Headphones — Moondrop STARFIELD II

The Moondrop Starfield II is a single-driver in-ear monitor from the Chinese company that tunes its models to its own VDSF target response. As the second generation of the Starfield, it brings a new driver with a lithium-magnesium alloy dome, while the zinc alloy shell keeps the space-themed faceplate the Starfield line is known for.

Key specs that matter

A single 10 mm dynamic driver sits in every shell, its composite diaphragm topped by a lithium-magnesium alloy dome. Free-field frequency response runs from 12 Hz to 24 kHz, and the effective range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz at -3 dB. Sensitivity is 122 dB/Vrms at 1 kHz, impedance is 15 ohms within 15%, and THD is 0.08% or lower. The earpieces take a 0.78 mm two-pin cable terminated in a 3.5 mm single-ended plug. With its zinc alloy body and brass nozzle, each earpiece weighs about 11 g.

Engineering and use context

Lithium-magnesium alloy is lighter than beryllium, so the dome can be stiff without adding mass. Moondrop uses it only for the dome of the composite diaphragm and keeps a different material for the rest, which widens bandwidth and suppresses resonance. The pressure vent has an off-centre diversion structure that counters the effect of the vent sitting close to the concha, where it could otherwise alter the bass. A bass booster plug fits into the vent for listeners who want more sub-bass. The shell is solid and heavy, and the CNC-milled brass nozzle has a gold-plated finish and acoustic filters that are easy to replace. The stock silver-plated cable uses a star-twisted structure to reduce interference and comes in a colour matched to the shell. In the box are a storage bag, a manual, a certificate and silicone eartips in three sizes. Response changes noticeably from one eartip to another, so tip choice is part of setting the Starfield II up.

Pairing

At such a low impedance the output impedance of the source affects the balance, so a player or dongle with low output impedance suits it best. Because the two-pin connection is an industry standard, owners can replace the stock cable with a balanced lead for 4.4 mm outputs or for one with a microphone, and the earpieces also fit Bluetooth neckbands and true wireless ear-hooks.

Alternatives

The original Moondrop Starfield is the first model of the line, with a 10 mm carbon nanotube diaphragm and 32 ohm impedance.