Softears Studio 4 VS Moondrop Meteor
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Studio 4 and Moondrop Meteor use 4BA and 1DD+4BA+4PLA driver setups respectively. Softears Studio 4 costs $450 while Moondrop Meteor costs $500. Moondrop Meteor is $50 more expensive. Moondrop Meteor holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 8.5). Moondrop Meteor carries a user score of 7.7. Moondrop Meteor has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Moondrop Meteor has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Softears Studio 4 has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Studio 4 | Moondrop Meteor |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 8 |
| Treble | 7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Softears Studio 4 reviewed by
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Starry Edition brings a fresh faceplate to the Softears Studio 4 without changing the tuning. The translucent, slightly large shell seals firmly and delivers strong isolation; the only nit is a modest nozzle lip that still holds tips fine. Packaging leans “studio”: compact Pelican-style case, extension cable, tips, 6.3 mm adapter, and a soft black cable that feels nice but lacks a chin slider and terminates in 3.5 mm.
Sonically, this 4BA set is about clarity, air, and top-end extension—described as among the best heard under $800. Vocals come through vivid, mids are clean, and bass has a mild shelf: tasteful impact without bloat, though it’s not a slam machine. Expect excellent imaging, space, and detail; a touch of EQ can add weight if desired. It can be a bit source-picky: low output impedance sources suit it best, while a 10 Ω adapter pushes more treble and trims bass in a less pleasing way.
Against peers, Studio 4 is praised over Softears Twilight for air/extension (while acknowledging Twilight’s smooth DD charm) and over Volume for overall technicalities despite the small price gap. Versus RSV, Studio 4 avoids the RSV’s slight bass “muffle” and undercuts it on price; compared with Monarch MKII, it delivers a similar tonal aim without the occasional grain. Sets like Kiwi Ears 4, Truthear Hexa, and Binary Acoustics D Quattro trade blows on bass quantity versus air, but Studio 4’s upper-air detail and coherence make it a standout. At an often-seen street of ~$368, it’s framed as a benchmark sub-$500 pick and earns a full recommendation for listeners chasing articulate treble, lifelike vocals, and refined balance.
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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Softears Studio 4 Details
Driver Configuration: 4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $450
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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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Softears Studio 4 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-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
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.
Softears Studio 4 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMoondrop 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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