Thanks for this review! I find it really helpful in terms of helping come to a buying decision. This is because of how, unlike a lot of other channels, you express how good these IEMs are compared to other IEMs of the same price range. Usually on other channels, they won't make anything sound particularly good for the price because they talk about these product's sound quality relative to higher end IEMs past the $500 mark. Which really doesn't help me when it comes to choosing. Anyways, Great video! keep up the good work!
9:26 This reminds me of the first time i listened to the song Africa by Toto on my Moondrop Starfields (a huge upgrade from my previous earphones). I've listened to this song innumerable times in my life, but only with the Starfields did i hear someone laughing 2 seconds into the song (left side). Hearing someone laughing while being home alone and in the middle of the night wasnt fun 😂
This is a great review - your descriptions are clear, detailed and very complete, and I love your enthusiam. Subbed! And my Kato is coming tomorrow. Thanks!
These look like definite contenders to go into my IEM’s stable..my current reigning champion is the IKKO OH10’s…am seriously considering the Moondrop KATO to round out my collection. Great review as always 🍻
@@carminedesanto6746 Oh, that's a pity. Well, I hope your issues are resolved you'll be able to treat yourself plenty for the upcoming holidays! Looks like I'll have to hold up on the IEM update too
@@juanblanco7898 I had the OH10s the subbass was cool but almost everything else was lacking detail and texture. They look cool and if all u care about is bass and subbass they're cool but if u like vocals, instrument detail I would look elsewhere.
@@iiWiReviews I really want to hear your opinion about the 7hz timeless (planar) because am between those and the kato for my next buy , can't wait !!!
@@thehound31 Timeless is amazingly clean and detailed but not versatile. It has nearly 0 imaging depth, so it's next to impossible to pin point instruments within the stage.
Only problem with the timeless 7hz is the massive QC issues I keep hearing about, that's a big no for me, I like to keep my equipment for a long time. Not taking chances, If I didn't hear about this issue I probably would have went for these instead, +1 for the waifi and packaging though for the Katos as well
You got me again. This review tipped my choice in favor of the Kato over the Timeless and Hana 2021. Also glad to hear it pairs well with the DH80S because that's the exact route i was looking to follow (also based on your recommendation). You're becoming my go-to because of similar tastes. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
big mistake...i have them both...not the Hana.....the Timeless is in another league....I swear to god...not over hyping it one bit as it's already overhyped, but thats for a reason...buy them both, but if you must have just one, make it the timeless....
@@AniketSen My concern with the Timeless was with the soundstage. My understanding was that it had decent width but no depth. What are your thoughts on it? Another concern with the Timeless was mounting reports of bad manufacturing. I'm straight fed up with trying to deal with warranty issues with Chinese companies.
@@gusbub13 I can understand the anxiety regarding QC...it was and still is a game of luck...no denying that.... KATO - tonally has more midrange, technically has better soundstage Timeless - Tonally has better bass and technically has better detail retrieval.... for difficult tracks like megadeth, metallica etc at higher volumes, definitely pick Timeless... for unplugged music, live recordings, Orchestral performances, classical music - choose KATO.... I like the KATO, but honestly I love the timeless... the KATO is very pretty and much better built ...i'll give it that...
@@AniketSen You pretty much reaffirmed all the reasons I preferred the Kato. The only exception being the Timeless' ability to handle metal; which I heard and it intrigued me but, I don't listen to nearly as much metal as I used to. I very much like a warmer sound with a focus on the mids with clear, but not overbearing treble. In the end, I ended up passing on all of them, reasoning that none of them were going to be a significant enough upgrade to what I already had. I'm interested in trying planars because it's something different, but, as mentioned, the QC issues with the Timeless turned me off. Plus, I decided to wait until there was more variety in the planar subset. I'm looking now at the S12.
this review finally made me get the KATO's, i was originally looking at the arias, but what made me choose these over the arias and starfields was the design, im a plain person and i wasnt about the galaxy or deluxe patterns on them, plus a bit of improvement is always a bonus!
The correct pronunciation for Kato (Japanese: かと): Speak out the "Ka" (Japanese: "か") of Kato like the beginning of the word "car", just leave out the "r" and cut the "a" sound a bit shorter than when used in "car". For the "To" (Japanese: "と"), speak out the beginning of the word "Tornado", leave out the "rndao". Now you are pretty close to the correct pronunciation.
I have to say the way you express/describe the sound characteristics of a product is better than any other channnel I watched, and I watched many. Do you have a scientific background in sound? Also you sold me on the Kato….any idea how it compares to the Tanchjim Hana 2021 version? Thanks
I like how this review isn’t judgemental like many other so called audiophiles do. Sound is always subjective and what one person likes the other may not. So calling iems or headphones bad because the FR isn’t what they think it has to be is a bit misleading imo. Good review tho and really interesting to hear, mine will arrive soon, or at least I hope so.
I have small ears and narrow ear canals. How would these fit? I usually don't got for in-ears because of these reasons, but have taken a punt on the Aria Snow Editions which seem smaller based on your review of them. Will go with the Aria's for a while to see how it goes.
They sound great both ways, but midbass and midrange tonality changes noticeably to my ears. It's not huge like changing the model, but very useful if you want to alter tonality one way or the other.
Hi! I never try this new type of iem-s...I am familiar with decent quality old in ear...they always sound more tiring especially on longer than 2-3 songs, good for outdoors but not for home listening, also not so revealing and hires. At home I use most of the time an akg k712...could you compare it with them or other hires over ear cans? Tx!
Those tips look very similar to the ones on the new Sony XF-1000XM4 ear buds. They are sort of a “hybrid” composition. I just bought the Sony’s; mainly for my motorcycle and watching TV in bed. As usual from you, this is such another great video review. It just dumbfounds me that you don’t have 100’s of thousands of subscribers. Your day will come though. Kudos from Texas, in the good ‘ol USSA.
These are more precise, with deeper bass, and more spacious sound. Freya sounds warmer in the midbass, and less resolving overall. Freya was a very nice model, but I find this one better, and it's more affordable so it's a win-win.
@@iiWiReviews thank u sir, ur reviews are quickly becoming my favorite. They're not too long and u focus on what matters. Have u had the opportunity to try the SeeAudio Midnight?
@@iiWiReviews sounds great, I'll be waiting, I'm either getting the midnight or the Kato, I tend to prefer midrange performance with some subbass presence. Also u got urself a subscriber thanks for the comment interaction.
I haven't tried those. I bought many KZ earphones in the beginning but their tuning was always too aggressively V-shaped for my taste so I stopped trying them.
@@iiWiReviews Ok thank you for answer! How about Kato vs Blessing 2? I love max detail, aggressive, energy sound. 80% time i lisen music during sports. I want to take for e1da or s9 pro, most likely I will order the second one because of its versatility) What do you recommend for them in order to squeeze out the maximum from s9 pro in quality? Up to $ 200 for now.
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
Would love it if you could review the 7hz Timeless... Thanks again for another informative review.
This is an amazing review. I don't think I've heard such a detailed breakdown of sound before. Subbed!
You really excel at explaining and reviewing!
Your contributions are so helpful, thank you!
I’m loving my Katos too. Arrived a few days ago but from what I’m hearing, they’re amazing.
Thanks for this review! I find it really helpful in terms of helping come to a buying decision. This is because of how, unlike a lot of other channels, you express how good these IEMs are compared to other IEMs of the same price range. Usually on other channels, they won't make anything sound particularly good for the price because they talk about these product's sound quality relative to higher end IEMs past the $500 mark. Which really doesn't help me when it comes to choosing. Anyways, Great video! keep up the good work!
Just ordered these in blue. Very excited to hear them. Thank you for a very informing review.
9:26 This reminds me of the first time i listened to the song Africa by Toto on my Moondrop Starfields (a huge upgrade from my previous earphones). I've listened to this song innumerable times in my life, but only with the Starfields did i hear someone laughing 2 seconds into the song (left side). Hearing someone laughing while being home alone and in the middle of the night wasnt fun 😂
Yeah, we audiophiles have to be brave too. 😄 Cheers! 🍻
This is a great review - your descriptions are clear, detailed and very complete, and I love your enthusiam. Subbed! And my Kato is coming tomorrow. Thanks!
let me know your honest take on the KATOs and which config will you be using i.e brass or steel and which eartips?
Nice review!
These look like definite contenders to go into my IEM’s stable..my current reigning champion is the IKKO OH10’s…am seriously considering the Moondrop KATO to round out my collection.
Great review as always 🍻
Hey) Did you get them? If so, I would like to know your impressions on them, especially in comparison to the OH10, very much.
@@juanblanco7898 had a car issue 💸💸..maybe for Christmas 🎄 😎
@@carminedesanto6746 Oh, that's a pity. Well, I hope your issues are resolved you'll be able to treat yourself plenty for the upcoming holidays! Looks like I'll have to hold up on the IEM update too
@@juanblanco7898 🎄🍻
@@juanblanco7898 I had the OH10s the subbass was cool but almost everything else was lacking detail and texture. They look cool and if all u care about is bass and subbass they're cool but if u like vocals, instrument detail I would look elsewhere.
I think the most obvious comparison is going to be with the 7hz Timeless (slightly costlier). Waiting for you to get your hands on those.
Interesting... I believe I got them already but haven't opened them yet. I have a pile of stuff to go through these days. 😅
@@iiWiReviews I really want to hear your opinion about the 7hz timeless (planar) because am between those and the kato for my next buy , can't wait !!!
@@thehound31 Timeless is amazingly clean and detailed but not versatile. It has nearly 0 imaging depth, so it's next to impossible to pin point instruments within the stage.
Only problem with the timeless 7hz is the massive QC issues I keep hearing about, that's a big no for me, I like to keep my equipment for a long time. Not taking chances, If I didn't hear about this issue I probably would have went for these instead, +1 for the waifi and packaging though for the Katos as well
You got me again. This review tipped my choice in favor of the Kato over the Timeless and Hana 2021. Also glad to hear it pairs well with the DH80S because that's the exact route i was looking to follow (also based on your recommendation). You're becoming my go-to because of similar tastes.
Keep up the good work. Cheers!
big mistake...i have them both...not the Hana.....the Timeless is in another league....I swear to god...not over hyping it one bit as it's already overhyped, but thats for a reason...buy them both, but if you must have just one, make it the timeless....
@@AniketSen
My concern with the Timeless was with the soundstage. My understanding was that it had decent width but no depth.
What are your thoughts on it?
Another concern with the Timeless was mounting reports of bad manufacturing. I'm straight fed up with trying to deal with warranty issues with Chinese companies.
@@gusbub13 I can understand the anxiety regarding QC...it was and still is a game of luck...no denying that....
KATO - tonally has more midrange, technically has better soundstage
Timeless - Tonally has better bass and technically has better detail retrieval....
for difficult tracks like megadeth, metallica etc at higher volumes, definitely pick Timeless...
for unplugged music, live recordings, Orchestral performances, classical music - choose KATO....
I like the KATO, but honestly I love the timeless...
the KATO is very pretty and much better built ...i'll give it that...
@@AniketSen
You pretty much reaffirmed all the reasons I preferred the Kato.
The only exception being the Timeless' ability to handle metal; which I heard and it intrigued me but, I don't listen to nearly as much metal as I used to.
I very much like a warmer sound with a focus on the mids with clear, but not overbearing treble.
In the end, I ended up passing on all of them, reasoning that none of them were going to be a significant enough upgrade to what I already had.
I'm interested in trying planars because it's something different, but, as mentioned, the QC issues with the Timeless turned me off. Plus, I decided to wait until there was more variety in the planar subset.
I'm looking now at the S12.
@@gusbub13 good pair as far as reviews go...I will eventually buy the Mangird XENNS UP as that really blew my socks off....fantastic pair...
this review finally made me get the KATO's, i was originally looking at the arias, but what made me choose these over the arias and starfields was the design, im a plain person and i wasnt about the galaxy or deluxe patterns on them, plus a bit of improvement is always a bonus!
The correct pronunciation for Kato (Japanese: かと): Speak out the "Ka" (Japanese: "か") of Kato like the beginning of the word "car", just leave out the "r" and cut the "a" sound a bit shorter than when used in "car". For the "To" (Japanese: "と"), speak out the beginning of the word "Tornado", leave out the "rndao". Now you are pretty close to the correct pronunciation.
Aria was the one I was closing on, but I guess I will go with the Kato hearing your review.🤞
I have to say the way you express/describe the sound characteristics of a product is better than any other channnel I watched, and I watched many. Do you have a scientific background in sound? Also you sold me on the Kato….any idea how it compares to the Tanchjim Hana 2021 version? Thanks
I haven't heard those so can't compare them. Also, I don't have any formal education about sound, I'm electrical engineer actually. 😊 Cheers!
awesome review man 💓
Please review the ISN H40. Similar in price, but completely different tonality, lush and thick. Would love to hear your thoughts on them!
Keep making content. Mid hi fi need love. Best, D
I like how this review isn’t judgemental like many other so called audiophiles do. Sound is always subjective and what one person likes the other may not. So calling iems or headphones bad because the FR isn’t what they think it has to be is a bit misleading imo. Good review tho and really interesting to hear, mine will arrive soon, or at least I hope so.
I have small ears and narrow ear canals. How would these fit? I usually don't got for in-ears because of these reasons, but have taken a punt on the Aria Snow Editions which seem smaller based on your review of them. Will go with the Aria's for a while to see how it goes.
Wow options!! Man just to be able to change tone! Game changer!!!
In japanese you pronounce it like "kaahtoh"
I guess the only real question left is - shiny or matte? The matte version looks nice, the shiny looks - toooo shiny.
How will the kato pair with moonriver 2 Ti?
This or the Thieaudio Legacy 4?
When you change nozzles Is the difference really standout or subtle? Other reviewrs did not find changes.
They sound great both ways, but midbass and midrange tonality changes noticeably to my ears. It's not huge like changing the model, but very useful if you want to alter tonality one way or the other.
@@iiWiReviews Kato vs OH10 who wins? I heard that the OH10 are slightly better.
@@apothecy4011 the OH10s are all about subbass everything else is mediocre
These vs 7hz Timeless? edit: looks like everyone else is similarly stuck xD
omg that's my EXACT dilemma right now
can you compare it to hana 2021?
Hi I admire your chanel and your effort, have you ever hear JVC FDX1? I own them and I am wondering if it worth getting the kato...
Hi, thanks! I never heard those JVCs, but I know they make nice earphones... so I would expect them to be pretty good.
FDX1 is more technical, more precise, not detailed, but not as fun or musical. Much worse fit as well.
have you ever tried Tanchjim oxygen? how about Kato comparing to Oxygen?
Nope, this is actually the first time I hear about it.
Worth the upgrade from starfields?
To my ears and with my OCD attitude towards HiFi, they totally are. But I can never say for sure if you would feel the same.
It's kaa-to
Kaa like the snake "Kaa" from Mowgli.
To like the to in tomato.
So, ka-to
Stop reviewing good products! You’re making me broke!
Sorry 😄
😆
Hi! I never try this new type of iem-s...I am familiar with decent quality old in ear...they always sound more tiring especially on longer than 2-3 songs, good for outdoors but not for home listening, also not so revealing and hires. At home I use most of the time an akg k712...could you compare it with them or other hires over ear cans? Tx!
Those tips look very similar to the ones on the new Sony XF-1000XM4 ear buds. They are sort of a “hybrid” composition. I just bought the Sony’s; mainly for my motorcycle and watching TV in bed.
As usual from you, this is such another great video review. It just dumbfounds me that you don’t have 100’s of thousands of subscribers. Your day will come though.
Kudos from Texas, in the good ‘ol USSA.
Is it better to save money for these or just go with starfields?
I would save for these if possible. It's quite a noticeable step up.
@@iiWiReviews tysm I'll save up then ❤💋
Buddy, Kato vs Oxygen. Which one? :)
These or 7hz Timeless for EDM?
Please could you compare with Kinera Freya? Thanks
These are more precise, with deeper bass, and more spacious sound. Freya sounds warmer in the midbass, and less resolving overall. Freya was a very nice model, but I find this one better, and it's more affordable so it's a win-win.
Great English for my Russian ears. I really enjoyed the thorough sound analysis.
It's Kahh-Toe. 😉
7hz timeless or KATO??
Timeless are better for my ears, but also brighter... Full review coming in a few days.
@@iiWiReviews ok thanks :)
Can u please compare it to the 7hz timeless.
Just watch my Timeless review that was uploaded later, and there you can find that comparison.
@@iiWiReviews thank u sir, ur reviews are quickly becoming my favorite. They're not too long and u focus on what matters. Have u had the opportunity to try the SeeAudio Midnight?
They're on their way, and I'll make a review, but not sure how long it will take to get here.
@@iiWiReviews sounds great, I'll be waiting, I'm either getting the midnight or the Kato, I tend to prefer midrange performance with some subbass presence. Also u got urself a subscriber thanks for the comment interaction.
Have you compared The Kato to the 7hz Timeless ?
Yes, in Timeless review from this week that you can find in my videos
This one better then kz ast?
I haven't tried those. I bought many KZ earphones in the beginning but their tuning was always too aggressively V-shaped for my taste so I stopped trying them.
@@iiWiReviews Ok thank you for answer! How about Kato vs Blessing 2? I love max detail, aggressive, energy sound. 80% time i lisen music during sports. I want to take for e1da or s9 pro, most likely I will order the second one because of its versatility) What do you recommend for them in order to squeeze out the maximum from s9 pro in quality? Up to $ 200 for now.
I'm going to buy these but these will be the last pair of in ears for me
I believe these are good enough to be the last pair (end-game) for most people.
moondrop blessing 2 dusk pls haha
Rel 👀
Cat - O
Or Khatt-Oh ?
perhaps Cut-Oh ?