All > Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing 2 Dusk
Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing 2: Dusk
Retail Price
$329.99
Lowest Price
$319.99
Release Date
December 2020
The Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing 2 Dusk is frequently cited as being one of the best value deals in the mid-fi price range due to its excellent hardware and tuning. It is considered a solid choice for an IEM under $500 with a few considerations, namely larger shell design and slightly bright treble.
Purchase Links
Overview
- Summary
- Overview - Sound Quality
- Overview - Tuning
- Positive
- Negative
Summary - The Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing 2: Dusk is frequently cited as being one of the best value deals in the mid-fi price range due to its excellent hardware and tuning. It is considered a solid choice for an IEM under $500 with a few considerations, namely larger shell design and slightly bright treble.
Overview - Sound Quality - The Dusk 2 is almost universally described as being well-tuned and well-balanced. Its bass shelf sounds more elevated and bolder with more lingering decay and punchier attack, and its midrange is more filled-in with the lower treble no longer bright. It has a good balance of clarity without over-exaggeration. Its sound is smooth yet detailed with excellent definition and clarity. The midrange tends to sound lean and forward, but the bass response helps by adding some natural texture to the tone. The Dusk has a non-fatiguing, fun sound signature.
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Overview - Tuning - The newly tuned Blessing 2, now known as the “Dusk”, has no difference in the hardware between it and the original Blessing 2, except for the tuning, which is considered a very significant improvement from the original.
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Sources
Tags
- Summary
- Overview - Sound Quality
- Overview - Tuning
Sources
- Audio Discourse
- HEADPHONESTY
- YouTube
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
See All Sources
Build & Design
- Build Quality
- Build - Cable
- Build - Comfort
- Build - Nozzles
- Positive
- Negative
Build Quality - The Dusk’s build quality is excellent; it incorporates resin and steel, and its 3D printing is done by Heygears Technology, an acclaimed 3D printing company. Its shell is full rather than shallow, which gives it more weight and durability.
Build - Cable - The Dusk includes a decent cable that is functional and doesn’t get tangled easily. It’s not stiff, is easy to use, is pliable and is surprisingly light.
Build - Comfort - If the thick nozzles are not an issue, the Dusk turns out to be quite comfortable and can be great to use for long hours. Its isolation is about average as the Dusk is vented, making wind noise able to be picked up at times. The Dusk is physically larger than the Starfield, but only weighs 9 grams, compared to the Starfield’s 11 grams.
Build - Nozzles - The Dusk’s nozzles are quite thick at 7mm, which can pose an issue in terms of fit for those with small ear canals, and also mess up the treble as a result of a failed fit: the IEM needs deep insertion to alleviate some of the harsh treble. Otherwise, it is still regarded as one of the most comfortable universal IEMs with its great shape.
Sources
Tags
- Build Quality
- Build - Cable
- Build - Comfort
- Build - Nozzles
Sources
- HEADPHONESTY
- Head-Fi
- YouTube
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
09/15/2021
DMS
01/28/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
See All Sources
Features & Sound Quality
- Bass - Tuning & Response
- Driver - Tuning
- Frequency Response
- Imaging
- Impedance - Power Requirements
- Isolation
- Mids - Tuning
- Soundstage
- Sound Signature
- Timbre
- Treble
- Positive
- Negative
Bass - Tuning & Response - The Dusk’s Bass is described as “tight” “punchy” and “well-controlled”. It is boosted compared to the original Blessing 2and while not the strongest or deepest sounding bass, it is solid and well-balanced and doesn’t interfere with the rest of the sound signature. However, there is some reliance on the sub-bass and genres such as metal and classic rock may not be the best on these headphones.
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Super*Review
12/20/2020
r/headphones
10/13/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Driver - Tuning - The Dusk and Blessing 2 are multi-driver hybrids with the same driver configuration. Both feature a single dynamic driver to carry the low-end, and 4 balanced armature drivers to provide the mid-range and treble.
Frequency Response - The Dusk’s frequency response is "neutral, but warm." They color the sound more than one might want when used for production or performing, but are the go-to IEMs for critical listening. A slight nitpick would that the treble rolls off.
Imaging - The Dusk’s Imaging appears to be very good with lateral positioning and depth positioning.
Impedance - Power Requirements - The Dusk have relatively low impedance at 22 Ohms with 117dB efficiency, making most portable devices able to drive it without amplifiers. Having an amplifier however will still improve sound quality by a reasonable level.
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Isolation - The Dusk’s sound isolation is good, but the earphones are vented and may pick up wind noise outside.
Mids - Tuning - Crinacle has dialed down the emphasis on the upper-mids which made vocals sound “shouty” on the original Blessing 2. Due to this change, the Dusk is generally described as being more comfortable to listen to as well as sounding cleaner and clearer than the original Blessing 2. This comes at the cost of the midrange sounding “leaner”, which may not be a welcome change for those who want a big and full midrange sound. However, most seem to agree that the midrange is well-balanced.
Soundstage - The Dusk’s soundstage appears to be decently big for IEM earphones.
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Sound Signature - The Dusk has a fairly neutral sound signature that is generally described as natural, fun, and slightly warm. They are not unengaging or boring and have plenty of low-end foundation, with no apparent frequencies missing or improperly boosted.
Timbre - The Dusk has some timbre in the treble region, and while not terrible at all, it can sound weird.
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Treble - The treble has been toned down a little bit compared to the original Blessing 2, which had complaints about the treble and upper-mids sounding too sharp at times. The toned-down treble in the Dusk makes the sound signature warmer, more fun, and less analytical. However, some have more mixed feelings, seeing the treble as “not very special” and a “potential weakness”, though still decent.
Sources
Tags
- Bass - Tuning & Response
- Driver - Tuning
- Frequency Response
- Imaging
- Impedance - Power Requirements
- Isolation
- Mids - Tuning
- Soundstage
- Sound Signature
- Timbre
- Treble
Sources
- YouTube
- Head-Fi
- Audio Discourse
- HEADPHONESTY
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Super*Review
12/20/2020
Super*Review
12/20/2020
r/headphones
10/13/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
r/headphones
09/15/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
r/headphones
09/15/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
06/30/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Super*Review
12/20/2020
r/headphones
10/13/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
See All Sources
Inclusions/Accessories & Packaging
- Accessories
- Case
- Positive
- Negative
Accessories - The included accessories are sufficient, if not exceptionally generous: classy grey case, and airline adapter.
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Case - The case is roomy, well-made and with minimal branding. It feels durable; like it will protect the IEMs when carrying them around or storing in general.
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
See All Sources
Comparison
- Comparison vs. Moondrop Blessing 2
- Comparison vs. Hidition Viento-B
- Comparison vs. Thieaudio Legacy 5, & Comparison vs. Mangrid Tea
- Comparison vs. ER4XR
- Comparison vs. Apple AirPods Pro
- Comparison vs. AKG K371
- Comparison vs. Sony MH755, Comparison vs. Etymotic ER2, & Comparison vs. AKG Samsung IEMs
- Comparison vs. ZS10 Pro, Comparison vs. SSR, & Comparison vs. ER2XR
- Comparison vs. Dunu SA6
- Comparison vs. Fidelio X1 & Comparison vs. DT880 600 Ohm
- Comparison vs. Full Size Headphones
- Positive
- Negative
Comparison vs. Moondrop Blessing 2 - The Dusk’s hardware is the same as the original Blessing 2, but the tuning is different. The Dusk is said to sound a little warmer and more fun, with increased bass and decreased treble. Neither is technically better than the other, and it comes down to individual taste.
Comparison vs. Hidition Viento-B - The Hidition Viento-B has a bit more openness and a cleaner and more detailed low-end, but also cost nearly three-times more than the Dusk.
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Comparison vs. Thieaudio Legacy 5, & Comparison vs. Mangrid Tea - The best comparative IEMs at roughly the same price point are the Thieaudio Legacy 5 (with upgrade cable) and the Mangird Tea, both priced regularly at $299. The Dusk’s overall sound signature is closer to the relaxed Legacy 5 than the more forward sounding Tea. However the rich, sweet, low-end of the Dusk puts the others to shame. Both the Tea and the Legacy 5 are easier to drive than the Dusk and require less amplifier power to match volume levels. However, when the Dusk are volume matched to the others, they are the clear sound quality winner.
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
Comparison vs. ER4XR - Other brands are starting to outclass the ER4XR in terms of sonic performance for its original price. It always did a bit of a poor job handling heavy rock, punk and metal, as it sounded too thin and tinny for those genres, not providing a lot of soul or weight to the music. The narrow stage didn't help either.
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Comparison vs. Apple AirPods Pro - The AirPods Pro sound good with more warmth and less upper midrange, but its treble and bass sound lacking. It sounds safe. Meanwhile, the Dusk stomps all over it when it comes to technical performance, though the APP has pretty nice soundstage as well.
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Comparison vs. AKG K371 - The K371 is a well-regarded closed back headphone that costs $150, while the Dusk is considered as a nice upgrade. The K371 also has a tuning that, while safe, is a little TOO safe, and not very engaging. Its technical performance isn't all that great and while it has a good amount of sub bass, you get more bass impact from the Dusk than the K371, and the Dusk also sounds cleaner.
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Comparison vs. Sony MH755, Comparison vs. Etymotic ER2, & Comparison vs. AKG Samsung IEMs - Some budget IEMs cost 1/10th of the price of the Dusk, either at MSRP or when on sale. Considering diminishing returns and willingness to spend, as long as aforementioned IEMs have decent enough tuning they would inherently have a great price/performance ratio. The Etymotic ER2 for example, which normally costs $120, can go on sale for $50, while some stock AKG Samsung IEMs that have decent sound quality are free.
r/headphones
06/30/2021
Comparison vs. ZS10 Pro, Comparison vs. SSR, & Comparison vs. ER2XR - The SSRs are a little shouty in the treble range. The ZS10 Pros have a more traditional v-curve tuning, but their mids aren’t overly buried. The frequency response between the ER2XR and the Blessing 2 Dusk is remarkably similar. The Dusks sound more open and spacious.
r/headphones
09/15/2021
Comparison vs. Dunu SA6 - The Dunu SA6 is preferred for its medium perfect fit, its sound, its design/looks, and its cable.
r/headphones
09/15/2021
Comparison vs. Fidelio X1 & Comparison vs. DT880 600 Ohm - The Dusk is preferred mostly for comfort reasons, as over ears with glasses can be annoying, but in terms of sound quality the Dusk manages to also impress. It delivers in separation and depth, and with good recordings it gives decently wide soundstage and headstage as well.
DMS
01/28/2021
Comparison vs. Full Size Headphones - The Dusk holds its own well against full-sized headphones in terms of sound quality.
r/headphones
10/13/2021
Sources
Tags
- Comparison vs. Moondrop Blessing 2
- Comparison vs. Hidition Viento-B
- Comparison vs. Thieaudio Legacy 5, & Comparison vs. Mangrid Tea
- Comparison vs. ER4XR
- Comparison vs. Apple AirPods Pro
- Comparison vs. AKG K371
- Comparison vs. Sony MH755, Comparison vs. Etymotic ER2, & Comparison vs. AKG Samsung IEMs
- Comparison vs. ZS10 Pro, Comparison vs. SSR, & Comparison vs. ER2XR
- Comparison vs. Dunu SA6
- Comparison vs. Fidelio X1 & Comparison vs. DT880 600 Ohm
- Comparison vs. Full Size Headphones
Sources
- YouTube
- Head-Fi
- Audio Discourse
- HEADPHONESTY
The HEADPHONE Show
01/08/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Max Settings
01/01/2021
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Antdroid - Audio Discourse
03/07/2021
Trav Wilson - HEADPHONESTY
09/03/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
r/headphones
06/30/2021
r/headphones
09/15/2021
r/headphones
09/15/2021
DMS
01/28/2021
r/headphones
10/13/2021
See All Sources
Price & Availability
- Price
- Value
- Value - Diminishing Returns
- Positive
- Negative
Price - The Dusk is not cheap at $330 MSRP, but is considered a midrange earphone in terms of price, as there are many very expensive IEMs out there.
The HEADPHONE Show
01/28/2021
Value - The Dusk gets universal praise for great value at its price point. It is described as “setting a benchmark at the $320 to $330 price mark”, “dominating at the $200~$500 price range”, and a “no-brainer”.
Value - Diminishing Returns - Getting an IEM better than the Dusk in terms of features and performance is predicted to be very costly.
r/headphones
09/15/2021
See All Sources
Miscellaneous
- Issue - Cable
- Issue - Nozzle
- Issue - Treble
- Positive
- Negative
Issue - Cable - Some have found the cable quality to be poor, appearing to be thin and prone to tangling, in contrast with most reviews, thus switching it out for an aftermarket cable.
Issue - Nozzle - The Dusk’s 7mm nozzle can be uncomfortable for those with small ear canals and cannot be adjusted. This was the most commonly mentioned caveat for these earphones.
r/headphones
06/30/2021
Issue - Treble - The Dusk’s extension is only adequate, as the treble rolls off too early and leaves a desire for more, especially if one has had IEMs with better extension beforehand.
Skedra - Head-Fi
12/28/2020
See All Sources
Comments