Moondrop Aria and Moondrop Snow Review

From hot to cold, Ying to Yang, and now the Moondrop Aria Classic and Moondrop Aria Snow. We will be comparing the two in this review, and which is suited for most music these days. Each of the Arias comes in at $80.

Description

Moondrop Aria Classic

Product highlights

Liquid crystal polymer diaphragm

Brass inner cavity

Multiple tuning holes

High frequency phased waveguide

N52 Neodymium magnet

0.035mm CCAW voice coil

Patented anti-clogging filter

CNC carved processing

Matte metal spray

Specs

Driver unit: LCP liquid crystal diaphragm

Type: Dynamic

Diaphragm size: 10mm

Headphone socket: 0.78pin

Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms (@1kHz)

Frequency response: 5Hz-36,000Hz

Effective frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz

For more information check out https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-iems?sca_ref=1665296.IyXI9hkqTm

Moondrop Aria Snow

Product highlights

DLC diaphragm

Modified wave guide structure

Dual-cavity dynamic driver

Ultra-fine imported Daikoku CCAW voice coil

Metal mold CNC milled chassis with snowflake theme

VDSF tuning

Convenient interchangeable cable

Specs

Earphone port: 0.78pin

Sensitivity: 119dB/Vrms (@1kHz)

Impedance: 32Ω±15% (@1kHz)

Frequency response: 15-50kHz

Effective frequency response: 20Hz - 20,000Hz

For more information check out https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-snow-iems?sca_ref=1665296.IyXI9hkqTm

What is on the box?

Each IEM includes a set of IEMs, a zipper pouch, clear “spring” silicone ear tips, and silicone ear tips (S, M, L).

We change to a more vocal affair with The Peter Malick Group's “Strange Transmissions”, this song features Norah Jones singing. This is an interesting comparison between the two. As there is more detail, bloom, control, and simply said, clarity with the Classics. The Snows while full of detail and tack, seem to miss that last yard, especially in the drum kit. The point, Aria Classics, total two.

This is an interesting one, as there is no distinct winner with the Mark Knopfler track, “Song For Sonny Liston”. This may bring out Mark’s guitar in the song. So, I would call this one a tie.

Of the two, Courtney Pine’s “Darker Than the Blue (feat. Omar), the Snow, is the more invigorating. The snow highlights both saxophones of the sone as well as Pine’s vocals in the song quite superbly. Point Snow, they are now tied.

And for the tiebreaker, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Poster Child”. A balance of tight low-end, mid, and vocal. Now which displays the best playback? Winner, the Classics. The Snows unlike before gave a rather different presentation from each other. The Snow’s drum kit presentation is rather “plastic” sounding, the bass is a bit on the lean side and just an uneven mix.

Does this mean that the Aria Classic is the definitive winner in sound? No, as they are rather close in sound presentation. This is only my opinion on what I prefer sound-wise.

Suggestions

While each Aria, Classic, and Snow are excellent, this does not mean they are perfect, no, but I do have one suggestion.

Each Aria could use an upgrade on their IEM cables, from the cloth-covered cable included with the Classic, and the thin plastic cable included with the Snow. Each of these cables could be upgraded to a more premium cable.

Other than the cable issue, I could not see an issue with either of the Arias.

Final Thoughts

Unlike other IEMs or Headphones, burn-in did not seem to add to these. The Arias is pretty much what you get as far as sound profiles from the box.

Whether selecting from Aria Classic or the Snow, you can’t go wrong at $80. But, if you had to choose from either, I would go with the Classic, as it is a bit “darker”, but more suited for all music.

To purchase the Aria Classic click here https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-iems?sca_ref=1665296.IyXI9hkqTm or to purchase the Aria Snow click here https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-snow-iems?sca_ref=1665296.IyXI9hkqTm

Gear Used

iBasso DX320

Fir Audio V X Vs

Music Used

Infected Mushroom -Bliss on Mushrooms

https://open.qobuz.com/track/57011992

The Peter Malick Group - Strange Transmissions

https://open.qobuz.com/track/36708800

Mark Knopfler - Song For Sonny Liston

https://open.qobuz.com/track/734397

Courtney Pine - Darker Than the Blue (feat. Omar)