This is a review of the Moondrop Blessing 3 earphones. The Blessing 3 is a hybrid hexa-driver IEM with 2DD+4BA. The price is $320.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.
Moondrop Blessing 3
Specifications
Impedance: 14.8Ω±15% (@1kHz)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-30kHz
Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz -20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
Sensitivity: 120dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
THD: THD@1kHz ≤0.5%
Driver: Two Dynamic Drivers + Four Balanced Armatures
Jack: 3.5mm single-ended jack
What’s in the Box
- Moondrop Blessing 3 IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Carrying case
- 6x pairs of silicone eartips
- Flight adapter
- Documentation/warranty
Design
The Blessing 3 has a 3D-printed acoustic structure and resin shells. Its internals and sound tubes are neatly visible through the shells, while the stainless steel faceplates, angled and ridged, create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow.
The faceplates feature subtle dot matrix labelling that exudes class and sophistication. Unlike most universal IEMs that attach aluminium nozzles, the Blessing 3 has triple-bore nozzles integrated into the housing.
Despite having only a single vent on the faceplates, the IEMs do not cause any pressure build-up, and overall comfort is excellent. However, their shells may be bulky for individuals with smaller ears.
The included SPC cable has a clear TPU sheath and is flexible, easy to handle, and devoid of significant microphonics. The plug, Y-splitter, and chin slider are all crafted from matching lightweight aluminium.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Topping E70 Velvet and L70 amplifier, Cayin RU6 and Soundaware M2 Pro. The Blessing 3 is fairly efficient and doesn’t require a powerful source. However, it scales well with gear and provides an even better experience when paired with high-quality audio equipment.
I know a lot of people reading this will be looking for comparisons with Blessing 2 but this is the first and only Blessing IEM I’ve heard to date. However, I will add some comparisons with other popular models later.
I would describe the Moondrop Blessing 3’s sound signature as musical and balanced. It’s not anywhere near as dry or analytical as I was expecting. On the contrary, it excels in expression and engagement and has a tonality that I could listen to all day without feeling fatigued.
Bass
Blessing 3’s bass has great control and authority. It’s powerful yet reserved and never intrudes on the midrange. It’s not at basshead levels in quantity but the quality of the bass is outstanding. Bass notes are well-defined but rounded perfectly so that they still sound natural.
The sub-bass has a commanding rumble and digs deep without any distortion. Kick drums have a clean but satisfying thump. Bass guitars sound textured and layered separately from the drums. It’s an exquisite bass but it might be too demure for listeners looking for more overall impact.
Midrange
The midrange is stunning – textured, and full of grit, yet smooth and natural-sounding. Male vocals are rich, while female vocals are sultry, and both have excellent clarity and tonality. Instruments also sound fantastic, with great timbre and tonality, resulting in a beautiful and engaging midrange expression.
Treble
The treble is neutral, crisp, and clear, with a hint of sparkle and abundant air that blends perfectly with the overall presentation. While not the most precise or detailed treble, it is musical and harmonizes flawlessly with the midrange, making it a perfect choice for those who prioritize naturalness and tonality.
Soundstage and Technical Performance
Blessing 3’s stage is both wide and deep and is infused with a generous amount of air. This gives it a spacious sound, enhanced further by good overall resolution and separation between instruments. Despite all this, Blessing 3’s detail retrieval is somewhat average – a result of targeting a more natural tonality over absolute precision.
Comparisons
Xenns Mangird Tea 2
The Xenns Mangird Tea 2 (review here) has a 1DD+6BA configuration. Tea 2 has less sub-bass weight but more upper-bass quantity. In addition, it has a slightly crisper slam on kick drums.
Tea 2’s upper midrange is brighter and brings vocals to the forefront with added clarity and air. People sensitive to ‘shouty’ upper mids will feel more at ease with Blessing 3. It’s a similar story to Tea 2’s treble – it’s brighter and has more energy compared to the B3. This is due to Tea 2 having similar treble extension and less bass quantity.
The Xenns has a wider stage with roughly the same amount of depth. Furthermore, Tea 2 has slightly more micro-detail retrieval whereas Blessing 3 is more laid-back. Which one of these great IEMs is for you will depend on whether you want more energy and details (Tea 2) or a more natural and cohesive tonality (B3).
Raptgo Hook X
The Raptgo Hook X (review here) has 1 planar magnetic driver and 1 piezoelectric driver. Listeners who like a fuller bass response will appreciate Hook X’s more powerful lows. It has better separation between the bass and lower midrange than the B3.
Hook X’s midrange has more clarity and better resolution. However, the B3’s tone is a bit more natural. In addition, the upper mids contrast more heavily on the Hook X and some instruments like upper-register piano sound sharper and resonate in the head more.
The Raptgo’s treble is more upfront, creating sharper attacks on percussion instruments and more acute transients. Hook X has a wider stage and better instrument separation. Overall, the Raptgo sounds more dynamic and upfront while once again, the Blessing 3 has more naturalness and a less aggressive tonality.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Moondrop Blessing 3 is an exceptional IEM that delivers a balanced and musical sound signature. With its outstanding bass control, textured and engaging midrange, and natural and cohesive treble, the Blessing 3 offers a tonality that is hard to beat. Its spacious soundstage and good overall resolution make for an immersive listening experience.
Overall, I believe that the Moondrop Blessing 3 is an outstanding IEM in its class, and it’s a highly recommended option for audiophiles looking for a high-performance and engaging IEM. It has certainly earned its place on our best IEMs list.