Moondrop Variations - Reviews & Ratings
1 Review (A Tier | 8/10)
Summary
Reviewers consider the Moondrop Variations to be a top-tier favorite that keeps its magic no matter how many times it returns to the ear. It matches premium build with comfort that disappears during long sessions. The hardware and the sound share the same care.
Moondrop Variations Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $550
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Review
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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User Reviews
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
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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 lifelessCompare Moondrop Variations to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Nicehck Rockies
Nicehck Rockies offers better mids, dynamics and treble.
|
9.4 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Hercules Audio Noah
Hercules Audio Noah offers better dynamics and mids.
|
8.9 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Xenns Top Pro
Xenns Top Pro offers better dynamics and mids.
|
8.8 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Hisenior Mega5-EST
Hisenior Mega5-EST offers better mids, dynamics and soundstage.
|
8.6 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Dunu DK-3001 BD
Dunu DK-3001 BD offers better dynamics.
|
8.5 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Moondrop Meteor
Moondrop Meteor offers better mids, treble and dynamics.
|
8.5 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Thieaudio Oracle MKIII
Thieaudio Oracle MKIII offers better dynamics and mids.
|
8.4 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SLT6
MYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SLT6 offers better dynamics.
|
8.3 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Softears Studio 4
Softears Studio 4 offers better mids.
|
8 |
|
Moondrop Variations vs. Fiio FH19
Fiio FH19 offers better dynamics.
|
7.8 |
IEM Finder Quiz
newAverage 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.