Overview

The Moondrop Spaceship is a compact bullet-style in-ear monitor using a single 6 mm dynamic driver. It launched as one of Moondrop’s cheapest wired IEMs around 20 USD and features a fixed cable. As of this writing, it is no longer listed among current Moondrop products and major retailers mark it as discontinued, which constrains availability and support for new buyers [3][4].

Scientific Validity

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Third-party frequency-response data shows a pronounced upper-mid/low-treble rise (≈2–4 kHz), which tends to introduce shout or harshness; bass extension is modest for a sealed IEM. These traits limit transparency versus neutral targets [1]. No reliable third-party THD/IMD datasets were located. Manufacturer specifications list 16 Ω impedance, 104 dB sensitivity, and THD < 1 % at 1 kHz (spec conditions only), which indicate easy drivability from phones/dongles but do not alter the FR-driven conclusion [2].

Technology Level

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Implementation is conventional: a 6 mm micro dynamic driver (PU & PEEK diaphragm per catalog), stainless-style bullet housing, and a fixed 3.5 mm cable. There is no evidence of proprietary acoustics, novel materials, or patent-backed mechanisms that would differentiate it from modern budget peers [2].

Cost-Performance

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Review-target price: 20 USD. The cheapest equivalent-or-better current option is the 7Hz Salnotes Zero at 19.99 USD, which offers a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable and more linear FR per IEC-711 measurements—meeting or exceeding user-visible functions and measured performance [5][6].
Calculation: 19.99 USD ÷ 20 USD = 1.0 (rounded to one decimal).
Because a cheaper equivalent exists, CP rounds to 1.0 under the site’s rules.

Reliability & Support

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The model is discontinued (not present on Moondrop’s current catalog and listed “Discontinued” by retailers), which reduces forward support paths [3][4]. Moondrop-brand IEM warranty is typically 1 year via authorized dealers, shorter than the “3 years+” seen from some competitors; the fixed cable also raises failure risk with no easy replacement [7][2].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A simple, cost-optimized bullet IEM is rational; however, the measured upper-mid elevation works against transparent reproduction goals. Prioritizing detachable cabling and neutral FR—as seen on current budget leaders—would better align with measurement-first design [1][6].

Advice

Given the discontinued status and fixed cable, the Spaceship is a poor choice for new purchases. For similar money, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero provides detachable cabling and a more neutral response backed by measurements [5][6]. If you prefer to stay within Moondrop, the CHU II remains an actively sold entry with replaceable cable; independent reviews confirm competent tuning and ease of drive, though typical street prices often exceed 20 USD [8]. Existing Spaceship owners sensitive to upper-mid glare may mitigate with narrow-band EQ around ~3 kHz and ensure a deep seal to maximize bass extension [1].

References

[1] In-Ear Fidelity, “Moondrop Spaceship” (FR database page), https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/moondrop-spaceship/ , accessed 2025-08-27.
[2] Apos Audio, “Moondrop Spaceship In-Ear Monitor Earphone” (catalog specs), https://apos.audio/products/moondrop-spaceship-in-ear-monitor-earphone , accessed 2025-08-27.
[3] MOONDROP, “All Products” (current catalog; Spaceship not listed), https://moondroplab.com/en/products , accessed 2025-08-27.
[4] Audio46, “MoonDrop Spaceship Earphones – Discontinued,” https://audio46.com/products/moondrop-spaceship-earphones , accessed 2025-08-27.
[5] Linsoul, “7Hz Salnotes Zero,” price/specs incl. detachable cable, https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-salnotes-zero , accessed 2025-08-27.
[6] Headphonesty, “Review: 7Hz Salnotes Zero” (IEC-711 FR graph), https://www.headphonesty.com/2022/09/review-7hz-salnotes-zero/ , accessed 2025-08-27.
[7] Bloom Audio, “Manufacturer Warranty Information” (Moondrop ~1-year IEM warranty), https://bloomaudio.com/pages/manufacturer-warranty-information , accessed 2025-08-27.
[8] Audio Science Review, “Moondrop Chu II IEM Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/moondrop-chu-ii-iem-review.55179/ , accessed 2025-08-27.

(2025.8.28)