Moondrop Kato Review

And from the stars and moons is the Moondrop Kato! Today we discuss the Moondrop Kato IEM. If I had to use one word for the Kato's, I would say lively. We will explore this further in the review.

Description

Specs

Driver: 10mm ULT dynamic driver

Diaphragm: 3rd generation DLC composite diaphragm

Socket: 0.78 2 pin sunken design

Housing: MIM stainless steel

Nozzle: Stainless steel x 2, brass x 2

Cable plug: 3.5mm stereo single-ended plug

Frequency response range: 10Hz-45kHz (IEC61094, Free field)

Effective frequency response range: 20Hz-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

Impedance: 32Ω±15% (@1kHz)

Sensitivity: 123dB/Nrms (@1kHz)

Distortion: <0.15% (@1kHz, AES17 20kHz, A-weight)

Moondrop Kato

Stainless steel nozzles x 2 pairs

Brass nozzles x 2 pairs

4-core silver-plated high-purity copper cable

Spring Tips

Build

The Katos are built from stainless steel CNC bodies and are available in Dark Blue or Matte Silver. The Kato IEMs use technology from the KXXS "…the Kato is a full-frequency IEM with nonlinear distortion comparable to electrostatic headphones."

If I can make one comment about the Katos, the IEMs can become a bit heavy during long listening sessions dues to their build.

The Moondrop IEMs include both silicone and foam ear tips. I used SpinFit Ear tip (silicone) for my listening sessions.

How Do they Sound

I used a FiiO M11s DAP, SPL Phonitor SE, Mac Mini M1, and Roon during testing. I will also use the Fir Audio V x V IEM for comparison. In addition to including, I used SpinFit CP100 ear tips. These are silicone ear tips that have a better fit.

For our first selection, we have the 40th Anniversary of Thriller by Michael Jackson. We start with the title track, "Thriller," and are instantly transported back to the 80s. The level of detail that the Katos resolve is impressive from Michael's voice, the instruments, and the background information are all too impressive.

We move on to "Beat It" and another masterpiece, but one downfall of the Katos is starting to become apparent, and that is how they are "V" shaped. While pleasing, for the most part, this track does bring out the "V" shaped tuning of the Katos.

"Bad Man's Song" from Tears from Fears, as multiple items are going on. There is bass bloat, the song's end becomes quite congested, yet it manages to produce detail, and most of all, the vocals are crystal clear!

"Wasted Time" from the Eagles is an exciting song when I listen to the same track on my reference Fir Audio V x Vs IEMs. The Katos sound relatively weak, dull, and lifeless on this track. This was quite different on the Fir Audios, full of life, natural bass, and sweet mids.

The difference a sound signature makes is quite interesting, if not shocking, at times.

Thoughts

The Katos is a V-shaped IEM that suits almost all genres of music and are superb.

Also included are CNC-milled ear wax filters. I did not need to use them.

This is an excellent finishing kit.

I have one significant comment about the wax filters, but I will have to wait for the suggestions area.

Suggestions

First and foremost are the wax filters, also used to put on the ear tips. They have what I could best describe as sharp notches to secure the ear tips. This is not good as it makes changing tips difficult. One smooth ring around the nozzle would work.

Closing Thoughts

Once you get over the nitpicks, the Moondrop Katos is a lovely IEM a $189.99. These are not reference IEMs, but if you want something fun, the Kato is it!

If you would like to know more or would like to purchase the Moondrop Katos use the link below:

Moondrop Kato Dynamic Driver IEM – Apos Audio

Gear Used

Roon

Roon Nucleus

Qobuz

M1 Mac Mini

SPL Phonitor SE

FiiO M11s

FiR Audio V x V IEMs

Music Used

Michael Jackson - Thriller