If you have 17 bucks, might as well try these out.
Moondrop has revealed the Quark2, a $16.99 in-ear monitor that promises high-quality audio for smartphone users on a budget.
These low-cost IEMs follow the successful original Quarks released three years ago. And, like their older version, they aim to please those who want good sound without breaking the bank. But, they do so in a way that satisfies modern requirements.
Moondrop Quark2 Features
One of the top features of Quark2 is their 7.8mm dynamic driver. With an LCP dome and flexible suspension diaphragm, each driver is nestled within a closed front cavity design.
According to Moondrop, this setup gives better sound isolation and stronger bass than the previous model.
But, the closed front cavity design isn’t just about sound quality – it’s also about preserving our precious hearing.
Aside from that, the driver’s N52 magnetic circuit and light CCAW drive coil work together for conversion efficiency and lightning-fast response.
The Quark2 also have a new 40nm USB audio SOC chip that’s a true jack-of-all-trades.
This tiny marvel has CPU, RAM, DSP, and decoding abilities, allowing high-quality audio playback up to 32bit/384kHz. Meaning, we can finally unleash the full potential of our lossless audio collections on our smartphones.
As if that weren’t enough, the chip also offers three preset sound settings for different listening needs.
The Quark2 aren’t like the typical budget IEMs. Moondrop has clearly done its homework when it comes to addressing common gripes with entry-level options.
To address common issues, they’ve used a smart dual acoustic filter design, with different materials to control high-frequency distortion without losing details. As a result, these IEMs have a full-link nonlinear distortion of less than 0.05%.
That doesn’t stop there. The Quark2 are also very flexible.
Its USB-C interface, based on the standard UAC 2.0 audio protocol, plays nice with a wide range of devices – from Windows PCs and Macs to Android phones, iPhones, and iPads.
So, whether you’re diving into a hi-res album, fragging opponents in a shooter, or losing yourself in a rhythm game, the Quark2 has got you covered.
And, for those of us who wear multiple hats, the Quark2 have a three-button inline control with a built-in microphone. This thoughtful addition makes these IEMs useful for conference calls, gaming sessions, or impromptu livestreams.
Technical specifications
- Form-factor: In-ear monitors (IEMs)
- Driver: 7.8mm dynamic driver with LCP dome and flexible suspension diaphragm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (IEC60318-4, 3dB)
- THD: ≤0.05% (@1kHz)
- Audio Support: Up to 32bit/384kHz
- Latency: Less than 5ms
- Connection: USB-C (UAC 2.0 audio protocol)
Where to Buy
The Moondrop Quark2 is available for purchase on Shenzhen Audio’s website for $16.99. Each package includes the Quark2 IEMs, a set of ear tips in three sizes (S, M, L), a manual, a certificate, and a service card.