I have been a loyal user of the audio streaming platform Spotify for several years. Sometimes I also use Tidal if I want better streaming quality, as this platform offers lossless audio quality and got even more excited when Spotify announced their HiFi plan.
However it was delayed and Tidal's HiFi plans were also getting more expensive making me switch to Apple Music. Apple Music first launched their lossless audio plan at no extra charge. Since then I started to be interested in a set of in-ear wired earphones or commonly known as IEMs. I use a lot of brands from China like FiiO or TinHifi and connect them with a portable AMP/DAC.
In this article we will be testing the new IEM from Moondrop which is the Aria model, Snow Edition. It's a new iteration of the Moondrop Aria with updated audio drivers and a beautiful design.
Tried Apple Music Lossless Audio Streaming With DAC And IEM From FiiO And Tin HiFi
Design And Specifications
The Moondrop Aria Snow Edition uses dual-cavity 10mm audio drivers. The driver is a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm type. It is constructed with an iron construction material with a snowflake pattern, has a 2-pin 0.78mm connection pin that is matched with a cable coated with an OFC(oxygen-free copper) silver core.
Audio Quality
For this set of wired earphones, we tested them with the songs below and also tested using the Grace Design M9XX portable AMP/DAC.
Joji – Glimpse of Us
Lorder – Solar Power
Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
The Weeknd – Starboy
The audio quality for this Moondrop Aria Snow is not as good as or has changed much from the original Moondrop Aria. The new audio driver used gives a slight reduction in the mid-bass and also in the low treble which may not be liked by many. This set of earphones has a balanced and quiet sound that does not feel boring.
The uniqueness of this IEM is, they include Spring Tips ear buds. Although it should be a good kind of ear bud, but for use on Aria Snow it is not the best choice. This kernel causes the frequency spectrum on this IEM to be less dynamic and causes the listening experience to be as if using a normal set of wired earphones.
In my own testing, I personally love these Spring ear buds. It is comfortable and compact in the ear, but for a better and satisfying experience I tested using the regular silicone version.
Bass/Lows
The bass on the Moondrop Aria Snow is clear and has the desired detail, It's just that it's a bit of a problem in the mid-bass that doesn't make it a perfect IEM for my own ears. The bang may not be the best, as it is not deep enough – but it has a solid bang that makes it quite fun to enjoy. As a pop music listener, I had to find music with a lot of bass effects just to enjoy this IEM.
Vocals/Mids
The male singer's vocals are very soft and have a good belly sound effect. But it is not very consistent and sometimes there are male vocals that feel too thin and unnatural. The female singer's voice however is quite melodious and makes me feel melty. It's nice and comfortable, but not for long because the female singer's voice feels a little cramped and doesn't have room to shine.
High Tone/Highs
In the treble department, this IEM is not the best and will probably be the main reason why it is not for me. It lacks consistent quality and I have to search song by song in the audio streaming library for the best playable on this IEM. The high-pitched listening experience is a little dry and dull and a little sharp in the ear. It is also not very satisfying and lacks clarity in the treble section.
Audio Staging
For an IEM with a dynamic type audio driver, the audio staging is a bit wider than usual. But it sounds more towards vertical depth when paired with the Grace Design M9XX portable AMP/DAC. As for instrument isolation, it's actually quite good but not very clear. The position of each instrument can be heard, but it is not very clear and does not last because it will continue to feel boring and the details will continue to disappear after listening for a period that is not so long.
Conclusion
Who is this IEM for and is it worth having for everyone? In my personal experience, I've tried the FiioO FH3, TinHiFi T5 and TinHiFi T3 Plus – the Moondrop Aria Snow is actually quite fun to use as a daily set of wired earphones.
With the audio produced towards calm and having a refreshing tone – it may be suitable for use while relaxing or while reading. The build is also premium with an iron body and a unique and beautiful pattern.
When testing this IEM, it is not sold in Malaysia yet and we got it through HiFiGO for around RM360 a pair. At this price, it's probably worth having if you're just starting out to get serious in the world of high-quality audio.
Pro
Quiet and fun audio if you don't want anything complicated
High quality premium build
Good and detachable cable
Comfortable Spring type ear buds
Cons
Vocals that are not very consistent with a narrow high pitch
Audio staging that is not very extensive
Not an upgrade from the regular Moondrop Aria