Comparisons
Stellaris is a planar IEM and sounds very different from the Starfield 2. The Stellaris gives an unimpressive treble when compared, and it sounds flatter in terms of overall presentation. It also has the worst bass of the two, with missing texture and depth, even more so than the Starfield 2.
The mid-range is quite good on both, but they suffer both as well, from balance problems. The upper mid-range focus makes these two sound shouty and too bright on that particular area of the spectrum. Treble overall is better in the Starfield 2 with better articulation. Overall I think it is the better IEM.
The 7Hz Legato is much darker and warmer sounding than Moondrop’s offering. It has much more body and fullness. It doesn’t have the same amount of clarity and resolution though. Especially in the treble range the Legato suffers from its lack of transparency against the Moondrop.
However the Legato is not a shouty IEM, it’s rather a dark and easygoing one. It also has a slightly bigger sound-stage. In terms of no-sound topics, the Moondrop offering is more impressive in terms of build, design and packaging.
Conclusion
The Moondrop Starfield 2 is a decent in-ear monitor for its price, especially when it comes to technical performance. Moondrop has done a good job with this single dynamic driver, but there is still room for improvement. While the technical performance is impressive, there is a need to enhance the overall balance, bass response, and treble control.
If the company can manage to achieve these aspects, the Moondrop Starfield concept could be an exceptional product. I believe that Moondrop will eventually release an even more improved version of this IEM.
Pros:
- Good technical performance
- Transparency
- Fantastic build for money
- Great fit
- Good tonality
Cons
- Bass texture missing
- Borderline aggressive treble
- Shouty presentation