Is THIS a budget HDB 630???

The Moondrop Edge has received a quiet but significant second life thanks to a firmware update that adds full parametric EQ (with a few limitations and quirks), turning what was previously a deeply flawed ANC headphone into a genuinely competitive budget option.

This update inevitably invites comparison to the very hyped Sennheiser HDB 630, which earned praise not only for its sound, but for normalizing parametric EQ in a mainstream wireless product—albeit at a steep $500 price point. By contrast, the Edge delivers a similar core capability for under $100, reframing the value conversation around what should now be considered a baseline feature rather than a luxury.

Out of the box, the Edge suffered from two major issues: a sound signature that skewed both shouty and overly dark, and highly variable performance depending on fit and head shape. These traits made it difficult to recommend and, in some cases, outright unpleasant to listen to. However, parametric EQ directly addresses both problems, allowing users to tame the aggressive ear gain, rebalance the treble, and compensate for fit-related inconsistencies. In practice, EQ transforms the Edge from a headphone Resolve strongly disliked into one that can hold its own among similarly priced ANC competitors.

That said, the implementation is not without limitations. The parametric EQ is predicated on a different sound profile than any of the included presets. The EQ itself is also restricted to five filters with limited (+3dB) headroom, requiring a more strategic approach (broad cuts instead of precise boosts). While Edge still lacks the flexibility of desktop EQ solutions, it remains powerful enough to dramatically improve the listening experience if used skillfully.

Ultimately, while the HDB 630 still offers a better native tuning, comfort, app integration, ANC, transparency mode, look, and more freedom to optimize the sound quality, the Moondrop Edge now stands out as a value-driven alternative for users willing to engage with EQ. More broadly, Edge's firmware update reinforces a larger point: parametric EQ is no longer a niche enthusiast feature solely present in the audiophile sphere. With Sennheiser and Moondrop now on board, larger firms like Apple, Sony, and Bose need to follow suit to compete.