Moondrop - KATO (Ex-Demo Unit)

In-Ears With 1 Dynamic Driver

Sale price₹ 11,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 19,999
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Why Moondrop is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.


These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.


When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.

🐣

Born in 2015

Why we love this IEM

For Budding Enthusiasts

In my experience, discovering good audio gear early on is a bit like tasting great coffee for the first time — once you've had a sip, you're hooked. "For Budding Enthusiasts" is a badge we use for products that are perfect gateways into the audiophile world. They're easy to use, not overly expensive, and give you a real taste of what good sound can be — without needing a degree in audio engineering. 🎧


These are the IEMs, headphones, and DACs that let you dip your toes into premium sound without drowning in choices. They balance performance, price, and practicality beautifully. Whether you're buying your first serious pair or helping someone else start their journey, these picks deliver satisfaction straight out of the box.


When you see '🪴 For Budding Enthusiasts' products, expect simple setups, solid sound quality, and an easy upgrade path — perfect for your first foray into better audio.


Premium Economy

Sensible spending meets sophisticated quality in perfect harmony 💫.


I tend to describe premium economy products as finding that sweet spot where exceptional value meets refined performance. Think of it like business class comfort at economy prices - you're getting significantly more than what you paid for. These headphones deliver a refined listening experience that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an intelligent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both value and excellence.


This thoughtfully curated selection demonstrates our commitment to bringing you outstanding sound quality and robust construction without requiring a significant financial investment. Each product has been meticulously evaluated to ensure it delivers performance characteristics typically associated with higher price brackets.


When you see "💎 Premium Economy" products, expect refined audio experiences that bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end offerings, delivering impressive clarity and features at accessible price points.


Built like a Tank

Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.


I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.


The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.


When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.


Upgradeable Cable

Not satisfied with the current cable? No problem 🔧!


I believe in giving you complete freedom to customise your listening experience. These IEMs feature detachable cable systems that let you swap, upgrade, or replace cables whenever you want. Think of it like having a modular smartphone - you can upgrade individual components without replacing the whole device. Whether you're looking to improve sound quality, try different materials, or simply replace a worn cable, the choice is entirely yours.


The standardised upgradeable cable connection ensures compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket cables, giving you access to different sound characteristics and build qualities. This modular approach means your IEMs can evolve with your audio journey, allowing for easy maintenance and personalisation.


When you spot "🔌 Upgradeable Cable" products, expect future flexibility and the freedom to customise your audio experience through cable upgrades and replacements.

Why it Sounds Amazing

Dynamic Driver

The dynamic powerhouse of your sound ⚡!


I believe dynamic drivers are like the "reliable workhorses" of the headphone world - they've been perfected over decades and continue to deliver incredible performance. This driver design uses a lightweight diaphragm attached to a voice coil suspended within a permanent magnetic field, enabling precise and responsive movement that produces sound with remarkable efficiency. Think of them like precision engines that convert electrical energy into acoustic energy with impressive power and naturalness.


Dynamic drivers excel at delivering powerful and authoritative bass reproduction, clear midrange frequencies, and vibrant high frequencies. The inherent strengths ensure your music is reproduced with impressive dynamics and energy that stays true to the artist's intent 🎶.


When you see "🔈 Dynamic Driver" products, expect energetic, natural sound with excellent dynamics that bring every note and beat to life with exceptional realism.

Warm & Smooth Sound Signature

I tend to describe a warm & smooth sound signature as the audio equivalent of a hot cup of tea on a rainy day—comforting, rich, and easy to love. It's perfect for those who prefer relaxed, fatigue-free listening that doesn’t stab you with harsh highs or overly clinical detail. ☕🎶


Technically, this means a slightly elevated bass and lower midrange, with tamed treble to prevent any sharpness. The result is a sound that's full-bodied and inviting, especially great for vocals, jazz, indie, and old-school rock. While it may not offer extreme precision, it excels in musicality and emotional warmth, making long sessions an absolute pleasure.

Thick Bass / Kickass Bass

When I say kickass bass, I’m talking about bass that slaps you right in the face—in the best way possible. It’s that visceral, chest-thumping low-end that makes you feel like you’re in the front row of a concert or a nightclub. If you’re into hip-hop, EDM, Bollywood beats, or anything with a deep groove, this is where the fun begins. 🔊💥


Here’s what’s going on technically: the low-frequency range is heavily emphasised, resulting in powerful sub-bass rumble and impactful mid-bass slam. This kind of tuning brings weight, warmth, and physicality to your music. The trade-off? It might mask some midrange detail or high-frequency sparkle—but for bassheads, the emotional payoff is more than worth it.

Ultra-Wide Sound Stage

Do you wish to bring the concert hall to your ears 🏛️?


I love describing ultra-wide soundstage as "audio magic" that creates a breathtaking three-dimensional environment around your head. These specialised headphones feature an exceptionally spacious soundstage that creates the illusion you're sitting in the sweet spot of a magnificent performance venue. Think of it like teleportation technology for your ears - suddenly you're not wearing headphones, you're sitting in Carnegie Hall with perfect acoustics.


The precise instrument placement and remarkable sense of space work together to transport you directly into the music, making you feel as though you're experiencing a live performance. This creates a listening experience that's grand, enveloping, and incredibly detailed 🎭.


When you encounter "😳 Ultra-Wide Soundstage" products, expect concert hall acoustics that make you forget you're wearing headphones through sheer spaciousness and realism.

Smooth & Sweet Treble

Seeking something that sounds smooth and devoid of harshness 🥰? I tend to describe these headphones as having "silk-like highs" that caress your ears rather than assault them. These products are meticulously designed to deliver high frequencies that are wonderfully gentle, offering a listening experience that's both sophisticated and delightful. Think of it like the difference between premium chocolate and cheap candy - both are sweet, but one provides refined pleasure while the other can be overwhelming.


The carefully tuned treble presentation ensures musical details come through with remarkable clarity while maintaining natural, fatigue-free character. The refined high-frequency presentation maintains excellent detail and air while avoiding any hint of harshness or stridency ✨.


When you see "🍦 Smooth & Sweet Treble" products, expect refined high frequencies that deliver crisp detail with a touch of sweetness and sophistication.

Perfect to Layback & Relax

In my experience, a laid-back sound is like sinking into your favorite armchair after a long day. It doesn’t push details in your face or try to overwhelm you with energy. Instead, it gives your music room to breathe and unfold naturally. Think of it like sipping a glass of smooth whisky—there’s warmth, body, and ease. These headphones or IEMs are ideal for those who want to unwind and soak in a mellow vibe, whether it's a jazz trio or acoustic singer-songwriter set. 🎧


Now, what’s actually happening here is a tuning that gently rolls off the treble and offers a warm, full low-end. The midrange stays intimate, while bass adds comfort without punch, and highs avoid fatigue, making long sessions a pleasure. You won’t get maximum detail or separation—but that’s the point. It’s not about dissecting the mix—it’s about relaxing into it. For bedtime listening or just zoning out, this is your sonic hammock. 😌

Headphone Zone Certified Demo Headphones

Our careful selection of demo headphones gives you the experience of pre-burned in headphones - at drop dead prices. We do this sale every year to clear up our existing demos and to make way for new units instead. These demo headphones have been used at our Experience Studio in Mumbai. The pictures above depict the condition of the product and also indicate the accessories available with the headphone. For any specific questions about the condition please get in touch with us! While the product itself is fully tested by our Headphone Gurus and the outer packaging may have suffered some damage.

Get The Best Deal

You may or may not get the original packaging or some accessories may be missing & because of the fact that they've been extensively used as a demo at the Experience Studio, we give a good discount compared to a new gear.

Unchanged Policies

Received a defective Demo unit? Return it under our 7 Day Replacement Guarantee Policy.
P.S. If you do not like your gear, unfortunately we will not be able to accept the return.

Pre-Burned In

Demo headphones save you the time of burning in new headphones. Typically, brand new headphones take up to weeks to fully break in and sound as good as they should. With demo headphones, you get to enjoy the best sound out of the box.

Unbiased Customer Service

We have the same Headphone Zone customer support experience for Demo Units or any products.

Consider It Vintage

Vintage products have a certain charm that cannot be put into words. Think of old, discontinued demo headphones as vintage. They have a story; they have, how-to-say, character.

Professionally Inspected

A thorough inspection means you receive a 100% working headphone with no sound output issues.

3 Months Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Moondrop - KATO (Ex-Demo Unit) comes with a 3 Months 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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