Moondrop Kanas Pro

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Sound balanced, wide and clean.
- Great mids.
- Definition, transparency and detail.
- Construction, solidity and beauty.
-Cable.
Cons: Lack of accessories
Introduction

Moondrop is a well-known brand of IEMs and earbuds, which has models highly valued in various price ranges. It is clear that the Kanas Pro are one of its most popular IEMs, but the brand also has other well-known models: Blessing, Crescent, Aria, A8, Kanas, Liebesleid, VX, Nameless ...

Since I had news about the Kanas Pro, I was interested and although they have always been a model in the mouths of many, in my country has aroused more interest than purchases, remaining almost always as an eternal purchase in the wish list. Now that I have them in my possession, I'm very happy to own them. That's why I want to give a boost to those who never bought it, because they don't know what they're missing.

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Specifications

  • Driver: Dynamic 10mm
  • Magnet: N48
  • Diaphragm Material: DLC diamond carbon
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 110dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz
  • Jack Connector: 3.5mm chapado en oro
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2pin 0.78mm
  • Coil: 0.035 mm-CCAW
  • Capsule material: zinc-magnesium alloy
  • Capsule technology: metal injection molding integrated casting

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Packaging

The exterior presentation is simple, a matt black box elongated (182x88x34mm), with the logo of the brand in the center, inscribed in silver. The back is also black, with a sticker on the bottom, with the model name and specifications. After opening the box, the Kanas Pro are embedded in a black foam mould, with the cables in place. In the lower part there is a cardboard cover, after removing it you can see the rest of the cable, rolled up, a gray bag, for the transport of the IEMs, a bag with white tips of silicone, two cards, the document of guarantee and verification and the instruction leaflet. Among the tips, there are 4 large, 2 medium and 4 small. The transport bag is practically the same as the one that comes with the Moondrop Nameless, the cheapest earbuds of the brand.

The presentation is good, neat and elegant, but the accessories are minimal, below what you would expect for the price level.

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Construction and Design

The material used in the capsules is an alloy of zinc and magnesium, polished and plated with white steel. It is so finished that it looks like a jewel. On the outside. The word "Kanas" is inscribed, simulating handwriting.

The design of the capsules is of the universal custom type. Externally, their size is medium, although they are thick. Like most of these types of IEMs, they have been designed to be used with the wire over the ear. Their connector is two pins 0.78mm. The connectors are completely embedded in the capsule. They are formed by two parts firmly assembled, but the division of both is very visible. The nozzles are relatively long, have an outer crown of a larger diameter. Underneath it, there is a wide notch to help fit the tips. But in reality, this is not the case. The fit of the tips is quite free and depending on which ones are used, they can sink more than desired. Thus, it is more advisable to use narrow channel tips, even if it is difficult to introduce them, so that they are fixed in the notch and do not pass over the edge.

Inside the nozzles and not precisely at the edge, there is a metal grid, quite dense.

There are two holes on the inside of the IEMs, one at the foot of the nozzles and the other at the centre of the capsule.

The design of the capsules is beautiful and their construction is of a very high standard. The result is a really attractive and distinguished product.

The cable is 8-core, hybrid, as half of the wires look like copper and the other half, silver plated. The cable is braided and despite the number of cores, it is not very thick. In addition, it is quite light and handy, has no tendency to roll up and has no microphone. The two-pin connectors are covered by a transparent, angled plastic sheath. The cables are then lined with more rigid plastic, which shapes the cable for use over the ear. The divider is original, as it is a thick black disc. There is no pin to collect the cable under the chin. The connector cover is cylindrical, straight, large, but light. The cable is protected by a black plastic coating, in its union with the connector. The 3.5mm jack plug is gold plated.

The cable totally fulfills its function and although it does not possess the level of beauty of the capsules, it does not clash as a whole.


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Adjustment and Ergonomics

Although the nozzles are longer than in other products with similar characteristics, the particular fit has not been optimal with the standard tips. Perhaps because of this shape, the insertion tends to be somewhat deeper. With simple tips, I haven't achieved stability, as it had a slight tendency to peel off. I had to use bi-flange and tri-flange tips to find the most suitable fit. With this type of tips, the sound is always more intense and closer, fuller and more detailed, but it is not as comfortable as a few simple tips, since the contact is much greater with the internal channel, getting to annoy.

Be that as it may, the adjustment problems of the Kanas Pro, do not cease to be something particular, typical of my anatomy, because I have tried with other colleagues, who have not reported me anything strange, comparatively speaking, with models previously analyzed.

I must also say that, using bi-flange or tri-flange tips, the adjustment is almost perfect, without the need for readjustment. They do not move at all and the sound is not altered during normal movement.

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Sound

Profile

My feeling is that the Moondrop Kanas Pro has a fairly balanced profile, with a slight U-tendency, due to its emphasis on both the sub-bass and above 10kHz. They have a fair point between warmth and coldness, bordering on neutrality in this aspect. But it must be clear that balance does not mean absence in any range, but quite the opposite, since the MKP allow you to enjoy the entire range of frequencies without missing anything. This is their great virtue.

Moondrop Kanas Pro.png

Bass


The lower zone is quite flat up to 100Hz, giving an idea of some IEMs with a slight emphasis on the sub-bass. This favors the whole, providing depth without losing clarity, nor an apex of detail in the rest of frequencies. Although the bass is not big in the presence, some bass lovers might be disappointed with its level of emphasis, its performance is almost perfect. The balance is extremely adequate, with that greater weight in the lower zone, a concise and deep hit, executed with speed and precision, nothing redundant and with a decay that does not stain or cloud the range itself, or the rest of frequencies.

The definition is clean, almost analytical, and that is to say a lot for a single dynamic driver and more speaking of its lower zone.

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Mids

The mids are undoubtedly the best area for MKPs. The rest of the ranges help the center to improve and look as it should. Its cleanliness continues to be its dominant characteristic. Clarity and almost analytical definition follow in importance. Possibly the IEMs with a dynamic single driver are the most analytical I have ever heard. And I say this as something worth noting, it is not easy to sound with so much coldness, light, transparency and definition, lacking BA drivers. And I go on to say that what I have said is more compliments than reproaches. Precisely I consider these virtues, the most favorable of the Kanas Pro: a balanced sound, crystalline voices, delicate, excellently profiled, luminous and translucent, with a thin but beautiful body. Their presence remains halfway between the frontal and the zenithal, not very close, but never far away: they are not in the first row, but in the second. The timbre of the voices could be considered almost neutral, I find no clear warmth in them, nor excessive coldness. The same thing happens with his body, the just and necessary one to sound pleasantly full, but without disturbing the rest of the mids or displacing them, halfway through definition, detail, delicacy and softness. But, above all, they sound natural and without any trace of veil, highly enjoyable.

On an instrumental level, the mids are not hidden, as I say, behind the voices, but are perceived with the same clarity and with an equally well-profiled drawing, like them. In this way, following them individually is very simple, because they enjoy great representation and are favoured by the notable separation and definition that the Kanas Pro offer.

Finally, it is necessary to emphasize a slight emphasis in the high zone of the media, without it implies any imbalance nor excessive excitement with respect to the rest of the range, due to the notable balance that they possess.

The MKP have, in my humble opinion, one of the best mids in their price range, which I have heard.

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Treble

The high zone begins very measured, it is something that is noticed graphically as much as to sonorous level. The highs begin emphasized, to gradually decrease to 10kHz. In this way there is a good initial flash, but it is cut in its first harmonics, subtracting some extension in the area. In this way the sibilances are under control, but there is also some collateral softness. Subsequently, a spark appears around 12kHz. This fact brings air to the whole, a peculiar sonority in the high zone, which also influences the rest of the sound.

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Soundstage, Separation

Speaking in such terms, first of all, the clarity and high level of transparency that the MKPs possess. This contributes greatly to a noticeable sense of separation and cleanliness throughout the sound. As a result, the level of detail, resolution and refinement is quite high. The resulting sound is purely fine, definite, light, highly profiled, but not typically surgical, or sharp. The Kanas Pro treasure the great quality of balance and neutrality: this is their greatest commitment.

At scene level their quality is not so great, they have notable width, good depth, good instrumental recreation, thanks to their great separation, but the scene is more frontal than circular, without the sound becoming surround.

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Comparisons

Cozoy Hera C103

The Hera are IEMs with a profile that could be said to be balanced, although in reality, not as much as the Kanas Pro. They have, the Cozoy, more emphasis on the sub-bass zone and a warmer profile. Their sound is also more analogical, as opposed to the higher resolution and transparency of the Kanas Pro.

The lower zone of both has good depth and similar characteristics. As I say, greater sub-bass in the Hera, more punch in the middle zone in the Kanas Pro, besides it has a more complete range, with greater body and better texture..

In the mids, the differences are noticeable in the warmth of the Hera, the voices sounding a little more full-bodied and a little more complete. Meanwhile, in the Kanas Pro, they are perceived finer and colder as well. Apart from each other's profile, the area has a similar presence before reaching the upper mids, which is where differences are most appreciated. There is something strange about that "ups and downs" that the Hera have at the top of their mids. It's not something that is perceived in a general way, but there are songs in which this effect does appear. Meanwhile, the Kanas Pro have more coherence in this area, gaining in extension and naturalness.

The upper Hera zone begins emphasized, but is then cut more quickly than in the Kanas Pro. In this way, the perception of the trebles in the Moondrop is more complete and extensive, sounding more naturally timbre. In the Cozoy, the trebles are perceived to be smoother, somewhat more in line with their warmer profile. The feeling of air is also more noticeable in the MKP than in the Cozoy.

Although both IEMs have a good dose of cleanliness and transparency, the Kanas Pro beats the points in clarity and resolution. Also the separation falls on their side, as does the detail and definition.

The scene is perceived wider in the MKP, with more air and feeling of openness, while the Cozoy have a little more depth and a good instrumental location.

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TFZ Tequila 1

Tequila 1 is one of my favorite IEMs, so the comparison with Moondrop Kanas Pro will be divided between my preferences.

The first big difference is in sensitivity, Tequila is much more sensitive than Kanas Pro. Another clear difference is the sensation of density in the sound: Tequila generates more sound pressure than Kanas Pro, while the latter offer a finer and more delicate sound, as opposed to the powerful musicality of TTFZ.

In the lower zone, Tequila boasts its greatest forcefulness, offering heavier and visceral basses. In the Kanas Pro, however, the basses enjoy greater detail and a more descriptive texture, but also cooler. But in the end, if volumes are equalized in the lower zone, the ensemble can sound quite similar, this is something that can be observed in the frequency response: the curves of both are similar in shape. The difference is in the extension and density of the range, greater in Tequila.

In the mid zone, the influence of the lows in Tequila is more noticeable than in the Kanas Pro; something, on the other hand, of course, due to the difference in profiles. The better balance between the different ranges makes the mids more enjoyable, as they are perceived as more isolated. Again, the comparison between the two is marked by the feeling of warmth and coldness of the area. But also by the cleanliness of the Kanas Pro and the density of the Tequila. The mids are much more relaxed in the MKP, offering a more delicate and soft listening, in front of the greater energy and forcefulness of the TFZ. This results in the greater sensation of transparency and separation that exists in the Kanas Pro.

The high zone of the Tequila has a sensation of greater initial presence, being perceived more tense and wide in the low zone. The Kanas Pro continue to show their finesse and delicacy, executing the highs with more detail, precision, resolution and greater relative extension. In this way, in passages with abundant and critical highs, MKPs perform better, offering a softer sound, less sharp and more extensive at the same time, expanding the area more than Tequila.

The scene of the Kanas Pro stands out in width and opening. The greater separation expands the stereo image beyond what Tequila offers. They also surpass them in depth, although this time the distance is not so great. As I have already commented throughout the comparison, the separation is also greater in the Kanas Pro.

By way of conclusion, I like both IEMs very much and they are among my favorites. One cannot replace the other, because they have different characteristics, which make them very valuable for different musical genres. It's a divided love.

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Conclusion

I have always had the Moondrop Kanas Pro in mind ever since I first heard of them. Then, when I saw them, I knew I had to possess them. And when you go through this kind of process, things don't always end well. On this occasion, the end has been the expected one: the MKPs have satiated my desires. It's true that I never thought about how I'd like them to sound, I just waited for them to surprise me. And so it was, from the first moment I put them on, I knew I had something good in my hands and I had to let it mature in peace.

The Moondrop Kanas Pro are two sides of the same coin, since their sound is a faithful reflection of their exterior: built like a jewel, they are able to offer a brilliant and splendid sound, clean and polished, detailed and clear, elegant and durable, delicate and balanced. The Moondrop Kanas Pro is a sonorous diamond.

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Sources Used During the Analysis

  • Fiio M11
  • Burson Audio Playmate

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Ratings

  • Construction and Design: 90
  • Adjustment/Ergonomics: 80
  • Accessories: 50
  • Bass: 85
  • Mids: 90
  • Treble: 80
  • Separation: 90
  • Soundstage: 82
  • Quality/Price: 90

Purchase link

https://penonaudio.com/moondrop-kanas-pro.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2019/06/16/moondrop-kanas-pro-review/
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Shotgunsingh

New Head-Fier
Pros: Good balanced sound
Clean mids and treble
Punchy bass
Good built
Cons: Bass may not be favourable to everyone
Lack of accessories at the price
Lack of premium packaging.
IMG_20190402_123900_780.jpg One more very promising Chifi produced IEMs under 200$. I had heard a whole lot of praises for this particular product and lots of comparison to Dm6 and how DD is always better than Balanced Amature drivers.

Well did the kanas pro live up to its hype let's find out.

For technical details please check the product page.

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Device used
Fiio AM3 With Q5 on Kanas pro.

Ok so the unboxing experience was very minimal and no show off of any sorts. Good clean packaging comes with lots of ear tips.
Unfortunately none of them are good.

I used spinfit cp240 for the best experience.

Built and material.

Driver: 10mm dynamic
Magnet: N48
Diaphragm material: DLC diamond like carbon nanotube
Coil: 0.035mm CCAW
Cavity material: Zinc-magnesium alloy
Impedance: 32 ohms at 1 kHz
Quality control range: < 1.5 dB
Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm and 3.5 mm single ended
Cable: Detachable
THD: < 0.5%

Build is very sturdy and can take a beating on daily rough use. That's a plus point for a mid premium category IEMs as you can get a good sound on the go and not worry too much.

Sound out of the box is bit muffled on the bass region. Bleeds into the mids is easily noticable. So i thought let's not jump to conclusions and i did burn in for more than 100 hrs with routine daily pocket use.

I have to say it's quite good. Sturdy and solid built you will never feel the need of protecting the IEMs. This was the best part for me. As i did not have to care a whole lot and got good sound on the go. But it's not as good as the BGVP DM6. IMO these should not be compared at all as both fall under different price brackets and solve different purpose all together.

If you love a good smooth relaxed musical experience with good amount of bass and details with balanced sound. Kanas pro should be your choice. If you want heavily detailed reference sound with wide sound stage and heavy bass on demand and brilliant treble extension then DM6 all the way. But that just my opinion. I'll let you decide with detailed review of different frequency distribution.
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Songs
For whom the bells toll - Metallica.
I'm in exile - The Pineapple Thief.
K. - Cigarettes after Sex.
Two weeks - Grizzly Bear.
Light of the seven - Ramin Djwadi.
Don't look back - Telepopmusik.
The raze - Crystal method.
The Birds - Telefon Tel Aviv.
Future intro - Trendsetter, Mark Holiday.
Ghost in the city - The Crystal Method.
Quite - Rachel Yamagata.
Naav- Udaan.

Bass:
Bass is big, punchy and well defined in IDM tracks i can very much enjoy the beautiful clean and punchy sub bass.
Round and Good quality with quick decay. Clean.
Although On some tracks i felt bass could have been quicker (spoilt by DM6) like on the track The Raze there is too much texture in lower frequency. The decay in kanas pro needed was quicker to justify the bass texture needs of this particular song. Apart from that all other tracks were very enjoyable.

I can easily say that if you want some what laid back experience and not analytical all the time the kanas pro is a very good experience.

Mids:

Mids almost forward in instrumental songs. Beautiful full bodied Lush vocals. So sweet. Strings super clean and in balance with vocals. Very good resolution and texture. Not many IEMs can do that. Electric guitar and box guitar have a good body and sound quite resolved.

In rock and heavy metals songs as well the vocals are pretty clean but don't seem forward. Not as lush as in instrumental and silent songs. although the bass dose not bleed into the lower mids but the lush ness fails to come evenly in the upper mids. That is maybe due to good amount of brilliance in treble.
In the song "I'm in exile" the male vocals is full body and lush due to forward lower mids. Female vocals are also lush but not very articulate. In the song "Quite" i found some slight congestion in female vocals and strings. Not very noticeable but clear to a trained ear. Seems to me the results of upper mids not as forward as lower mids.

Over all very enjoyable mids. Detailed and sweet.
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Imaging and Sound stage

Sound stage seems airy and wide. With decent width but lacks in height. The presentation dose not seem 3d but rather front seat orchestra performance to me with good amount of rumble.

Imaging is quite decent for a dynamic driver not as accurate as all BA IEMs but that's understandable.
Good clarity and decent details but the best part is tonality. Which is very sweet mellow and smooth with very good amount of details. I say that's a huge win right there.
For i brief period i had the RHA MA750 which is also a single dynamic driver IEM. Although i loved that peice but i seem to like the kanas pro much better. As i said it's due to the sweet and mellow tonality. Same tonality is very hard to get in an all BA IEMs. As far as my experience the heavy amount of details kills the fun part of the sound.


Treble

Balanced treble. Over all very clean response. Sparkle and brilliance nicely presented. Good fun treble.
The higher frequency is the best part IMO for the kanas pro. Clean good details. All strings and instruments sound detailed and articulate. Smooth female vocals but sometimes sounds thin is some songs like "Ghost in the city" where lots of bass is present,
Balanced and smooth. Good airy ness to the sound. Very well extended not at all sibilant or harshness to be found.

Inference and Conclusion.

IMHO the kanas pro are a great sounding IEMs for the price offered. But can not compete to the details and resolution present in dm6. Or even the wide sound stage that dm6 has to offer.

Now i personally i use this as a every day carry IEMs as they are solid built and don't seem to be harmed with the wear and tear involved in daily routine. And above all the provide a good amount of details brilliant tonality and sweet sweet sound which makes the experience totally worth it.

Review done by :
https://www.facebook.com/Shotmoviemusic/

Head-Fi page :
https://www.head-fi.org/members/shotgunsingh.502995/

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addicted2music
addicted2music
My experience with the DM6 compared to the KPEs was they were slightly more detailed + imaged a bit better. Although I found their treble to be on the harsher side and the tonality was off. KPEs are almost as detailed yet they retain the smooth and natural sound. KPE clearly wins in tonality while the DM6s have slightly better resolution. They both are in the same league IMO.
Shotgunsingh
Shotgunsingh
@addicted2music
Yes you are exactly correct about dm6.
To experience the best dm6 i can suggest a solution that i use.
If you have ifi dac with you or any of your friends use that and change the stock cables to a good quality cable either hybrid or all SPC.
DM6 pairs well with these devices
Ifi dacs
Hidizs dh1000 or tempotec sonata
Nx3s amp
Hiby R6
Modded A5 amp with LME4562
M
mozzy
Can you please explain which will be better MAGAOSI K5 V2 or this?

DynamicEars

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Clarity, Value, good tune, great mids, very good technical abilities
Cons: fingerprint magnet, nothing wrong in sound
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Hi everyone!

Finally, after waiting for ages, I've received this hyped Moondrop Kanas Pro.
Moondrop is 1 of big chi-fi name that famous for their Harman target reference tuning.
They have several iems and buds lineup and this Moondrop Kanas Pro is their only DD iems together with non pro version, the Kanas
with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) driver as used in big names iems such as Campfire Atlas, and JVC FD01/02
This Moondrop Kanas Pro is sold at $180 as suggested retail price.
Main differences with non pro Kanas are, this pro version has less boosted bass and subbass region, make it more balance.
and they came with better cable also. Slightly different tuning with same driver.
Moondrop official website :

ABOUT ME :
I'm just a 35 years old fan of this ocean of audiophile hobbyist, not an audio job professional person,
starting this hobby since around 15 years ago, heard and had many iems but dont have any TOTL iems until now.
I'm writing this review just to share with this community, so i bought my set with my personal fund, therefore
i don't have any affiliate with any certain brands, nor the moondrop itself.
I'm not good with fancy words and sorry in advance for my bad english, but trying my best to give an honest, non-biased review, putting
aside "new toy effect" as could as possible. Please do remember that every person can have different opinion, different taste,
and different preferences, and one for sure i could be wrong to in terms of hearing, perception, or personal taste.
My favorites music genres are pop-jazz, vocal, classics, pop-rock, pop, jazz, big band, j-pop, blues, soul but sometimes also listening to other variety genres too.

MOONDROP KANAS PRO SPECIFICATIONS :
Driver: 10mm dynamic
Magnet: N48
Diaphragm material: DLC diamond carbon
Coil: 0.035mm CCAW
Cavity material: Zinc-magnesium alloy
Cavity technology: Metal injection molding, integrated casing
Impedance: 32 ohms at 1 kHz
Quality control range: < 1.5 dB
Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm
Cable: Detachable

dynamic ears 001 (7232).jpg

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES :
The Moondrop Kanas Pro comes with Medium Box, not too small but not too big either at 180x85X30mm measured.
Simple yet elegance matte plain black box with Moondrop logo right in the center. Opened it up, we got The Kanas Pro themselves,
sitting on fit cut foams with medium size translucent white tips on it (looks like an ortofon type tips), together with its nice cable.
Behind the paper cover of the cable we got standard accessories, a grey color carrying pouch, and 3 sets of spare tips
( weird combination though, i received 1 pair of larger tips, and 2 pairs of exactly same size with attached tips, so total i got 4 pairs of tips
which is 1 pair bigger tips, and 3 pairs of same sized tips, all tips are wide bore, quite nice built). That's all.
Yeah, they could just chip in nice carrying case for more benefit but i wont complain as we already got nice cable here.

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BUILD AND FIT :
Took them out from box, this zinc-magnesium alloy built iem has beautiful finish and built like a tank. Just like campfire atlas, shiny mirror looks that definitely quite a looker.
They have fashionable glamour looks that really eye catching. The downside obviously they're fingerprint magnets, you have to clean it up every time, unless you're a weirdo that use gloves before putting iem on your ears.
Some users reported that the mirror finish become oxidized, to prevent this wipe it out every time you're finish using it and put silica gel on their case. A bit hassle for me though.
Don't let the picture deceive you, at first i also thought this Kanas Pro is big with long nozzle, but actually they are on medium-small category, with normal length nozzle, small neck but with big end tip.

As for me with my large ear canals, founding a great fit with tips was not so easy with a lot of iems, but it could be just for me, and no differences with this one.
Usually I use ML or L or LL size eartips (Depends on the brand). The original tips that came with Kanas Pro (ortofon like tips) were too small for me, even the large size also was not big enough for me.
I tried so many tips including foam cone shape (comply and cheap ones)and round shape which are have great fit and seal but downgrading the sound quality, muffled all highs, too much sacrifice for the fit, so I did many silicone type tips rolling
including spin fit, symbio W bore, JVC spiral dots, sony hybrids, final audio E eartips, Radius deep mount, tennmak whirlwind, and a lot of cheap chifi's eartips.
I managed to get great fit with the ML sized JVC spiral dots as usual, but spiral dots added the already very clear Kanas Pro clarity to make it overload the reveal on high mids area (at 120 hours), and became more unforgiving,
on the low side, spiral dots decrease quantity in the bass sector (usually spiral dots eliminate mid bass bleed for earphones that have mid bass bleed or muddy). i will explain this later with more detailed explanation.
then I changed the sony MH eartips round tips that came with MH750 or MH755, using a large size fit was pretty good, the bass area became bigger in quantity, the punch felt more but tightness decreased slightly and feel bloated sub bass,
high mids sector become smoother and not excessive. Quite good overall, only cons on sub bass region.
But then, I tried the weird shaped Radius Deep Mount tips L size, its Japan Domestic Market only, so maybe not so easy to get ( I got 1 box when i went to Japan last year) and I got a very good fit with this,
because its unique "mushroom" shape, it can go deeper, just nice with long nozzle of Kanas Pro, and they sounds very good too, giving a punch to the bass while keep everything remains the same (in terms of clarity, sparkles)
So this Radius deep mount is my right choice for me (do notice this eartips is like one of a kind fit, may not for everyone, but for someone maybe can get best fit with this).
Still out of curiosity, I tried Final Audio E tips, which is have shape similar to Sony MH tips, but superior in quality (again, its Japan market only but i think so many retailer have this tips imported from japan).
I have great fit also with this one and sounds good, similar to Radius Deep mount, adding more punch and dont affect mids and highs (if only maybe just a slight adding sparkles)
In the end, I prefer either Radius deep mount or Final Audio E tips which suits the Kanas Pro better for me.
Edited after few days with tips rolling again : Now I prefer JVC spiral dots again but with EQing the Kanas Pro. Since Spiral dots reduce mid bass and sub bass a little bit, but make them more clean and adding soundstage
so I decided to go with spiral dots but EQ ing the bass a bit by +3db on 31hz and +4db on 62hz. And with Spiral dots the high mids a bit too clear, too aggressive so i need to EQ down 2.5khz-3khz by -3db so i can listen on high volume.

dynamic ears 005 (7242).jpg


SOUND :
Out of the box this Kanas pro sounds very very flat and dull with additional sub bass that feels like separated from the rest in a bad way.
Of course we or many of us want great sub bass without any mid bass bleed but this is really in a wrong way. 80hz until 20khz sounds very flat, just flat, but dull flat.
then the sub bass was there, boosted. Think of speakers systems that you have full range 4-5 inch, a flat one, with additional 14 inch massive sub woofer. Totally imbalance.
Definitely there is no "wow" effect at 0 hours.
But worry not, as i experienced with burn in process, I believe things would change. I'm a believer in burn in process with DD driver because internally is moving things, like our everyday shoes that
more comfort after wearing in a long time, basically to loosen up the tightness. More over this DLC type, from what i heard is really have great benefit from burning. ( I was non believer about burn in process, but results have changed me)

and then the burn in process was in progress.

at around 20 hours I were listening for a short session, and I was impressed by the burn in progress, every frequency range was starting to opened up, very different from OOTB dull sound,
sparkle is there, mid range more dynamic and clear, with that separate sub bass, but still missing something, a bridge between lower mid to sub bass, totally dull at that range.

at 50 hours, everything sounds better and better. Sub bass became more controlled, more textured and more tight and began to be heard there was a bridge between sub bass and lower mids, in a good way,
not too much mid bass but only a smooth connection to the sub bass. Mids become more alive and very clear, high mids increase smoothly and highs are heard without anything wrong,
there are no harsh peaks and sibilances.

at 70 hours, Sub bass and mid bass become more balance, still the mid bass is very low in quantity compared to big sub bass, mid become very clear and smooths, high mids are growing together with low trebles.

at 90 hours sound signature remains the same, maybe with additional air made the soundstage become wider (or just my brain that playing with me), with all those micro details.

And I was waiting to review this after past 100 hours. currently at around 150 hours+ and I dont think they will be much different from here, maybe just smoothness on certain areas.
So here everything I reviewed at 150 hours, using original Lyre acoustic cable that came with the Kanas Pro, from Shanling M2s or My PC or my phone Galaxy Note 8.
This Kanas Pros are not too easy to drive, but not that hard also, compared to this recent modern chifi around, I have to increase volume like 10-15% to achieve same loudness.
But they really low in distortion on the other side, while amping still provide better sound quality, you can directly listen from DAP with higher volumes with very low distortion in sound quality.
The review below was based on Kanas Pro with JVC spiral dots eartips, the one that i finally found great balance for the fit, and good sound and match to Kanas Pro (with a bit of EQing)
Please do take a note that this Kanas pro are really tips depending iems.

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Bass
Kanas Pros have really good extension for the bass. The sub bass is digging looowww until 20hz (or maybe more) and they're big in sub bass section. Sub bass seems booster, but at just right amount quantity
or just a little bigger. Low contra bass notes can be heard clearly. Texture is good but sometimes can be a bit congested if there is a massive bass, not so bloated, good decay. On contrary, the mid bass
is not as big as the sub bass. That's why some user say they lack of bass. But quite true while the Kanas Pro have sweet and big rumble sub bass, they lack of kick and punch at 60-100 hz. Of course the
overall bass sounds clean, but kick drums dont sound complete. I can now understand why some users said the bass is big, and some said they lack in bass because of this imbalance between sub bass and mid bass.
For that jazz and classic genre, their bass will sound good enough to satisfy. But for fun type, faster tracks like EDM, you will missing the hard hitting mid bass. But luckily, Kanas Pro is responds really well
to equalizers.

Mids
Here comes the best part, the area where this Kanas Pro really shines. Very transparent mids, with very good natural timbre, a bit warm, everything is just sounds very right on mids area.
The clarity is real deal, not those old trick boosted upper mids/lower highs to perceive high clarity like on budget iems, Vocals sounds unveiled. Maybe a very good price point to really hear
how the real clarity is before jump to TOTL iems. Mids are not forward, nor recessed, just at the right place where they should be, but for me i like to be boosted by a bit, like 1 or 2db only.
High mids area is bigger in quantity, made me tired on long session because of that hump starting 2.5khz until 5khz. I guess its not Moondrop fault for this, but for me, I prefer "modified harman target"
with bringing down 2.5-3khz just like how sony tunes (EX1000, the new flagship Z1R). These will make mids more balance and you can listen on higher volume.

Trebles
Trebles are smooth all across high area, very safe from sibilance yet still detail and sparkles heard. Trebles isnt boosted, only there is a peak at around 12 khz, i think they purposely boosted this
for additional sparkles. Not much to say, they are mature trebles, not boosted, just right with some sparkles that not tiring at all.

EQing
Kanas Pro responds very well with EQ, sensitive and very noticeable differences. Basically, there is nothing wrong with Kanas Pro sound signature, really close to Harman Target.
But for me as personal preference, i like to boosting around 30hz by 3db, 62hz by 4db, 80hz by 2db as compensation for using Spiral dots tips (which are reducing bass section a bit)
and to boost up mid bass to bring more punches and kicks. And for mids area 500hz and 1khz to bring forward mids a bit and reducing that 2.5-3khz by 3db to tame down intense high mids.
Highs are pretty good already, i just want to boost 16khz by 2db for additional air feel.

Soundstage
Soundstage is great on width, keep music (especially live music) sounds out of my head, depth and high also good but not great, above average.

Detail Retrieval
Micro details are there absolutely, Kanas Pro reveal every details, and go a bit further than average iems. The next level details like guitar strings being accidentally scrubbed,
the singer non intentionally breathing sound, drum sticks that rimming to edge of the snare, etc. They all revealed. It's not the best but its already very good. But this also have bad side effects too,
a bad recording really sounds like a bad recording. Unforgiving on bad recording such as imbalance frequency, or too much on high mids / lower treble in mixing music.

Timbre
Timbre is one of the best even compared to more expensive iems. One of the Kanas Pro strong point here definitely. They produces very natural timbre, just very little bit warmness that sounds more relaxing
but definitely very natural timbre for many instruments and vocals. a cello sounds like a cello, strings sound like strings, every toms and hats, cymbals just sounds right.

Clarity
If I only allowed to say 1 word to describe Kanas Pro, i will use this word. Kanas Pro really stands for its clarity, very very clear and lifelike sound especially in mids area.
Trying not to be biased, I can say the clarity is near TOTL level.

Separation & Imaging
Instrument Separation on Kanas Pro is real good, and imaging is superb, I can easily heard different sound coming from different instruments and their position are "locked" and stay where they are.

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COMPARISONS :
with Sony MDR EX1000

The reason I bought this Kanas Pro is because there are rumors that this iem can match and there are people who prefer this to Sony MDR EX1000. They're share same using single Dynamic Driver, EX1000 use
Liquid Crystal Polymer Film Diaphragm, while Kanas Pro is using Diamond-like Carbon Diaphragm, a newer technology. EX1000s are indeed 1 of the best single DD iem for years. I own this for almost 10 years.
So how is the comparison? EX1000's fit is a bit difficult, because of long nozzle and not so ergonomic design from the past, while the Kanas pro is easier to fit.
Soundwise, well Kanas Pro are really good iems for its price. They have slightly different signature, They are balanced on their own way. These two iems are not flat signatures, they are balanced but not flat, close to.
The EX1000 are more dynamic/lush/full sounding compared to Kanas Pro, They have "attack" and "punch" and the same time while keep everything balanced. On the other side Kanas pro is very mild U or maybe L signature with bigger boosted sub bass so
Kanas pro sound more relaxing, a bit flatter sound if compared to EX1000. While the sub bass area in Kanas Pro is bigger in quantity, the EX1000 sub bass is better in texture and quality, very clean and mature.
Mid area is where Kanas Pro can stand to fight with EX1000, the clarity in Kanas Pro is on par, or near same level of clarity, or sometimes i feel it clearer! And Kanas Pros sounds more natural in timbre although by a very close one.
High mids on Kanas Pros seems more boosted at 3 khz region, while EX1000 is more relaxed at that region but EX1000 got humps at 6khz and 8khz areas but still very safe for me without sibilances.
Soundstage on EX1000 is really hard to beat, that giant 16mm DD gives massive air and make the soundstage huge with a good depth, Kanas pro is considered wide but still can't be compared to EX1000.
Detail retrieval and resolution are clearly better in EX1000, its just a wonder micro details, and musical at same time. Kanas Pro's details are good but definitely can't beat the legendary iem here. On the other technical abilities like imaging and separation etc Kanas Pro are not left behind.
Maybe still lose to EX1000 but not by much.
So, in the end the EX1000 is still a technically better iem, but the Kanas Pro is catching up, not very much behind. Kanas Pro is more like relaxed version of EX1000 with slightly different balanced signature. For $180 Kanas Pro really do a great job here.
For me myself, i will listen more to Kanas Pro for daily driver, put EX1000 in audio cupboard because of the cable, EX1000 cable are fragiles, I only want to listen to EX1000 at home, at my free time. Yet i wont be missing that much
because the Kanas Pro is decent enough to satisfied my everyday listening session.

with BGVP DM6
First of all, i dont own this DM6, my friend lend me this for comparison purpose only, I was listening to them in few days on 100 hours plus unit. When first time I was listening to DM6, at that time I already know this things cant be compared to Kanas Pro
Because is really different signature here, and somemore they are very different in driver configurations, 1DD vs 5 BAs. Maybe a lot of people asking to be compared with because they are competitors in price category, along with ibasso IT01s. The DM6 is a V shaped signature iems. In bass area,
DM6 punch harder with typical BA bass although sounds great for BA bass, but still i miss the warm and rumble and feel from DD bass. Sub bass on Kanas Pro is big with good extension, but DM6 bass is punch more, faster and more fun-type. Mids sounds recessed on DM6 which is normal in my opinion
because its V shaped signature, while Kanas Pro sounds more focus on mids area with that clarity and very natural timbre.
Highs are more sparkling with DM6, and because of boosted trebles, DM6 are perceived towards a bit bright signature. Crisp details are there, but for me can be tiring for long session. Sound separation is great on DM6, maybe a little bit better than Kanas Pro because of their 5 drivers. Imaging almost on par and soundstage too. So I cant compare much about these 2 iems,
just because they are very different in sound signature. Both of them have decent technical abilities, great for the price, the rest is just a matter of signature preferences and your music genres. For me, Kanas Pros suits me better.

with Tin Audio T2
Tin Audio T2 is one of higly praised iem on $50 category for its balanced signature. Why do I put it here? because Kanas Pro and T2 have similar sound signatures and a lot of people have this budget king T2.
Both of them sharing balanced sound signature. The sound signature of Kanas Pro ressembles the one on T2 but with additional "sub woofer". Those who are craving for additional sub bass on T2 will have that answer on Kanas Pro.
Afraid not, this bass is high quality sub bass with good texture and without mid bass bleed, not even a single drop.
Kanas Pro sounds a bit warmer compared to a little bit bright T2, mids on T2 sounds a bit thin compared to Kanas Pro. Kanas Pro is like big brother of T2, that have all the pros on T2 (Natural timbre, clarity, great mids) but better than T2.
Yes, its better in every aspect, the clarity, the detail retrieval, imaging, and so much better on soundstage wise. If you like your T2, high chance you will love this one like i do.

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PERSONAL CONCLUSIONS :

Moondrop delivers really great 1 DD iem with this Kanas Pros, while this one can't be called a budget one, but its really give you much value than what you've paid.
They have great technical abilities for this up to $200 tier, that can match higher price iem. Sound signature is well balanced with additional sub woofer for sub bass and open sounding sound.
Clarity and naturalness can be categorized to near TOTL level, with great soundstage and imaging that above average and great extension from end to the other end.
Using a new DLC technology as their driver, they need to be well burn in first before you get satisfaction result.
Are these iem as good as the hype story out there? YES and NO.
YES for a very great iem, value, and very clear, no cons i could really find, except for fingerprint magnets on their shell for me.
There is an improvement space a bit on bass section and high mids area (they're already good, but can be better, don't take it as cons)
what about NO? a lot of over hyped impressions about iems, especially on budget tier that often misleading as a "giant slayer". Kanas Pro either, Its very very great iem, but the TOTL iems are still have better abilities compared to them I believe.
Don't get me wrong, I love these iems very much, I just want to be as realistic as possible and not biased, but Kanas Pro is definitely on superior level than whatever those budget kings below $100.
This is one of the best up to $200 priced iems you can get right now.
Thanks for reading!

Best regards,
Dynamic Ears

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jibberish
jibberish
I just wanted to say thanks for this review. It helped me make the decision to buy the Kanas Pro -- especially the comparison to Tin T2 (which I love) -- and the Kanas Pro is turning out to be the best IEM purchase I've made to date. So, thanks!
courierdriver
courierdriver
I just stumbled on your review, and as someone who has had the Kanas Pro for 2 months now, I concur with your findings. No, they don't do everything as well as a TOTL iem...but if they get me to within 90% for less than $200, then I'm happy. And that's what I think the KPE does.
Otto Motor
Otto Motor
Lack of premium packaging? Great, less to toss in the landfill.

DallaPo

New Head-Fier
Pros: transparent, natural and balanced sound, very homogeneous and attention to detail, never fatigued
Cons: a bit more kick in the midbass would be appreciated, not always forgiving weak sources
Intro
Hypes come and go almost nowhere as fast as in the CHI-FI world. Some are only triggered by a single review, or recommendation, and fade away when more serious reviews are added, others last for years, or at least over a considerable period of time. As short-lived as the CHI-FI world may be, there is still THE In-Ear/Ear-Bud that you can keep up with for years, no matter what's new on the market. I think with the MOONDROP KANAS PRO I have discovered such an in-ear for myself.

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To the prehistory: In Berlin I became aware of a small shop specializing in in-ears (HEADTEK). They have in-ears from established brands such as CAMPFIRE AUDIO, WESTONE, FENDER, FINAL AUDIO, or SOUNDMAGIC in their product range. I met with a nice employee of the company for an exchange, where I showed him some of my in-ears and in return I was allowed to listen to the flagships of the above mentioned manufacturers. Sure, the Campfire Solaris, or Atlas are fun in their own way, but right away a private IEM got hold of me and convinced me after the first notes. It was, who would have thought it, the KANAS PRO. He made it available for me to review and it hurts me to have to give it back now, when the last line is written here!

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Handling
It's not all gold that glitters! Right, in this case it is a highly polished metal case, which has a square cut in the front, so that the facets are reflected in the light and sparkle. If you like it a bit simpler, you should stay tuned anyway, because with what the Kanas Pro has under the hood, I would also put this with Bee Maya motif in my ear. Anyone who likes it a bit more extravagant is right here anyway!

The metal housing has an ergonomic seat with slightly longer sound openings than I am used to, similar to the ACCUTONE STUDIO S1. Nevertheless, the KPE (Kanas Pro Edition) is comfortable to wear and doesn't cause any problems in the long run. I didn't get the KPE in its original packaging, but you can quickly find out on the internet what is included in the scope of delivery. It is a bit slimmer with 3 silicone tips, a small cloth bag and a flexible and optically appealing 8-core cable (copper/aluminum), but is still completely sufficient. The stiffener on the 2-pin plug can easily be passed over the ear and provides a secure and comfortable hold.

In absolute quiet rooms, you may be able to guess something of the music that the KPE carries into your ear, but only at high volume, which is not recommended anyway and also pushes the KPE to its limits - but we are talking about a volume with ear pain potential. On the outside, the KPE insulates quite well with the appropriate attachments, but also allows some outside noise, which makes sense especially in road traffic.

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Sound
The KPE inspires me not only because of its harmonic, balanced, slightly warm, neutral nature, but also because of the ease with which he manages to balance all this, without overturning, or appearing stressed even when things get musically busier. He also forgives sometimes worse source material, but feels most comfortable with high quality recordings. Here he uncovers smallest subtleties without any problems, but without becoming too analytical or emotionless. He always keeps his warmhearted manner and knows how to please despite the attention to detail.

The bass serves the often used cliché perfectly. He can if he wants and has to play dominant, but he can also subordinate himself if it is required of him. One of the reasons for this is that the bass, while many other IEMs do not, is more accentuated in the low bass than in the mid bass, which gives it the right pressure and low punch in hip-hop or electro, but if the sub bass is not present, or required, the bass is not overly emphasized and thus inflated. This makes a drum kit seem wonderfully natural, since the bass drum has punch, but does not dominate the music. The midbass can be a bit too subliminal for some and I would say for myself a My more, would lead to perfection here, but you can't have everything and even so the (mid-)bass is sufficiently present, as well as very textured and detailed. Bass guitars and deep strings benefit from the good resolution and depth of the bass. Moreover, it has no influence on the midrange.

For me, the mids are what makes the Kanas Pro special and gives it this sympathetic, lively character. Tonally I can't make out anything that sounds wrong to me, even if I probably don't have the most analytical ear. They bring just as much warmth to give the music a natural color and not make it appear sterile or dull. Voices, male or female, have a natural timbre and are perfectly positioned in the image to give them enough presence, but they don't jump right into your face.
For me, the mids can easily create emotions without being tiring or unnatural. They are neither too light nor too dark.

No matter what you put in front of the highs, they master it with bravura. They uncover even the finest details and present themselves clean, airy and always unagitated. They have an extensive expansion, which is reflected in a peak beyond 10 kHz. This lets the KPE sparkle without limiting the listening pleasure. Sibilants, distortion or exaggerated hardness are a foreign word for the KPE. The high frequencies virtually purr and give the KPE more openness and energy to offer a counterpart to the smooth mids.
The exciting thing about this is that many IEMs raise the high frequency range to simulate a higher level of detail or resolution, which sometimes results in more or less sharp highs and unpleasant peaks. Some of them, of course, have the level of detail as well as the resolution and present it just differently, but the KPE achieves this in its very own, relaxed way, with pleasant volume, but without pressing.

The KPE also manages to separate instruments with its single dynamic driver and arrange them in space. You can easily locate and follow individual instruments. From a spatial point of view, the stage has less depth than width, but the layering of the individual areas creates tension. As you have probably noticed, I find it hard to say anything negative about the KPE and not get lost in hymns of praise.

Are there weaknesses? Sure, because there won't be a perfect in-ear, but it comes close to my taste. With increased volume the KPE doesn't roll so relaxed through the country any more, but tends to clink slightly in the highs and emphasizes the upper mids a bit more, which can be unpleasant occasionally. But if you listen permanently to such a volume, you should seriously think about it. Likewise, this only occurs when the source material is weaker, because then he can no longer forgive and will not forgive. Here it becomes artefactual sometimes. A little more kick in the mid-bass would also be the icing on the cake.

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Outro
The KPE is as adult and charming as Frank Sinatra in "My Way". It impresses with its ability to reproduce the sound unagitated, controlled, natural, detailed and smooth. One forgets again and again that it is a single dynamic driver that is capable of this excellent overall impression. How the KPE easily makes the leap over the whole frequency range is impressive. It generates a homogeneity that you don't want to miss.
The Kanas Pro is not only a clear purchase recommendation from me, but also at the moment my favourite IEM in all aspects. Of course there is also the BGVP DMG, which currently gives me just as much pleasure, but the Kanas Pro simply looks more mature and dynamic, and also more balanced and relaxed in terms of sound. I never thought I'd want to take so much money into my hands for an in-ear, because so far I've found enough alternatives in the 50 € range (**** ****, Tin Hifi T2), which meet my expectations. Now I got to know and love the KPE, but with a heavy heart I have to give it back to its rightful owner. It's time to take money into my own hands!

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AMAZON
ALIEXPRESS
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More reviews: https://david-hahn.wixsite.com/chi-fiear-eng
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IryxBRO

500+ Head-Fier
Pros: mature sound, good balance, good texturing and resoltuion, great performance in overall
Cons: no major flaws
The best way to keep in touch with the audience is to find the most popular product among numeruos IEMs and make it a starting point in further evaluations of other models. This ensures that the initial perceptions coincide and builds a good ground for future comparisons or suggestions.

Moondrop Kanas Pro seems to belong to one of those rare examples that would bear much of hype, resulting in many requests to be compared against whenever something new is reviewed. No chance for me to avoid this trend and here is my own evaluation of Kanas Pro IEMs.

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Moondrop Kanas Pro technical specifications:

  • Type: single dynamic driver IEMs
  • Driver: 10mm
  • Magnet: N48
  • Diaphragm material: DLC diamond carbon
  • Coil: 0.035 mm-CCAW
  • Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1k Hz
  • Connector: 2pin, 0.78mm
  • Cavity material: zinc-magnesium alloy
  • Cavity technology: metal injection molding integrated casting
  • Cable: 1.2m (Lyre Acoustics)
  • Audio jack: 3.5mm, straight
Other features:
  • The Kanas Pro Edition has a more balanced distribution of three products and a greater volume of ventilation than the regular Kanas version, based on high quality and high standard of ultra-wide response and HRTF. The resulting sound quality not only has a strong resolution and open sound field, but also has a more natural timbre texture than the regular version.
  • The internal cavity structure added to the generating unit combines the air flow from different positions of the basin frame to an air hole with acoustic damping, so that all parts of the diaphragm bear air damping are equally, so as to make the energy of high, middle and low frequencies more balanced.
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Packaging, design and build quality:

Kanas Pro IEMs come in small black matt box with very strict and minimalistic approach to its design. No other elements and information apart from silver brand logo and name imprint on the top cover and small sticker with technical specifications on the back.

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Box space is split into two parts. IEMs rest on special soft poduim while other accessories are located below in the additional compartment.

Box contents:
  • Kanas Pro IEMs
  • audio cable
  • 4 pairs of silicone eartips
  • soft pouch
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Not that much of accessories for the declared price. Many other brands would also include extra silicone or foamy eartips, storage case and even some adapters…

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Kanas Pro shells are made of zinc-magnesium alloy. Further polishing process gives it clean, shiny and attractive look which is very complicated to capture on camera cause it is catching too many reflections at a time :)

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There are two compensational openings per channel and pretty long output nozzles protruding from the shells. Nozzles are covered by protective grills.

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2pin connectors are drawned inside the shells and have very tight fit when connecting the cable.

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Stock cable is made of copper and sliver-plated copper cores, equipped with flexible earguides, 2pin connectors in plastic housings, plastic Y-splitter and plastic+carbon fiber 3.5mm jack housing.

Fit:


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Very good fit. Concerning how many people like it — Kanas Pro are highly universal IEMs. Perhaps, the main reason is the length of output nozzles — less comfortable models would usually have smaller length. Can’t tell anything specific about the shape ergonomics but the combination of eargudies and length of the nozzles removes any discomfort and lets concentrate on music.

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Sound:

Instead of following the same path of describing all frequency ranges one by one, I would shortly describe the sound and focus on the comparisons to my small fleet of IEMs in the same price range. There are lots of reviews of Kanas Pro and most of them are accurate in terms of sound description. The only difference that forces me to give my own evaluation is the combination with HiBY R6Pro DAP as a source.

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First of all, I wouldn’t call Kanas Pro sound neutral despite the smooth AFR graphs. It has some very slight U-shaped tuning, with a bit elevated lows, a little bit accented treble and slightly recessed mids. Though, the approach to tuning by Kanas is quite accurate, not overemphasizing treble but leaving enough thickness and body to mids while adding good clarity and feel of transparency. Female vocals are perceived bit more upfront but not suffering from the excessive brightness and not producing piercing sounds on high notes.

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Lows are quite textured, with good reach of deep bass, nice control and precise countouring. Presence of bass is big in the entire presentation is might even overwhelm om some tracks. No problems with midbass dynamic and power, though.

Treble shows a good balance between the extension and thickness. It is not that thin and sonant to be icy cold but has enough extension and clarity to improve the perception of the entire resolution.

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Stage is perceived a little more than average due to good separation between instruments in mid range, decent layering of frequency ranges and enough influence of treble that provides the feel of transparency.

In overall, Kanas Pro sound is quite weighted, mature and having enough warm timbre to polish out any harshness. Despite slight recession, mids are still well exposed.

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Now, moving to the comparisons to other IEMs. I would compare to all more or less popular IEMs that I have in $130 — $260 range. The full list looks like that:
  • Kinera Idun
  • iKKO OH1
  • Whizzer Kylin
  • LZ HIFI A6Mini
  • Hidizs Mermaid MS4
  • Shozy & Neo CP
  • Anew U1
  • Tanchjim Oxygen
Comparison to Kinera Idun:

Type: Kinera Idun is hybrid model, based on 2 BA units + one 7mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: Kinera Idun shape belongs to pseudo-custom shell type and has the perfect fit. Most of the IEMs with this type of shells are superior to any other model. Very comfortable even during the workouts (if you want to destroy expensive and good IEMs very fast :)

Sound: Kinera Idun sound is more soft and neutral with less emphasis on bass. At the same time, treble is more extended, crisp and thin. It also has better mirodynamics and good tuning to keep it delicate instead of piercing. Lows are less exposed, bass lacks the extension and presence (that is why Idun Delux model was released). Mids sound more thin but have better resolving potential. In overall, the presentation created by Kanas Pro is more full-bodied and emotional with better engagement. Kanas Pro sound doesn’t feel as something is missing like the lows in Idun.

Comparison to iKKO OH1:

Type: iKKO OH1 is another hybrid model, based on 1 Knowles BA unit + one 10mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: no problems with iKKO OH1 fit as well. Good ergonimics of shape, good earguides and enough length of output nozzles. Pretty similar to Kanas Pro and even less protrusion from ears due to thin profile.

Sound: IKKO OH1 sounds brighter. Treble range is more extended and detailed as well as more emphasized. It does sound crisp and sparkling while influencing other ranges more by its presence and immense clarity. This results in thin-sounding mids, some rare biting sounds on female vocals and sharper details in overall. Lows are quite similar — with good deep bass reach, enough of presence and powerful midbass. The only difference to Kanas Pro here is the lack of texturing on lows. I would say that iKKO OH1 is great contender if you want more emhpasis on treble and less attention to lows.

Comparison to Whizzer Kylin:

Type: Whizzer Kylin is one more hybrid model, based on 2 Knowles BA units + one 10mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: Not perfect in case of Kylin IEMs. Output nozzles are quite short and have cone shape that prevents from deep fit. Had hard times trying to find the best positions of IEMs and ended up with holding it with my fingers to evaluate the sound.

Sound: despite getting lot of attention by many people, Whizzer Kylin sounds quite strange — good performance on mids and treble and inadequate behavior of lows. Treble is decent, with great extension, clarity and resolution. Mids are fairly thick and very detailed. No problems with female vocals either… Lows are overemphasized, bass sounds a bit smeared and desynchronized with other ranges. It results in good layering but ruins the perception of complete music picture. Kanas Pro is free of such deficiency and builds a better listening experience in overall.

Comparison to LZ HIFI A6Mini:

Type: LZ HIFI A6Mini is another hybrid model, based on 1 piezo-electric + one 10mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: Good but not the best one. I would say that Kanas Pro have better fit due to longer output nozzles.

Sound: LZ A6Mini sound may vary from fairly neutral to very bright and crisp which depends of the filter option. This gives you a possibility to tune the sound to own liking and makes A6Mini a very good choice among other IEMs. Anyway, I would say that treble has better extension, it is more crisp and clear. Mids also sound less exposed, thin and tend towards bright and cold side. Lows are not that accented, textured or extended and feel quite concised. I would say that Kanas Pro sound is more open, warmer and more enjoyable for longer listening.

Comparison to Hidizs Mermaid MS4:

Type: Hidizs MS4 is hybrid model, based on 3 Knowles BA units + one 10.2mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: Excellent fit. Similar to Kanas Pro, thanks to the overall shape and long output nozzles.

Sound: Hidizs MS4 sound is outperforming Kanas Pro in many ways: it has higher resoltuon in overall, similarly good texturing on lows, excellent midbass reproduction, great exposition of mids with no tendency to bring forward or shout on female vocals, enough warmth and body to all sounds and very extended and resolving treble. Kanas Pro can’t compete with its single dynamic driver in terms of instrument separation, entire resolution, treble extension and microdynamics. Anyway, this is logical as the comparison is not very fair due to higher price of Hidizs MS4 ($219 during KS campaign).

Comparison to SHOZY & Neo CP:

Type: SHOZY & Neo CP is a representative of pure BA IEMs, based on 3 Knowles BA drivers.

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Fit: Excellent fit, better than Kanas Pro due to different shape and less weight.

Sound: Shozy & Neo CP sound is quite different and softer. BA woofer lacks the deep bass extension and presence but highly accentuates the texturing of lows. Midbass is not that powerful but the dynamics and articulation is better due to speed of armature drivers. Mids are well exposed, have warm timbre and good resolution. No shouting, no sceweness between male and female vocals either. Very good instrument separation but the stage still feels more narrow due to lack of deep bass. Treble is quite delicate with more than average extension but not as bright and crisp as expected from BA units. I would say that Kanas Pro sound is more full, engaging and enjoyable. It doesn’t suffer from lack of lows or midbass insufficiency as a result.

Comparison to Anew U1:

Type: Anew U1 is dynamic model, based on single 10mm dynamic driver.

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Fit: Good but not the best fit. First, Anew U1 have some driver flex and second — not the best shape either. Pretty comfortable but not that good as Kanas Pro.

Sound: Anew U1 sound more neutral and calm. There is no evident elevation on lows and less pronounced treble. At the same time, bass is equally deep and extended while the treble is almost as clear and detailed. Yes, lows lacks some additional texrturing, treble are not that exposed and upper mids are a bit more prone to shouting in rare cases. Timbre is qute warm as well. I woul say that Anew U1 lower price tag is noticeable when it comes to overall resolution and texturing or lows. Kanas Pro does a better job on that.

Comparison to Tanchjim Oxygen:

Type: Tanchjim Oxygen is another single dynamic option, based on carbon driver with two shell cavities.

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Fit: Not the best fit due to short output nozzles. Having hard times with that.

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Sound: here comes the battle. For me, Tanchjim Oxygen is the best model among all IEMs despite the cost, amount of drivers or fit. It sounds so good with HiBY R6Pro DAP that I don’t care about minor shortcomings of this model. And no — Kanas Pro is not a competitor. All pros of Kanas Pro should be multiplied while all cons should be removed to form and describe the sound of Tanchjim Oxygen. Bass extension is deeper, excellent texturing on lows, even more body to mids, similarly warm timbre, less accented treble while the clarity and extension stays the same, better instrument separation… Just more balanced and neutral sound with the same virtues. If not the problems with fit — I would shout about Oxygen superiority in $0-300 range at each corner… Anyway, logical outcome and unfair comparison again because Kanas Pro IEMs are significantly cheaper.

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Conclusion:

I must admit that the hype about Moondrop Kanas Pro is reasonable and logical. Those IEMs are probably the best in $100-200 range concering all virtues of sound together with build quality and comfortable fit. The combination of high resolving potential, accurate tuning and full-bodied delivery creates the mature and engaging picture. This model is highly recommended in <$200 budget as the most capable one and free of major flaws. It is a quite secure choice, standing between neutrality and balance of audiophile preferences and engaging drive of audio fan expectations.

Moondrop Kanas Pro is available at PenonAudio store
FunctionalDoc
FunctionalDoc
Nice review and have you tried these against the the DM6's since I one of the original pairs with no quality issues?
Is the fit of the Tanchjim Oxygen better then the Kanas Pro ?
lucasbrea
lucasbrea
Excellent work, this is what I was looking for. Thanks.
Gustavo1976
Gustavo1976
Great review and a lot of comparisons. I am between Anew U1 and Kanas Pro. Finally I bought KP.

antdroid

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Great balanced sound
Smooth and non-fatiguing
Comfortable
Shiny!
Cons: Lack of accessories



Introduction
Moondrop’s collection of headphones have similar traits. They have a specific target curve they came up that lies somewhere between the Harman Target Curve and the Diffuse Field Targets, but with an upper end energy above 10KHz. This seems like it’s an approach they’ve used on every IEM across their small collection from $40 to $670.

The Kanas Pro model sits in the middle of their IEM lineup at $179; just above the regular more bassy Kanas, and less than half the price of the Blessing. As a note, this is the first Moondrop headphone of any type that I have listened to, and after this review, this won’t be the last.

The Moondrop Kanas Pro was purchased at full price via Penon Audio, a Hong Kong based online retailer who have great customer service and expedited shipping. This item is also available through Linsoul and LSR-Direct on Amazon, who have supplied me with review samples in the past. They did not send me this one however, but did ask that I compare it to other IEMs that have been provided, which is detailed at the end of this review.

Build/Accessories
The Kanas Pro contains a 10mm dynamic driver within it’s attractive mirror-polished zinc-magnesium housing. Each side is reflects everything around it, but can be a fingerprint magnet. The model name is inscribed lightly in the finish.

The IEM features 2-pin connectors and includes a well-designed copper braided cable that looks as luxurious as the shells. To round out the package, Moondrop added a fabric carrying pouch and a set of tips in 4 sizes.

Given the type of pouch and very small silicone tip selection, I was pretty disappointed in the accessories, especially compared to other IEMs in this price range which come with premium cases and a variety of different tip choices.

Sound
The Kanas Pro was played mostly using my Pioneer XDP-300R and Hidizs AP80 digital audio players. On occasion, they were also powered by the Cavalli Liquid Spark and the Monolith THX-AAA balanced dac/amp. The music selection was scattered throughout different genres, decades, and styles. My typical playlists includes Fleetwood Mac, Alwways, Massive Attack, Chris Stapleton, Vince Guaraldi, Radiohead, Real Estate, Cocteau Twins, Norah Jones, and much more.

In general, I found the Kanas Pro to sound just right tonally, and a completely safe sounding headphone. It’s extremely well balanced between bass, mids and treble, and reminds me a lot of two Campfire products: the Comet and the Orion, as well as the Audio-Technica LS200iS – all three of which, I recently reviewed. These three have tonally balanced sound signatures and all three really focused heavily on the mids. They also have generally similar sound stage to the Orion, though not as wide, but also not as intimate and forward sounding as the Comet. They lie somewhere in-between the two, but closer to the Orion.




The Kanas Pro has just a slightly elevated bass section that is well controlled and tight. The added boost from Diffuse Field neutral, follows the Harman Target quite well, and provides just enough warmth to provide a slightly fuller sound than the Orion, for example. It has a low end that is similar to the LS200iS to me, and extends well, and is lean enough that it does not ever sound muddy and out of control. Some may find it a tad lean.

I originally did with my initial tip selections. After floating around a couple dozen tip choices, I settled on three tips in particular that sealed well and provided the low end the quantity it needed for this IEM to excel – Newbee Foam tips, SpinFit CP145s, and Final Audio Type E tips. I’ll go over some tip choices issues in a little bit.

The midrange has a very smooth nature to it. For me personally, it has a wonderful coherency that is very engaging yet laid back all at once. Where it may falter is that it is so clean and smooth that it can come across as missing a little detail and character.

When we move up to the treble region, there’s a boost in the upper treble which gives the IEM a little bit of air. For me personally, this does not affect anything with the sound signature at all. I find that it provides the needed air and energy that counters the smoothness of the mids and makes the Iave a little bit of fun, when it generally is a smooth and toned-down sound otherwise.




I’ve read on a few forums that there are folks who find the bass a little light (me included early on) and the treble too sharp. As with many IEMs, tips are crucial to sound signature, as they not only provide adequate seal to the outside world, prevent leaks, but also their inherent material properties help reflect or dampen sound out of the driver.

Tips & Mods
I measured several different tips recently and posted the results online. To summarize, it seems foam tips, and specifically NewBee branded ones, provided the more even treble response. All silicone and hybrid tips I tested had a significant valley between 6KHz and 10KHz, while the foams reduced that dip in half. This is followed big a big spike above 10KHz on silicones, which again, is cut in half by the foam tips. In practice, I don’t hear these spikes and valleys in music, or if they are, it’s very subtle. I still tend to like using the foams for comfort though, however the Final E Tips are easier to put on and equally comfortable for my ears.




Following my general review of the Kanas Pro, I tried to do some modding. This was really the result of an accident, as I was trying to make custom tips using Radians ear molding compound, and covered the vent hole and actually ended up pushing some of it in to the vent. To correct this, I removed the grill on the nozzle, which is held in-place as a sticker, and is easily removed and replaced, and then let the mold debris roll out.


Open Vent (Red) vs Stock (Blue)


In doing this, I ended up measuring what happens if you remove the grill completely, which increased the treble pretty significantly (and not super pleasantly). I then found out that there is also another sticker-applied grill covering the vent that is closest to the nozzle and determined that this hole, if fully exposed, controls the bass quantity. Having the hole exposed completely wipes away all bass and most of your lower mids. Don’t do that.

So, this started my journey into modifying things – and mostly because in the process, I lost one of the grill stickers, and still cannot locate it today. I ended up vacuuming my room and who knows if it even exists anymore.

I tried to replace the grill with other materials – mainly craft felt material and varying amounts of cut up ear bud foams. I ended up sticking with a small amount of the ear bud foam that I cut a square out and rolled up and inserted into each nozzle. This actually tames the treble peak slightly, while also keeping the upper-mids and lower treble similarly, if not identically, to the stock grill.

See the measurements below for the mods I performed.


Comparisons

The following are brief comparisons between the Moondrop Kanas Pro and several competing IEMs that are new to market or popular in the headphone industry. The BGVP DM6 and DMG, Tenhz T5, and Tin Hifi T3 were provided for review by Linsoul, while the Campfire Orion was loaned for review by Headphones.com. The Campfire Comet was previously purchased by myself directly from Campfire and later sold, however I also received it on loan more recently by Headphones.com for review.




BGVP DM6
I found the DM6 to have heavier bass and peakier treble – essentially more V-shaped than the Kanas Pro. I also found the DM6 a bit shouty compared to the KP. It does have an edgier sound to it, which can be fun and exciting, but in general, my personal preferences go towards the Kanas Pro. The BGVP DM6 will get a full review in the near future.

Tenhz T5
The Tenhz T5 will also be receiving a full review treatment in the near future. This IEM has a darker tone to it than both the DM6 and the Kanas Pro. It’s actually quite relaxing to listen to but I found that occasionally that the mids and treble sound a bit compressed and low-fi. This could be due to the laid-back tuning or it could just be poor detail retrieval. It also has a smaller soundstage than the Kanas Pro, but does come with a wonderful set of accessories (tips, case, cable, etc).


Campfire Orion
In my previous review of the Orion, I gave them a very favorable review, however I did find them perhaps costing a little pricey given the competition. At the time of their release, I believe they would have been a great value, but there’s a lot more competitive, and cheaper, IEMs out there now that it’s harder to recommend the Orion. The Kanas Pro and the Orion, to me, have very similar traits and sound signatures, however the Kanas Pro does extend better on both ends of the spectrum with a slightly more warmer bass region that is generally more favorable to many. The Orion’s total package of accessories (and there’s a lot them) and customer service can’t be beat though.

Campfire Comet
Like the Orion above, the Comet has accessories included that make other competition seem quite lacking. The build quality of the Comet and Kanas Pro are quite similar, with their shiny bodies, however the Comet has intricacies in their stainless-steel housing that is unrivaled at $199. In terms of sound signature, the Comet is a more mid-centric, thicker, and mid-forward sound and lacks the extension on both ends of the spectrum that the Kanas Pro has. Both are good all-arounder choices however at this price point, however in terms of pure sound quality alone, I find the Kanas Pro a better value.

Tin Hifi T3
The Tin Hifi T3 is another recent release and has a similar neutral sound signature. The T3 has a flatter bass response and a bigger treble peak in the sibilance region that the Kanas Pro does not. The KP, instead, drops off in this same region, and peaks up in the upper treble above 10KHz. Besides that, both excel in the mids for their respective price classes. The T3 is $100 less than the Kanas Pro and is well worth it’s value, as is the Kanas Pro at it’s price tag.

BGVP DMG
The DMG is a small step below in price than the Kanas Pro and really is a different sound in general. The DMG has a traditional V-Shape sound signature that I find tasteful for certain genres due to how surprisingly coherent the mids and mids-to-treble transition is. This is quite a contentious IEM however, as some find it quite bassy and treble harsh, and others (like me) find it only slightly bassy and only slightly harsh. It is definitely song and recording dependent (and perhaps source too). The Kanas Pro, on the other hand, is a smoother and more neutral/balanced listen. Both feature simple metal shells that seem quite well made and durable.



Overall
In general, I found the Moondrop Kanas Pro to be an extremely welcoming IEM at its price range. I think it has a very engaging and enjoyable sound signature that can appeal to many users and genres. It’s not for the bassheads out there, but for someone who wants a neutral-warm sound signature that you can listen for hours on end without fatigue, but still have enough detail to catch little things here and there, this is a great IEM to check out.

The build is exceptional and attractive, and the only major flaws with the overall presentation is the lack of accessories, which is typically more plentiful at this price point, when looking at its competition. However, these small things may not be that big of a deal – I, for one, hardly ever use the tips that come with any product and perhaps only use the included carrying cases half the time anyway. The cable that the Kanas Pro comes with is quite nice and that’s a standout in the package.


So again, this is a recommended pick for me without hesitation, as it’s quickly becoming my go-to IEM over my much more expensive ones I own, including my Custom Unique Melody ME1 IEM.

paulindss

500+ Head-Fier
Pros: Lush and rich presentation with a warm tone
- Quality of build and design
- Relaxed listening
- Imaging, and phase coherence.
- Resolution and micro details at complex music
Cons: Bass can feel overwhelming for the ones that likes neutral tuning
- Because of the above, the mid range besides being full, are a bit recessed in the mix.
Hello and welcome to another review!

Capturar.JPG


PREAMBLE

The moondrop kanas pro is one of the latest hypes in the world of chi-fi.

When I became interested for the first time there was not much talk about them, so I approached some members to get information, the conclusion was that they sounded like solid headphones that needed to be better known by the community

After a few weeks the headphones became one of the most well-known in the community.

But what about the regular Moondrop Kanas?

The non-pro version, how do they sound like?

To answer this question, I decided to buy one. At the same time I sold my BGVP DMG and was looking for a fun IEM to replace it, the kanas was the answer.

Let's reach out to discover what do i find about this IEM.

According to moondrop, the regular kanas is the same earphone as KPE, but with a stronger low-end.

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DISCLAIMER

I bought this Earphone at AK Audio Store with a discount in exchange of a honest review of the earphone. There aren't any financial incentive on this review besides the discount in the product itself. I personally guarantee to the reader my honest and objective review, where ‘I’ll try to pass my objective impressions as clear as possible giving the reader the chance to evaluate the product by itself. I particularly INVITE the reader to be as critical as possible on my writing.

Links:

Moondrop Kanas at AK audio store – https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/Kanas-Moondrop-Diamond-Like-Carbon-E-Din-mica-de-Polieter-Earbud-Fones-De-Ouvido-de-ALTA/32868984501.html

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SPECs
  • Driver: 10mm dynamic
  • Magnet: N48
  • Diaphragm material: DLC diamond carbon nanotube
  • Coil: 0.035mm CCAW
  • Cavity material: Zinc-magnesium alloy
  • Impedance: 32 ohms at 1 kHz
  • Quality control range: < 1.5 dB
  • Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm
  • Cable: Detachable
  • THD: < 0.5%
Unboxing and Content

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Unoxing experience is just basic and was not made to wow you, that's for sure. The earphone arrives in this black package who carries the earphone piece, the cable, a soft bag and 4 Pairs of Eartips. There is also the paperwork, who advise the owner to do a proper burn in of 100hours for optimal performance in it's driver.

The package is efficient and does the job...

Cable, Fit and Build.

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The moondrop kanas comes with a cheaper cable than it's pricier cousin, the essential differences in the presentation of the two earphones are the different finish in the shells and the cable. While the KPE arrives in a nice looking lyre cable, the regular version have a black, thin and braided cable that looks a lot like the cables that the budget maker "TRN" uses. This is not a bash, the cable is acually good, it has good connectors and it is flexible, having also a very fine preformed earhook. No one needs to upgrade cables on them, like it happens in IEM's that have bad functioning cables, the stock ones works well.

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Construction wise the earphones deserves a 10 out of 10. They feel heavy and sturdy in the hand, giving the costumer a feeling that these sheels could even live to some abuse. They are considerably heavy but nothing that bothers or could feel like a negative aspect, the earphones have a deep insertion and a very ergonomic design, even if the looks doesn't make it too apparent. They are very confortable to wear. The brush finish in the design is actually a plus to me as i find it more elegant than the shiny KPE.

The earphones has two vents that works relieving pressure for the dynamic driver and i coudn't notice any driver flex. I haven't any negative toughts about the built, design and ergonomics of these earphones.

Isolation is average if you find a good fit, but with this level of ergonomics you shoudn't have any problem. The stock tips was too small for my ears and i ended up using another that was lying in my home.

Sound

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My preferences:
My perfect signature would be a neutral leaning to a slight U signature. I like correct and upfront mids. A good extension at highs without a great roll-off is wished to. Bass needs to be present but not too emphasized. I prefer sub-bass presence with agility more than exactly a mass hiting my ears. I do not enjoy cold sounding signatures nor a darker presentation. Neutral to warm with a hint of airiness and sparkle at the mid treble would be my thing.

The Moondrop Kanas, being the same driver and technology as it's cousin, it's equaly hard to drive.

The headphones are a little more difficult to drive than IEM's usually are, in my phone, which is the device I use to listen to music on the go. I have to increase the volume about 20% or 30% more than usual. I use a galaxy s8, which has a clean output, but without much power. With this phone I get satisfactory volumes in noisy environments and at home but the earphones never get's realy loud, at maximum volume i still have a confortable listening.

Using the earphone in my desktop rig resulted in a very slightly more rounded and full bodyed sound, i have a feeling that the mids and treble sound a little more upfront, but it could be really well a confirmation BIAS with the help of a little higher SPL.

My advice is to make sure you have a clean, transparent dac matched with a powerful source. A warm source could lead the moondrop to some imbalance and cover the very high resolution of the earphone. You probably don't want that as the moondrop kanas is already a warm transducer.

These drivers are very coherent, with almost no distortion, clean and revealing sources are a treat to them while a warmish colouration could turn the sound overwhelming, covering the resolving capabillitie.

In my both sources the sound is crisp and precise, the earphones has a little too much bass for my taste, but i can't confuse the reader with my personal taste if we are talking about the properties of the drivers. Nothing sounds distorted and the sound is fully coherent.

The sound of Kanas is lush, rich, and smooth. These are the adjectives that describes the general approach of them. The tonality is on the warmer side with a precise mids to treble transition.

Just as i was talking about the IKKO OH1, this isn't a earphone of peaks also, every transition is done in a smooth manner. The highlights are on the sub bass and in the treble area, where it starts to fall in a natural and smooth roll off.

As a result of the single driver design, imagind and phase is spot on, the soundstage isn't particularly big but everything in rendered in a precise and full bodyed way. The separation beetwen elements of the music has a marvelous resolution. I.E: In some complex and busy parts of some musics, i find the hybrid IKKO OH1 loosing definition and coherence. Some elements was indistinguishable, switching to the Moondrop revealed a better technical capability in mantaining the texture, separation, and actual form to the sounds in the later.

While the other headphone(IKKO) has a more upfront sound, giving the listener the feeling of more resolution, the moondrop kanas has a different approach, it presents the music in a more relaxed way, a warmer and lusher tone at the mid range and a more forgiving bite at treble. But the practice is the only actual prove of the truth, and the moondrop end up having the edge in resolution and overall coherence.

The KANAS is a relaxed earphone, i feel this when i switch from my TEHNZ p4 pro, and i feel this when i switch from IKKO OH1, but it's very resolving at the same time. The tune of them aim at a very natural timbre, instruments sounds organic as the tonality overall doesn't have any trick to it besides the elevated bass that brings lot's of activity in mass in the very low notes. When i listen to Jazz, where the bass notes are very different than modern musics, for example, i feel one a very organic timbre at the instruments, with a precisely natural felling, besides the hi-hats, that feels a litle bit tamed.

Vocals sound considerably recessed compared to the p4 pro, the tone of the moondrop have the edge in sparkle at both male and female voices, but the p4 pro still has depper detail retrieval and texture. Compared to the ikko they are similarly recessed with the ikko sounding just a little bit ahead, but at the expense of sounding thinner and a little less natural.

Treble on Kanas are a little bit on the softer side, it is not almost dark like the very low extended p4 pro, but it's not snappy as the BA driver of the ikko, that renders hi hats and cymbals with a more attention.

What i do love about this IEM is how lush and non fatiguind they are. You can raise the volume and get the vocals to very close of your ear, and the sound will still be inofensive. The rendering is on a class leading level and distortion is unoticed, this i a quality that the p4 pro don't have, because of an odd peak at 8k and some stress at bass drivers, and is also a quality that you don't find at the OH1, that can show some glaring in upper treble at some points. What could prevent you from enjoying of this in the KANAS is the strong bass presence, that can bother depending on the genre.

As i just said, the negative part is the sometimes overdone bass, now i have to be carefull because this is the only part that distinguish the regular Kanas from the KPE and it's also a matter of taste.

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The interesting point: BASS

I particularly find that sometimes the Bass feels too much, and other times they aren't bothering at all. The extension is so great, and the energy at the very first notes are so strong, that they feel overwhelming when the music file has a great activity at the area. My personal taste is leaning to a neutral-is signature and i find myself wanting to tone down the sub bass a little.

That being said the bass is incredibly controlled and don't affect the rest of the sound in a real negative way in terhms of time, it never runs out of pace and has a very natural speed It sounds like a very well powered and designed subwoofer. Also, the bass feels big and sorrounds you in a very particular way.

I known it is a clichê, but the bass comes up when they are called, and stays controlled when they aren't needed. The thing is, when they are called, they can get hot, making some people love it.

In some moder songs the bass prevents you of raising the SPL as the bass can get too upfront in louder volumes, what causes you from hearing a somekind softned sound, with voices a step back, and a lack of bite in the details. This is pretty much the critical point of my story with kanas. But mind that this is coming from a comparison with a dead neutral presentation.

This is a point of view of one that continues to enjoy natural sound and it's used to more agressive styles of tunings, i like bite, strenght, attack, intimacy. The moondrop kanas is on the other side of the spetrum. It is kinda of a L shaped earphone with a very natural trimbre and soft presentation, without any huge recesseion nor spikes. And this... Is done in a perfect way.

So, why the regular moondrop kanas after all? Let's head to the conclusion.

CONCLUSION

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The qualities of kpe are more than well-known and if you are here, you are probably convinced of them. However one question arises, what is and how should I view the regular version of moondrop kanas if i am still making my choice.

According to some reports, they are fundamentally the same headset with a different low-end. Some users are afraid of KPE endind up thin sounding or lacking some bass response. There where some of these people in the moondrop thread, and also some people that actually bought the KPE and found them agressive in vocals or lacking impact. These are people that should go witht the regular Kanas. Well, there's tastes and there's tastes. While i would probaly go a little better with the pro version, there are lot's of people out there that may end up likind the regular version more, as some people are already moding the KPE in the vent hole to get more sub-bass.

My aim here is to present the stock, finished, and cheaper version of this mod. The regular moondrop kanas that carries the same nature and advantages of the organic moondrop sound. They may be exactly what you look for.

Thank for you reading, i see you there.

I am particularly happy with the IEM, and reaching for it every time.
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You can grab a regular Kanas at AK audio Store, there aren't too much vendors with that earphone available and i got mine there with a discount for this review.

Cheers!

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FastAndClean

Previously known as presata
Pros: wide soundstage, precise imaging, harman target neutrality, high quality bass with bottomless extension, neutral smooth mids that are tonally correct, extended and airy highs without sibilance, excellent build quality
Cons: None
source for the review - Sabaj DA3

Songs used for the review
Jim Keltner - Improvisation
Eric Clapton - My father's Eyes
Nah Youn Sun - My Favorite Things
Inception - Dream Collapsing
Steve Strauss - Youngstown
Stimulus Timbre - Expression
Diana Krall – Let's Fall in Love
Trevor Jones - Clear The Tracks!
The DALI CD - Zhao Cong , Moonlight on Spring River
Baba-Yaga, for orchestra, Op. 56
Rebecca Pidgeon - Grandmother
Sara K - Maritime
Trevor Jones - Promentory
Patricia Barber - Regular Pleasures
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits - Your Latest Trick
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Marcin Przybylowicz - Go Back Whence You Came
James Horner - Going After Newt
Hans Zimmer - Dream Is Collapsing
Hans Zimmer - Molossus
Harry Gregson - Emergency Launch
Shpongle - Shpongle Spores
Dizzy Gillespie - Could it Be You
Dominik Eulberg - Björn Borkenkäfer
Trentemøller - The Forest
Kryptic Minds And Leon Switch - Ocean Blue
Nirvana - MTV Unplugged In New York (Album)
Xiomara Laugart - Tears and Rumba (2015) [192-24](Album)
Xiomara Laugart (2006) Xiomara (24-96)(Album)
Xiomara Laugart (2010) La Voz (24-88)(Album)



Product Specs: -
Driver: 10mm dynamic type

Connector: 2pin 0.78mm

Impedance: 32 Ω

Diaphragm material: DLC diamond carbon

Coil: 0.035 mm-CCAW

Cavity material: zinc-magnesium alloy

Cavity technology: metal injection molding integrated casting

Accessories

four sizes of silicone tips, soft carrying bag, Lyre acoustics 2 pin braided cable
Kanay-ProPg-700x700.jpg

Build quality
The build is great, polished zinc magnesium body with no imperfections at all, they have some heft to them, very solid feel.
1183955_190d48dc-22cc-42de-bf4c-a0ffc6ebc519_1125_844.jpg


Fit and comfort
In one word excellent, they are small and very ergonomic.

Isolation
Good not great, they are vented, the isolation is good enough for me but Ety they are not.

Overall sound signature.
The Kanas pro is neutral in the mids and treble with a slight sub bass boost.

Bass
The bass is neutral according to the harman target curve, and it sounds like that, the tonality is very rare because there is no boosted mid bass, they have extra energy only in the very low bass.
That makes the bass clean at all times avoiding spillage into the mids with no boomines whatsoever, at the same time the bass is tight and full of texture and details, very effortless and dynamic sounding.
If the song calls for a deep powerful rumble you will get it, it will stay clean and tight no matter the volume.

Mids.
The mids are very neutral, they sound very flat to me, no color at all.
I personally love forward mids, but to find a earphone with very neutral mids was a pleasant surprise.
Overall very clean and realistic mids with smoothness and precision at the same time.

Treble
The highs have a peak in the upper treble similar to the Etymotic ER4S, around 15khz, no lower treble peaks, that makes the treble very airy and breathy sounding.
Great details and never harsh, no grain, my go to test for treble quality is the Jim Keltner - Improvisation track and the Kanas pro pass that test with flying colors.

Soundstage and imaging.
The soundstage is wide and deep, very immpresive, the positioning is precise, pinpoint accuracy of the instruments within that big soundstage.

Comparison with the Etymotic ER4S
The Kanas Pro is the logical upgrade to the ER4S, it improves in all the weak areas of ER4S.
First the bass
The ER4S have nice and clean bass but it rolls of in the sub bass area and it has that BA decay and the texture could be better, Kanas Pro have the texture and the power in the low bass, also ER4S lack dynamic range, not the Kanas.
Mids
ER4S have forward mids with extra energy in the upper part, it can sound thin sometimes, the Kanas improve here again with very neutral mids that sound tonally correct.
Treble
The treble sound similar with a little bit more shimmer on the Kanas Pro, the Kanas Pro also have more body to the cymbals.
Soundstage
ER4S have small soundstage, the Kanas sound huge in comparison.
Dynamic range
ER4S sound compressed, i love them but the dynamics are close to dead, Kanas Pro can jump at you when the song calls for it, big advantage here.
Edit -
comparison between Final E5000 and Kanas Pro -
Bass - KP rumble harder, E5000 punch harder, KP sound more meaty in the bass, it sounds big, not like in quantity but like the bass is comming from a big woofer, both have tight bass, E5000 seems a little bit quicker, E5000 need mid bass reduction with EQ to really shine, KP don't but i am doing it anyway (i am not a mid bass fan)
Mids - they are very similar, neutral, KP have a little bit cleaner mids, E5000 have more euphoric warm mids
Treble - KP has nice clean treble with sparke in the upper part, they have more air and more snap to the cymbals, E5000 has very high quality treble but is very neutral sounding and next to the big bass line it can be a little bit subdued sounding
Soundstage - E5000 has a nice wide soundstage but it lacks depth, the instruments are close to you but because it is very wide they are like surrounding you at the same time, KP is wide and deep
Isolation - E5000 has weak isolation, KP is better but still less than fully closed in ear
Conclusion.
Top tier sound for around 180$, YES PLEASEEEEEE

Sorry for my bad english.
Happy holidays.
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barocka
barocka
Hi my freind. Thanks for this nice review.

The following sound definitions fit me;

Airy, Ambience, Analytical, Articulate, Breathy, Crisp, Detailed, Fast Focus, Naturalness, İmaging, Soundstage: deep, high and wide.

Does kpe meet these definitions?
FastAndClean
FastAndClean
yes they do
MariusAB
MariusAB
Have BGVP DM6 and Kanas pro. I like them both, they are at the same sound level and fidelity. Only different tuning. Kanas pro is more smooth, not so sibilant in treble region of 6-8 khz. So there is no these ss shhh sibilance in vocals and peaks. With kanas pro the signature is balanced all around the sound spectrum. It's really amazing iem for such money,and can compete with iems closer to 1000 $. I am really happy with them.

HiFlight

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Build Quality, tonality and instrumental timbre. Depth of soundstage.
Cons: No chin slider on cable, sparse packaging and carry protection.
I happened across the Moondrop Kanas Pro while viewing some of the later offerings from the Asian IEM marketplace. The Kanas Pro captured my attention due to both the eye-catching finish as well as the fact that it contained a DLC (diamond-like carbon) dynamic driver similar to that used in the Campfire Audio Atlas.

While Moondrop is quite highly regarded in the Chi-Fi marketplace, I could find very little information on this model, only one review by a highly-regarded German audio reviewer. His comments were very flattering to the build and tuning and in fact, he ended up purchasing one. Given this impetus along with my lack of willpower, I placed my order through Aliexpress which at the time, was the only source for purchase. It now also available through Amazon.

As I mentioned in the description, there is a "lesser" model of the Kanas which has a brushed finish and a less reference tuning, with a noticeable increase in the bass frequencies. As I appreciate an uncolored SQ, I was not attracted to the Kanas, but went with the Pro, much to my ultimate satisfaction.

Delivery took about 2 weeks and arrived safely. Initial unboxing left me a bit underwhelmed as the box was a simple black cardboard box with several tips, none of which provided me with a suitable seal, a clip and a drawstring pouch, which, IMO, was not of a quality commensurate with that of the Kanas Pro. The 2-pin cable, however, is a very nice copper/spc braid which is quite soft and supple. There are no earhooks nor are they needed. The only thing I found missing was the lack of a chin slider.

Soundwise, I found this type of driver to require some hours of break-in to reach its full potential of smoothness and balance.
I typically use about the same handful of lossless files for my evaluations.
Female vocal
Male vocal
Solo piano
Full orchestra
Various acoustical favorites
Binaural Nature recordings
+ several other binaural recodings.

As I seldom listen to metal, hard rock or rap, I include none of those genres, as I am only interested in pleasing my ears.

My sources are DX200/Amp5, Nuansa P1/A1 combination and DX200 line-out to my Scherzo Andante transportable amp.

I found the Kanas Pro to have a very neutral overall sound but with excellent sub-bass where present. There is absolutely no warming coloration to male vocals and female vocals are rendered smoothly without sibilance.

Musical details are easily heard, even those so subtle that they are often missed in some of my other IEMs.

Soundstage is notable for its depth. Music is always in front rather than in the head. My most notable impression is that the overall performance is quite realistic, certainly suitable for monitoring if desired. Within a very short period of time, I completely forget that I am listening to IEM's, which is a high compliment indeed.

Isolation is good, but not at Ety level. I have head no driver flex at all. While they can best be described as a fairly good-sized IEM, the contoured shape should fit all but the smallest ears.

I consider them to be one of my favorites, which is flattering as I also own a custom MG5Pro along with the new CA Andromeda S.

Truly a remarkable device for $180 USD!
Usuarionow
Usuarionow
Wow! Does your soundstage also compete with andromedas? mine arrives in two days.
barocka
barocka
Hi my freind. Thanks for this nice review.

The following sound definitions fit me;

Airy, Ambience, Analytical, Articulate, Breathy, Crisp, Detailed, Fast Focus, Naturalness, İmaging, Soundstage: deep, high and wide.

Does kpe meet these definitions?
HiFlight
HiFlight
Comes pretty close. Nothing is 100 percent but based on what I hear, the KPE should please your preferences!
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