Moondrop ARIA 2 In-Ear Headphone Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Looking for premium in-ear headphones that don’t break the bank? The Moondrop ARIA 2 has been generating quite a buzz in the audiophile community as a mid-range option with some impressive technical features.

These sleek IEMs feature a dynamic driver design with an internal and external composite magnetic circuit, housed in a precision-milled alloy casing that gives them a premium feel. The TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm helps deliver extended treble without harshness, while the brass acoustic nozzle contributes to their beautiful timbre.

With a frequency response of 16Hz-22kHz, the Arias deliver solid audio performance across the spectrum. The 0.78mm 2-pin detachable cable is a nice touch, allowing for potential upgrades or replacements if needed.

However, it’s worth noting that several users have reported issues with durability. Some mention paint peeling after just a couple months of use, while others have experienced more serious problems like one earpiece stopping working entirely. This suggests potential quality control concerns that prospective buyers should consider.

Bottom Line

The Moondrop ARIA 2 offers impressive sound quality and premium materials at a competitive price point in the sub-$100 IEM market.

While there are some concerning reports about long-term durability, their sound performance makes them worth considering for those seeking high-quality audio without spending hundreds.

Check out the Moondrop ARIA 2 today if you’re looking to upgrade your listening experience!

Overview of Moondrop ARIA 2

The audio world has been buzzing since the release of this updated in-ear monitor. The Aria 2 builds upon Moondrop’s successful lineup with advanced technology previously found in higher-priced models. Its dynamic driver design features a composite magnetic circuit and independent brass cavity, providing an impressive acoustic foundation.

Sound quality is where these IEMs truly shine. They deliver accurate audio presentation with low distortion thanks to the long-stroke symmetrical magnetic circuit. The TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm achieves smooth treble extension without harshness, offering natural high-resolution sound.

Build quality presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses. The zinc alloy housing is precision-milled and secured with screws rather than adhesive, preventing common wear issues. The brass acoustic nozzle with gold-plating adds to the premium feel. However, some users report paint peeling after a few months of use, and there have been concerns about durability with occasional reports of one earpiece failing.

At around $80, the Aria 2 remains competitive in its price bracket despite these concerns.

Iconic Sound Quality

Audio enthusiasts often seek that perfect balance between price and performance, and the Aria 2 delivers impressively in this regard. The IEMs feature a dynamic driver with an internal and external composite magnetic circuit that produces clear, detailed sound across frequencies. The TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm particularly excels in treble response, offering smooth extension without the harshness or granularity sometimes found in metal-coated alternatives.

Bass response is strong without overpowering the mids, making these suitable for various music genres and gaming. The precision-milled brass acoustic nozzle with gold-plated surface contributes to the beautiful timbre many users praise. While sound quality receives consistently positive feedback, some buyers have unfortunately experienced durability issues with units failing after a few months of use.

The Aria 2 provides exceptional sound performance for its price point, though potential buyers should weigh this against the occasional quality control concerns mentioned in user feedback.

Ergonomic and Robust Design

The attention to construction detail in these earphones truly stands out. The Aria 2’s housing utilizes alloy casting combined with precise CNC milling techniques, creating a durable structure that avoids the common pitfalls of adhesive-based construction. Instead of relying on glue that can degrade over time, Moondrop uses customized screws to secure components.

Weight distribution feels well-balanced at 11.6 ounces, though this is heavier than some competitors. The rounded tip earpiece shape contributes to a comfortable fit for most ear canals. Users with smaller ears might find the fit slightly bulky during extended listening sessions.

The separate brass CNC-milled acoustic nozzle with gold-plating adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The 0.78 2-pin cable connection provides secure attachment while allowing for cable replacement if needed. The overall silver finish gives these IEMs a premium appearance that matches their build quality.

Advanced Driver Technology

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering behind the Aria 2’s driver technology. The IEM utilizes a dynamic driver with an internal and external composite magnetic circuit, a design typically found in higher-priced competitors. This creates a solid acoustic foundation for superior sound reproduction.

The dynamic driver employs Moondrop’s patented structure featuring a special large dynamic long-stroke symmetrical magnetic circuit. This technology, combined with an acoustic cavity resonance control system, delivers accurate audio presentation with impressively low distortion across a wide dynamic range.

A standout feature is the newly developed TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm. This component undergoes a two-step processing of three materials, resulting in smoother treble response compared to metal-coated diaphragms. It also produces lower distortion than other crystalline-coated options, allowing the Aria 2 to deliver excellent treble detail and extension without harshness or granularity.

Superior Sound Isolation

The acoustic design of these earphones prioritizes isolation from external noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The in-ear design creates a tight seal in the ear canal, effectively blocking ambient sounds without requiring active noise cancellation technology. This passive noise isolation is particularly impressive given the compact size of the Aria 2.

Users will appreciate how the specially designed ear tips contribute to both comfort and sound isolation. The snug fit helps maintain audio quality by preventing bass leakage while keeping distractions at bay. When properly inserted, the earphones create an immersive listening environment.

While not completely soundproof, the level of isolation achieved is remarkable for earphones in this price range. This feature makes the Aria 2 suitable for commuting, office use, or anywhere with moderate background noise. The isolation capability complements the detailed sound signature, allowing listeners to enjoy nuanced audio without cranking up the volume to dangerous levels.

Pros and Cons

When evaluating any audio equipment, it’s important to weigh both strengths and weaknesses before making a purchase decision. The Aria 2 brings several notable qualities to the table while also having some limitations potential buyers should consider.

Pros

• Impressive Sound Quality – The Aria 2 delivers exceptional audio performance for its price range, featuring extended treble response and low distortion thanks to the TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm.
• Premium Build Materials – With an alloy-casted, precision-milled housing and brass CNC-milled acoustic nozzle with gold-plated surface, the earphones feel substantial and well-crafted.
• Attractive Design – The fresh CMF design creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance that stands out from other IEMs in this price category.
• Comfortable Fit – Many users report the Aria 2 fits well even in ears that typically struggle with other IEMs.
• Included Accessories – The leather case has received positive feedback for its quality and practicality.
• Gaming Performance – Several users specifically noted the directional sound capabilities make these excellent for gaming applications.

Cons

• Durability Concerns – Multiple users report issues with the paint peeling off after just a few months of use, revealing bubbling and imperfections in the finish.
• Reliability Issues – Several reviewers experienced one earpiece (typically the right one) failing or experiencing reduced volume after 2-5 months of ownership.
• Maintenance Requirements – Some users mention difficulties keeping the earphones clean and problems with filters becoming clogged.
• Weight – A few reviewers noted the earphones feel somewhat heavy during extended wearing sessions.
• Quality Control – The frequency of reported issues suggests possible inconsistency in manufacturing quality.

Customer Reviews

User feedback on the Aria 2 reveals a mixed reception. Many reviewers praise the exceptional sound quality and premium feel of these IEMs, with several gamers noting the excellent directional sound performance. The attractive design and included leather case also receive positive mentions.

However, durability issues appear consistently in negative reviews. Multiple customers report the right earbud failing after just a few months of use. Paint peeling is another common complaint, with some noticing bubbling and degradation within weeks of purchase.

Comfort seems to be a strong point for most users, even those with typically difficult-to-fit ears. The cable quality also receives praise from several reviewers.

Overall, the Aria 2 presents a conflicting picture: outstanding audio performance and aesthetics paired with concerning quality control issues. This explains the somewhat modest 3.7-star average rating from 269 total reviews.

Conclusion

After thorough evaluation, the Aria 2 emerges as a compelling option in the sub-$100 IEM market. While these earphones deliver impressive sound quality that satisfies music listeners and gamers alike, durability concerns cannot be overlooked. The paint peeling issues and reported failures in the right earbuds after a few months of use suggest potential reliability problems.

The premium feel, attractive design, and included leather case add value to the package. The comfortable fit works well for most ear shapes, which isn’t always guaranteed in this category.

For buyers prioritizing sound performance on a budget, the Aria 2 offers excellent value, but purchasers should consider the potential longevity issues. Customer service appears responsive when problems arise, though ideally these quality control issues would be addressed in future production runs. Overall, these IEMs strike a good balance between affordability and performance, with some compromises on long-term durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the ins and outs of any audio equipment purchase is essential before investing your money. The Aria 2 has generated quite a bit of buzz in the IEM community, prompting many common questions from potential buyers. Here’s what you need to know about these popular in-ear monitors.

What improvements have been made in the Moondrop ARIA 2 compared to the original ARIA?

The Aria 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor in several key areas. The most notable improvement is the implementation of a new TiN ceramic-coated dome composite diaphragm, which delivers smoother treble extension and more natural high-resolution sound compared to the original model.

The housing has also been completely redesigned, now featuring an alloy-casted, precision-milled construction secured with customized screws rather than adhesives, improving long-term durability. Another major upgrade is the brass CNC-milled acoustic nozzle with gold-plated surface, which contributes to better timbre and sound precision.

How does the Moondrop ARIA 2 perform for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound?

The Aria 2 delivers impressive performance for audiophiles, especially considering its price point. Its dynamic driver with composite magnetic circuit provides accurate audio presentation with low distortion across a wide frequency range (16Hz-22kHz).

The IEM particularly excels in midrange reproduction, living up to Moondrop’s “mid-range superstar” billing. The treble extension is notably flat and natural, offering excellent detail without harshness or granularity that sometimes affects metal-coated diaphragms. For discerning listeners, the Aria 2 provides a compelling sound signature that punches above its price class.

Is an amplifier necessary to get the best performance out of the Moondrop ARIA 2?

An amplifier isn’t strictly necessary for the Aria 2 due to its relatively low impedance of 33 Ohms and high sensitivity of 122 dB. These specifications mean the IEMs can be driven effectively by most smartphones, tablets, and portable audio players without additional amplification.

However, some users report enhanced performance when paired with a decent DAC/amp, which can reveal more detail and improve overall sound quality. For casual listening, an amp isn’t required, but audiophiles looking to maximize the Aria 2’s capabilities might benefit from a quality amplification source.

What are the differences between the Moondrop ARIA 2 and Truthear Hexa in terms of sound quality and features?

The Aria 2 and Truthear Hexa target slightly different sonic presentations while competing in a similar price bracket. The Aria 2 employs a single dynamic driver design focused on natural timbre and midrange performance, while the Hexa uses a hybrid configuration with multiple drivers.

Sound-wise, the Aria 2 typically offers a more cohesive, smooth presentation with excellent midrange clarity and natural treble extension. The Hexa may provide more detail in certain frequencies due to its multi-driver setup. Build quality is another differentiator, with the Aria 2’s zinc alloy and brass construction generally feeling more premium than the Hexa’s housing materials.

How do user reviews on Amazon reflect the performance of the Moondrop ARIA 2?

Amazon reviews for the Aria 2 present a mixed picture with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars from 269 ratings. Many users praise the sound quality, describing it as “amazing” and “outrageously competitive” in its price bracket. The premium feel of the materials and comfortable fit also receive frequent positive mentions.

However, durability concerns appear consistently in negative reviews. Several users report issues with one earbud (often the right) failing after a few months of use. Paint peeling after short periods of ownership is another commonly mentioned drawback. These quality control issues seem to be the primary factor bringing down the overall rating despite the widely praised sound performance.

Can the Moondrop ARIA 2 be comfortably used for extended listening sessions?

The Aria 2’s ergonomic design with rounded ear tips generally provides good comfort for most users during extended listening sessions. Many reviews specifically mention the comfortable fit, with one user noting, “They fit well and that’s not always the case for my ears.”

The IEMs do have a solid construction of zinc alloy, brass, and copper, which makes them slightly heavier than some plastic alternatives. A few users mention they feel “heavy,” which might cause fatigue during very long sessions for some listeners. Ear tip selection can significantly impact comfort, and experimenting with the included options or aftermarket tips can help optimize the fit for extended wear.