I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with the Moondrop Cosmo headphones, Moondrop's new flagship planar headphone model for $899. They combine sturdy build quality with excellent planar performance, making them a worthy addition to some audiophiles' collections. Here's my detailed review based on my experience with them.
What is in the box?
- COSMO Headphones
- 4.4mm balanced cable
- 4.4mm to 6.35mm adapter
- Manual
- anime card
- Certificate
- Service card
Fit and comfort
When I first put on the Moondrop Cosmo, I noticed that the ear cushions could use a bit more distance and cushioning. They are fairly comfortable, but I think upgrading them would drastically improve the comfort level. I found some upgradeable ear cushions online and I think this simple change could make these headphones much more comfortable.
The headband adjustment mechanism seems much sturdier compared to other brands. Despite weighing over 500 grams, the headband holds the headphones in place well and seems incredibly durable. It reminds me of an athlete who may look out of shape but is performing incredibly well. Comfort is above average in my opinion, though your mileage may vary.
As for looks, I appreciate the continuous design language used by Moondrop. IEMs like the Kato, Variations, and Aria 2 have an aesthetic line that is reflected in their solid metal construction. It is disappointing to see $1000+ earphones with durability issues. Moondrop has responded to this by giving us an incredibly sturdy design that seems to fit into their product line.
Design
The Moondrop Cosmo design includes a dual 3.5mm to 4.4mm cable and a 4.4mm to 6.35mm adapter. The 3.5mm headphone input makes it easy to find replacement or upgrade cables. The large 100mm FTD diaphragm, N52 magnetic array, and dual high-frequency phase control waveguide contribute to an exceptionally clear sound profile.
I appreciate the ultra-low non-linear distortion (THD)
Sound scene
The Moondrop Cosmo offers a medium-width soundstage with fantastic holographic qualities. The accuracy is commendable, making sounds seem to envelop your head. While sounds are kept within a confined space, the representation of distance is articulate, with vertical shifts and sounds from behind reproduced exceptionally well.
Low
The bass is clear and powerful, with a balanced texture and fullness. Listening to “Moten Swing” by Sonny Stitt and the Oscar Peterson Trio, the lows are articulate and a bit warm. With a flat amp, you might want a bit more low-mids in this specific mix, but a slight EQ adjustment responds well, naturally showcasing the rhythmic interplay between the bass, hi-hat, and kick drum. Without any boost, the bass transient on these headphones feels super snappy. I did turn up the bass slightly while listening to these, and the sound signature seemed to come alive with a 3 to 5 dB adjustment.
Modern tracks with fully extended bass respond incredibly well to the bass clarity of these headphones. The overall bass sound is balanced and exciting, suitable for a variety of genres. If you prefer a bass-boosted sound, these headphones may not be for you. However, boosting the 80-150 Hz range or replacing the ear cushions can improve the bass experience.
Media
The mids are flat and pleasantly articulate, especially with a boost from 800 Hz – 1200 Hz. The vocals, while not foregrounded, have an incredibly even, natural timbre. In Krystian Zimerman's “Schubert: Piano Sonata D no. 959,” the dynamics in the mids are superbly showcased. The headphones preserve the piano's gorgeous harmonics and timbre, bringing out unique qualities that make for an incredibly exciting listening experience. In this specific performance, the piano's hammers were calibrated specifically for this piece. I was able to discern the unique nuances of the harmonics due to the headphones' emphasis on the mids and highs.
Triple
The highs can be slightly sharp and sibilant on certain tracks, which may prove too brittle for some listeners. However, the articulation and punch of the cymbals and drums are fantastic. Textures are very present, though the sound can be fatiguing depending on the music. For example, Cancer Bats' “Fake Gold” gets too loud at the end due to feedback from the guitars.
Despite the brightness, the overall treble experience is nice and airy. Turning down the brightness slightly and emphasizing the bass more would balance these headphones out better. If you prefer a brighter sound or have a warm amp, these headphones are a great match. Although the highs can be overbearing at times, this frequency response is perfect for jazz, classical, acoustic, and digitally mixed music.
Conclusion
The Moondrop Cosmo headphones offer sturdy construction, excellent sound quality, and a great design. While they could use more comfortable ear pads and slightly less bright treble, the overall performance is impressive. Whether you're listening to jazz, classical, or modern music, these headphones provide a balanced and engaging listening experience. If you're looking for a reliable pair of mid-range headphones, the Moondrop Cosmo are worth considering.
He Cosmos moon drop Is available in Audio 46
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