Disclaimer:
The Moondrop Dawn Pro was sent to me by Hifigo and Moondrop, whom I thank very much.
I absolutely wanted to test their Dual Cirrus DAC, as the cost is really very low. Now the market is flooded in this low range and finding the best among so many similar products is increasingly difficult.
From my point of view, the Dacs sound very similar to each other, or at least they shouldn’t take away or add anything to the sound.
However, this time, some small differences are easily noticeable compared to other similar DACs.
I’m going to compare it with similar dongles I own with similar prices.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Dual CS43131 DAC chips.
- Supports high-res PCM and native DSD decoding.
- 32-bit/384kHz PCM and Native DSD256 Audio Decoding.
- Clean Power with Independent Power Chips.
- Ultra-Low Clean Output with Low Noise, Floor, and Distortion Ratings.
- Large output thrust.
- 100-Level Smooth Volume Control.
- 3.5mm Single-Ended+4.4mm Balanced Outputs.
- Compact Design.
- Built-in heat-dissipation design.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing.
- Swappable Type-C Port.
- Compatible With Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, laptops, etc.
Packaging:
The Moondrop Dawn Pro comes in a rounded metal package, which is quite simple but seems luxurious.
Once opened inside, we find the DAC embedded, and on the other side, we find the accessories:
- Type C to type C cable
- USB to Type C adapter
- Manual, QC and Warranty
The Type C cable is typical Moondrop, a little stiff but better than others. I appreciate that they included the USB-A adapter.
First impressions:
The build quality of the Moondrop Dawn Pro is very good. It’s all CNC-machined aluminum, lightweight, and more compact than average. The holes in the main facade help dissipate heat. Behind one of those holes, there is a LED that indicates the DAC status and the sampling rate being played. The volume rocker is also made of aluminum; it has a bit of play so it moves in its seat, causing a bit of noise when the DAC is shaken.
The general construction quality is excellent; it is light but sturdy, and even after many hours of use, it does not heat up.
The thing I particularly liked was the ultra-small size compared to other models.
In any case, I can say that for the asking price, it automatically becomes the best buy among the cheapest Dual CS43131 DACs.
Power:
The power is very similar to all the other DACs with the same configuration in my possession. It can also easily drive a Hifiman He400se with balanced output; obviously, a little more power would be needed. But this was to say that it is more than sufficient for the majority of IEMs on the market and for those who want an entry-level product with good power, a dual Cirrus logic is the cheapest solution. The Moondrop Dawn has no problems except that I would have preferred a physical gain switch.
I really appreciate the 100 independent volume levels. I can adjust the volume separately for an infinite number of adjustments and when it reaches maximum volume, the LED flashes white.
The tests were performed by setting the volume to maximum on the DAC and adjusting the volume on the device it is connected to.
I tested it with:
- KZ PR2 on 4.4 balanced high gain and needed just 40/50% volume to get them to a really high pressure level.
- EPZ Q5 on 4.4mm needs just 10% volume
- HE400se on 4.4mm is just less than 60–70% volume
- Hidizs MP145 on 4.4mm needs 40% volume
- GeekWold Gk20 needs 30% volume on 4.4mm
- Simgot EM6L needs 20%–30% on 3.5mm
A very versatile DAC capable of satisfying the majority of listeners. Obviously, there are better-performing dual CSs like the iBasso DC04pro but we are at double the price.
Moondrop Link App:
As if that wasn’t enough at this price, we also have an app for managing the settings of the Moondrop Dawn Pro. On the official Moondrop website, you can find the latest version of the Moondrop LINK 2.0 app.
From the app, it is possible to manage the operation of the digital filters, gain, LED light, and volume. There are a few excellent functions that are often not seen until they double in cost. I attached some screenshots of the app.
Sound Signature:
I have to admit that Moondrop has implemented some coloration in the sound of this Cirrus logic. The sound signature is much less warm than expected but more tending towards neutral, with a slight boost in the low range. They managed to remove the purely warm tone found for example, on the EPZ TP20. Honestly, this is a positive surprise for those looking for a little more neutrality.
I expected to find some differences compared to less important brands. Moondrop is big enough to be able to afford to develop its own products. Just the fact that it has a smaller size than the competition means that the PCB is proprietary (or at least different). They did an excellent job considering the absolutely entry level price.
Fast Comparison:
Moondrop Dawn 4.4mm
The old Moondrop Dawn, in addition to costing more, is much less versatile. You can choose whether to have either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm output; the cable is fixed and you cannot change it. There is no volume button. Since it costs more, it is difficult for me to recommend it at the moment, but if it were to drop in price, it could still be an option to take into consideration.
vs EPZ TP20
The EPZ TP20 has a few more buttons to manage playback directly, which, on the one hand, makes it much faster to use. Its weight and aluminum construction make it one of the heaviest on the market. It gives a sensation of solidity but at the same time, it is a considerable weight to keep attached to a type C. Darker tone and non-independent volume. No apps.
vs Kmerj KM01
The Kmerj KM01 is practically the same as the TP20. My iMac can’t tell them apart when I connect them. I recommend you read the full review. Its strong points are the design and the greater lightness compared to the TP20.
vs iBasso DC04 Pro
The iBasso DC04 Pro is out of budget, as it costs significantly more than the previous ones. Can you feel the difference? I’m sorry to admit it but you can feel it. The sound comes out more refined; it doesn’t even sound like a CS43131. The app is well made but the Moondrop one is better. The same buttons are present on the Moondrop Dawn Pro. The sound is super refined and on sensitive headphones, it manages to give a further boost in definition and stage. Absolutely worth the extra money. I’ll do a review as soon as I have some extra time.
Who do I recommend this DAC to?
If you are an audiophile or audio enthusiast on a budget, this could be a great option for your pockets. Probably the best option at this price.
Honestly, I am perfectly satisfied with the result obtained with the Moondrop Dawn Pro accompanied by the Simgot EM6L or the GeekWold GK20. Perhaps the result with the highest quality/price ratio is the EPZ Q5. For $100, you get a set of excellent quality far beyond expectations. Personally, the Dawn Pro is now my favorite in the dual-chip category in the $50 range.
My rating takes into consideration the average price at which we find DACs with similar configurations. Obviously, compared to the iBasso Dc04 Pro, it would have a lower score.
But one thing is certain! The Moondrop Dawn Pro is the model I would choose among the entry-level Cirrus DACs.
9/10
Pros:
- Build Quality
- Balanced output
- Warm sound (typical Cirrus) with slightly bright touch
- Removable cable
- Type c to USB adaptor
- Functional button for volume adjustment
- 100 independent volume steps
- Strong power
- Depth and definition are above average (better than other budget CS)
- Sturdy and light aluminium housing
- Moondrop link App
- Lowest price for Dual CS
Cons:
- No physical Gain switch
- Volume rocker is a little loose
- Type C to Type C could be slightly better