKGR honestly, ya even with the issues it’s still the best moondrop I’ve heard.

[@liammadridista2395]

Nice review and thanks for the mic test I haven't seen anyone else test that.

[@HobbyTalk]

Absolutely! Try my best to test mics when I remember haha

[@_-Z-]

I've heard some horror stories about that Moondrop app already. 😬 Hopefully they'll take the time to develop it more and make it a better user experience. The Dusk sounds like it has a lot going for it (and I guess it better for the price). I think I'm going to add it to my list of considerations and maybe I'll grab a set if it goes on sale. 🤔 Thank you for another great review! 👍

[@HobbyTalk]

Totally! It’s kind of like, if you have last dusk just get the dap cable maybe… but if you don’t have one of the MD this to me is the one to get

[@Tommie22x]

@@HobbyTalk have you tried the blessing dusk 2? if so how does it compare to analog "the dusk"?

[@HobbyTalk]

@@Tommie22x I haven’t no… wish I have

[@sleepuntilspring2786]

You don't need the app if you like the default dsp tuning

[@juanblanco7898]

​​@@HobbyTalk For anyone who has a B2:Dusk it's better to just use third party EQ instead of getting the puny Free DSP cable (unless they're iOS users, I guess). Among other things, one of the main accomplishments here is the absence of ~6 kHz peak of the previous version. That was achievement via driver swap (which resulted in it's own drawbacks), so the default DSP preset won't remedy that since it's not designed to address that issue.

[@devongreer9233]

Boy oh boy i have been waiting for this! Meteor is my favorite as well and i have been wondering how the dsp dusk compares. I preordered the Dusk so i cant wait. 🤙🏽

[@HobbyTalk]

Nice! You might be like me and have a blast with the bass + haha Dusk with DSP cable has found its way into my listening rotation so it is quite good imo. Once you get yours come back and let me know your thoughts!

[@samlawson635]

First - I am loving your content, I initially thought you were a bigger channel! Quality videos man

[@HobbyTalk]

I actually think I have a set of those ear tips… I’ll give them a shot if I can find them. I do think a good multi driver IEM is worth it, even for someone who EQs. The CKLVX I feel is a great place to stop for many especially if they EQ. I really appreciate the kind comment, thank you!

[@juanblanco7898]

What IEMs do you currently have?

[@samlawson635]

@@juanblanco7898 From Moondrop - Aria, Kato, Blessing 2 dusk. Otherwise for the most part I love good cheap IEMs. Tangzu Wan'er, Tangzu Fudu Verse 1, Salnotes Dioko, Truthear Hexa, and some others.

[@RaduOprina]

Now that DSP is more popular, I wonder if we'll see a "true neutral" iem with just a complete flat line tuning and multiple tunings in the app. With a good amount of quality drivers, it might be more than a gimmick.

[@HobbyTalk]

My hope is DSP doesn’t become the default. Didn’t mind it here cause the set is good without it but ya…

[@priyankkapur1587]

Great video, instant subscribe! If I run the Dusks through a DAC like a Qudelix 5k with analog, but EQ it to the same DSP values (Crin made them public), do you think there'll be any changes? Also, I feel like with the DSP cable included, the Dusk can be a lot of people's one-and-done because they no longer, "technically" need an external DAC. But, if you already have a DAC/AMP setup, what other (maybe cheaper) options are there that'll rival the Dusk with DSP? Oh, and thank you for explaining how the DSP cable works with iPhones... I didn't know that.

[@HobbyTalk]

Really appreciate the kind comment. Ya I think EQ will have same effect as DSP as long as you put in the same values. Totally, this could be a one and done for many!

[@juanblanco7898]

It should be the same, if not better due to a better DAC/Amp, but... DUSK has a pretty low impedance, which is almost surely non-linear and might go much lower in some parts of the frequency range than the nominal value measured at 1 kHz only. Depending on the output impedance of the Free DSP cable, it may be introducing some changes to DUSKs FR by that factor alone, apart from the DSP. If that's the case, Qudelix will produce slightly different sound even with the same exact EQ filters applied due to it's low output impedance, which shouldn't result in FR changes for the absolute majority of IEMs (it may for something like CA Andromeda, but impedance THAT low is quite rare). With the kind of channel matching DUSK has (not very good, going by the measurements I've seen), I wouldn't be too concerned about that impedance thing.

[@priyankkapur1587]

@@juanblanco7898interesting. I never considered the impedance as a factor, because they are IEMs, but still something to think about. Could you explain what you mean by the Dusk’s lack of channel matching - is that the difference between Left and Right measurements? Because if that is the case, you’re right, 3db variance in some places is extreme, though I’ll have to try them to see if I notice a difference. Regardless, at this price range that should never be that concern though, which is a shame. Do you have any other recommendations that’ll produce the same clarity and punch above their weight, only one I can think of is the Hype 4?

[@juanblanco7898]

@@priyankkapur1587 Yeah, I was talking about the difference b/w Right and Left channels. It may not be that important, depending on just how severe the issue is - I've seen as high as ~4 dB differences in multiple ranges across the audible spectrum being measured in one case! Regarding my recommendations... It depends on whether you're ready and willing to use EQ. Hype 4 definitely seems like a worthy alternative, but I haven't seen their measurements on the B&K 5128 on any online graph tool, and for me personally that's a hugely important prerequisite. I wouldn't be confident getting them to use without EQ due to the upper treble. I might recommend Truthear Nova or Chopin, but those have a bit less treble extension (That's one of DUSKs strongest points, though the response itself may be somewhat problematic). Whether that matters in your case I do not know, 'cause it'll depend on your hearing. Can you hear up to 18 kHz? Also, what are your budget limits?

[@hazi5961]

I worry about DSP becoming a crutch for lazy manufacturers. Instead of tuning, they'll just slap a DSP cable in the mix and call it a day. If that happens, it would be very bad for the hobby.

[@HobbyTalk]

That’s my worry too…

[@chrisflynn2735]

Its just for usb users mostly phone so therefore not a market breaker at least from my point of view.

[@InfernusdomniAZ]

​@@chrisflynn2735you say that but many reviews I've seen for the dusk say that the regular 3.5mm sounds like garbage compared to the DSP so atleast for the dusk the DSP is a crutch. This guy was the nicest about the 3.5mm I've heard.

[@albertxion513]

​@@InfernusdomniAZ People have too high of expectations for an IEM that is under 500.

[@netnomad47]

Actually the 3.5mm is pretty much the same tuning as the Blessing 2 Dusk. The usb c dsp just adds more bass and slightly less treble. So if you already have the Blessing 2 Dusk. There's really no point in getting these

[@sleepyrhythms6668]

Nice impressions! Hello from Discord!

[@HobbyTalk]

Hello!

[@alex97480]

Man i looking at so many review right now . I actually want for the first time in my life to buy an IEMs i never owe one except a very very long time ago the shure 215. What i own, pretty generaric stuff , XM4(headphone), galaxy bud pro, airpord pro . What is killing me right now is that what kind of price or IEMs should i buy to be wow and be like i never use bluetooth again except for travel or convenience , this is truly an improvement in sound like MAJOR and the answer seems difficult..... I think i can go max 500dollars and from what i can see there is basically : DUsk 2 with DSP ,moondrop variable , theaudio ORacle mk3 , Mega5-EST . im not sure what is an actually an improvement over bluetooth today and sadly im in an area where i can't test nothing.......

[@HobbyTalk]

The Apple AirPod Pro 2 is nuts, i love it! Personally? I’d suggest looking at the Myer Audio SL-41. It is pretty affordable (under $200?) and to me it sounds way more than $200. Great build, amazing sound, truly a great find. It’s my 3rd favorite IEM of all time. My second favorite is the DUNU DaVinci, first is the Symphonium Meteor. Dusk has talked to 4th because the DSP cable has some problems, and tho the analog sound is good I prefer the other 3 I mentioned. I’ve tried well over 100 IEMs now and to me the SL-41 is the best bang for buck.

[@alex97480]

@@HobbyTalk thanks a lot for the recommendation . I didn't see any mention or talk about the Myer Audio SL-41 but o boy the little i found about it , it look to be exactly what im looking for . Im actually genuinely surprise there isn't more talk about it as the few information i found about it are pretty crazy about it.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@alex97480 it’s a really new company. Not many know about it. I was truly impressed with it tho and it’s my top recommendation because of its price to performance. If you do get it let me know your thoughts

[@wongricky9095]

I own this IEM. Sound tuning of DSP default is not the same as analog, and DSP default definitely sounds better in my opinion. Also, the cable for analog is not as good as the DSP cable - I tested the IEM with other much more expensive cables, I would say DSP tuning still sounds better.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@wongricky9095 totally, DSP tuning is awesome!

[@Mixail747]

Apparently you missed the most interesting DSP setting where all the magic is happening.

[@apothecy4011]

Tried both. DUSK with DSP beats the Monarch MK3 let alone the Meteor. DUSK with DSP is $1200 level. DUSK + DSP is the sub $1k king for me

[@HobbyTalk]

It is really fricking good with the DSP… I feel you

[@apothecy4011]

​@@HobbyTalkHave tested it at the hangout. I'd take it over the Meteor and the Hype10. With analog it is still better than the blessing 3 and the hype4 imo. Very nice review nevertheless. Loving that mat btw🗿

[@HobbyTalk]

@@apothecy4011 appreciate the kind words. Ya it’s pretty fricking good…

[@aesonone]

i wouldn't call red and dusk graph very close. sure, they only deviate post 10k, but by a lot and that shit makes a ton of difference

[@--5568]

What references while playing games? Is it worth looking at Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk? >> Hobby Talk

[@HobbyTalk]

I’m not much of a gamer sorry… I can say imaging is great with music but I’m not sure how it translates to gaming sorry.

[@lb3537]

The meteor is my jam man….sooo good…Xenns up and meteor are my two go to iems with Dunu sa6 og and ultra close second… the meteors are so unique and perfect in their presentation of music at least to me… interested to try the dusk though …

[@HobbyTalk]

I want to try SA6 real bad… haha but ya, meteor is life haha Dusk is good cause it’s closer to meteor than most with that upper mid rise

[@maegnificant]

Would love to hear your opinion on the Timsok Ts-316 in comparison to the dusk. The cable is horrible, but the IEM itself is so well tuned.

[@HobbyTalk]

Never heard of that one sorry, if I can get my hands on one would compare.

[@maegnificant]

@@HobbyTalk can recommend trying it out!

[@dominicbash238]

Is this the upgrade over the chopin?analog only.😊

[@HobbyTalk]

@@dominicbash238 not enough of an upgrade to justify the price. I’d say SL-41 or DaVinci a bit better analog

[@elijahpalmer6323]

I still can't believe crinacle got people to buy a $350 cable marketing at its finest.

[@randallkubiszewski6908]

Just prove they are 🍆 riders

[@HobbyTalk]

Cables do be cabling

[@rickoneill4343]

DSP will become a nightmare. Manufactures will prob use it to collect user data. The app will not be updated over time. They can change terms over time and make planned obselence. I'll stick with analog and wavelet.

[@HobbyTalk]

Totally… I hope DSP doesn’t become the lazy man’s tuning going forward.

[@lokrj]

My only gripe with anything digital, planned obsolescence.

[@Tssukiii]

I’m surely the only one minding, but what I hate so much about it is the fucking aesthetic “match” of the Dusk and the DSP cable. I find it quite lazy to just use the same grey DSP cable they already had. The DSP cable looks beautiful with the Kato or Lan f.e., but with the Dusk it triggers me aggressively 💀

[@HobbyTalk]

Interesting… I wish the 3.5 cable was a little nicer… but rest is nice to me

[@iWasimAbbas]

Does that DSP cable work with iOS? I don't mind lack of Moondrop Link app integration on iOS. As long as iPhone can detect that what I am looking for.

[@HobbyTalk]

Yes it works, just can’t change settings beyond stock

[@iWasimAbbas]

@@HobbyTalk thank you!

[@aesonone]

i wouldn't be doomer about the dsp like some comments. the offer is - for all the users that don't want to or can't use EQ, here is it bundled in to perfect the sound (and what's more important - it apparently succeeds). if there weren't physical or design or manufacturing or whatever limitations, the optimal sound profile would have been offered analog from the get go, because why not if it was possible? so this being a lazy tuning trend seems a bit paranoid imo, in my eyes it's just means to an end, which is - ear hear gooderer

[@HobbyTalk]

Totally… I don’t have much problem with it… if it sounds good it sounds good ya know?

[@thomasdanny7717]

I think the biggest sin of this iem is including a DSP cable in the sales package. If from the start Crin and Moondrop had not included and discussed the DSP cable, I think all the issues circulating would never have existed. Crin and Moondrop should just sell the DSP cable separately, if anyone wants to use Dusk using a cellphone without worrying about tuning.

[@HobbyTalk]

Interesting point. Wonder if dropping the price and having the cable as a separate purchase would be better…

[@thomasdanny7717]

@@HobbyTalk Well, for now if they want to get rid of the DSP cable then they have to lower the price. But if there wasn't a DSP cable in the first place, maybe they could sell it for the same price as now. Because no one will ever know.

[@dealvidit]

Could you comment on the soundstage and imaging on the Dusks. Considering these are a pretty legit one'n'done IEMs, I also wanna know if they're viable for competitive gaming.

[@HobbyTalk]

I’m not much of a gamer sorry, so I am unfit to comment on that. I found the imaging with music quite good, but I don’t know how it translates to the gaming world sorry.

[@dealvidit]

@@HobbyTalk Ah no worries. Appreciate the quick response!

[@dixter1652]

someone needs to come up with a Headphone/IEM that is tuned perfectly flat from 10-30k hz.... then via the wavelet app put out different EQ profiles... you could have a headphone/IEM that could emulate any speaker you wanted to have them play back.... and then if you applied DSP you could apply Dolby Atmos with 24 speakers coming out of your headphones/IEMs...

[@HobbyTalk]

That would actually be dope… I’d enjoy that.

[@dixter1652]

@@HobbyTalk Thats exactly what the Smyth Realiser A16 does now... but who wants to carry it around with you... if wavelet would figure this out and offer it they could be billionaires overnight... then just put wavelet on different platforms... the A16 takes a recording of the headphones while they are worn and gets the FR from the headphone and how it reacts to your ears/head... it then flattens the FR via EQ and then you get to chose the speaker emulations depending on what speaker and configuration you want to listen to... it has several builtin configs and allows 24 speakers to be played back into 2ch left/right... obviously it has mastered the sound stage...

[@iurigrang]

What sounds “flat” depends greatly on the person’s ear shape, so it isn’t as easy as it sounds. There’s a reason the realiser a16 needs to measure your ear response to do what it does.

[@dixter1652]

@@iurigrang yes... you are correct... so the A16 records your ear response via in ear microphones and does a great job of flattening out the FR but with IEMs you don't have that option to put the mics in the ears.. so you can guess at best... but if you had a IEM that was tuned and measured on the dummy head as flat then you would have a better chance of getting it correct... then you could dial in a set of Flat IEMs to be perfectly tuned how you like them...

[@denislemieux7294]

Koss KSC75 and KPH40 is better than all of them. Also….No shoving objects in your ear canals.

[@HobbyTalk]

Anything is an IEM if you’re brave enough

[@Aurord1a]

Do you think it's a good idea to buy the moondrop cable to tune the CKLVX or do you think something like Wavelet is good enough (i don't want to drop a hundro on a Q5k yet 😅).

[@HobbyTalk]

The only reason that cable is cool is because you can set it and forget it and it works across devices. That is cool… I might buy a second of these cables lol

[@residentzero]

I think the DSP changes the tuning? According to Crinacle it refines the last aspects of the tuning that driver design can't reach. I'm not interested as I use Bluetooth dacs all the time, and the price is too much. And I don't like his tuning presets or other earphones from him. The only thing that sounds interesting is the triple hybrid, I'm very curious how that works but I'm gonna wait for other models maybe in a year

[@Aurord1a]

@@HobbyTalk Noted, thanks! Yeah, I thought the cable having on board memory is pretty neat. Gonna be a pain to tune using only reducing, but might be worth it if it's a one time hassle.

[@Aurord1a]

@@aesonone I don't use IEMs exclusively on my phone, and I bring it to places where the system is locked so there's no eq. This cable worked as a one and done solution. I will say though it took me nearly 5 hours to tune the Diokos (i like the metal build) because litearly any adjustment near 60hz would cause an audible, continuous 1khz tone. This shifted lower in freq and volume as I approached 160hz at which the tone stopped (unless you put two filters which makes it exponentially worse). I don't know if it is a qc thing, but right now I can't reccomend this if you can't at all touch the bass. If anyone reading is still willing, do a tilt using 0.2Q and it'll work.

[@jjaazzee]

Analog plus tuning in Equalizer APO vs DSP cable? What's your take?

[@HobbyTalk]

Meh, EQ and DSP same stuff lol never used APO myself so no clue.

[@bluwlvrine]

How do these compare to the best closed back headphones at the same price? My wireless IEMs are dying and I want to upgrade, but I am having trouble deciding between these or a closed back headphone.

[@HobbyTalk]

IEMs almost always beat closed backs for me… personally I’d lean towards an iem over headphone unless you want a BT headphone for its features

[@bluwlvrine]

@@HobbyTalk thanks! Also, I primarily listen to metal, particularly death metal and thrash. Will these work well for that?

[@HobbyTalk]

@@bluwlvrine with the DSP cable they’ll work amazing!

[@bwloawesome]

Throwing DSP cable on the CKLVX, if you could have just bought the DSP cable instead of buying the DUSK would you have done that?

[@HobbyTalk]

It does save you over $100… maybe… I dunno… depends how tight money is… hard question lol

[@soothingrelaxationmusic7913]

Thanks for the video. Do you happen to know what would be the best way to connect the dsp cable to an old ipod nano? into the 3.5 with an adapter OR through the lightening socket with an adapter. Thank you.

[@HobbyTalk]

To a nano… jeez not sure… sorry… I wish they could make DSP 3.5

[@soothingrelaxationmusic7913]

@@HobbyTalk Yeah, tricky one. Thank you for the reply!

[@Rumeel12708]

Would the DSP cable be Moondrop's Free DSP cable, or is this an upgraded version?

[@HobbyTalk]

It’s basically the same thing but dusk cable comes with the Crin presets. The regular dsp cable works just have to manually input the values you want is all.

[@Rumeel12708]

@@HobbyTalk ohhhh ok

[@Tommie22x]

@@HobbyTalk will that regular dsp cable retain the memory of the input eq values across devices. For example if i set it in my android and then use it on my computer (will the dsp cable "remember" the eq values? asking in the event moondrop stops supporting the app for whatever reason or continues to be buggy

[@joeface03]

​@@Tommie22x Yes. It stores your settings.

[@juanblanco7898]

I just can't shake off the Zeos vibes when you speak, haha. Minus ADHD and the tangent rambling, plus actual substance regarding the sound.

[@HobbyTalk]

HAHAHAHA that’s funny. Ya, I got ADHD and the ‘tism so I ramble… but I make videos for fun… my goal with videos is to be like I’m telling my friends about stuff, so it’s a little less formal.

[@juanblanco7898]

@@HobbyTalk Well, it doesn't show. Yeah, it does come off as kind off nonchalant, but I wouldn't call it rambling in your case. That guy, on the other hand, just doesn't hold himself back and apparently it works, somehow. Living the dream, what can I say. I also feel that autism and/or OCD is almost a given for anyone who is seriously into this hobby, lol.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@juanblanco7898 haha! I don’t think you’re wrong… almost have to have a bit of the tism with OCD like tendencies to care about the stuff we care about haha That’s good to know! Glad I don’t come off as too much ramble or useless crap. Haha thank you

[@Tssukiii]

Btw can I change a setting on the phone and then use this setting via USB-C with my laptop or PC? And is it ok to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter then?

[@HobbyTalk]

Yes that should work

[@Tssukiii]

@@HobbyTalk Thank you bro 🙏

[@HobbyTalk]

@@Tssukiii I have heard from some that “bad” USBs have some noise floor… my iPhone I didn’t tic any but might be a bit with some PC or old androids or something.

[@Tssukiii]

@@HobbyTalk ok, thank you :)

[@TheSecondof5]

Can you use the DSP cable with a DAP?

[@HobbyTalk]

Does the DAP have a USB that can be used as a data out? Every dap is different unfortunately so no strait forward answer

[@TheSecondof5]

@@HobbyTalk It's a Hiby R6III with a Type-C USB port that is used for charging and data transfer. I imagine if data goes in it should come out. We shall see as I've ordered the Dusk already so I'll soon find out.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@TheSecondof5 I’d assume it’d work… please let me know if it does once you try it

[@TheSecondof5]

@@HobbyTalk Wilco.

[@TheSecondof5]

@@HobbyTalk I had a brainwave and attached a dongle to the DAP and it worked perfectly so we should be good to go.

[@EduRB99]

Hey, do these impedance adapter works with any earphone? Witch model do you use? How much bass does it actually add in terms of db? Thank you very much!

[@HobbyTalk]

I got a whole video on impedance adapters, they only work on some IEMs

[@EduRB99]

@@HobbyTalk oh I will check it out, thank you

[@alrizo1115]

Crinacle said that the dsp is just another term for eq. Reviewers like the dsp tuning more than the default. With that said, I think dusk should be retuned with the dsp tune as a default. Use the dsp provided to change it further depending on personal taste of the user. Putting the "best" tuning on the dsp is somewhat a step back especially for people who don't want to go deep into eq. Some will also want to change their preferred cable. So if it's still possible, moondrop should make this subtle changes. I would also prefer a usb-c to jack connection instead of a separate analog connector

[@HobbyTalk]

It’s really hard to make the changes he made with DSP analog, there were physical limitations. Would be awesome if we could get the DSP tuning analog at that price tho!

[@epicmike3915]

Having to use a ubc c cable and app to get the most out the IEM is the dumbest thing I seen in this Hobby. 👎 to dsp cable. Pass.

[@HobbyTalk]

Totally fair… I wish the tuning was done analog, then it be some next level stuff under $400, holy lol

[@iurigrang]

the app is optional if by “most”, you mean what you would get with analogue. the only thing the app does for you is customization, if you’re ok with analog, you’re ok with customization, and therefore, ok with just never downloading the app.

[@podfuk]

I hate planar sound, and I hate planar trebles especialy, what a dumb idea. I will give it a few months maybe, and I bet people will start back paddling this Crinacle suck fest nonsense, will see ;) Otherwise they look tuned well, but so is original Blessing 3 😁

[@kawaiikoto8800]

What you don't like about planar sound? They all sound the same, only the tuning matters.

[@HobbyTalk]

Planars do be planaring

[@podfuk]

@@kawaiikoto8800 They have specific sound characteristic I reall dont like, some call it "planar timber" I tried everything to get rid of it with my Shuoer S12, but its not possible, it is specialy noticible with lover quality recordings, like punk bands from 80s. Well produced rock/pop/metal is ok, but I cant stand acoustic guitar only music like folk for example on planars. It just sounds weird in the trebl are, like it is slightly distorted in some weird way. I bought Blessing 3 and Im really happy now!

[@podfuk]

BTW it was same with planar hype year ago, so many reviewers praised planars, and if you ask them now, most of them tells you, they would not recomand them as only or universal IEMs, planars have some weird quirks ;)

[@epicmike3915]

​@kawaiikoto8800 Nonsense. Every planar headphones I tried had bass rolloff. You can tune it and EQ all you want. It always sounds off. So I agree I don't care for planar sound.