MOONDROP LAN II Review
MOONDROP LAN II Review
Introduction:
The MOONDROP LAN II, part of the LAN series from MOONDROP, builds upon the foundation established by its predecessors, aiming to refine the audio experience with a focus on accessibility. Released in September 2025, the LAN II incorporates a 10mm Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm dynamic driver, featuring a dual magnetic circuit and a diaphragm with a thickness of 0.05mm for enhanced sound reproduction.
The design includes stainless steel shells crafted via Metal Injection Molding (MIM) to ensure durability and acoustic integrity. Available in two tuning variants, the LAN II Pop and LAN II Ref (Reference), it caters to different listening tastes, with the Pop offering a warm, bass-focused sound suitable for pop, hip-hop, and EDM, and the Ref providing a neutral, detail-rich profile ideal for classical and jazz. The LAN II also comes equipped with a high-purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable featuring a 4.4mm balanced termination and a 0.78mm 2-pin connector, along with a 4.4mm to 3.5mm single-ended adapter for added flexibility.
Let’s explore the packaging, design, and sonic performance of the MOONDROP LAN II in greater detail.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank SHENZHEN Audio and MOONDROP and for providing me the LAN II Pop / LAN II Ref for review purposes. I am not affiliated with SHENZHEN Audio and MOONDROP beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The MOONDROP LAN II series consists of two distinct IEM models, the LAN II Pop and the LAN II Ref (Reference), each priced at an MSRP of approx. $59.99. Considering the premium materials, driver technology, and generous accessories, the LAN II series offers an exceptionally high price-to-performance ratio in the budget audiophile segment. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Unboxing Experience:
The MOONDROP LAN II arrives in a compact, variant-specific package. The Pop variant is housed in a dark gray box, while the Ref comes in a lighter gray or white box, each decorated with subtle anime-style artwork or collectible cards. Contents are carefully arranged in dedicated compartments, ensuring a tidy and engaging unboxing experience. The packaging balances simplicity with a premium touch, aligning with the IEMs’ budget-friendly price while providing a satisfying presentation.
The package includes:
- 1x pair of MOONDROP LAN II IEMs
- 3x pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 1x 4.4mm balanced detachable cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
- 1x 4.4mm to 3.5mm single-ended adapter (A high-value inclusion)
- 1x synthetic leather storage pouch
- 1x print materials (Manual, QC Card, etc.)
- 1x Anime Card
Design, Build Quality and Fit:
The MOONDROP LAN II shows a quality construction, utilizing high-quality stainless steel ear shells produced via the intricate Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process. This advanced, high-temperature sintering technique yields a dense, durable shell with a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints and effectively dampens internal acoustic resonances, thereby contributing to sonic clarity.
The compact, bean-shaped earpieces are meticulously sculpted to align with the natural contour of the pinna, providing a flush and ergonomic fit suitable for small to average-sized ears. This geometry is conducive to extended wear, including during commuting or while lying down, as the shells rest comfortably within the ear concha without excessive protrusion.A key aesthetic differentiator lies in the faceplate design.
The LAN II Pop features a fuller, leafier plant motif that covers a larger portion of the surface area. This bold, encompassing pattern visually complements the Pop’s energetic tuning by suggesting a lush, dynamic character. Conversely, the LAN II Ref presents a slightly more sparse and minimalist plant motif, utilizing fewer, stylized elements that leave substantial open space on the faceplate. This cleaner, understated visual approach aligns with the Ref’s designated reference tuning, emphasizing a slightly more structural simplicity.
Both faceplates are meticulously laser-engraved, adding a layer of visual sophistication to the metallic shell while maintaining a seamless ergonomic profile. The slim metal nozzle includes a retention lip to secure ear tips, which is crucial for achieving an optimal seal for passive noise isolation and bass response.
The inclusion of two vents, one near the nozzle and one toward the rear, is functionally designed to regulate internal air pressure, thus mitigating pressure buildup for greater comfort during extended listening sessions.
The recessed 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are seamlessly integrated, supporting cable interchangeability without compromising the shell’s sleek silhouette. The matte surface finish, applied through high-precision sandblasting, enhances wear resistance and imparts a premium tactile quality.
Detachable Cable:
Both the MOONDROP LAN II Ref and Pop includes a high-purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable with a 4.4mm balanced termination, featuring pre-formed ear hooks for a secure and comfortable fit. The cable is lightweight and flexible, with a smooth texture that minimizes tangling, and it includes a 4.4mm to 3.5mm single-ended adapter for broader compatibility with various audio sources.
The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are gold-plated for reliable connectivity and durability, ensuring compatibility with aftermarket cables, while the right connector is distinguished by a red marker for easy identification, eliminating the need for subtle Left/Right markings. This design choice simplifies earpiece orientation, though the adapter’s slightly bulky form may pose a minor inconvenience for portable use. The inclusion of a balanced cable at this price point enhances versatility, supporting seamless integration with modern audio setups.
Driver Configuration:
The MOONDROP LAN II Ref and Pop models are built around the same, specially developed 10mm dual-cavity dynamic driver unit. This driver features a new-generation Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm, precisely engineered with an ultra-thin 0.05mm thickness to exhibit a high Young’s modulus and exceptional internal resistance. Powering the driver is a efficiency internal and external composite dual magnetic circuit, which includes two concentric N52 magnets, optimized to produce a uniform magnetic flux density exceeding 1T in the voice coil gap, contributing to high sensitivity and efficient diaphragm movement.
This configuration achieves a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value specified as ≤ 0.08% at 1kHz and 94dB, which is indicative of highly linear operation. The driver’s design aims to provide excellent high-frequency extension, reaching up to 60kHz, and rapid transient response, establishing a foundation for high-resolution audio. It is important to note that while the physical components are shared, the two variants are differentiated solely by their acoustic tuning, achieved through different internal acoustic damping and filter adjustments.
Comfort & Isolation:
The LAN II’s compact, contoured shells are structured for pretty stable placement within the concha, offering an ergonomic geometry to maintain positioning during movement such as commuting. The size and shape are optimized for users with average to small ears; individuals with larger ears may require alternative, taller ear tips to achieve an appropriate acoustic seal and prevent potential contact pressure from the connector area. The unit’s low mass supports its suitability for prolonged use. The included silicone ear tips (available in S/M/L sizes) feature a short height and a narrow bore design. These tips provide passive noise isolation that is effective at reducing ambient noise in typical daily environments. It should be noted that isolation performance may be limited in environments with high-intensity noise levels.
Pairing & Drivability:
With an impedance of 30Ω ±15% at 1kHz and a sensitivity of 118dB/Vrms at 1kHz, the MOONDROP LAN II is highly efficient, easily driven by portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, or compact USB DACs. Even basic dongles deliver robust results, making the LAN II a versatile choice for on-the-go listening without requiring specialized amplifiers. However, pairing with devices like the FiiO M21 (DAP) and ONYX Beta Xi2 significantly enhances the LAN II’s performance, bringing out its full potential through improved synergy with its 10mm Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm driver.
When paired with the FiiO M21, the LAN II benefits from a clean and powerful amplification that complements its tuning variants. For the Pop variant, the M21’s output highlights the warm, bass-forward character, allowing the sub-bass to extend deeply and the mid-bass to punch with clarity, without any loss of control. The midrange gains a fuller presence, enhancing vocal warmth and instrumental richness, while the treble retains its smooth, airy quality, ideal for extended listening. For the Ref variant, the M21’s precision accentuates the neutral tuning, sharpening imaging and soundstage width, with crisp highs and tight bass response that excel in detailed playback.
The ONYX Beta Xi2 pairing further elevates the LAN II’s capabilities, particularly with its switchable output modes. In tube mode, the Pop variant experiences a subtle enrichment of its bass, adding a lush texture while preserving the dynamic midrange and lively treble. In solid-state mode, the Ref variant thrives, delivering an analytical soundstage with precise instrument separation and extended highs. The Beta Xi2’s low noise floor ensures the LAN II’s subtle details such as the decay of notes and the breathiness of vocals remain intact across both tunings. Overall, the LAN II’s synergy with the M21 and Beta Xi2 highlights its versatility, with the M21 offering a balanced, portable boost and the Beta Xi2 providing tailored refinement for critical listening, making these pairings ideal for unlocking the IEM’s detailed and dynamic potential
Technical Specifications:
- Model : LAN II Pop & LAN II Ref
- Driver : 10mm Dynamic Driver with Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm
- Diaphragm : Glass Dome Composite (0.05mm thickness)
- Sensitivity : 118dB/Vrms at 1kHz
- Impedance : 30Ω ±15% at 1kHz
- Freq. Response : 12Hz–60kHz
- THD : ≤0.08% at 1kHz, 94dB
- Connector : 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plug : 4.4mm Balanced Plug
Sources used for this review:
- IEM’s : MOONDROP LAN II Ref, MOONDROP LAN II Pop
- DAP/DAC’s : FiiO M21, ONYX Beta Xi2
Albums & Tracks Used for this Review:
Vocal Jazz / Smooth Jazz
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
Soul / R&B
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Prayer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Lossless)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
Pop / Rock Classics
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Apple Lossless)
Electronic / Experimental
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Apple Lossless)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Lossless)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Apple Lossless)
Alternative / Indie / Art Rock
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Lossless)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Lossless)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Bear McCreary – Valkyries (Apple Lossless)
Classical / Orchestral
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Apple Lossless)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagioni “The Four Seasons” (Apple Lossless)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
Jazz / Instrumental
- Miles Davis – So What (Apple Lossless)
World / Traditional
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
Metal / Progressive Rock
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Apple Lossless)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove It) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Rush – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Apple Lossless)
The Sound:
The MOONDROP LAN II is offered in two distinct versions, the Pop and the Ref, each delivering a carefully tuned yet fundamentally different listening experience. Both models exhibit general strengths in expressive midrange, refined treble, and competent soundstage and imaging, and both utilize the new Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm and a dual magnetic circuit for improved dynamics and lower distortion. However, they diverge significantly in their frequency emphasis. The LAN II Pop adopts a warmer, bass-forward sound signature, characterized by a focus on richer sub-bass and mid-bass delivery. In contrast, the LAN II Ref focuses on enhanced mid-high clarity, featuring a notably tighter and more controlled bass response to prioritize definition and precision across the spectrum. This differentiation makes the Pop more suitable for listeners preferring warmth and impact, while the Ref targets those seeking heightened detail and control. The sound evaluations were conducted after a 60-hour burn-in period, using the stock accessories and the FiiO M21 (DAP) and ONYX Beta Xi2 (USB DAC/AMP dongle) as source devices.
Bass:
The LAN II Pop model offers a controlled and tactile bass response. Its deep sub-bass extension provides a solid, resonant, and impactful foundation for tracks like Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici and Lorde – Royals, maintaining a powerful presence without overpowering the overall mix. The mid-bass contributes a warm and dynamic quality, enhancing the texture of kick drums and bass guitars in pieces such as Gogo Penguin – Raven. The swift decay preserves clarity and prevents muddiness, making the Pop well-suited for the rhythmic intensity of genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM. This tuning offers both punch and depth, though it may not satisfy those seeking the visceral impact of significantly more bass-heavy setups.
By contrast, the Ref variant presents a notably tighter and more neutral bass signature. It features a more subtle sub-bass presence, prioritizing speed and precision over warmth. In tracks like Miles Davis – So What, the Ref highlights a clean low-end that effectively avoids bleeding into other frequencies. This ensures accuracy for genres such as jazz and classical, where the precise articulation of double bass lines or timpani strikes is prioritized. However, this accuracy comes at the cost of some of the Pop’s richer, more voluminous tonal character. This distinction positions the Pop for listeners who prefer a warmer, more impactful low-frequency experience, while the Ref targets those who value a more controlled, speedy, and frequency-accurate foundation.
Midrange:
The MOONDROP LAN II Pop and Ref models offer distinct approaches to midrange presentation. Both employ a midrange-forward tuning that enhances vocal presence and instrumental detail, yet they diverge significantly in character.
The LAN II Pop features an expressive and slightly forward midrange, with a minor emphasis in the upper frequencies designed to create a lively and engaging soundstage. Lower midrange elements, including male vocals and instruments like acoustic guitars or cellos, are rendered with warmth and a full-bodied quality, adding resonance and depth. Upper midrange elements, such as female vocals and instruments like violins or pianos, are presented with natural clarity and articulate detail. This tuning fosters a greater sense of emotional connection, though certain bright or poorly mastered recordings might occasionally reveal a touch of sharpness in the higher registers.
In contrast, the LAN II Ref adopts a cleaner and more resolving midrange, utilizing a tuning that fundamentally prioritizes clarity and transparency. Lower midrange elements, including male vocals and instruments like bass clarinets, are presented with precision and controlled body, emphasizing uncolored nuance and tightness without excess warmth. Upper midrange elements, such as female vocals and instruments like flutes or harpsichords, are delivered with exceptional transparency and accurate detail retrieval. This focus on clarity and layer separation provides a more nuanced listening experience, but the focused detail means very bright tracks can potentially feel intense.
Treble:
The MOONDROP LAN II models implement contrasting philosophies for high-frequency tuning, leading to different listening outcomes. The LAN II Pop model strikes a balance between liveliness and smoothness. Its treble incorporates a subtle lift that introduces an airy quality designed for comfort and avoiding listener fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged listening across various genres. The highs render cymbals and guitars with precision, offering a crisp yet controlled presentation in tracks like Megadeth – Sweating Bullets. This extension provides a sense of openness and adds a delicate shimmer to percussion, while maintaining strong control to minimize sibilance, even on brighter recordings. The Pop thus prioritizes comfort and engagement for casual, everyday listening.
The LAN II Ref, conversely, features a more extended and energetic treble response, fundamentally prioritizing detail and resolution. This quality enhances the openness in complex arrangements, such as in Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagioni, where intricate string work gains vivid separation and clarity. This added energy excels at revealing micro-details in electronic or classical music. However, the Ref’s brighter presentation can introduce slight sharpness in certain tracks, which may cause fatigue for sensitive listeners over extended periods. In essence, the Ref targets critical analysis and high detail retrieval, making the choice between the two dependent on the user’s preference for comfort versus resolution.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The LAN II Pop crafts a holographic soundstage which, considering its price point, is characterized by its moderate width and a relatively intimate presentation. Its imaging is precise, ensuring clear placement of instruments within a three-dimensional space, which creates an enveloping yet personal listening environment. This tuning accurately portrays instrument positions, making the Pop effective for complex arrangements.
In contrast, the LAN II Ref model’s brighter tuning works to expand the soundstage, adding notable depth and height for a more expansive experience. Its imaging is significantly sharper, offering superior left-right separation and enhanced transient speed. This improved technical prowess ensures the position of every element is distinctly defined in layered compositions or orchestral pieces. While neither variant replicates the openness of high-end open-back designs, the Ref’s technical edge in spaciousness and precision makes it the better choice for listeners prioritizing detailed spatial analysis.
Conclusion:
The MOONDROP LAN II series offers exceptional price-to-performance value in the budget audiophile segment, leveraging the new 10mm Glass Dome Composite Diaphragm and dual magnetic circuit for strong technical capabilities at $59.99. The main value proposition lies in its dual-tuning strategy: the LAN II Pop delivers a warm, engaging, and bass-forward sound that prioritizes dynamic impact, full vocals, and smooth treble for comfortable, musical listening (ideal for pop, rock, and EDM). In contrast, the LAN II Ref offers a cleaner, neutral, and highly detailed profile, emphasizing tight bass, enhanced clarity, and an energetic treble to reveal subtle details and achieve a wider soundstage (superior for critical listening, classical, and jazz). Both models provide a compelling feature set, including a 4.4mm balanced cable, simplifying the choice for buyers: select the Pop for warmth and musical enjoyment, or the Ref for clarity and technical resolution.
Pros & Cons:
- + Two IEM options (Pop and Ref) catering to varied musical preferences
- + Punchy, warm bass (Pop) and detailed, neutral sound (Ref) with low distortion
- + Expansive soundstage (Ref) and precise imaging for immersive playback
- + Solid build with ergonomic, lightweight design
- + High-value 4.4mm balanced cable and adapter included
- + Exceptional comfort and fit for prolonged use
- – Pop’s bass may lack intensity for bass-heavy preferences
- – Ref’s bright treble can cause fatigue during extended sessions
Thank you for the Read!
