x Crinacle DUSKMoondrop

Name: x Crinacle DUSK
Brand: Moondrop
Rating: 7.5 (8 reviews)

Tribrid

2PMD 2DD 2BA

$$$$$

2 x Planar Magnetic Driver
2 x Dynamic Driver
2 x Balanced Armature

$$$$$

Score

7.5

IEM Description

MoonDrop × Crinacle DUSK is a highly acclaimed hybrid in-ear monitor co-developed with tuning expert Crinacle. It features a precise, neutral-bright tuning with a slight sub-bass lift, offering exceptional clarity, detail retrieval, and tonal balance. Known for its reference-grade performance, the DUSK is often considered one of the best IEMs under $1,000 and a benchmark in the audiophile community.

The driver configuration is Tribrid. It consists of 2 Planar Magnetic Driver, 2 Dynamic Driver & 2 Balanced Armature.

Brand Information

This Chinese audio manufacturer specializes in IEMs and earbuds, focusing on balanced sound signatures, ergonomic designs, and affordable prices to cater to the growing demand from audio enthusiasts worldwide.

Technical/Other Specifications

Drivers
Driver Types	2 Dynamic Drivers + 2 Balanced Armature + 2 Planar Magnetic Drivers, 3-Way

Audio Performance
Sensitivity	119 dB/mW
Frequency Response	10Hz- 24kHz
Impedance	14.5 Ω

Build & Design

Build & Design
Shell	Resin

Cable
Connectors	0.78-2pin / 3.5mm Single-ended / USB-C

General Tags

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Highlevel & Tierlist

First Overview, Tierlist & Ratings

Overall, Packaging & Quality

This section offers a broad look at the general quality, packaging, and everyday usability of the IEM—beyond just the sound. From build integrity and comfort to cable quality and included accessories, each aspect is carefully rated to help you understand the overall experience. Whether you're a casual listener or a gear enthusiast, this overview gives insight into what it’s like to unbox, wear, and live with the IEM on a daily basis. Think of it as the foundation before we dive deeper into performance.

Sound

7.5 / 10

Comfort Fit

8.0 / 10

Build Quality

7.5 / 10

Stock Cable

8.0 / 10

Accessories

8.0 / 10

Tier List

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Sound Characteristics

Ratings sound, tonal signature & target group

Ratings, Sound Analysis & Tags

This section dives into how the IEM sounds — not just in technical terms, but also in how it feels to the listener. Ratings here reflect detailed impressions across a wide range of sonic aspects, from sub-bass rumble to treble sparkle, from note weight to soundstage width. In addition, the Tonal Signature slider helps visualize the IEM’s position between opposing characteristics like dark vs. bright or smooth vs. crisp — giving a quick feel for its personality. Lastly, the Target Group graph shows who this IEM is best suited for: bassheads, treble lovers, vocal fans, or those seeking balance. Combined with genre recommendations, this section helps you understand whether the IEM fits your taste — before you even hit play.

Sound Analysis

Sub-bass impact is faded and feathery, creating a leaner foundation. Bass feels smooth and delicate, prioritizing cleanliness. Low-end impact is understated and mostly absent. The mix sounds slightly hollow due to the subdued lower mids. They sound natural and deliberate, maintaining presence without aggression. The lower treble is even, helping articulation without harshness. A dynamic upper treble brings shimmery finesse to the highs. Soundstage is balanced, offering decent space and separation. There’s a well-tuned amount of detail throughout the track. There’s even separation between instruments. Some cohesive masking appears in complex passages. Note weight is even and natural. Punch is moderate and well-controlled. There's a shiny edge to S and T sounds, but it remains controlled. Acoustic tones sound organic and lifelike. The tuning feels musical and refined. There’s a tactile quality that enhances timbral depth.

Sound Characteristics

Tonal Signature

DARK

BRIGHT

WARM

NEUTRAL

SOFT

ANALYTICAL

SMOOTH

CRISP

RELAXED

ENGAGING

MUSICAL

DRY

Target Group

You will love them listening to these genres:

trancedubstep

Rankings

You might be interested in our lists we created. Check them out:

Best IEMs Under 500

Check out our curated list: Best IEMs Under 500 - Decently Good, Impressive & Awesome.

Similar IEMs

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This section is based on all ratings. Every day, this section gets updated and can only consider ratings, that were made here on ondaio. So keep rating :)

Variations

Moondrop

Average Rating: 7

Match: 89%

Project Meta

CrinEar

Average Rating: 6.1

Match: 88%

Mk12 Turris

Hidizs

Average Rating: 7.2

Match: 83%

AirPods 4

Apple

Average Rating: 5

Match: 83%

External Reviews

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Insights

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FAQs

FAQs for every question you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect from a midrange IEM?

Midrange IEMs, typically priced between $100 and $500, are where performance and refinement begin to noticeably improve. You can expect better driver configurations – sometimes hybrid setups with multiple BAs or even planar drivers – and tuning that reflects more intentional design choices. These IEMs often offer improved resolution, separation, and staging over budget options, along with upgraded cables and accessories. While still not ultra-premium, they often hit a sweet spot for both casual and critical listening. Many models in this range are favorites in the audio community due to their excellent value-to-performance ratio.

What is the sound character of dynamic drivers?

Dynamic drivers are known for delivering punchy bass and a natural sound presentation. They rely on a moving coil and diaphragm mechanism similar to traditional speakers, allowing for strong low-end response, good energy, and musicality. Well-tuned DDs often excel in bass impact and warmth, though some may lack detail compared to more technical driver types.

How do balanced armature drivers affect sound?

Balanced Armature (BA) drivers are highly efficient and designed to focus on specific frequency ranges. They excel in detail retrieval, fast transients, and clarity — especially in the mids and highs. However, they may sound less natural in the bass unless paired with a dynamic driver. Multi-BA configurations allow for tailored tuning and separation across frequencies.

What makes planar magnetic IEMs unique?

Planar magnetic drivers use a flat diaphragm with embedded conductive traces suspended in a magnetic field. This results in extremely fast response times, low distortion, and a clean, neutral sound signature. They're known for exceptional detail and imaging, though they may require more power. Planar IEMs often appeal to listeners who value accuracy and texture.

x Crinacle DUSKMoondrop

Score

Tags

IEM Description

Brand Information

Technical/Other Specifications

General Tags

Highlevel & Tierlist

First Overview, Tierlist & Ratings

Overall, Packaging & Quality

Tier List

Sound Characteristics

Ratings sound, tonal signature & target group

Sound Analysis

Sound Characteristics

Tonal Signature

Target Group

Rankings

You might be interested in our lists we created. Check them out:

Best IEMs Under 500

Similar IEMs

Similar sounding, similar rated. See other models or compare them directly.

Variations

Moondrop

Project Meta

CrinEar

Mk12 Turris

Hidizs

AirPods 4

Apple

External Reviews

Check if our collected data is matching other reviews.

Insights

Our beloved short articles.

FAQs

FAQs for every question you have.

What should I expect from a midrange IEM?

What is the sound character of dynamic drivers?

How do balanced armature drivers affect sound?

What makes planar magnetic IEMs unique?

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