Earbuds/Flathead Discussion

Moondrop U-2
MSRP: $34.99
The unit reviewed here was provided by Shenzhen Audio
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/moondrop-u2-14-8mm-dynamic-driver-earbuds



The U2 is Moondrop’s return to the budget flathead arena. Previously the only model they’ve had available is the much more expensive, particularly for flatheads, Chaconne at about $320. The U2 uses a smaller 14.8mm driver and is meant to be worn without foams. The overall design is minimalist industrial but I think it looks quite nice. The fixed cable is thin and light, which is how I prefer my cables in general. While the cable retains some light memory kinks from how you store it, it is overall a comfortable and easy to get along with cable. There is a vent on the bottom, back side of the driver and this is where you could modify the U2 to have less bass (by covering the vent with some micropore tape) and become a bit more foam friendly perhaps. On discord, I’ve already seen someone pull the faceplate off and add a foam ring inside. Overall build seem plenty durable, even if it resembles a paperclip. Accessory wise, Moondrop supplies some full foams and a too small drawstring bag to put them in both of which seem pretty useless.

The U2 does indeed seem to sound its best without foams, however, I was unable to maintain a stable fit without foams; it’s just too small for my ears. After trying various silicone rings and wings, I settled on donut foams for easiest and most comfortable fit, even if sound quality takes a bit of a hit with foams. The thicker the foam, the more more wooly and warm sounding, so donuts foams were about the best compromise I could achieve. In a vacuum, without other flatheads to compare, one might find the U2 plenty OK sounding. However, once comparisons started, it was unfortunately hard to go back to the U2 sound, mostly due to it’s uneven upper midrange.


Vs Fiio FF1 (~$20)

• Using both with donut foams made from Serratus foams.
• FF1 bass is a little bigger, punchier and a hair warmer. Most of the bigger bass presence is in mid bass impact and upper bass warmth.
• FF1 has more midrange clarity. U2 has a veil over the midrange. Using test tones, the FF1 has a smoother ear gain region between 1k and 4k, whereas the U2 is more lumpy in this regions with peaks and valleys that correlate to the veil I hear in comparison. So while the FF1 is a bit warmer, it’s significantly clearer than the U2.
• FF1 has more middle midrange presence, particularly 1k-2k. This pushes the FF1 a bit closer to the listen; it’s more upfront, whereas the U2 is a bit further back.
• FF1 treble is a bit smoother compared to the peakier U2 treble, but overall sparkle/presence is somewhat similar. While I’d give the U2 and edge in treble extension, I’d give the FF1 a significant edge in cymbal timbre. The FF1 just sounds a lot more natural here.
• This is surprising to my memory of the FF1 and a cautionary tale on sonic memory; I’d definitely pick the FF1 over the U2 after this head to head battle.

Vs Yincrow RW-2000 (~$140 but sub $100 during AliExpress sales)

• Using full, thicker foams on RW2000.
• RW-2000 is on another level, full stop.
• RW-2000 bass is bigger, deeper, more palpable with much better texturing.
• RW-2000 midrange is clearer, smoother, more natural sounding; the U2 sounds more like a transistor radio throughout the midrange in direct comparison.
• RW-2000 treble is a significant improvement; much more sparkle and micro-dynamic decays. More bite, better attack. Cymbal hits sound much more like cymbal hits. The RW-2000 sounds brassy where the U2 sounds tinny.
• The U2 sounds wider but more diffused; the RW-2000 sound noticeably taller and much deeper with better imaging.

It would seem the U2 is a bit of a swing and miss sonically, at least for my tastes and ears. However, I so appreciate the unique build and aesthetics. Hopefully Moondrop will continue to release earbud models that are more affordable but up the ante in SQ.