Comparisons –
Moondrop Starfield ($109): At the same asking price, the Starfield has a “true” VDSF tuning atop a single-DD platform. It is just as eye-catching and has a better cable. The Starfield is overall more coherent and less contrasted, it sounds more refined and balanced with a much better midrange timbre. The Starfield has a bit more sub-bass and overall bass warmth but the Stellaris is substantially more technical, offering much higher speed and tightness, offering an overall more responsive and tactile low-end albeit a less present one. The midrange is more forward on the Stellaris with the Starfield having more natural tone and body. It too is a little mid-forward but not to the same extent nor with the same timbral oddities. The treble is also far more even and note body is more natural. The Stellaris is noticeably more detailed once again but also less pleasant in terms of note body and texture. The Stellaris does have the edge on soundstage and imaging aided by its noticeable bump in technical ability.
Shuoer S12 ($109): The S12 is another planar IEM at the same asking price as the Stellaris. It offers a smaller shell and altogether, a more engaging sound profile. The S12 is bassier, a bit warmer and has less midrange intensity. It also lacks the upper-treble peak of the Stellaris. The Stellaris has a cleaner bass, it is noticeably tighter and its sub-bass provides a more affirmative slam. The S12 sounds punchier but overall less resolving. The midrange is more natural on the S12. It suffers from the same pitfalls but to a lesser extent and is on the lean end of what I would consider natural. The Stellaris meanwhile sounds more overtly metallic and thin. The treble response is detailed on both with the Stellaris having a noticeable edge in extension and micro-detail retrieval. However, it has a brighter background that pushes is further onto the revealing side. The S12 has a slightly wider stage and better layering.
Audeze Euclid ($1299): A poor comparison given the difference in asking price, however, the Euclid represents a subjectively well-tuned planar in-ear design. Of note, it is far more linear and assumes an almost DF-neutral tuning. Its bass is warmer and more even, just as fast and even tighter and more defined. The Stellaris has more sub-bass kick that said. The midrange has far more body and coherence on the Euclid. The Stellaris is a lot brighter and leaner with a less natural voicing overall. The Euclid layers far better due to its more accurate representation of room and more balanced portrayal of vocals and instruments. The top-end extends more naturally on the Euclid. It isn’t as bright and doesn’t feel artificially boosted, simply natural resolving yet well mannered. The Stellaris is much thinner which makes it sound crisper but also less nuanced. The Euclid really pulls ahead in sound staging where it offers a far better sense of distance and overall expansion. Layering and imaging are much better as you’d expect.
Verdict –
The Stellaris is an interesting proposition from a company that can seemingly do no wrong. While their main players like the Starfield and Blessings series are undoubtedly here to stay, I do laud the company for leaving their comfort zone to experiment with something like the Stellaris. Given that the Starfield and Aria exist, I am amenable to the stranger tuning of the Stellaris that offers a foil to its more balanced DD counterparts. The tuning has issues and will polarise, yet also serves to further highlight the technical chops offered by the Stellaris’ unique planar driver. Ultimately, its immediate competitors are more tonally accomplished but the Stellaris does carve out a niche with its superior technical performance. Still, while the Stellaris’ efficiency and sound ergonomics seem to appeal to broad consumers, its polarising tuning means it inevitably comes across as more of a proof of concept rather than a versatile daily driver.
The Stellaris is available from Apos Audio (International) for $109 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Moondrop or Apos Audio and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.
Track List –
Billie Eilish – dont smile at me
Bob Seger – Night Moves
Courtney Barnett – Rae Street
Cream – Wheels of Fire
Dire Straits – Communique
Dirty Loops – Next To You
Eagles – Hotel California
Elton John – Honky Chateau
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
H.E.R – I Used To Know Her
Jasen – BYE
John Mayer – Continuum
Kanye West – Ye
Missy Higgins – The Sound of White
Radiohead – OK Computer
TALA – ain’t leavin` without you
The Beatles – Abbey Road
The weeknd – After Hours
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
