Our Take: The Moondrop Kato is the perfect entry-level in-ear headphone for anyone looking to dive into the world of audio but are unsure where to start. The Kato has relatively neutral tuning and gorgeous looks with it's silver or dark blue finish. While the bass doesn't slam, it still has enough impact to be present and enjoyable. 

Moondrop Kato Review - Is this Moondrop's best single-DD IEM? - Written review by Precogvision

Highlights

• Newly-Developed ULT Super Linear Dynamic Driver
• 3rd Generation DLC(Diamond-Like Carbon) Composite Diaphragm
• Interchangeable Nozzle Design
• 3rd Generation Patented Anti-Blocking Acoustic Filter
• Newly Designed Spring Silicone Ear Tips
• Professional Tuning Following VDSF Target Response
• High-Quality Copper Thick Silver-Plated Cable
• Gold-Plated 2-pin 0.78mm Connectors

Newly Developed ULT Super Linear Dynamic Driver

Moondrop Kato adopts a newly-developed 10mm Ultra-Linear Technology Super Linear dynamic driver unit. It includes an efficient composite magnetic circuit with internal & external magnets, a linear air circulation structure, as well as a larger brass acoustic cavity, an extra-fine imported CCAW sound coil, and a high-frequency phase waveguide. This driver has been in development for more than two years in order to achieve a true-to-life sound performance.

3rd Generation DLC Composite Diaphragm

The 10mm ULT dynamic driver in Kato adopts a 3rd generation DLC(Diamond-Like Carbon) composite diaphragm coil. This composite diaphragm is made with three materials with different characteristics to form different parts of the diaphragm. It has high rigidity, high damping coefficient, and is extremely lightweight. Its comprehensive acoustic performance even exceeds that of a beryllium diaphragm.

Modern, Stunning, Three-Dimensional Look

Moondrop has designed Kato with a modern design using MIM Stainless Steel material. The earphone shell is cast by the MIM powder metallurgy process. Every section of the surface is made smooth by a manual grinding process. Kato’s surface reflects light and shadow in such a manner that it looks three-dimensional effect.

Delicate Cavity Structure For Balanced Tuning

The front acoustic cavity of Kato is designed with the help of volume and structure simulated by FEA(Finite Element Analysis simulation). It’s designed in such a manner to maintain a balanced tuning profile with sound that will complement different genres well. Combined with the high-frequency phase guide components on the driver, the front cavity arrangement in Kato is superior to other so-called special tuning components. The pair is tuned by professional acoustic engineers following the VDSF target response.

Replaceable Ear Nozzle

Moondrop Kato has a replaceable sound nozzle design. The nozzle can easily be replaced by a quick-release structure with a screw. Moondrop has included two pairs of sound nozzles, made with different materials (Steel & Brass). Both the Steel and Brass have different sound characteristics that can be switched as per one’s requirement.

3rd Generation Patented Acoustic Filter

Moondrop Kato has a brand-new third-generation patented anti-blocking filter integrated on the ear nozzle. It prevents oily ear wax from blocking the filters and is more conducive to mid and high-frequency sound.

Newly Developed Spring Silicone Ear Tips

Moondrop has designed new spring silicone ear tips that suppress weak resonance through a special diffusion structure. It also helps in lowering high-frequency linear distortion caused by nozzle resonance making the output more natural and pleasing. These new ear tips also help in providing a better fit for its users.

High-Purity Bundled Cable

Moondrop packs the brand new Kato with a 4-core high-purity copper thick silver-plated cable. It is coated with high-permeability mixed material which provides an ultra-low dielectric coefficient. The cable provides smooth signal transmission with low internal resistance ensuring a pure sound output for the users. The cable has standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.

Technical Specs

• 10mm ULT Dynamic driver
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-45kHz(IEC, Free Field)
• Effective Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz(IEC60318-4, -3dB)
• Impedance: 32Ω±15%(@1kHz)
• Sensitivity: 123dB/Nrms
• Distortion: <0.15%(@1kHz, AES17 20kHz, A-weighted)