After more than a year of launch, “Moon Drop” recently released a special version of the IEM Kato model, its full name is Moondrop Blue Kato. Compared to its predecessor, Blue Kato is given a new, more beautiful coat.
Table of Contents
Packaging and accessories
Moondrop Blue Kato is still packaged in a square cardboard box like Kato but the outside has a more beautiful design with a cuter and cuter waifu image. On the back of the cover box, in addition to the technical specifications, there will be detailed structural images of Blue Kato and an audio frequency graph. All accessories that come with Blue Kato will include:
- 1 cable
- 3 pairs of Spring Tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of foam ear tips (S/M/L)
- 1 nozzle filter
- 1 drawstring fabric bag
- 1 faux leather carrying case with a beautiful and high-class design
- An eye-catching postcard
- User manual and warranty card
Although it comes with 2 types of ear tips, the Spring Tips pair provides better sound insulation, feels more comfortable when used, and is easier to remove. Regarding the cable, with wire cores made from high-purity silver-plated copper, the speed and accuracy of signal transmission are significantly increased. The transparent outer shell makes the cable’s aesthetics more beautiful. Using a 2-pin 0.78mm connector with a 3.5mm jack allows for easier cable finding and replacement in the future.
Design and wearing experience
In terms of design and materials, Moondrop Blue Kato and its sister Kato are the same. The biggest and most noticeable difference is that the Dark Blue outer shell looks more attractive. Although made from metal, Blue Kato feels extremely comfortable to wear. The relatively lightweight and ergonomic design allows the IEM model to easily fit in the listener’s ear.
Driver configuration and sound quality
Like its predecessor Kato, Moondrop Blue Kato is only equipped with a single ULT dynamic driver with a diameter of 10mm and uses a DLC composite speaker membrane. The most prominent feature of ULT technology is the ability to reproduce sound with extremely low distortion, more natural timbre, and better detail. Careful burning will help significantly improve the sound quality of Blue Kato. The CCAW voice coil on Blue Kato has been slightly improved technically such as lighter weight and better durability. Due to being fine-tuned according to the VDSF curve, factors such as timbre, soundstage, and imaging will all be improved.
With an impedance of 32Ohm and sensitivity of 123dB, Moondrop’s latest headphones are not too picky about their pairing. Just connect directly to your smartphone and you can enjoy your favorite music. Even though the volume level is only at 50%, the sound still has good separation and detail. Of course, combining Blue Kato with quality DAPs like HiBy R5II or iBasso DX170 will give a slightly better sound quality. In particular, the sound field will be more expansive and the sound image will become more vivid and realistic.
Let’s go deeper into the sound quality of Moondrop Blue Kato. The impressive point of the IEM model lies in its strong, deep, and well-controlled bass range (especially in the midbass). It would be great if you use Blue Kato to enjoy music that requires a lot of energy in the bass range.
Regarding the mid-range, Blue Kato creates a balance between the low mid and upper mid. The sound of the musical instruments, in addition to being natural, also has good clarity and detail, especially for string instruments. The vocals have a good presence and are pushed a bit forward. Excellent layering allows vocals and orchestral sounds to not get muddled together. For the mid-range to shine, the treble range on Blue Kato is safely adjusted, not too dark but not too bright. In addition, the treble sound is also adjusted well enough to not cause fatigue when users listen to music continuously for many hours.
Compare
Vs Moondrop Aria
Both Moondrop Blue Kato and Aria are equipped with only one 10mm dynamic driver, but their structure is not the same at all. The dynamic driver cluster on the Aria has an LCP diaphragm and is integrated with a CCAW voice coil. Meanwhile, Blue Kato uses a ULT ultra-linear dynamic driver cluster and has a slightly technically upgraded CCAW voice coil.
In terms of sound quality, Blue Kato has a rich, deep bass range and better extension than Aria. The vocal part performed by Aria is a bit thin and does not create sweetness like Blue Kato. With extremely abundant mid-range volume and sweet and warm timbre, the vocals on Blue Kato are not only more lively but also create a pleasant feeling for the listener’s ears. Although both have very good openness in the treble range, Blue Kato offers better control.
The soundstage on the Blue Kato is more expansive, the layering ability is also better, and the sound imaging is similar. This leads to the sound presented by Blue Kato creating a better sense of omnidirectionality. Overall, it’s no surprise that Moondrop Blue Kato is completely superior to Aria.
Vs FiiO FH3
Unlike Moondrop Blue Kato, FiiO FH3 is equipped with 3 different drivers including 1 dynamic beryllium driver and 2 BA drivers. The fact that each sound range is in charge of a driver will help the sound on the FH3 have a little better separation. The bass range on both IEM models has good rumble, but the FH3 gives better control, sounds more solid and the decay speed is also faster.
Although both have detailed and rich mid ranges, if you listen closely, you will realize that the mid sound on Blue Kato has higher clarity, while the FH3 has better thickness. The treble strip is adjusted quite balanced and not too bright, making listening to music for a long time less likely to cause fatigue. Although the sound image is similar, Blue Kato has a wider soundstage and much greater depth than the FH3.
Vs Ikko Gems
Similar to FH3, Ikko Gems is also integrated with a hybrid driver cluster but has a smaller number, including only 1 dynamic driver and 1 BA driver. Although the number of drivers is slightly higher, Gems’ sound quality is not too superior when compared to Blue Kato. Moondrop’s IEM model is even better, especially in the bass range.
Moondrop Blue Kato has a stronger bass range, sounds more vibrant, and is better controlled. With the mid-range being better tuned and having more emphasis, the vocals on Blue Kato sound better, and the sound of the instruments is also expressed better. With the same good openness, the treble sound on Gems sounds more airy and sparkling. Both have similar soundstages, wide enough for listeners to clearly distinguish the width and depth of the sound stage. The sound image and layer separation ability are not too different.
It can be seen that the release of Moondrop Blue Kato has helped “Moondrop” attract more fans. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran audiophile, you will have to admit that the beauty and sound quality that Blue Kato brings are extremely perfect.
Moondrop KATO Earphone DLC Composite Diaphragm Advanced Ultra Linear Technology Dynamic in-Ear Earplug (Blue): Buy it now