Moondrop Variations VS Xenns Top Pro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Variations and Xenns Top Pro use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 2DD+8BA driver setups respectively. Moondrop Variations costs $550 while Xenns Top Pro costs $499. Moondrop Variations is $51 more expensive. Xenns Top Pro holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 8.8). User ratings place Moondrop Variations at 7.5 and Xenns Top Pro at 8.4. Xenns Top Pro has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and Xenns Top Pro has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Variations | Xenns Top Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 7 | 8 |
| Treble | 8 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 8 |
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.
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Xenns Top Pro reviewed by
8.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro boasts an exceedingly comfortable, vented resin shell with a metal nozzle, praised as one of the better shells out there. It's light, isolates well, and features a flat two-pin connector. The included case feels extremely premium, matching cases found on more expensive IEMs. Accessories are generous, including a 4.4mm cable, 6.3mm adapter, three sets of tips, a pouch, and a shirt clip. The cable itself is appropriate for the price, described as plush and nice with a Dunu-style locking system, though the chin slider feels slightly loose.
Sonically, the Top Pro presents an interesting and effective mild V-shaped tuning that aligns perfectly with the reviewer's preferences. It features slightly elevated bass and mids with a hint of darkness, delivering clean, pristine mids and great treble extension and air without sibilance. Technical performance is strong across imaging, note weight, and detail. Graph comparisons show similarities to sets like the Dusk DSP and Annihilator, but the Top Pro distinguishes itself with better bass impact than its metallic-shelled sibling (the Tea Pro) and a more comfortable, all-day listen compared to the ultra-detailed but potentially fatiguing AFUL Cantor. It holds its own against flagships like the Monarch MkIII (offering potentially better bass) and the Astral (with minor tonal differences), proving highly competitive in the $400-$900 range.
Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro emerges as a standout offering from the brand and a top contender at its $500 price point. It hits a sweet spot with very few faults, combining a world-class comfortable shell, generous premium accessories, and a cohesive, engaging sound signature. It delivers nice everything – impactful bass, clean mids, well-extended treble, and strong technicals – making it an easy all-day listen and a set that's hard to beat for this specific tuning philosophy. While responsible purchasing and demos are always advised, it earns a full recommendation as an excellent all-rounder.
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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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Xenns Top Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+8BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: XENNS Top XENNS IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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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.
Xenns Top Pro 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
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
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 lifelessXenns Top Pro User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA near-flagship experience at $500, offering superb detail retrieval and balanced tuning that competes with IEMs twice its price, though tip-rolling is recommended for optimal treble smoothness.
Pros
Exceptional technical performance with detailed, expansive soundstage; deep textured bass and crystal-clear mids suit diverse genres; premium accessories and comfortable fit for long sessions.Cons
Included ear tips are mediocre and may require aftermarket replacements; treble can occasionally feel peaky or harsh at higher volumes, especially with analytical sources.Find your next IEM:
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