Moondrop Blessing 3 VS Kiwi Ears Astral

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Moondrop Blessing 3 ditches the old vibe for a fresh hybrid recipe: H.O.D.D.U.S. (two horizontally opposed 10 mm dynamics) plus 4× BA at around $320. The stage isn’t huge, by design—this is an intimate, in-the-head presentation that puts the music right up front. Bass is quick, tight, and more about responsiveness than brute slam; treble is crisp without splash, and nothing feels exaggerated. The crossover is impressively cohesive—no obvious handoff between DDs and BAs—yielding a “mixing/mastering” sort of neutrality with excellent detail retrieval and control. Think subtle-but-capable: delicate when it should be, instantly punchy when it must.

Build is peak Moondrop showpiece—shiny stainless backplate, clear acrylic shell showing the guts, and a comfy fit—but the stock 3.5 mm cable is underwhelming. The box is over-engineered fun; the tips selection is one silicone type in many sizes (foam not ideal here). Tip rolling to something like Dunu S&S keeps bass honest. Amp pairing prefers clean, linear gear; warm hybrids can push mids oddly, while neutral solid-state keeps things balanced. Not hard to drive (~12 Ω). Skip if you crave gobs of soundstage; absolutely grab if the goal is a neutral, close-up, fast, and coherent listen that “force-feeds” the music—without the fatigue. A confident buy for presence and precision.

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Priced at $300, the Kiwi Ears Astral stands as the brand's most expensive IEM, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and six balanced armatures. The build is notably large and deep, with a design described as "pepper" yellow or more appealing "blue crystal" – though the included accessories are minimal, offering just one set of tips, replacement filters, and an interchangeable connector (3.5mm or 4.4mm). The gunmetal gray four-wire cable earns praise for its quality and flexibility, but the deep connector adds significant length, potentially hindering portability. Simply put, at this price with so little included, the sound must deliver.

And deliver it does. The Astral produces an exceptionally wide and holographic soundstage, achieving impressive "instrument realization" – creating an almost unsettling sense of space where sounds can emerge from above, below, behind, or beside the listener. The tuning is decidedly chill and smooth, prioritizing effortless listening over aggressive detail. The dynamic driver handles frequencies up to 300Hz, providing satisfying warmth and weight to the bass, while the six BAs contribute significantly to the expansive staging and air. This isn't a sound easily found in sub-$100 IEMs; it offers a unique, relaxed presentation reminiscent of far more expensive models, like certain $1,500 Final Audio IEMs known for holographic imaging.

The Kiwi Ears Astral emerges as a strong contender for favorite IEM of the year. While it lacks accessories and its large, somewhat plain design might not win beauty contests, its unique sonic character justifies the $300 price tag. It carves out a niche as a "big wide smooth" option, perfect for extended, fatigue-free listening sessions where the goal is pure enjoyment and astonishment rather than analytical treble scrutiny. It competes favorably with $500+ IEMs known for soundstage, offering a glorious, spacious, and utterly engaging listening experience that makes revisiting tracks a joy. For those seeking a high-end, chill sound with exceptional staging and bass foundation, the Astral is a magnum opus worth serious consideration.

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Moondrop Blessing 3 steps up as the most complete Blessing yet—cleaner and more controlled than the Blessing 2: Dusk, with less bass quantity but sharper dynamics and a tidier lower-midrange. It avoids the slight thinness some hear on Variations, keeping notes lean but satisfying. The midrange stays beautifully natural and a touch energetic without shout, while the biggest upgrade is in the treble: retaining the Dusk’s natural decay yet adding more air, so micro-details pop and vocals take center stage. The overall tilt is more vocal-forward and detail-focused than Dusk.

On the technical front, resolution sits around—or a notch above—the Timeless, with an impressively wide stage helped by reduced bass bleed and boosted upper air. Micro-detail is present but not laser-etched; separation could use that last half-step of incisiveness. Still, imaging, control, and clarity make for an easy “wow” on first listen, especially for listeners who value clean layering over sheer slam.

Comparisons are straightforward: versus the original Blessing 2, this is an upgrade across the board—cleaner lows, punchier bass quality, better lower-treble timbre, and comparable air. Versus Blessing 2: Dusk, choose Dusk for a more balanced and fuller bass hit; pick Blessing 3 for vocal presence, detail, and control. Against SoftEars Studio 4, Studio 4 sounds about a half-step more balanced with a touch more bass fullness and slightly better timbre, but the Blessing 3’s performance at roughly $320 is seriously competitive for the class. After a few underwhelming Moondrop releases, this feels like reclaiming the throne—a highly recommended return to form.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral arrives in a package typical for the brand, featuring a resin shell and a metal nozzle. While the design isn't groundbreaking, the build feels sturdy. The included cable is a pleasant surprise, better than expected and features interchangeable terminations. A major highlight is the inclusion of Sancai ear tips, considered valuable accessories at this price point. However, the fit presents some challenges: the shells are notably bulky and chunky, pushing comfort limits for larger ears, and the angled cable hooks can cause sealing issues, though switching to larger tips helps significantly.

Sonically, the Astral delivers a solid bass and mid-range balance. Yet, the standout issue is the treble presentation. It's perceived as quite forward and adds a noticeable digital edginess to the timbre, making details sound overly prominent and somewhat unnatural. While technical performance seems improved over models like the original Wan'er, this treble character overshadows the positives. Initial impressions suggest it falls short of previous Kiwi Ears releases like the Quartet or Singolo, with even the Lush potentially being preferred. The Sancai tips and overall package offer good value, but the tuning needs refinement.

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The Moondrop Blessing 3 is a 2DD + 4BA hybrid with a larger, premium-feeling shell that remains surprisingly comfortable—though size could be an issue for smaller ears. Accessories and build echo Moondrop’s recent releases (even the analog cable mirrors the Dusk’s), underscoring a cohesive design philosophy. Tuning skews a touch brighter and more analytical: airy upper-mids/treble, crisp detail retrieval, and clean separation, with lighter bass impact than some rivals. It’s a set that showcases “technicalities” in an immediately noticeable way.

Against the Crinacle x Moondrop Dusk, Blessing 3 trades some punch and warmth for extra sparkle and detail; Dusk offers more bass, slightly calmer treble, and a touch more “slam,” while Blessing 3 sounds airier and more incisive. Versus Variations, the graphs are similar and they trade blows, but Variations’ bass advantage struggles to justify the higher price for most listeners. Compared to Moondrop’s more affordable options (e.g., Aria 2) and value picks like TruthEar Hexa or AFUL’s Magic One, Blessing 3 delivers a more refined treble presentation and step-up resolution, while some mid-fi competitors around ~$600 don’t clearly outpace it in engagement or detail.

Priced ~$330 (often on sale around $280), Blessing 3 sits at the sweet spot before diminishing returns hit hard. The trade-offs are clear: a touch bright, bass-light for those craving heft, and not the absolute value king next to Dusk—but as an airy, detailed, well-built daily driver, it’s easy to recommend. Final call: a strong A-—especially fitting for treble-heads and anyone seeking a clean, modern Moondrop tuning without paying flagship prices.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.

Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.

The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.

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Moondrop Blessing 3 brings excellent resolution, clarity, and layering, with a clean, transparent tonality that skews bright-leaning neutral. Treble is extended without being splashy, giving plenty of air to cymbals and female vocals, while the midrange stays unmasked and articulate—piano and guitar transients pop with crisp decay. Staging is open and airy with pinpoint imaging (not wrap-around holographic like the biggest stage monsters), and the bass is snappy, tight, and bleed-free. The catch: the low end sits back, so on certain tracks the presentation can feel light, and a 6 kHz rise can get spicy at louder volumes depending on the song; vocals may lean a touch thin in classic Moondrop fashion.

Compared to Blessing 2, it’s a clear step up in cleanliness, note definition, and separation. Versus Dusk, think side-grade: a slightly brighter tilt and less bass weight, trading some low-end texture/extension for more air and edge definition. The set responds very well to EQ—a ~+5 dB low shelf @ 60 Hz (Q 0.5) and about −1.5 dB @ 6 kHz (Q 3) adds punch and reins in glare; with this, it approaches Variations performance while filling in mid-bass a bit. Simple nozzle filters (e.g., Alina/Tanchjim-style) can also tame upper mids and nudge bass up. For listeners who want more slam and tamer highs, stock tuning won’t be the endgame; for those preferring a clean, airy, detail-forward neutral, Blessing 3 is pretty banging at its price and technically competitive with pricier sets (think RS5, Oracle, even EGL7M on technicals, though the latter still stages wider). If Moondrop’s house sound clicks, it’s an easy rec; if not, look at cheaper options like Hexa or keep an eye out for a potential B3 “Dusk” variant.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral presents a well-rounded, balanced sound signature characterized by a boost in sub-bass and treble air, sharing some DNA with the Meta but offering significant improvements. It delivers a punchier, harder-slamming low end with better texture, making drums feel livelier and more impactful compared to the Meta. The mid-range and vocals are also more forward and less relaxed, creating a fuller sound versus the Meta's brighter, leaner presentation that highlights treble sparkle. While not vocal-centric like the Arcanis, the Astral excels as a true all-rounder.

Technically, the Astral edges out the Meta, offering better bass texture, improved vocal clarity, and slightly more micro-details in the mid-range and treble. Its value is strong at roughly $50 more than the Meta. However, the boosted air region can make the treble sound slightly wispy or fatiguing at higher volumes on very energetic tracks laden with symbols or air, making it best suited for mid-volume listening (around 65 dB). Genre-wise, it shines as an all-rounder at this volume, providing clean, extended, natural vocals, a thumpy low end with good rumble, and extended, airy treble. Compared to the Odyssey, the Astral is cleaner, more detailed, smoother, and airier, working better for mid-centric genres like indie, acoustic, and classical, though the Odyssey scales better at higher volumes and feels fuller for pop, metal, R&B, and hip-hop.

Positioned as a strong contender for the best all-rounder under $300, the Astral is seen as a more complete version of sets like the Pilgrim and Dusk, offering better sub-bass extension, texture, and rumble with less shouty vocals and sizzly treble. It significantly outperforms the Performer 5+2 technically for only $50 more and is a tier above the Kiwi Ears KE4 in clarity and technicalities. While specific alternatives like the EPZ P50, Tanchjim Origin, or Cadenza 4 are better for vocal focus, and sets like the Estrella or Deuce excel for bass, the Astral stands out for its balanced, engaging, and technically proficient performance across most genres at mid-volume. Expecting potential sales around $260, it's heralded as the new all-rounder benchmark under $300, ideal for listeners who want a single versatile IEM where "everything just sounds great."

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Unboxing & build land solidly for the price: a genuinely pocketable zip case, three pairs of narrow-bore tips, spare nozzle filters, and a modular 3.5/4.4 cable with a secure push-pull lock. The four-wire cable is soft, low-memory, and only lightly microphonic at the slider. Resin shells are a bit chunky with a short metal nozzle (6.0 mm at the widest) and average isolation, but the seal is stable and the comfort is excellent for long sessions—just not ideal for sleeping due to the slight protrusion.

Tonally, Astral aims for a Meta-style tuning with extra upper-treble air: clean, detailed, and engaging. The bass is sub-bass focused—tight, textured, never boomy—with punchy but restrained mid-bass; quality over quantity, delivering standout rumble and definition (A+ bass quality). Mids are the highlight: clean, forward vocals with natural timbre and strong separation. Lower treble adds clarity without sibilance, while the elevated upper air brings sparkle and space; it can read a touch crisp for sensitive listeners, especially on bright masters or at high volume.

Technicalities impress: excellent imaging, open width, and resolution that surfaces micro-details and locks centers convincingly. Versus Kiwi Ears K4, Astral trades K4’s warmer, fuller mid-bass for tighter bass, clearer vocals, and more air; versus Xenns Tea Pro, Astral offers better bass texture and cleaner, more forward vocals; against ZiiGaat Odyssey, Astral is the more resolving and airy set, while Odyssey feels fuller and more relaxed with tamer upper treble. Recommended for those wanting a detailed all-rounder, Meta-leaning balance, forward mids, and textured sub-bass; not for upper-treble-sensitive listeners or those craving heavy mid-bass and warmth. Final verdict: 4/5, competitive and confidently recommended at its price.

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Moondrop’s Blessing 3 pushes a distinctly airy, high-clarity take on competitive audio. The stage feels a touch farther from the head, with solid imaging, depth perception, and verticality, but it walks the edge of “how far is too far” for games like Valorant and Apex. Detail retrieval up top is crisp and separation of higher-frequency cues is clean, yet the set could use a bit more immediacy and extra sub-/mid-bass to weight deep thumps and footsteps. Once ears adjust, performance is strong, though the bright tilt can be fatiguing for some. The see-through shell with a metallic faceplate is slick; accessories are fine but basic at this price ($310), with tips and cable that invite swapping.

Against Dunu’s SA6 MK2, the Blessing 3 sits on the “open/bright” end while the Dunu plays “closer/warmer,” delivering more urgency from its fuller low end—but that extra mid-bass can blur layering and separation when many similar cues trigger at once. For pure game sense, both have Wallhack Certified potential, just not near the top; sets like Kiwi Ears Orchestra Light (V2) strike a smarter middle ground with better balance for mixed scenarios, and options such as Dunu Vulkan or Raptgo Hook-X can edge them out. Ergonomics are good on both; the SA6 MK2’s “Mini Hulk” cable and swappable plugs (4.4/2.5/3.5) and generous tip spread help justify its higher tag ($579). Summary: choose Blessing 3 for a brighter, wider, cue-separating presentation; choose SA6 MK2 for a nearer, meatier hit—while the Orchestra Light V2 remains the safer, game-first recommendation.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral, priced at $299, combines one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures in an exceptionally ergonomic and lightweight 3D printed resin chassis. Comfort is phenomenal, allowing for extended listening sessions exceeding eight hours without discomfort. Available in striking blue or gold faceplates, the Astral impresses immediately with its build and feel.

Tonally, the Astral offers a fantastic, well-balanced V-shaped tuning. It features punchy, airy, and well-separated bass with notable sub-bass rumble that avoids muddying the exceptionally clear and resolving mids. The treble provides very good extension, feeling airy, technical, clean, and fast, contributing to an overall presentation that sounds more expensive than its price tag. While generally excellent, providing too much power can make the upper region slightly spicy with certain intense audio cues. The technical performance – imaging, separation, layering, and micro-detail retrieval – is phenomenal across various music genres.

For competitive gaming, the Astral truly shines, demonstrating holographic imaging and precise depth perception. In Valorant, it excels at differentiating multiple footsteps and gunfire sources with urgency and precise horizontal and vertical placement. It handles chaotic moments in CS2, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty exceptionally well, maintaining clear separation during intense firefights, grenade explosions, and air strikes without becoming fatiguing or overwhelming. Tip selection is crucial for optimal performance, with recommendations leaning towards options like the Azla EarFit Light. Despite including a decent interchangeable cable and silicone tips, third-party tips are suggested. Ultimately, the Kiwi Ears Astral is a fantastic all-rounder, delivering top-tier performance for both music and competitive gaming at its mid-range price point.

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Moondrop Blessing 3 sticks to the family recipe—clean, neutral, vocal-centric—while fixing the Blessing 2’s soft spot: treble extension. Cymbals finally have proper metallic sheen and decay, and the overall imaging/separation step up. Bass comes from a dual-DD setup that favors control over quantity: tight, springy, and articulate in the sub-bass without turning the set “bassy.” Vocals are outstanding for the price—transparent, textured, and front-and-center. Physically, it’s the familiar large 3D-printed acrylic shell with a slimmer ~5.7 mm nozzle for easier tip fit, glossy metal faceplates that love fingerprints, an improved but still slightly memory-prone cable, a chunky case, and lots of tips (but no Spring Tips). Price stays put at $320.

The one nitpick: a noticeable upper-bass/lower-mids scoop that trades warmth and body for clarity. With modern productions that already carry sub-bass, the presentation feels deep and precise; with leaner acoustic or classic rock, it can read a touch sterile. Versus peers: Blessing 2 is a hair warmer and fuller but less extended up top; Blessing 2 Dusk shares the mid scoop, adds more sub-bass, and keeps the older treble quirks; Soft Ears Studio 4 is similarly lean-neutral with a bigger stage but smoother BA timbre; Kiwi Ears Orchestra Light is warmer, punchier in mid-bass, and more laid-back with weaker separation. Even with the tonal quibble, this is a clear upgrade—a “nearly perfect” neutral set and an easy 5/5.

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Moondrop Blessing 2:Dusk brings a rock-solid build with clear acrylic shells that show off the 1DD+4BA internals and that cheeky anime engraving. Fit skews large—big nozzles and a bulky body—so smaller ears may struggle. The included “sweat guards” are basically stickers that tend to come off with the tips, and taking these to the gym is a bad idea (moisture can cause issues). The real sin is the stock cable: thin, microphonic, and fragile—swap it immediately. On the upside, customer service/warranty is legit if something goes wrong.

Sonically, this tuning is a crowd-pleaser. The bass extends deep for a DD and slams without bleeding, the mids are the highlight—acoustic instruments and vocals sound fantastic—and the treble is clean but can push toward fatigue for sensitive listeners or on bright EDM drops. For electronic genres (hardstyle, D&B), the low-end grip is addictive; for orchestral and vocal music, it’s as close to “set and forget” as it gets. Quick fix if the top end nudges too hot on desktop: a simple EQ cut—~−4.5 dB @ 8 kHz (Q≈1)—tames the edge and lets the volume come up for extra bass satisfaction.

Technical chops are strong: resolution pops micro-details without turning clinical, soundstage width sits in the higher percentile for the price, and dynamics swing convincingly from soft to slam. Imaging is fine, but positional distance (for Valorant/CS-style footsteps) isn’t the strength—Apex/Overwatch or media use is totally fine. Net takeaway: as an everyday all-rounder for music, games, and movies around this bracket, it’s a killer pick with just two caveats—skip the stock cable and avoid sweaty workouts—or EQ the treble if sensitive.

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Kiwi Ears Astral arrives as a 7-driver hybrid at $300 with glittered resin shells, a comfy semi-custom shape, and a genuinely nice modular cable (incl. 4.4 mm). The accessory set is decent—case, tips, and notably replacement filters that help longevity—though more tip options would be welcome. Fit is generally good but the short nozzles can loosen long-stem tips; smaller ears may struggle, so try before you buy. A tiny nitpick: recessed 2-pin sockets on non-recessed shells look a bit clunky.

Tuning is meta-ish: a clean, controlled bass that rumbles down low without mid-bleed, natural mids with convincing body, and vocal-forward presence that adds shine without shout. Treble is smooth yet airy, showcasing percussion and harmonics without harshness; only very top-end sensitivity might find the shimmer a touch much. Higher output impedance or an adapter subtly trims that top-air, but the core balance stays intact. Overall it’s a mature all-rounder tonality—engaging, tidy, and easy to live with.

On technicals, Astral delivers good resolution and separation with a roomy, average-for-price stage. It’s a clear step up from the K4 (tighter bass, more forward vocals), trades blows with Dunu DaVinci (Astral is cleaner/steadier; DaVinci punchier/sparklier), sits under the more neutral, airier, and resolving AFUL Performer 7, and the Softears Volume S offers a calmer, truer neutral take. Moondrop x Crin Dusk feels like the more refined next rung if you spend more. Verdict: This is brilliant—a superb $300 all-rounder that should be on any shortlist unless the goal is maximum bass, treble fireworks, or sheer technical flex.