Headphones — Moondrop ARIA SNOW EDITION

The ARIA SNOW EDITION, often shortened to Aria SE, went on sale in June 2022 as a corded Moondrop in-ear monitor revising the original ARIA with a new diaphragm material and a redesigned metal casing decorated with a snowflake theme. It was priced at USD 79.99, matching the launch price of the earlier ARIA model, and it keeps the single dynamic driver layout and the detachable cable of that model.

Key specs that matter

The 10 mm dynamic unit pairs an internal magnet placed across two cavities with a first-generation DLC composite diaphragm, DLC meaning diamond-like carbon. This replaces the LCP diaphragm used in the first ARIA. Sensitivity is specified as 119 dB per Vrms at 1 kHz, a rating referenced to voltage, and impedance is 32 ohm plus or minus 15 percent at 1 kHz. The published frequency range spans 15 Hz to 50 kHz, and the effective range is listed as 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The shells accept cables with the common 0.78 mm two-pin connector.

Engineering and use context

The casing is produced by metal mould casting followed by CNC milling, and Moondrop applies a new surface coating that carries a complex snowflake pattern over a gold-coloured finish. Apart from the diaphragm, the transducer keeps the two-cavity internal magnet design of the ARIA. The detachable cable uses 6N oxygen-free copper conductors with silver plating, covered by an insulating protective layer that Moondrop describes as having high permeability. The box supplies two tip types, three silicone pairs plus three Spring pairs, both sized S, M and L, with the Spring tips being a new addition for this version. The stock cable ends in a 3.5 mm single-ended plug. The package also holds a white box for storage, a QC passed card and a printed user manual.

Pairing

Being easy to drive, the Snow Edition runs from the headphone output of a phone, a compact USB converter or a portable player without an extra amplifier stage. The standard two-pin sockets also leave room to change to an aftermarket lead, for example one ending in a balanced plug when the source offers a balanced output.

Alternatives

The Moondrop ARIA2 is a newer single-dynamic in-ear model rated at 122 dB per Vrms and 33 ohm, built in zinc alloy with a nozzle of brass, and its kit adds a 4.4 mm plug option.