Moondropx Crinacle Dusk IEMs 2DD+2BA+2Planar Earphones with 0.78 2 Pin 3.5mm/USB-C Plug

So at this point I think I have most/all of the Crinacle collaborations and I generally agree with his reviews. At this point I can confidently say that if you - like me - enjoyed the 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko you're gonna love these. Value-wise, the Dioko wins, but the Dioko never impressed me the way the Dusk does.So that default USB-C tuning? These are...not what I'd call neutral. They're a little weird. There's a LOT of sub-bass. There's some very very crispy treble that sometimes veers into being unpleasantly crackly. You even get some mids. They remind me more than anything else of my Andromeda Golds; some tracks absolutely take my breath away and some...don't. The staging/imaging/separation is consistently at least good and occasionally hits the kind of spread and clarity I'm used to hearing from multi-kilobuck gear.I think my biggest issue is that tracks that aren't particularly diverse - lots going on in a narrow region, hitting one of the three sets of drivers - sound muddy. The songs that sound like they're just playing on 2BA are...not fun to listen to here. It reminds me of the kind of experience I got and hated with the Etymotic ER4XR. So yeah, these aren't going to elevate a poor mix.I can't review the non-stock tunings because I don't have a compatible phone (Android only; seems to require installing a specific APK, the published one doesn't work and the iOS app doesn't support the DAC cable yet - April 2024, will try to update if this changes) to throw at the problem. I'd say this is a significant part of why you'd want to buy these; if you aren't planning to use this cable and USB-C sources, I think you'll want to look elsewhere.These are really good-looking, but not flashy, IEMs. The cable matches the design, feels nice, and has acceptable microphonics. Strain relief at the right points, no memory wire, a 3-button remote, and fits perfectly in the opening of the official iPhone 15 Pro Max case. There's a nice little presentation box (the rattling you hear is some loose manuals and a postcard) with a durable, if forgettable, leather-ish case. The USB-C DSP cable feels and looks substantially nicer than the analog cable, although the tolerances involved meant I had to use quite a bit of force to plug the two-pin in and was worried I'd bent or broken it. Three sets of Moondrop's signature silicone tips - there's no ridge on the IEMs so you'll want to use very grippy tips if you plan to swap them out. Deep insertion is going to require different tips - the nozzle's relatively stubby.

Up until now I've been using the Truthear Hexa as my daily driver earbud. I've also used the 7hz Zero and a pair of Airpods Pro, and these are definitely far and away the most resolving and high quality earbuds I've ever owned. Prior to owning these, I EQ'd the Hexa to match the sound signature of the DUSK to prepare me for a side by side comparison. The build of the drivers in DUSK definitely makes a difference. The bass is far more punchy and full while maintaining the upper range's fidelity. They are incredibly comfortable due to the nozzle being an average size, and the spring tips are actually quite nice. I would say if you are in the sub $200 category and you're wondering if upgrading is worth it, I'm here to say it absolutely is!Negatives: Dinky analogue cable, moondrop app with DSP cable is wonkyAnother banger by Moondrop and Crinacle!Edit: since there is a lot of discourse over the DSP cable, I’d like to throw my hat into the ring. Using the analogue cable, this is still a highly capable IEM that punches far above its price bracket. The bass is punchy thanks to the diametrically opposed DDs, there’s no BA timbre due to keeping them in the midrange, and the 2 planars in the treble are highly resolving. When you use the DSP cable, you get a slightly more refined tuning that improves the sound by about 5% at the cost of using a less than ideal interface. If you’re that picky about tuning, you already know how to EQ and should just EQ to your hearts desire to make your perfectly tuned IEM.In my opinion, the people that say “oh you only get half the product if you don’t use the DSP” is hyperbolic and ridiculous. Your experience with an IEM will not be shattered by a slight tuning adjustment. You’re still purchasing high quality drivers with a crossover matrix and a GREAT stock analogue tuning. The DSP cable is there and a fun tool for beginners looking to try different sound profiles, but to recommend that a $30 piece of technology is what makes or breaks a $360 IEM is ridiculous. Still love this, still highly recommend this product

Missed out on the Meta from Crin, and in spite of my better judgement, I tried these for the second time. Again, the DSP cable failed to work with not one of FOUR separate DAPS. I tried them with a balanced two pin cable off another set and found that the right bud was lower by about 10 dB. This is roughly the same experience I had the second time I ordered them. The first time, the Amazon seller attempted to scam me. Moondrop makes some really nice sounding IEMs, but the unholy mess that is the Dusk just needs to go away. If you’re reading this please take note; I’ve ordered these 3 times, gotten 2 sets and been able to use 0 of them. Good luck people.