Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.9/5 for sound quality (#1014 and #1021 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti costs $750 against $899 for the Moondrop Illustrious, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII, ranked #1 at $999, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti: The dual phase push-pull design uses two dynamic drivers (9.8mm and 8.8mm) per side, and the manufacturer quotes a very wide 5 Hz to 45 kHz range. The catch: A preference score of 60 and a 2.97 dB deviation from the target mean the tonal balance is noticeably off for most listeners.
What the Moondrop Illustrious does well: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The tradeoff: Presence sits about 3.1 dB low with a 6.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $149 less than the Moondrop Illustrious.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
The dual phase push-pull design uses two dynamic drivers (9.8mm and 8.8mm) per side, and the manufacturer quotes a very wide 5 Hz to 45 kHz range.
Amazon $750.00 eBay
Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
Amazon $899.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti | Moondrop Illustrious | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $750.00 | $899.00 |
| Ranked | #1014 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1021 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 60 (median of 12 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.97 dB standard deviation | 3.11 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.77 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.59 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 2 x dynamic (9.8mm + 8.8mm, dual phase push-pull) | 1 x 11mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 10 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 124 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Falls 6 dB below target at 50 Hz (-8.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
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