Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
84Great
$285
Full review dataAKG N5005 vs Moondrop DUSK: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the AKG N5005 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: AKG N5005 - Great overall at around $285.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop DUSK
84Great
$400
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG N5005
Sound9.0
Battery6.0
Value6.5
Moondrop DUSK
Sound9.0
Calls6.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N5005 | Moondrop DUSK |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $285 | $400 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2018 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature | 2 dynamic drivers + 2 balanced armatures + 2 planar magnetic drivers |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 5 | 6 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 14.5 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 116 dB/mW | 119 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | AptX, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | - |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.4 g | 5.97 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
AKG N5005
The AKG N5005 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for detailed, reference-grade sound. It offers versatile tuning options and a strong accessory set, though its wired-only connection and lack of noise cancellation may limit its appeal for some listeners. Priced around $199, it delivers high-end performance that rivals far more expensive models.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Multiple tuning filters for sound customization
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling support
- Con:Lacks aptX HD codec
- Con:Price may still feel steep for some
Moondrop DUSK
The Moondrop DUSK is a sophisticated tribrid in-ear monitor that blends dual dynamics, balanced armatures, and planar tweeters, with both analog and USB-C DSP cable options for versatile use. It delivers strong, well-tuned sound across music, commuting, and casual gaming, though its performance leans heavily on the digital signal processing cable, and its noise isolation and microphone quality are only average. While the accessory package is modest, the core audio performance makes it a compelling choice in its price bracket.
- Pro:Excellent, refined sound tuning with strong detail retrieval
- Pro:Versatile USB-C cable offers low-latency audio and microphone support
- Pro:Hybrid driver array provides a wide, immersive soundstage
- Con:Sound quality is heavily dependent on the DSP cable for best results
- Con:Weak passive noise isolation, unsuitable for loud environments
- Con:Microphone performance is only average for calls or gaming
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.