Moondrop Blessing 3 - A redemption arc?

Ever since the release of the Chu which ruled the the budget market for a grand total of 2 months, Moondrop has not been in the spotlight since. The long standing issue of Moondrop only having the Blessing2 and Blessing2 Dusk (not tuned completely by the company) as the mid-tier price entries pretty much meant that these products were competing with newer products that could offer more or similar for less. Coupled with mediocre or even subpar releases, alongside the company's tendency to overmarket to the anime-loving community, it was really difficult to recommend any of their under $500 products.

And then the Blessing 3 came about - a hybrid 2DD + 4BA promising to improve upon the already decent DNA of the Blessing 2. There was no question, it was time to see if Moondrop can keep up with the other audio releases in such a fast-moving market. I was glad to see that there was not really a price difference between the Blessing 2 and Blessing 3, which meant it was a serious product targeted at the entry mid-tier competition.

Moondrop Blessing 3: A quick review and comparison

Lows

- An upgrade over the original Blessing 2, which was infamous for having a thin and limp bass response that was uncharacteristic of dynamic drivers; the Blessing 3 had clear separation between the sub- and mid-bass, alongside more perceived rumble 

- There is also more detail in the bass region over the Blessing 2, albeit discernible and not instantly obvious

- While there is rumble and detail, there isn't really much oomph as some might call it, basically not much slam going on

Midrange

- Like the bass region, the midrange is audibly cleaner than the Blessing 2

- Female vocals are even more pronounced on the Blessing 3 than Blessing 2, though I personally find the vocals to be detailed yet not-as-full-sounding

- The lower midrange is similar to the Blessing 2, which meant it leaves a lot to be desired given that male vocals still do not sound as prominent nor full in the mix compared to females

- This also applies to strings and winds, where it sounds somewhat detailed but lacking in body and fullness

- Overall, the midrange leans analytical to the point where one can call it boring

Treble

- I'll be honest, there really isn't too much difference in this region compared to the Blessing 2; it's still airy in the upper treble with the treble roll off

- Like the Blessing 2, it leans neutral with some sparkle

- Decent treble detail which may be perceived due to how the midrange is tuned to be flat

Overall, it is indeed an improvement over the Blessing 2 in terms of bass tuning and overall clarity. Would this be a surefire upgrade over the Blessing 2? I would say so, but is it worth paying another $300? If you do not own the Blessing 2, then it certainly makes sense to just get the newer Blessing 3. However, if you factor in other products which also offer very good sound quality at around the same price, then it might be a very different story. For context, here are some other products:

1. 7hz Timeless (Slight U with bass boost)

2. Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Neutral)

3. Blessing 2 Dusk (Neutral with bass boost)

4. Tangzu Heyday (Neutral with bass boost)

5. Aful Performer 5 (Slight V)

6. Hisenior Mega5p (Neutral warm, treble roll off)

You get the point. Unlike in 2018/2019, each price category now has generous offerings compared to the sahara desert ages where Blessing 2 is the staple go-to for $300. Personally, I would pick the Orchestra lite (OL) over the Blessing 3 even if the technical aspects are a step behind compared to the Blessing 3. To my ears, vocal presentation is more even on the OL, and the more natural-sounding midrange appeals to my tastes. Also, I find the bass, while somewhat looser and less controlled on the OL, slams harder and fuller with BA implementation than the Blessing 3. To conclude, Blessing 3 has better tonal balance over the Blessing 2, does not have any jarring issues, but also does not do anything exceedingly well outside of price-performance ratio. It is a neutral, analytical set that emphasizes on female vocals that delivers a clean and detailed overall listening experience.

Overall grade: A- (for now)

So... Moondrop Blessing 3 - A redemption arc? Yes, perhaps for the next 3 months (not years, mind you). 

Blessing 3, Hakugei Joyful Voice, Tri Clarions M, and the usual waifu

PS: I will be doing an overhaul of the current tier list some time in the near future, so letter grades assigned may change after that