The central seem is prominent but smoothly finished and the earphones possess a premium density in the hand and ear. The housings adopt a 2-piece metal construction with gorgeous pearlescent blue paintwork. The Starfield is a pleasure to look at, nailing the fundamentals with practicality and style. It’s also good to see Moondrop providing additional metal mesh nozzle filters in addition to a pair of plastic tweezers to install them. The Starfield comes with a solid zipper case for travel. As there is such a wide range of sizes, the user can also slightly alter the fit depth and sound to their preference. Moondrop includes 6 pairs of silicone ear tips, all in various sizes to ensure a comfortable seal. Inside is a hard box containing the earphones and accessories within a card inlet. The Starfield assumes a minimalist unboxing experience with a clean box adorned with appealing artwork. Some also consider Litz wires to be more resistant to oxidation due to their more insulated design. There are 6 Litz configurations in ascending order of complexity, though the exact configuration of the Starfield’s cable is not stated. This is said to be especially suitable for high-frequency signals. The Litz configuration consists of multiple thin strands of wire with individual insulation that minimises skin effect and transmission loss due to opposing EMF in other strands. The Starfield comes with a 24AWG 4N OFC cable with Litz structure. Readers familiar with my work will know that I’m all for a well-done single driver over a model that fails to juggle the numerous variables involved in tuning a multi-driver design. Alongside, Japanese imported Daikoku CCAW voice coils, the Starfield’s driver is rapid accelerating, low in distortion and well-controlled, promising improved transient response in addition to strong end to end extension. It features carbon-nanotubes woven into a polymer film to create a combination of lightness and rigidity. Where the former KXXS implemented a diamond-like carbon coating on the same diaphragm as the Kanas Pro before it, the Starfield employs a redesigned driver. Though both diffuse-field and Harman are considered by most critics not to showcase perfect balance, the VDSF curve is a refined and mostly natural-sounding tuning that is a pleasure to see at this price range. Compared to Harman earphones, however, I do hear a smoother upper-midrange and uptick of energy within the lower-treble. Comparatively, they’ve toned down the highs and upped the bass which is, to my ear, a combination between diffuse-field and Harman neutral. Similar to its name, this is Moondrop’s appropriation of the diffuse-field neutral curve, the target hit by the famous Etymotic earphones. Moondrop’s first IEMs traced the Harman Curve incredibly well, a selling point for the company and sound foundation for developing their own curve called virtual diffuse sound field (VDSF). Most famous are the Diffuse and newer Harman curve, both have their share of fans and critics. Neutral has become a more subjective term over the years as more minds contribute to different curves simulating different acoustic environments. You can read all about the Starfield here and treat yourself to one on HiFiGO and Apos. As we’re about to see, Moondrop makes every dollar count in their designs. The Starfield is one of their most successful ventures, tracing the curve just as religiously as its predecessors but at a more approachable $109 USD asking price. For the company has come far, delicately refining their interpretations of the famous Harman curve. Though I never had the opportunity to demo this earphone, the company’s name stuck in my mind and seemingly, many others, as they’ve now climbed to international notoriety and are currently inundated with review requests. He was enthusiastic about a new company, Moondrop, and their first in-ear, the Kanas Pro. I was first introduced to the China-based company by my friend and fellow reviewer Klaus, who is certainly very knowledgeable about audio and whose opinion I hold in high regard. The Starfield’s reasonable pricing, excellent versatility and minimal-compromise design make it a strong purchase for newcomers and seasoned audiophiles alike. Somewhat sloppy bass reproduction, Average noise isolation Refined VDSF tuning, Strong detail retrieval, Stunning design and build, Supple Litz cable Introduction to Bluetooth Audio Technology.DIY Self-impressions for Custom In-Ear Monitors.Traveling Audiophile Holiday Gift Guide.Musician’s In-Ear Monitor Buyer’s Guide.2016 IEM Buyer’s Guide by Sound Signature.2020-2021 Portable Audio Equipment Buyer’s Guide.Ranking the Stars – flinkenick’s 2017 Flagship IEM Shootout.Portable Headphone Ranking List by ljokerl.
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