Moondrop Illustrious - Reviews & Ratings

5 Reviews (B Tier | 6.3/10)

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Summary

Based on 5 reviews, the Moondrop Illustrious is a positive pick among reviewers, who feel it delivers a well-rounded experience.

Average Reviewer Scores

Precogvision
Gizaudio Axel Super* Review
Jays Audio Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

6.3

Mixed to Positive

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Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.6

Gaming Grade

B-

Moondrop Illustrious Details

Driver Configuration: 1DD

Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright

Top Neutral IEMs Top Bright IEMs

Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs

Price (Msrp): $899

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Reviews

Reviewed by: Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
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.
Youtube Video Summary

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.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

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Reviewed by: Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Nice single DD, not a benchmark, but very nice.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: A+ Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A-
YouTube video thumbnail

Reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
B+ Tech
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
YouTube video thumbnail

Reviewed by: Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + 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
YouTube video thumbnail

Reviewed by: Precogvision

Precogvision 4.3 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C Tech
Sounds like it has metallic timbre. Percussino compression around 5kHz due to lack of treble extension and generally bad tuning.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: C+ Mids: C- Treble: C- Dynamics: C- Details: C+ Imaging: C+

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Moondrop Illustrious Infos

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Compare Moondrop Illustrious to popular alternatives

Compare two IEMs side by side
Name

VS

Name
IEM alt. Score
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Letshuoer Mystic 8
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. Campfire Audio Alien Brain
Campfire Audio Alien Brain offers better dynamics, bass and mids.
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Monarch MK3
Thieaudio Monarch MK3 offers better dynamics, details and bass.
Show Thieaudio Monarch MK3
 8.2
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 offers better mids, details and imaging.
Show Thieaudio Monarch Mk2
 8.1
Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Hype 10
Thieaudio Hype 10 offers better bass, imaging and mids.
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. Thieaudio Origin
Thieaudio Origin offers better dynamics, bass and mids.
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. 7th Acoustics Supernova
7th Acoustics Supernova offers better mids, imaging and dynamics.
Show 7th Acoustics Supernova
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. FlipEars Legion
FlipEars Legion offers better bass, imaging and details.
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. Aful Cantor
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Moondrop Illustrious vs. LetShuoer EJ07
LetShuoer EJ07 offers better details, mids and imaging.
Show LetShuoer EJ07
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Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B
  • Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Bass C+
It delivers adequate punch and texture, though nothing stands out. Sub-bass presence is hinted rather than delivered.
Mids B-
It presents a stable midrange foundation suitable for everyday listening. Clarity is serviceable without standing out.
Treble B
Treble response is good, delivering clarity and sparkle without fatigue. Hi-hats sound lively without sting.
Dynamics C
The system delivers passable punch but never surprises. Punch is modest rather than exciting.
Soundstage A-
Excellent spatial presentation that is wide, deep, and tall with precise instrument placement. Width, depth, and height all feel expanded.
Details C+
It rides the line between musicality and analysis, occasionally letting micro-detail slip by. Complex mixes stay organized for the most part.
Imaging C+
The stage feels orderly, guiding your ear across positions without confusion. Depth layering is hinted and believable.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

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