Closer Examination

From a strong unboxing experience to a real downer with the cable, what a roller-coaster this is! This might be the worst IEM cable I have ever used, which is saying something since I just finished reviewing another budget set of IEMs with a terrible cable. There you could at least replace it courtesy standard 2-pin plugs, but this is a fixed cable I have seen before on a couple of KZ IEMs too. In fact, MOONDROP provides no information about this cable, which is a first for me. It starts with a right-angled 3.5 mm TRS connector headed to your source, which is associated with a sturdy plastic housing and gold-plated for added oxidation resistance. We then get single strands with a multi-colored sleeving that is resistant to re-shaping, has a mind of its own when placed on a desk, and is microphonic from time to time. The splitter comes branded with the MOONDROP logo on one side and name on the other, and there is no cable cinch, which makes this worse on the ears. There's a reason enterprising modders have offered services for removable cable connectors on the MOONDROP Chu, among other things.


The shells of the MOONDROP Chu remind me a lot of the Aria in good and bad ways, with a similar injection molded and cast metal alloy shell construction that is then painted black. While the Aria goes with brass, MOONDROP is using a zinc alloy on the Chu. So far all good as it's still a sturdy metal shell of simple construction. What has me worried is the paint, with multiple cases of paint bubbling out on the Aria when exposed to heat and humidity. I can't tell you how these will fare over time since my sample of the Aria has been perfectly fine exposed to the less demanding elements here, but it is something to be aware of. The design is simple with a bamboo stalk etched into the cover, which is part of an oval two-piece shell design at the top molded for ergonomics the further inward it goes. There are handy L/R markings for the two channels which are otherwise very similar-looking, and two vents on the inner side provide airflow to the acoustic chamber and minimize pressure build-up in the ears. The nozzle is molded out of the same shell cavity and angled in delicately, with a retaining lip at the end securing the ear tips in place. It is 6 mm at the widest spot, making aftermarket tip replacement harder than suspected. A patent-pending metal mesh acoustic filter on the end keeps contaminants out while being part of the tuning jigsaw puzzle.


Given the cable not detachable, all that remains is to pair the Chu with the ear tips of your choice. Try out the different sizes—especially noting that the Spring Tips run smaller than usual—and don't worry if a combination of two different sizes makes for a pair with a good seal. Once done, simply connect the cable to your source using the 3.5 mm TRS connector. There is no pre-formed ear hook; hence the handy included add-on silicone hooks. I know there are many who prefer using IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs on the go. I paired the MOONDROP Chu with all the tested portable DAC/amps to date and personally like the cleaner profile and handy EQ options of the Qudelix-5K as the source, in turn paired to my phone or laptop.