Moondrop SSP Super Spaceship Pulse

Introduction
The Moondrop lab is a Chinese company that founded back in 2014, and they have been well known as their anime style marketing and harman style tuning. They have been already release few really successful products, today I am checking out their new single DD IEM, the SSP(Super Spaceship Pulse), which recital for $39.99USD




Disclaimer
I would like to thanks Cloris from Moondrop for given this opportunity, and the review will be based on my honest opinion through the music I listen to.


Package & accessories
The ITM03 come with the small and compact box, there are the typical Moondrop style illustration at the front cover with the brand name, model name and other information, whereas the specifications at the rear side of it. After remove the cover, the IEM itself are sited in the foam, along with the accessories box that contained the ear tips and carry pouch.






Accessories list:
1 pair x Moondrop SSP (Super Spaceship Pulse)
1 pcs x Detachable Cable with 0.78mm 2 Pin Connector
3 pairs x Silicone Eartips (size S/M/L)
1pcs x PU Carry Pouch



The accessories come with SSP is fairly simple but useful, the PU carry pouch allow the user to store one pair of IEMs, it has Moondrop branded logo at the front and finished in the black color.



The SSP come with three pair of ear tips in different sizes, which allow the user to get the best fit as well as the sound.



The SSP come with the 4 core silver plated copper cable, it has 3.5 mm L angled connector in transparent plastic shell finished. It features the 0.78mm 2 pin connector with both of blue & red / L&R indicator to show left and right. The Y-splitter are in plastic transparent shell finished as well as the 2 pin connector. There are cable slider in transparent plastic finished. It is overall soft and flexible cable.




Design & Build & Comfort
The design on the SSP are minimalistic and unique. The shell has matte finished in navy blue color. The shell and faceplate are jointed with the screw in gold finished, which is easy to be open and repair. There are the L&R indicator on inner surface of the shell to indicate left and right, while the vents are located at the rear side of the nozzle.





The build quality on SSP are really good, especially for its price. The shell are well rounded, with out any gap and sharp edges. The shell and faceplate are made with amorphous metal alloy material, and screw in with the golden screw. The CNC processed is definitely finished in high standard, there are no significant gap between the edges of the joints. The SSP has the metal filter on the outside with the anti clogging filter and damper inside, which can minimize the effect form the the dust.





The fits are good on the SSP, but I find out it is fitting like a bullet type of earphone. Because the shell are not supported the fit, most of the supported come from the nozzle, so it is more depended on the ear tips itself.






Technical specifications:
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz(IEC60318-4)
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 112dB/Vrms
THD+N: ≤ 1%



Sound

Paring
I use M sizes stock ear tips with stock cable run through my music library on the Fiio M11.




Overall tonality
The SSP has mildly V shape tonality, with a upper midrange emphasis presented in balanced yet fatiguing free manner.

Bass
The bass is rich with slightly warm-ish tonality. It has moderate sub bass extension with slightly slow decay speed. The bass has average impact, rumble and punch, While the clarity and detail retrieval are average as well. The bass has good level of control with a average speed. It is overall rich and well controlled bass.

Mids
The mids is close to neutral and well balanced with slightly warm tuned. The low mids has right amount of bodies with average level of depth presented in clear manner. The upper midrange has harman-isn emphasized with great transparency levels, it has moderate amount of bodies and presented in and forwarded and engaging manner. The midrange show really good levels of detail and transparency without sounding too thin or fatiguing.

Treble
The treble has moderate levels of brightness, it is presented in fatiguing free manner. The treble is smooth and well controlled. The upper treble has moderate amount of sparkle with average amount of crisp. The treble has good amount of airiness. The detail retrieval and clarity are above the average.

Imaging and soundstage
The imaging is above the average, while the soundstage are just alright for both of depth and width.



Comparison
Hifiman RE-400 ($49USD)

Bass
The RE-400 has less sub bass and bass quantity, and presented in clearer and cleaner manner, where as the SSP provide better impact and punch. Both of them extended well, the RE-400 has tighter and better control bass, while the SSP has more bodies and fuller. There are more rumble on SSP, on the other hand RE-400 has more clarity. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on RE-400.

Mids
The midrange is more recessed on SSP, while the RE-400 are more linear and owing the close to neutral presentation. The lower midrange on both have same amount of bodies, but the RE-400 sound cleaner with higher clarity.
The upper midrange on both sound lively and tuned well, the SSP has slightly backwards presentation by its V-shape tuning, the RE-400 has more forwarded presentation. There is higher transparency levels on RE-400, while the detail and clarity on both are really well.

Treble
The treble extend further with slightly brighter tonality on RE-400, both presented smooth and fatiguing free. The RE-400 has more crisp and air on the upper treble, while the SSP are smoother there. The detail retrieval and clarity are slightly better on RE-400.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are wider but less deeper on SSP.
The imaging are slightly better on SSP.



Tripowin Tc-01 ($49USD)

Bass
The sub bass on both extend well and TC-01 has more quantity. The TC-01 has slightly more warmer and meaty presentation with better texture, while the SSP are relatively slightly cleaner. The bass on TC-01 provide better punch and impact, while the SSP are lack of definition here. The TC-01 has tighter bass with better control. The detail retrieval and clarity are slightly better on TC-01.

Mids
The midrange on both has V-shape type of tuning, both are presented in pretty balance manner. The lower midrange on both sound similar, but the TC-01 has better texture and sound clear. The upper midrange sound less forward on TC-01 with higher transparency levels and better thicker timbre, on the other hand, the SSP provide more forwarded presentation with relatively thinner presentation. The detail retrieval and clarity are slightly better on TC-01.

Treble
The treble on TC-01 are slightly more attacked and extended further, while the SSP are smoother here. The treble has less treble energy cmompare to TC-01, where as the TC-01 has more air and crisp presentation on the top end. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on TC-01.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are pretty similar, but feel more open on TC-01.
The imaging are better on TC-01



Kbear Lark ($29USD)

Bass
The sub bass and bass has less quantity on Lark, the bass has fuller and lusher presentation on SSP, where as the Lark has cleaner and clear bass. The bass has tighter presentation on Lark, while the SSP provide the better impact. Both give same amount of punch, where as the Lark are tighter. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on Lark.

Mids
The midrange has more recess presentation on SSP, with the Lark has leaner presentation. The lower midrange has less bodies on Lark, and it sound cleaner but linear, while the SSP sound slightly lusher. The upper midrange on SSP sound slightly forwarded in comparison, both of them tuned well, presented in lively manner. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on SSP.

Treble
The treble sound less peaky, and owing the smoother presentation on SSP, the treble on SSP has fuller timbre and extended less further in comparison to Lark. The lark has crisper and more vividly presentation with more air on the top end. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on Lark.

Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are wider but less depth on Lark.
The imaging are better on SSP.


Trn V90s ($49USD)

Bas
The V90s has more sub bass and bass quantity and extended further. The bass on both sound meaty with good amount of fuller, but V90s provide better punch and impact. The bass are tighter and clear on V90s, where the SSP are lack of definition here. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on V90s.

Mids
The midrange are both V-shape, while the SSP has less V-shape tonality. Both of them presented in a balance manner. The lower midrange has slightly more quantity on V90s with fuller presentation, while the SSP has less bodies and sound relatively clearer. The upper midrange are slightly more forwarded and also attacked on V90s, while the SSP sound smoother with thicker timbre. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on V90s

Treble
The treble are hotter and extended further on V90s, while the SSP sound smoother with better tonality. The V90s has more air and crisp on the top end. The SSP has less vividly presentation with fuller timbre compare to SSP. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on V90s


Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are wider and slightly deeper on V90s.
The imaging are both pretty good, probably the V90s did better.


Tin Hifi T2 Plus ($53.99USD)

Bass
The sub bass and bass on both have similar quantity. The SSP provide fuller and more meaty bass, where the T2 Plus provide cleaner bass. The SSP provide more impact and slam, while the T2 Plus are bit of lacking here. The bass are tighter with better control on T2 Plus. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on T2 Plus.

Mids
The midrange on both are fairly close to neutral, while the T2 Plus has slightly fuller and thicker tonality. The lower midrange has more bodies on T2 Plus, while the SSP has less lusher presented in clean manner. The upper midrange has smoother and fuller presentation on T2 Plus, where as the SSP has more vividly and engaging presentation. The detail retrieval and clarity are both similar.

Treble
The treble are brighter and extend better on T2 Plus, while the SSP sound smoother and less vividly. The T2 Plus has more airy and crisp on the top sand, the treble sound more open with better detail retrieval T2 plus.


Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are wider and slightly deeper on T2 Plus.
The imaging on both are average.




Conclusion
The Moondrop SSP is well build IEMs for the price range, the simple and cool design make it stand out in the crowded sub $50 dollar price range. Not surprisingly, the SSP offer a strong tonality and technical performance for its price as well. It has well balanced V shape type of tonality, that provide an engaging listening, without being fatiguing. Overall, the Moondrop SSP live up to the benchmark of its price.

Moondrop official website: https://www.moondroplab.com
Moondrop SSP product page: https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...dome-diaphragm-dynamic-driver-in-ear-earphone

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Ms. Cloris and Moondrop for providing a review unit of the SSP. Check out their store on AliExpress (MOONDROP SSP In Ear Earphones Super Spaceship Pulse Earbuds Dynamic Driver Headphones with Detachable Cable 0.78 2Pin Headset|Earphones| - AliExpress) Rest assured that my impressions written in this review are my own personal thoughts and opinions and in no way influenced by outside parties.

I am not an expert in this hobby nor claim to be an audiophile. I just love listening to music and am fond of writing articles.



Introduction:

Moondrop, a brand born in 2015, has consistently been on the rise ever since their creation, developing IEMs and Earbuds from “TOTL-fi” to “budget-fi.” One of their newer releases, the Moondrop SSP, is a single-DD IEM which utilizes a beryllium-plated driver, available for the masses at 40 USD. At the time of this review, there is only one colorway available – matte blue with a gold accent. It’s sibling, the SSR, is essentially the same with just a more neutral bass response. With a sensitivity of 115 dB/Vrms and an impedance of 16 ohms, these are really hard to drive. A typical phone will not be enough to drive these efficiently and amping is mandatory.



These were plugged to my iPhone 5s with the SD01 amplifier for the review. With only the iPhone 5s (1 Vrms), these have impactless bass, thin note weight (and vocals, as well), and splashy treble. Running them with an amplifier improves all of the aspects of the SSP’s sound quality.







Build and Comfort: Beautiful. If there is a universal more comfortable than these, I’d be surprised. In all honesty, it looks like those finger-hearts that Koreans made popular. These are ridiculously small and compact, as well. It’s a metal shell done in a matte blue finish with a gold screw as an accent. Wearing the SSP is different than other shells – they don’t sit on your ear, they hover like bullet-type IEMs. I do have to note that going up-a-size with tips allowed for a better seal and a more secure fit for my ears. Thank you, Moondrop R&D team for this shell! Regarding the stock cable, it feels nice and comfortable. Very “jelly-like.” It’s a 4-core SPC cable done in a 2-core fashion with a 0.78mm connector. Earhooks are very pliable and shouldn’t be a problem for most ears. Quite aesthetic as well together with the IEM itself, further highlighting the beauty of the shell. I do have to mention that regarding sound leakage and isolation, these are “earbud-like” which may be a pro or con, depending on your preference (a huge pro for me, personally speaking).



Now, onto sound:

For this review, the IEM was left in stock mode, without mods other than using white Starline tips (small) which I found worked best with the SSP.

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Bass – fast, tight, and textured. Has a mid-bass hump that isn’t overly done and just enough to give it body to not sound thin. If this is what Be-coating is capable of, I do wonder what a pure beryllium driver’s bass sounds like. Each part of a bass line is defined and will never muddle into one monotonous note. I do have one caveat, it’s not the most extended. Sub-bass quantity isn’t a lot, but it should be enough for non-bassheads. It might seem weird to say this, but the SSP does not have the “fun” bass one may expect from a V-shaped IEM.

Midrange – I do not find these shouty at all. I got confused at first listen because that was what I read online with user feedback. Doesn’t sound thin as well. I say they are pleasantly forward and natural-sounding. Guitar solos have the “bite” I always look for in an IEM. Very resolving midrange, due to that elevation in the upper midrange. No sibilance, to note. I do have to mention that I prefer listening to female vocals and have noticed that male vocals are noticeably recessed compared to the former.

Treble – clean and controlled. Not peaky at all which does help with avoiding fatiguing highs and to give a much smoother listening experience. It’s not the most defined and extended treble I’ve heard but it is up there with the few audio gears I’ve acquired. Very airy presentation. Might be too polite for some as it’s not the “energetic” highs.

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Timbre – it’s… a different experience? The timbre is not the problem (quite natural), but rather the tonality. It leans more toward the analytical side of things, even with the north-of-neutral bass response, and is very different from an IEM I recently reviewed. As an analogy, it’s like having the Tesla Model S go up against a 1973 Ford Mustang. This, of course, will be subjective to preference.

Soundstage – intimate. Quite in-your-head, especially with the forward female vocals. However, coupled with the excellent imaging and separation, you won’t find the stage congested at all. It has enough width and depth to provide a holographic-ish experience.

Imaging – magnificent. You can easily pinpoint where sound is coming from. It is the most focused I’ve heard.

Separation – brilliant. Handles everything like a champ. No matter the genre, instruments will never go over each other, forever staying separated.

Detail-retrieval – with the magnificent imaging and brilliant instrument separation, even if it’s not the most detailed, you easily hear whatever sprinkling detail it has.




Conclusion:

This is some cool stuff right here. Reminded me so much of Shikimori-san (IYKYK). If you want fast and tight bass, resolving midrange, and delicate treble, then this one’s for you. Add in the beautiful and comfortable shell (with the attractive matte blue finish), excellent imaging and separation, and we have ourselves a winner. The Moondrop SSP is one of the cheapest Beryllium-coated, single-DD IEM out there. If you have 40 USD to spend on an IEM and wish to get on the Beryllium hype train, I fully recommend these, if you have something that can provide it more than 1 Vrms of power.

Greetings!

Today we're checking out the Moondrop Super Spaceship Pulse (SSP), a companion product to the Super Spaceship Reference (SSR) which was my top earphone of 2020.

Looking at the SSP you'd be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu. Along with the shell, the packaging and accessories are carried over from the SSR, though with a new coat of paint and lovely new mascot. The tuning is quite similar too, though with a bumped low end that increases the SSP's widespread appeal in the way the SSR sadly failed to achieve.

Given the SSP shares all of the SSR highlights, I think they are equally good but for different reasons. The SSP is not simply the same earphone in a snazzy new shirt. Let's take a closer look.


What I Hear The SSR didn't stray far from the successful signature of it's predecessor, the Spaceship, nor does the SSP vary drastically from the SSR. Still, what slight alterations that were made result in SSP listeners having a unique experience. It should be enough to please most of those who found the SSR lacking bass, or overly aggressive in the upper mids, though I can absolutely see some wanting even more variance.

The treble presentation on the SPP is virtually identical to the SSR. As such, the SPP is extremely smooth with a very clean, well-controlled presentation. These drivers are free of grit or anything that could be deemed lacking refinement. The lower treble bias gives the presentation plenty of detail without coming across as harsh. There is just enough emphasis in the brilliance region, thanks to a very mild 7k bump, to provide some shimmer and sparkle on cymbals and chimes. The upper end roll off keeps the SSP from being fatiguing without sacrificing the airiness between notes, as also heard in the SSR. Congested tracks haven't really ever been a problem with the SSR or SSP to my ears, even on something as messy as the improvisational closing moments of King Crimson's “Starless and Bible Black”

The midrange has been a sticking point for the Spaceship series thanks to a prominent upper mid push. While for some this has resulted in the SSR coming across as 'shouty', I never really felt the same way. Vocals felt prominent and clearly took centre stage, but they didn't come across as fatiguing. That is unless the volume was pushed to levels that questioned how much the listener respected their long-term ability to hear. The SSP has a very similar midrange presentation to the SSR. That said, the additional bass present in the SSP goes a long way towards countering the upper mids by adding warmth and note thickness. This does lower overall clarity compared to the SSR, but it improves the already satisfying timbre quality by removing any dryness. A bit of clarity is a worthy trade off in my opinion. The rest of the presentation is again, pretty much the same. Vocals are forward with decent intimacy. Sibilance is managed well and isn't a problem most of the time. Aesop Rock's newest album, 'Spirit World Field Guide', is mastered with a very hot upper mid-range. While certainly more listenable through the SPP than most other iems and headphones, EQing the mids down a few dB is still helpful.

Bass is where the SSP comes into its own and gets its character. The fairly modest ~5dB boost gives the SSP's good sub-bass extension plenty of presence letting it it rumble on bass heavy tracks in a way the SSR doesn't. The extra midbass gives the SPP a thicker, more meaty feel which helps with impact. The extra warmth added to the SSP's presentation softens things up somewhat. Notes attack with authority and decay fairly quickly which helps with the punchy nature of the SSP's low end. That said, the SSR feels a little sharper and more controlled, but not by much. I really like what Moondrop did here. While the adjustments to the low end were not drastic, they were enough to shift the perception of the signature's overall balance.

When it comes to sound stage the SPP is unsurprisingly very similar to the SSR. The biggest difference can be found in width which I find more impressive on the SSP. Since the vocals have less presence thanks to a low end which shifts your focus, they feel less forward and as a result the default staging comes across less intimate. Staging depth is still excellent which combined with the improved width lets the SSP envelop you even more in orchestral and live recordings. Imaging is very good with clean channel-to-channel transitions and nuanced fine movements. Still, the SSR sounds just a hint more accurate when used for gaming. Instrument separation remains quite effective with track layering being about on par too.

Overall I feel the SPP and SSR are equally as good. The SSP's slightly warmer, more bassy sound will better please those coming from more traditional v-shaped signatures, while introducing them to technical capabilities that are mostly on par with the SSR and second to few.

Compared To A Peer (volumes matched with Dayton iMM-6)

Kinera BD005 Pro (49.00 USD): The BD005 Pro offers better bass extension with more sub-bass emphasis. This results in a more visceral feel with similar texture. Unfortunately, with less mid-bass the Kinera has a cooler sound overall, along with a leaner mid-range. Detail and clarity is similar with the SSP sounding more pleasant to my ear thanks to a more natural timbre. The BD005's cooler presentation also has a metallic edge to it and can sound too sharp at times. Sibilance is also handled with less grace and as a result the BD005 Pro can be more fatiguing. While treble emphasis is on par, notes out of the SPP sound tighter and better controlled with improved clarity and detail. The Kinera doesn't have an edge when it comes to speed and decay either, surprising given it's a hybrid utilizing a balanced armature for the upper ranges. Lastly, the SSP sounds wider and deeper with a more well-rounded staging presence. The SSP provides more nuanced imaging, with the BD005 Pro's instrument separation and track layering falling just short of the Moondrop.

While the BD005 is a great sounding earphone with looks to match, the SSP is the superior offering to my ears. Its presentation is notably more refined, natural, and realistic while at the very least matching the Kinera, if not besting it, in most technical aspects.

TinHifi T2 Plus (59.99 USD): The T2 Plus is one of the better options in it's price range. Compared to the SSP it offers a negligible amount of additional bass extension with a bit more texture. Despite a very similar mid-bass emphasis, the SSP sounds quite a bit warmer, thicker, and weightier resulting in additional punch and slam on low notes. Leading into the mids the T2 Plus is much more linear and better balanced with the bass and treble. Vocals are just as detailed as on the SSP, but with a crispness that makes the T2 Plus sound even more clear. It is more alike the SSR in the mids, despite lacking the large 4k rise. Treble on the T2 Plus comes across more emphasized and prominent in the mix with similar levels of clarity and detail to the SSP. Unfortunately for the T2 Plus, the treble sounds a little rough and less well-controlled and I find it to be more fatiguing. Having a thinner presentation contributes to this, though the extra energy it brings will be welcome to some listeners. When it comes to sound stage I was surprised to find the SSR quite a bit more spacious in all directions. The T2 Plus was a huge step up from the T4 when it came to imaging. This shows when comparing to the SSP which falls slightly behind the T2 Plus in terms of raw accuracy. That said, given the larger stage of the SSP, channel-to-channel movement feels more natural, even if it's not quite as easy to pick out the location of a sound. The T2 Plus matches the SSP's outstanding instrument separation and layering.

Overall? I prefer the SSP but I also really, really like the T2 Plus. They're comparable and more complimentary than competition in my opinion. The SSP is the better value in my eyes since technical capability is similar. Plus, the SSP's 2-pin setup is more reliable. TinHiFi's decision to go with MMCX is something that has faulted them in the past and is a red flag for some buyers.


In The Ear The SSP uses the same liquid metal alloy housings as the SSR, although in a sexy new blue colour. Forged from two pieces and held together with a single hex screw, it looks and feels very study though the seam between the two parts is quite visible. Spacing is uniform and tight all the way around though. The cables plug in tightly and with a recessed design should be well-protected from accidental bends. The metal nozzle grills with integrated tuning damper have a new design with fewer holes for sound to pass through. I suspect they contribute to the mildly boosted low end. As on the SSR they have been neatly installed. The same goes for the inner filters and vents found just under the L/R markings which have been forged into the body instead of printed or painted on. I have no issues with the way the SSP has been constructed, and also enjoy the design which pulls clear inspiration from the FLC 8S in terms of the general shape. The placement of the various vents/filters/screws also mirror the filter locations on the 8S, further strengthening the similarities. That said, the SSP is clearly not just a ripoff given it is significantly smaller, does not feature an in-depth filter system, and is overall much more blocky around the edges. Unexpectedly, the new colouring provides some additional texture that helps tips stay on better than they did on the SSR.

The silver-plated cable is the same one included with the SSR, and is a personal favourite of mine. It is soft and pliable though the preformed ear guides, while flexible and comfortable, do lead to easy tangles if you aren't careful when putting them away. The clear sheath also works in this cables favour allowing you to see the silver-plated strands within. It is quite visually striking when you take a close look. That said, the SSR's cable has started to oxidize and turn green. The hardware Moondrop selected is also a plus, as least in most areas. The 90 degree angled jack is compact and well-relieved, as are the tiny 0.78mm 2-pin plugs carried over from the Starfield (though here they are clear, not blue). While the plugs are labelled with L and R lettering to denote channel, it is extremely difficult to see so Moondrop added a red rubber ring to the right size to help out. That's a thoughtful touch. The y-split is my only area of concern since it is quite sizable and lacks strain relief. A chin cinch would have also been a welcome addition, but one is absent here. It would have been nice if Moondrop upgraded these aspects for both the SSR and SSP, but as-is what you get is functional and just fine.

Since the shell hasn't changed, the SSP is a nice product to have jammed in your ear. The small size and light weight combined with rounded edges and a reasonably long nozzle means it is quite stable during heavy movement. I can also comfortably lay my head on a pillow with them in since they sit so flush with the outer ear. Isolation is pretty sub-par though, at least without music playing. Since there are vents all over the place, plenty of sound leaks through. I can pause my music to chat with my wife while leaving them in, for example. Not too many earphones out there I can do that with. Now, bring music back into the equation and oddly, isolation feels pretty good. Little volume compensation seems to be needed to block outside noise, especially if you opt to squeeze on some foam tips.


In The Box The SSP arrives in familiar, squat, square box. Where the SSR went with a white colour scheme that matched the innocent design of the mascot on the front, the SSP goes a different route. The dark blue mirrors the edgier looking character as she lifts sunglasses off her eyes while casually blowing a large bubble out of the gum she's chewing. Just as on the SSR's package, flip around to the back and you find more traditional and helpful details; an exploded image of the SSP showing off it's component parts, an accurate frequency response graph (not the marketing-guided fakery we usually see), and a spec list in English and Mandarin.

Lift the lid off and the experience is identical to the SSR. The earphones with cable attached are resting comfortably in a foam insert. Alongside the foam insert is a smaller cardboard box embossed with the Moondrop logo in silver foil, inside which you find the included extras. In all you get:

• SSP earphones
• 0.78mm Silver-plated 4N-Litz OFC cable
• Single flange silicone tips (s/m/l)
• Fabric carrying pouch

While the included accessories are limited in quantity, the quality is high. The tips are the same ones included with the original Spaceship and the Starfield, using the same soft, grippy silicone. They provide a great seal and are very comfortable. The SSR's fabric carrying pouch was thick and dense and felt like it could stand up to a ton of abuse. Unfortunately it was too small to be of any use, even with a product as tiny as the SSR. The material used for the SSP's pouch isn't quite as durable feeling, but the pouch itself is larger and actually useful, so that's a win.

Final Thoughts Moondrop has consistently released high quality, high performance, high value products which have vaulted them to the top of today's extremely competitive market. The SSP is yet another one of those products.

What is has borrowed from the SSR it reuses effectively, such as the impressively small, comfortable shells. At first glance the sound quality seems much the same too. However, thanks to an enhanced bass region which adds warmth and draws attention away from the upper mids, the result is something that is nearly as technically impressive as the SSR. The SSP's adjusted tune has more widespread appeal for those coming from v-shaped products that are the norm in this price range and below.

The SSP is simply outstanding and sits proudly alongside the SSR as one of my favorite earphones ever, regardless of price. It is that good.

Thanks for reading!

- B9

Disclaimer Big thanks to Moondrop for sending over a sample of the SSP for review. The thoughts within this review are my own subjective opinions based on a couple weeks of use. They do not represent Moondrop or any other entity. At the time of writing the SSP was retailing for 39.99 USD on Moondrop's official AliExpress store: https://moondrop.aliexpress.com/store/4980017 / www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001730597585.html

Specifications

• Impedance: 16 ohms @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 112dB/Vrms @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 20-40,000Hz
• Driver: Beryllium-coated diaphragm with PU suspension ring
• Cable: 0.78mm Silver-plated 4N-Litz OFC
• THD: ≤1%

Gear Used For Testing LG Q70, Earstudio HUD100, Earmen Sparrow, Earmen TR-Amp, Asus FX53V, TEAC HA-501

Some Test Tunes

Supertramp – Crime of the Century
Slipknot – Vol 3 (The Subliminal Verses)
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Aesop Rock – The Impossible Kid
King Crimson – Lark's Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black
Infected Mushroom – Legend of the Black Shawarma
The Prodigy – The Day is My Enemy
Steely Dan – The Royal Scam
Porcupine Tree – Stupid Dreams
Fleetwood Mac – Rumors
Tobacco – F****d Up Friends

Intro


Disclaimer: I reached out to Shenzhenaudio with the interest of reviewing the SSP and received a review unit in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts and opinions written here are my own. For more reviews, check out www.perrivanaudio.com

This is a review on the Moondrop Super Spaceship Pulse earphones. I would be referring to these as the SSPs, as they are also known. These have been released as a variant from the Super Spaceship Reference (SSR) earphones released a few months ago. Some have found the SSRs a tad too energetic in the upper mids and Moondrop has released the SSP to suit a greater range of tastes.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 8.5/10)



Coming in at the same price as the Moondrop SSR, they share the same accessories and cable. In terms of build quality, I lead a little in favour of the matte finish of the SSPs. It looks a little less industrial and the dark blue and gold contrast really gives off a premium vibe. I do wish the SSR does have a matte colourway, though it may become a nightmare telling them apart. Unfortunately, the SSP only comes in 1 colour currently.

Fit (Score: 8.5/10)



In terms of fit, just like the SSR, the SSP is tiny and fits super snugly and securely in my rather small ears. These things are almost weightless and are a pleasure to carry around as a beater earphone for my commutes.

Sound (Score: 8.1/10)



Sources Used

• Hiby R5
• Lotoo Paw S1
• Modi 3>Schiit Heresy/Schiit Vali

Albums and Tracks tested with

• Gryffin
• Conan Grey
• The Vamps
• Carmen Fantasy
• Ragtime
• BORNS

Bass (Score: 8/10)

The bass region is where the SSP differs most from the SSR. There is a warmer tilt in the sound signature, with a boost from the sub-bass to the lower midrange. However, this is only a very slight change, though a very welcome one. This bass boost doesn't change the sound signature very much but rather shifts the balance a little and hence I would still say that it is still rather lean in the bass.

The quantity is just right, and the only thing I would say can be improved would be the overall resolution and detail retrieval in the bass. It can sound a little rough on the edges at times, but still understandable at the SSP's price point.

Mids(Score: 8/10)

The mids still preserve that distinct flavour that the SSRs had. The same peak in the upper mids means that once again, vocals and instruments like violins and trumpets would take centre stage. However, unlike the SSRs, I didn't find it as overpowering and was rather enjoyable.

The warm tilt in tuning helped make the glare much less noticeable that the SSRs and I only really felt this when the volume was turned up too high on certain tracks.

One major gripe I have with the mids is how it seems a little empty and lacking in body in the lower mids. This was especially apparent on orchestra tracks, where the timbre of certain instruments and the overall orchestral balance is a little warped.

Overall, the upper mids really sings quite sweetly and melodiously, and the detail retrieval in the mids section is rather impressive for a sub-$50 IEM. I would also say the overall presentation of mids is noticeably more laid back and relaxed than the SSRs.

Treble (Score: 8.5/10)

Treble response does not deviate from the SSR. It preserves its airy texture and sense of space, especially with the cymbal crashes. This is likely due to its pretty impressive speed and extension, especially for its price tag. I didn't experience any fatigue throughout long listening sessions and strikes a good balance.

Overall

Another big difference we noticed was how the SSP was significantly harder to drive. Driving it direct from the mobile phone gave the SSPs a rather muted and soft response and only opened up when powered by more powerful sources such as my Hiby DAP or Lotoo Paw S1 Dongle DAC.

Those considering between the SSR/SSP may have to consider the power-hungry nature of the SSPs and if they are able to sufficiently power these to bring out their best.

Conclusion



The SSP/SSR is something like what Etymotic has done with the SE vs XR versions of their ER- series. They do have the same flavour and signature, with just enough difference to suit peoples' preferences. If you find you find yourself wishing a little more lows from your SSR or wanting a less energetic upper midrange, the SSP may be the solution for you. I enjoyed the SSP's tamer sound signature more than the SSR but it's difficulty to drive may make it hard for people to drive it from sources like mobile phones.

Introduction

With the intention of not touching the SSR tuning, Moondrop has released a product exactly the same, but with a higher lower zone. Those who found the SSR a little warm in the bass, have seen how their suggestions have been taken into account, in this new model. Apart from this small change in frequency response and colour, the rest is identical. There is only one colour to choose from, a very elegant and striking dark blue, more prominent than those of the SSR. The anime girl on the cover has changed her clothes, with something more "trendy" and less cheesy. Let's see if there are more differences than those raised a priori.



Specifications

• Drivers type: Dynamic with Beryllium-Coated Dome diaphragm + PU Suspension Ring
• Magnetic circuit: N52-High Density Magnetic Circuit.
• Frequency Response: 20-20000Hz
• Sensitivity:115dB/Vrms @1kHz
• Impedance:16Ω @1kHz
• THD: < 1%
• Material of the capsule: Liquid Metal Alloy Housing
• Coil: ⱷ 0.035mm – CCAW [Daikoku]
• Acoustic filter: Patented Anti-blocking Filter.
• Connector Jack: 3.5mm in angle
• Cable: Silver Plated 4N-Litz OFC
• Capsule Connection Type: 0.78-2pin

Packaging

The SSPs come in a purple, virtually square box. Its dimensions are 116x115x42mm. On its main side there is a drawing of an Anime girl, as a classic image of Mondrop, something that has been repeated in other models, even in other brands. On this occasion, his clothes have been changed for something more sport. On the back side, there is a diagram with the breakdown of the interior of the capsule, the specifications, in Chinese and English, as well as the frequency response.

Once the box is uncovered, you can see the SSPs, with their cable attached, embedded in a very black foam mould. At the bottom, there is an elongated box, made of black cardboard, with the brand logo in silver letters. Inside it there is a small black bag, with the logo in white, in the lower right corner and a bag with the silicone tips. In summary, the complete content is:

• The two SSP capsules.
• The 4N-Litz cable with 3.5mm angled gold-plated connector. The 2 pin 0.78mm connectors
• Transport bag.
• Instructions and warranty card.
• 3 pairs of dark grey silicone tips, size SxMxL.

The box is very compact and tastefully decorated, with the capsule and the FR being particularly noteworthy. The transport bag is too small and is not suitable for storing the SSP, because the task is not easy, nor fast. The set of tips is the minimum necessary.



Construction and Design

Again, the shape of the capsules is exactly the same as the SSR model, with a different and unique blue colour. The capsule is made of a liquid metal alloy. Its external face is asymmetrical, one half looks like a classic drawing of a heart and the other, an inverted little house, drawn by a child. At the lower vertex, a completely gold-plated allen screw stands out, its tip protruding from the inner side. There is a large hole next to it. The letters R and L, which identify the channel, are deeply inscribed in the metal. The nozzle is mounted on a large cylindrical base, approximately 5 mm long and 5.5 mm in diameter. Its interior is protected by a dense metal grid. At the foot of the metal cylinder, near the tip of the screw, there is a slot with a hole in the part closest to the nozzles. The 2Pin connection plate is embedded in the base of the "house". It is made of transparent plastic and the two hollow connection cylinders are gold-plated.

The Litz cable is 4-core silver-plated. It is covered with transparent plastic. The Jack connector is 3.5mm, angled and gold plated. Its sheath is also transparent plastic, in a classic style. The dividing piece is a black plastic disc; on one side is inscribed the brand logo and on the other side its name. There is no adjustment ring. Near the two-pin connectors, there is a semi-rigid coating, to facilitate the adjustment on the ear. The two-pin connector is rectangular, slightly more bulky at the top and the two pins are completely external. A red ring, located next to the connector, serves as a channel indicator.

The capsules are actually very small and are painted bright white. Their design is special, and does not go unnoticed. But their small size, can damage the reproduction of the very powerful bass, perhaps there is not enough space for the complete elongation of the diaphragm...



Adjustment and Ergonomics

Such a small capsule, despite the design of the nozzle column, can only offer a superficial fit. Its small size allows rotation inside the hall. This makes the choice of tips essential for a long-lasting fit. In my case, I have to resort to larger or foam tips, to ensure their position and a good fit. On the other hand, for small ears, the size may be very adequate; for me, it has been a little more problematic. However, these problems have not been related to ergonomics, but rather to the sealing and, above all, the sound obtained. I have had to search through many tips until I found the best relationship between the lace and the best sound, something that is usually not very complicated for me.



Sound

Profile

In my case, the profile of the SSP is not the same as the one described in the frequency response of the box. There are many more changes in my model, regarding the SSR. Not only does it have a maximum elevation of 4dB at 100Hz, but that difference remains, but in negative, from 3kHz to 7kHz. This way its profile is more like a light but balanced V. I must say that it fits much more to my preferences, but the level of detail and clarity suffers.



Bass

The fact that it has a greater presence in bass does not make it an IEMS bass player, not even suitable for music where the lower zone predominates. It seems that they have pushed the small driver to the limit, making him suffer more, when he is demanded with a medium-high volume and music of that style. Again, in these cases, an audible distortion is reached, there is always some channel that suffers more than the other or resists better.

The mid-bass now stands out more clearly, but leaves the sub-bass more naked, undernourished and less deep, given its greater polarisation. The lower zone is less linear and more conventional, with an emphasis on 100Hz. However, it seems that even the lower zone has suffered technically. The fact of having forced the tuning of the basses, has limited the speed, the more contained and better drawn hit of the SSR. I have the feeling that the decay is slower, generating more pose, a warmer sound and not so clean. The absence of sub-bass colours the sound of the area, as well as making it thinner. The body with a narrower base moves away from realism when reproducing pure sub-bass, losing a deeper tone in accordance with the nature of the lower area. Really, it was not the positive bass tuning, which I expected to find in this SSP, although I am grateful that this range is more abundant, because the fun factor has increased considerably.



Mids

The middle zone of my SSPs is "special", with more emphasis on the lower zone, something natural due to the greater presence of bass. But the upper mids are not "equal" to the SSR, but everything that has been raised in the lower zone has been removed from 1kHz onwards. This fact has a big positive part: male voices are much more natural and complete. Even in women's voices, sibilance has disappeared. The warmth of the sound has been very much in evidence in the first half of the middle zone. But it has also become more conventional, without that polarisation that SSRs had, which gave it a greater inclination towards details, than the rest. Now the protagonism returns to its place, showing a more realistic sound and tone, in exchange for losing in brightness and details; perhaps even too much. If I received a unit with a "special" tuning, I would have preferred it not to be so far from the original, in the mid-high range. I'm sometimes critical of this emphasis on this area, which has become so fashionable lately. But in a warm IEMS it can have a greater benefit, bringing clarity, saving you from darkness and giving you a spark in detail and small nuances. Not so in this unit, and what I used to think was a bit excessive, is now certain, but there is a lack of that spicy touch that makes the sound so dynamic. Even so, the voices are very enjoyable, as well as the instruments, being very suitable for rock, vocal and acoustic genres, thanks to the fullness of its first half.

Going into detail, the texture of the male voices, as well as their tone, is completely pleasant and realistic, with no undesirable echoes. They have a right mix between roughness and smoothness, which makes them noticeable and clearly perceptible in their details and nuances. The feminine voices, on the other hand, suffer from a certain sparkle and joy, but they do not stop sounding very well drawn and defined, quite clearly, despite the fact that the profile is somewhat darker and duller, but retaining a very healthy naturalness.

The instrumentation has a very analogical sound, not at all cold, with a tone very much in line with the good recordings of the 80's. The separation feels remarkable, as does the sense of space. The sound is very palpable in this area, present and close; one perceives a close intimacy and a close relationship with the music, as if it were a secluded, club-like stage, although not without air, but with brilliance. This sensation, produced by the special tuning of the high mids in this unit, generates a highly enjoyable bond with the listener: it is true that micro nuances and other technicalities provided by a more analytical profile are missed. But, on the other hand, there is a very exhilarating hyper-realistic smoothness. I must admit that with genres other than electronic music, these SSPs are to be loved.



Treble

The high area of my unit has a control according to the rest of the profile, calm and warm, somewhat lacking in brightness and notoriety in the first area. I find that the highs are expressed trimmed, filed, without expanding upwards enough to energise the sound and apply a more brilliant patina. In this way, the sound maintains that darkness and a softer profile, very controlled, perhaps too much, resulting in a sound that is not very lively, without edge or joy. The extension is equal to that of the SSP, but with a clear downward trend.



Soundstage, Separation

On this occasion, the SSP has a more intimate and secluded scene, but quite enjoyable. There is space and separation, a good dose of air to prevent its representation from being closed. But it is near and close, something that contrasts with the better depth given to this model. The width remains remarkable, as does the instrumental positioning, but it is not as precise and defined as in its previous model, perhaps because of its lesser expressiveness of detail and micro nuances. The smoother sound also contributes to a more homogeneous soundtrack, with a darker, sharper and more distinguishable background being more difficult to observe.

But if there's one thing that stands out in this SSP, it's its concise sound: there's no echo, the notes are immediate and are never projected beyond the unreality. Perhaps it's a little cut down on harmonics, or perhaps it's the result of a higher control. But the point is that this sonority is something that attracts a lot of attention and there are many factors that contribute to recreate it in this way. Without a doubt, it's the great opposite of SSR and the one that makes me lean more towards this model.



Comparisons

Tin HiFi T1 Plus

Both IEMS are recent and have similarities in their frequency response, as they have a similar profile. However, in reality, the sound differences are remarkable. One of the first things that catches your eye is the brightness, much more noticeable in the T1 Plus. Secondly, the lower zone, the Tin HiFis can withstand anything that's thrown at them, while the SSPs are much more delicate in this respect. The third big difference is sensitivity: it can take more than 10dB of volume to match your output, with the T1 Plus being very easy to move. SSPs require much more power. The other differences are easy to see but not as big.

The lower amount of brightness makes the overall sound of the SSP much more sparse, dry and tight, without a hint of echo, much more concrete and cut. The T1 Plus offers a more common sound, more fluid, liquid, with more sparkles and expansion, which fills the silences with its harmonics and a longer treble propagation. While the SSP offers a duller, quieter, rather peculiar and particular sound, really different.

However, the battle between the two IEMS, in the middle zone, is quite complex and much will depend on the tastes of each individual. The T1 Plus, despite being V-shaped, has a fairly full-bodied midrange, just like the SSP, but the tone and expression of both is very different. This is where all the adjectives written previously and which define the behaviour of each one come together. Because of their special and intoxicating character, the SSP win in this struggle.

Another thing is the lower zone, much more complete and fuller in the T1 Plus, with a more powerful and deep hit, perhaps something more rubbery and less contained. SSPs seem to have more control, but they're also more colourful. On the other hand, the T1 Plus does not suffer from large, fat or distorted bass, while the SSP clearly does.

In the upper mid-range there is a clear emphasis of the T1 Plus over the SSP, giving it an initial brightness and more clarity, as well as a boost in the initial highs, with a more perceptible projection. But there comes a point where the T1 Plus seems to stop and the SSP continues a little further. Although neither is characterised by specially worked-in treble, they are kept under control and always in line with their profile.

On a stage level, the T1 Plus offers a more rounded, tubular image, with greater depth and a sense of escape. The SSPs have a flatter but wider projection, with a more accentuated proximity to the elements, which provides greater intimacy. There is less depth, but its more concrete and concise sound provides a little more separation between the elements, given the greater fluidity of the sound of the T1 Plus. If we talk about nuances and details, at the micro level they are more perceptible in the T1 Plus, the lower depth of the SSP seems to hide some small central details.



Blon BL-01

This is the latest model that Blon has brought to market, also at a rather reduced price, as it costs less than half that of the SSP. In terms of price, the comparison may not be very accurate, but at the frequency response level, both IEMS also have similarities in their central area, while at the extremes the differences are greater.

The graphics do not lie and the BL-01 destroys the comparison with the SSP in the lower zone. Any comparison below 100Hz makes no sense, since SSPs do not support heavy bass loading. If you can't measure the bass with electronic music, what good is a bass analysis, pure observation of its technicalities? If, in order to listen to the bass in SSPs, you have to set the volume at a medium level so as not to reach the distortion... It's very difficult to compare them. Even so, the SSP are characterised by their lack of depth, focused on the mid-bass, with a definition that is also medium, the BL-01 gain in depth, impact, realistic sound, power, punch and even containment. I don't think that the SSP have a better low zone technically with the BL-01, at least I can't distinguish it.

The SSP media are flatter and darker, comparatively speaking, with that closer and more concise sound. In the BL-01 there is a clear brightness and also depth, although the greater influence of the lower zone is noted in this case. One can hear the voices, but also a very close bass line, even higher. In this sense, the SSP mids are less influenced by the low zone, which only gives it warmth. But the upper zone doesn't help with the brightness either. But, uniquely, thanks to these facts, the Moondrop's midrange sound is so special and distinctive and sure to be a hit with many listeners. Again, the BL-01's mids are closer together, with less separation, while the SSP's have better definition, faster mids, with more space between them, a darker background feel and greater proximity.

In the upper area, the Blons express themselves more freely and with a little more presence and extension. It is clear that they are brighter and have more light, but the sonority and expression is not far between the two IEMS. I think SSPs still have more control and restraint, while Blons can sound a little more erratic and unpleasant at times, offering a more excited, but less refined, representation.

The scene for both is not very big. There's a bit more separation in the SSP, while there's a bit more three-dimensionality in the Blon, because the details are more splashy and have more depth. But although the Moodrop feels more intimate, the width of its image is greater, even its height. In terms of detail, the BL-01 is easier to see, although the micro nuances are equally barely distinguishable.



Conclusion

The received SSP model assumes a clear rotation of its frequency response, with respect to the 1kHz centre point. By nailing a pin in that point, one can rotate, clockwise, the curve of the 4dB SSR and the profile of these SSP would be almost obtained. This movement is responsible for the bass being emphasized and the mid-high and early treble being turned off in the same proportion. In this way, the sound turns towards warmth, towards the music and not towards the details. And it is the resulting musicality that is the greatest exponent of this new and identical model. And yet, what wins is situated in the centre, where a different tonality to the conventional one has been found, which is executed with a mastery that produces a dark and pale beauty, to which it is very easy to succumb. One of the best sensations in mids that can be heard for this ridiculous price.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate
• Qudelix-5K
• xDuoo XP-2Pro
• HyBy R3 Pro
• E1DA #9038D

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 90
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 80
• Accessories: 60
• Bass: 74
• Mids: 90
• Treble: 67
• Separation: 75
• Soundstage: 75
• Quality/Price: 88

Purchase Link

You can read the full review in Spanish here

Rating: 8.1
Sound: 8

Intro
MOONDROP does exactly what I would like to see other companies do. Even though the SSP is not fundamentally different from the SSR, as it is basically just blessed with more bass impact, the buyer has a choice between the two models. Other companies would perhaps quietly launch a revised version without the buyer having the slightest idea. MOONDROP is also taking the economically smart route by remarketing an existing product with a fairly mundane adaptation, which provides transparency and also diversity, as the price also remains the same and the SSP is not marketed as being further, faster, higher than the SSR.

Handling
Here the SSP does not differ from the SSR. Except for a new anime character, the packaging and contents are also the same, so I'm treating myself to a copy of the SSR.

>> The SSP is made of metal, which together with its minimalist design makes it look classy and sturdy at the same time. The comfort is excellent, especially the protruding sound openings I find successful, which for me guarantees a comfortable fit in the ear as well as good insulation.

When it comes to cosmetic flaws, the transition from the faceplate to the body is a bit too rough for me, but that's no different with the STARLIGHT or KPE.
Otherwise, I find the design successful and especially the compactness is very good for an IEM, which is worn over the ear.

The cable (2-pin) is both visually and haptically passable and for me better than the fiddly and thin cable from the STARLIGHT. However, I would have rather put the SSP on a copper cable. The included silicone tips are usable, even if I prefer to use foam tips with the SSP. A small carrying bag is also included. <<

The SSP is compared to the SSR available in blue and has a powder coating, which I still find a bit more valuable.

Sound
As mentioned at the beginning, the SSP is basically an SSR with more bass emphasis. However, this of course has an effect on the overall signature as you can rarely look at the bass separately and it will have an impact on the overall tonality.

I already liked the bass a lot on the SSR, as it seems very plain, but acts very crisp and fast. In addition, I did not find it to be particularly anemic, but subtle, however musical and precise. Especially with electronic music (admittedly with some equalizer help) it brings fun and so I was looking forward to the SSP, because this basically seemed to bring exactly the icing on the cake, which I still wished for the SSR.
The SSP fully meets my expectations in that sense, as the bass is now more physical, but still maintains control and is far from overdoing it or slackening in agility. Despite the increase in level, the SSP retains the strength of the SSR. Top.

The mids enjoy more body and thus have a slightly more natural character than the SSR, yet they are still quite close tonally. The SSR is a bit zippier and has the better resolution, but the SSP sounds a bit more organic in return. Clearly, the SSP's signature is more in the V direction (SSR - diffuse-field/neutral), which does indeed make voices seem a bit more recessed, especially males.
Harsh mids are often reported, both on the SSR and the SSP, but I can't really attest to either. For me, they never exceed the imaginary pain threshold and I have no problems in audibility, even at higher volumes. Here MOONDROP really does a good job of making this diffuse-field signature, which is normally not easy to consume, suitable for long-term use.
Here, the point even goes slightly to the SSR, as it gives me a bit more resolution still, though perhaps only imagined.

At high frequencies, both IEMs have a linear drop, but the SSR brings more level around 6 kHz, which is also noticeable in the sound comparison. The SSR sounds a bit brighter and seems more transparent, even though neither IEM shines with extraordinary extension. There is a bit of dreariness in the absolute high frequencies, and so neither can certainly fulfill treble-head demands. However, the SSP and also the SSR provide more than enough information in the high frequency, even if it sometimes even seems a bit muffled. Here I see the SSR a bit more energetic and thus also better positioned, the SSP but even safer in tuning, even if here a safer driving compared to the SSR was actually not necessary.

In stage and imaging, the point goes to the SSR, since the SSP sometimes sounds a bit more pressed and also doesn't come close to the airiness of the SSR. On the other hand, I like its intimacy quite a bit, even if I would like to bring voices a bit more to the fore. This is not really where the SSP's strengths lie, and so it is rather good average in this area.

Outro
I have to admit that I find both the SSR and the SSP to be very sonically appealing products and can attest them a uniqueness in the price segment. Certainly not to everyone's taste and may take a little getting used to, but Moondrop delivers excellent value for money with the two models.
The SSP is an IEM that basically transforms the SSR more into a mainstream IEM, but without losing its basic characteristics.
So now the customer has a choice and can make a decision depending on his personal preferences. Sonically, the SSR is for my taste the more neutral and also more lively, the SSP instead is the more emotional and somewhat more natural of the two. Due to the slightly better audibility, I see the SSP slightly ahead, but both have some catching up to do in the midrange and in the high-frequency extension.


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Moondrop Star Spaceship Pulse is a budget level IEM with one dynamic driver. It is priced at 39,99$.


Sound quality for the price
Rating: 10 out of 10.

Build quality
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Value
Rating: 10 out of 10.
Can I set it as twelve out of ten?

Packaging

A basic set in this price range.

Moondrop owners are big fans of anime, and we can see that even right on the box. On the top, we can see the anime girl and an SSP inscription.
Inside, you’ll find the earphone itself, the cable, three pairs of eartips, and the soft pouch made of eco-leather.
On the back of the box, you can see all the technical info with a frequency graph.

It makes a great impression.

Build Quality & Comfort

Really small, but pretty heavy.

Honestly, I was pretty shocked when I opened the box for the first time.
The build quality is insane in this price range. Each shell is made of two metal pieces. Both are painted in a matte, navy blue color and fixed with a golden screw. As a result, it looks terrific and makes an excellent impression in hand. It is also pretty heavy for its size, but it fits great in the ear because it doesn’t stick out.

The cable also doesn’t disappoint. It has a very slippery coating, a plastic splitter, and it is terminated with a 3,5mm jack connector that’s folded at 90 degrees. I really like this little red rubber that indicates the right channel. It’s a nice deviation from the norm. A small thing, but it makes me happy.
That cable should be an example for all cheap IEMs. If you’ve ever used the KZ earphones, you’ll know how embarrassing the cable can be. They often need the replacement for the aftermarket one. In this case, I don’t think it is necessary unless you would like to go balanced.

2pin connectors are great, they’re tight and stiff.

Sound

Fun, dynamic, and a nice holography. Lovely.

The sound is the best part of Moondrop SSP. This is a true value king.
It is a very highly saturated sound, with holography and soundstage similar to FiiO FH3, which costs almost four times more. Pretty impressive, huh? And that’s not the end, SSP provides some even better things, and I’ll talk about them below.
Moondrop SSP might look as easy to drive, but don’t be so sure. It likes power. Using iDSD Signature, I’m going to the end of the potentiometer on the Normal tribe and the High Sensitivity on iEmatch. I’m listening pretty loud, so keep that in mind. The regular phone won’t be enough to power SSP up, but cheap, mobile DACs provide a considerable boost.

The bass is rich and very juicy. With warmer sources, it attacks with a powerful subbass that growls all the time. Watch out for the dark sources because it can become too rumbling. The subbass takes a step back into the shadow with more technical or bright sources, so the kickbass and midbass take a front seat. It still strikes really hard, with incredible dynamic and punch. The whole bass also gains more texture and hardness.
The whole bass isn’t as messy as FiiO FH3 one. It is delicately more accurate, but of course, it isn’t the same level as the Bqeyz Spring 2. The bass is smooth. It has some texture only when the track provides a lot of character in the bass. But don’t get me wrong. This bass isn’t muddy, it is just softer than usual. It isn’t also the speed beast, but hey, the SSP costs only 40$. I think that’s still an outstanding bass in this price range, and it can be a great rival for the FiiO FH3.

The midrange is delicately recessed. It’s different compared to the bass because it has a more technical style. However, it still is punchy and juicy. The male vocals are gently brightened, but the females’ ones are warmer. Listening to them is really comfy. Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa don’t lose their voice characters, but they become more charming when they’re a little warmed. Sometimes I was just falling apart in those voices and missing my stop when I was on the bus.
In terms of the details, it rocks again. There are no skipped details, but without making them visible by unnecessary sharpness.

If you’ve ever heard the SSR just imagine them with a lot of bass.

The treble is delicate but highly detailed, insanely clear, and extended. It has a similar charming manner as the higher midrange. Some can find the treble a little too harsh, but it bothers me only using Spinfits and a very technical source.
I consider that treble as very crispy, accurate, but not sharp or very technical. That’s totally different from the Bqeyz KB100, which is more specialized, without such a vibrant playstyle.

The soundstage is another astonishing thing. It provides an outstanding width and depth in this price range. In terms of the playstyle, it is closer to the Craft Ears Four than Bqeyz Spring 2. It’s in the middle between the magic, charming positioning and the very technical, spot-on one. The holography and depth are source dependent, it keeps a similar style, but the range is flexible. Using Shanling UA1, everything is close but goes almost around. With more technical EarMen Eagle, it goes further away and becomes a golden one with the iFi iDSD Neo.

The soundstage of Moondrop SSP is also useful in gaming. That’s another cheap earphone after the FiiO FD1 that is awesome for long gaming sessions, even if you’re a fan of competitive gaming.

Summary

That’s another wonderful IEM by Moondrop.

That’s unbelievable how badly Moondrop priced this earphone. They could go for three, maybe four times more, and it still would be worth it.
It has an excellent, full-of-life sound signature, the bass which is a true beast, with a charming style above the midrange, and almost technical, but again lovely treble. The icing on the cake is the soundstage and the holography, which is source-dependent, but it is excellent since the beginning.
I think I’ll need to spend some time far away from the SSP because that’s my second favorite earphone right now, just after the Craft Ears Four. I forgot about the whole world too often using them.
Highly recommended. – Must buy.


Gear used during this review for the sake of comparison and as an accompanying equipment:

• Headphones – Bqeyz Spring 1, FiiO FH3, FiiO FH7, Craft Ears Four, Meze Rai Solo, Shozy Form 1.1, Bqeyz Spring 2, Bqeyz KB100
• Sources– iBasso DX160, iFi iDSD Neo, iFi iDSD Signature, EarMen TR-AMP, EarMen Eagle, Shanling UA1, DDHiFi TC25B.

Moondrop — one of my favorite brands in dynamic IEMs since the first try on their popular Kanas Pro model that has received a very warm welcome on the market. This was a very close match to Tanchjim Oxygen — my «end game» in the same category among all single dynamic driver IEMs, additionally having significantly lower price tag and better fit. Kanas Pro sound lacks a touch of delicacy in this comparison but the overall quality and satisfaction from listening is really close to the leader…



Anyway, high standards for Moondrop IEMs has already been set in the minds of the followers and the expectations about the future products derive from that. Considering today’s topic — Moondrop SSP — price is more than adequate and the declared specs are impressive, at least on the paper. We have received our sample from SHENZHENAUDIO store and ready to share the experience.



Moondrop SSP is produced by Moondrop Technology Co. Ltd located in China. Company was founded in 2015, starting its way with high quality earbuds and later developing such respected IEM series as «Kanas», «Blessing» and «Reference». Currently, the company is focused only at this market, investing all knowledge, experience and resources to developing new remarkable products.



SSP (Super Spaceship Pulse) IEMs have another relative product named SSR (Super Spaceship Reference). Both have similar design, structure and diaphragm but tuned slightly different by the means of damper selection. Pulse are more V-shaped whereas Reference are more linear.

Moondrop SSP specifications:

• Type: single dynamic driver IEMs
• Diaphragm: Beryllium-Coated Dome+PU Suspension Ring
• Coil: 0.035mm-CCAW (Daikoku)
• Magnet: N52-Neodymium High Density Magnetic Circuit
• Acoustic Fiter: Patented Anti-blocking Filter
• Frequency Response Range: 20-20000Hz (IEC60318-4)
• Frequency Response Range: 20-40000Hz (1/4 Inch Free field Mic)
• Impedance: 16Ω@1kHz
• Sensitivity: 112dB/Vrms@1kHz
• THD: <=1%
• Housing Material: Amorphous Metal Alloy Housing
• Cable: Silver Plated 4N-Litz OFC
• Connectors: 0.78mm, 2pin
• Jack: 3,5mm single-ended

Impedance | sensitivity figures here are showing that SSP is pretty versatile model and should be easy to drive to an appropriate level even with a regular smarphone audio output.



Packaging and design:

Not sure how Moondrop is involved into anime drawings but the main theme used on both SSR and SSP boxes are exhibiting such images. As well as most of the rest IEMs and earbuds in their lineup. Perhaps, someone in the company has a talent and hobby to draw such, or there is a corresponding colaboration with anime artists which results not only in such package design, but also promotes this movement through the official website.



In either case, the customer receives small rigid box, with anime artwork at front and sticker with the product details on the back side. IEMs are neatly packed inside and held at place by a special foam insert while the rest of the accessories are stored in a separate box in compartment below.



This box seems very familiar to us — almost the same packaging with slightly different dimensions is used in Tanchjim Cora IEMs. This is not a surprise that different brands might be using OEM/ODM packaging from other suppliers.



SSP IEMs come with the next list of accessories:

• 2pin, 0.78mm audio cable with 3.5mm SE terminal
• 3 pairs of silicone eartips
• soft pouch
• couple of leaflets

Is it only us, or most of the manufacturers start to include less amount of eartips? We remember the times when there were 10-12 pairs included, along with a couple more pairs of the memory foam eartips… Anyway, 3 pairs with L, M, S size should be enough to find the best fit and would last long with the appropriate cleaning and treatment.



SSP shells consist of two metal alloy parts with matt rough finish. The design and shape is kind of irregular with some interesting details and findings. For example, a single golden screw not only holds top cover and base together, but also plays a role of central design element and ends up with the additional compensation opening on the base.



Another compensation opening is located on the body of the output nozzle. Good combination of blue shells and golden screws. By the way, output nozzles are pretty long which should lead to a good wearing comfort.



Both channels have corresponding side indication (L & R notches), aluminum filters and 2pin, 0.78mm gold-plated female connectors. Moondrop insists that the filters are specially designed to allow the best performance and changing to other might result in significant deviation from the original tuning. Spare filters are available for purchase (we hope that one day every brand would design their IEMs so that any filter would be easily removable for cleaning or replacing. Make it magnetic, for instance, but do not glue it at place ).



In overall, SSP IEMs are small, light, with long output nozzles and look beautiful. 2pin cable connectors sit tight.



Stock cable is silver-plated OFC equipped with resin L-shaped terminal housing, plastic Y-splitter, springy ear guides and channel indication in a form of red plastic ring on the right channel. Since it is detachable, there are plenty of options to replace the cable or switch to balanced connection if necessary.

Sound:

We have decided to conduct both tests: with stock SE cable and Hidizs 2.5mm BL cable. Hidizs AP80 (SE connection), AP80Pro (2.5mm BL connection) and HiBy R5 (4.4mm BL connection with iBasso CA-02 BL 4.4mm -> BL 2.5mm) were chosen as a source hardware. Since Moondrop SSP are low impedance | high sensitivity IEMs — any of those DAPs can drive it easily. As for HiBy R5 — it has 1040mW@16Ω per channel on BL output. Not sure if SSP can withstand such power but interesting to understand how it would behave when driven to maximum



Moondrop SSP are V-shaped IEMs with slight gain elevation on lows (40 — 100Hz), significant gain peak on treble (4-6kHz). According to the graph, volume difference between mids and lows reach ~7dB while mids to treble — ~17dB. The resulting sound would depend of the quality of IEMs, diaphragm material, damping, fine tuning, mechanical and electrical capabilities. Many low-quality models would suffer of harsh distortions and nasty high peaks even with less apparent V-shaped curve. But we can assure you that SSP is not the case… Moondrop SSP are surprisingly accurate, clean and free of unwanted peaks or distortions even with this type of tuning.



First that we have noticed is a presence of lows in significant amounts, with good volumetric feel, more than average extension and perfectly defined boarders. Bass doesn’t disturb other ranges and fits organically into entire mix despite its overpowered exposure. Midbass feels powerful, tight and very fast. The dynamics and articulation are perfect for a single driver unit that does a lot of job in parallel. The only less impressive aspect of lower range is a moderate amount of details it resolves.



The feel of high resolving potential and large amount of tiny nuances step in on mids and treble. This perception is derived from a specific tuning approach that creates such «virtual» resolution feel by raising gain in lower treble range. Again, SSP does it quite accurately, really adding some sharpness to mids and sparks to treble with no further negative effect. Yes, mids do sound a bit thin and laied back but the emotions and expression are over the edge. No whistling or screaming notes, though.



Treble section here reminds of armature drivers by clean and detailed delivery. Extension is not that great, of course, but the picture in overall is bright, sparkling, airy and detailed. Again, heavy treble elevation is not that frightening in real life as it may seem from the graph. Just adding extra sharpness and brightness.

Another revealing feature of SSP is a width of the soundstage it produces. Impressively wide, with precise instrument placement and good separation at low to mid volume levels. Higher volume levels (closer to maximum) leads to audible blending of instruments and some loss of details.



Sound in overall:

Moondrop SSP sound is impressive in many aspects. Signature is bright but not so cold as with armature units, large amount of accurate lows, excellent performance on midbass, high resolution on mids and treble, emotional delivery on vocals with no negative peaks, wide soundstage… And at the same time, all of this feels less cold, more collected and full-bodied than its close hybrid or armature rivals. SSP still shows the best behavior of dynamic IEMs while brought very close to armature | hybrid sound by its delivery. Not saying that SSP are the best dynamic IEMs ever — still have to learn from such monsters as Tanchjim Oxygen how to sound more delicate and rich — but definitely the leader with this price tag.



One more word about the difference with sources and types of connection. The difference between BL and SE connection with HiBy R5 is hardly perceptible. Perhaps, only the scene width and slightly better instrument separation. But the difference between Hidizs AP80 and HiBy R5 is more obvious. AP80 sound colder that accents SSP brightness even further. Seems that R5 is a better source of SSP after all, as it slightly balances the nature of V-shaped IEMs. Additionally, the resolution of R5 is higher that helps SSP IEMs to sound very impressive.



Compared to: BQEYZ KB100

As a matter of fact, for us, the closest rival to Moondrop SSP excellent performance is the hybrid BQEYZ KB100 IEMs. Similarly impressive in many aspects, both models resemble each other in signature. KB100 are better in treble extension and overall resolution, while SSP are definitely more capable on lows and handle this range better. Soundstage is also better in SSP, while KB100 are not that susceptible to blending at high volume levels.



Compared to: LZ HIFI A6Mini

Another good hybrid rival with double the price and piezo-electric driver. A6Mini have great bass performance and higher resolution in overall. Better lows and treble extension. Where SSP perform better is on mids — not that thin and not that heavily bright, while staying close in the dynamics, amount of bass and clarity. Soundstage is on par.



Conclusion:

Really impressed with Moondrop SSP performance. Rare example when every single technology or feature declared on paper gets finally revealed in the real product. Single dynamic driver that feels as if there are couple additional balanced armature units — large diaphragm for lows and high quality armature for mids and treble. Not blending, not bleeding. Clean, detailed and engaging sound that should satisfy the most demanding ones if V-shaped tuning is the preference. Highly recommended for all types of sources, most of the music genres as well as for everyone who is tired of dry and academic delivery.

Moondrop SSP are available at SHENZHENAUDIO store: LINK

Thank you for reading.

Stay tuned, more articles to come!

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Moondrop SSP is a variation of the popular Moondrop SSR with a boosted bass but the same midrange and treble. Sonically a deviation from diffuse-field neutral with its (comparatively) boosted bass, the SSP may still be shouty to some ears at higher volumes.


INTRODUCTION

Moondrop are an aspiring, innovative company out of Chengdu, Sichuan, China. They are a bit different from the usual Chi-Fi fare in their approach in that they are pursuing imaginative designs and meander through phases of tuning concepts, from Harman target in earlier models to (pseudo) diffuse field in their current showings. Their designs are always paired with quality materials. The company put lots of detail and care even into their budget models – though this does not always work for all western ears.

The Moondrop SSR “Super Spaceship Reference” from earlier in 2020 was such a (almost) diffuse-field-tuned model that impressed by its build/haptic and its transparent, neutral sound, however it fell short with many customers and reviewers alike through its aggressive images at higher volumes. The company therefore addressed this with the Moondrop SSP “Super Spaceship Pulse”, which is essentially the same earphone with a slightly modified tuning (or just a different filter, heyhey?). The question is: do the Moondrop SSP appease the listenership?





I produced an 8-minutes video that attempts to answer the question.