The Moondrop CHU II (CHU 2) is in my opinion one of the best options for the entry-level audiophiles or music lovers. Relatively low price with highly cost-performance configuration and sound quality.
- $18 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
Appearance Design & Comfort Fit
Moondrop CHU II continues the minimalist design of the previous generation. The difference is that the bamboo pattern of the CHU 2 is more restrained and low-key than the Moondrop CHU, and the pattern on both sides adopts an asymmetrical design. The earphone cavity is made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, and the metal cavity is matched with black paint, which makes the earphones look very textured.
CHU II uses a 0.78mm 2-pin interface, which can be replaced with other brands of cables. At the same time, the design of the replaceable cable also enriches the usage scenarios of the earphones. You can replace the balance cable or the headphone cable with microphone for the earphones, or directly replace the earphones with the buetooth ear-hook.
Also, what is more surprising is that CHU 2 also uses a replaceable acoustic nozzle design. Headphones for less than $20 can also be very detailed DIY. If the earphone filter is dirty, it can be directly removed for replacement.
In addition, Moondrop CHU 2 also provides 3 pairs of eartips of different sizes, which can be well adapted to different ear canals. I feel very comfortable after wearing it, and I don’t feel tired after listening to music for a long time.
Acoustic Architecture – Sound Quality
Moondrop CHU II uses a 10mm aluminum-magnesium alloy dome diaphragm dynamic driver as the core of the sound, which is very attractive to many entry-level audiophiles.
My first impression of CHU II is that the soundstage is open and the details of the music are very rich. The low-frequency quantity is sufficient, and the drumbeat is powerful. The bass of CHU II is not simply thick, but compact with layers. The vocal reproduction is very real and natural, the slight hiss can be heard clearly, and the details are rich without blurring. The progression between the intermediate frequencies is very coherent.
Suffice it to say, the Moondrop CHU 2’s mids and bass performance exceeds my expectations among entry-level IEMs under $20.
Unfortunately, although the high frequency has good resolution, its details are not rich enough, and the changes in timbre are not well captured. In some music with more high-frequency details, the control ability of the earphones is somewhat lacking.
Conclusion
Moondrop CHU II is not only well-designed, but also has excellent sound quality. The low-frequency quantity is strong, and the resolution is also relatively good. However, there are some limitations at high frequencies. CHU II is definitely one of the most recommended entry-level IEMs.
Moondrop CHU 2 specs and features:
- 10mm high-performance dynamic driver
- Aluminum-manesium alloy composite diaphragm
- 0.78mm-2pin detachable cable
- 3.5mm single-ended plug
- $18 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries