Moondrop Chaconne: Chaconne't Stop Listening To This!
Pros: Very Clean Sound
Open and airy sound due to the open design of earbuds
Vocals (particularly female vocals) sound great
Smooth Treble
Surprisingly detailed
Nice design
Cons: Like most buds, is fit-dependent
Might be a bit hefty for some users during long listening sessions
No isolation because it's an earbud
Some sub-bass roll-off like most earbuds (not for bassheads in terms of quantity)
Non-detachable cable
Video review here:
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal unit that I purchased from Shenzhenaudio during Black Friday sales. I was not paid or influenced to say anything good or bad about this product, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Build: Very solid, with the titanium shell and brass faceplate. The materials make the Chaconne heavier than an average earbud, but I could still fit them well. Comfort is good, I've worn them for hours just fine. The cable looks nice, but isn't the best at handling and is non-detachable, which is disappointing for the price.
Bass: Pretty fast, tight, and clean. No bloat. Has some sub-bass roll-off like most buds, but still has a decent amount of bass (particularly mid-bass). Good texture. Not for bassheads, but definitely not lacking in bass.
Mids: Nice and forward. Vocals sound amazing (particularly female ones). Pretty good texture. Woodwind, string and brass instruments (violins, pianos, guitars, saxophones, trumpets etc.) shine on the Chaconne.
Treble: Very smooth, no fatigue. The Chaconne has good extension, but could benefit from a bit more perhaps.
Technicalities: Soundstage is wide and open due to the design of earbuds. There's actually a surprising amount of detail without the treble being overly boosted, I can hear a bunch of small details in songs I'm familiar with. Imaging, layering and separation is pretty good. The Chaconne sounds best with well-recorded tracks, but poorly-recorded tracks still sound nice on them.
Final Thoughts: The Chaconne is a niche product in a niche market in a niche hobby. It's an great product for people who want to try the high-end earbud experience, and know the limitations of the design (no isolation, fit-dependent, bass extension is worse than an iem's, etc.). However, it's not for those looking to get their first earbud, or bassheads who want a large quantity of bass. I still recommend the Chaconne though, I really enjoy it (especially for female vocals and OSTs).
Pros: Vocals and treble from heaven
Acoustic/vocal music GOD
Extremely airy sound without fatigue
Technicalities beast
Timbre king
Clean bass, well textured and very good extension (for an earbud)
Build quality
Cable
Cons: Accessories
Garbage stock foams
Non-replaceable cable
Heavy build causes some fatigue during longer sessions
EDIT 2023-08-25: If you are not aware, I am selling my own Earbuds, called RikuBuds: https://rikubuds.com/
Disclaimer: Bought on HifiGO with a discount (20%) for this review, thank you very much
Price: 320 usd
Specifications:
Impedance: 24Ω ± 15%
Wire: 24AWG single crystal copper & silver-plated shield
Frequency response range: 20-40KHz
Effective frequency response: 20-20KHZ
Quality control range: ±1dB
Sensitivity: 124dB/1mW
External magnetic electric THD: <1%@1KHz
Diaphragm material: liquid crystal polymer lcP&PU
Natural frequency: 120HZ/FF
Cavity: TC4 titanium alloy & gold-plated copper
Accessories:
10 pairs of porous full foams
Shirt clip
Carry bag
Cable: Pretty good cable, metal divider/connectors and is pretty lightweight since it is a 2-core cable and no microphonics either. Only downside is, it is non-replaceable….
Build: The build quality on the chaconne itself is as expected, pretty good as it is made out of titanium alloy and the faceplate is made out of gold-plated brass so it is heavier than average buds. Although it does have a sharp edge at the top vent (which fortunately doesn’t come into contact with my ears, but still a letdown for something at this price):
Fit: Pretty good for me, no problems at all with shorter sessions. But during longer sessions, the weight is noticeable and it does need some readjustments (besides fatigue).
Comfort: Not a problem for shorter sessions, but for longer (2h+) it does get very fatiguing due to the heavy build.
Isolation: None, it is a bud after all.
Setup: Ibasso DX160 (low gain, volume around 33), stock cable 4.4mm, full foams (not STOCK because they itch a lot and are very fragile, I’m using ordinary full foams from other buds)
Lows: Pretty typical bud bass, pretty linear from mid to sub-bass and the mid-bass is a bit elevated while the sub-bass has that typical roll-off that pretty much all buds have so it doesn’t really rumble. It is clean due to the speed and tightness though and it does have pretty decent texture overall. But if you want a brassy bud, this is not for you.
Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very clean due to the fast and tight bass like buds tend to be, quantity is very low but with decent texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is very clean and hearable.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), good texture and quantity is a bit elevated but still clean due to the speed/tightness.
Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is a bit better than most buds I have heard, but still pretty pitiful. Rumble is also next to nothing; punch quantity and texture are also lacking but it is tight and fast.
Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), quantity is pretty good here and texture as well, clean due to the speed and tightness.
Mids: Female vocals are masterfully done while male vocals are also extremely good but do lack some warmth and thickness on a few tracks. Vocal balancing is very good and doesn’t lean too much towards either of them. Detail and clarity are also very impressive and there is zero bleed from the bass as well. Vocal lovers, especially for female vocals will love this, endgame worthy.
Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Both the vocal and instrument tonality are masterfully done, warm enough for the instruments and bright enough for the vocals and vocals are forward as they should but not too much and is nowhere close to shouty. Timbre is exceptionally good as expected from a bud. Details and overall clarity are very impressive and it does it without being artificially helped by the tonality (no boosted chi-fi treble lol).
Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), Very good vocal and instrument tonality/timbre here as well, although the vocals could be a tiny bit brighter.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), not peaky or shouty.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), badly mastered track and is a bit peaky here.
Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal tonality and timbre are extremely good here and details and clarity are impressive as well.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), very good clarity and details, both the vocals and the instruments lack some warmth and thickness though.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp at all and tonality is still very good.
Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), very good tonality without shout.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture, detail and clarity are extremely good. Violin timbre, texture, detail and treble extension are exceptional but tonality could be a bit brighter.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), very good tonality and timbre, while being clean and detailed.
Soundstage: Enormous soundstage in both width and depth and is holographic because of that (very airy as well).
Tonality: Warm neutral, non-fatiguing and is very versatile because of this. Timbre is extremely natural across the range as expected from buds.
Details: Tons of details and it does it without “cheating” with the tonality (AKA, boosting the treble a lot).
Instrument Separation: Imaging and separation are exceptionally good, no issues on any track in my library that I tried.
Good genres: Acoustic/vocal music GOD, OST, Rock/metal
Bad genres: Hip-hop, EDM
Comparisons:
Earbud: Moondrop VX Classic, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a lot lower on the Chaconne and you hear more of the rumble because of that. Punch quantity is similar, but a lot tighter, faster and more textured on the Chaconne so it is a lot cleaner.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), very similar tonality and bass quantity but a lot cleaner and more detailed on the Chaconne because of the tighter, faster and more textured bass.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very similar tonality but muddy on the VX Classic and a lot cleaner on the Chaconne due to the faster and tighter bass along with more textured bass.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), essentially the same tonality, but improved on all factors on the Chaconne.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit more fatiguing on the Chaconne due to it being cleaner and more detailed.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), essentially the same tonality, but improved on all factors on the Chaconne. Timbre is notably improved on the Chaconne.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), essentially the same tonality, but improved on all factors on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), essentially the same tonality, but improved on all factors on the Chaconne. Timbre is notably improved on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), kind of muddy on the VX Classic, improved on all factors on the Chaconne.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Chaconne is outclassing the VX Classic on all factors here and even with the timbre.
Overall: The Chaconne is a true upgrade from the VX Classic, same tonality but improved on all factors. If you like the VX Classic, then you will love the Chaconne.
Earbud: Yincrow X6, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a lot lower and rumbles a ton more on the X6. Punch quantity is also a lot higher and is a bit more textured on the X6, but is a lot faster/tighter on the Chaconne. Tonality is more accurate on the X6.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the X6 and is more tonally correct, but is a lot cleaner and detailed on the Chaconne and a lot faster/tighter bass.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a lot cleaner and detailed on the Chaconne, muddy on the X6 in comparison but more fun on it due to the higher bass quantity.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Instrument tonality is better on the X6 due to the warmth but better timbre on the Chaconne. Vocal tonality and timbre are a lot better on the Chaconne. Detail and clarity are a lot better on the Chaconne, somewhat bloated on the X6 in comparison.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), less fatiguing and more relaxing on the X6 but a lot more detailed and cleaner on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), more tonally correct with both vocals/instruments on the X6, timbre is a bit better on the Chaconne and a lot more detailed and cleaner on it as well.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), non-fatiguing on the X6 but more tonally correct and a lot more detailed/cleaner on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is better on the X6 but timbre, texture, detail and clarity are a lot better on the Chaconne. Violin tonality, texture, timbre, detail, clarity and treble-extension are a lot better on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the X6 but a bit bloated while the Chaconne is a lot more detailed/cleaner.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Not even a comparison, the Chaconne is multiple leagues ahead of the X6 in all factors here.
Overall: The X6 is the more fun, bassier and relaxing bud, but as expected, the Chaconne is outclassing it in everything else.
Earbud: Yincrow RW-2000, full foams, stock cable 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower on the RW-2000 and rumbles more. Punch quantity is a lot higher on it as well as more textured. Faster and tighter on the Chaconne though and is cleaner but more tonally accurate on the RW-2000.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot more mid-bass that also gives it more warmth on the RW-2000 but similarly textured while it is faster and tighter on the Chaconne. More tonally accurate on the RW-2000, although it is a bit bloated in comparison.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), more quantity on the RW-2000 with similar texture but faster and tighter on the Chaconne so it is quite a lot cleaner on it.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Instrument tonality is better on the RW-2000 but it does have some slight bleed from the mid-bass while timbre is better on the Chaconne. Vocal tonality and timbre are better on the Chaconne and is a lot cleaner and detailed on it.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more relaxing and non-fatiguing on the RW-2000.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), more accurate tonality with both vocals and instruments on the RW-2000 but a lot cleaner on the Chaconne and no bleed from the bass (slight bleed on the RW-2000).
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), less fatiguing and electric guitars aren’t sharp on the RW-2000.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are better on the RW-2000 but better timbre, detail and clarity on the Chaconne. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, detail and treble extension are better on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the RW-2000 but cleaner and more natural timbre on the Chaconne.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), bigger (not a lot though) soundstage (width/depth) and is a bit more holographic on the Chaconne. Details, instrument separation, imaging and timbre are better on the Chaconne.
Overall: Both are TOTL buds IMO, but the Chaconne is the better bud and I personally like it more (despite my personal preference in tuning leaning more towards the RW-2000) than the RW-2000 which does have some mid-bass bleed when going from the Chaconne to it. If you like a bassier (mid-bass), warmer, more relaxing and fun sound then you will prefer the RW-2000 to the Chaconne, otherwise the Chaconne is superior.
Earbud: Toneking Dendroaspis Viridis, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and has actual rumble on the Chaconne compared to the Viridis. Punch quantity is also higher on the Chaconne and is more textured as well while speed/tightness are similar. More accurate tonality on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity and texture on the Chaconne while speed/tightness are similar.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), both are similarly clean but more fun on the Chaconne because it has a bit more quantity (and texture).
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), tonality is better on the Chaconne with both vocals/instruments and sounds more natural with the timbre, a bit artificial on the Viridis in comparison.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a lot more fatiguing on the Viridis and shoutier.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a lot better tonality (and timbre) on the Chaconne with both vocals/instruments. Details and clarity are also a bit better without having the tonality (a lot brighter on the Viridis) advantage on the Chaconne.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), more fatiguing and sharper electric guitars on the Viridis.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the Chaconne. Violin timbre, texture, detail and treble-extension are better on the Chaconne, but a bit better tonality on the Viridis.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the Chaconne while less fatiguing as well.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), bigger (both width/depth) soundstage on the Chaconne. Imaging, instrument separation, detail and timbre are also better on the Chaconne.
Overall: The Chaconne is better than the Viridis, sounds more natural and less fatiguing at the same time. Although if you like a brighter tonality, the Viridis would suit you more.
Earbud: NiceHCK EBX21, full foams, stock cable 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and has actual rumble on the Chaconne compared to the EBX21. A bit higher punch quantity as well as faster/tighter and more textured on the Chaconne. More tonally accurate on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity and texture as well as faster/tighter on the Chaconne. More tonally accurate on the Chaconne.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), somewhat similar tonality but slightly warmer on the Chaconne and treble is a lot less harsh/peaky. Bass quantity is a bit higher and more textured on the Chaconne, but similarly clean due speed/tightness being similar.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal and instrument timbre are better on the Chaconne and better instrument tonality on the Chaconne as well. Similar vocal tonality though. More detailed and natural overall on the Chaconne but similarly clean.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier on the EBX21 and more fatiguing.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a lot better tonality and timbre with both vocals and instruments on the Chaconne.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), similarly fatiguing but better timbre on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the Chaconne. Violin timbre, texture, detail and treble extension are better on the Chaconne but similar tonality.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the Chaconne while the EBX21 is shoutier in comparison.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), bigger soundstage (width/depth) and Is more holographic on the Chaconne. Detail, instrument separation, imaging and even timbre are better on the Chaconne.
Overall: The Chaconne is better than the EBX21, more refined across the range, more natural and has better technicalities.
IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, Cable A6 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), a lot lower extension and rumbles a ton more on the Oxygen. Punch quantity is also a lot higher and more textured but a lot tighter/faster on the Chaconne as well cleaner. More tonally accurate on the Oxygen.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), More mid-bass on the Oxygen and more texture but not as fast/tight and clean as the Chaconne. More tonally accurate on the Oxygen.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a lot cleaner on the Chaconne due to the faster/tighter and airier sound. But more quantity and texture on the Oxygen.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), instrument tonality is better on the Oxygen due to the warmth but better timbre on the Chaconne. Vocal tonality and timbre are better on the Chaconne and overall sound is a lot airier and cleaner on it.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), brighter on the Chaconne but less fatiguing, a lot more refined and less peaky treble on the Chaconne, vocals are similarly shouty.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the Oxygen but more natural on the Chaconne due to the timbre. The Chaconne is making the Oxygen sound kind of artificial.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper and more fatiguing on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is better on the Oxygen but timbre, texture, detail and clarity are better on the Chaconne. Violin tonality is a lot better on the Chaconne along with better timbre, detail, texture, treble extension and is a lot airier.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the Oxygen but a lot cleaner and airier on the Chaconne.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot bigger (width/depth) soundstage and airier on the Chaconne. Detail, instrument separation and imaging are also better on the Chaconne as well as timbre.
Overall: Going from the Chaconne to the Oxygen is like being suffocated by the lack of oxygen (pun intended) and feels a lot more open while the Oxygen is quite closed. The Chaconne is outclassing the Oxygen in acoustic/vocal music but Oxygen is better for bassier tracks.
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), a lot lower extension and rumble on the B2. Punch quantity is higher on the B2 but tighter, faster and more textured on the Chaconne as well as a lot cleaner and airier. Timbre is a lot better on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the B2 but more textured, faster and tighter on the Chaconne. A lot cleaner and natural (timbre) on the Chaconne.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a bit faster/tighter on the Chaconne while the B2 has a bit more quantity. Timbre is a lot better on the Chaconne.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Instrument tonality is a bit better on the B2 but lacks a lot of air and timbre is a lot worse than the Chaconne. Vocal tonality and timbre are better on the Chaconne. Detail and clarity are better on the Chaconne.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), less fatiguing on the B2 but lacking a lot of air.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Instrument and vocal tonality are a bit better on the B2 but a lot worse timbre on it as well as lack of air. Clarity is a lot better on the Chaconne but similar detail.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), similarly sharp electric guitars but a lot airier and natural timbre on the Chaconne.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is a bit better on the B2 but better timbre, texture, detail and clarity on the Chaconne. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, detail, treble-extension and air on the Chaconne is outclassing the B2.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the B2 but a lot better timbre and air on the Chaconne.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), soundstage is a lot bigger (width/depth) on the Chaconne as well as a lot more air. Detail, instrument separation, imaging and timbre are also better on the Chaconne.
Overall: The Chaconne is outclassing the B2 to the point that I don’t get how Moondrop came up with the B2 AFTER the Chaconne was released…just get the Chaconne if you are considering between these 2, the B2 only wins at bassy genres and even then, there are a ton of other iems that do it better anyway.
Conclusion: Well, the Chaconne is my nr 1 earbud right now and also the best transducer for acoustic/vocal music I have heard. Highly recommended, only reason why it isn’t 5/5 is due to that non-replaceable cable….
@prakasitp I would stay away from DAPS from a value stand point, portable amp/dacs are much better. Or if you want to maximise value, you could get an apple dongle (dac) + topping NX7 (amp).
Well, my bud graphs are a meme lol. But yes, its my own DIY models that I am selling.
Pros: Ear Bud with actual subbass, though not large
Good resolution and spaciousness
Extremely well built and attractive
Cons: Pricey
Still limited by all things ear buds
If you’ve read through my reviews, you’ll find that I am a big fan of Moondrop and their lineup of in-ear monitors. They have a tuning goal in mind with each IEM and they more or less hit it on every release. When it comes to earbuds, however, I have only listened to the ultra budget Shiro Yuki, and now this, the flagship Chaconne from Moondrop.
I have always been keen on ear buds due to their easy fit, comfort, and open sound. They aren’t the best for isolation, and ultra-bass response, and for the most part, they haven’t been the best for clarity either. But, in the past few years, the ear bud market has risen again, and I’ve written reviews and impressions on several in the past on this blog and other corners of the internet. Yes, ear buds have their limitations, but they have their own use case too.
I picked up the Moondrop Chaconne at regular price on the newly formed online retailer, Apos Audio. Shipping was pretty quick once the Chinese New Year holiday period was over – I’ve had these for a few months now and use them at least a few times a week. Unlike most other earbuds I have owned, these have been kept in my stable and are in my everyday carry.
Why’s that? Well they are expensive. They retail for $319, which puts them in the utmost tier of ear buds. In the In-Ear and Over-Ear headphone market, this comfortably resides in mid-tier levels, but in the world of ear buds, this is 10X more than mid-fi ear buds.
The Chaconne is a single dynamic driver ear bud that’s housed in a titanium shell and brass driver grill. The shell is absolutely stunning and many times more impressive than any other ear bud I’ve ever seen. The cable is a silver colored, oxygen-free copper that is nicely braided and feels generally well. The connectors and splitter are also metal with a chrome finish.
Sound
Normally in this section, I post measurements with the gear I am testing but for ear buds, I just don’t find it very reliable using my measurement rigs, so I am just going to do this the old fashion way – with words.
I have been playing with the Moondrop Chaconne through a variety of sources over the past couple months – this includes mainly the iBasso DX160 and Hiby R5 music players, as well as my Samsung S10e and a variety of desktop amplifiers. The Chaconne does require me to up the volume dial a bit more than my other IEMs however it is using 3.5mm single ended and not using the more powerful 4.4mm output of my DAPs.
The Chaconne is a warm ear bud that’s not unlike other ear buds around, however where I feel it differs is that the earbud actually does have some audible bass that extends deeper and treble that extends higher than any other earbud I’ve tried. This combination gives the Chaconne a more well-rounded sound than most ear buds, however, coming from IEMs or Headphones, one may be disappointed if they don’t understand the limitations.
The lower mid-range is warm, though not overly rich. It does provide some focus towards it as does most earbuds though. The upper mid-range sounds recessed. That’s actually one part of the tuning I was a little surprised at, given how Moondrop’s IEMs and other earbud I’ve tried is elevated in this region. This recession of the upper mid-range makes the Chaconne’s tonality a warmer and slightly dark sound, but it’s lifted treble and just general openness provides a good soundstage and airy nature that counters the warmer, darker overtones.
Where I find the Moondrop Chaconne is the level of exacting detail that comes out when I hear songs on it when compared to other ear buds I’ve tried in the past. It’s the biggest distinguishing factor, outside of the actual low-end presence.
Musical Selections
In Orville Peck’s Winds Change, the acoustic guitars have a lot of plucky tinge to them that go in and out and pan in and out with a greater sense of space than when I listen to in-ears. The deeper voice of Peck really goes well with the general tonality of the Chaconne, which gives him the weightier and deeper vocal notes that makes his voice really command the songs on his debut album.
Air’s All I Need is a classic in my book. With the Moondop Chaconne, Beth Hersch’s voice sounds slightly veiled however still is placed in the forefront of the stage and sounds quite natural, albeit a little less bright but just as breathy as some other IEMs I’ve used. The background electronic soundscape has wonderful imaging and the bass line drives the song just as I would have expected, which is a nice surprise since again, these are ear buds.
On the beautifully haunting cover, Hallelujah, by the late Jeff Buckley, the Chaconne sings through the opening of the song with the Buckley’s deep sigh, followed by his slow building intricate guitar work that sets the scene for his incredible voice. And that voice sounds really spacious, detailed and crisp on the Chaconne. There’s a slight shoutiness that can be heard at times when the guitar is emphasized, but this isn’t unique to the Moondrop Chaconne and I’ve heard it on many other headphones as well. The warmer tone really works great with this song, and wide soundstage really makes the song sound even more incredible than on some of my other ear phones.
Finally, the jazz-fused Roots song, What They Do, is another song that I found really sounds nice on the Chaconne. The deep bassline and steady percussions lay a nice rhythm that sounds warm, rich, and laid back, the way it should sound, at least to me. Black Thought’s vocals sound clean and precise as usual, and I don’t find many flaws listening to the Chaconne.
General Thoughts
I didn’t know what to expect when I bought the Moondrop Chaconne a few months ago. It was an earbud that fascinated me for months after it came out. For one, I really liked Moondrop gear, and secondly, I’ve been wanting a top of the line ear bud ever since I sold my Rose Masya away. The impulsiveness in me finally won and I’ve been surprisingly really happy with the purchase.
I had some doubt and even initial regret, but after finding the proper fit (with the help of silicone ear bud rings and foam), I’ve found a great fit combination that excels in sound quality that seems to suit much of the music I prefer. Yes, it’s got some limitations in raw bass performance and quantity, as well as some limitations in other areas, but being and ear bud and being priced at around $319, it’s actually a very nice set and one I am enjoying more and more as I listen to it.
Obviously this isn’t a recommendation for everyone, but for those interested in seeing what this niche area of ear buds has to offer, the Chaconne is one of the best.
thank you very much @jogawag and @antdroid. I managed to get a better fit by replacing the HieGi donut foam with the original foam that came with the Liebesleid. I intend to use these same original foams with the Chaconne as well. I am happy with the sound so far so I will continue with this solution
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Went to see the link, actually, I have no idea what the graph tells me.