Moondrop Kato VS Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Moondrop Kato and Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke are 1DD in-ear monitors. Moondrop Kato costs $190 while Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke costs $199. Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke is $9 more expensive. Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (6.3 vs 7.1). Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has significantly better bass with a 2.6-point edge, Moondrop Kato has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has significantly better dynamics with a 4.1-point edge, Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has significantly better soundstage with a 1.4-point edge, Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has significantly better details with a 2-point edge and Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke has significantly better imaging with a 2.4-point edge.

Insights

Metric Moondrop Kato Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke
Bass 5.5 8.1
Mids 6.4 6
Treble 5.9 6.8
Details 5.7 7.7
Soundstage 6.5 7.9
Imaging 5.7 8.1
Dynamics 4.3 8.3
Tonality 6.5 7.2
Technicalities 6.2 6.3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Moondrop Kato Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Nymz
Precogvision Audionotions Jays Audio Tim Tuned
Gizaudio Axel Crin Jaytiss Shuwa-T Yifang
Kois Archive Head-Fi.org
Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

6.3

Mixed to Positive

Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Web Search
Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C+ Tech
For $200, I'd probably recomend other iems. But it's solid.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: C- Soundstage: A-

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Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-09-20
Jaytiss 7.6 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Stock its really bassy, with eq it gets even better.
Youtube Video Summary

Hidizs MK12 x DucBloke arrives as a limited-edition single-DD collab with a 12 mm pure magnesium diaphragm, dressed in a striking red shell/nozzle. Pricing sits around $260 (about $240 on pre-order). The package is handsome: a plush, roomy case, a red flat 2-pin cable with clear L/R indicators and a tidy Y-split, plus a 3.5 mm option. Swappable nozzles exist for the MK12 line, but the supplied red nozzle is the standout for the mids—and the one trusted by multiple ears in the scene. Comfort is strong, the shell is vented, and it ships with Divinus Velvet tips.

Tonally, this is an organic, warm, downward-sloping tuning with a thumpy, fun bass, generous width, and an overall rich timbre. It suits R&B and hip-hop especially well; stage feels broad and “concert-like,” vocals come across analog and full. Treble is agreeable rather than flashy—on tracks like “Thriller” the cymbals could use a touch more bite—yet detail retrieval and resolution remain respectable. Not a dead-neutral monitor; more a musical, engaging daily driver for listeners who embrace warmth.

Against peers and prior Hidizs sets, MK12 x DucBloke carries the brand’s better traits with cleaner treble energy than some earlier efforts and a bass shelf that avoids muddle. It echoes the warmth of certain high-end references while adding a bit more upper-treble air. EQ is a playground here: presets like Sparkle (air lift), Neutral (slight sub-bass bump), and Hard-Hitting (more bass, more linear) all work well, and the Jaytiss-tuned profile adds extra air without breaking balance. Final take: a solid “A” fun set with 9/10 bass & dynamics, warm-leaning mids, polite treble, big stage, and strong technical underpinnings—an easy recommendation for those wanting a rich, vented, EQ-friendly single-DD in a gorgeous red suit.

Mids: C+ Treble: B Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

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Price: $179

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Moondrop Kato (more reviews)

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 8.5* * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7.2 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐⭐ | Comfort: 9 nice female vocals treble a little lacking

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Crin

Crin 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.2 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B Tech
Comment: Moondrop's best "budget" single DD iem. Solid tuning, backed with surprising clarity that is a step up from the kxxs bunch Lower mids thin sounding

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B Mids: B Treble: B+ Soundstage: B Details: B+ Imaging: B

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B- Tech
check links for more info:

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 5.8 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
A slight improvement over the KXXS all-round in the technical department.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: C+ Mids: A- Treble: B Dynamics: C Details: B- Imaging: B
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 5.5 Reviewer Score
Decent bass, decent mids, vocals presented nicely (tastefully forward), treble is non-fatiguing but a little darker but maybe a bit weird. Sounds a little blunted to my ears. Fit may be an issue for some, but tip-rolling can fix that. Build quality is excellent. The replaceable nozzles are a gimmick - they don't sound any different. Matte one is beautiful - it's a literal work of art - but be wary of the sharp edges if you have large conchas. Better than Aria, but not by much.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 5.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
Good detail, clarity, and imaging, but can sound thin. Similar tuning as Hana, but I found Hana to have better note-weight and bass.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
KXXS with better vocals and details

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A-

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 4.9 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
C+ Tech
A bit thin, pillow light bass. Treble and stage could use some more refinement. A tecnical upgrade to Aria.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: C- Mids: C+ Treble: C+ Details: C+ Imaging: C+

Moondrop Kato reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.9 * score rescaled + normalized
25 community members have rated the Moondrop Kato at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke (more reviews)

Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke reviewed by Web Search

2025-09-20
uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 6.6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B+ Tech

The Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke is a special-tuned edition built on the MK12 “Turris” platform, which uses a single 12 mm dynamic driver with a 91% magnesium diaphragm and a 1.5 T magnet system inside a CNC-milled metal shell. The base MK12 includes three swappable pneumatic filters and retails around $199 (often $179 on sale), with Hidizs officially confirming the DucBloke collaboration and demos at CanJam SoCal 2025.

Tonal balance with the MK12 platform is broadly warm U-shaped and can be shifted via the filters: Silver lifts treble, Rose Gold/Gold aims for a balanced profile, and Red boosts low frequencies while relaxing the upper mids—behavior documented across launch materials and reviews. This aligns with independent measurements/impressions noting the red filter’s fuller bass and the silver filter’s added upper-energy, giving the DucBloke edition a clear path toward a bass-weighted yet smooth top end.

Technical performance is competitive in the sub-$200 class: reviewers consistently describe a spacious soundstage, convincing imaging, and strong dynamics for a single-DD, while ultimate micro-detail and treble air are good rather than class-leading. With the right filter and tips, the set offers solid clarity without harshness and bass impact that should satisfy listeners seeking weight and physicality. Overall, the value proposition is strong at its street price, especially if the DucBloke tuning prioritizes the red-filter’s engaging low-end.

Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A Dynamics: S- Soundstage: A+ Details: A Imaging: A+

Moondrop Kato User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Moondrop Kato Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.2

Gaming Grade

B

Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

Moondrop Kato Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Bass B-
The bass offers steady support without stepping into the spotlight. There's just enough punch for everyday playlists.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B-
The top end is tidy and serviceable, adding air without overdoing it. Extension is decent for casual listening.
Dynamics C-
Volume swings are adequate, though they rarely feel dramatic. It won't offend, yet it won't thrill.
Soundstage B+
Good soundstage with proper width and depth, placing instruments in clearly defined positions. Instruments sit in their own lanes.
Details B-
Plenty of nuance surfaces, just not the last layer of shimmer. It balances clarity with an easygoing tone.
Imaging B-
Complex mixes stay organized thanks to the improved spatial discipline. Complex passages stay intelligible.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Bass A+
Expect a gripping low-end presence that marries clarity with visceral impact. Dynamic swings land with thrilling force.
Mids B
It offers engaging mid frequencies with pleasing clarity and layering. Details emerge without becoming harsh.
Treble B+
Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.
Dynamics A+
Dynamic range is superb, blending powerful impact with nuanced control. It captures both whisper and roar effortlessly.
Soundstage A
You hear both the breadth and the altitude of the mix, anchored by accurate positional cues. Immersion improves across genres.
Details A
Low-level information blossoms, presenting a rich tapestry of articulate sound. Analytical listeners will be delighted.
Imaging A+
Even dense mixes remain locked in place, reinforcing the illusion of physical performers. The stage remains stable regardless of complexity.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

Moondrop Kato User Reviews

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Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke User Reviews

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