Synergy
Efficiency
The MOONDROP Concerto’s efficiency doesn’t rely on traditional impedance or sensitivity specs, likely due to its USB-C connection and unique xMEMS driver design.
Instead, its performance is closely tied to the volume or power level provided by the source, adjusting its sound profile based on the output level.
At lower volumes, the Concerto’s sound takes on a different character, with vocals sitting slightly further back and the timbre feeling a bit more restrained.
As the volume increases, the sound signature opens up, with vocals becoming more forward, the timbre gaining a natural quality, and the treble relaxing for a smoother overall presentation.
This volume sensitivity is a double-edged sword for the Concerto, as listeners who prefer lower volumes may miss out on its full tonal balance and richness.
However, those who enjoy listening at higher volumes will experience the Concerto at its best, with enhanced vocal presence, natural timbre, and smooth treble that showcase its full potential.
Pairings
I primarily used the MOONDROP Concerto with my phone and laptop, as I don’t have a DAC amp with USB-C compatibility. However, the Concerto’s USB-C connection supports 32bit/384kHz audio, delivering quality on par with most portable dongle DAC amps.
Pairing the Concerto with both my phone and laptop resulted in a clean and reliable connection free from distortion, static, or interference. This consistency and ease of use make it particularly convenient for travel, as it performs well without the need for an external dongle DAC.
There was also no perceptible change in sound quality among different device pairings, with all of them providing an equally balanced, detailed experience.
Overall, this makes the Concerto versatile for casual listening across multiple devices, delivering its full sound signature regardless of the source.
Select Comparisons
XENNS Mangird Tea Pro
Technical
The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro utilizes a hybrid driver configuration, featuring two dynamic drivers and six balanced armature drivers.
The dynamic drivers, with an 8mm bio-composite diaphragm, reinforce the bass response, providing improved sub-bass clarity and depth.
Its balanced armature drivers include two Knowles drivers, two RAF drivers, and one composite RDB driver, all meticulously tuned to handle mid and high frequencies with precision. This setup enhances clarity and reduces distortion, offering a highly detailed and layered sound profile.
With a sensitivity of 104 dB and an impedance of 13Ω, the Tea Pro is relatively easy to drive and pairs well with most sources.
This design choice ensures that users can enjoy its full sound quality without needing high-powered amplification.
Design
The Mangird Tea Pro features a custom-like resin shell that is both lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
Its standout Northern Lights-inspired faceplate showcases a mix of vibrant green and violet colors that shift under different lighting, adding a unique aesthetic appeal.
Ergonomics are a key strength of the Tea Pro’s design, with its shape offering excellent passive noise isolation. The snug fit helps seal in sound, making it suitable for use in noisy environments while still maintaining comfort.
The Tea Pro also includes a modular cable with 2-pin connectors, allowing users to switch between 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections as needed.
This flexibility caters to different setups, offering both versatility and ease of use for audiophiles who value customization.
Performance
The Mangird Tea Pro brings a deep, satisfying rumble, adding thickness and punch that fills out the low end nicely. The MOONDROP Concerto’s bass, while tighter and more textured, lacks the same weight and depth, which can make it feel less satisfying in the punch and slam in comparison.
The Tea Pro excels with its warm, natural tone that brings out a full-bodied richness in vocals, making them sound smooth and lifelike.
The Concerto, while clear and detailed, has a nasal and slightly metallic timbre that takes away from the natural feel of vocals, making it sound less authentic next to the Tea Pro’s effortless midrange.
The Concerto shines with an airy, sparkling high end that pulls out fine details and adds space to the sound.
However, this high-frequency emphasis can sometimes come across as too bright, especially for treble-sensitive listeners, while the Tea Pro’s laid-back treble remains smooth and fatigue-free, though it may lack the same level of clarity and sparkle.
The Concerto offers a wider and more spacious presentation, which can make tracks feel more open. In comparison, the Tea Pro’s stage feels more closed in, with a narrower width, but its stronger depth adds an intimate, close-up feel that some may find more engaging.
Their imaging performs similarly, allowing sounds to be clearly separated across the stage. They both handle layering and blending impressively, which helps the clarity while adding a natural cohesive flow to the sound.
Finally, the Concerto’s dynamics are volume-dependent, sounding more balanced and natural at higher volumes but less engaging at lower levels.
The Tea Pro, on the other hand, keeps consistent dynamics across all volumes, though it may lack the same energy and liveliness at high levels that the Concerto achieves.
MOONDROP Blessing 3
Technical
The MOONDROP Blessing 3 features a hybrid driver configuration with two 10mm dynamic drivers for the bass and four balanced armature drivers dedicated to the mids and highs.
Utilizing MOONDROP’s proprietary H.O.D.D.U.S. system, the dual dynamic drivers are arranged symmetrically using 3D-printed modular components, creating a physical band-pass filter that enhances bass control and minimizes distortion.
For the mids and treble, the Blessing 3 incorporates two pairs of balanced armature drivers that handle higher frequencies with precision and clarity.
These BA drivers are specifically tuned to maintain detail and separation in the midrange and treble, allowing for a high level of resolution without introducing harshness.
This dual-driver approach—dynamic for bass and BA for mids and highs—ensures a balanced frequency response with minimal overlap, thanks to the precise crossover design.
Combined with its 14.8Ω impedance and 120 dB/Vrms sensitivity, the Blessing 3 is efficient to drive, providing a technical performance that suits both casual listening and critical audio analysis.
Design
The MOONDROP Blessing 3 is a large IEM with a bulky shell, making it less comfortable for users with smaller ears. Its size can lead to some discomfort over long listening sessions, especially if the ear shape does not accommodate the IEM’s dimensions well.
Visually, the Blessing 3 sports a clear resin shell that reveals its internal components, giving it a distinct and premium look. The transparent design is eye-catching and showcases MOONDROP’s commitment to craftsmanship, but it doesn’t improve the comfort factor.
The Blessing 3 also features a standard 2-pin detachable cable, allowing users to replace or upgrade the cable as desired.
While this adds flexibility and durability, the large and somewhat heavy shell remains a challenge for optimal comfort during extended wear.
Performance
Starting with the bass, the Blessing 3 takes a more reserved approach, delivering controlled and precise lows that only come forward when the track calls for it.
In comparison, the Concerto maintains a constant bass presence, offering a warmer, fuller low end that adds depth across all genres.
The Blessing 3 brings a bright, forward presentation to the mids that can feel analytical and, at times, even shouty. The Concerto’s mids are less centered and natural, with a warmer tone but a slightly nasal timbre that contrasts with the Blessing 3’s more clinical approach.
The Blessing 3’s energetic highs bring out plenty of details and sparkle, but the intense upper frequencies can lead to fatigue, especially during long listening sessions.
The Concerto, by contrast, provides a smoother treble with more air, maintaining detail without pushing the highs to a fatiguing level.
The Blessing 3 offers a more intimate, close-up experience, creating a narrower sense of space. The Concerto, with its wider stage, feels more open and immersive, allowing for better separation between instruments and a greater sense of depth.
Imaging on the Blessing 3 is accurate but somewhat limited by its narrower soundstage, which can make complex tracks feel a bit constrained. The Concerto benefits from its broader staging, providing a more precise sense of placement and allowing each instrument to occupy its own space more effectively.
Lastly, the Blessing 3’s dynamics remain stable across different listening levels, offering a consistent performance without drastic changes.
The Concerto, however, reveals its full character at higher volumes, with improved timbre and tonal balance, making it best suited for listeners who prefer moderate to high volume levels.
My Verdict
The MOONDROP Concerto delivers an engaging sound with powerful, ever-present bass, extended airy treble, and a wide, immersive soundstage that enhances every track. Its slightly forward mids add clarity, while the smooth treble ensures listening without fatigue.
If you’re looking for an IEM with impressive bass, treble extension, and portability, the Concerto is a competitive choice. Its high-resolution audio capabilities make it ideal for on-the-go listening without worrying about matching DAC and amplifiers.
MOONDROP Concerto Technical Specifications
- Driver Type: xMEMS Montara driver + 13mm superlinear planar driver + Cowell side-firing driver
- Plug: USB-C 32bit/384KHz
- Frequency Response: 20hz-20kHz (IEC60318-4, 3dB)
- Impedance: Not specified
- Sensitivity: Not specified
