Pros –
Excellent build and design, Smaller nozzles, Tight and lightning-fast dynamic driver bass, Well balanced sound signature, Excellent treble extension and detail in-class, Easy to drive
Cons –
Midrange will be too lean for some, Minimal warmth, Housings still on the larger side
Verdict –
The Blessing 3 offers performance that was once only available in the kilo-buck price range now but is now well within the reach of the average audiophile.
Introduction –
Moondrop requires little introduction for the Chi-Fi company has produced some of the greatest hits on the market. One of these was the Blessing 2 which remains one of the most popular IEMs in its price class and a real giant slayer in terms of value. The brand delivers consistency with their VDSF target curve which is based off the popular Harman curve. Though not all earphones follow it entirely, often the changes have been in good taste and it’s great to see the company being so responsive to market feedback. Welcome the Blessing 3, their latest midrange hybrid design. With a new driver setup, it promises a far more responsive bass and further improved detail and resolution alongside a more refined tuning. Moondrop has addressed common complaints such as bass performance and nozzle size with aplomb, all the while retaining the same attainable asking price.
The Blessing 3 just launched for $319 USD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Apos Audio.
Disclaimer –
I would like to thank John from Apos Audio very much for reaching out to organise a review of the new Blessing 3. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.
Contents –
- Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
- Page 2: Sound and Source Pairings
- Page 3: Comparisons & Verdict
Specifications –
- Drivers: 2DD + 4BA Hybrid Triple-range Frequency Division In-ear Monitors
- Housing: 3D printing of imported medical resin, stainless steel faceplates
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
- Impedance: 14.8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 120 dB
Behind the Design –
Next-Generation Hybrid
Conventional hybrids usually rely on a single DD woofer alongside other driver types to cover the higher frequencies. The Blessings 3 uses a dual DD woofer system alongside 4 balanced armature drivers (2x mid, 2x treble) representing a huge improvement in raw hardware over the Blessing 2.
H.O.D.D.U.S
Standing for horizontally opposed dual dynamic driver unit system, the Blessing 3 uses two 10mm drivers opposed symmetrically within a 3D printed enclosure that also offers a physical band-pass to minimize distortion and optimize coherence between each driver. The woofer system sports individual filtering systems and damping devices on each driver for fine-grain sound tuning. As the two drivers work in unison, the Blessing 3 offers significantly lower distortion and a larger dynamic range by reducing the work of each driver by half via constructive interference. The magnet design has also been considered to maximise uniform motor function.
3D-Printed High Precision Filtering Nozzle Structure
Like its predecessor, the Blessing 3 has a 3D-printed enclosure with a physical filter system that works in tandem with an electronic crossover. Advancements in design and a new partnership with the 3D printing company HeyGears has led to a more complex and accurately realised shell design than the previous generation Blessing earphone and therefore, superior sound output. The Blessing 3 is fully phase coherent and follows the VDSF target curve closer than the Blessing 2 before it.
Stainless Steel Faceplates
The Blessing 3 sports CNC machined stainless steel faceplates with a hand-polished finish for maximum aesthetics and better scratch resistance than the aluminium units found on previous models. As before, the remaining housing is constructed from medical-grade resin offering excellent clarity and mechanical properties.
Unboxing –
Moondrop provides a charming unboxing that is a clear step up from their previous models. Inside the outer sleeve is a hard box with two-component folding mechanicsm that lets the lid sit open at a set angle for presentation. The lid contains papers while the base showcases the earpieces within a foam inlet and carrying case beside it. The case has a faux leather exterior and hard skeleton that provides added protection. The fabric interior is non-scratch and a pouch provides additional storage for accessories. A cable similar to that found on the Variations is included alongside 6 pairs of silicone ear tips in a various sizes for an exact fit. In addition, the company includes an airline adaptor and the cable has a removable velcro organiser, a good selection altogether.
Design –
The Blessing 3 very much resembles its predecessor and the Variations with a smoothly sculpted resin shell that nicely fills the outer ear. As before, the sizing is medium-large meaning they won’t suit those with especially small ears but should provide a snug fit for the majority. The main changes come in the form of the new stainless steel faceplates with a gorgeous high-polish finish and rounded chamfers that grant them an inviting sense of contrast and dimension. Another welcome change comes in the form of smaller nozzles which expands tip choice and was an area that created a lot of comfort issues with the Blessing 2.
As with the Blessing 2, the shells are resin-filled which contributes to an excellent sense of solidity and density alongside a bubble-less 3D-printed construction process that leaves a flawless transparency devoid of imperfections or contamination. It’s fascinating to have a window into the engineering that went in the Blessing 3’s sophisticated driver setup. 0.78mm 2-pin connectors make a return and inspire with a confident action. The cable itself resembles that included on the Variations with a 2-wire braid beneath the y-split and a single wire with an internal braid above. It’s a soft and pliable cable with minimal memory that coils easily for storage and rarely tangles. Though a little thin and dainty feeling, overall, it is ergonomic and easy to live with.
Fit & Comfort –
The medium-large sized shells offer similar dimensions and shape to the Blessing 2 and Variations meaning those that were unable to fit those earphones will likely still have issues here. The benefit is the smaller nozzle that opens up a wider range of ear tip choices and helps to promote a deeper and more comfortable fit. If you have relatively average-sized ears, you will likely experience a comfortable experience due to the rounded nature of the shells that avoid hotspot formation.
\The nozzles are well angled and this promotes a stable fit with an excellent and reliable seal. No driver flex was apparent during my testing and passive noise isolation is very good for a vented hybrid model, noticeably better than most competitors. This makes them a great choice for everyday use and even travel especially when used with a more isolating foam tip.
