Moondrop Aria 2 VS Pula Unicrom

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Moondrop switches up the formula with Aria 2’s single dynamic “dome” driver, creating a presentation that feels set back from the head with surprising soundstage depth and precise positional cues. Instead of shoving detail forward, the tuning stays smooth, coherent, and non-fatiguing while still keeping vocals engaging and treble tidy. At $89, it becomes the new default pick in the sub-$100 bracket—easily preferred over other budget crowd-pleasers—thanks to that airy layering and “in-the-room” spacing that’s rare at this price.

Build and accessories are enthusiast-friendly: a weighty metal shell, recessed 2-pin, and a modular cable with 3.5/4.4 mm ends (the 4.4 plug fits tight, but locks solidly). The nozzle uses a replaceable acoustic filter and there’s a pressure-relief vent, though no spare filters are included and the tip selection is basic. Pairing scales well—from clean Class-A amps to punchy portables—without upsetting the balance; different sources simply shift flavor, not quality. Add the unexpectedly classy design and this becomes an easy top recommendation under $100 for listeners who value staging, ease, and refinement over brute-force brightness.

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At $80, the Pula Unicrom (aka “Unic”) is a 10 mm single dynamic IEM that keeps the box basic but surprises with a genuinely nice cable—tight weave, slick hardware, and a stealthy screw-on plug that feels finely machined. The shell finishes can be oddball, the naming is weirder, but in the ears it’s easy to drive and hassle-free; throw on preferred tips and it’s ready to go. Marketing quirks aside, build and usability punch well above the bracket.

Sound is the headline: a wide, relaxed soundstage that floats instruments around the head with real dynamics—swells hit hard, decays fall away cleanly, no shout or sting. Bass is warm and textured without bloat, mids stay clear and focused, and treble sprinkles detail instead of poking holes; it’s the rare “fixer IEM” that flatters rough recordings yet makes orchestral and soundtrack cues feel big. For the money it’s a no-brainer—fun, forgiving, cohesive—proof that a well-tuned single DD can still embarrass busier driver packs in this range.

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Build and accessories hit above the price: a metal shell with a golden nozzle, medium-sized fit, solid lip for tips, and a tasteful faceplate flourish. The stock cable feels premium with clear L/R markings, a chin slider, and an easy quick-swap plug system that makes 3.5↔4.4 painless. The case is a standout—leatherette feel, smooth zipper—and the tips selection is practical. Street price hovers around $90, often dipping to the $60–70 range during sales, which makes the overall package compelling for the money.

Sonically, Aria 2 leans on clean upper-mids and a smooth treble with a lighter bass shelf; dynamics are modest, imaging is respectable, and resolution is good for the tier. It tracks very close to the original Aria’s tonality (with slightly less bass) and overlaps with Moondrop’s current lineup enough to reduce the appeal of some pricier siblings, while outclassing bright-tilted alternatives like Dunu’s Titan S2 on ease of listen. Think of it as a vocal-forward, safe single-DD that trades slam for clarity; a solid B/B- performer that’s easy to like, easier to recommend at sale pricing, and worth shortlisting if smooth, airy mids and a tidy, well-built kit are the priority.

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The Pula Unicrom offers a comfortable and well-built shell with clear left/right indicators and a swappable cable featuring a secure 4.4mm connector. It comes in four colors and includes a highly praised magnetic case considered excellent value. The cable itself is noted as one of the nicer options at this price point, though the lack of a USB-C option is a minor drawback.

Sonically, the Unicrom delivers a smooth, slightly bassy, and darkish signature with visceral, thick bass and rich, thick mids. Its upper mids are nice and not overly shouty or sibilant, resulting in a cohesive dynamic driver sound. While it lacks the absolute best detail, imaging, and air, it provides a fun and engaging listen, described as a strong V-shape. Graph comparisons show it shares similarities with the much more expensive Moondrop Dragon and the RT10 Pro, offering that kind of tonality at a significantly lower price. It faces stiff competition around $100, like the RT10 Pro and Letshuoer S08, but holds its own as a competent, colorized option.

Ultimately rated a solid B minus, the Unicrom earns a value star and a strong recommendation as a great all-rounder under $100. It's highlighted as a beautifully executed product with satisfying, rich mids and bass, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an organic, fun sound, especially as a gift. While the lower mid warmth might not suit everyone and detail seekers might prefer sets like the Hexa, the Unicrom stands out as a unique and interesting bassy dynamic driver option at its price.

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Moondrop Aria sets a brutal value bar at $79, pairing elegant presentation with no-nonsense accessories: a tidy case, comfy fabric cable with zero microphonics, and serviceable tips. Build and box feel surprisingly premium—clean, simple, and just… right. As a package, it’s the kind of under-$100 IEM that forces every new budget set to prove itself against it first.

Sonically, Aria hits a neutral-with-bass-boost target that’s broadly Harman-leaning: a punchy mid-bass focus for thump and slam, modest but present sub-bass, and a clean handoff to the mids with no bleed. Vocals are the star—male voices carry a touch of warmth and weight, while female vocals have a bit more energy than sets like Starfield/KXXS, bringing them alive without turning shouty. Treble keeps things safe rather than spicy; not a pick for treble-heads, but still balanced enough that the overall presentation never dives into murk—just a smoother tilt up top.

Technical performance is where the “how is this $79?” reactions kick in. Detail retrieval is top-tier for the price, easily out-resolving many sub-$120 competitors, and the soundstage runs wider than typical budget fare. Imaging is competent rather than laser-etched (Starfield still images better), but the total package—tuning, clarity, width, and day-to-day listenability—feels unfair at this bracket. Verdict: a beginner’s best friend and the default recommendation under $100; if the budget is $50, it’s worth saving a little more for Aria.

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Aria 2 Red keeps the familiar Moondrop house tuning—balanced, clean with a gentle mid-bass lift—but shifts more mid-centric thanks to extra upper-mid energy. Vocals gain power and clarity, and the previous Aria 2’s fuzziness/soft timbre is tempered by trimming treble air, which in turn improves low-end tactility and preserves a good sense of space. Tip rolling isn’t picky: Softears Ultra Clear for smoother playback or Azla Sedna for more bite. It plays well at normal to mid-high volumes, though pushing it loud can get shouty around 1–4 kHz.

Against its siblings and peers, Red comes across as the most natural all-rounder in the Aria family—preferred over the OG and SE—which now feel outdated. Technicalities see a small bump versus Aria 2, yet remain a notch under sets like Defiant and EW300; sub-$100 planars (CLAR/F1 Pro/S12) still offer stronger raw performance. Versus EW300 (3.5), Red trades blows but the EW300 hits with better bass texture, slam, and treble detail, plus useful tuning nozzles and frequent sub-$60 pricing, making it the sharper value for many. For a similarly clean, airy tonality with more separation and sub-bass reach, Defiant is cited as the more compelling pick around the same bracket—QC caveats acknowledged on both sides.

Value is the sticking point. At $100 the Red feels slightly pricey amid a crowded field where Simgot’s EM6L (often ~$90) offers a smoother, more dynamic take, and options like A-Explorer, Yay500 LM, CCA Hydro, or plentiful $50 single-DDs provide distinctive flavors and strong technicals. The verdict is a half-recommendation: as a well-balanced, nicely built daily driver it works—especially on sale around $60–$70—but at full MSRP, enthusiasts seeking uniqueness or performance-per-dollar will likely find richer alternatives.