Kiwi Ears Dolce VS Moondrop Quarks 2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears Dolce and Moondrop Quarks 2 are in-ear monitors. Kiwi Ears Dolce costs $20 while Moondrop Quarks 2 costs $17. Kiwi Ears Dolce is $3 more expensive. Kiwi Ears Dolce holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (5.3 vs 4.9). Moondrop Quarks 2 has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Moondrop Quarks 2 has significantly better treble with a 2.2-point edge and Moondrop Quarks 2 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears Dolce | Moondrop Quarks 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5.3 | 5 |
| Mids | 5 | 6.2 |
| Treble | 3 | 5.2 |
| Details | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Soundstage | 5 | 5 |
| Imaging | 5.3 | 5.6 |
| Dynamics | 4 | 5 |
| Tonality | 5.7 | 5.9 |
| Technicalities | 4 | 5.4 |
Kiwi Ears Dolce Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
5.3Mixed to Negative
Reviewer Average Score
5.6Mixed
Moondrop Quarks 2 Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
4.9Generally Unfavorable
Reviewer Average Score
5.2Mixed to Negative
Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears Dolce (more reviews)
Kiwi Ears Dolce reviewed by Z-Reviews
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Kiwi Ears Dolce reviewed by Jaytiss
4.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears Dolce reviewed by Jays Audio
4
Reviewer Score
Kiwi Ears Dolce reviewed by Head-Fi.org
6.7
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop Quarks 2 (more reviews)
Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by ATechReviews
5.9
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Quark 2 is a very affordable pair of IEMs around 17 USD that focuses on practicality, combining a fixed USB C cable with an integrated DAC, mic and simple bullet shaped shells. Build feels surprisingly solid for the price, with a sturdy USB C plug that inspires confidence and a light, comfortable fit that can be worn straight down or over ear. Isolation is a major highlight: the seal is so strong that office noise, fans and even mechanical keyboard clatter are largely blocked out, making this a compelling option for commuting or noisy environments, although potential pressure build up should be kept in mind for sensitive users.
On the tuning side Quark 2 delivers a smooth and safe response with a sub bass focused lift that keeps the low end clean but on the lighter side, so bass quantity and slam will not satisfy those who want a heavy hitting presentation. Midrange is the clear star, with male and female vocals rendered cleanly and without shout or harshness, helped by controlled bass and relaxed upper treble that let voices sit a little forward in the mix. Treble provides enough energy to prevent the sound from becoming dark and cymbals and high frequency instruments are present without sibilance, but extension, air and sparkle are modest, giving an overall character that is more relaxed and easygoing than bright and exciting.
From a technical standpoint Quark 2 is solid for its price but not a detail monster, with detail retrieval and dynamics sitting around average, an average to slightly below average stage and imaging that still places sounds clearly to the left and right. For budget listeners the mix of clean tonality, good channel matching and the integrated USB C DAC makes the overall sound quality feel excellent at the price, yet when compared directly to the Moondrop Chu II the Quark 2 reaches only around sixty to seventy percent of its performance in bass impact, naturalness, separation and micro detail. Quark 2 clearly wins on cost, isolation, comfort and cable durability, while Chu II still takes the lead for pure sound quality, versatility and accessories, so the better choice depends on whether maximum isolation and convenience or higher technical performance matter more.
ATechReviews Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
5.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Moondrop Quark 2 is an ultra budget in ear monitor that comes in around 17 dollars and focuses on practicality and convenience as much as sound. The tiny bullet style shells are easy to wear, the materials feel simple but sturdy enough for daily use, and the built in microphone and USB C termination make it a grab and go option that hobbyists can toss in a bag without worry. At this price it already brings a sense of value before any music starts.
Sonically the tuning leans toward a neutral signature with mid range forwardness, putting vocals and instruments front and center while bass and treble sit slightly in the background. Upper mids are shaped in a way that makes voices and many instruments sound fairly natural, but the lower mids and mid bass sit below a more typical preference, which can leave notes a little thin and lacking weight. Sub bass is emphasized more than mid bass, keeping things clean and avoiding bleed into the mids, yet the overall bass level is still lighter than ideal and does not fully balance the upper mid energy.
The top end has enough treble presence to hear cymbals and higher frequency information, but there is not a lot of shimmer, sparkle or air, so extension and micro detail are limited and the presentation stays on the relaxed side. Technical performance is about what can be expected at this price, with some detail and a stage that is not wide but also not overly intimate. While several rivals like the Chu, Waner and especially the Celest Wyvern Abyss offer a tuning that lines up closer with a typical preference for bass and treble, the Quark 2 still makes sense for vocal focused listeners who value its tidy form factor, built in features and are happy with a slightly leaner and more easygoing sound for seventeen dollars.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelMoondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio Amigo
4
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears Dolce Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $20
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Moondrop Quarks 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic (7.8mm)
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $17
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Kiwi Ears Dolce User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Moondrop Quarks 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Kiwi Ears Dolce Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
4.5Gaming Grade
CMoondrop Quarks 2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.6Gaming Grade
B-Kiwi Ears Dolce Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
C-- Resolution is limited, masking finer nuances and narrowing the soundstage. Busy mixes still overwhelm it with ease.
Moondrop Quarks 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Kiwi Ears Dolce User Reviews
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