Wired IEMs
Moondrop JIU
74Good
$19
Full review dataMoondrop JIU vs Moondrop QUARKS: 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.
Our pick: Moondrop JIU - Good overall at around $19.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop QUARKS
68Good
$15
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Moondrop JIU
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Moondrop QUARKS
Sound7.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Moondrop JIU | Moondrop QUARKS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $19 | $15 |
| HearWiki score | 74 / 100 · Good | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver | 6mm micro dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 6 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-35kHz | 4Hz-43kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 116 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 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 QUARKS
The Moondrop QUARKS are an ultra-budget wired IEM with a tiny 6mm dynamic driver and a neutral-leaning sound signature. They offer clean mids and surprising bass punch for the price, but their technical abilities—like soundstage width and detail retrieval—are modest, and the build is basic with a fixed cable. Overall, they're a solid pick for a neutral, no-frills budget listen, though not for those seeking immersive or highly detailed sound.
- Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning with clear midrange
- Pro:Surprisingly punchy bass for a micro-driver
- Pro:Compact, comfortable shell for long wear
- Con:Limited technical performance with small soundstage
- Con:Non-removable, basic cable
- Con:Modest sub-bass extension and average detail
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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