Moondrop Variations VS Moondrop Meteor
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Variations and Moondrop Meteor use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+4PLA driver setups respectively. Moondrop Variations costs $550 while Moondrop Meteor costs $500. Moondrop Variations is $50 more expensive. Moondrop Meteor holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 8.5). User ratings place Moondrop Variations at 7.5 and Moondrop Meteor at 7.7. Moondrop Meteor has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Moondrop Meteor has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Moondrop Meteor has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Moondrop Variations has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Variations | Moondrop Meteor |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 7 | 8 |
| Treble | 8 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Variations reviewed by
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories: Variations shows its age. The resin shell fits well and the metal faceplate looks clean, but the body feels a bit chintzy and slightly see-through, with a chunky nozzle compared to newer slim designs. The pocketable case is nice, yet the stock cable is thin with barely visible L/R markers; modular termination is handy, but modern Q-Lock-style systems do it better.
Sound: tuning centers on energetic, engaging vocals with a tasteful sub-bass lift—not a bass-head set, more a polite, gradual boost. A dip around the lower mids can read as thinness, pushing some female vocals a touch distant, while the top end has air, detail, and an overall chill presentation. Technicalities are solid rather than class-leading at the price, but the EST implementation is clean and cohesive. Expect limited mid-bass weight, occasional shout for the sensitive, and ergonomics that won’t suit everyone.
Context & verdict: despite a wave of competitors (Oracle MK2, Hype 4, Softears Studio 4/Volume S, AFUL Performer 7, DUNU Brain Dance, even Moondrop’s own Dusk at a lower price), this tuning remains a benchmark reference around the mid-fi bracket. Variations delivers the archetype many listeners still chase: clean sub-bass, airy treble, and a deft, easygoing balance that makes it a “legendary” set in the catalog. Not flawless, but noteworthy—the kind of IEM worth borrowing at a meet and auditioning for 10–15 minutes to see if that lighter midrange flavor clicks.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Meteor reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Meteor arrives as a hybrid with one dynamic, two BA mids, and four treble planars, now priced around $550. The shell is massive but well-contoured resin with a flat 2-pin connector; fit can be good after some tip rolling, though the nozzle runs large. The stock cable feels cheap for the price and the accessory pack is underwhelming—no DAC, a basic case—so the unboxing doesn’t add much value.
Tonally this is a treble-focused set that sounds clean, clear, and crisp, with pleasing air and microdetail. Bass is the weak link: quantity and slam are light, leaving dynamics and note weight on the lean side; lower mids could be richer. Graphs show typical Moondrop-leaning tuning that sits close to target but wants ~2–3 dB more bass. It measures stable with impedance, which, paired with precise imaging and tidy staging (good, not “huge”), makes it a plausible studio monitor-style choice.
Against peers, Variations brings more energy and is the safer pick; Moondrop’s own Concerto and even Caden-line sets feel fuller down low. Cheaper rivals like EPZ P50 and AFUL P7 offer more fun, while HiSenior Mega 5 EST and Softears Volume S present stronger overall value and bass presence. Verdict: a solid, airy detail-getter with attractive aesthetics, but not an upgrade to bass-richer favorites; recommended on the used market or with a discount, and an easy skip at full MSRP if seeking warmth and impact.
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Moondrop Variations Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $550
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Moondrop Meteor Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4PLA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $500
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Moondrop Variations Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.
Average Technical Grade
A+- It sounds refined and controlled, keeping instruments neatly separated with immersive staging. Busy arrangements remain neatly organized.
Moondrop Meteor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
S- The technical ceiling is high here, revealing fine gradations without breaking composure. Every instrument carves out its own pocket in the mix.
Moondrop Variations User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewThis was one of my first IEMs. I loved it and hated it. It is still the cleanest sounding IEM I own - also compared to something much more expensive.
Pros
Very clean sound signature combined with a satisfying amount of sub-bass. Sounds great with the right songsCons
Thin mids and poor note weight in some songsTaught me Harman is not for me...
Pros
Clean and clearCons
Recessed lower mids, a bit too calm and lifelessMoondrop Meteor User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA technically proficient tribrid offering refined, balanced sound with superb clarity and staging ideal for critical listening, though bass enthusiasts may find it reserved.
Pros
Exceptional treble detail without sibilance, natural midrange vocals, wide soundstage, premium build with unique meteorite faceplates, and excellent accessory package including modular cable.Cons
Bass lacks physical impact despite driver size, fit may challenge small ears due to large shells, and stock cable is stiff/tangle-prone.Neutral, vocal focused. Not for bassheads.
Pros
vocals really sound lively and forward. Easy to get addicted to!Cons
chunky shellsFind your next IEM:
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