Moondrop COSMO equipped with the PARA's hybrid earpads, and even better, with ZMF Universe Lambskin perforated pads, a high-end economical alternative to Hifiman Susvara. (2025)

Hello everyone.

Below is a new COSMO review from a Japanese user.
COSMO re-equipped, here with the Moondrop EP-100A (*) pads.

Review source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/cu...ef=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0D1XNSM1R

(*) note the EP-100A pads, which attenuate the treble a little compared with the PARA's hybrid stock pads of the PARA, aren't bad with the COSMO; they're better than the COSMO's stock pads in any case;

(Nb: I was able to compare them both), with more present treble, better clarity and better aeration of the sound.

Below is the Japanese-to-English translation of this review:

" N3uro
5.0 out of 5 stars Just a word, simply good sounding headphones.

Reviewed in Japan on July 17, 2024.

Amplifier: EF600.

Note: Earpads changed to EP-100A·

・Summary.

To sum it up in a word, the overall sound is not like Suigetsu rain, and the evaluation is that these headphones simply sound good.

　It is easy to think of them as a combination of Venus and Para, but they are completely different,
　COSMO emphasizes the midrange to highlight vocals.
　This is similar to Venus.
　COSMO uses the thinnest diaphragm to date at 500nm,
　The thinner diaphragm, 500nm, is the thinnest ever used, and it has a monitor-like tendency with the extended high frequency that is unique to planar drive,
　The combination of the extended high frequencies, unique to planar drive, and monitor-like tendencies, are combined well.
　This is similar to Para.

This diaphragm is called an "ultra-thin low-tension vibrating membrane substrate".
　This technology is also available for ultra-high-end models such as HIFIMAN SUSVARA
　It is the technology that is being used.
　Compared to Venus, this diaphragm has a stronger low frequency range, and also asserts itself in the mid and high frequencies.

The weight itself is there, but the balance of the headband and side pressure has been adjusted,
　The wearing comfort has been improved considerably.
　This model is probably easier to wear than the Para.

　The included 4.4mm plug OCC balanced cable is of fairly high quality.
　It handles well, sounds great, and is not inferior to the Moondrop up, which costs about 20,000 yen.

The sound of COSMO's standard earpads is lackluster , and the quality of the bass range, the extension of the midrange, and the sense of loss in the treble range are not suitable for COSMO.
COSMO's hidden abilities have been cut in half (with the stock pads).
We recommend that you always replace your earpads.

The vibrating membrane is so thin that all ambient sounds can be heard.
We recommend a reasonably quiet location for a great experience.

Compared to Venus and Para, pairing it with a DAC amplifier is extremely important.
Looking at the specifications, one might assume that it is easier to play than the other two, but that is not the case.
The sound itself will be possible with an entry-level DAC amplifier. However, to bring out its potential, you will need a fairly good DAC amplifier.

For better or worse, though, it has the characteristics of a high-end model ; since it is not a sound that comes from a price of less than 150,000 yen, the cost performance is quite high.

Now that Venus, a listening device, has been discontinued, Para tends to attract attention,
However, some people may not be satisfied with Para because of its monitor-like sound.

In this context, the COSMO model is a good compromise ; COSMO is a very high perfection model because it has the best of both worlds in a good balance.

The COSMO has a more extended tuning in the mid and high frequencies, and a more weighty sound on vocals ; COSMO is a good choice for those who want more weight in their vocals.
With only a change of earpads, this model can achieve an even more expressive sound with better tonal balance.

・Low-frequency range
In the EF600, bass is moderately deep and of balanced intensity without discomfort.
I have the impression that it is a sharp Venus, and it can be said that this is a sound close to Para.
It has plenty of air, and it makes a punchy sound.

・Mid-range
As mentioned above, vocals are the main characters.
It sounds as if the singer is standing right in front of you, and the smooth, thick, rich, and textured mids are above the bass line and are well combined with the vocals.
The overall tone is relatively accurate, and it can be said that it is a monitor-like sound close to Para or HD800s.

・Treble range
The treble range is less (prominent) than Venus, and I think it's closer to Para.
However, the treble is not a sloppy extension, but a vivid, crisp, and somewhat Venus-like extension.

The overall sound resolution is also very high ; just one word ; it is just a good sounding headphone.

・Sound Stage
　It is incredibly spacious.
　In Venus, it was only slightly wider than HD800S,
　COSMO's soundstage is extraordinary.
　The orchestra sounds like you are in a theater, and at a live sound source, it makes me want to wave a penlight together. "

Left : Moondrop Cosmo requipped here with the Moondrop EP-100A earpads (black symmetrical stock cable) ; Right : Moondrop VENUS with the upgrade cable UP (copper color symmetrical upgrade cable).

EDIT:

PARA's hybrid earpads (microperforated on their internal side), here, installed on my COSMO headphones.