ThieAudio Legacy 5 VS Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
ThieAudio Legacy 5 and Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua use 1DD+4BA and 2DD+4BA driver setups respectively. ThieAudio Legacy 5 costs $250 while Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua costs $299. Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua is $49 more expensive. Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua holds a decisive 2.5-point edge in reviewer scores (5.2 vs 7.7). Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better bass with a 4.6-point edge, Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better mids with a 2.4-point edge, Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better treble with a 3.6-point edge, Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better dynamics with a 3.2-point edge, Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better details with a 4.3-point edge and Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua has significantly better imaging with a 4.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | ThieAudio Legacy 5 | Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 3 | 7.6 |
| Mids | 5 | 7.4 |
| Treble | 4 | 7.6 |
| Details | 4 | 8.3 |
| Soundstage | 5.2 | 7.9 |
| Imaging | 4 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 4 | 7.2 |
| Tonality | 5 | 8 |
| Technicalities | 4.8 | 7.8 |
ThieAudio Legacy 5 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5.2Mixed to Negative
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
ThieAudio Legacy 5 (more reviews)
ThieAudio Legacy 5 reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
ThieAudio Legacy 5 reviewed by Crin
5.5
Reviewer Score
ThieAudio Legacy 5 reviewed by Precogvision
4
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua (more reviews)
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua reviewed by Jaytiss
8.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua is a Japan-only edition (~$400) built on the B3 platform with a 2DD + 4BA array. The shell mirrors the Blessing 3—comfortable, durable, translucent, and tastefully styled with the Aqua faceplate—while the accessory pack is standard fare. The weak link is the microphonic cable (the same type used on other Moondrop models), which begs for a swap to something quieter.
Sonically it’s slightly V-shaped and bright-leaning yet surprisingly natural: smooth, clean, and fun with a linear bass shelf that avoids bloat. Versus the regular Blessing 3, Aqua subtly fills the “bass tuck,” trims the upper-mids a hair, and adds a hint of upper-treble sparkle—engaging for treble-heads and mid fans, but not the pick for bass impact seekers. In graph terms it reads coherent and tasteful, though that added air can push into brightness on sensitive ears. Compared with Moondrop’s own lineup, it edges the B3 on balance but can’t quite match the Meteor’s treble elegance.
In the value maze, availability hurts: outside Japan, alternatives like a Dusk + DSP bundle or the Kiwi Ears Astral may be easier grabs and offer a bit more warmth and sub-bass. Still, Aqua stands out as one of Moondrop’s better-tuned releases—technically solid, musically lively, and highly competitive if obtainable. Verdict: a high recommendation for those who enjoy a crisp, airy tilt; roughly 3.5–4 stars overall.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Japan-only limited edition revision that keeps the 2DD+4BA architecture, the same unboxing, and swaps in a mirror-aqua faceplate that’s a fingerprint magnet plus a transparent shell to show the internals. The new soft 4-core fabric cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 plugs and a working chin slider keeps microphonics lower than most fabric leads, though they’re not gone. The shell runs a bit large yet stays snug and comfortable; those with small ears should test a Blessing 3 fit first.
Tuning shifts toward more sub-bass and lower mids with less lower treble, trading the original’s brightness for a more relaxed, less clinical balance. The focus is a natural midrange—fuller male vocals and smooth upper mids for female vocals—while the upper treble is slightly rolled off, which some will find easier on the ears. Resolution and micro-detail remain strong with solid imaging; the soundstage is about average.
Versus Blessing 3, Aqua adds bass and body and tames shout; against Dusk Analog it’s similar, but Dusk can swing warmer with the DSP cable; compared with Meer SL224 the Aqua’s bass is bigger/slower with more natural vocals, while the YU9 Que brings brighter treble extension and broader versatility. Recommended if natural, vocal-centric tonality is the goal rather than basshead slam or sparkling top-end. Strong revision, but limited availability and pricing dent the value next to rivals, so it earns a two-star recommendation on value.
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua reviewed by Web Search
7
Reviewer Score
The Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua retains the Blessing 3’s 2DD+4BA hybrid platform with Moondrop’s horizontally-opposed dual-dynamic bass module, then applies a light retune and a deep-sea blue faceplate aimed at the Japanese market. Moondrop lists the Aqua as a new variant released in Japan on August 1, 2025 with a street price around ¥59,000, and retailer pages note “driver retuning” while keeping the series’ core design intact.
Tonally, Aqua remains broadly neutral-bright with clear upper-mid focus; reports point to subtle bass adjustments versus the original B3 rather than wholesale changes. Resolution and imaging are still the headline strengths carried over from the Blessing 3 platform, with precise placement and good separation for the price class.
Practicalities are favorable: sensitivity and impedance figures make the Aqua easy to drive from modest sources, and isolation is typical for sealed resin shells—effective in the mids/treble but limited for low-frequency rumble. Value is solid but no longer class-leading given the higher price versus the standard Blessing 3, which launched around $320; Aqua earns its keep with refined tonality and technical competence rather than sheer price/performance.
ThieAudio Legacy 5 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $250
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Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $299
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ThieAudio Legacy 5 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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ThieAudio Legacy 5 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
4.8Gaming Grade
CMoondrop Blessing 3 Aqua Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.9Gaming Grade
AThieAudio Legacy 5 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C+- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
C- Textural information blurs together, making the stage feel pinched and gray. Instrument edges blur together frequently.
Moondrop Blessing 3 Aqua Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
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