Wired IEMs
FiiO FA9
72Good
$500
Full review dataFiiO FA9 vs Moondrop DUSK: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop DUSK comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop DUSK - Great overall at around $400.
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.
FiiO FA9
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Moondrop DUSK
Sound9.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO FA9 | Moondrop DUSK |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $500 | $400 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2020 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 6 balanced armature drivers (Knowles) | 2 dynamic drivers + 2 balanced armatures + 2 planar magnetic drivers |
| Driver size | - | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 6 | 6 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | - | 14.5 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 119 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 6.2 g | 5.97 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
What reviewers said
FiiO FA9
The FiiO FA9 is a flagship six-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes tuning flexibility through its switchable sound profiles and a robust, 3D-printed shell. It delivers a warm, bass-rich signature with airy treble, and while it excels in build quality and source compatibility, its physical size and complex tuning options may not suit everyone. Overall, it's a well-engineered enthusiast tool that offers solid technical performance for its price, though it doesn't dominate every sonic category.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with a comfortable, lightweight fit for most ears
- Pro:Multiple tuning switches allow for significant sound signature adjustments
- Pro:Strong bass extension and smooth, non-fatiguing treble
- Con:Large shell may cause fit issues for smaller ears
- Con:Tuning options can be overwhelming or confusing to dial in
- Con:Instrument separation is only average for the price
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.