Moondrop PARA – Sound
The PARA has a mostly neutral signature with no distinct elevation in its tuning. It sounds fairly natural and balanced with my reference sources, such as Chord’s Mojo 2 and Topping’s G5 DAC-AMPs. Despite having a clean and articulate presentation, it sounds surprisingly gentle for a Planar. Its tonality feels accurate, and I am genuinely impressed with its easy-to-listen nature. It is also easier to drive compared to the Hifimans in my inventory. The bass range of the PARA is on the flatter side of the spectrum, compared to bassier Planars such as the Edition XS but the PARA does not lack any definition here. Depth-wise, it follows a more conservative route, especially compared to cans like Hifiman’s Arya Organic. Mids of the PARA is articulate, well-tuned, and feels natural to my ears. Its treble is perfectly weighted, neither too dull nor too bright. I really like what Moondrop did with the PARA’s tuning. It’s a well-rounded Planar that will keep most of the audiophile folk happy. Let’s dive deeper!
Bass
During my testing, I observed that the clamping force significantly influences the bass extension, similar to my experience with the Ananda Nano headphones. Those with a wider head than mine may notice a more extended bass response, particularly in the sub-range. The bass of the PARA is quite neutral; however, it becomes fuller and more rounded when paired with warmer sources, showing its scalability. While the PARA is not overly selective about sources, heavily colored DACs impact its sound signature more noticeably than other planar headphones in my collection. The sub-bass of the PARA is both quick and responsive. I also noted that the included leather pads reduce the sub-bass quantity while enhancing the upper midrange, leading to a more analytical sound. Nonetheless, the default pads strike an excellent balance between the weight and definition of the bass. As head anatomy varies, so too may these observations, but it’s important to note that the PARA is not characterized by heavy bass. Its bass response is linear, with good presence and control across the bass region. The resolution and speed in the bass region are very impressive for this price range, leaving me quite satisfied with the PARA’s approach to the lower frequencies.
Mid
The midrange has good balance; it sounds natural, articulate, and clean to my ears. The instruments and the male vocals have good weight/body. Despite PARA’s spacious and airy presentation, the instruments do not feel light. Vocal naturality is impressive, almost on par with my Edition XS headphones, which I find quite successful at $499 USD. The midrange region is one of the highlights of the PARA; it is gentle, resolving, and articulate at the same time, which translates into being natural, and there aren’t many cans I can name being as natural as PARA in its price bracket.
Treble
The treble of the PARA is controlled, neither sharp nor recessed. It has a nice weight and balance and complements the wonderful midrange with finesse. The resolving nature of PARA’s treble boosts the clarity whilst providing air to the overall signature. The PARA is a spacious-sounding headphone; I’ll elaborate more on this in the technical capability section. This well-executed treble tuning lends instruments a crisp clarity that enhances the resolution and texture without introducing sibilance into the mix. This section is another highlight of the PARA. I believe Moondrop did level up its headphone design, especially after the VOID. Kudos!
Technical Capability
In terms of technical capability, the PARA impresses with its fast and snappy response, great PRaT, and overall solid technical capability. It handles congestion well, as fast-paced tracks are delivered with accuracy, precision, and great control. It also has one of the most expansive soundstages I’ve heard in this price range in terms of height, depth, and width. It’s a spacious-sounding headphone; all the instruments are easily trackable within the soundstage, and there is a good amount of air between them. During my time with it, I have never felt claustrophobic with the PARA, regardless of my source choice. The headphones’ ability to provide distinct instrument spacing and precise imaging contributes to an accurate listening experience. All in all, the PARA is one of the few headphones in this price bracket that certainly deserves a listen.
Comparison
vs. Hifiman Edition XS ($499 USD)
The Moondrop PARA and HiFiMan Edition XS are two brilliant Planars that are easy to recommend to audiophiles in 2024, each with a distinctive approach to sound reproduction. The PARA maintains a largely neutral profile, offering a sound that’s natural and balanced, with an easygoing nature. The bass, while not as deep as Edition XS’s, is detailed, punchy, and agile.
In comparison, the HiFiMan Edition XS comes with a slightly warmer sound signature, with slightly more bass quantity and extension. Its mid-bass is also warmer compared to the PARA. The Edition XS’s bass is punchy; its midrange is crisp and clear, and its upper midrange is lively without being overpowering, contributing to an overall dynamic presentation. The PARA’s presentation is slightly more laid back and gentle compared to the more dynamic Edition XS. While Edition XS performs better with bass-heavy genres, I find PARA very successful in reproducing natural instruments in genres like Jazz.
In terms of technical performance, the PARA offers a more spacious and airy soundstage compared to the Edition XS. While both headphones offer excellent instrument positioning and imaging, the PARA feels more relaxed in this regard.
Last Words
In summary, the Moondrop PARA is an excellent addition to the planar magnetic headphone market, particularly at its $299 price point. It offers a balanced and neutral sound profile that impresses with its natural and easy-to-listen nature. The PARA’s build quality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal further enhance its value, making it a strong contender against more expensive models.
For audiophiles seeking a high-quality planar magnetic headphone that won’t break the bank, the Moondrop PARA appears as a compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package. We believe it’s well-deserved to grant our Headfonia recommendation to the PARA, placing it among esteemed peers!
Pros
+Great SQ
+Competitive pricing
+Great build quality
+ Excellent soundstage
Cons
-Could be lighter
-Stock cable could be better
Page 1: Moondrop, PARA, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build Quality & Comfort
Page 2: Sound, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
