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Moondrop CHU High Performance Dynamic Driver IEMs in-Ear Earphone (with mic)
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Moondrop |
Model Name | Chu high-performance dynamic earphone |
Color | Black |
Form Factor | In Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
About this item
- Nano-Crystal Coating Composite Diaphragm
- 10mm Composite Cavity Dynamic Structure:Adopting the Aria's decentralized dynamic structure, the high-performance 10mm composite cavity with high-frequency phased waveguide leverages a N52 Nd magnet internal magnetic circuit and 0.035m ultra-thin imported CCAW sound coil to obtain high energy conversion efficiency, and deliver outstanding performance with full dynamic range and rich details.
- Accurate Calculatioof Acoustic Coupling Cavity:In order to match the frequency response as closely as possible to the VDSF Target Response, the acoustic coupling cavity needs to be carefully controlled. Through volume and dimension calculation, FEA finite element simulation and 3D printing experiment verification, an acoustic coupling cavity has been created which can accurately reproduce the ideal frequency response.
- Alloy Casting External Cavity:The metal outer cavity is manufactured from alloy materials using melting and injection molding technology, thus creating a stable, precise, and esthetically pleasing cavity that is both durable and reliable.
- Equipped with Spring Tips:Chu comes standard with the popular Spring Tips eartips
Frequently bought together
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Important information
Visible screen diagonal
0" / 0 cm
From the brand
-
The MOONDROP corporate philosophy is “Constant innovation based on science and technology, and the improvement of services for the benefit of the consumer." The company is committed to breaking through the technical barriers of the industry, applying advanced technology to electronic audio equipment, and integrating high-quality audio systems into smart wearable devices.
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This Item Moondrop CHU High Performance Dynamic Driver IEMs in-Ear Earphone (with mic) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -15% $18.69$18.69 Typical: $21.99 | -15% $16.14$16.14 List: $18.99 | $19.99$19.99 | $49.99$49.99 | -15% $20.39$20.39 List: $23.99 | -15% $46.74$46.74 List: $54.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 | — | 4.5 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.0 | — | 4.6 |
Noise cancellation | 4.0 | 3.6 | — | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Quality of material | 4.3 | 4.6 | 3.5 | 4.1 | — | — |
Sold By | LEAUDIO | LEAUDIO | Sky Sound | SHENZHENAUDIO | LEAUDIO | LEAUDIO |
connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
headphones form factor | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
connector type | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3 5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | — | — |
cable feature | Retractable | Detachable | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable |
control type | — | — | Media Control | Media Control | Media Control | — |
material | PC,Silicone | Aluminum | — | Polyurethane (PU) | Aluminum | Plastic |
Product Description
10mm Composite Cavity Dynamic Structure
Adopting the Aria's decentralized dynamic structure, the high-performance 10mm composite cavity with high-frequency phased waveguide leverages a N52 Nd magnet internal magnetic circuit and 0.035m ultra-thin imported CCAW sound coil to obtain high energy conversion efficiency, and deliver outstanding performance with full dynamic range and rich details.
Accurate Calculation of Acoustic Coupling Cavity
In order to match the frequency response as closely as possible to the VDSF Target Response, the acoustic coupling cavity needs to be carefully controlled. Through volume and dimension calculation, FEA finite element simulation and 3D printing experiment verification, an acoustic coupling cavity has been created which can accurately reproduce the ideal frequency response.
Frequency Response
Chu produces an excellent frequency response curve in line with the VDSF Target Response. This outstanding frequency response curve gives Chu the ability to faithfully reproduce the sound heard by the sound engineer when making recordlings. Compared with other earphones, Chu is able to more truly reveal the original timbre and position of musical instruments and vocals. It not only delivers a more open and natural listening experience, but also meets the needs of recording and mixing professionals.
Specifications
Model | Chu high-performance dynamic earphone |
Material | Zinc alloy |
Driver | 10mm high-performance dynamic driver |
Diaphragm material | Titanium-coated |
Sound coil | 0.035mm ultra-fine black CCAW |
Magnetic circuit | N52 neodymium magnetic |
Acoustic filter | Patented anti-blocking (anti-imbalanced) acoustic filter |
Sensitivity | 120dB/Vrms(@1KHz) |
Impedance | 28 Ω 土15% (@1khz) |
THD | THD@1KHz≤1% |
Frequency range | 10Hz-35kHz (IEC61094, Free Field) |
Videos
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Customer Review: Great for under $20...check review and pics
Mat Foss
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Moondrop chu earphone
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Product information
Item Weight | 4.6 ounces |
---|---|
ASIN | B09XHTHG61 |
Item model number | CHU |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #7,215 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #734 in Earbud & In-Ear Headphones |
Date First Available | April 8, 2022 |
Manufacturer | Moondrop |
Item Weight | 0.13 Kilograms |
Units | 1 Count |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Cable Length | 4 Feet |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the value of the headphones. They say it's the best bang for your buck purchase. They are also happy with appearance. However, some customers dislike the cable. Opinions are mixed on sound quality, quality, comfort, performance, and fit.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the value of the headphones. They mention that it looks like an expensive earbud, the price is very fair for what you get, and it has very decent low-end. Some say that the fact that they are cheap makes them a great gift. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend them to others.
"...For $19, I'd personally find the Chu extremely high in value addition, because of the complementary set of Moondrop original ear-tips series..." Read more
"...compact gear available (and not just on Ebay or Alibaba) at really reasonable prices, it's still hit or miss as to build quality and too often the..." Read more
"Pros: Affordable, excellent sound and fit, noise isolationCons: The Cable, Soundstage, sub-bass rolloff..." Read more
"...The fact they are cheap makes them a great gift, never mind the inclusion of the Springtips which are Moondrop's own eartips; these offer more grip..." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the headphones. They mention that the ear tips are super nice and flexible. They also appreciate the beautiful design. Some say that the mids are very nice and not scooped out or pushed. Overall, most are happy with the appearance and quality of the product.
"...7Hz Zero has more natural and neutral note touch, which suites perfectly for all-genre but especially great for strings / jazz ensemble...." Read more
"...extends a bit outside of my head, nothing like good loudspeakers, but pleasant and acceptably true to the mix...." Read more
"...subjective but the lower tones, instruments, and voices, are all distinctive enough and have a similar tuning to other Moondrop IEMs such as the..." Read more
"Really nice, fit ears better than others.. and sound/noise canceling is great!" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the sound quality of the headphones. Some mention that they have really good sound, with nice tops and mids. However, others say that the left speaker became incredibly quiet after a few months, and the sound is subjective. Some customers also mention that the cable is a tad noisy and the volume levels seem inconsistent.
"...that this $19 IEM actually came with metal housing and solid sound reproduction, Sound Quality especially in the lower bass floor is well-controlled..." Read more
"...The FiiO FH3s have big, warm bass, that sounds great and a smooth overall presentation that's fun and neutral enough not to distract from the music,..." Read more
"...3. CCA CRA for stronger bass and presence while still providing good quality audio, which is rare as most budget bass boosted iem tend to sound very..." Read more
"...The sound is clean and very good at this price! Some of the highs don't sound completely perfect when I listen closely but I've heard much worse...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the headphones. Some mention that it has a good build quality and decent comfort for the price. The metal build of the earbuds feels substantial. However, others say that the build quality gave out on them in a year and left them with defective headphones.
"...Great for all music genre, and 95% of people would find Zero to be their best sounding IEM ever tried...." Read more
"...I will likely never buy from them again. Their earphones break so easily, it would be foolish to ever consider purchasing anything else from..." Read more
"...warm bass, that sounds great and a smooth overall presentation that's fun and neutral enough not to distract from the music, they kick pretty hard..." Read more
"...pair after losing my first (before finding them again) - the second was defective, a sizeable difference in volume on each side...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the comfort of the headphones. Some mention that the eartips offer more grip and comfort compared to regular silicone tips, and the gel tips fit snugly in their ears. However, others say that the silicone hooks are bulky and uncomfortable, and they hurt their ears a bit and make their ears itchy.
"...but classy, product high-end looking and aluminum made, ear tips is soft as her hair. Great gift.—Great $20 gift for Him?..." Read more
"...The frequency response is bright, but not fatiguing, and with plenty of mid-bass to make drums and bass licks sound punchy...." Read more
"...i also find the regular size spring tips to be very uncomfortable. with other earbuds, i could use the regular size tips with no issue or fatigue...." Read more
"...of the Springtips which are Moondrop's own eartips; these offer more grip and comfort compared to regular silicone tips...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the headphones. Some mention that it works well for what it is, has good performance from both the earbuds and microphone, and is pretty well for its price. However, others say that the right side stopped working almost completely, the cover rendering it nonfunctional, and that it only works for half an hour or less at a time.
"...The next day, the right side stopped working almost completely, only a very weak, distant sound would come out...." Read more
"...'s and have been using that set for about 6 months now and they still work perfectly...." Read more
"...something about how its made that you will end up with one side not working all of a sudden...." Read more
"...5 stars simply because after a year of very light use, one ear only works intermittently...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the headphones. Some mention that it fits flush inside the ear grooves and side sleeping is not an issue. They're small, lightweight, and sound pretty good. The driver size is very good, and the cord is durable and a good length. However, others say that the fitment in the EAR isn't the best, but it's good for the price range. They also have difficulty getting the right size buds for their ears and the pouch they come with is too small.
"...Accessories are basic but present, with three sizes of ear tips, a set of polymer cable shaping earpieces and a "non-woven" cloth pouch for storage...." Read more
"...using them in place of my Hesh 2 for a few days, I have developed quite a bit of ear fatigue which has caused me to have an aversion to any music...." Read more
"Pros: Affordable, excellent sound and fit, noise isolationCons: The Cable, Soundstage, sub-bass rolloff..." Read more
"...The spring tips are comfy, but they irritate the inside of my ears...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the cable of the headphones. They mention that it's nondetachable, annoying, and short. Some say that the build quality is more like what they'd expect, while others say that it makes the headphones more or less unusable.
"...But Chu’s cable is not swappable, while Lea left a choice for users...." Read more
"...Aside from the non detachable cord, build quality is more like what I'd expect at $50-75...." Read more
"...I’m a tall guy - with a tall-ish torso - and the cable barely makes it from my pocket to my head...." Read more
"...The cable is this horrible gummy thing that stays tangled. Every time you want to put them on, you have to fight the tangled cord first...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
—Great $20 gift for Her?
Yes, as far as She is OK with Anime Waifu on the box. Chu has best open-box experience among $20 disruptive trio —Moondrop Chu/Jiu, 7Hz Salnotes Zero, Tripowin Lea— packaging is basic but classy, product high-end looking and aluminum made, ear tips is soft as her hair. Great gift.
—Great $20 gift for Him?
It depends, if he is rock-heads, Tripowin Lea ($20) is a better bet. If he is classical /jazz lover, and doesn’t mind cheap-looking outlook of the IEM, 7Hz Salnotes Zero would bring his starry eye full pf grateful surprise to you. Or if he loves modern billboard charts, Chu is your pick.
About myself: Skip to 🟥END🟥⏬ if not
===🔴START OF INTRODUCTION 🔴===
—Background
Audio equipment reviewer over 20year+ of experience in headphones/earphones/IEM/DAP, initially motivated by:
Sennheiser | AKG | Sony | Bose | JVC | JBL.
—Bio
After spending a decade with full-size headphones, home audio speakers, I shifted my main listening environment to IEM. Of which, I have over 100 personal inventories —not loaner or review unit—purchased with my hobby budget).
—On mobile
I enjoyed Lexus’s Mark Levision system, and moved to Mercedes AMG’s Burmester 4D System.
—Community
I have been a member & reviewer at headfi.org —one of the most diversified international audio equipment enthusiast community— since 2008, have 100+ IEMs/50+ full size cans/numerous DAPs.
—My IEM Reference (2022-11)
qdc Anole VX | 7Hz Timeless | Softears RSV | Moondrop’s Blessing 2 & Dusk | Variations | Aria | Kato | as well as many other current market gatekeepers such as UM MEST MKII ($1,600), Thieaudio Monarch ($760), DUNU SA6 ($560), AKG N5005($1,000) besides consumer brands such as Sennheiser/ Shure / Westone / Sony / AudioTechnica / AKG/ Etymotic Research IEMs.
⏬More references at the bottom⏬
=====🔴END OF INTRODUCTION🔴=====
—About Chu:
I have almost completed the IEM series of Moondrop (Variations, Blessing2 Dusk, KATO, Aria, KXXS, Starfield, Chu, Quarks, Sparks, Nekocake, etc ).
I was expecting a small step up from their $12 little entry-level plastic Quarks, and its rival Tanchijim Tanya, or alike. It was much more of a surprise that this $19 IEM actually came with metal housing and solid sound reproduction, Sound Quality especially in the lower bass floor is well-controlled and had a sense of Aria-class while upper treble is similar to that of starfield with a bit intimate diffusion field.
—TL;DR
This little Chu isn't going to disappoint you even after comparing it to its big sisters such as KATO, KXXS, and Aria. For $19, I'd personally find the Chu extremely high in value addition, because of the complementary set of Moondrop original ear-tips series (Spring Tips) that usually goes around $12.99, if you purchase the ear-tip set independently.
—For Tech-lovers:
Tripowin Lea ($20) VS Moondrop Chu ($20):
It’s hard to pull whether Chu or Lea is better, Chu’s note is thinner, Lea is thicker. But Chu’s cable is not swappable, while Lea left a choice for users. I’d pick Lea over Chu for rock/billboard hit chats, and Chu for J-pop/classical over Lea.
Moondrop Chu($20) vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero ($19)
Both are tuned to neutral and natural approach, Chu has slightly thinner and impactful basa, a tad more energetic thus averted from pure natural, which bring Chu slightly detail oriented all-rounder, especially great for J-Pop/K-Pop. 7Hz Zero is pure natural, it serves a perfect studio in-ear monitor /reference. Great for all music genre, and 95% of people would find Zero to be their best sounding IEM ever tried. This is my honest opinion from my 20 years of experience in audio world. 7Hz Salnotes Zero is Sennheiser’s HD600/HD560S in an IEM form.
7Hz Salnotes Zero ($19) vs Tripowin Lea($20)
7Hz Zero has more natural and neutral note touch, which suites perfectly for all-genre but especially great for strings / jazz ensemble. Lea on the other hand would perfectly fit Rock/Pops, male vocals where you find in need for lower range of mid range and higher bass floor and warmer/richer note touch
—Final Verdict:
In the bombshell, as a person with an extensive inventory of sub $50 IEMs, such as the Final Audio E series, Tanchijim Tanya, Moondrop Quarks, Etymotic Research ER2, Tripowin Mele, Moondrop Aria, Most of KZ / CCA, I find the Chu is a blind-pick for the price.
This Chu $20 is a new placeholder and benchmark to beat from now on in the sub $50 segment in my honest opinion.
==🔴NEED COMMON REFERENCE? 🔴==
Yes, if we share same reference, it will be a good anchor point, here you go.
IEM fav:
[ 7Hz Timeless / Salnotes Zero | Tangzu Wu Zetian | qdc Anole VX | Softears RSV | UM MEST MkII | ThieAudio Monarch | Moondrop Variations | DUNU Studio SA6 | Moondrop Kato / Dusk | XENNS Mangird Tea | TRUTHEAR HEXA | See Audio Bravery | FiiO FHE | Moondrop Stellaris | GeekWold GK10 | TRI Starsea / i3 Pro | Moondrop Aria(mod) / Chu | KBEAR Believe | KZ ZAS | DQ6S | Tripowin Lea | Kiwi Cadenza ]
Wireless fav:
[AKG N5005 / N400 | AirPodsPro | Moondrop Nekocake | Air3 Deluxe HS / Gamer No.1
Headset fav:
Sennheiser PC38X / PC37X
Fullsize-Can fav:
[ Sennheiser HD560S / HD650 / Unipolar 2002 / HD25 | Yamaha HP-1 | AKG K340 | Beyerdynamic DT990PRO[600Ω] ]
DAP/DAC fav:
L&P W2 | FiiO M11Pro/BTR5/3K | HifiMan HM801 | Astel&Kern AK70 |
Speaker:
AMG Burmester 4D System
////////Shelved items(benched-roaster)////////
——Big box Brands——
Sennheiser:
IE8 / MXW1 / Momentum OE / HD414 / HD202 / PX100 / CX95 / MX90VC / OMX90VC / MX760/660/500 /HD450BT
AKG:
K701 / K530LTD / K450 / K171MKII /K24&26P/ IP2 / K314P / K324P / K12P
Ultimate Ears:
UERM / Triple.Fi 10PRO / Super.fi 5EB / Superfi 5
SONY:
EXQ1 / EX90LP / EX700ST
Audio Technica:
ESW9 / EW9 / ANC7
Etymotic Research:
ER4S / ER2SE
Bang&Olufsen: A8
Phillips: SHE9700 /SHP8500
Klipsch: Custom2
Harman Kardon: EP720
Final Audio Design: E500/E1000/VR3000
JVC: HP-FX500
Westone:Westone 4/ UM2
Ultrasone: DJ1PRO
V-Moda: Bassfreq
——Modern Innovative Brands——
Moondrop:
Blessing 2/ Starfield / KXXS / Quarks / ShiroYuki / Nameless
KZ:
ZST Pro / ZS5 / ZS10 / ZS10Pro / ZSN / ZSN ProX/ AS10 / AS12 / AS16 / ASX / AST / DQ6 / ZAX / EDX / S1D / SKS / SK10 / Z1Pro / ZEX/ NRA/ZEX Pro/ T10
CCA:
CS10 / C10 Pro / CA16 / CS16 / CRN
TRN:
VX(w/BT20ProTWS) / MT1 / VX PRO
KBEAR & TRI:
Stellar / KS1 / KS2 /Lark 4K / Neon / Robin
QKZ:
VK1 / VK3 / VK4 / KD4 / KD7 / CK3 / CK7 / CK9
See Audio: Yume |ThieAudio: Legacy 3 |NICEHCK: DB3 | FiiO/ JadeAudio: EA3
| Surplex: HD668B/HD661 | HZSound: Heart Mirror | NF Audio: NM2+ | Tripowin: Mele
——Start Up Brands——
GS Audio:ST10 /GT12 | GeekWold: GK3 | OpenHeart: Resin | CCZ: Plume/Coffee Bean DC-01
Other Old classics:
HPM1000 | JBL Reference410 | Yamaha YH-100 | Fostex T50RP | Grado SR225 | TEAC HP102 | Goldring GR-104 | STAX SR40 | Marantz HP101 |
////////END OF Shelved items////////
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2022
—Great $20 gift for Her?
Yes, as far as She is OK with Anime Waifu on the box. Chu has best open-box experience among $20 disruptive trio —Moondrop Chu/Jiu, 7Hz Salnotes Zero, Tripowin Lea— packaging is basic but classy, product high-end looking and aluminum made, ear tips is soft as her hair. Great gift.
—Great $20 gift for Him?
It depends, if he is rock-heads, Tripowin Lea ($20) is a better bet. If he is classical /jazz lover, and doesn’t mind cheap-looking outlook of the IEM, 7Hz Salnotes Zero would bring his starry eye full pf grateful surprise to you. Or if he loves modern billboard charts, Chu is your pick.
About myself: Skip to 🟥END🟥⏬ if not
===🔴START OF INTRODUCTION 🔴===
—Background
Audio equipment reviewer over 20year+ of experience in headphones/earphones/IEM/DAP, initially motivated by:
Sennheiser | AKG | Sony | Bose | JVC | JBL.
—Bio
After spending a decade with full-size headphones, home audio speakers, I shifted my main listening environment to IEM. Of which, I have over 100 personal inventories —not loaner or review unit—purchased with my hobby budget).
—On mobile
I enjoyed Lexus’s Mark Levision system, and moved to Mercedes AMG’s Burmester 4D System.
—Community
I have been a member & reviewer at headfi.org —one of the most diversified international audio equipment enthusiast community— since 2008, have 100+ IEMs/50+ full size cans/numerous DAPs.
—My IEM Reference (2022-11)
qdc Anole VX | 7Hz Timeless | Softears RSV | Moondrop’s Blessing 2 & Dusk | Variations | Aria | Kato | as well as many other current market gatekeepers such as UM MEST MKII ($1,600), Thieaudio Monarch ($760), DUNU SA6 ($560), AKG N5005($1,000) besides consumer brands such as Sennheiser/ Shure / Westone / Sony / AudioTechnica / AKG/ Etymotic Research IEMs.
⏬More references at the bottom⏬
=====🔴END OF INTRODUCTION🔴=====
—About Chu:
I have almost completed the IEM series of Moondrop (Variations, Blessing2 Dusk, KATO, Aria, KXXS, Starfield, Chu, Quarks, Sparks, Nekocake, etc ).
I was expecting a small step up from their $12 little entry-level plastic Quarks, and its rival Tanchijim Tanya, or alike. It was much more of a surprise that this $19 IEM actually came with metal housing and solid sound reproduction, Sound Quality especially in the lower bass floor is well-controlled and had a sense of Aria-class while upper treble is similar to that of starfield with a bit intimate diffusion field.
—TL;DR
This little Chu isn't going to disappoint you even after comparing it to its big sisters such as KATO, KXXS, and Aria. For $19, I'd personally find the Chu extremely high in value addition, because of the complementary set of Moondrop original ear-tips series (Spring Tips) that usually goes around $12.99, if you purchase the ear-tip set independently.
—For Tech-lovers:
Tripowin Lea ($20) VS Moondrop Chu ($20):
It’s hard to pull whether Chu or Lea is better, Chu’s note is thinner, Lea is thicker. But Chu’s cable is not swappable, while Lea left a choice for users. I’d pick Lea over Chu for rock/billboard hit chats, and Chu for J-pop/classical over Lea.
Moondrop Chu($20) vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero ($19)
Both are tuned to neutral and natural approach, Chu has slightly thinner and impactful basa, a tad more energetic thus averted from pure natural, which bring Chu slightly detail oriented all-rounder, especially great for J-Pop/K-Pop. 7Hz Zero is pure natural, it serves a perfect studio in-ear monitor /reference. Great for all music genre, and 95% of people would find Zero to be their best sounding IEM ever tried. This is my honest opinion from my 20 years of experience in audio world. 7Hz Salnotes Zero is Sennheiser’s HD600/HD560S in an IEM form.
7Hz Salnotes Zero ($19) vs Tripowin Lea($20)
7Hz Zero has more natural and neutral note touch, which suites perfectly for all-genre but especially great for strings / jazz ensemble. Lea on the other hand would perfectly fit Rock/Pops, male vocals where you find in need for lower range of mid range and higher bass floor and warmer/richer note touch
—Final Verdict:
In the bombshell, as a person with an extensive inventory of sub $50 IEMs, such as the Final Audio E series, Tanchijim Tanya, Moondrop Quarks, Etymotic Research ER2, Tripowin Mele, Moondrop Aria, Most of KZ / CCA, I find the Chu is a blind-pick for the price.
This Chu $20 is a new placeholder and benchmark to beat from now on in the sub $50 segment in my honest opinion.
==🔴NEED COMMON REFERENCE? 🔴==
Yes, if we share same reference, it will be a good anchor point, here you go.
IEM fav:
[ 7Hz Timeless / Salnotes Zero | Tangzu Wu Zetian | qdc Anole VX | Softears RSV | UM MEST MkII | ThieAudio Monarch | Moondrop Variations | DUNU Studio SA6 | Moondrop Kato / Dusk | XENNS Mangird Tea | TRUTHEAR HEXA | See Audio Bravery | FiiO FHE | Moondrop Stellaris | GeekWold GK10 | TRI Starsea / i3 Pro | Moondrop Aria(mod) / Chu | KBEAR Believe | KZ ZAS | DQ6S | Tripowin Lea | Kiwi Cadenza ]
Wireless fav:
[AKG N5005 / N400 | AirPodsPro | Moondrop Nekocake | Air3 Deluxe HS / Gamer No.1
Headset fav:
Sennheiser PC38X / PC37X
Fullsize-Can fav:
[ Sennheiser HD560S / HD650 / Unipolar 2002 / HD25 | Yamaha HP-1 | AKG K340 | Beyerdynamic DT990PRO[600Ω] ]
DAP/DAC fav:
L&P W2 | FiiO M11Pro/BTR5/3K | HifiMan HM801 | Astel&Kern AK70 |
Speaker:
AMG Burmester 4D System
////////Shelved items(benched-roaster)////////
——Big box Brands——
Sennheiser:
IE8 / MXW1 / Momentum OE / HD414 / HD202 / PX100 / CX95 / MX90VC / OMX90VC / MX760/660/500 /HD450BT
AKG:
K701 / K530LTD / K450 / K171MKII /K24&26P/ IP2 / K314P / K324P / K12P
Ultimate Ears:
UERM / Triple.Fi 10PRO / Super.fi 5EB / Superfi 5
SONY:
EXQ1 / EX90LP / EX700ST
Audio Technica:
ESW9 / EW9 / ANC7
Etymotic Research:
ER4S / ER2SE
Bang&Olufsen: A8
Phillips: SHE9700 /SHP8500
Klipsch: Custom2
Harman Kardon: EP720
Final Audio Design: E500/E1000/VR3000
JVC: HP-FX500
Westone:Westone 4/ UM2
Ultrasone: DJ1PRO
V-Moda: Bassfreq
——Modern Innovative Brands——
Moondrop:
Blessing 2/ Starfield / KXXS / Quarks / ShiroYuki / Nameless
KZ:
ZST Pro / ZS5 / ZS10 / ZS10Pro / ZSN / ZSN ProX/ AS10 / AS12 / AS16 / ASX / AST / DQ6 / ZAX / EDX / S1D / SKS / SK10 / Z1Pro / ZEX/ NRA/ZEX Pro/ T10
CCA:
CS10 / C10 Pro / CA16 / CS16 / CRN
TRN:
VX(w/BT20ProTWS) / MT1 / VX PRO
KBEAR & TRI:
Stellar / KS1 / KS2 /Lark 4K / Neon / Robin
QKZ:
VK1 / VK3 / VK4 / KD4 / KD7 / CK3 / CK7 / CK9
See Audio: Yume |ThieAudio: Legacy 3 |NICEHCK: DB3 | FiiO/ JadeAudio: EA3
| Surplex: HD668B/HD661 | HZSound: Heart Mirror | NF Audio: NM2+ | Tripowin: Mele
——Start Up Brands——
GS Audio:ST10 /GT12 | GeekWold: GK3 | OpenHeart: Resin | CCZ: Plume/Coffee Bean DC-01
Other Old classics:
HPM1000 | JBL Reference410 | Yamaha YH-100 | Fostex T50RP | Grado SR225 | TEAC HP102 | Goldring GR-104 | STAX SR40 | Marantz HP101 |
////////END OF Shelved items////////
A little audiobiography:
First, I'm an audiophile, maybe not the snootiest, and definitely not one with infinitely deep pockets to indulge my audio hobby, but the cables in my main system are worth more than my decent used European car ...priorities ya know.
I worked in audio for 20 years most of it at the height of "audiophile" gear's visibility in the mainstream Hi-Fi market and ever since I left that world, I've generally been sad about the way that many younger music fans value portability over sound quality and quite a few older listeners, have either forgotten what good sound is, or just don't listen anymore.
My earliest venture into Chi-Fi was an SMSL T amp purchased 15+ years ago (still sounds phenomenal driving KEF Q15s!), but until recently the spotty sound, build and support quality of these items kept me from digging in much deeper.
Fast forward to the late 20-teens though, and there's a *heap* of very good, to truly excellent compact gear available (and not just on Ebay or Alibaba) at really reasonable prices, it's still hit or miss as to build quality and too often the support is terrible (I'm looking at you FiiO control app!), but the net result is that there's some seriously musical "crossover" gear on offer that can feed the audiophile need, but at prices and sizes that cater to the current market (as opposed to old-school full-sized components at multi-kilobuck prices). YAY!!
My long term reference headphones on the "big" system are AKG Q701s through a *heavily* modded Creek HP amp, I game and listen to music on my computer with AKG K701s (Creek HP amp). I know these are both dated designs, but their detail level is very good and imaging is excellent, as well as the voicing being pleasantly neutral.
Cut to the chase already, tell us about the Chu!
After reading/watching raves about this IEM, I decided that $20 was so affordable that I should just try them, even though I own FiiO FH3 IEMs that I really like and have a set of Moondrop Katos on order from another source.
These IEMs are very natural sounding, with the entire frequency range being rendered with equal weight in both level and detail. The overall impression is of extended range, above average detail and only a minor sense of fatigue or congestion at higher volume.
Sub-bass is present and while not overtly emphasized, has plenty of slam and felt impact, mid bass is clean and articulate. The vocal range is natural sounding on both male and female vocals (no chest tone or sibilance problems). Upper midrange and treble may be very slightly elevated, but not to the point of perceived brightness, certainly not enough to sound harsh.
Until the limits of the amp or transducers are approached (too loud), these IEMs remain very articulate and present more stage depth, instrumental separation and layering than other IEMs I've used (as well as most over the ear cans). That said, the soundstage only extends a bit outside of my head, nothing like good loudspeakers, but pleasant and acceptably true to the mix.
Headphones of any type or price bracket that actually have *good* depth and soundstage are not terribly common (one of the main reasons I like my AKG open backed cans so much), this was utterly unexpected in a $20 IEM.
Aside from the non detachable cord, build quality is more like what I'd expect at $50-75. Accessories are basic but present, with three sizes of ear tips, a set of polymer cable shaping earpieces and a "non-woven" cloth pouch for storage. Packaging is actually nicer than I expected at this price point, but the inevitable unboxing videos won't trigger much envy...
The bad things here are really nit-picks and at least for me all are easily forgiven in light of the $20 asking price:
The cable doesn't stay put behind ears well without the rubber thingies attached and they're deeply unattractive.
The supplied tips don't work well for me (I have really small ear canals, so the somewhat tacky silicone and wide opening conspire to make these worse than most).
The cable has no slider to adjust the free length of the ear wires.
The body shape of the IEM doesn't nest in my small-ish outer ear as well as some other designs, this isn't a big issue though since they're fairly light and don't shift around much, even when the listener is active.
Comparisons:
The AKG 7XX series full sized open back headphones are of course much less efficient, but have actual "outside your head" soundstage presentation, subtle but very good resolution and smooth and coherent sound even at higher volumes. By comparison the Chu is less detailed, has far less spatial presentation and begins to get harsh and congested sounding at a lower perceived volume. It does however have slightly deeper bass extension and the bass has more impact, the music also has a crisper presentation that can sound like more detail (but isn't), especially on electronic content.
The FiiO FH3s have big, warm bass, that sounds great and a smooth overall presentation that's fun and neutral enough not to distract from the music, they kick pretty hard on music that has drive, Chu has more detail, better frequency balance, lighter, but just as deep bass and much better separation/layering/imaging. I like them both, but the Chu is definitely the better/more accurate IEM ...and by a noticeable margin.
My old Klipsch Image S4s pretty much just lose out in every parameter to the Chu. When they were current they retailed for $99, street was $50-75. That said the Klipsch 'buds spanked previous generations of Sony and Panasonic in-ear portables that I used to get when I worked in the audio biz. sometimes the "good old days" weren't so good ;)
The dozen or more older portable in-ear and over ear 'phones I owned from my days in "the industry" all fall short enough that none need apply for comparison, though I did love my Sony MDR-V4s and V6s back in the day...
In summary: the Chu IEMs are really impressive at more than twice the price. World beaters? no, but they are genuinely musical, well balanced, tonally accurate and really do transcend the performance anyone could reasonably expect at $20.
If you can live with the limiting cable/plug configuration, then buy a set and revel in one of the best sound/price ratio components in all of audio!
Cons: The Cable, Soundstage, sub-bass rolloff
I had heard interesting things about the Chi-Fi scene for a while, but had never taken the plunge. I only recently began to acquire some audiophile listening equipment (HD 560S headphones, full Klipsch HT setup) and was looking to replace my AirPods Pro 2 after losing the right earbud. It was $100 to replace the missing bud (even with AppleCare!!), and the Chu’s were only $20.
Firstly: They sound AMAZING for $20. After fitting them snug in my ear and playing the highest quality through Spotify, they truly “Wowed” me. They are leagues ahead of the Apple EarPods, on-par with the AirPods Pro, and not far behind the Shure SE215s I’ve used for on-stage work. They aren’t as natural sounding as the SE215s, but with IEMs this cheap that isn’t the point. The frequency response is bright, but not fatiguing, and with plenty of mid-bass to make drums and bass licks sound punchy. I think they could use a bit more sub-bass, but as a bass guitar player I might be biased.
The only real con I had for these was the cable. It’s clear that this is where most of the savings come from. The cable is a tad noisy for my liking (lots of thumping when I move or chew), and it’s quite short. I’m a tall guy - with a tall-ish torso - and the cable barely makes it from my pocket to my head. Even though it sounds great, I have to knock off a star for the rough cable.
Top reviews from other countries
I watched the YouTube video from Crinacle praising them and needed something so I figured I'd try them out.
They're only made in Asian markets so it'll take a little time to receive but my god.. pure quality.
Pros:
PRICE
Sound quality (the bass could be a teeny bit more accentuated but that's more of a nitpick than anything)
Build quality (it's an all metal construction, feels very solidly made)
Comfortable and secure fit (does not fall out unlike the cheap ones you have to super glue them to your ear so they'll stay in)
Cable quality (seems durable and quality made)
Neutral (this may be a Pro or Con for some):
Sound isolation, closed design - (When you have these on and playing something you'll probably not hear much around you, and if you do it'll be quiet and muffled. If you want to be able to hear things around you this might be a deal-breaker, but if this is what you want then all the better. It's not Active Noise Cancellation however so anything that's very loud you might still hear it.)
Cons:
Takes a little time to figure out how to put them on with the silicone ear attachments that wrap around the back of your ear (not really a "plug and play thing". I'd rather something that you can leave on (made out of the same material) that attaches to the IEMs which will make it easier and quicker to put them on)
Cable isn't removable/replaceable (but for the price and quality you don't really care)
Como vienen me parece que tienen altos un poco excesivos, no son muy detallados ni cómodos, no se toman bien volúmenes altos (a volúmenes incómodos alcanza a ser evidente la distorsión, leve en volúmenes elevados usables). En general no tienen ningún problema importante.
La versión con micrófono (específicamente mi unidad quiza) tiene más largo el cable en el lado del micrófono, eso junto al tamaño/material del micrófono resulta en que a veces un oído cargue un peso importante.
Su construcción parece ser de calidad, pero no es robusta. Su sonido suena muy por encima del costo (actual cercano a 450mxn), donde destaca la tonalidad (pocos sonidos quedan undidos, buena voz).
Spring tips följer med på köpet också, vilket är guld värt!