Wired IEMs
Moondrop S8
84Great
$699
Full review dataMoondrop S8 vs Westone ES40: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Moondrop S8 vs Westone ES40, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Westone ES40
Not yet scored
$1000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Moondrop S8
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Westone ES40
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Moondrop S8 | Westone ES40 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $699 | $1000 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | Not scored |
| Released | 2021 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 8 balanced armature (2 highs + 4 mids + 2 bass) | BA |
| Drivers per side | 8 | 4 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 10Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/mW | 112 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Moondrop S8
The Moondrop S8 is an eight-balanced-armature IEM built for clarity and technical precision, with a clean, controlled tuning that suits critical listening. Its high sensitivity and low impedance make it easy to drive, though it may reveal background hiss on noisy sources. Overall, it delivers strong detail retrieval and a refined, balanced signature that rivals far pricier models.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and technical performance
- Pro:Balanced, refined tuning across the frequency range
- Pro:Very easy to drive thanks to high sensitivity
- Con:Can expose hiss from less-than-pristine sources
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling features
- Con:Price may be steep for some buyers
Westone ES40
The Westone ES40 is a custom-fitted in-ear monitor aimed at professional users, delivering precise, detailed audio through a four-driver balanced armature setup. Its personalized shell ensures comfort and isolation, while the efficient 112 dB sensitivity makes it easy to drive from most devices. With a broad frequency range and neutral tuning, it suits critical listening and stage monitoring alike.
- Pro:Personalized custom fit for superior comfort and isolation
- Pro:Four balanced armature drivers provide detailed, accurate sound
- Pro:High sensitivity (112 dB) works well with portable sources
- Con:Requires custom impressions, making them less accessible than universal-fit IEMs
- Con:No detachable cable or wireless option, limiting versatility
- Con:Price point is high for casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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