moondrop aria 2

Moondrop Aria 2 Review: An awesome musical experience

A technical and in-depth review on Moondrop Aria 2 earphone (IEM), containes every technical & sonic aspects of this product.
  • Built Quality
  • Design & Fit
  • Bass
  • Midrange
  • Treble
  • Soundstage
  • Packaging
4.1/5Overall Score
Specs
  • Driver: Single 10mm Liquid Crystal Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
  • Frequency Response: 15Hz-28kHz
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Sensitivity: 108dB
  • Cable: Copper and silver-plated Litz structure cable
  • Plug: Interchangeable, 3.5mm & 4.4mm
  • Connection: 2 Pin, 0.78mm
Pros
  • Balanced sound signature with a good touch of warmth
  • One can enjoy different genre of music with it
  • Excellent value for the price
  • Comfortable for longer listening sessions
  • Improved cable quality over the original Aria
Cons
  • Sub-bass presence could be fuller for some bass lovers
  • Lack of treble sparkle for those who loves super shiny upper region
  • Soundstage isn't the widest
  • Very basic & almost non usable tips
  • Paint chipping issue in long use
moondrop aria 2

I have had the OG Aria with me for more than a year or half and rushed to have Aria 2 when it came out. Aria 2 feels more enjoyable and energetic than the OG Aria, with well-elevated bass that is not ruining the shine of the mids and the sparkle of the treble. OG Aria has a dark warm tuning, while Aria 2 is a warm neutral tuned set.

I tested the Aria 2 with Cowon Planue R2, Hip Dac 2 (X-Bass on & off); with stock configuration and also with pure copper cable & different tips like Divinus Velvet, Spinfit W1, 145, 100+, and Dunu S&S tips.

I purchased this IEM with my own money and own interest. There is no monitory transaction with Moondrop. So, Moondrop Aria 2 review is totally unbiased and based on my listening experience over the last 5-6 months.

Unaffiliated link if you want to buy this beauty from Shenzhenaudio.

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 Aria 2
 Silver plated Litz Copper (OFC) cable with 3.5mm & 4.4mm interchangeable terminals.
 3 pairs of silicon tips (L, M, & S)
 Leather like rounded light brown carrying case. Which is very nice.
 Some official papers.

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The Aria 2 sticks to Moondrop’s minimalist approach. The IEMs themselves come nestled in foam within a compact box. They feature a sleek, low-profile design crafted from a lightweight alloy that feels sturdy and comfortable in the ears. This time around, Moondrop has addressed a common complaint with the OG Aria—the cable. The Aria 2 comes with a braided cable that feels more premium. The included ear tips offer a good selection of sizes and materials for achieving a personalized fit, but to me they are not that much standard for audiophile use.

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Constructed from a lightweight aluminum alloy, the shells feel sturdy and comfortable in the ears. This is a step up from the plastic shells found on some similarly priced earphones. The Aria 2 boasts a sleek, low-profile design with smooth, rounded edges. This design minimizes any pressure points and ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.

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The lightweight construction of the shells contributes significantly to the overall comfort of the Aria 2. They sit lightly in the ears without any feeling of bulkiness. I used to have long listening sessions like 3-4 hours straight, and I felt no pressure or uneasiness during these hours. Moondrop provides a good selection of silicon ear tips in various sizes. Though I personally find that, it doesn’t fit well with the provided tips. So, I rolled tips, and it fits & seals well.

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The Moondrop Aria 2 strikes a delightful balance between warmth and detail, making it a true gem when it comes to musical genres. It leans slightly towards a warmer sound signature, adding a touch of richness and body to your music.

But the warmth of the Aria 2 doesn’t come at the expense of clarity. The upper mids and treble sections are well-tuned, adding a touch of sparkle and detail without becoming harsh or sibilant. This ensures that instruments like guitars and violins retain their crispness, while female vocals shine with a touch of sweetness. Cymbals and high-hats shimmer realistically without becoming piercing, adding a layer of airiness and excitement to the music. This balanced approach makes the Aria 2 a versatile performer.

The Moondrop Aria 2 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to bass, but it strikes a balance that might not be for everyone. It delivers a satisfying amount of sub-bass, that deep rumble you feel more than hear, especially noticeable in electronic music. Imagine the deep thrum of a bass drop in a song, the Aria 2 gives you that feeling without being overwhelming. However, bass lovers might find it a touch less boomy compared to some earphones that go all-out on the low-end. But for most listeners, the Aria 2’s sub-bass adds a nice foundation to your music without muddying up the sound.

The Aria 2 hits the sweet spot with its mid-bass, it avoids that muddy, muffled sound sometimes found in budget IEMs. Instead, it delivers a tight and impactful kick, adding energy to your music without bleeding into the other instruments. Imagine the driving drumbeat in your favorite song—the Aria 2 reproduces it with a satisfying punch without muddying up the vocals or guitars. This tight and controlled mid-bass makes the Aria 2 a great choice for genres like rock, pop, and even some electronic music that relies on a clear and defined low-end.

When it comes to male vocals, the Aria 2 shines with natural clarity and a touch of warmth. This means you’ll hear every detail and nuance in your favorite singer’s voice, from the subtle inflections to the power behind their notes. Listening to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen – the Aria 2 lets you appreciate the richness and depth of Freddy’s voice, as if he is performing live right in front of you. This natural presentation avoids any artificial coloring, ensuring a true and engaging experience for male vocal enthusiasts.

Female vocals are a treat on the Moondrop Aria 2. They come through with sparkling clarity and a touch of sweetness in the upper mids. This means you can hear every detail in a singer’s voice, from the delicate breath control to the power behind their notes, without any harshness. While listening to the high-pitched vocals of Barbara Streisand—the Aria 2, let me enjoy the airiness and subtle sweetness in her voice. This balanced approach avoids any shrillness or sibilant, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable listening experience for all of my favorite female vocalists.

The instruments on the Moondrop Aria 2 come alive with a delightful balance of warmth and detail. Guitars, for instance, have a satisfying fullness and body, their riffs ringing out with clarity. Bass lines provide a solid foundation without overpowering the mix, adding a pleasant punch to your music. Well recorded and mastered albums like Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ or the ground breaking live concert ‘PULSE’ will make you feel like you are hearing every instrument separately. Overall, the Aria 2 paints a clear and detailed picture of the music, allowing you to distinguish each instrument within the mix, from the warmth of bass guitars to the crispness of cymbals.

The treble on the Moondrop Aria 2 walks a fine line between detailed and smooth, ensuring your music sparkles without becoming harsh. Unlike some earphones that overemphasize treble for a bright sound, the Aria 2 takes a more controlled approach. High notes on instruments like violins and cymbals come through with a crispness, but they don’t become piercing or cause listening fatigue. This smooth treble presentation also benefits vocals, especially female singers, whose voices retain their sweetness and airiness without any sibilant. Whether you’re listening to the delicate highs of a classical piece or the shimmering cymbals in a rock song, the Aria 2’s treble adds a touch of brilliance without sacrificing listening comfort.

The Moondrop Aria 2 might not boast the widest soundstage on the market, but it still manages to create a surprisingly spacious listening experience. While listening to Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris’s ‘Real Live Roadrunning’ live concert, the instruments aren’t on top of each other, but rather have some breathing room within the sound field. This allows you to distinguish each instrument clearly. The guitars are on the left, the drums on the right, and the vocals are nice and centered. While not the most expansive, this separation is still impressive for a budget earphone. You can easily focus on individual instruments or follow intricate melodies without everything sounding muddled together.

Though the package comes with a well braided silver-plated copper cable, in my hearing experience, that doesn’t do the justice to the sound capability of Aria 2. So, I use a customized pure copper cable which I have with me and boom! And the IEM shines like a star with that. The bass region become full bodied and fuller with it while the treble tamed a bit. It sounds more musical to me

In terms of tip, I find the Divinus Velvet is the hero of the show with proper sealing, comfort and shiny but non fatiguing Mids. The most comfortable one I find is the Spinfit W1. But if you nitpick, you will find that the sound is a ted bit dull.

A loads of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Rainbow, White Snake, Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, Mark Knopfler, Whitney Houston, Gloria Estefan, Richard Marx, Barbara Streisand, George Michael, John Denver, Dan Seals, Eric Clapton, BB King tracks.

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The Moondrop Aria 2 prioritizes comfort and functionality in its build. The lightweight yet sturdy shells, improved cable quality, and variety of ear tips make it a well-built and comfortable IEM for everyday listening. While the design might be considered minimalist by some, it prioritizes practicality and delivers a user-friendly experience.

  • Budget-Minded Audiophiles: Looking for great sound without spending a fortune? The Aria 2 delivers exceptional value with its balanced and detailed sound.
  • Genre-Hoppers: Listen to a wide range of music? The Aria 2’s versatility makes it a great all-rounder, handling everything from classical to rock to electronic music with ease.
  • Vocal Lovers: Want to hear every nuance in your favorite singers’ voices? The Aria 2 excels at presenting both male and female vocals with clarity and warmth.
  • Comfort Seekers: Lightweight design ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
  • You Need Ear-Rumbling Bass: While the bass is present, it might not be enough for those who crave super deep, boomy bass.
  • You Want a Super Wide Soundstage: The soundstage is decent but not the most expansive. If a spacious, airy listening experience is your top priority, there might be better options.
  • You Have a High Budget: If money isn’t a concern and you’re looking for the absolute top-tier audiophile experience, there are pricier IEMs with even more technical capabilities.

You Can Read Other Audio Gear Reviews HERE.

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10 Comments

  1. *One can enjoy different genre of music with it
    *Excellent value for the price-
    these are exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks for the precise review. Will give it a go.

  2. excellent sound quality, balanced bass, clear mids and highs, impressive build quality, and comfort.value for price .

  3. The Moondrop Aria 2 is really amazing. The sound quality for its price is just alluring. It has clear highs, smooth mids and satisfying bass. Additionally, its durable build quality and tangle free, detachable cable make it perfect choise for budget friendly quality.

    • Moondrop Aria 2 is really amazing, it is excellent comfortable IEM for long listening sessions. Impressive build quality, balanced bass,
      smooth mids and it’s really value for money.

      Informative and great review ☺️

  4. The Moondrop Aria 2 offers an impressive blend of detail and musicality, making it a great choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles. Its tuning strikes a balance between warmth and clarity, with a spacious soundstage and well-defined bass. The build quality is solid, featuring a sleek design and comfortable fit for extended listening. Overall, it delivers excellent value for its price, providing an enjoyable listening experience across various genres.

  5. Love how detailed you explained it & the pictures came out great. I love listening to music for a extended period of time. Love the clarity and how comfortable it is.

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