Moondrop Para 2 Planar Headphone Review

[Rincewind42]

If you're "pragmatic", try to see what the Hifiman Edition XS goes for in AUSD - in USD, the XS + a Capra Audio strap to fix the comfort is about half the price of the Para 2 and responds just as well to EQ.

And I say this as someone who is not a big fan of HFM generally - but you really can't argue with the Edition XS on value if you're gonna EQ.

Thanks for the tip. I've already ordered a Verum 2 from an authorised dealer here in Australia. I just can't bring myself to buy Chinese stuff with questionable QC and next to non-existent support... I've read enough horror stories about HifiMan, Moondrop and similar Chinese brands that I've decided I'll rather spend more than support companies that produce flimsy gear. I hate stuff that breaks, I usually buy German, Japanese, or USA-made gear (not just in audio, in general).

In case of the Verum 2, I'm not even spending more (it's $799 AUD, and built for longevity).

Next step after this is Denon, Audeze, or DCA... maybe... one day

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

I've been testing Para 2 for the last couple of hours and I must say I'm impressed.
I just added bass shelf to follow harman like bass - more or less and it's everything that I need.
The deviations from the target that Para has - it's very tastefully done, nothing outrageous, just a small coloration - especially this bump around 1k - I don't mind it. (deep arouing 2500khz it's not something problematic either)

Also ability to handle ~7db bass boost and very high listening levels while still maintaining clarity is very impressive.
I'm probably keeping them, in this price range to my ears it's much much better than any hifiman that you can get - even at much higher prices.

 

[noisey]

The Para 2 seems like a winner. But - being somewhat heavy - is it comfortable when worn for several hours?

 

[Shane D]

The Cosmo seems like the better headphone, but this is a lot more affordable. I am going to keep an eye out for an 11/11 sale or a Black Friday sale.
I am definitely getting some new headphones for Christmas.

 

[amirm]

The Para 2 seems like a winner. But - being somewhat heavy - is it comfortable when worn for several hours?

I use it for hours a day and it is very comfortable.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Yes its comfortable.
Its heavy but the construction and how it sits on your head reminds me abyss 1266 - a bit.
It rather hang of your head and you dont really feel it its clamping force is very loose at least on my head.

 

[amirm]

It rather hang of your head and you dont really feel it its clamping force is very loose at least on my head.

Same here.

 

[migo77]

Same here.

They are so good that you use them as your main headphones?

 

[kawauso]

I really like these headphones. Even with a light adjustment of the lows and highs using shelf filters, they sound wonderful — and with more detailed EQ, they get even better. I used @Maiky76 ’s EQ as a base and made some fine adjustments since the response above 6 kHz sounded a bit different to me. The comfort is excellent thanks to the headband design, though the weight might make long sessions a bit tiring. I’m usually a speaker person, but for the first time in a while, I’ve found it really fun to listen to music on headphones again.

 

[sharock]

These are $400 at Shenzhen Audio at the moment. Has anyone seen a better deal?

MOONDROP PARA II 100mm Planar Full-Size Over-ear Headphone

shenzhenaudio.com: professional headphone, earphone, amplifier, dac, decoder, hifi player, cable supermarket. you will find good price here.

shenzhenaudio.com

 

[amirm]

They are so good that you use them as your main headphones?

They are. My everyday headphones are heavier and these are more comfortable to wear. Of course, I use the EQ with them unlike my previous choice.

 

[migo77]

They are. My everyday headphones are heavier and these are more comfortable to wear. Of course, I use the EQ with them unlike my previous choice.

Thank you! Than I need to hear them myself...

 

[kawauso]

They are. My everyday headphones are heavier and these are more comfortable to wear. Of course, I use the EQ with them unlike my previous choice.

You really seem to like them! I found they distort a bit with my Fosi DS2, so I just ordered a DX5 II to try with them.

 

[noisey]

These are $400 at Shenzhen Audio at the moment. Has anyone seen a better deal?

MOONDROP PARA II 100mm Planar Full-Size Over-ear Headphone

shenzhenaudio.com: professional headphone, earphone, amplifier, dac, decoder, hifi player, cable supermarket. you will find good price here.

shenzhenaudio.com

Thanks. Best deal I've seen so far, so I just ordered them. Including PayPal's not too favourable currency conversion $399 translated to 360€ for me. I'm pretty excited to give them a listen soon.

 

[migo77]

Thanks. Best deal I've seen so far, so I just ordered them. Including PayPal's not too favourable currency conversion $399 translated to 360€ for me. I'm pretty excited to give them a listen soon.

Customs + import fees?

 

[Shane D]

I wonder if that is their 11/11 sale?

 

[noisey]

Customs + import fees?

Free shipping and no taxes or customs fees calculated at checkout.

I'll let you know if customs/import fees are due upon delivery.

 

[Zekbone]

While I was hunting for any early black friday deals, I found out that allegedly, this headphone has the same MSRP in China as the previous generation Para. So the price increase might be political.

These are $400 at Shenzhen Audio at the moment. Has anyone seen a better deal?

MOONDROP PARA II 100mm Planar Full-Size Over-ear Headphone

shenzhenaudio.com: professional headphone, earphone, amplifier, dac, decoder, hifi player, cable supermarket. you will find good price here.

shenzhenaudio.com

Bloom Audio has the same price but lists it as backorder. https://bloomaudio.com/products/moo..._content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic

 

[syhooo]

While I was hunting for any early black friday deals, I found out that allegedly, this headphone has the same MSRP in China as the previous generation Para. So the price increase might be political.


Bloom Audio has the same price but lists it as backorder. https://bloomaudio.com/products/moo..._content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic

In China, the MSRP for the Para 1 was 1999 [RMB], and the Para 2 is 2499 [RMB]. That's a 1/4 (or 25%) price increase.

 

[migo77]

Free shipping and no taxes or customs fees calculated at checkout.

I'll let you know if customs/import fees are due upon delivery.

I had the same at HifiMan store checkout/order, but the call from customs after arriving was not good. That was for Arya shipped from CHN not from their EU warehouse. I hope you will have more luck!