Moondrop Quarks 2 VS KZ Gale
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Quarks 2 and KZ Gale use 1x Dynamic (7.8mm) and 1DD driver setups respectively. Moondrop Quarks 2 costs $17 while KZ Gale costs $18. KZ Gale is $1 more expensive. KZ Gale holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (4.9 vs 6). KZ Gale has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, KZ Gale has better treble with a 0.5-point edge, KZ Gale has significantly better dynamics with a 1.1-point edge, KZ Gale has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, KZ Gale has better details with a 0.9-point edge and KZ Gale has better imaging with a 0.9-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Quarks 2 | KZ Gale |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5 | 6.5 |
| Mids | 6.2 | 6 |
| Treble | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Details | 5.1 | 6 |
| Soundstage | 5 | 5.4 |
| Imaging | 5.6 | 6.5 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 6.1 |
| Tonality | 5.9 | 6.3 |
| Technicalities | 5.4 | 5.5 |
Moondrop Quarks 2 Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
4.9Generally Unfavorable
Reviewer Average Score
5.2Mixed to Negative
KZ Gale Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
6Mixed to Positive
Reviewer Average Score
6.5Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Quarks 2 (more reviews)
Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by ATechReviews
5.9
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Quark 2 is a very affordable pair of IEMs around 17 USD that focuses on practicality, combining a fixed USB C cable with an integrated DAC, mic and simple bullet shaped shells. Build feels surprisingly solid for the price, with a sturdy USB C plug that inspires confidence and a light, comfortable fit that can be worn straight down or over ear. Isolation is a major highlight: the seal is so strong that office noise, fans and even mechanical keyboard clatter are largely blocked out, making this a compelling option for commuting or noisy environments, although potential pressure build up should be kept in mind for sensitive users.
On the tuning side Quark 2 delivers a smooth and safe response with a sub bass focused lift that keeps the low end clean but on the lighter side, so bass quantity and slam will not satisfy those who want a heavy hitting presentation. Midrange is the clear star, with male and female vocals rendered cleanly and without shout or harshness, helped by controlled bass and relaxed upper treble that let voices sit a little forward in the mix. Treble provides enough energy to prevent the sound from becoming dark and cymbals and high frequency instruments are present without sibilance, but extension, air and sparkle are modest, giving an overall character that is more relaxed and easygoing than bright and exciting.
From a technical standpoint Quark 2 is solid for its price but not a detail monster, with detail retrieval and dynamics sitting around average, an average to slightly below average stage and imaging that still places sounds clearly to the left and right. For budget listeners the mix of clean tonality, good channel matching and the integrated USB C DAC makes the overall sound quality feel excellent at the price, yet when compared directly to the Moondrop Chu II the Quark 2 reaches only around sixty to seventy percent of its performance in bass impact, naturalness, separation and micro detail. Quark 2 clearly wins on cost, isolation, comfort and cable durability, while Chu II still takes the lead for pure sound quality, versatility and accessories, so the better choice depends on whether maximum isolation and convenience or higher technical performance matter more.
ATechReviews Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
5.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Moondrop Quark 2 is an ultra budget in ear monitor that comes in around 17 dollars and focuses on practicality and convenience as much as sound. The tiny bullet style shells are easy to wear, the materials feel simple but sturdy enough for daily use, and the built in microphone and USB C termination make it a grab and go option that hobbyists can toss in a bag without worry. At this price it already brings a sense of value before any music starts.
Sonically the tuning leans toward a neutral signature with mid range forwardness, putting vocals and instruments front and center while bass and treble sit slightly in the background. Upper mids are shaped in a way that makes voices and many instruments sound fairly natural, but the lower mids and mid bass sit below a more typical preference, which can leave notes a little thin and lacking weight. Sub bass is emphasized more than mid bass, keeping things clean and avoiding bleed into the mids, yet the overall bass level is still lighter than ideal and does not fully balance the upper mid energy.
The top end has enough treble presence to hear cymbals and higher frequency information, but there is not a lot of shimmer, sparkle or air, so extension and micro detail are limited and the presentation stays on the relaxed side. Technical performance is about what can be expected at this price, with some detail and a stage that is not wide but also not overly intimate. While several rivals like the Chu, Waner and especially the Celest Wyvern Abyss offer a tuning that lines up closer with a typical preference for bass and treble, the Quark 2 still makes sense for vocal focused listeners who value its tidy form factor, built in features and are happy with a slightly leaner and more easygoing sound for seventeen dollars.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelMoondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio Amigo
4
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
KZ Gale (more reviews)
KZ Gale reviewed by Jaytiss
6.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The KZ Gale is a budget single dynamic IEM aimed at gaming, pairing a flashy, almost RGB-style shell with a lightweight, comfortable fit that’s mostly easy to wear. The faceplate glistens nicely and gives a unique, gamey vibe, but some listeners may notice small edges and a circular ridge on the inner shell that can catch on skin or ear hairs and cause slight irritation. Accessories are very basic—standard KZ tips and a typical KZ cable with in-line mic and mute switch—nothing premium, but functional and appropriate for the price.
Tonally, the Gale leans slightly warm in the bass with a noticeable lift in the mid-treble/presence region, giving it a brighter, glassier character that chases detail more than thick, boomy impact. Bass is adequate but not especially deep or rich, while the upper mids and lower treble can come forward enough to bother those sensitive in that area, even though it doesn’t turn truly sibilant. For the asking price around $10–20, the overall sonic quality is quite respectable: open enough, reasonably dynamic, and engaging, especially for listeners who enjoy a bit of extra clarity over warmth.
Compared with other budget sets like the KZ EDC Pro, KZ Dwanic, Kiwi Ears Cadenza or options from Moondrop and others, the Gale trades thicker bass and safer tuning for a brighter, more forward top end and flashy styling. Alternatives may offer more bass weight, warmth, or features (like the Dwanic’s dip switches), and can be better suited to those who dislike upper-mid energy. Still, as a cheap gaming-focused IEM that can also handle music and general use, the KZ Gale comes across as a solid, enjoyable set with a few quirks in fit and tuning that buyers should be aware of rather than outright dealbreakers.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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KZ Gale reviewed by Web Search
6.6
Reviewer Score
The KZ Gale is a budget single-dynamic-driver in-ear monitor aimed squarely at gaming, using KZ’s “super-linear” 10 mm driver with 24 Ω impedance, a claimed 10–20 kHz response and 107 dB/mW sensitivity. The lightweight resin shell with decorative faceplate, detachable 0.75 mm 2-pin silver-plated cable and options for 3.5 mm or Type-C with onboard DSP EQ modes and dual microphones underline its gaming focus rather than audiophile luxury. Across official and retail stores, typical pricing falls in the $10–20 range depending on configuration, firmly placing the Gale in the entry-level gaming IEM segment.
In terms of tuning, Sharmaz Acoustic describes the Gale as balanced-leaning with a “tasteful bass lift” that adds impact while keeping mids clear and treble smooth enough for long sessions, which aligns with its role as an all-rounder for games and music. Community impressions on r/iems compare its tonality closely to the Simgot EW300, noting a neutral-ish signature with slightly forward vocals and non-harsh treble, which is relatively refined in this price class. The end result is a “neutral with bass boost” profile that makes the Gale broadly versatile, though absolute resolution and top-end air remain limited compared to more ambitious, higher-priced IEMs.
On the technical side, bass is reasonably tight with decent punch but only average layering, mids are intelligible and well-placed but not especially textured, and treble detail is adequate yet somewhat soft, contributing to an overall presentation that is clean rather than overtly resolving for critical listening. Several gaming-oriented reviewers highlight the Gale’s imaging and positional accuracy as a key strength at this price, calling footstep localization and directional cues a standout even though the soundstage remains fairly intimate. Overall, the KZ Gale offers strong value as a sub-$20 wired gaming IEM with agreeable tuning and above-average imaging, but its modest detail retrieval and small stage make it more of a capable budget specialist than a class-leading all-rounder.
Moondrop Quarks 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic (7.8mm)
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $17
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KZ Gale Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $17.99
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Moondrop Quarks 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
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KZ Gale User Review Score
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Moondrop Quarks 2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.6Gaming Grade
B-KZ Gale Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.7Gaming Grade
B-Moondrop Quarks 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
KZ Gale 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
B-- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
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