Making a planar magnetic set of headphones is easier to start with compared to a dynamic driver set, but way harder to execute well. Doing so while also having a dynamic—or two, if the leaks of the VOID closed-back are true—and electrostatic set of headphones in the works simultaneously, along with a bunch of other earphones, keyboards, and DAC/amps would be a fool's errand for a company that is only just making a mark in the personal audio space. Now imagine doing all this while also completely developing the drivers internally down from R&D and manufacturing, and I have to give MOONDROP as well as its CEO/chief engineer Herbert, my respect regardless of the outcome. I am just pleased then that the MOONDROP VENUS worked out well, and happens to be the company's first released set of headphones too.

It could have been a very different story had the MOONDROP VOID continued to sell first as originally planned. That's a story for another time, but let's just say I am not as bullish on it as with the VENUS. MOONDROP also had a few challenges to get the VENUS out this year itself, including also a less-than-practical original design that weighed 750-800 grams. This final version is not a lightweight either, but was a decent compromise to balance out sound quality with comfort and build/design. There will be a lot of HIFIMAN comparisons done to the VENUS, for good reasons, as I've pointed out over the course of this review, and the good thing is the comparisons are mostly in the audio quality part where HIFIMAN excels. MOONDROP has an all-metal chassis here with a nice design that works great for me, but may be less comfortable for those with larger heads or ears. The cables are also nice but have minor usability issues as outlined in page three. Indeed, I'd say the VENUS would have probably benefited from having a product designer go over the finer details more, what with the off-axis grill and exposed screws/screw ends. The silver tracing could have been better applied too, while I am nitpicking.

I then have to remind myself that the MOONDROP VENUS costs $600 and not $6000. I can certainly excuse some of the cons here, and the note about the amplifier is more a warning to potential customers as opposed to a negative in itself. The VENUS is a fairly typical open-back planar set, targeting more instrumental use and vocals over electronic music with that sense of punch and slam. It doesn't have the visceral grunt of music tearing through your head as you attempt to somehow head-band with these large cans over your head. Instead, imagine a more relaxing environment where you sit down on a recliner after work, close your eyes, and lose yourself in a world of music. It's not a perfect set by any means, but has done plenty well to merit an easy recommendation from me.