Today, Kurt reviews the MOONDROP Concerto, an innovative integrated DAC and IEM with a hybrid xMEMS and planar driver configuration. It is priced at $329.99 but currently has a Black Friday price of $280.49.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank MOONDROP and Shenzhen Audio for their support.
Click here to read more about MOONDROP products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines which you can read here in more detail.
MOONDROP has built its reputation on delivering a wide range of well-received IEMs.
However, their recent focus has been on releasing successors to those lineups, the Blessing 3 and Kadenz being prime examples, which has left the audio community anticipating something fresh from MOONDROP.
The MOONDROP Concerto may answer that anticipation, bringing new cutting-edge technologies different from their previous releases.
With a unique driver setup that includes an all-new xMEMS all-silicon Montara driver and a 13mm superlinear dynamic-planar driver, the Concerto offers a very different approach to the company’s previous IEMs.
Features
The MOONDROP Concerto features an innovative driver setup, combining an xMEMS all-silicon Montara driver, a Cowell midrange driver, and a 13mm superlinear dynamic-planar driver.
This setup was custom-designed for the Concerto, pushing the boundaries of detail retrieval and imaging accuracy in a compact bullet form IEM.
The xMEMS Montara driver enhances treble response with impressive speed and accuracy, ensuring a clear and extended high-frequency range for ultra-smooth treble performance. The Cowell driver is also responsible for the midrange while ensuring low distortion and fast transient response.
Meanwhile, the 13mm superlinear planar driver focuses on low-frequency performance, delivering tight bass with minimal distortion. This addition enhances the overall texture and depth of the bass, providing a punchy yet controlled foundation.
The Concerto is still tuned to MOONDROP’s VDSF Target Response but with a twist. Their tuning approach normally focuses on the midrange and treble performance rather than bass, but the Concerto diverts from that with its bassier tuning.
Design
The MOONDROP Concerto has a bullet-style design, crafted with medical-grade resin using 3D printing technology—a material MOONDROP frequently uses across their IEM lineup. The shell has a gunmetal color with subtle glitter, giving it a sleek, metallic look.
Unlike typical lightweight, single-driver bullet-style IEMs, the Concerto takes a bolder approach with a multi-driver setup.
The circular resin shell houses both the 13mm superlinear planar driver and the top-firing xMEMS Montara driver, while a rectangular shell with a metal cover underneath accommodates the side-firing Cowell driver.
Each shell has two vents to relieve ear pressure, enhancing comfort during extended listening sessions. The left side is labeled “MOONDROP,” while “Concerto” is marked on the right, making it easy to distinguish the sides without confusion.
The cable quality is a mix of premium and familiar elements. The section from the splitter to the USB-C connector is of high quality, likely crafted by ddHiFi, while the cable from the splitter to the IEMs resembles the one used in the MOONDROP Quark 2.
Comfort & Isolation
Those used to over-ear IEMs might find the fit of the MOONDROP Concerto unusual. It lacks the snug, locked-in feel, instead sitting loosely in the ear.
Over time, the Concerto becomes more comfortable, largely due to its lightweight design. It’s one of the few IEMs I’ve worn that feels almost weightless, making it easy to forget it’s even there.
However, the cable does brush against my face and clothes more than it would with over-ear designs, creating a noticeable tugging and rattling sensation with movement. This contact can be both felt and heard, which may be distracting.
The Concerto has what I would describe as a ‘gentle fit’, resting lightly without pressing hard into the ear canal. It doesn’t seal tightly, which may not appeal to those seeking a more secure fit.
Isolation is the last reason I would consider the Concerto. Its design allows significant external noise leaks, creating an experience similar to open-back headphones, where outside sounds are always present regardless of the ear tips used.
Ear Tips
The MOONDROP Concerto comes with a disappointing selection of tips. Calling it a “selection” might even be an overstatement given what’s included in the box.
The tips are bundled in a simple plastic pouch, and there’s only one type: standard black silicone tips. They come in small, medium, and large sizes, with just one pair for each size—no MOONDROP Spring Tips or foam options in sight.
The unfortunate part is that these regular silicone tips don’t fit the Concerto well. They felt extra loose during use, so I ended up switching to the MOONDROP Spring Tips I already own for a more secure fit.
Stock Cable
The MOONDROP Concerto comes with a USB-C DSP non-detachable cable, with no option for a 3.5mm or 4.4mm jack. This fixed design limits compatibility and flexibility for various enthusiast audio setups.
The cable is divided into two parts: data transmission and signal transmission, as described by MOONDROP. The data transmission section, running between the USB-C and the splitter, is made from high-quality cotton and polyester yarn in a twisted mesh sleeve.
Meanwhile, the signal transmission part, which connects the splitter to the IEMs, uses composite color PVC, similar to the MOONDROP Quark 2 cable but thicker. This setup provides a balance between aesthetics and functionality but has mixed-quality elements.
The cable supports USB-C with UAC 2.0 and 3.0 audio protocols, making it compatible with various devices, including iOS, Android, and PCs.
With a 32bit/384kHz DAC, it enables direct hardware decoding of high-resolution audio, ensuring a lossless listening experience free from delay or jitter.
The cable also includes a built-in microphone with a three-button line control, allowing for convenient playback control and call handling. This feature adds practicality for mobile use, enhancing the Concerto’s functionality as an everyday IEM.
Despite the collaboration between MOONDROP and ddHiFi, durability concerns remain due to the non-detachable design. If the cable breaks, the repair will be costly and time-consuming, unlike the convenience of replacing a detachable cable.
Packaging & Accessories
The included accessories in the MOONDROP Concerto are complete but not particularly exciting. There are noticeably fewer accessories and details compared to other MOONDROP products.
Outside, the box art continues the MOONDROP tradition of having anime characters on the cover. On the back, you’ll find the tuning graph, technical specs, and driver information printed.
Inside the box, you will get a carrying case, manuals, and ear tips, while the IEM and cable are in one compartment. The packaging feels more functional than luxurious, lacking the premium touch seen in other MOONDROP releases.
I expected a bit more from MOONDROP with the Concerto, especially after the impressive unboxing experience of the Kadenz. It seems the cost of the xMEMS driver may have limited the budget for additional accessories.
Sound Impressions
Bass
The MOONDROP Concerto delivers a near basshead experience, thanks to MOONDROP’s superlinear driver, which combines the strengths of both dynamic and planar drivers.
This unique and new driver brings a level of bass presence typically expected from IEMs with multiple dynamic drivers, yet the Concerto achieves it with just one.
The bass reaches deep, delivering a rich, full-bodied impact that competes with some of my bass-heavy IEMs.
However, what truly sets it apart is the clarity and detail in the low end—there’s a refinement to the bass that avoids any muddiness, making it thick, textured, and perfectly balanced within the mix.
The sub-bass is properly boosted, adding a satisfying rumble that complements the midrange and treble without overpowering them. It’s a controlled yet impactful bass that enhances the overall sound signature, bringing an immersive and enjoyable quality to the listening experience.
Mid-bass punch doesn’t fall short either, providing a solid, long-lasting impact with each punch and slam. It hits hard with depth and texture, adding a booming slam that leaves a memorable impression.
Mids
The midrange of the MOONDROP Concerto, while competent, stands out as its weakest aspect. Vocals are forward, which gives them a clear presence, but it’s quite nasally in the vocals.
The mids are clean and free of muddiness, allowing vocal nuances to come through with satisfying detail. The tonality of the Concerto leans warm, but the timbre feels slightly off due to its metallic timbre, preventing it from sounding natural.
On the good side, the mids have impressive note weight, thickness, and body, making both male and female vocals sound full and rich. However, the vocal placement feels slightly off-center, which can be distracting and off-putting at certain tracks.
Despite the quirks, the Concerto’s mids maintain good smoothness and balance, integrating well with the bass and treble without disrupting the overall sound. The abundance of vocal detail and nuances add an engaging layer to the listening experience even if the timbre is off.
Treble
The treble on the MOONDROP Concerto is impressively executed, delivering a non-fatiguing listening experience with high levels of airiness and absolutely no sibilance. It’s smooth and easy on the ears, making it ideal for extended listening sessions without causing any discomfort.
In terms of detail, the Concerto’s treble competes admirably with some IEMs that use EST or planar drivers, exposing fine details with excellent resolution and clarity. Every subtle nuance is revealed, bringing a high level of precision and refinement to the upper frequencies.
The treble extension is remarkable, reaching high without feeling harsh, and rolling off just in time to avoid overemphasis. This extension complements the bass beautifully, balancing the overall sound signature without overshadowing the lower frequencies.
There’s plenty of sparkle, adding a sense of liveliness to the music, but the treble energy is relatively relaxed. This combination of sparkle and restraint makes the Concerto’s treble engaging without being overly bright, making the treble the best part of the Concerto.
Staging & Dynamics
The MOONDROP Concerto offers a well-defined depth, with proper layering and a clear sense of spatial levels that enhances immersion. This depth perception, paired with accurate layering, brings an impressively immersive listening experience.
The soundstage is surprisingly wide for an IEM, giving a spacious feel, though the height remains average. Imaging is one of the Concerto’s standout features, with pinpoint accuracy in instrument positioning despite the vocal placement being slightly off-center.
Even in complex, messy tracks, the Concerto excels in separation, allowing each element in the music to be distinguished easily. This level of layering and separation maintains clarity, making it easy to follow individual instruments and vocals.
The Concerto is somewhat inconsistent with its dynamics. At lower volumes, vocals can feel recessed, while at higher volumes, the timbre improves, making the sound feel more natural and balanced.
The dynamics affect the overall presentation depending on the listening volume. The Concerto is most engaging at moderate to high volumes, where its xMEMS drivers fully reveal its depth and energy.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
