Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk: The DEFINITIVE review

[@SuperReview]

Moondrop QC, UFC 300, and more in the Q&A available here 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3zMfph5aqd3bNE

[@cxmxc]

Hi mark how does this compare to the original oracle? I have the opportunity to buy an oracle for $300. Like you, I’m not interested in the dsp cable. In terms of tuning how different are since the FR is so similar perhaps the oracle is leaner on the bass?

[@MrJabinho]

I'll Stick with my Blessing 2 OG

[@Khyllar]

I pre-ordered my pair a few days ago. Early reviews were pretty glaring about it's analog tuning or if not glaring they really liked the DSP tuning. I am super curious about the analog tuning myself as I don't have anything in my collection like it so I think it'll be fun regardless. Also if anyone isn't bothered by EQ or just want to run it analog with the DSP default tuning, Crinacle posted all the PEQ settings and wavelet files on in-ear fidelity. Also if anyone is worried about using the app the default tuning is pre-baked onto the cable so if you have no intention of using the other tunings you'll never need to download the app.

[@1fareast14]

24:19 the comparisons are what I'm here for and why I like Akros' work so much

[@lth_lch]

Just noticed you’re at 70k subs. Good work, and congrats.

[@SuperReview]

🙏 Thank you.

[@kano9091]

I listened to both the hype 4 and Dusk at canjam nyc and i would have to say i enjoyed the dusk more. I would have purchased it then even though the hype 4 was 15% off. The hype 4 for whatever reason doesn't fit me right and im finding that i dont prefer as much midbass as i thought i wanted to. Glad I got to try both before making a purchase.

[@lb3537]

Ahh the review we were all waiting for… I was so happy to see this review pop up on my phone…great review as always….i have been back and forth on this and I think I’m gonna hold off on this one till Dunu davinci comes out … my iem preferences are a little more meat on the bones like the Dunu sa6’s Xenns up and symphonium meteor

[@kimberly_lippington]

thanks for comparing blessing 3 with EQ to the dusk. I'm just gonna buy blessing 3 for 230USD here, and playing with EQ a little bit. Thanks for saving my money, Mark.

[@taidee]

Both Timmy of Gizaudio and Crin have released the EQ files so you can kinder Dusk your Blessing 3, that's what I've done.

[@kimberly_lippington]

@@taidee where can I get those ya?

[@dvine_hoshi]

​@@taidee i dont think those eq files from timmy and crin will work for the blessing 3, since the base tuning of both iems do differ, instead you can just go to squig link and auto eq the blessing 3 to the dusk, go find some tutorials on google on how to do that on squig link as it will be more detailed in explanation

[@earlybird3668]

Gizaudio Dusk review has a link to the text files for wavelet EQ.

[@kimberly_lippington]

@@earlybird3668 what I was looking for is the Blessing 3 to the Dusk DSP. nvm I'll just EQ using squig.

[@taidee]

As a person who loves my Blessing 3, this review speaks a lot to and confirms what I thought when looking at the graphs for the Dusk. Timmy released the wavelets files on his review for the Dusk and Crin has also done so finally, which means that for desk use and such you will miss very little from the actual Dusk if you already have the B3. I was actually watching this using the B3 with the Hulk Pro mini cable, the one that comes with Dunu SA6 MkII, I must say, I never liked the B3's cable and was really surprised that Moondrop released the Dusk with that cable after giving the Aria 2 at a far lower price better modular cable with 3.5mm & 4.4mm jacks.

[@SuperReview]

The Aria 2 cable is pretty nice.

[@okay4105]

amazing review, thanks for the info on the DSP cable, i was about to buy that one

[@SuperReview]

For $30 it's very useful with limitations / annoyances.

[@sidesaladaudio]

Great review, and I agree with the points made.

[@nhennessy6434]

You can EQ it to the digital tuning. If I buy one, that's what i will do, and get the best of both worlds.

[@CsTruth]

actually managed to test this out earlier at crin hangout coming from a z1r, the first thing I noticed was how comfortable and perfectly it fit into my ears it was also as resolving as the z1r and had a really natural bass to it biggest selling point for me was the ease of connection, just plug and play into your phone with dsp cable, still sounded amazing After all that has been said, I wasn't particularly blown away and decided to order a mega5est instead rofl

[@kaavik47]

I love the inclusion of both cables. Crinacle’s DSP tuning is being criticized as “just EQ”, but it what they don’t realize is that it is crafted by an expert to realize his ideal beyond the capability of analog physics. That expertise is worth its weight in gold to me. Inclusion of tuning parameters by Crin gives you the opportunity to enjoy the same with the analog cable as well. If you can do that yourself, then don’t buy it.

[@elijahpalmer6323]

damn is your throat sore bro?

[@KanyeWestFan69]

that's what i think as well. Also, yes, EQ is free, but we don't have expensive equipments to let us know how the EQ will actually affect the iem's frequency response.

[@yellow_fellow]

@@KanyeWestFan69 i think EQ affects the FR in a predictable way (until the drivers distort). Also, AFAIK using measuring rigs to base your EQ on can be misleading as they don't 100% replicate the human ear. For example: I heard both Variations and Nova. And while they graph similarly, they sound totally different.

[@kaavik47]

@@elijahpalmer6323 Ooh, sick burn. You really roasted me there. Wow!!

[@livegoer182]

@@kaavik47 chill out lil bro

[@sylvestresl]

no one does reviews better than Mark. I just watch them over and over again with no intention or capability of affording one. great job.

[@SuperReview]

You able to get to a show?

[@sylvestresl]

@@SuperReview unfortunately not. I live in middle east. can't escape.

[@SuperReview]

😭 I hope Squiglink can help.

[@Ducbloke]

Great job as always Mark. Very well done review. I like seeing that the Dusk is a good IEM on its own merit. I've found the DSP cable to be a bit problematic as well on my FiiO M11 Plus ess, M17 and the iBasso DX240. So I think it's more the app and not a hiby issue exclusively.

[@TheSecondof5]

Good to know you 5 star it without DSP. I can't be bothered with EQ generally but I might dip my toes in the water with this one.

[@SuperReview]

EQ is a good learning tool if nothing else.

[@mikafoxx2717]

​@@SuperReviewit's interesting to try EQ'ing one of your IEM/headphones with squig to another that you own, and see how they compare and what EQ can and can't realistically do. As fun as it is to think your EQ's Sundara is just as good as an HE-1..

[@TWidXugA]

The definitive review indeed, brilliant! I've equalized my Variations to the Dusk default DSP, inspired by your use of DSP on the B3 to make it sound like the Dusk, and find it pretty good. I imagine the Variations has enough technical chops to mimic the Dusk, plus I use eq software (Wavelet, Easyeffects) that covers beyond 10k. And now I'm on the road to madness, re-listening to all my IEMs with different sound signatures... :)

[@F8Msssss]

Been wondering whether the Variations is better than Dusk. You mind giving some feedback?

[@TWidXugA]

@@F8Msssss I only have the variations, so I can only answer with relation to equing the variations as a Dusk. I personally always prefer the variations equalized to the Dusk's dsp response. That probably means I prefer the Dusk's tuning. I'm not a great fan of the variations, but I think it has good drivers, and lends itself well to eq. Having said that, since you need a dsp cable to get the Dusk's better tuning, might as well get a discounted variations and eq it: the Dusk's sound signature is good but is not the best possible eq for the variations.

[@BerylLx]

YES. Your review was the one I've been waiting for~! Good to hear that it still sounds great on analogue. Crin's announcement/introduction video on the Dusk 2 focused a lot on the DSP features, and although I do daily-drive an Android and like an imbedded mic/controls on my cable, I did want to hear your opinion on the analogue performance. Hoping I enjoy the feel of Moondrop's spring tips

[@GWpainting]

Clearly the most neutral and unbias Dusk 2 review so far. Great work!

[@Sintrania]

I forgot to comment but this is the review that convince me to buy the DUSK, the bass quality and the treble really sell me who love female vocal.

[@kona328WH]

It is indeed a lovely iem. Had mine about a month now and use it with the Qudelix 5K

[@JFKaufmann]

Five star review for a five star product! Your Chopin recommendation was a great purchase for me and I am sure that I will also enjoy the Dusk.

[@hw29472]

Great review! I was wondering if you can post the EQs you used for the Moondrop May and B3?

[@SuperReview]

Hit me up on Discord.

[@rainham1]

please post here

[@M139-l9k]

Very detailed and helpful review! How does it compare to the performer 8?

[@hartyewh1]

He discussed it on the stream.

[@1fareast14]

21:10 This is actually my standard practice, I eq my sets to sound the same before properly comparing

[@yellow_fellow]

how do you do that? Isn't it quite difficult?

[@1fareast14]

@yellow_fellow At first it takes a while, but with experience more like 10-15 minutes

[@drizzlydr4ke]

@@1fareast14 what app you use for EQ?

[@1fareast14]

@drizzlydr4ke For quick jobs and testing I use the android system wide eq, though the auto gain is a little annoying. For final setup I use peace eq to make a profile, then export to qudelix 5k

[@phuocnguyentuan64]

Can we please get the Tuning profile you used to get the Blessing3 match the Dusk DSP response?

[@juanblanco7898]

Just use squig, brother. Or better yet, Crin's graph tool with 5128 measurements. It'll be more precise too.

[@JunJunMusume]

I find very interesting how cable preferences can differ. Mark seems to enjoy his cables to be more minimalistic, like the ones on the Chu, SSR or Hola. Timmy (Gizaudio) said he'd prefer the cable of the Kato. Almost like a rope. I'm somewhere in between. I've found the Tripowin Zonie cables and if I could I'd have them on pretty much every iem I own.

[@abelwu8463]

don't care about the cables as long as they transport signals and hang nicely on my ears.

[@gripau92]

I’m not particularly fussy, and I don’t consider myself an expert audiophile. But I do experience different sound with different cables. For instance, I was curious about the Hola cable. Well, connected to my S8’s I (think I) lose weight/authority/realism (don’t know how to explain) and extension at both ends when compared to Linsoul’s Euphrosyne. At the same time, I followed Mark’s lead on the Fiio HS18 tips and…. OMG! They work so well for me on my S8. To the point that I wanted to sell the S8’s as I ordered the Supernovas and would help funding the purchase. But I am keeping the S8 now 😅

[@abelwu8463]

@@gripau92 DSP cables usually change sounds by applying EQs. Otherwise, cables are only different by impedance, and in turn, only affect loudness in 95% of cases. Ppl do tend to perceive diff loudnesses as diff sounds, but, in the end, we can change loudness w/o changing cables. Tips do make big differences tho.

[@hkmrsrg1367]

I really want Crinacle Dusk but it seemed super expensive and not sure if it'll be available in my country (Indonesia). It's 390USD if I'm buying from Singapore (The Hangout) plus cost of delivery and 11% tax added to the total cost (so maybe an added 50 USD tax). My most expensive IEM is Moondrop Kato. I'm looking to upgrade and after watching reviews, it seems like this would be a great fit for me (especially the default DSP setting). I'll wait I guess (and I'll have to wait anyway so I'm not left with 0 money in my bank account for a pair of IEMs. Haha). I was gonna buy Moondrop Variations in a few months because I wanted better treble. I heard variations is a bit peaky and with the tuning here, Dusk seems more fitting (and cheaper).

[@SonofKalas22]

How does it compare to the variation?

[@garygriffiths7353]

Great review. I'd be using it without the cable but would input the eq values into neutron on my fiio dap. However, you can do that for any iem....

[@phuocnguyentuan64]

looking for a Comparison between Dusk and Studio4 since on sale they are the same price.

[@VSN-wb2ly]

DSP is more of a bonus, if you think it's the main selling point of this IEM then you'd be absolutely wrong since it's only 20$ (if i remember correctly), it's not really the main selling point and just a minor bonus especially it's 300$+, so it's safe to say let's just pretend the DSP never existed at all except if it's the main selling point like the moondrop may Also great review for being objective reviewer, good reviewers are the ones who review products in objective ways then share their own opinions, not the other way around

[@BrandonAdams1010]

So why even add it with the IEMs? It cheapens the product

[@VSN-wb2ly]

@@BrandonAdams1010 absolutely agree with that, for 350$ it makes the overall product less premium because the implementation is bad. Why did they include it? Well damned if I know but again, it's just a bonus, they probably expect you to give it a try not something to be taken seriously

[@rafdes]

But it isn't really. Crin said the DSP does what they couldn't do in analog. So the DSP tuning is what he wanted in the first place.

[@alrizo1115]

​​@@rafdesdsp is just EQ as he had repeatedly said. He also shared the dsp tuning if you don't want to use the dsp provided. I'd probably just release a new batch with the dsp tuning as default then have the option for buyers if they want to get the dsp cable. I'll also want the analog cable to be of higher quality

[@rafdes]

@@alrizo1115 Yes, I know about the wavelet files, it's on Timmy's review of it. But, they couldn't get the tuning as he wanted so the only way was to use the DSP for straight plug 'n play. They can't just release the it with the analog cable with the DSP EQ. It's not possible. Either way, you would need an EQ to get it to sound the way Crin want's it to be. Analog is just a slightly better Blessing 3 without it.

[@nhennessy6434]

I don't hear the artifacts at all with the cable. I use my Dusk with my LG V20 and use USB Audio Player Pro with Morphit Tonebooster PEQ. I find i can use the cable and add a +2db bass shelf at 200 hz and a -.5 DB treble shelf starting at 400 hz. When I add those shelves, it sounds just about perfect.

[@NelsonMichael]

If we use analog cable with the DSP default tuning with wavelet, does it sound the same as with using DSP cable?

[@SuperReview]

Should be, I haven't tested the accuracy of Wavelet's EQ application.

[@addie275]

Have you tried it?

[@aaronmagdaleno2250]

Are you gonna review the Pula Pa02/CKLVX?

[@Frikilicious]

21:51 question… so I create a eq of the blessing 3 to be like dusk analog and after that I plug the dsp? I am sorry I am not very bright 😢

[@SuperReview]

I would not stack EQ profiles -- if you're gonna use EQ outside of the DSP cable, just EQ there, don't combine with the DSP cable.

[@Frikilicious]

@@SuperReview ok thank you for your advice!

[@geraltnroach]

Any comparision between Dusk analog and Studio4 in term of tonality and tech?

[@hpwrotethis]

That's in the q&a video. Links on his discord.

[@AliR03]

What if you eq it using a wavelet file from squiglink? There will be no need to use dsp Just the default 3.5mm

[@AliR03]

Can you do it with the B3 and update us?

[@tobydavies6240]

@@AliR03 I believe Gizaudio made a review video of the Dusk, in which he makes the same suggestion i.e. you can use EQ on your DAP to get the exactly the same sound profiles, without having to use the DSP cable. I think he also briefly shows the plus/minus values at various frequencies as set by the Moondrop App. I'm not sure if he produced downloadable wavelet files, but in theory you can pause the video, get the values and create your own wavelet files.

[@nikker1]

​@@tobydavies6240 crin made downloadable wavelet files so no extra tinkering needed

[@AliR03]

@tobydavies6240 NoNoNo What I mean is that he can fully equalize the blessing 3 to the dusk, Moondrop app allows you to play with 60-10k region only, which is good for the air region, but not for the sub-bass Bro it's 40$ with msrp and 75$ now on Ali Express "price diff"

[@rafdes]

@@tobydavies6240 Crin gave him the files and Timmy has it for download on his review.

[@veratium]

I bought it day 1 waiting for it 🤘

[@attafwrd]

That HS18 eartips really works well with everything. And yeah, the DSP cable (FreeDSP, May's, Dusk's) have this annoying sweeping beep noise. That's totally a dealbreaker for me.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah I been using those tips a lot lately.

[@SteveHuffer]

Would it not be possible to take the edge off the May's higher frequencies by using EQ on top of the DSP?

[@SuperReview]

DSP is just another term for EQ. I guess you could stack EQ from multiple sources, but probably better to do it in one place.

[@victorvillarreal1335]

hey mark! are you going to review letshuoer’s cadenza 4? i’m really curious what you think of it!

[@SuperReview]

Possibly, I'm interested.

[@Burgersinplenty-v8d]

Can you EQ the Analog cable to sound as the DSP ?

[@kimberly_lippington]

ofc

[@str2254]

I just received a new dsp cable from moondrop and it doesn't have the noises

[@Jessemakesvids]

How do you think will these go DJing in a super loud environment?

[@SuperReview]

They isolate well and get plenty loud off most sources, if that helps.

[@majoskorica8506]

Thanks for the great review Mark, nice work as always. May I have question, how does the Dusk compare to Moondrop Variations? Any honest opinion from you is more than welcome. cheers : )

[@SuperReview]

Overall I prefer Dusk. Variations treble might be a bit smoother up top but it's been over a year since I heard it, so not a great comparison.

[@Bobbylim323]

how does it compare to the Variations, the Dusk BN cost similar to a used Variations in my country right now

[@leisure9866]

How much different is this compared to the monarch, yes i know of the price gap but just is it so much difference that it matters to just upgrade to the monarch?

[@MarcoBruno-tt9hy]

Would the dsp cable work with a Fiio m11 plus?

[@vianhoho19]

I tried it with my M11s and it works as intended

[@MarcoBruno-tt9hy]

@@vianhoho19 thank you

[@humanbean-f2s]

I can’t afford a Dusk right now but I’m thinking about saving up for one. I really like my Hexa, I just wish it had better bass. I also enjoy my Kato, I just wish it had better treble extension. Would the Dusk be a good upgrade path?

[@User-s2f3s]

Hype 4 instead Dusk 👍

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

@@User-s2f3s 6 weeks wait on Hype 4 ! worth it or not ?

[@hartyewh1]

Getting into EQ is free soubd quality and Hexa improves a lot with a bass shelf.

[@hartyewh1]

​@@User-s2f3s You should state reasons why.

[@hkmrsrg1367]

I'm in the same camp. I love my Kato but I think I need better treble and Dusk seems fitting. An endgame IEM for me if I ever buy it.

[@sanchayanmaity5731]

360$ is quite a lot in some countries. Maybe they could have sold a slightly cheaper variant minus the DSP cable or something like that. Blessing3 are almost 360$ in India.

[@VSN-wb2ly]

Blessing 3 is already 300$+ so it doesn't make sense for the dusk to be very close with B3 in price, as for the DSP it's only 20$ and they even include it as a bonus in moondrop aria 2 and may which is 100$- IEM so let's just say DSP is just a free bonus

[@John.Christopher]

@@VSN-wb2ly DSP is not a bonus if you are paying $40 for it.

[@BrandonAdams1010]

you could just buy the DSP cable and put it on something else.

[@VSN-wb2ly]

@@John.Christopher for something that originally cost 300$ I think it's more of a bonus. let's have some logic, moondrop aria 2 is 90$ and moondrop may is 65$, if the DSP is 40$ then those two IEMs would actually cost 50$ and 25$, for that amount of price I don't think it'd be worth for them profit wise, and there's no way moondrop may actual quality only costs around 25$. Even at 100$- the DSP cable is actually only worth for about 15$ or so, and the tress hold gets bigger the higher the price is (so the actual DSP price is smaller and less worthy) hence why I think DSP cable for something that's originally 300$ (B3) is not worth considering the price and I would go as far as saying that the DSP is pretty much a free bonus at that price point. the analogy is when you buy a very expensive house and you get 1 carpet as a bonus, sure you could say the carpet is probably expensive as a stand alone product for 50$ and it's probably not any better than 10$ carpet, but if you just bought 500k$ house the carpet instantly became invaluable compared to the house and in the end it doesn't really matter aside from some silly jokes and laugh for a moment thinking how dumb the bundle is. The analogy might be too far but you'll get the idea, lol

[@John.Christopher]

@@VSN-wb2ly Understood. From a price premium perspective, it's likely headroom to split revenue for the project if not for the included DSP. In this review, it is stated that they perform indistinguishly from each other when EQed the same. With treble presentation being negligibly better on the B3 with the Dusk bringing the same approach to dynamism as its predecessor and is more musical. But again, you can tune them to your liking, and both are great. Unless, of course, you don't care to EQ, or don't have preexisting tuning/amp methods the Dusk is hands down the pick

[@taytay4698]

Should i pick these up if i am using sony zx300?

[@kona328WH]

Great review man. What are the amp specs on the DSP cable. Is it 1V? And is plenty powerful?

[@SuperReview]

Plenty of output for IEMs.

[@jymylin2605]

Does it stand parallel to supernova?

[@archangelmark136]

Really dumb question (new to iems) but how does something like these compare to airpod max, airpods pros etc?

[@SuperReview]

Not a dumb question. AirPods Pro 2 are actually really quite good. If you really like vocals, I think Dusk beats them, and the bass tactility is more engaging on Dusk. But nothing wrong with AirPods.

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Thanks Mark. If you put Dusk DSP cable on Blessing 3, does it sound better than Dusk DSP? 🤔

[@SuperReview]

Can't say they sound noticeably different.

[@GadZookz]

Yet another club, this time sporting an enchanted cable. Looks like a good fit for my iPhone. Also, can’t wait to try that cable on some other IEMs. Crinacle usually throws in something extra. I’m up for it!👍🏻

[@hpwrotethis]

Forget about the Dusk. What album should i listen to next.

[@sexdefender86]

khruangbins newest, A LA SALA

[@alrizo1115]

I'm curious how hard it is to release the new batch of dusk with the "DSP tuning" instead, make the dsp cable just an option for purchase, make the analog cable better quality. Crin said that the DSP is just EQ, nothing more that magically improves the iem.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Well he used the DSP just to perfect what couldn't physically be done, it's more of a bonus feature than required.

[@tagherion284]

Would it be worth it to change the analog cable for another one or is the stock one fine?

[@SuperReview]

Up to you. It's not a factor in the sound.

[@tagherion284]

@@SuperReview Thanks for the answer.

[@kona328WH]

​@@tagherion284I'm using the hype 4 cable as its gorgeous. But the stock cable is decent and I don't understand the hate towards it from some.

[@moafwaz5563]

if you had the choice between the Dusk 2 X Crin or Dusk 3 X Crin, what would you choose?

[@TimSirin]

How does the Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk compare to the Binary x Gizaudio Chopin? is it worth the upgrade in price

[@SuperReview]

Chopin is bassier, Dusk is a little livelier and more open sounding. Better is up to personal preference.

[@VaskoGame]

If i had the blessing 2 dusk i could probably consider these a skip. But since i dont i think ill be picking these up soon 😊

[@leohoper]

The first half of the video bro was like bouncing around between "I'll tell you later" and "as I mentioned before" 😅

[@helgiforest]

I do have moondrop may! May you send EQ settings you went with to match DUSK?

[@HeroOfAnnihilated]

Eq settings must not to be exactly same But if you don't want to do it by yourself you can try these (it is not Mark's, I made it from scratch) Filter 1: ON PK Fc 130 Hz Gain -3.6 dB Q 0.600 Filter 2: ON PK Fc 550 Hz Gain 0.9 dB Q 1.300 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain -4.5 dB Q 1.000 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 4000 Hz Gain -3.3 dB Q 2.000 Filter 5: ON PK Fc 6000 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 2.000 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 12500 Hz Gain -9.0 dB Q 5.000

[@helgiforest]

@@HeroOfAnnihilated than you so much! Did you make it for moondrop link app?

[@HeroOfAnnihilated]

@@helgiforest it should work for freedsp for latest versions of app May cable should be same as freedsp cable All frequencies are not boosted in resulting fr, because it is one of app limitations

[@BingHypo]

Love the review! I noticed the ie600, the darling from 2022, has come down to 500 bucks, and I've considered it. Has it aged well enough to warrant the extra $140, or is the Dusk the better bud? Cheers!

[@SuperReview]

Different sounds, both very good, don't think of good and better.

[@BingHypo]

Oki, makes sense. Thanks!

[@fobedy4842]

What should I buy about x crinicle dusk or blessing 3 with dsp cable Because I want to use a mic. I want to use in daily life like if someone call to me I can talk with them.

[@syanhc]

Was hoping for a comparison with the Aful P8.

[@SuperReview]

I don't have the P8 on hand to compare, but from memory the Dusk is just a sharper, more incisive and punchy listen vs. the P8. The P8 is maybe smoother and less bass impactful. P8 is like tap water, Dusk like seltzer water. Just got that extra bit of bite and excitement, but still pretty neutral.

[@syanhc]

@@SuperReview thanks

[@Nightjar726]

Does the eq/dsp work with streaming like Qobuz or Tidal?

[@SuperReview]

Yeah it'll work with any app since the DSP is happening in the cable.

[@nyverinorlyth9555]

Will you be reviewing the I/O Volare? It's on my radar and I'd love to hear from you about it

[@SuperReview]

I will do something about it yeah.

[@bangerwang]

Hey Super, thanks for the super in depth review on these! I'm deciding between these or the B2 Dusk that I can potentially get for around 150 less than these, but I'm really not sure what to go with at this point. I only have experience with the Moondrop Aria, Chu 2, as well as the Truthear x Crinacle Zero, which I actually think I prefer the most due to its fun nature. Do you think B2 Dusk is still worth it today for around 150 less than this current Dusk, or should I just save up and go for this Dusk?

[@SuperReview]

A $200 B2:Dusk is hard to beat.

[@bangerwang]

@@SuperReview completely agree, I’m heavily contemplating the B2 Dusk just for the price alone. Have you had a chance to listen and test the Xenns Mangird Top?

[@Gilliboy82]

Which would you choose between tanchjim origin and this new Dusk?

[@SuperReview]

Dusk

[@Gilliboy82]

@@SuperReview also better than ziigaat cincotres?

[@devanshbhatt3383]

Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk or ie600??

[@LandsPlanes]

For you, next step for an upgrade of the Dusk?

[@hrespeto88]

What tips are you using on these? If anyone knows also I’d appreciate it

[@SuperReview]

I have Fiio HS18 tips.

[@r0r0r0j]

Good review! What's happened to the classic intro by Birocratic btw? lol

[@SuperReview]

Even though Birocratic licenses his music for KZbin use, I keep getting copyright claims from music publishers that are a pain in the butt to dispute so I give up.

[@RXCN]

Can you use the dusk with 4.4mm?

[@SuperReview]

If you buy a 4.4mm 2-pin cable, yeah.

[@minhquanhoang3009]

Can I ask for the profile you edited on free dsp with the blessing 3? I'm about to buy a free dsp cable for my moondrop blessing 3 and I want to try it out.

[@noirblanc5975]

They should market it as timed exclusive for the shenzen audio

[@dangerzone007]

Does the DSP cable have enough power to drive the dusk

[@IcarsisTV]

Great review! Would I be able to use the DSP cable on the Hiby M300, Hiby r3 ii, or the Shanling m0 that you reviewed? I know you mentioned two Hiby's it did not work, but would the M300 hiby work since it is android?

[@SuperReview]

On the M300, the cable doesn't really work for me -- the EQ wasn't being applied.

[@fowler0028]

Recommend it over the blessing 2?

[@hartyewh1]

He does. I believe he said B2 < B3 < B2 Dusk < Dusk

[@DavidMorrisMedia]

Great review, I get so confused as my hearing drops out at 9K (motorcycle damage I guess) so I am lost deciding between the Blessing 3 vs Dusk vs Thieaudio Hype

[@celstark]

What did you use when trying to match the frequency response via DSP cables?

[@SuperReview]

Squiglink

[@h1a8]

Great review! Do you prefer the XCrinacle Dusk or the Chopin and why?

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Dusk is next level I believed Mark said it's close to the Moondrop S8 performance ! It depends on how much people want to spend !

[@h1a8]

@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 Sound is subjective. Zeos and some others said analog sounds like shit (sounds significant less than $360) and dsp sounds amazing.

[@Kawartha65]

Sounds like the real win …. would have been the DSP sound …but configured in the actual sound with a regular cable.

[@Mystic_Chizu]

Tbh this was the comparison I was looking for as I already had the blessing3 last year and more or less EQ'd it in a similar way before it really started impressing me. Like the driver setup honestly can handle a dirty +6db of bass boost with no issues so it's kind of odd to me that they don't capitalize on that at all. The real surprise insight thoughis how competent the May is. Might be my go to recommendation for friends if thats the case.

[@SuperReview]

There's a Dusk preset EQ in the Moondrop app with ungodly bass boost.

[@Mystic_Chizu]

@@SuperReview ngl cranking uo the bass boost made me appreciate how much of a trip phonk can be with how fast the bass is on them haha

[@pedropaulek]

How do you compare the Moondrop Dusk with the Moondrop S8? Which one do you think it's superior?

[@gripau92]

I think Mark answers this question in the Q&A, and S8 is still better

[@michaelshaffer4005]

Your excellent review does beg one question… why mention accolades for the Moondrop Spring tips, and then not use them? Which tip did get reviewed with the Dusk, and why? Not that ear tips should be part of a review, but many of us do struggle with making IEMs comfortable while still maintaining their sound quality. Or… maybe ear tips should be part of the review…(?) Cheers from The Avalon

[@HeroOfAnnihilated]

He said that tips which he used improve bass I can't remember model but I think it is something made by fiio

[@SuperReview]

The Fiio HS18 tips seal a bit more consistently for me than the Spring tips in small, probably they're about a size in between small and medium Spring.

[@michaelshaffer4005]

@@SuperReview Thanks! Damn! Cannot find a source…

[@SuperReview]

AliExpress

[@gripau92]

@@SuperReviewthis was such a revelation. Really, I am enjoying my S8’s (even) so much more! Thanks so much for the tip (no, it wasn’t intended). If you read this, I am curious to know which cable you use with the S8’s. Thank you!

[@elderman64]

The only thing i wish it had was the Aria 2's cable with a mic in the box instead of that garbage 3.5mm cable it currently does. I'd like to try this out with the 4.4mm balanced jack. And also a carbon coloured DSP cable instead as well.

[@kona328WH]

I don't like the DSP cable look and feel at all. Wish it was just a dongle instead of a full cable. Don't mind the analogue cable at all. I'm currently using the hype 4 cable and that's plush.

[@paulgal]

Can you plus DSP into a qudelix 5k ?

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@cargath]

With better software, you probably could have gotten the May to sound even closer, if not identical, to the Dusk. Which supports my current thoughts in DSP - i'm not against it, but if you're using it, you don't need an IEM like the Dusk. The Dusk is like a mechanical watch with a computer chip. The chip makes it more accurate, but if that's what you're after, you could have gotten a cheap Casio. At this moment in time Moondrop can charge 350$ for this, but if it becomes the norm the market will be full of 50$ IEMs that can compete with todays 1000$ IEMs.

[@SuperReview]

I kind of agree, and with the watch analog the cheap Casio doesn't mean the more expensive watches are pointless, just that if your goal is simply telling the time, you can do that well for cheap.

[@dustincarr9696]

Vs Chopin? What are your thoughts?

[@dustincarr9696]

Sorry Mark just saw you already responded to the same question! Appreciate all you do!

[@samlawson635]

Thank you for this. And a question at the end if you're able to give your thoughts. I had been wondering where your review was, and had been waiting for a true deep analysis of it's analog performance as I normally use 4.4mm cables with my preferred USB C DAC - then tune to my liking with the PowerAmp android app. The overemphasizing of the DSP had me worried since in had pre-ordered the Dusk, but I feel safe now after your review

[@ankramuttaudio]

Now I watched everything hahaha Thank you

[@Link9164]

Luckely, you can run the eq profile on your pc and/or with a quadelix using the analog cable. If it wasn't for that, i dont think i would have ordered a pair.

[@dalejail]

how is it compared to s8?

[@SuperReview]

Surprisingly close TBH. Dusk is a bit more contrasty / vee, S8 is smoother overall, Dusk bass definitely got the advantage, imaging width slight advantage to S8, but... pretty close.

[@dalejail]

@@SuperReview thanks for you advice i really appreciate it! currently i use speakers/headphones for music production, specifically the genelec 8331 in a treated room and a dan clark e3 when i have to be concerned for neighbors. but im trying desperately to find an iem i can safely trust for studio production when i can't be at home studio for their portable practicality between: dusk 3.5mm / studio4 / rsv / s8 / clairvoyance / supernova / kinda lava / pilgrim / monarch mk2 which would you take for studio mix/mastering purposes? where the priority is for a balanced neutral reference signature, fast attack/decay transient response through-ought fr especially in bass, detail/texture throughout, and precise imaging?

[@Jimmy-Chin]

Review the Mega 5 est!

[@s18018]

This vs Chopin ?

[@Garrettdx1988]

I've read that the Kiwi Ears Quintet is the better purchase. Anybody have any thoughts on that?

[@h1a8]

If you can Eq then I believe it is. I eq mine and it now sounds slightly better than my hype 4 (I increased the quintet's bass by 2-3dB, lowered the 8kHz region by 4dB, and increased the 16kHz region by 2-4dB).

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

If you're happy where you are don't worry , if you can afford a better set than it cost you more , better purchase = better value , not in quality i.e. staging, separation ,clarity , tone ,air , texture, all adds up as you pay more you get more !

[@h1a8]

@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 False. There are many iems that are superior to more expensive iems for a cheaper price. And with proper EQ the vast majority of iems can be superior to more expensive sets (assuming that you don't eq the more expensive sets

[@Nightjar726]

This or the Kato?

[@SuperReview]

Personally I'd take the Dusk -- crispy clean with addicting bass.

[@CsTruth]

how does this hold up to ie600?

[@randomguitarguy5906]

I personally prefer the normal blessing 3 to the ie600