Closer Examination

Talking about a stock cable when I know there is an aftermarket cable to be covered does feel weird, also because several potential readers may have pre-ordered the MOONDROP KATO, meaning they will be getting a second cable on top of this one. It ultimately creates the incorrect impression that the stock cable is not very good even though it is plenty fine. It's one of the better-looking cables at this price range, with the material specifications making it more than fine to use, too. We go from a single-ended 3.5 mm plug to the source, which is gold-plated for oxidation resistance, and a metal connector housing that comes with a plastic wrap as with the IEMs themselves to keep it pristine out of the box. The cable conductor is 4-core silver-plated copper braided in a star-strand structure MOONDROP claims reduces skin effects due the insulation itself. This is also where the cable coating comes in, with a mix of different materials for increased permeability and low dielectric constant to dampen leakage and impedance alike. The cable then goes to the expected splitter and cinch combo, where we also see a plastic wrap you would want to remove to make full use of it. It then splits in two strands heading to each channel, with a transparent plastic sheathing helping with the memory wire configuration that I do think is stiffer than it needs to be. It is not easy to re-shape this section, so this is where an aftermarket cable may have direct user experience benefits. Each channel terminates in a see-through housing that in turn leads to gold-plated 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors off an extension since MOONDROP likes to use recessed connectors on IEMs.


Speaking of which, here's our first good look at the MOONDROP KATO IEMs themselves, and they are a shiny pair! These are not as bad as the Tripowin TC-01 in terms of photographing without my reflection, but get close courtesy the finish. This is also where I remind you that MOONDROP has two versions of the KATO for purchase at this time—this one with the polished shiny exterior and another with a matte finish that looks grayer and more rugged. I have some concerns about the matte finish scratching off, but it won't be as much a fingerprint magnet as this glossy version anyway. The other potential issue with the matte finish comes with all the facets on the contact surface going into the ear, which may not play as well with sensitive skin as these smoother shells. Regardless which option you go with, the MOONDROP KATO uses metal injection molding (MIM) with stainless steel. Once cast, the shells get that irregular finish MOONDROP then adopts completely with hand grinding and polishing to create the smooth exterior face plate and multi-faceted inner surface.


The MOONDROP KATO has more corners than I want to count, which goes hand in hand with the construction process mentioned above. The face plate is quite polished in this version with a mirror-like finish, and it also gets a highly angular finish with rounded corners most of the way to aid with ergonomics. My pet peeve here is once again with the "KATO MOONDROP PRESENTS" printed on the face plate, which really comes off as unintentional phrasing more than anything else. The housing is otherwise clean of any other branding, even losing out on the L/R markings to indicate the left/right channels. The MIM process with the irregular appearance also results in a striking mix of reflection and refraction, with shadows and lit surfaces showing up alongside each other. A look from the side reveals the use of recessed connectors, which does mean you have to be more careful with aftermarket cables, but it can also help hold onto 0.75 mm 2-pin connectors, on top of the more-popular 0.78 mm implementation we see today. There are two tiny holes for airflow through the acoustic chamber, which can also help with pressure equalization without compromising isolation. The nozzle feels like a natural extension of the metal housing itself, with a ridged notch to secure the ear tips in place when installed.


The stock nozzle gets the same third-generation anti-blocking acoustic filter we saw on the replacement brass ones, which means these stock steel nozzles are removable, too. They are indeed simply screwed in place with an O-ring seal helping with the fit. The ridged notch does double duty in installing or removing the nozzles accordingly, and we now see the acoustic chamber inlet is not filtered, unlike the DUNU FALCON PRO. Be quick swapping out nozzles thus, or at least cover the opening lest contaminants make it inside. Unlike FiiO, which used different diameter replacement nozzles, or DUNU with different diameter and length combinations, MOONDROP has the same filters and diameters and is instead experimenting with different materials for damping. As such, you are literally choosing between stainless steel or brass for the nozzles with the MOONDROP KATO, and we will test the effect these have on the sound signature on the next page.


Fitting the ear tips is simple enough with the retaining notch, although you may have to stretch the ear-tip bore to get it over the notch. This is easier with the memory foam tips you simply push into and rotate in place to ensure a uniform fit all around before waiting for the foam to fill in the shape of your ear canal if directly placed in your ear. The silicone tips, shown above, have more give to them and thus need to be prodded along. Once done, we again see that the two tips have different spacings to the filters, and hence the IEM outputs. Try both out and see what works best for you, and this is even before we get to the fit and comfort section.


Once done with the tips, re-connect the cable by carefully pushing the 2-pin connectors in place. The 3.5 mm TRS connector then goes to the source of your choice. Now, simply install the IEMs in your ears with the cable ideally going around the back of your ears and head to reduce microphonics. I know there are many who prefer to use IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs/TWS earbuds on the go. I've paired the MOONDROP KATO with all tested portable DAC/amps thus far and personally liked the cleaner profile and handy EQ options of the Qudelix-5K as the source, in turn paired to my phone and/or laptop for audio listening, but not frequency response testing. Seen above are also two photos of the MOONDROP IEM stand with the KATO, with the former with the IEMs connected to my source and the latter used as a storage option without the included case.