If you happen to’re involved in sub-$100 IEMs, there are few audio producers that provide as a lot worth as Moondrop. The Chinese language audio maker noticed a meteoric rise lately on the again of its price range IEM portfolio, and the defining trait to all of its merchandise is worth. Whereas there have been a couple of stumbles alongside the best way — the Stellaris was too vibrant for my liking — the model typically launches one bestseller after one other.
The Venus is Moondrop’s first planar headset, and it is secure to name it the model’s most bold effort so far. The headset makes use of customized 100mm drivers, has a beautiful design that is made completely out of aluminum, and two high-quality cables within the field. I used the Venus for simply over a month, and I am able to name these top-of-the-line total planar choices within the $500 class.
Moondrop Venus: Pricing and availability
Moondrop unveiled the Venus in November 2022, and the headset is now obtainable from all main audio retailers for $600. I acquired the unit from HiFiGo, and like different Moondrop merchandise, the Venus is roofed by an ordinary one-year guarantee.
Moondrop Venus: Design and luxury
The Venus exudes class like no different headset on this class, and at first look, it feels extra like a product that prices $3,000 as an alternative of $600. The design is made completely out of aluminum, and also you get a floating-style headband with a suspension band that is made out of fake leather-based. The ear cushions are additionally common out of the identical materials, and the match and end is unbelievable. There is no doubt that the Venus is constructed to final, and also you definitely really feel the heft while you choose up the headset.
Coming in at over 600g, the Venus is without doubt one of the heaviest headsets I’ve used but, however to Moondrop’s credit score, you will not discover the burden when you put on the headset. The floating design for the headscarf ensures the burden is distributed effectively, and the suspension band undoubtedly makes a giant distinction. The headset is slightly giant as effectively, however I did not have any points with the dimensions or weight.
I even have to say that this is without doubt one of the most hanging headset designs presently obtainable. The all-aluminum chassis appears to be like attractive, and the seen bolts the place the headscarf connects to the ear cups provides the Venus an industrial look. The design additionally permits the ear cups to swivel alongside the vertical axis, and the machined grille provides plenty of character to the general aesthetic. The Venus appears to be like and seems like a high-end product.
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The ear cups characteristic a pretend leather-based end and have perforations on the internal facet, so there may be some breathability. I’d have appreciated to see extra ear cushions bundled within the field — just like the Thieaudio Wraith — as those which can be included are likely to run a bit heat, however apart from that minor quibble, I’ve no qualms with the design and construct high quality of the Venus.
They join through 3.5mm plugs, and you will find two cables within the field: a single-ended 3.5mm possibility, and a balanced 4.4mm cable. The latter is especially attention-grabbing because the silver-plate design permits it to mesh effectively with the headset. The cable itself is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve used on this class, and I intend to make use of it with different headsets.
Moondrop Venus: Sound high quality
With 18Ω and a sensitivity of 100dB, the Venus is not notably demanding, however you will have to pair it with an honest supply to unlock its full potential. I used it with the Fiio M11S, and whereas it held up simply high-quality, the Fiio K9 Professional showcased what the headset can really obtain.
The Venus delivers wonderful lows, with good rumble and definition, and the bass is attribute of planar drivers: it is quick and detailed with out being overbearing. The mid-bass has loads of definition and character, and it feels pure. Moondrop did job on this space, and the Venus delivers a tightly managed low-end that is partaking.
The mids are the place the Venus really comes into its personal, with the headset providing crystal-clear vocals with a bit of heat. Even in complicated conditions with loads of devices, there’s wonderful separation and articulation, and the Venus is simply as comfy with jazz as heavy metallic.
In an identical vein, the treble has good extension with none harshness, and it really works effectively with vocals and stringed devices like guitars. It is not overly vibrant, and also you get a fuller sound signature right here than with different planar headsets on this class.
The soundstage is immersive, with plenty of depth and spaciousness to the sound that is extremely partaking. The headset is especially well-suited to giant orchestral ensembles, and it does a superb job with imaging.
Moondrop Venus: The competitors
The Venus is similar to the HiFiMan Version XS. That exact headset does not fairly have the identical design aptitude, however you get a sturdy construct high quality. The Venus sounds fuller and extra partaking, however the Version XS prices $100 much less.
Moondrop Venus: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase this if:
- You need a planar headset with a beautiful design
- You are searching for an immersive soundstage with good decision
- You need a fascinating sound and wonderful tuning
You should not purchase this if:
- You need a bass-focused sound
- You are searching for a lightweight headset
The Venus is a powerful first displaying by Moondrop, and it’s among the many greatest headsets within the sub-$1,000 class. The design is among the many greatest I’ve used, and though the headset is sort of heavy, the burden is balanced effectively, and at no level does it change into uncomfortable.
Moondrop did a wonderful job with the tuning, and the Venus gives a fascinating sound that is filled with character. It pairs effectively with quite a lot of genres, and the broad soundstage places you on the heart of the combination. It has plenty of positives, and apart from needing supply to take full benefit of the massive drivers, I can not consider any negatives right here. If you happen to’re out there for a sub-$1,000 planar headset, the Venus is a straightforward suggestion.
The Venus is a unbelievable effort by Moondrop, and though it prices $600, you might be getting wonderful worth right here.
