Introduction
The Moondrop LAN is the latest budget-friendly in-ear headphone offering from Chinese audio brand Moondrop. Featuring a single 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver in each earpiece, the LAN aims to deliver refined audio performance at an affordable price point. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall value proposition of the Moondrop LAN headphones.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
Moondrop LAN
Specifications
- Impedance: 32Ω±15%
- Frequency Response: 15-37 kHz
- Effective FR: 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 120dB
- Termination: 3.5mm Single-Ended
- Socket: 0.78-2 pin
Individual ratings
Punchy and controlled bass with good extension and speed. Lacks a bit of mid-bass impact.
Smooth and clear vocals, but slightly recessed lower mids. Good timbre, but average detail.
Extended, airy treble with good detail and sparkle. Smooth and non-fatiguing.
Above-average width and depth for an in-ear. Good imaging, but average separation.
Decent clarity and resolution given the price. Retrieves nuances well but is congested at times.
Snappy, energetic delivery with fast decay. Good dynamics, though not outstanding.
Better than expected resolution and ability to convey fine details.
Excellent metal construction with stylish design. Great for the price.
Very lightweight and ergonomic shape. Great for long listening.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
With the LAN, Moondrop has delivered one of the best-sounding and best-built in-ears available for under $50. Its smooth, balanced sound matches well with a variety of music genres while providing satisfying bass, midrange, and treble performance. A standout metal build and removable cable further increase its value proposition. If you're seeking audiophile-level sound on a budget, the Moondrop LAN should be at the top of your list.
Pros
- natural, balanced tonality
- Premium metal construction
- very comfortable fit
- Great bass speed and control
- Nice treble extension and air
- Good imaging and soundstage depth
- clear, engaging sound for the price
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Stock cable is just average.
- Lower mids are slightly recessed.
- Instrument separation is just average.
- No premium accessories like spring tips
Music Genres
Suitable
- With its mildly v-shaped, engaging sound signature, the Moondrop LAN is suitable for a wide variety of musical genres. Its punchy bass and crisp treble cater well to modern pop, EDM, hip-hop, and rock.
- The LAN also pairs nicely with jazz, acoustic, classical, and instrumental music thanks to its airy soundstage and smooth treble.
- Vocals sound clear for indie, folk, R&B, and country tracks.
- Basically, the LAN provides an enjoyable listening experience across many genres without significant tonal biases.
Equalization Tips
- The LAN delivers great out-of-box sound quality with its natural tonality. However, some listeners may wish to adjust the frequency response to better suit their personal preferences.
- Boosting the 60–200 Hz region can provide more mid-bass impact for EDM and hip-hop.
- A 2-3 dB dip around 1 kHz can smooth out the lower treble for fatigue-free listening.
- Gently boosting 16 kHz and up can add more air and shimmer.
- Cutting 300–500 Hz slightly can reduce lower midrange warmth.
- A wide variety of music will sound excellent on the LAN, even without EQ. But judicious tweaks can further optimize its sound signature for certain genres.
1. Packaging
- 1x Moondrop Lan IEM
- 1x Detachable Cable
- 3x Pair Silicone EarTips
- 1x User Manual
2. Design And Build Quality
The LAN features stainless steel housings with metal injection molding (MIM) construction for durability. The smooth oval shape of the earpieces and lightweight build make for a very comfortable fit. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the stylish metal flower design on each earpiece to the matching stainless steel y-splitter and angled plug. The included detachable cable is decent but unremarkable, with a basic plastic sheath and no chin slider. While not the most premium cable, it gets the job done. Overall, the LAN's design and build punch above its budget price point.
3. Comfort
Despite their metal construction, the LAN earpieces are lightweight and ergonomic in shape. This makes them very comfortable for extended listening sessions. Noise isolation is about average for an in-ear design. Some users may experience minor driver flex issues, depending on ear tip fit and anatomy. But in general, the LAN offers great wearing comfort relative to other metal in-ears in this price tier.
4. Sound Quality Of The Moondrop LAN
I. Tonality
The LAN follows Moondrop's tried-and-true VDSF tuning target, delivering a mildly v-shaped frequency response with a bit of extra energy in the bass and treble regions. The overall tonal balance is natural and engaging, without major coloration issues. It caters well to a wide variety of music genres without significant biases.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The Moondrop LAN
III. Bass Response
Lows are punchy and controlled, with emphasis on sub-bass rather than mid-bass. Bass extension reaches down deep, providing physical impact when called for. Texture is good, though bass lines can occasionally sound a touch one-note. Speed and decay are excellent, with no mid-bass bloat. Overall, the bass provides a satisfying rhythmic foundation without dominating the mix.
IV. Midrange Performance
The LAN's midrange plays a secondary role to the lows and highs but still delivers pleasing quality. There's a mild upper midrange lift that brings vocals forward and adds clarity. However, the lower mids are slightly recessed, resulting in lightly thin male vocals. Timbre is natural, though micro-detail retrieval is just average for the price. Overall, the midrange performance is solid, if not exceptional.
V. Treble Response
A highlight of the LAN's sound is its treble presentation. There's ample lower treble energy for sparkly crispness, while excessive harshness is avoided. Extension reaches up high for good air and shimmer. Decay is smooth and natural. Treble detail and resolution outperform expectations at this price point. Cymbals, acoustic guitars, and other treble-rich instruments benefit greatly from the LAN's competent treble reproduction.
5. Technicalities Of The Moondrop LAN
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The LAN provides an above-average sense of space for a budget in-ear. The stage feels open and airy, with good width and average depth. Imaging precision is good, though instrument separation is just average due to the slower decay. The presentation is intimate rather than grandiose. Still, the spatial performance exceeds typical expectations at this price.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Low-level detail and micro-dynamics are a step behind more expensive options, but quite decent for a sub-$50 in-ear. The slightly quicker decay helps bring out nuances. Complex passages can sound mildly congested on busier tracks. But overall, the Moondrop LAN retrieves an admirable amount of detail given the limitations of its single dynamic driver design.
III. Dynamics And Speed
The 10mm beryllium driver provides snappy transients and excellent speed across the spectrum. Bass decay, in particular, is satisfyingly fast. The dynamic contrast between quiet and loud passages is good. The sound leans slightly towards analytical rather than lush. But the vivacious, energetic delivery makes most music engaging to listen to.
IV. Resolution
Considering its accessible pricing, the Moondrop LAN delivers better-than-expected resolution. Fine details are more easily discerned compared to other benchmarks in this price tier. The smooth, refined presentation prevents an overly sharp or etched quality. While not ultra-resolving, the LAN offers respectable clarity for critical listening.
6. Comparisons
Moondrop LAN Vs Moondrop Chu
The Chu has a brighter, more analytical signature, while the LAN is more natural. The LAN has better bass control, while the Chu has slightly better technical performance. The LAN's superior build and removable cable make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Moondrop LAN Vs 7Hz Zero
The Zero has more sub-bass rumble but sounds thinner in the midrange. Its bright treble is more fatiguing than the LAN's smoother top end. The LAN has more coherent mids and a more premium build.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
7. FAQs
Q. Who Should Buy The Moondrop LAN?
The LAN is a great option for those seeking natural, balanced sound from an affordable in-ear monitor. Its combination of refined tuning, stellar ergonomics, and detailed technical performance make it a standout at its modest $40 price point. It works well for music lovers who want an easy-wearing set for everyday portable use. The LAN has substantially better build quality, design, and sound than typical budget earphones.
Q. Is Moondrop LAN suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
The LAN's treble is on the smoother, more forgiving side. Those sensitive to brightness and harshness should find its treble presentation fatigue-free even after longer listening. However, the LAN may lack the sparkle and energy that treble lovers desire.
Q. What tips should I use with the Moondrop LAN?
The included silicone tips provide a decent seal and comfort for most. Aftermarket tips like Spiral Dots or SpinFits can potentially improve isolation, bass response, and fit. Comply foam tips are also an excellent option for maximizing noise isolation.
Q. Does the LAN have better sound than the Moondrop Chu?
The LAN offers small but noticeable improvements over the venerable Chu. Its bass is tighter and decays faster. The midrange is more transparent. Treble extension is better. Overall tonality is more natural and balanced. The technical gulf isn't huge, but discerning listeners should appreciate the refinements.
Q. Does the Moondrop LAN have good bass?
Yes, the LAN delivers punchy, well-controlled bass that extends nicely into the sub-bass region. Its bass speed and tightness are especially impressive for the price. However, bassheads may want more mid-bass impact and rumble.
8. Conclusion
Moondrop hits it out of the park with its budget-friendly LAN. Its refined sound showcases the company's tuning talents, while its premium metal build punches far above its price class. Smooth, balanced tonality pairs well with most music genres. Technical performance is impressive for a single dynamic driver. Factor in the stellar wearing comfort and removable cable, and the LAN offers ridiculous value. If you seek natural, engaging sound from an affordable IEM, the LAN warrants a spot at the top of your shopping list.
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Overall User Rating
Read More Reviews On Moondrop LAN: MajorHiFi