Moondrop JIU Review

July 12, 2023 4:21 pm

Moondrop is trying to completely take over the budget earbuds market with models like the Chu and the recently released Droplet. The JIU is another pair of USB-type C earbuds that anyone can afford. We’ve seen Moondrop impress in this price range, so let’s see if that’s the case with the JIU as well.

What You Get

JIU earbuds
Leather carrying pouch
Ear hooks
3 pairs of silicone tips
User guide

Look & Feel

The build of the JIU most resembles the Chu. It’s almost exactly the same style of body, with its zinc alloy housing and lightweight shell. Its cable is non-detachable, and the earbuds can be worn with the wire going straight down, or with the supplied ear hooks. These are very comfortable earbuds that can be worn in multiple ways.

Design

Inside the JIU is a 10mm dynamic driver, made with a titanium-plated diaphragm. Physical Vapor Deposition(PVD) technology is also implemented, with the addition of an N52 magnetic circuit, and a patented anti-blocking acoustic filter.

Soundstage

I’ve been impressed with what some of these type C earbuds can do with their soundstage and imaging, and the JIU wields the best results so far. It possesses an average width but is still pretty impressively wide for the price. It’s the imaging that makes the most significant impression on you. The presentation feels accurately positioned, with enough dimensional layers to find yourself engrossed in the space. You’ll find good separation here, with clearly localized sound elements throughout the stereo field. Everything has an interior headspace, but nothing appears constricted. Instruments and effects can perform fully in their space, stacking on top of and in front of each other in a nice bubble of sound.

Low End

The JIU has a partially reserved, but very well-presented bass. While it doesn’t always offer the most substantial impact, the detail is there. There’s a fullness to the lows that present a realistic portrayal of the frequency content. It has some punch to it, but the gripping part of the response is its depth. Everything from the sub-bass to the mid-bass is put fully on display, showcasing great resolve. You get a good lift from the sub-bass frequencies that offer a subtle rumble.

Mids

Like the bass, I feel like the midrange features good detail and realism. Everything appears flat and even, but also spread out. It’s a roomy midrange that has a clear neutral timbre, but it’ll never bore you, as the JIU has just enough expressive elements to enjoy. Vocals are very clear, especially in the upper-mids where they appear crisper. Certain performances are able to cut through the mix and stand out with a clear identity.

Highs

There are areas of the treble where the JIU is at its most energetic. That could turn some people off to this sound signature, but I found it very gratifying. It gives the full presentation of sound that has been established in the bass and mids a nice tail to add that last accent to the sound. Nothing is ever too bright, but there’s a definitive edge to the tone.

Summary

For a twenty-five dollar pair of USB type C headphones, the JIU really brings the sound quality. While the Droplet also had a good sound signature, I preferred how detailed the JIU was. The soundstage and imaging are also surprisingly good and outmatches what most type C earbuds can do. If you’re looking for simple USB-type C earbuds, the JIU is the easiest recommendation I can make.