MOONDROP ARIA 2 Review – Best Buy
MOONDROP has offered a strong lineup of affordable IEMs on the market, this lineup includes the original Aria, which has been highly praised since it’s released. End of last month MOONROP launched the successor of the Aria. What can we expect from Aria 2 in terms of sound signature? Keep reading.
The Aria 2 adopts the dynamic driver design of internal and external composite magnetic circuit + composite independent brass cavity that is used in mid-range competitors and provides a solid hardware acoustic foundation.
What’s different is that Aria 2 not only incorporates the technology of flagship products but also features a new generation of cavity acoustic design, including easily replaceable acoustic components and a high-reliability pressure vent structure with bass booster plugs.
Aria 2 adopts MOONDROP’s mature patented dynamic driver structure, delivering accurate audio presentation and low-distortion wide dynamic response through a special large dynamic long-stroke symmetrical magnetic circuit and acoustic cavity resonance control system.
It offers a nonlinear full-frequency distortion below 0.05%, resulting in natural timbre and the reproduction of even the most subtle details.
Aria 2 uses a newly developed TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm developed by MOONDROP. The two-step processing of three materials achieves a smooth treble response surpassing that of a metal-coated diaphragm, and ultra-low distortion performance that is lower than that of other crystalline-coated diaphragms.
The Aria 2 shell is manufactured using alloy casting and CNC milling and is secured with customized screws to eliminate damage from adhesive aging and failure under external force. The brand-new CMF design contributes to an engagingly fresh look.
The pressure vent of Aria 2 adopts a brand-new off-center diversion structure to effectively counter the negative effect of the sound of proximity to the ear concha.
The nozzle of the Aria 2 consists of a separate brass CNC-milled component, with a gold-plated surface offering higher precision and density, and resulting in beautiful timbre.
Aria 2 incorporates a new generation of replaceable acoustic filters. The front end of the brass nozzle consists of a removable tip, allowing users to replace the acoustic filter quickly and conveniently.
Replacement is far easier compared with existing multi-layer filters, and the design makes for greater reliability. In the event of blockage or damage, the cost of replacement is much lower than that of standard nozzles.
Aria 2 uses a universal 0.78mm 2-pin cable, allowing users to replace the cable or accessories (such as MOONDROP Littlewhite Bluetooth neckband or FreeDSP) for different usage scenarios.
To make it easier for users to better match the devices to dig out the reference sound quality of Aria 2, the newly designed cable comes with interchangeable plugs. Aria 2’s cable is made of copper and silver-plated with a Litz structure, and the replaceable plugs are a newly designed screw-type fixed.
What’s in the box
- Price: $89.99
I would like to thank Shenzhenaudio for providing me with the review sample of Moondrop Aria 2.
Sound
The Aria 2 appeared to be well-balanced. Whatever the genre, or the source, the IEM behaved surprisingly well, delivering consistent results throughout all of my listenings. I was impressed by how natural the mid-range came out. For anyone seeking a non-offensive IEM, suitable for full-day listening sessions.
The Aria 2 didn’t exhibit any obvious flaw, at least nothing that could push me back or stop my listening session. On the other hand, if there’s something that struck me with the small Aria 2, that’s the sound pressure. The IEM was able to deliver thunderous bass, reaching non-safe sound levels with ease while maintaining a very large dynamic range.
I was impressed by how full the Aria 2 sounded, with no audible distortion. The IEM displays nicely controlled bass response and impact. For a sole driver, the result is compelling.
Add a potent source like the Moondrop Dawn Pro and the Aria 2 opens up even more. Mids are sharper and lows gain even more weight, without infringing on the voices. The transition between lows, mids, and highs is usually seamless.
If bass remains one of the best features of the Aria 2, vocals are as good, if not better sometimes, and also have impressive dynamic range.
Lows
Solid bass and deep rumble. Bass is the real feat here. Deep, well-defined, impactful, and the more you push, the more you’re rewarded. It’s deeply addictive, with powerful kicks and good definition from top to bottom, even more, so if you can use a good source. The sub-bass is slightly more prominent than the rest of the bass range, however, the bass feels abundant altogether. The textured, powerful bass contributes to the fun factor of the IEM.
Mids
Wide and quick. As usual with MOONDROP, mids are superb and provide a good, balanced presentation. Voices, especially women singers, really benefit from the brand’s field expertise and even seasoned audiophiles might be surprised by what the Aria 2 achieved here. Proof that MOONDROP’s tuning doesn’t have to be boring. The midrange has a very natural and realistic feeling, and vocals and most instruments sound accurate and “just right”. The Aria 2 isn’t particularly thick or warm, but they always sound correct, with good transparency and resolution.
Highs
The transition from upper midrange to lower treble is impressively coherent. There aren’t any signs of sibilance or sharpness in this region. With the foam tips, you can further tame the treble, however, I am perfectly satisfied with the performance of the silicon tips. You won’t have to worry about harshness, and the Aria 2 is very relaxed up top and non-fatiguing. The treble extension is quite good and is on par with the best performers in this price range. The Aria 2 extends way up to the upper treble and remains smooth and silky sounding.
Technicalities
Aria 2 offers excellent stereo imaging, it has a wide and deep soundstage with precise instrument separation. There is plenty of air between the instruments and it is quite easy to follow individual instruments on stage. The layering and the positioning of the instruments are clear and distinct. Additionally, the Aria 2 handles congestion well, thanks to its breathy presentation and coherent signature. The transients, on the other hand, are fast and agile, unlike many IEMs with a single dynamic driver. Overall, the Aria 2 has an excellent technical foundation and offers very good performance for the price in this regard.
Sum-Up
With the Aria 2, the brand tops up the line-up quite nicely. You’ll get solid lows, exquisite vocals, and an impressive dynamic range, even with small affordable sources like USB dongles.
A proper alternative to your entry-level IEM, with true audiophile rendering and top-of-the-line built, with perfect box content including a very good stock cable with changeable plugs and an amazing carrying case at a low cost. A perfect step up for anyone seeking a successor for their sub-$100 IEM. For me, the Aria 2 is the best buy of the year.