Is this the Only IEM You Need? Moondrop Kato Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Moondrop Kato amzn.to/3p4Vzaa
Moondrop Kato @ Shenzhen Audio bit.ly/3Dgep2j
Apple Lighting to 3.5mm Adapter amzn.to/3AyGa49
Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.c...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips....
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
-----Moondrop Kato amzn.to/3p4Vzaa
+++++++Moondrop Kato @ Shenzhen Audio bit.ly/3Dgep2j
***********Apple Lighting to 3.5mm Adapter amzn.to/3AyGa49
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Randy, wanna really check your manhood? Use that carry case as a change purse! 😲
I just recently discovered the Moondrop lineup and this is such a great review. I love that you don't try to get fancy with your delivery and ultimately you're just a music lover wanting to make the most of your experience.
IMO those mid-range Moondrop IEMs are really incredible value, from the Aria to the Starfield. Glad to hear the Kato offers a bit of flexibility for not too much money. Also btw people are overlooking what is IMO a really great cable. It's very similar to what comes with the SSP/SSR and I really love it.
thanks. I really nerded out in the review on Scentless Apprentice if I remember correctly
Moondrop have it right build quality IEMS so audiophiles buy them and then put anime girls on them so weebs buy them. Now if your a weeb and an audiophile like me or *cough* zeos *cough* then its just an insta buy! xD Absolutely love my Moondrop starfields and the box makes a great display on my floating bookshelf. Great review as always!
What’s a “weeb”
@@cheapaudioman Basically someone who really like anime, tis just a fun saying kinda like nerd or dweeb. But for anime, someone who likes it alot and spends alot of money on it ect ect. 🤣🤣
@@shiivu1873 gotcha. Cool.
@@cheapaudioman Np mate xD
@@shiivu1873 beautiful thing to see someone learn what a weeb is lmao
I always dig your music listening choices, man. Grunge and metal have always been my favorites because they’re just so cathartic and sincere.
Completely agree. The soul and commitment is really unrivaled. A lot of folks just right it off as noise but it's cathartic for me too. Sometimes the whole world just goes away and I'm so keyed into it. It's my happy place
OK, as a non-audio-technical-snob-person, your review and explanation using the details of some songs I know about was way more useful in "selling" me the KATO than all the graphs and Harman shapes and soundstages and reflections and dBs and Hz and bullshit I saw people talking about in other reviews.
I'm actually deciding between the KATO and the Blessing 2, both by Moondrop. The Blessing 2 is way more expensive (almost double the price of the KATO) but I've been hearing very good things about it. I'd ask your opinion, but you've already said your only other experience with a more expensive IEM was with the QoA one.
its true go for ie900 if you can afford it
I emailed moondrop asking if the spring tips that come with the KATO are available for purchase separately. Their response was that they would start selling them next month which would be I guess now “December”
“He likes theses little things”
Had me dying
came to comments to say that too haha
Finally someone testing and reviewing IEMs who uses Heavy Metal for the review :) Thanks
I like how you talk about the sound in terms of songs. It makes it easy to understand. It also helps that I like the music you are talking about. Thank you.
14:45 Cobain had a lot of pain to express. One of so many people with a horrible past to endure. His music definitely expressed it. I recall an interview in which David Grohl tried to express the intensity of Nirvanas music. At times, all he could do to contribute to the feel was to try to play louder.
And then Grohl went and formed the Foo Fucking Fighters. I guess Cobain's intensity was too much for him.
Got the Moondrop Aria and the IKKO OH10’s in my IEM’s stable..these look like they’ll be my next purchase.
Great review as always 🍻
Get the 7hz Timeless, it's a league above.
@@nikolaygramchev looking for a flagship in my IEM’s stable…so far the IKKO OH10’s is top dog!..and yes I’ve got the Moondrop Aria 🥳
@@nikolaygramchev I second that !
@@nikolaygramchev I never try timeless.but my place I lot user sell used set.maybe it not suitable for everyone.
@@laiwoh5001 watch Crin and the Honest Audiophile reviews... For me Timeless is in Top 3 Best in 2021 and only MONARCH II beats it. It is the best planar iem.
Thanks Randy! The Katos are now on my list! 👍
Perhaps 🤔 a future review of the well regarded Timeless 7Hz planar IEM should be in your on deck circle ⭕️ ?
Agreed, love the Timeless
In general, I couldn’t give a rat’s butt about IEMs, but Randy, this is one of your best videos… 👍👍
Thanks, man.
Agreed.
In addition to your reviews always being so detailed (which I appreciate) I cracked tf up at your jokes LMAO I love your style man, been subscribed for a few weeks and I've had zero regrets!
Dude you are so funny, yet preach some truthful stuff. I use to self identify as an audiophile, then I truly realized I was full of crap. Sound is all subjective to the listener. Why is a RUclipsr with over a million subscribers any more an audiophile then anyone else? You GO NOW AUDIOPHILE PEOPLE!!! Love your channel, at least for this week.
Well hopefully I can keep you coming back
Good morning Mr. chief AudioMan, fantastic review. Have a most excellent day.
Less than 4 minutes in to the video I´m giving a thumbs up!
Loving your channel. For now though I am sticking with the Meze Rai solo. Loved your video on them and for me they fit so well and the sound is amazing.
I am tempted to try moondrop or campfires.
Keep doing what you do, thanks
The rai solos are what I would call an “advanced” iem. Not for beginners. I’m glad you like them. They’re very unique. Actually… mine are out on loan. I think it’s time I get them back
@@cheapaudioman ‘advanced’ never been called that before. I know you meant the solos but I will take it 😂
Make sure you get yours back and keep on recording. Thanks for all the amazing sponsors.
You should check out the 7Hz Timeless if you haven't already, I love it, up there with Dusk. My current favorite.
The katos and timeless are basically the same, at least the reviews say so 😁
Moondrop KATO vs 7hz Timeless? Both are the same price in the UK.
I absolutely love how you speak in almost a sarcasm tone and thats NOT sarcasm on my part HAHA. this is my first video of yours and ill tell you ONE thing.................... SUBSCRIBED..
I love your channel. I love these headphones. Your advice is spot on.
Elliot
Lakini's Juice has one of the best riff's ever, excellent choice. Most I spent so far for IEM's is 100.00 for the Hiby Seeds II. They go for 120.00, but when on sale, I buy. Biggest issue with them, the weight. All copper shell can do that. I enjoy the sound signature of them a lot.
These are really good if you get a chance to try them out
Lakini's Juice is such an amazing song! I still remember the first time I heard it when the album came out.
Thanks Randy, I bought these partly based on your review and have been really enjoying them. Weird thing was when using them with the Apple dongle for Android, I wasn't getting anything below 100hz, I thought it must be my hearing (or maybe the needed to 'break in'). I've been using them with the Dragonfly Cobalt and the very low frequencies are there now. They sound really good to me :) (I'd been using the Dragonfly with some headphones as well so it isn't just for IEMs, I like it though).
I love good design. I like good good sound as well. I design for a living but product packaging has gone excessive since Apple started hawking phones. I purchased a Linn amp years ago, no styrofoam in the packaging, a good thing. I’m not a tree huggger but the packaging craze is concerning.
Yeah. I like the way drop does it. Good headphone, good price, nothing fancy about how it’s packed
I am narrowing my next purchase choice to the Kato and the 7hz Timeless. I've decided that 🎧 aren't for me after so many years of sweating in my MDRs on the job!
I can relate to you..i sweat a lot in my head and big headphones was always a bother for me, iems work best..KZ zst for less than 20$ got me started in this hobby..i never thought iem could be capable of sub bass until i tried the zst.
now i'm in too deep,but still on the budget side.
Really Nice review !
But how do theys compare to the rai solo's ?
You are growing on me Randy. I'm not in line with much of what you review, but I like your list of recommendations. IEMs, I suppose it's a thing for the younger crowd. I'm fine with my TinHiFi....ha ha I don't even know the model, but they cost 70...OK the T4. Neat little things for mowing the grass, but for me, it's crazy to walk or drive with any IEMs or headphones on the ears. JMHO. Keep up the good work Sir Randy!
The Tin HiFi T4 iem is a good one, especially when driven by something like the Lotoo Paw S1 dongle DAC. Happy listening 👂🏼
Zeos got me into audiophilia. RIP Chewbacca the Cat
So sad for him. He has had a major impact on me and my channel
Zoes should get a finders fee. I went to him for advice on my first decent speakers. Never intended to get into the hobby. I’m looking at my desk right now with the Hifiman 4xx’s, Sony msrp-1a’s, xduoo x5 and a btr5 on it while I had the Katos to my cart. All budget stuff but that’s how I like it.
I dig it when a reviewer breaks it down with their library and in plain terms that all music lover(not only audiophiles) can understand.
speaking of cheap, Can i recommend a 10$ iem for you to check out? It's the qkz vk4, pair it with a cheap cable nicehck c16 coz the cable that comes with it, you may not like it.
I have been following for a little while. Luv the reviews, audio and watches. Anyway, how do these compare to the Shure 215’s? I’m a newbie to the iem world
Yeah, I usually just wear my electronic earrings rather than putting them in my electronic purse.
Hello, currently and during many sale days, the QoA adonis can be found for 160 dollars and 190 at its highest, excluding looks, which would you pick? Cheers
I have the older Moondrop Kanas Pro and I love it. I think the Kato is another evolution on the formula, but I could be wrong.
they're very well done. I'm glad I got a chance to review them
I'm so glad I found your Channel! I'm so tired of audiophiles and their pretentious elitist attitudes. Your reviews really hit home for me. Also I give you a lot of credit to Zeos he's really done a lot for the community that most people don't realize, his videos are hilarious! I've stopped watching other reviewers and just watch you and Zeos now to get all the trusted info I need. Keep it up!
I was laughing so hard about him mentioning zeos cuz of the box art just subscribed to Cheapman about a week ago both entertaining vs others they're dull
Zeos is very entertaining, but 100% not trustworthy with his reviews.
@@m1kethe1ke care to elaborate why he isnt trustworthy? Are his reviews biased? Everyone has different sound tastes no doubt so its expected that some people won't agree with his style but I have no reason to believe he is a fraud and scamming his audience. It would be nice if he had a dedicated reference set up just for reviews like joshua valour does he uses the A90 D90 and after that will experiment. But after seeing alot of his videos he has my trust for now.
@@vinnylc When I started out in the audio world it was because of Zeos and his reviews. One purchase was SHP9500. Nothing makes 9500 a good headphone at the price.
It’s a total disappointment and gets destroyed by KPH30i. SHP9500 is absolutely NOTHING like Zeos describes it. It is my least favorite headphone out of everything I’ve tried.
Blon BL03, also nothing like Zeos described it, though admittedly still a decent option for bassheads at the price.
Z recommends whatever makes him money. I love the guy for his entertainment value with his little gopro setup, and for the amount of people he brings into the audio world. However Z does whatever he can to make the most money, and that’s why he’s almost always recommending whatever product he’s reviewing. Credit where credit is due, the guy is entertaining. But he’s not reliable by any means.
Always watch a few more reviews and ideally try to consult with people who’ve tried it and have nothing to gain by recommending you a product.
Love most of these youtube reviewers for the content they put out and the entertainment value, but always try to consult with multiple people and never watch 1-2 reviews and make a decision.
Anyways your opinion is your opinion and I hate arguing in yt comments section so I’ll close with that. 👍
@@m1kethe1ke no arguing here, I just really wanted to hear your reason and that makes sense to me and can agree with you on most aspects of it. I'm not sure about the 9500s as I never heard them but I can say that for the half dozen I own and dozens I have tried I see very little difference in mine and Zeos "taste" in headphones, I prefer less treble than he does, I like a dark warm punchy can but I also have flat analytical cans as well. I cant wait for Can Jam NYC this year I'm probably going broke after the show 😆
Great review.
What budget dac would you recommend to power these bad boys?
You should compare these to the FH3 if you have the chance. The FH5s kinda suck so the best comparison would be to the FH3.
Since when do the FH5s suck lmao they dwarf the FH3s
@@TF2ReplayMaker too much trebble is what everyone keeps saying. Put me off from getting them.
@@Heldermaior Have you auditioned them personally? I've tried FH5 before and it's one of the smoothest IEMs I've ever heard. Perhaps the one you're referring to is the newer version of the FH5 that was released in 2020/2021 (semi-open design). The OG ones released in 2019 sounded pretty sweet
@@TF2ReplayMaker yes. The FH5s. The new version. I didn't listen to them personally as I have to order them but watched all reviews I could find and they were all unanimous. Too high trebble. Got a pair of FH3 and saving up to go higher end.
@@Heldermaior understandable. If you're able to audition the 2019 FH5 you should give it a shot, heard both the FH3 and the FH5 and much prefer the latter, but that's of course where subjectivity comes in. Heard Final Audio A4000s punch way above their price point save for their build quality too.
I remember when they finally dropped "you know you're right", was amazing, like fresh air
These may very well be my next daily iem. Im a single dynamic iem type of guy. Been using the tin hifi t4 for years now and love them.
Bond …. You forgot George Lazenby 🇦🇺👍
Off topic but right group of people, does anybodhy recommend an ao7 amp or any of the other tiny class d amps for home theater surround channels? It seems like a cheap way to give more power to the rear channels.
Almost cut my sleeve off, too. Gave it to my son, who grabbed each side and then used his thumbs to push the box far enough out of the sleeve to pull it all the way out. Felt like an idiot. Enjoying them so far.
Really enjoying the channel. I like to own my music and have different play list. Could you guys suggest a store to buy high quality audio tracks and albums? Any help would appreciated
I have the Tin T2 plus, Blon BL03 & the KZ ZS10 Pro, falling for the hype train, I've ordered the 7hz Timeless and the KATO....will be arriving in a couple of days, How much of a sound quality jump can I realistically expect from these two compared to the dirt cheap ChiFi's that I already own? I use apple music Lossless on my Sony A105 and a Shanling M3X...
And how they compare ?
@@enjoyunreality the hype is real, the timeless is quite literally, timeless…the kato’s are a good to have really nice pair of back up earphones or a good one to add to your collection…imho, if you must have just one, it is the timeless for me
CombiChrist! The Mrs and I were just talking about them. Best show ever when they opened for Rammstein in Tacoma. Speaking of great audio, Rammstein concerts are the best sounding shows. Kudos to their audio folks.
Nowadays, BEST iem (most complete) under 350€?
7:43 That image is _crispy_
I have a passing interest in these however the 7hz Timeless planars have my full attention for $225
Now I like my music loud. Like... LOUD. I mainly listen to metal. Would you recommend these or are they one of the normalised ones that got nerfed in the loudness department in order to preserve audio quality?
I use Helm Audio Bolt DAC.
The Moondrop folks pronounce it as "Kah-toe" Like the thing you sleep on that's not a bed, but put an "O" at the end of it.
Randy, if you can get it in for review, you gotta try out the 7hz Timeless. Hype is brimming with that one right now.
I never pronounce things correctly. It’s a challenge for me
@@cheapaudioman I was calling it "kay-toe" before I heard it said on a youtube by moondrop.
KATO is a weird way to spell "futon-o."
Unfortunately I have a small ear canal opening and Moondrops don't fit. My Hifiman iems fit with the smallest rubber. They are nicely detailed but the bass rolls off quite a bit. But at $15, what do you want? Rubber biscuit?
Great review and hearing the artist in the song, Kurt Cobain was one of the best. The picture you posted from the Demonoid Phenomenon was that Rob Zombie or Dan Stein?
Ha!
Would it worth it to upgrade the cable to the Moondrop Autumn Moon 24AWG for 2.5 or 4.4 balanced audio. Also what do you think of this party tips compared to stock tips. Thanks a lot !
Analogies in your videos are what we live for …… in addition to a great audio product 🥰🥰👍
How do you pronounce the name of these? Idk why but I thought the right way to say kato was like if it was a Japanese word. Which is kinda weird cause kato means crossing or ferry in Japanese. Or a domesticated rabbit. Or a tadpole. Or the katakana-zed word for The English word cat.
I have the star fields and I do like them but they can get fatiguing after a long listening session. It could be the Fiio Q5 headphone amp I am you can go.
I wish I could use IEMs, but they are either too loose or too tight for me, maybe my ears are the wrong shape. Always feel uncomfortable to me, and it feels horrible having something stuck in my ear.
Saw combichrist aeons ago supporting Korn... They were nice
Combichrist is good. Thanks Randy the cheap audio guy!
Hey Randy, fresh sub here. I searched your channel for any info on DML panel speakers but didn't find anything. Do you have any info or opinion on them? Might make a great video. Great channel, cheers.
Not yet but I’ll look into it
@@cheapaudioman That would be awesome Randy, have a splendid day fine sir! The tech Ingredients video(s) on the subject raised a lot of interest in these!
O man.. referencing Live? Subbed
How do these compare with the cheaper 1more quad driver?
How do you compare this one to the Arias? If you tried the Arias
Live! Secret Samadhi! 🖤
Prefer the
Fiio fh3. More bass. Better bass and drums and image for 130 bucks
Those Tips are called spin fit
I know they are headphones but what does IEM stand for?
in ear monitor
Acronyms are sometimes more confusing than helpful. IEM is used by so many institutions it must cause a lot of confusion when used out of context. You could be an international gamer playing in the Intel Extreme Masters, or you could be researching Inborn Errors of Metabolism in molecular biology, or you could be mitigating global disaster damage with Innovative Emergency Management, Inc. where their motto is “I think… therefore IEM.”
I'd be happier if the IEM acronym didn't exist. "earbuds" is a term I can live with.
Yeah. I felt weird when I first started saying it
i just say earphones for everything you put in your ears and headphones for anything you put on your head
I hit like for the Zeos Girl
2:00 no..it just moondrop..
blessing 2
starfield
ssr/ssp
bascially...every single iem and ear buds they make...have the cover of her except dusk and sparks
I don't want to be picky but there is a hum in the background that is annoys me a little
Agreed it sound like the audio was recorded low and he boosted it and got some noise. Maybe he needs the Mic closer to his mouth not to get the background noise in.
I think I had the fan one notch too high. Same settings as always. had to be the fan
Question for in love with rb 61. However crutchfield has a120 kbl speakers on sale for 149.00
You think take pkunge?
A dac to match? Btr3k or btr5?
Grab a coffee? My daughter is married. How about a red beer vodka boiler maker to celebrate. Okay, she moved out five years ago but I can still celebrate, right?
2001 space odyssey Box opening
It's "Carto", with a silent r.
Can i attach a cable with a mic to these
Despite their qualities, I wasn’t able to like them. I had a quite strong ear fatigue, possibly due to the 3k peak.
I had great exceptations for them, sadly I haven’t found a proper upgrade to my KZ ZS10 Pro yet.
I’m treble sensitive, so that’s hard to find some gear which suit my problems. I own a LCD2C and a Focal Clear as headphones and I love them.
Hope to find an IEM « equivalent » !
most good iems are trebly, so if its health reason grab a jhaudio
the rares as well
Thanks! I've found a decent upgrade to my KZ with the Hisenior Mega5p Ultra. The dynamic driver feels sooo good with a proper amp :D
What’s the basshead review on these anyone?
Not Kaytoh it is Kaaaahhtoh.
Kato are great but i prefer the Timeless
You should defo listen to secret story. One of the best albums ever.
The story of my life... Make my family feel uncomfortable.
I think I got to throw away my KZs, also the 10pro. And the Etymotics, and the IKKO OH10, and the Hana, and the Shoure, ....., and even the P1. I am still contemplating over the FDX1 since it is a boarder line and the 7hz Timeless.
Which one you like the most?
@@aaDee008 Most? Difficult! OH10 - very good V-shape with bass, but I like more the FDX1. Timeless is very new for me and still cannot say is better than the FDX1. FDX1 is the best bright and detailed DD up to $500 for me while Timeless is the best planar ever and so far. And it is a bit more balanced than the FDX1 - the solid bass matches the highs but it is on par with the FDX1 in detail. Timeless has mediocre accessories and a bit difficult fit while FDX1 has marvelous accessories. So it is difficult to choose b/n the two.
I will however buy that kick ass shirt.
Ey yo, that me.
Me simple man, me see waifu, me buy.
I goddam loviu man " kairoo" lol
Everything ok but they say they have average soundstage..
Sean Connery's James Bond wasn't that tough? Watch Dr. No, and say that again.
Sean Connery’s bond wasn’t that tough. I’m kidding I’m kidding.
👍
Lol, I'm not sure if I'm that confident in my manhood.
Kay-to....... It's ka as in cart, to as in topic.
"overstated"
I no talk good
@@cheapaudioman hogwash. You're a poet, much in the same spirit as the great Bukowski. In fact, I'm hereby hailing Randy as, "The Bukowski of Hifi". There. Done.
@@yuckysamson that’s high praise
@@cheapaudioman it's earned, jerkwater!
Cobain was the man. Maynard took the baton and ran with it in Tool.
Rob Zombie rocks!
These are some of the worst iems I have. The bass is completely wrong. I sent them back after a week of using them.
pretty sure you can get really similar ear tips called spinfit.
Got toe