Overview

The MOONDROP Stellaris is a planar magnetic in-ear monitor featuring a 14.5mm planar driver with fully symmetrical magnetic circuit composed of 7+7 N52H magnets. The driver utilizes a 1μm sub-nanometer diaphragm with independent built-in acoustic cavity designed to optimize linear distortion performance. The shell adopts an iridescent finish reflecting different colors under varying angles. However, the Stellaris represents a significant departure from Moondrop’s established VDSF (Virtual Diffuse Sound Field) target curve, entering bright W-shape territory with problematic frequency response peaks requiring substantial correction.

Scientific Validity

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Multiple independent measurements reveal severe frequency response deviations with three major peaks: +6dB at 2.2kHz, +6dB at 8kHz, and +14dB at 11.5kHz [1][2][3]. However, peaks around 8-10kHz may be measurement artifacts and may not exist as depicted, with measurement uncertainty acknowledged above 8kHz [1][2]. The 14dB treble peak at 11.5kHz significantly exceeds the ±3dB problematic threshold for headphones, introducing metallic brightness requiring substantial EQ correction (-14dB at 11.83kHz) for neutral response [4]. While the planar driver technology provides inherently low distortion characteristics and excellent channel matching, the frequency response tuning severely compromises scientific validity. The Stellaris moves away from Moondrop’s scientifically-based VDSF target into problematic territory that contradicts established auditory research.

Technology Level

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The Stellaris demonstrates solid technical implementation with proprietary 14.5mm planar driver featuring fully symmetrical magnetic circuit producing maximum magnetic flux density close to 1 Tesla [5]. The 1μm diaphragm features snake-shaped etched circuit with precise manufacturing tolerances for reduced split vibration and nonlinear distortion [5]. The uniform tension diaphragm structure and precision magnet array showcase Moondrop’s accumulated planar magnetic expertise. However, the technology represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary advancement, utilizing appropriate contemporary planar magnetic approaches without cutting-edge digital or software integration.

Cost-Performance

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At 129.99 USD, the Stellaris is outclassed on cost-performance by cheaper IEMs that match or exceed user-facing functions and measured performance. TruthEar Gate is a wired IEM with detachable 0.78mm 2‑pin cable and credible third-party measurements available [8][9]. Ignoring internal construction differences per policy, Gate provides equivalent user-facing functionality and its measured frequency response adherence is equal-or-better compared to Stellaris’s problematic response. CP = 17.99 USD ÷ 129.99 USD = 0.1385. Stellaris is more than 7× cost versus an equivalent‑or‑better option.

Reliability & Support

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The Stellaris includes 1-year warranty through authorized retailers, below the industry-standard 2-year coverage [6]. Construction benefits from simple planar design with few moving parts and robust iridescent shell, while detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable reduces single points of failure. Support infrastructure relies on dealer-based warranty processing with 7-day inspection periods. Moondrop provides reasonable but not exceptional reliability reputation without manufacturer direct support systems. The shorter warranty period partially undermines confidence despite inherently robust planar magnetic construction.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The Stellaris fundamentally contradicts Moondrop’s established scientific approach by departing from their measurement-based VDSF target curve [7]. While the planar magnetic technology implementation demonstrates technical competence, the frequency response tuning creates severe problems requiring extensive correction rather than improvements. This represents a significant regression from Moondrop’s proven scientific tuning philosophy that built their reputation for measurement-focused audio engineering. The departure from scientifically-validated target curves into severely problematic bright territory with 14dB peaks fundamentally undermines design rationality despite adequate driver technology implementation.

Advice

Consider TruthEar Gate as the cheapest equivalent‑or‑better option, or similar budget IEMs with verified measurements. If purchasing Stellaris, expect to require significant EQ correction (-14dB at 11.83kHz, -4dB at 2.31kHz, -3dB at 8.37kHz) for neutral response. The driver technology is competent, but the tuning philosophy contradicts Moondrop’s scientific principles. Buyers seeking VDSF‑aligned tuning should consider other Moondrop models with measurement‑based approaches.

References

[1] Headphones.com - MoonDrop Stellaris Review: Still Still (Not) Stellar, https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/moondrop-stellaris-review-still-still-not-stellar, 2022

[2] Twister6 Reviews - Moondrop Stellaris, https://twister6.com/2022/10/31/moondrop-stellaris/, October 2022

[3] Reference Audio Analyzer - Moondrop Stellaris Measurement’s report, https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/moondrop-stellaris.php, 2022

[4] Audio Discourse - Moondrop Stellaris Review: For the Treble Masochists, https://www.audiodiscourse.com/2022/10/stellariscorgi.html, 2022

[5] MOONDROP Official Website - STELLARIS In-Ear Monitor, https://moondroplab.com/en/products/stellaris, accessed 2025-09-24

[6] Headphone Zone - Moondrop Warranty Claim and Service, https://www.headphonezone.in/pages/moondrop-warranty-claim-and-service, accessed 2025-09-24

[7] MOONDROP Official Website - Graph Tools, https://moondroplab.com/en/graph, accessed 2025-09-24

[8] Amazon - TruthEar Gate product listing (price reference), https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5R334SH, accessed 2025-09-24

[9] Hangout.Audio - IEM Graph Comparison Tool (TruthEar Gate measurements), https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/711, accessed 2025-09-24

(2025.9.24)