Firstly I would like to thank Shenzhen Audio for sending me this sample.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
Yulong DA10 / Audio Opus #2 > Spaceship
Tech Specs:
Impedance: 16Ω±15%
Wire: 4 N Litz oxygen free copper
Frequency response range: 20-40KHz
Plug: 3.5mm Line Type
Effective frequency response: 20-20KHZ
Quality control range: ±1.5dB
Sensitivity: 104dB@1kHz
Transducer: 6mm
MOONDROP SPACESHIP In-ear Headphone
You can also get them at Apos Audio
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The Spaceship come in a plastic box with space themed images on it in keeping with the name of the product. You can see the IEM’s through the clear plastic on the front, on the back you have a list of the specs. The packaging really isn’t that special, it looks good but is all plastic which I don’t really like.
Build quality is really impressive, the housing is brass with a shiny chrome plating that feels durable. Strain relief on all parts is excellent and these feel very well put together, the cable is rubbery and these should last a while with appropriate care.
Accessory wise all you get are the usual S, M and L tips along with a small fabric pouch to keep them in. To be honest for the price I’m quite happy to see Moondrop include a case for these.
Comfort and Isolation:
The Spaceship have a slim and ergonomic shape to them, this means once you have found the right tips they fit comfortably for hours on end. They tend to fit better with slightly deeper than normal insertion.
Isolation is not a strong point, the housing is vented and they don’t seem to isolate that well. These are great for general use, but not the best for noisy environments.
Sound:
Lows: The low end on the Spaceship is a little reserved in quantity but excels when it comes to quality. You get tight and punchy lows, that are quick and snappy but do roll off a little early sometimes. They come out when called for, if there is a low bass line in the background of a track you will hear it with the Spaceship but it won’t be presented up front and in your face. This more neutral to slightly bass light presentation really allows the midrange to shine through. If you are looking for a warmer/more lush earphone the Spaceship won’t be it. But if you appreciate tight, controlled and well balanced lows these are great.
Midrange: The midrange comes across with excellent clarity, rivaling models much higher in price. The controlled nature of the lows, means that the lower midrange is allowed to come across nautral and detailed without added body. There is a subtle lift in the upper midrange but this does not introduce harsh sibilance. As stated before, the detail retrieval in the midrange really is impressive, there is excellent transparency and yet they still sound natural.
Highs: The treble is well done on the Spaceship, with plenty of presence yet without fatiguing peaks that plagues some of the lower end models. Here the tonality is every so slightly off, leaning towards a slightly cold and metallic tone. I really cannot fault this though, as these are a sub $30 earphone that is packed full of detail and clarity without coming across harsh or bright. I really do enjoy the top end of these, every crash can be heard with great positioning and energy, there is great precision and they are a joy to listen to.
Soundstaging is wider than it is deep, but they give an accurate portrayal of where instruments are placed in the mix. They also never get congested, with excellent PRAT and control.
Conclusion:
The Spaceship are one of those low cost models that put many of the big name brands to shame. These have detail that rivals models costing $100 easily, with a transparent midrange and controlled yet well presented bass. These are not warm and lush, they are precise, controlled and detailed; yet they are not harsh, hollow or bright. These are highly recommended for their excellent performance at such a low price.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (Clean and clear sound for a very low price)