Moondrop Chu II VS KZ Vader Hi-Res
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Chu II and KZ Vader Hi-Res use 1DD and 3DD driver setups respectively. Moondrop Chu II costs $19 while KZ Vader Hi-Res costs $32. KZ Vader Hi-Res is $13 more expensive. KZ Vader Hi-Res holds a decisive 1.2-point edge in reviewer scores (5.8 vs 7).
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Chu II | KZ Vader Hi-Res |
|---|---|---|
| Tonality | 6.7 | 8 |
| Technicalities | 4.7 | 8 |
Moondrop Chu II Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5.8Mixed
KZ Vader Hi-Res Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Chu II (more reviews)
Moondrop Chu II reviewed by Audio Amigo
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Chu 2 keeps the bargain spirit alive with a tidy kit: decent silicone tips, a leatherette pouch, and a surprisingly nice stock cable that feels premium for the price—though the missing chin slider is a small annoyance. Build is where it flexes: a full aluminum shell with brass nozzles and removable filters that invite easy tweak-mods or replacements. Comfort is better than the weight suggests, with the over-ear cable and earhooks distributing mass well—this one even passes the tiny-ears test. Aesthetically it’s classic Moondrop: understated elegance that reads more like functional jewelry. The big caveat: those brass nozzles can show oxidation/corrosion in humid climates, so a silica gel packet or dry storage is smart.
Tonally it’s a mild V-shape done right: boosted bass that’s punchy yet controlled, clean mids that sit a touch back without sounding off, and energetic upper-mids/treble that bring clarity without tipping into harshness for most. Technical chops are solid for the price, with imaging and stage that sit slightly above average. In the budget landscape it parks squarely between the 7Hz Zero (leaner, brighter) and the QKZ x HBB (warmer, smoother)—a middle-ground tuner that suits almost any genre. At about $19, it’s an easy “Brilliant” tier pick and a top first-IEM recommendation or tough beater pair; the only real hesitation is that humidity caveat. Add spring tips or a nicer case and it would nudge even higher.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Chu II reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Chu II keeps the tiny, all-metal shells from the original and fixes the biggest gripe: a replaceable 2-pin cable. The new cable is thin, lightweight, and very well-behaved with small hardware; the only knock is the missing chin slider. The earpieces are small, secure, and comfortable—impressively built for $19. The paint pattern isn’t as distinctive as before, but the ergonomics and cable quality make this a smart budget pickup (and even a handy donor cable for lightweight IEMs).
Tuning shifts from the original’s bright-neutral profile to a more V-shaped, bass-emphasized sound that will appeal to more listeners, while still carrying a slight bright tilt. Frequency response is sensible for the price, but technical performance is merely average—a bit low-res next to options like the 7Hz Zero. Net result: an IEM that sounds fine but wears excellently, with the cable and form factor doing the heavy lifting. It earns a confident 4 stars on value and usability, even if sonic uniqueness takes a back seat.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelMoondrop Chu II reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
5.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Chu II reviewed by Yifang
5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Chu II reviewed by Jays Audio
4
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Chu II reviewed by Head-Fi.org
6.3
* score rescaled + normalized
KZ Vader Hi-Res (more reviews)
KZ Vader Hi-Res reviewed by Kois Archive
7
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop Chu II Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $19
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KZ Vader Hi-Res Details
Driver Configuration: 3DD
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $32
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Moondrop Chu II User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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KZ Vader Hi-Res User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Moondrop Chu II Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.3Gaming Grade
C+KZ Vader Hi-Res Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8Gaming Grade
A+Moondrop Chu II Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.
Average Technical Grade
C- Even moderate complexity exposes the limited resolution and narrow sense of space. Technical fans will find it lacking.
KZ Vader Hi-Res Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Expect a tasteful, well-judged response that feels both musical and true to the source. Great synergy with a wide range of genres.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
Moondrop Chu II User Reviews
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KZ Vader Hi-Res User Reviews
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