Moondrop Aria 2 VS Fosi Audio IM4

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Moondrop switches up the formula with Aria 2’s single dynamic “dome” driver, creating a presentation that feels set back from the head with surprising soundstage depth and precise positional cues. Instead of shoving detail forward, the tuning stays smooth, coherent, and non-fatiguing while still keeping vocals engaging and treble tidy. At $89, it becomes the new default pick in the sub-$100 bracket—easily preferred over other budget crowd-pleasers—thanks to that airy layering and “in-the-room” spacing that’s rare at this price.

Build and accessories are enthusiast-friendly: a weighty metal shell, recessed 2-pin, and a modular cable with 3.5/4.4 mm ends (the 4.4 plug fits tight, but locks solidly). The nozzle uses a replaceable acoustic filter and there’s a pressure-relief vent, though no spare filters are included and the tip selection is basic. Pairing scales well—from clean Class-A amps to punchy portables—without upsetting the balance; different sources simply shift flavor, not quality. Add the unexpectedly classy design and this becomes an easy top recommendation under $100 for listeners who value staging, ease, and refinement over brute-force brightness.

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Quirky name aside, the Fosi Audio IM4 brings a 10 mm beryllium-coated single dynamic driver with a tuning that reads more cohesive, clean, and neutral than bass-bomber. Music floats with a great soundstage and a velvety midrange, giving smooth-jazz and vintage recordings that “swirling around the head” vibe without getting muddy. Hints suggest a price under $100, which would make this one of the stronger performers in the budget bracket, especially given the unexpectedly premium build.

The shells feel like they were machined from the same stuff as Fosi’s amps—weighty, thick, nearly indestructible metal—with a solid 3.5 mm cable (no 4.4 option noted). Accessories are unusually thoughtful: two tuning nozzles (black = lightly damped; brass = no damping) and three styles of tips. Swap to the brass nozzle and treble detail jumps while bass eases off, which can turn the top end a touch spicy for some; stick with the damped setup for a smoother, “just be good” balance. Add a decent case and, if the rumored price sticks, it’s a high-confidence recommendation in the sub-$100 class.

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Build and accessories hit above the price: a metal shell with a golden nozzle, medium-sized fit, solid lip for tips, and a tasteful faceplate flourish. The stock cable feels premium with clear L/R markings, a chin slider, and an easy quick-swap plug system that makes 3.5↔4.4 painless. The case is a standout—leatherette feel, smooth zipper—and the tips selection is practical. Street price hovers around $90, often dipping to the $60–70 range during sales, which makes the overall package compelling for the money.

Sonically, Aria 2 leans on clean upper-mids and a smooth treble with a lighter bass shelf; dynamics are modest, imaging is respectable, and resolution is good for the tier. It tracks very close to the original Aria’s tonality (with slightly less bass) and overlaps with Moondrop’s current lineup enough to reduce the appeal of some pricier siblings, while outclassing bright-tilted alternatives like Dunu’s Titan S2 on ease of listen. Think of it as a vocal-forward, safe single-DD that trades slam for clarity; a solid B/B- performer that’s easy to like, easier to recommend at sale pricing, and worth shortlisting if smooth, airy mids and a tidy, well-built kit are the priority.

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Fosi Audio IM4 brings a beryllium-coated single DD in a compact shell with thoughtful venting that behaves almost open-back for comfort during long sessions. Build is surprisingly premium for ~$100: a small, well-finished nozzle that grips tips, a light but durable cable with color-coded channels and a working chin slider, a tidy case, and tuning nozzles (black/gold) plus multiple tips. It’s the kind of fit and finish usually saved for pricier sets.

Tonally, this is an engaging, warm-rich tuning with elevated sub-bass, good texture, and plenty of detail—not a neutral reference. There’s energy in the 2–4 kHz region and a bit of 5–6 kHz bite that can read as “cat-ear” presence, trading strict smoothness for extra soundstage perception and clarity. Versus the many neutral options at this price, IM4 feels more characterful and fun; think closer to sets that use a staged upper-mid/treble contour than to flat targets. Filters/foams or a touch of EQ can gently tame peaks while keeping the lively character.

On the scoreboard: bass 7/10 (clean shelf and punch), mids a touch recessed versus a neutral target, treble lively with agreeable detail, and stage/detail notably good for the class. Overall, a well-built, fun, and slightly audiophile-tuned single-DD that will appeal to listeners who value texture and excitement over strict neutrality—plus rare build quality and extras at this price make it a solid value.

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Moondrop Aria sets a brutal value bar at $79, pairing elegant presentation with no-nonsense accessories: a tidy case, comfy fabric cable with zero microphonics, and serviceable tips. Build and box feel surprisingly premium—clean, simple, and just… right. As a package, it’s the kind of under-$100 IEM that forces every new budget set to prove itself against it first.

Sonically, Aria hits a neutral-with-bass-boost target that’s broadly Harman-leaning: a punchy mid-bass focus for thump and slam, modest but present sub-bass, and a clean handoff to the mids with no bleed. Vocals are the star—male voices carry a touch of warmth and weight, while female vocals have a bit more energy than sets like Starfield/KXXS, bringing them alive without turning shouty. Treble keeps things safe rather than spicy; not a pick for treble-heads, but still balanced enough that the overall presentation never dives into murk—just a smoother tilt up top.

Technical performance is where the “how is this $79?” reactions kick in. Detail retrieval is top-tier for the price, easily out-resolving many sub-$120 competitors, and the soundstage runs wider than typical budget fare. Imaging is competent rather than laser-etched (Starfield still images better), but the total package—tuning, clarity, width, and day-to-day listenability—feels unfair at this bracket. Verdict: a beginner’s best friend and the default recommendation under $100; if the budget is $50, it’s worth saving a little more for Aria.

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Aria 2 Red keeps the familiar Moondrop house tuning—balanced, clean with a gentle mid-bass lift—but shifts more mid-centric thanks to extra upper-mid energy. Vocals gain power and clarity, and the previous Aria 2’s fuzziness/soft timbre is tempered by trimming treble air, which in turn improves low-end tactility and preserves a good sense of space. Tip rolling isn’t picky: Softears Ultra Clear for smoother playback or Azla Sedna for more bite. It plays well at normal to mid-high volumes, though pushing it loud can get shouty around 1–4 kHz.

Against its siblings and peers, Red comes across as the most natural all-rounder in the Aria family—preferred over the OG and SE—which now feel outdated. Technicalities see a small bump versus Aria 2, yet remain a notch under sets like Defiant and EW300; sub-$100 planars (CLAR/F1 Pro/S12) still offer stronger raw performance. Versus EW300 (3.5), Red trades blows but the EW300 hits with better bass texture, slam, and treble detail, plus useful tuning nozzles and frequent sub-$60 pricing, making it the sharper value for many. For a similarly clean, airy tonality with more separation and sub-bass reach, Defiant is cited as the more compelling pick around the same bracket—QC caveats acknowledged on both sides.

Value is the sticking point. At $100 the Red feels slightly pricey amid a crowded field where Simgot’s EM6L (often ~$90) offers a smoother, more dynamic take, and options like A-Explorer, Yay500 LM, CCA Hydro, or plentiful $50 single-DDs provide distinctive flavors and strong technicals. The verdict is a half-recommendation: as a well-balanced, nicely built daily driver it works—especially on sale around $60–$70—but at full MSRP, enthusiasts seeking uniqueness or performance-per-dollar will likely find richer alternatives.