Moondrop S8 VS Softears RSV

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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.

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Softears RSV presents as a premium, well-finished all-BA set with five balanced armatures, a secure, slightly deeper fit and above-average isolation. The package feels thoughtful—nice case, multiple tips, cleaning tools—while the shells have a tasteful, dark flake aesthetic. Ergonomically it fills the ear a bit more than comparable models like Moondrop’s S8, but comfort and stability are standouts.

Tonally, RSV opts for a warm, laid-back Harman tilt: elevated sub-bass with restrained mid-bass, even mids with a touch more body than typical Harman, and an upper-mid presence that’s assertive yet not shouty. The treble is notably smooth and controlled—never sharp or sibilant—contributing to an unfatiguing, polished listen. For an all-BA design, the bass is punchy and clean, staying out of the midrange; the main trade-off is a stage that can feel narrower versus more expansive peers.

Against benchmarks, RSV comes across as the “gentleman’s” alternative to the more energetic Moondrop S8 and the livelier, deeper-reaching ThieAudio Monarch, while showing more consistent bass body and smoother treble than DUNU SA6. At roughly $730, it emphasizes balance and refinement over fireworks, earning a solid four-star verdict: extremely competent tuning and execution for those prioritizing maturity, comfort, and smoothness over maximum excitement.

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Softears RSV brings a 5BA recipe with a shell that’s handsome but larger than average, featuring a recessed 2-pin that can fuss with some cables. Comfort is generally fine, yet the size and wide body may test smaller ears. Sonically it’s a neutral-leaning tuning with clean mids and polite highs, but the presentation trades off texture, sub-bass weight, and upper-air sparkle. Stage feels spacious, extension is more average, and while the technicalities are solid, the current crop of mid-fi monitors has pushed beyond what this 2021 design delivers.

Stacked against today’s options, RSV gets pressure from several directions: Elysian Pilgrim hits harder down low with greater perceived clarity; Supernova offers a more natural tonality and better sub-bass; HiSenior Mega5 EST graphs similarly but adds a touch more air; even value picks like a “super mix”/EM10-style V-tune bring fun, slam, and engagement. RSV remains easy to pair and its upper-mids are tastefully set, yet vocals can feel a bit soft—more “fun and cozy” than pristine. At typical new pricing around the mid-$500s it’s tough to champion; catch it closer to $350–$400 (or a good used deal) and it becomes a very enjoyable pick for those who prize smooth mids over maximum bass grip and airy bite.

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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.

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Softears RSV delivers a rare combo for a full-BA set: organic timbre without the plasticky edge. The bass carries sufficient weight with a mid-bass emphasis—tight and tasteful rather than earth-shaking, and understandably shy of a DD’s thump. Midrange separation from the bass is clean yet never thin; male vocals keep their body, while female vocals and instruments sound natural, relaxed, and true-to-life. Treble sits neutral and tame—enough sparkle to animate vocals and instruments, but not tuned to spotlight microdetail. Detail retrieval is above average for the price, though not a detail monster, and staging plus imaging sit comfortably slightly outside the head with competent placement. The overall takeaway is a beautiful all-rounder that prioritizes realism and balance over fireworks.

Against peers, RSV squares up closely with Thieaudio Oracle: choose Oracle for more dynamic bass, pick RSV for more organic mids and vocals. Versus sets like Moondrop Variations, RSV trades a touch of separation/analytical edge for fuller lower mids and a more lifelike tonal weight. It won’t chase the widest stages or the sharpest micro-etch, but the tuning and timbre are so dialed that technical trade-offs fade into the background. As the most affordable Softears model, RSV feels like a love letter to musicality: realistic tone, versatile tuning, and a presentation that simply sounds right across genres.

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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.

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Softears RSV breaks the usual BA timbre stigma with a natural, cohesive presentation that avoids the metallic edge often blamed on poor crossovers. Its tuning lifts the upper-mids/early treble just enough to throw vocals into center stage, creating a lively contrast against an otherwise balanced base. At higher volumes the treble feels smooth and correct—cymbal hits sound “right” without glare—while the midrange stays clean, forward, and free of bleed.

Technically, it’s above average but not a show-off: speed, separation, and imaging are tight, yet sets like SA6 Ultra or U12t resolve a touch sharper. Bass carries typical BA traits—quick, textured, but without dynamic-driver slam—though U12t still edges it for bass texture. Where RSV shines is vocal immersion and timbre, arguably among the best under $1,000; just note its source sensitivity at loud listening—pair it with a clean, capable source to avoid distortion. Not a pick for bassheads, but for vocal lovers chasing a smooth, lifelike top end, RSV feels special.