Moondrop Crescent VS KZ Vader Balanced
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Crescent and KZ Vader Balanced use 1DD and 3DD driver setups respectively. Moondrop Crescent costs $30 while KZ Vader Balanced costs $31. KZ Vader Balanced is $1 more expensive. KZ Vader Balanced holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (6.3 vs 6.8).
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Crescent | KZ Vader Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Tonality | 7 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 5.8 | 8 |
Moondrop Crescent Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.3Mixed to Positive
KZ Vader Balanced Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Crescent (more reviews)
Moondrop Crescent reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop Crescent reviewed by Crin
6
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Crescent reviewed by Web Search
5
Reviewer Score
The Moondrop Crescent features a distinctive brass housing that gives it premium heft but also makes it notably heavy, potentially affecting comfort during extended wear. Its non-detachable cable and basic accessories—including subpar stock eartips that often require replacement—highlight cost-cutting compromises. Isolation is mediocre due to vented designs, though build quality otherwise feels robust for the price.
Sonically, the Crescent adheres closely to the Harman target response, delivering a balanced signature with a slight bass boost that avoids bloat while maintaining textured lows. Its midrange leans transparent but can thin male vocals, and treble extends cleanly without harshness, though upper-mids occasionally verge on shouty. Technical performance impresses for its tier, with strong imaging and a wide soundstage, though detail retrieval lags behind pricier hybrids.
Discontinued and increasingly hard to find, the Crescent remains a value standout for its natural timbre and cohesive tuning, outperforming many peers under $50. Its need for aftermarket tips and amplification to maximize potential are notable drawbacks, but it retains cult appeal for its musicality.
KZ Vader Balanced (more reviews)
KZ Vader Balanced reviewed by Kois Archive
6.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop Crescent Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $30
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KZ Vader Balanced Details
Driver Configuration: 3DD
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $31
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Moondrop Crescent User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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KZ Vader Balanced User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Moondrop Crescent Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.1Gaming Grade
BKZ Vader Balanced Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.9Gaming Grade
AMoondrop Crescent Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
B-- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
KZ Vader Balanced Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Moondrop Crescent User Reviews
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