Moondrop S8 VS FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop S8 and FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum are in-ear monitors. Moondrop S8 costs $700 while FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum costs $770. FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum is $70 more expensive. Moondrop S8 holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7.6 vs 7). FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum has better bass with a 0.9-point edge, Moondrop S8 has significantly better mids with a 2.5-point edge, Moondrop S8 has significantly better treble with a 2.8-point edge, FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum has significantly better dynamics with a 3.3-point edge, Moondrop S8 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge, Moondrop S8 has significantly better details with a 2-point edge and Moondrop S8 has significantly better imaging with a 2.2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop S8 | FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.6 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 5 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 5 |
| Details | 8 | 6 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Imaging | 7.7 | 5.5 |
| Dynamics | 5.7 | 9 |
| Tonality | 7.3 | 7 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Moondrop S8 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.8
Reviewer Score
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Shuwa-T
5.7
Reviewer Score
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Jaytiss
7.3
Reviewer Score
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Jaytiss
7.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop S8 (more reviews)
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Striking design meets smart ergonomics: a crystal-clear acrylic shell that looks glass-polished, with noticeably cleaner clarity than Blessing 2/Dusk. The fit is more contoured and effortless, thanks to slightly narrower nozzles; isolation is immense because it’s an unvented all-BA set, which also means some ear pressure for the uninitiated. Cable, case, and tips mirror the Blessing 2 bundle—serviceable if not premium.
Tuning sits in lean-neutral with a sub-bass lift: not a basshead set, but sub-bass presence is satisfying. As with most BA bass, it won’t move air like a DD; versus Blessing 2 Dusk the low end is considered weaker, yet it outclasses sets like the Dunu SA6 for punch and definition. The midrange delivers excellent detail and micro-contrast, tracking closely to Dusk’s slimmer mids rather than the warmer original B2. The showstopper is the treble—clean, airy, and refined with zero grit, pairing with wider-than-B2 staging (a “wraparound” feel toward ~180°) for standout imaging, separation, and layering. Among BA references, only benchmarks like 64 Audio U12t or Campfire Ara come to mind as peers for bass quality and overall finesse.
At $700, the value question hinges on priorities: dynamic-driver bass lovers may lean Monarch/Clairvoyance, but for those chasing mid/treble purity and effortless technicalities, S8 is special. Gorgeous build, secure fit, and a treble performance that feels best-in-class coalesce into an easy recommendation—ultimately earning a full 5/5 in this take.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelMoondrop S8 reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop S8 makes a strong first impression: a gorgeous build, clean shells, and a presentation that feels premium without pretending to be leather-clad luxury. The design keeps it simple—no tuning switches—and packs three different types of balanced armatures, hinting at a deliberate, all-BA execution. Moondrop’s track record is front of mind here: Kanas Pro, KXXS, and the A8 (the S8’s predecessor) stay on the “constant recs” list, while the Blessing line isn’t spared criticism despite the hype.
The included cable looks copper-like, is soft and supple, and uses a right-angle plug with Moondrop branding on the Y-split—though there’s no chin slider. Past Moondrop cable quirks get a nod, but this one appears solid on first inspection. Accessory fitment and finish are treated with care (no scratching those caps), and anticipation centers on the FR graph: if it doesn’t “graph like a disaster,” S8 is poised to be a winner. For now, it’s all about the music, the look, and a tuning that—if it tracks—could push this set straight into the recommendation zone.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelMoondrop S8 reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop S8 reviewed by Crin
7.5
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.1
Reviewer Score
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Precogvision
7.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop S8 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Moondrop S8 mirrors the tonal balance of the Blessing 2 Dusk—similar bass level, natural mids, solid upper-mid presence, and extended treble—but distinguishes itself in execution. Bass is notably smoother; where Dusk can feel a bit forced/dry on bass-heavy tracks, S8 stays composed and fluid. Midrange carries a touch of classic BA timbre—notes sound lighter and a bit weightless versus Dusk’s more grounded “natural weight”—yet resolution and clarity remain excellent. Up top, energy is a step higher, giving female vocals a fuller, more effortless presence.
What sells the S8 is how cohesive and refined the whole package feels: transitions are seamless, detail retrieval is clean, and the tuning reads as a polished, more elegant take on the Dusk’s recipe. It’s effectively the Dusk, elevated—smoother bass, airier sparkle, and a more effortless overall presentation—making it a standout choice for listeners who prioritize clarity and treble openness without sacrificing balance. Among Moondrop’s lineup in this guide, S8 comes across as the most complete and the most compelling upgrade for a refined, reference-leaning sound.
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum (more reviews)
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Audio Amigo
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop S8 Details
Driver Configuration: 8BA
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $700
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $770
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Moondrop S8 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!
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum 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 S8 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming Grade
B+Moondrop S8 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.
Average Technical Grade
A- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
FATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
A- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Moondrop S8 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFATfreq x Effect Audio: Quantum User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS