If you are fascinated about sub-$100 IEMs, there are few audio producers that supply as a lot worth as Moondrop. The Chinese audio maker noticed a meteoric rise in recent times on the again of its finances IEM portfolio, and the defining trait to all of its merchandise is worth. While there have been a number of stumbles alongside the way in which — the Stellaris was too brilliant for my liking — the model usually launches one bestseller after one other.The Venus is Moondrop’s first planar headset, and it is protected to name it the model’s most formidable effort thus far. The headset makes use of customized 100mm drivers, has a beautiful design that is made totally out of aluminum, and two high-quality cables within the field. I used the Venus for simply over a month, and I’m able to name these the most effective total planar choices within the $500 class.Moondrop Venus: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Moondrop unveiled the Venus in November 2022, and the headset is now accessible from all main audio retailers for $600. I acquired the unit from HiFiGo, and like different Moondrop merchandise, the Venus is roofed by a normal one-year guarantee.Moondrop Venus: Design and luxury(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Venus exudes magnificence like no different headset on this class, and at first look, it feels extra like a product that prices $3,000 as an alternative of $600. The design is made totally out of aluminum, and also you get a floating-style headband with a suspension band that is made out of fake leather-based. The ear cushions are additionally original out of the identical materials, and the match and end is unbelievable. There’s little question that the Venus is constructed to final, and also you actually really feel the heft whenever you decide up the headset.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Coming in at over 600g, the Venus is without doubt one of the heaviest headsets I’ve used but, however to Moondrop’s credit score, you will not discover the burden when you put on the headset. The floating design for the headscarf ensures the burden is distributed properly, and the suspension band positively makes an enormous distinction. The headset is moderately giant as properly, however I did not have any points with the dimensions or weight.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)I even have to say that this is without doubt one of the most hanging headset designs at present accessible. The all-aluminum chassis appears beautiful, and the seen bolts the place the headscarf connects to the ear cups offers the Venus an industrial look. The design additionally permits the ear cups to swivel alongside the vertical axis, and the machined grille provides plenty of character to the general aesthetic. The Venus appears and looks like a high-end product.Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The ear cups function a fake leather-based end and have perforations on the internal aspect, so there may be some breathability. I’d have favored to see further ear cushions bundled within the field — just like the Thieaudio Wraith — as those which can be included are inclined to run a bit heat, however apart from that minor quibble, I’ve no qualms with the design and construct high quality of the Venus.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)They join through 3.5mm plugs, and you will find two cables within the field: a single-ended 3.5mm possibility, and a balanced 4.4mm cable. The latter is especially fascinating because the silver-plate design permits it to mesh properly with the headset. The cable itself is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve used on this class, and I intend to make use of it with different headsets.Moondrop Venus: Sound high quality(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)With 18Ω and a sensitivity of 100dB, the Venus is not significantly demanding, however you will want to pair it with an honest supply to unlock its full potential. I used it with the Fiio M11S, and whereas it held up simply effective, the Fiio K9 Pro showcased what the headset can really obtain.The Venus delivers glorious lows, with good rumble and definition, and the bass is attribute of planar drivers: it is quick and detailed with out being overbearing. The mid-bass has loads of definition and character, and it feels pure. Moondrop did job on this space, and the Venus delivers a tightly managed low-end that is participating.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The mids are the place the Venus really comes into its personal, with the headset providing crystal-clear vocals with a bit of heat. Even in advanced conditions with loads of devices, there’s glorious separation and articulation, and the Venus is simply as snug with jazz as heavy metallic.In an analogous vein, the treble has good extension with none harshness, and it really works properly with vocals and stringed devices like guitars. It is not overly brilliant, and also you get a fuller sound signature right here than with different planar headsets on this class.The soundstage is immersive, with plenty of depth and spaciousness to the sound that is extremely participating. The headset is especially well-suited to giant orchestral ensembles, and it does an excellent job with imaging.Moondrop Venus: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Venus is similar to the HiFiMan Edition XS. That specific headset would not fairly have the identical design aptitude, however you get a sturdy construct high quality. The Venus sounds fuller and extra participating, however the Edition XS prices $100 much less. Moondrop Venus: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can purchase this if:You need a planar headset with a beautiful designYou’re searching for an immersive soundstage with good decisionYou need an interesting sound and glorious tuningYou should not purchase this if:You need a bass-focused soundYou’re searching for a lightweight headsetThe Venus is an impressive first exhibiting by Moondrop, and it’s among the many greatest headsets within the sub-$1,000 class. The design is among the many greatest I’ve used, and though the headset is kind of heavy, the burden is balanced properly, and at no level does it develop into uncomfortable.Moondrop did a superb job with the tuning, and the Venus affords an interesting sound that is filled with character. It pairs properly with quite a lot of genres, and the large soundstage places you on the middle of the combo. It has plenty of positives, and apart from needing supply to take full benefit of the massive drivers, I am unable to consider any negatives right here. If you are out there for a sub-$1,000 planar headset, the Venus is a straightforward advice.
The Venus is a implausible effort by Moondrop, and though it prices $600, you might be getting glorious worth right here.