
Moondrop JIU vs Moondrop QUARK2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop JIU comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 74. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Moondrop JIU | Moondrop QUARK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $19 | $17 |
| HearWiki score | 74 / 100 · Good | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver | 6mm micro dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Codecs | - | PCM 32-bit/384kHz |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | DSP microphone | - |
What reviewers said
Moondrop JIU
The Moondrop JIU is an affordable wired USB-C earphone that delivers surprisingly polished sound for its price, with a well-tuned dynamic driver and a DSP microphone for calls. It's a sensible pick for casual listeners who value simplicity, though its non-detachable cable and occasionally bright treble may deter some. Overall, it offers solid value within the still-narrow field of DSP-equipped budget IEMs.
- Pro:Excellent tuning for the price
- Pro:Good technical performance for a budget model
- Pro:USB-C connectivity with DSP mic for clear calls
- Con:Treble can be overly bright for some
- Con:Fixed cable cannot be replaced
- Con:Not an elite technical performer
Moondrop QUARK2
The Moondrop QUARK2 is a budget-friendly USB-C in-ear monitor that delivers surprisingly capable sound through its compact 7.8mm dynamic driver and built-in digital signal processing. It offers plug-and-play convenience with an inline microphone and physical controls, making it a solid pick for everyday listening on compatible devices. While it lacks advanced features like noise cancellation, its straightforward design and clear tuning provide strong value at its low price point.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Clean, well-tuned sound for the size
- Pro:Simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Limited to wired USB-C use, no Bluetooth
- Con:Basic build and no replaceable cable
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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