Moondrop Dawn Pro

MOONDROP DAWN PRO: BEST IN THE PRICE RANGE



Summary & Objective:

The @MOONDROP DAWN PRO is the latest dongle release by MOONDROP and an upgrade of it's previous dongle DAWN. It promises great performance and comes with great build quality and both 4.4mm & 3.5mm outputs. It is powerful enough to drive most IEMs which makes it a great contender for the price bracket.




Introduction:

The MOONDROP DAWN PRO comes with great build and promises outstanding sound performance for the price bracket. It comes Dual CS43131 Flagship DAC chips and supports 32 bit/384kHz PCM decoding, DSD256 native decoding and comes with both 4.4mm & 3.5mm outputs and is quite powerful.
The MOONDROP DAWN PRO is priced at $42.49 on Spring Festival Offer($49.99 Regular price).




Disclaimer:

This unit was sent by @shenzhenaudio for the purpose of an honest review. Everything mentioned in this review are purely my own based on my experiences with the Dongle DAC/AMP.

Design, Build & Features:

I wouldn't want to make this a very long review by describing each feature but for people who want to know here are some extracts from the @MOONDROP website.







Specifications:

The MOONDROP DAWN comes with $49.99 ($42.49 on Spring Festival Offer) price tag and the specifications are as below:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/moondrop-dawn-pro-dual-cs43131-portable-usb-dac-amp





NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUND....


Items Used for this Review:
IEMs: Hifiman Svanar, Softears Twilight, @MOONDROP Aria 2, QoA Aviation, Simgot EA1000, Truthear Nova

Source : iPad Pro, ASUS ROG Laptop, iPad Pro
Streaming Source: QOBUZ



Tracks Used:
The tracks I have used can be found from the below playlist that I have used and generally use for most reviews...




MOONDROP DAWN PRO Sound Impressions in Short:

The BASS:

The Bass sounds just great. has enough details and is able to produce enough attack in the mid base region as well. In tracks like : "Anna R. Chie (Remastered) - Konstantin Wecker" and "Dreams (2001 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac" you can feel the the deep attack of the different instruments with just enough details. The thumps and slams are very enjoyable.

The MIDS:

The Midrange is quite detailed and open. It is able to produce a textured midrange that is soothing to the ears while having enough details in it. The vocals are natural and both male and female vocals come with good amount of details. Instruments sounded natural. In tracks like: "Anchor - Trace Bundy" and "Ruby Tuesday - Franco Battiato" while you will love the overall midrange specially transients of the guitars, violins etc... instruments and the vocals.

The TREBLE:

Though some implementations of Dual CS43131 DAC Chip had been found bright and peaky in some dongles, the DAWN PRO is amongst the BEST implementation of these DAC chip and seemed quite the neutral. Hence, the treble just sounded nice and full and without any unwanted peaky-ness.

STAGING & RESOLUTION:

The staging and resolution is just great and just the amount the track requires. Nothing artificial here. Tracks like: “ She Don't Know – Melody Gardot” or “Bohemian Rhapsody (live aid) – Queen” sound good & enjoyable. Resolution is amongst the best in the price bracket and better than few others above it's price bracket also.

Impedance & Amplification:

The smart impedance features seemed to work correctly in all cases that I've tested and the dongle was able to power all IEMs with the rare exception of the Tinhifi P2 plus which requires desktop grade amplification and power.

Pairing:
The best pairing experiences I have found are with slightly warmer or reference grade IEMs. Unlike some other Dual CS43131 implementations, this doesn't have the tendency to increase peaky-ness when paired with bright IEMs



Comparisons:

I had 4 dongles (@Questyle M15, @Cayin RU7, @iFi audio Go link, @MOONDROP Dawn PRO) at hand and I had compared with all of them. Having said that, the @iFi audio Go link is the most comparable in terms of price as it comes at $59 price range while the other dongles I have are $200++ range.




MOONDROP Dawn Pro vs iFi Audio Go Link:

Build quality: Both dongles are of extraordinary build quality and have lush premium looks.

Features & Amplification: The Go Link is missing out on the balanced 4.4mm output and also doesn't have the volume buttons. The DAWN PRO gets the advantage here. The Go Link has a Smart Balance feature while allows it to give enough power though.

Sound performance: While the Go Link is quite powerful, the DAWN PRO seemed more resolving, and has better micro dynamics overall. The separation and imaging seemed better on the DAWN PRO.

Resolution & Staging: both dongles have equally good staging performance but the Go Link lacked slightly to my ears compared to the DAWN PRO.



Conclusion :

The @MOONDROP DAWN PRO at the price range of below $50 can easily be crowned the king. It brings great quality sound at a very affordable price, with features unmatched by others given the price range. Hence, while the @Questyle M15 remains the undefeated champ of the dongle world (at least in terms of whatever dongles I have come across), it is beyond affordability of many people. But, when it comes to $50 & below range, the DAWN PRO remains unbeatable.

Dongles are very easy to review. They are not as complex as something like DCS Vivaldi or Holo May. So here is my short take on Moondrop Dawn Pro after using it for 2 months.



Positives -

Very Big Soundstage - If you compare the soundstage to even Questyle M15 it is fairly big if not more than that. It's way more than its competition like Tanchjim - SPACE or Ibasso DC03 Pro. I used RU6 and it is bigger than that one too.

It does not stretch the songs to fake the stage but will provide you with a very good 3D representation of the music.

Detail Retrieval is very good - If you are using something below $1000, don't worry about the bottlenecking. It retrieves details like a beast. There is no need to spend more just to get more resolution if you are not using something like Fourte/U12T/Anole VX.

Can Drive HD600/650 - Due to very high voltage swing they can comfortably run these cans and accept EQ to a great extent. It was impossible to run these cans in a portable source even in 2022.

The low end is there, reflecting the true essence of these headphones. Mids are excellent, treble is very vivid too. The only problem is you have to use High Gain and 4.4 to run them well. In 3.5 they sound thin and low res.

Small and Air Light - Sometimes it feels lighter than air. Just kidding, but on a serious note, it hardly feels any heavier than my other cable dongles. And it is very small, I regularly use it for my morning jog.

Doesn't Over Heat - It stays very cool, no matter how much load you give them or how long you run them in a stretch.

Timber is spot on and can't get any better in this form factor.

100 Step Volume Adjustment is just a lifesaver, I often use only 2-3 Steps to correct my volume.



Negatives -

Moondrop Link V2 App is just pure garbage - UI Elements are non-responsive, and the app is buggy and doesn't open on every device. However, it plays a very crucial role in selecting filters and adjusting power settings.

The tonality is warm - I don't think DAC should have tonality-altering capabilities at all. There are 100 things that a DAC can do without changing its FR. That's why I hate most R2R. (Not talking about filtering capabilities as such, I love filters.)

Dawn Pro won't give you a richer midrange or naturally boosted lower extension, it feels like an EQ. Very miniature warm signature but still it's noticeable.

The note weight is missing - If you are coming from Questyle M15 or DC04 Pro, the most noticeable difference is its note weight. Although everything will sound right, however, you will lose the feel of the analogue nature of the instruments.

What I meant by that is, everything sounds very hi-fi. Digitally correct and over-corrected.

Lack of play-pause-next / Gain button.

Conclusion -

You can buy this little monster eyes closed. Nothing right now can beat it in the SQ. (Because I heard a lot more expensive DAC than them and even then this is giving them a second thought). Your money will be well spent.

Disclaimer:​

The Moondrop Dawn Pro was sent to me by Hifigo and Moondrop, whom I thank very much.


I absolutely wanted to test their Dual Cirrus DAC, as the cost is really very low. Now the market is flooded in this low range and finding the best among so many similar products is increasingly difficult.

You might also like​

Colorfly CDA M1P Review​

iBasso DC-Elite Review – Magic Box​

Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Review​

From my point of view, the Dacs sound very similar to each other, or at least they shouldn’t take away or add anything to the sound.


However, this time, some small differences are easily noticeable compared to other similar DACs.


I’m going to compare it with similar dongles I own with similar prices.


However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.


I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.


So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.

Tech Specs:​

• Dual CS43131 DAC chips.
• Supports high-res PCM and native DSD decoding.
• 32-bit/384kHz PCM and Native DSD256 Audio Decoding.
• Clean Power with Independent Power Chips.
• Ultra-Low Clean Output with Low Noise, Floor, and Distortion Ratings.
• Large output thrust.
• 100-Level Smooth Volume Control.
• 3.5mm Single-Ended+4.4mm Balanced Outputs.
• Compact Design.
• Built-in heat-dissipation design.
• Aluminum Alloy Housing.
• Swappable Type-C Port.
• Compatible With Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, laptops, etc.

Packaging:​

The Moondrop Dawn Pro comes in a rounded metal package, which is quite simple but seems luxurious.


Once opened inside, we find the DAC embedded, and on the other side, we find the accessories:

• Type C to type C cable
• USB to Type C adapter
• Manual, QC and Warranty

The Type C cable is typical Moondrop, a little stiff but better than others. I appreciate that they included the USB-A adapter.

First impressions:​

The build quality of the Moondrop Dawn Pro is very good. It’s all CNC-machined aluminum, lightweight, and more compact than average. The holes in the main facade help dissipate heat. Behind one of those holes, there is a LED that indicates the DAC status and the sampling rate being played. The volume rocker is also made of aluminum; it has a bit of play so it moves in its seat, causing a bit of noise when the DAC is shaken.


The general construction quality is excellent; it is light but sturdy, and even after many hours of use, it does not heat up.
The thing I particularly liked was the ultra-small size compared to other models.


In any case, I can say that for the asking price, it automatically becomes the best buy among the cheapest Dual CS43131 DACs.

Power:​

The power is very similar to all the other DACs with the same configuration in my possession. It can also easily drive a Hifiman He400se with balanced output; obviously, a little more power would be needed. But this was to say that it is more than sufficient for the majority of IEMs on the market and for those who want an entry-level product with good power, a dual Cirrus logic is the cheapest solution. The Moondrop Dawn has no problems except that I would have preferred a physical gain switch.


I really appreciate the 100 independent volume levels. I can adjust the volume separately for an infinite number of adjustments and when it reaches maximum volume, the LED flashes white.


The tests were performed by setting the volume to maximum on the DAC and adjusting the volume on the device it is connected to.




I tested it with:

• KZ PR2 on 4.4 balanced high gain and needed just 40/50% volume to get them to a really high pressure level.
• EPZ Q5 on 4.4mm needs just 10% volume
• HE400se on 4.4mm is just less than 60–70% volume
• Hidizs MP145 on 4.4mm needs 40% volume
• GeekWold Gk20 needs 30% volume on 4.4mm
• Simgot EM6L needs 20%–30% on 3.5mm

A very versatile DAC capable of satisfying the majority of listeners. Obviously, there are better-performing dual CSs like the iBasso DC04pro but we are at double the price.

Moondrop Link App:​

As if that wasn’t enough at this price, we also have an app for managing the settings of the Moondrop Dawn Pro. On the official Moondrop website, you can find the latest version of the Moondrop LINK 2.0 app.


From the app, it is possible to manage the operation of the digital filters, gain, LED light, and volume. There are a few excellent functions that are often not seen until they double in cost. I attached some screenshots of the app.

Sound Signature:​

I have to admit that Moondrop has implemented some coloration in the sound of this Cirrus logic. The sound signature is much less warm than expected but more tending towards neutral, with a slight boost in the low range. They managed to remove the purely warm tone found for example, on the EPZ TP20. Honestly, this is a positive surprise for those looking for a little more neutrality.


I expected to find some differences compared to less important brands. Moondrop is big enough to be able to afford to develop its own products. Just the fact that it has a smaller size than the competition means that the PCB is proprietary (or at least different). They did an excellent job considering the absolutely entry level price.

Fast Comparison:​

Moondrop Dawn 4.4mm​

The old Moondrop Dawn, in addition to costing more, is much less versatile. You can choose whether to have either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm output; the cable is fixed and you cannot change it. There is no volume button. Since it costs more, it is difficult for me to recommend it at the moment, but if it were to drop in price, it could still be an option to take into consideration.

vs EPZ TP20​

The EPZ TP20 has a few more buttons to manage playback directly, which, on the one hand, makes it much faster to use. Its weight and aluminum construction make it one of the heaviest on the market. It gives a sensation of solidity but at the same time, it is a considerable weight to keep attached to a type C. Darker tone and non-independent volume. No apps.

vs Kmerj KM01​

The Kmerj KM01 is practically the same as the TP20. My iMac can’t tell them apart when I connect them. I recommend you read the full review. Its strong points are the design and the greater lightness compared to the TP20.

vs iBasso DC04 Pro​

The iBasso DC04 Pro is out of budget, as it costs significantly more than the previous ones. Can you feel the difference? I’m sorry to admit it but you can feel it. The sound comes out more refined; it doesn’t even sound like a CS43131. The app is well made but the Moondrop one is better. The same buttons are present on the Moondrop Dawn Pro. The sound is super refined and on sensitive headphones, it manages to give a further boost in definition and stage. Absolutely worth the extra money. I’ll do a review as soon as I have some extra time.

Who do I recommend this DAC to?​

If you are an audiophile or audio enthusiast on a budget, this could be a great option for your pockets. Probably the best option at this price.


Honestly, I am perfectly satisfied with the result obtained with the Moondrop Dawn Pro accompanied by the Simgot EM6L or the GeekWold GK20. Perhaps the result with the highest quality/price ratio is the EPZ Q5. For $100, you get a set of excellent quality far beyond expectations. Personally, the Dawn Pro is now my favorite in the dual-chip category in the $50 range.


My rating takes into consideration the average price at which we find DACs with similar configurations. Obviously, compared to the iBasso Dc04 Pro, it would have a lower score.


But one thing is certain! The Moondrop Dawn Pro is the model I would choose among the entry-level Cirrus DACs.

Where to buy:​

Pre-Order Moondrop Dawn Pro Portable USB DAC & Headphone AMP