Moondrop Chu - 1st impression review - $32 (Mic)
Recently Moondrop launched a budget IEM at $30 (without mic) and $32 (with mic).
It has a single
10mm Dynamic Driver. Sadly, cable is not detachable.
Packaging
Such a nice Box Art. A delightful waifu to represent the Chu, just like other Moondrop IEMs.
Construction
Fully aluminium built. The IEM feels weighty and appears to be more expensive than its actual price tag. The included Spring Tips are beautiful too. They are sticky and soft so they can be worn comfortably for a long time. The Spring Tips itself can be bought for $20 a set. Thus making the IEM 'only $10'.
Extras
A lot of extras included in the package, including Earhooks and a soft pouch (forgot to take pic)
Cable
The cable is soft and easy to manage. It also does not carry microphonics up to the IEM
Sound
Driving it out of ever trusted Apple Dongle, using Spotify highest quality, the Moondrop Chu surprised me a lot. It has a clean neutral sound with a touch of sparkle. Bass is punchy yet light. Instruments are well separated. Does not sound crowded in busy songs like many cheap earphones in this price rage. It also sounds intimate (not much sound stage) but I am not complaining.
Tea vs Chu
Compared to my daily driver, Mangird Tea 6 BA/ 1 DD ($400) IEM, Chu can easily match it in clarity at Bass and Mids (Vocals) but looses in sound stage and top end treble shine of the Tea. Tea has bigger sound stage and better top end clarity but it is not fair to compare a $400 IEM to a $30 one ($10 if you consider included Spring Tips at $20)!
KZ X Crinacle CRN vs Chu
Totally different types of IEM. CRN sounds warmer, more bassy and less sparkly. if you like some fun/vshape sound, go for the CRN. It is not as clear as Chu but it is still a very capable IEM at its price point. Chu however, sounds cleaner, more forward in vocals.
Conclusion
Such value has never been seen in this price range of $30. If you are looking for a daily driver and do not mind a touch of sparkle in the high frequency, this IEM will surely satisfy you. Just take care of it as it does not have a user replaceable cable. If you love a lot of Bass, Chu is not for you sadly.
Look how small the Chu is!
Also, Spring Tips on Mangird Tea and a free IEM for other uses.