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Moondrop - KATO
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Moondrop

Moondrop - KATO

In-Ears With 1 Dynamic Driver
Sale price₹ 18,499 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 19,999
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Color: Mirror Silver
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DELIVERY
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7 Day Replacement Guarantee

In case you receive the Moondrop - KATO with a manufacturing defect, please raise a return request within 7 days of delivery.

However, if you receive an incorrect / damaged / different product or one with missing accessories, please raise a return request within 24 hours of delivery. In case you receive a product with a missing, incorrect, or faulty accessory, you will be given a replacement accessory instead of the entire product.

Please make sure that the product is in the original packaging with all the accessories it came with. We'll also need an unboxing video and images of the parcel to investigate about the discrepancy. You may be asked to share images of the product and the packaging received for us to determine the damage or defect prior to approving the return request. The free replacement will be shipped only once the original order is returned.

A replacement will be issued only if:

- It is found to be defective
- It is determined that the product was not damaged while in your possession
- The product is not different from what was shipped to you
- The product is returned in original condition (with brand’s/manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card and all the accessories therein)

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Warranty & Services

Don't sweat it, this Moondrop - KATO comes with a 1 Year warranty from Moondrop that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Moondrop's warranty in India.

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Chi-Fi
Excellence

Balanced Sound Signature

Wired Earphones with a Balanced sound signature presents a precise sound and an enriching listening experience, where sounds are naturally presented without extreme emphasis on any region. With a pair of headphones with this sound signature, you can hear audio with clarity and detail. The sound is vivid and revealing, a perfect mixture of instruments and vocals, lows, mids, and highs. This sound signature works for most music listeners who like switching between various music genres like Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk and Pop.

1 Year of
Warranty

Ideal for Audiophiles

These earphones/IEMs are designed for discerning music lovers. If you are someone who cares about audio quality deeply, you'll want a pair of earphones/IEMs like these. You can expect them to present a Hi-Fidelity listening experience.


The audio quality exhibited by these earphones/IEMs is a beautiful mix of musicality, technical brilliance and high precision. These earphones/IEMs deliver a spacious and open soundstage with utmost clarity and detail. Delve into pure sonic bliss with these earphones/IEMs!
Ideal For Casual Music Listening

These earphones/IEMs are your go-to when you want to sit back and relax. If you’re someone who is looking to listen to music without worrying too much about the technicalities, then these are the perfect fit for you.


You can expect these earphones/IEMs to work conveniently and pair with most devices like smartphones and laptops without needing a DAC & Amp. These offer the ultimate convenience, but we believe that if you care about an immersive listening experience and audio quality, these are not for you!
Ideal for Commuting

If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music while commuting, then you know the value of a good pair of earphones/IEMs. These earphones/IEMs allow you to listen to your favourite track or block out the world for a focused podcast listening experience.


You can expect these earphones/IEMs to offer a seamless connectivity experience. They are lightweight in design and provide noise isolation as an added functionality.

10mm ULT
Dynamic Drivers

Replaceable Cables

A pair of headphones with a replaceable cable has many benefits, and one of them is if the connecting cable has a problem, it doesn’t mean that you have to buy a new one. If the connecting cable gets pulled or damaged, you can replace it and keep using your good-old headphones or IEMs. This way, your headphones will be protected and will last longer. With the advancements in cable manufacturing, you now get a variety of replacement cables with various termination options, lengths and quality.
Tangle-Free Cables

Every time you reach for earphone/IEM cables to connect them to your earphones/IEM, no matter how neatly you "wrapped" them up, they end up in a giant Gordian knot of frustration. Tangled cables are the bane of modern existence, and everyone owning a wired pair of earphones/IEM can attest to this.


With advances in cable-making techniques and radical approaches to manufacturing, there are now several solutions to this universal problem. You get Flat cables, Mesh Design cables, cables coated with exterior covers and cables designed with a zipper style design to avoid Tangle and attempt to solve the issue.
Works with Android & iOS

One thing all of our phones have in common is that they have replaced the portable media player. These headphones and devices are perfect to pair with your Android and iOS devices and offer functionality previously unknown. If you’re someone who usually switches between a variety of devices with different OS, then these are suited for you. You can expect these headphones and devices to connect seamlessly without any hassle and even offer OS-specific functionality depending on the device. Headphones and devices designed to work with Android and iOS come in wired and wireless formats. Quite often you will also find Hi-Fi equipment offering direct connectivity to devices with Android and iOS to simplify the connectivity process.

Super Lightweight
Design

The Moondrop KATO is among the best single dynamic driver IEMs in this price segment. In fact, it’s one of the best in its price range regardless of driver configuration. The level of sonic fidelity delivered here is a steal. The build quality and comfort are excellent and the included accessories are a good mix of quality and quantity.
RAGHAV SOMANI

About RAGHAV SOMANI

Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.

EQUIPPED WITH THE ALL-NEW ULTRA-LINEAR DYNAMIC DRIVERS FOR EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO

The team of acoustic engineers at Moondrop have spent over two years in research and development for the all-new ULT (Ultra Linear Technology) Super Linear Dynamic Driver for the KATO. This newly engineered driver is a 10mm driver unit that features a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) composite diaphragm coil. The driver features a composite magnetic circuit that creates a powerful magnetic force inside the cavity allowing for swift movement of the driver coil. It also has a larger brass cavity, an imported CCAW coil, and a high-frequency waveguide system to provide nothing else but exceptional sound.

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3RD GEN DLC COMPOSITE DIAPHRAGM WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH ULT DRIVERS

The Moondrop KATO is equipped with the latest technology in the audio domain. Featuring a 3rd generation DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) composition diaphragm coil, this diaphragm is made using three materials with different characteristics to form various parts of the diaphragm. It has high rigidity, a high damping coefficient, and is extremely lightweight. Its comprehensive acoustic performance even exceeds that of a beryllium diaphragm. This in conjunction with the ULT drivers delivers precise audio reproduction.

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FEATURING THE NEW 3RD GEN ACOUSTIC FILTER AND A INTERCHANGEABLE EAR NOZZLE

The Moondrop KATO features some of the company’s latest innovations in terms of design and build. Moondrop KATO comes with 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. In addition to this, Moondrop has designed KATO with a replaceable ear nozzle design. They have included two sets of sound nozzles in the package, made with different materials(Steel & Brass). Both the Steel and Brass provide different characteristics to the sound, users can switch between them easily. The nozzle can easily be replaced by a quick-release structure with a screw.

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PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED SHELLS TUNED FOLLOWING VDSF TARGET RESPONSE

The team of acoustic engineers at Moondrop have gone to lengths to deliver an accurate sounding earphone. To achieve this the front acoustic cavity of the Moondrop 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 a 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.

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EXQUISITELY DESIGNED SHELLS WITH A THREE DIMENSIONAL LOOK

The Moondrop KATO has been designed with utmost precision and delivers a stunning visual aesthetic. Moondrop has designed KATO with a modern design using MIM Stainless Steel material. MIM is a process by which powdered metal is mixed with a binder to form a resin in the desired shape and applying high-temperature sintering to achieve the form. There is a high degree of freedom in moulding the resin into the same shape as the cast, making it possible to achieve a complex internal design even with metal. The earphone shell is cast by the MIM powder metallurgy process. Every section of the surface is made smooth by a manual grinding process.

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BUNDLED WITH THE NEWLY DEVELOPED SPRING SILICONE EAR TIPS

The Moondrop KATO features ear tips that are designed from soft silicone for superior comfort and noise isolation. Moondrop KATO comes bundled with the newly developed Spring Tips, which suppresses weak resonance through special diffusion structure and significantly lowers the high-frequency linear distortion caused by nozzle resonance, making the high-frequency timbre more natural. In addition to this, the ear tips offer a snug fit and sit comfortably in the ear canal without being sticky. The ear tips feature a special reinforcing rib support design to prevent bass loss caused by sound leakage.

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HIGH-QUALITY CABLE WITH 2-PIN CONNECTOR AND GOLD PLATED PINS

The Moondrop KATO comes with a high-quality thick silver-plated copper cable. This cable has been 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 a standard 0.78mm 2-pin connector allowing for upgradability and replacement. The pins for the cable have been gold plated to offer a clean audio signal.

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1 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Moondrop - KATO comes with a 1 Year warranty from Moondrop that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Moondrop's warranty in India.

MOONDROP Labs : Integration of Design & Technology

Established in 2015 by Herbert Zheng, MOONDROP quickly gained recognition in the audio industry for its dedication to developing high-performance earbuds. Starting with the VX model, MOONDROP expanded its lineup with the innovative "Liebesleid" in 2017, setting new standards for sound quality and design.



With a focus on constant improvement, MOONDROP ventured into in-ear monitors (IEMs), releasing iconic models like the "IX" and the acclaimed "kanas" series. As the brand evolved, it solidified its position as a premium IEM manufacturer with releases such as the "Blessing," "A8," and "Reference." With a commitment to innovation and technology, MOONDROP continually pushes the boundaries of sound engineering, investing in research to optimize performance without following trends. Critically acclaimed models like the MOONDROP Starfield and MOONDROP Blessing2 showcase the brand's expertise and dedication to excellence, making MOONDROP a staple in many audiophiles' collections.


Explore Collection
The Verge

"Whether you’re just starting or upgrading from a sub $100 monitor, the Moondrop KATO will impress with its comfortable treble tuning paired with deep lows and pleasant midrange."

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Headfonia

"I did not expect this kind of layering, staging, and technical prowess from a sub 200 earphone, and I am surprised. Therefore, it is really easy for me to recommend you the Kato."

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What Hi-Fi

"Mature Moondrop signature - bright and balanced, Rich note-weight and timbre that is consistent across the frequency, Scales positively with DAP power, Wealth of accessories."

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Inner Fidelity

"The Moondrop KATO is among the best single dynamic driver IEMs under $200. The build quality and comfort are excellent and the included accessories are a good mix of quality and quantity."

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The Verge

"The KATO is a solid piece of audio gear with its beautiful polished “Stainless Steel” monitor shell, which shows a pretty unique appearance due to the irregular shape that looks very classy."

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Headfonia

"The KATO is a super smooth performer with a superb overall presentation. It is technically and tonally good enough to please both analytical and recreational listeners."

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What Hi-Fi

"KATO wants to be remembered as life-like and organic sounding. Their natural tonality bypasses notions as system matching, but please uses dedicated audio sources for the best results."

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Customer Reviews

Based on 32 reviews
75%
(24)
16%
(5)
6%
(2)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
a
a (Kalyan)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
Price is weird

Why is $220 7hz timeless priced so accurately at ₹18k but $190 moondrop kato priced at ₹20k ??
The price just not makes sense.

S
Shameer Mohamed (Chennai)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
Iem end game at affordable price

Update : simply superb, Bass mids highs everything perfect according to my taste, nothing over powers , it's a clean awesome sounding

Bought this over oh10 and Timeless

Updated review - Now it's selling at right price here

But I bought this at some other site , (because it's out of stock here when I planned to buy this )and also they give instant 5% discount

Now am waiting for Tripowin HBB Olina...let's see what you HPZ guys are planning

Hope HPZ will quote the price reasonable

User picture
S
Siddhant Deep (Mumbai)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
The Dynamic King under 20k

Seeing all the reviews(literally nothing in them about the sound) I was a little worried but hearing all the great review from people I trust pushed me to check it out and I was not disappointed.
I will be comparing it to the Moondrop Blessing 2 which I have.
This is a neutral sounding iem which has bass capability if used with eq or ifi xbass without distorting or overshadowing the other frequencies. At this price range it's a pain to find a Dynamic Driver iem which is not bass boosted or V-shaped.

Sound signature : Neutral/ warm Neutral

Detail: Compared to the Blessing 2 it has less resolution but the details present(very hard to explain but you can make out the different sounds of unique instruments if you listen carefully but they are not as apparent/forward as the blessing 2 because of its Hybrid design).

Sound quality/tamber: This is where the Kato excell. Being a Dynamic Driver(DD) the tamber of these IEMs are very natural and has no harshness which is displayed by the blessing 2 for certain vocals. Blessing 2 can become nasally, harsh, shouty or sibilant when the recording or mastering of the music is sub par(most of the music in the world). These do not plague the Kato dude to it's DD design(above problems generally present in BA iems).

I would go as far as to say that unless you use only Flac and Tidal like services and actively search for only well recorded music then you can go with Blessing 2 otherwise I would say Kato has enough detail to be a better value for general/spotify/youtube music.

Sound stage: Not as wide as the Blessing 2

Build: It's built like a tank. Full metal shell and a smooth finish. Its lighter than the blessing 2 somehow even though it metal. And is smaller in size to the blessing 2. The included wire is also amazing with a tight braid and a metal splitter.

Power: It is pretty efficient the driving power required is a little less than the blessing 2

It's a recommend for me

User picture

HI Siddhant Deep
We are so happy you took out time & elaborately reviewed the product with a comparison. We are sure this will help our customers to make an even better & informed decision.

A
Abhitej Velore (Hyderabad)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
5 star sound but 3 star quality.

I love the Kato's, they're one of the best IEM's I've used, and I've had my share of the hype train, all the way from the Chu's to the IE600's. No, they're not better than the IE600's but for the price, they absolutely nail it.

If sound is your only concern, and you want something that can do well with any genre you throw at it, Kato is you answer. Sure, there are alternatives like the Timeless or the S12, which do better in some areas, but fall flat in others. Kato is different. It excels at most. And doesn't disappoint in anything.

HOWEVER. Moondrop has always had QC issues. Particularly, when it comes to their filter problem and condensation problems. Just look up threads for Moondrop channel imbalance on reddit of headfi, you'll find many tales of tired owners and broken IEM's. Now most of these are user addressable. You see, this is not a QC issue, but a design issue. Because of how Moondrop designs its driver chambers, they get the sound, and along with that, above issues. This is what makes it hard to recommend these for people, who will only have 1 pair of IEM's.

I initially wanted to return my set, until someone recommended a strange way of fixing my channel imbalance, and it worked. The folks and Headphonezone were very responsive and I cancelled my return after deciding, despite all its flaws, I love them, and will keep them in my collection. I don't intend to daily drive them, but when you just want that smooth sound, with delectable details and just the right amount of bass, I know I'd want these in my collection.

tldr; If these are going to be your only pair - pick something else, they sound amazing, but have a poor track record of being a hassle free experience. But if you are a sound above all else kind of guy/gal. And you have a small shop in your wardrobe with IEM's, then these deserve to be in any one's collection.

PS: Keep in mind that even when it comes to Moondrop, its only their metal ones, that go through these issues. The issue is very rare when with their non metal earphones like the Quarks, the Blessing 2's or the Variations. Ironic that they build their most expensive sets with plastic, but go full metal jacket for their mid tier.

Thanks a lot for your detailed and genuine feedback, we're glad that you have such positive thoughts about the product and we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well. It'll also help our fellow customers to make the right choice!

S
Srikrishna Royal Kunadharaju (Hyderabad)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
Quality Stuff

Amazing IEM, Unboxing experience to sound everything is bang on! Thank you headphone zone for super fast delivery & wonderful customer service!

User picture

Hey, always a delight to hear that our customers are happy with the purchase & it is up to their expectations. Thank you for the review & ratings. Cheers!

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