Moondrop Illustrious [6.3/10]
Reviews (5), scores and comparisons for Moondrop Illustrious
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.3Mixed to Positive
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!
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-Moondrop Illustrious Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Moondrop
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $899
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Reviews
7.5
Reviewer Score
Basically the Softears Twilight with less sub-bass extension, alot more neutral and monitor like, and very pricy since Twilight goes on sale for $700 with a more musical playback. This is just neutral. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Thieaudio Valhalla lands as an “endgame” all-rounder with standout resolution, micro-detail, and imaging. Layering and separation are locked in, with vocals that aren’t scooped—mids stay present and natural. Sub-bass hits rumblier than the U12t and the treble avoids that sudden, sharp peak, making the overall presentation smoother yet still airy. Versus the Cadenza 12, Valhalla is less treble-heavy, a touch bassier, and not as bright-leaning; the Cadenza 12 may edge it on micro-detail by only a few percentage points, so it’s a straight tuning preference: go Cadenza 12 for leaner/brighter sparkle, go Valhalla for the better-balanced bassy all-rounder.
On value, this isn’t twice the performance of a Monarch Mk II/Mk III—think ~10% better with clear diminishing returns. For the “chase the very best” crowd, it’s absolutely worth a listen; for most, Monarchs/LTD/Crimson are already more than enough for a so-called endgame. Final call: Top Tier for tuning and sound refinement—not a value pick, but a legit endgame-grade set.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Nice single DD, not a benchmark, but very nice. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-31
6
Reviewer Score
Open-back IEM with a mellow sound. Good for long listening but not for those seeking strong bass or high resolution. Warm, full-bodied mids with natural timbre and safe treble. Light bass with low sub-bass, lacking treble air and sparkle, and underwhelming detail.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
6*
* score normalized
Sounds like an open-back IEM. It delivers on open design. Something to consider if you are looking for that.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
4.3
Reviewer Score
Sounds like it has metallic timbre. Percussino compression around 5kHz due to lack of treble extension and generally bad tuning. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Tools
IEM Finder Quiz
newMoondrop Illustrious Infos
Compare Moondrop Illustrious to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Letshuoer Mystic 8
Offers better details, imaging and mids.
|
8.4 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Hype 10
Offers better bass, imaging and mids.
|
8.1 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Monarch MK3
Offers better dynamics, details and bass.
|
8.1 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Letshuoer EJ07
Offers better details, mids and imaging.
|
8 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2
Offers better mids, details and imaging.
|
8 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Origin
Offers better dynamics, bass and mids.
|
7.8 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Aful Cantor
Offers better details, imaging and bass.
|
7.8 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. 7th Acoustics Supernova
Offers better mids, imaging and treble.
|
7.8 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Unique Melody MEST
Offers better imaging, details and bass.
|
7.7 |
|
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Softears Twilight
Offers better bass, mids and treble.
|
7.6 |
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Buy Moondrop Illustrious on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $899
Buy Moondrop Illustrious on Linsoul
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 review