Moondrop - Variations

I can help you describe how the iems sounds on what I had tried. Take it as a grain of salt because this is just my impressions and opinion. Use it as a guide. 1. Moondrop Blessing 3. Deep subbass focus makes it rumbly rather than thumpy. Mids are very neutral. The lack of midbass can make it sound thin. Treble is forward. 2. Moondrop Variation. Harman. Huge subbass. Mids can get really thin. Treble is bright. The bass is somewhat on the blunt side. The dynamic and decay is really great making it sound speaker like. 3. Xenns Mangird Top. My top pick for under $600. A smoother harman. Subbass focus with a presence of midbass. Makes the mids sound more thick but not thin or bloated. Treble is also much smoother. Hope you find this helpful.

I'm new to IEMs and am trying to figure out what I like! I mainly listen to classical music with a focus on violin concertos, orchestral pieces, and classical guitar. My budget is $600 to try to find a great IEM to stick with for a while. So far I've gotten the moondrop variations and the kiwi ears quintet as my first IEMs. I mostly got the variations to see if I could tell a difference between $200 and $500 ones. I've been going back and forth between both for a bit over a week now. **Thoughts on Moondrop Variations and Kiwi Ears Quintet** I like the moondrop variations a lot for the most part and can really appreciate the quality of the timbre and being able to easily clearly separate out a lot more instruments for orchestral music. The violin has a nice rich tone to it as well. I like it a lot of orchestral music but for violin concertos, I feel like they have too much emphasis on bass and it feels like I'm standing right in front of the double bass section a lot of the times. Another issue I have with it is that it's really hard to hear the solo violin a lot of the times unless I increase the volume a lot to the point where the orchestra is too overwhelming. I find myself having to adjust the volume really frequently to hear what I like so I'm guessing I don't like harman tuning. These small issues really got to me the more I used them so I'm thinking of returning these. For the kiwi ears quintet, I also like them a lot in the sense that I am able to hear the solo violin in concertos a lot more clearly and loudly (without having to adjust volume) and I think the tuning matches more of what I like. I am also able to hear a lot of great detail, and the bass feels like its at a good level. However with the quintet, I feel like sometimes the high notes get a little too intense and that it also sounds a bit thin/empty compared to the variations. Solo violin also doesn't sound as warm and I feel like I also can't hear as much detail in orchestral music. So based on what I've noticed so far, I feel like I'm looking for something that doesn't have too much emphasis on bass, has good focus on mids-highs, and has a similar quality of timbre and details as the variations. **IEMs I am considering** I'm now looking for IEMs that have most of the qualities that I like out of both of the ones I've tried. So far I'm considering these ones: * Hisenior Mega5-EST * Elysian Pilgrim * Final Audio A5000 Does anyone know if any of these would be a better fit based on my preferences? I've heard the hype4 and Etymotic ER4XR be recommended as well but I haven't had great experiences with tri-flange tips in the past and the design of hype4 just doesn't look good to me lol

You already have a better set than Tea Pros. I'd suggest saving & getting a $500 set; the two I recommend are the Moondrop Variations (technically better, still fun - overall better for me & excellent build quality) & the Hype 4 (more fun technically not as good, build nowhere near as good - I love Thieaudio, but their shells are really not good, with the exception of the Valhallla - the Thieaudio Prestige Ltd I had to CIEM/resell after 10 months of daily use as they were getting worse for wear despite me looking after them well). The jump between 300-350 sets & the right 500 sets is massive. Kids here genuinely hate the fact that diminishing returns after $300 is bollocks.

To be honest I wouldn't recommend any of those except for the Hype 4, but I think Moondrop Variations is much better at, that price point (obviously they are quite different, but I would definitely give a better overall score to the Variations). Build quality was a BIG priority when I put this list together before buying all of them. This is my artillery. Source is ideally a Mojo 2, but I'll use a FiiO BTR17 on the go & I only take my Variations outside with me as I live in Bangkok & it's very humid. IEMS - QDC Emperor/CA Astrolith/Fatfreq Maestro SE CIEM/Thieaudio Prestige Ltd CIEM/Final A8000/Sony IER-Z1R/Moondrop Variations

It might be an unpopular opinion, but I'd take moondrop variations

Depending on what your looking for: Mega5Est: Probably the best all rounder/everyday carry, very refined sound overall, can be a little unexciting for some genres. Hype 4: A more exciting version of Mega5Est (more bass, more air region) at the cost of some of that sense of refinement Moondrop Variation: Bang for buck technicalities wise. Harmon like tuning, can be slightly harsh for more energetic genres. “cleanest sounding”

This will be a very quick review. About me: I am coming from the Moondrop Variations as my daily driver. I just wanted something non-harman/meta-tuned which does not break the bank. I tested many IEMs in different price ranges. After I daily used the Odyssey now for a few weeks, I feel confident enough to write a short review. The best thing about the Odyssey is no doubt the tuning. It's rooted on the new meta with adding a bit more excitement in the bass and treble, but really just a bit. It sounds very different as my last daily driver, which have a much more colorised tuning (harman IE 2019) - which can sound great, but they are really hit and miss depending on the song. That's the reason why I decided I need something more versatile which works with all sorts of content (basically all music genres, movies, gaming). I consider this a "common sense endgame", because if someone wants to enter the expensive world of IEMs, the Odyssey can be reasonable advised as an one-and-only purchase because of it's sound signature. This can be of course also said about other meta-tuned IEMs in that price range. They don't really differ a lot in how they sound. If you looking at higher price ranges, there is the Monarch MK2 with a similar tuning but much better technicalities. I A/B tested both while testing and can say with confidence that the difference here is not worth the decreased comfort and increased price for the MK2. Maybe I am not "audiophile" enough to hear a big difference or I had not enough time to test the Monarchs. Another thing is how easy the Odyssey can be driven. Connected to the 3.5 Audiojack of a Macbook 16% of audio volume is a sweet spot. You basically have no volume problems on any source. Connected to a Qudelix 5K DAC/AMP they sound the same. Using a DSP/EQ to normalise the sound to JM-1 - I like the native sound signature more than the original new meta (JM-1) - it just adds some excitement without being too much. It can be still considered as neutral with bass boost. One drawback is how sensitive they seem to be. Connected to a "poor DAC" (e.g. Playstation Portal 3.5 Audiojack or DualSense Controller 3.5 Audiojack), there is a noticeable background hiss and noise floor when a sound is played. This is not so noticeable when gaming, but I would definitely not advise the Odyssey if this is a use-case for you. Compared to that, the Variations do sound absolutely clean connected to the DualSense or PS Portal. In it's price range, I would easily give the Odyssey a 10/10 Score with the Label "Endgame for most". If price doesn't matter, maybe a 8/10.

The Variations still sounds a bit airier with a bit better resolution EQ’d to the odyssey (airier because of treble isn’t easy to EQ and resolution because of better technicalities - I mean, the variations are still much more expensive and you hear that a little bit and only when A/B testing). But roughly they sound almost the same tonality wise when EQ’d. (which is expected). The question arises why I even bought the Odyssey when I’m already into EQ’ing - I have reasons for it. The variations are not as comfortable over time as the odyssey, which are really lite-weight and I don’t have the option to EQ on all sources.

better than variations in terms of micro details but not really an upgrade. Mk3 bodys the 5est in tech

I love my Blessing 3, and I'm a fan of Moondrop in general. To my ear, the B3 sounds amazing. It easily compares with IEMs twice the price. That's based on attending SoCal CanJam this year and a/b comparing IEMs of all price ranges to IEMs in my small collection. The Blessing 3 has a clarity and tone that make it one of my favorite sub-$500 IEMs. In addition to the B3, I have Variations as well, which is also an outstanding Moondrop IEM. I also own the Little White, which I love. It makes my IEMs portable in a format I prefer to ear-hooks. Also, I own and enjoy the Moondrop Golden Ages TWS. It lacks some features but makes up for that with its comfort, quality planar drivers, and excellent tuning. I'm sure some people just buy Moondrop because of the Waifus and the marketing. It's cute, yes, but what I'm impressed with isn't their marketing. What makes me a fan is the number of innovative products and audio formats they come out with. I've heard of some QC issues for Moondrop. But frankly, many companies are far worse on QC than Moondrop. I've had no technical issues with their products and use them almost daily.

Tbh the only models I own are the May and Variations, so my opinion may be a bit skewed lol

Moondrop Variations Moondrop dawn pro Very simple but very effective setup. Has saved me from spending money for over a year. Listen to variations everyday at work for 5-6hrs

take a grain of salt with \^ comment because I strongly dislike the variations especially over the tea pro.

It’s just preference my guy. I can’t say everyone is going to like the tea pro more but most people I know have had the same experience as me. Especially depending on the type of music you listen to the variations has some pretty big flaws. I own much higher end iem’s than the variations so I’m not just spewing opinions coming from other budget sets

Tea pro es un Mangird Top lite. No recomiendo la versión "lite" en ningún dispositivo (teléfonos, tabletas, auriculares...). Sugeriría 4 iems en 4 rangos de precio. Menos de 100€: Clavelon Delta (cálido, abierto, limpio y buena tonalidad). Menos de 250€: KiwiEars Quintet (más clínico pero divertido, buena técnica, muy abierto). Menos de 350€: Ziigaat Estrella (sonido atractivo, buen timbre debido a que no tiene una tonalidad puramente audiófila, buena técnica, limpio, aireado). Menos de 600€: Moondrop Variations (más versátil, más técnico, muy abierto pero un poco débil en algunas canciones). Edición: \-Dinámica: Variations=Estrella>Quintet>Clavelon. \-Apertura: Variations>Quintet=Estrella>Clavelon. \-Resolución: Estrella=Variaciones>Quinteto=Clavelon. \-Inmersión: Clavelon.

Mid-high: Moondrop Variations, Sa6 Mk2 (530€) Both better than all you wrote. High: 7hz Supernova, Monarch Mk2 (800-900€) And there are much more better +1400€ For me, of your list I think best overall will be Estrella, Tea pro and Odissey. Different tunning.

Basically what u/crumpledmint said. But to put it simply, the bass is punchy, and the treble has sparkle, but for me, it was never shouty with the Penon Liquor or Divinus Velvet tips. On the IEMs, the vocals are not center stage. While the vocals do sound pretty good, they don't sound as good as a mid-forward IEM like the Oracle OG. You can find these used for around $400 - $450. New for $600. In this price range, I've owned the Oracle OG, Dunu SA6 Ultra, Meteor, and Variations. Of these Meteors were my favorite. They sounded rich and dynamic. Where as the Oracles were great for female vocals, but it was boring for almost everything else. The SA6 was a really good and detailed set, but it was a bit spicy in the treble for me, which was tamed a bit with the JVC Spiral Dot tips. But it did get fatiguing over time. Variations sounded a bit too thin for my tastes. People said vocals were good on them, but I felt like they were just meh. Solid overall, but boring.

The XENNS Top are a better Variations. Variations have shoddy built quality, and were from the few IEMs that didn't fit my ears.

I have/had them both, man. Basically kept the Top and sold the Variations. I couldn't stand the spilled glue that had leaked from underneath the faceplate to the smoky transparent body as well. If you really want ESTs, go for the EJO7. Much more comfortable shell than the Variations monstrosity and similar tuning. I shouldn't have even replied to you being disrespectful. You are a disgrace to the community.

Moondrop Variations for me. Sounded lifeless, wierd, grainny and compressed. I had very high expectations before hearing them, both my friend and I found them to be absolutely horrible. Used multiple tips and that didn't change a thing. I also didn't like 64 Audio Volur when I heard em, sounded peaky and brittle. Thieaudio Monarch MK3, CA Trifecta, Hidizs MP145, Letshuoer S15 and Truthear Nova on the other hand were amazing. To each his own, It's all about the music library, tastes and ear anatomy.

Top and variations are about on par for techs. Vari has est drivers for a bit more sparkle though, but imo the top is more musical due to the midbass.

I used to own Variations, I think it will do you good considering your libary (I listen to Ado, Yorushika, Suisei and Utsu-p too) My lastfm: [Last.fm](https://www.last.fm/user/La1n02) and if you listen mostly to female vocal, Variations is the way :)

Very good sound stage and I really love the treble from the Variations, you won't be disappointed. About the bass tho, the subbass is rumble, goes really deep but the midbass for metal might be a bit too lacking and it was the only reason why I sold my Variations becuz im more leaning towards metal/rock rather than jpop at this point. Funny enough, I just sold my Variations for a dude, he was A/B them with his wh1000xm5 and he told me the Variations blows away wh1000xm5. Btw, If you like some metal vocaloid stuffs, I really recommend Okamep

Variations probably, I used to own both and can tell if people like May enough they would love Variations too

Not unpopular at all, Variations is still a classic to this day

IEMs photographed left to right in first two photos: Unique Melody Mest MkII, Moondrop Variations, Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK, TSMR Halo, Thieaudio Monarch MkIII, Elysian Annihilator 2023, Elysian Diva 2023. I’ve also put a close-up photo of each IEM in the order they appear in photo one. Photography is not my skill so the photos are awful; whoops! This is just update post for my collection. Again, the post is mostly for me to look back on myself in the future (for example, I said in my last post I was looking for Diva 2023 and I finally got it courtesy of a Head-Fi seller). I’m not expecting anyone to care or be interested. But on the off-chance someone cares I’ll list a few rankings off here. You can also see the driver configurations of each IEM in photo three, listed top to bottom in the order I acquired the sets. My rankings are coming from the point of view of someone who values detail and treble extension primarily, with bass a secondary concern. Sound (most important of course): 1. Elysian Annihilator 2023 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. Unique Melody Mest MkII 4. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 5. TSMR Halo 6. Moondrop Variations 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK Comfort/Fit (essential for long listening sessions): 1. Unique Melody Mest MkII 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. TSMR Halo 4. Elysian Annihilator 2023 5. Moondrop Variations 6. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK Stock Cable (maybe interesting, maybe not): 1. Unique Melody Mest MkII 2. Elysian Diva 2023 3. Thieaudio Monarch MkIII 4. Elysian Annihilator 2023 5. Moondrop Variations 6. TSMR Halo 7. Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK (both cables) Finally, not photographed except for the boxes are my two DAPs. The iBasso DX340 is clearly the better of the two but I hesitate to say it’s ‘worth it’ as an upgrade to the R4. They’re both fantastic but as a value proposition I think the R4 is great. To conclude, clearly the IEM hobby is something of a chase for perfection which you will never achieve. There are tradeoffs to every IEM, DAC, DAP, cable and eartips. If you’re seeing this post and thinking about things like diminishing returns and these sets being nowhere near ‘worth’ their price – I’d say I agree. Diminishing returns (not a phrase I like much because everything has diminishing returns but I digress) set in quite early imho. For an all-rounder that you can use with practically any device the DUSK (as an example from my sets) could easily be the pinnacle of what you’re looking for and there’s really no need to chase the latest releases or constantly be looking to upgrade. Then again, I also disagree with people who look down on someone for owning more than one set – do we limit ourselves to one pair of shoes just because we only have two feet? (Bad example but maybe you get my point.) At the end of the day, yes, the IEM hobby is rife with consumerism, as are all similar tech products, but I think the craftsmanship and the various different designs, sound signatures and so on make it a fascinating hobby to be involved in. And on second-hand sites like Head-Fi (where I got my Mest, Diva & Halo from) or even r/AVexchange you can sometimes snag yourself a bargain, or at least meet more people to talk about this great hobby with. I’d be happy to discuss anything photographed if anyone has any questions (and made it all the way to reading this)! Take care and all the best, Rob

Only a fool wears $500 IEMs out of the house. Size is irrelevant as long as they are comfortable while sitting or lying down. Looking forward to learning how they compare to my Variations, which are the best I've ever heard to date.

I’ve never owned the Moondrop Blessing 3, but I have owned the Variations, original Arias, Kato, Chu, Chu 2, Moca, Sparks, and Dawn Pro. While I liked all of these products at the time, I realized I was just buying them for the box art and not considering that I could have purchased “better” alternatives. In other words, I could have chosen an IEM from a company with better quality control compared to Moondrop or better price to performance. I think it's good to experiment with other brands and not stick to one, like I did. I hope all this makes sense, lol

If you like the Hype 4's technical performance but want less bass, check out the Symphonium Meteor or the Moondrop Variations—both offer great clarity with more balanced tuning. Also, maybe give the Etymotic EVO a look if you're okay with a deeper fit. Solid options under $500!

Variations is a solid upgrade but has QC concerns. Check out Dunu SA6 MK2, Elysian Diva 2023, or ThieAudio Oracle MKII for similar tuning with better technicalities. Symphonium Meteor is worth a look too!

Moondrop Variations absolutely wipe the floor with both & are somewhat in the same $ realm; could get lucky 2nd hand excellent condition... or you could push your budget a touch. Variations are way way better than either - this isn't an incremental jump - this is a very significant leap in difference of how good they are. The ESTs drivers are beautifully implemented & are rarely in anything sub 1000. People can day about things about it all being subjective, but I genuinely believe they are objectively much better IEMs, period.

I'll take a bucket of salt with your statement; the Tea Pro are absolutely terrible. Yes I've owned them & I couldn't sell them quick enough. There's a good reason there are waiting lists for Variations, even a few years after release & they're regarded as one of the best IEMs of all time. The Tea Pro seem to be flavour of the month for people who have finally decided to spend more than $70 on a pair & they will defend them to the death. Utter dogshit & not 10% as good as the Tea 2.

I'm not 'your guy' you condescending mug & if you had more serious sets/knew what you were talking about, I don't believe you'd think the Tea Pro were anything except utter crap with horrific mids, dreadful bass & terrible treble - the Tea 2 were much better. The Variations are my out & abouts. Only the Hype 4 are another pair I'd consider for that spot. If you're comfortable staying with the opinions of others - it seems most of the people who bought the Tea Pro are the guys with 20 pairs of 15-50 USD IEMs & suddenly went for a big boy set. I'm pretty sorted... IEMS - QDC Emperor/CA Astrolith/Fatfreq Maestro SE CIEM/Thieaudio Prestige Ltd CIEM/Final A8000/Sony IER-Z1R/Moondrop Variations  HEADPHONES - Focal Clear MG Pro/ Focal Stellia/Focal Celeste/Sennheiser HD800/Kennerton Magni/Kennerton LSA-H1/Meze Emperyean/FiiO Ft1

If they didn't fit you, that's not a negative - you understand that, right? Build quality is totally decent on the Variations. Significantly better than anything by Thieaudio, besides the Valhalla. Top have no EST's which are so well implemented on the Variations & that's what makes them go from good to great. Sounds to me like you read that opinion elsewhere & took it as your own 👀

They do absolutely everything better than the Tea Pro. This isn't about libraries. And it's very easy to push the bottom end down a little & vocals sound absolutely fine. FYI my Hype 4 were my out & abouts. They're a very safe recommendation but I personally now have Moondrop Variations as my out & abouts but they are not as safe a recommendation - personally I prefer them. I only want one pair of out & about as my main six sets are 1600-3000 & I don't want to take them out due to the humidity where I live. The only 500 & under IEMs I will genuinely recommend are the Hype 4 & the Variations. I've tried dozens at that price point. Maybe 100. There may be others, but there is very good reason both of these are absolute classics...

I'm on this same mission now Have read the oracle mK2 might also fit this profile can i ask where you landed? I picked up the variations, because 'i also wanted to try them' but they are way too opinionated and i'm looking for something much flatter

Maybe not a mistake. My first IEM was the IE200 and I still wear them for longish flights (4+ hours) as they are the most comfortable and the sound is good. The longest session was about 8 hours. The IEMs I have that sound better were twice the price or more but I can’t imagine wearing my Thieaudio Origins for more than an hour or two. I wore some Moondrop Variations for about 3 hours and that was about the limit.

I just bought the Thieaudio Origins last week and absolutely love them. They have a completely full range bass feel and the bone conduction adds a little something to it that I have a hard time explaining. I can definitely tell it’s there as it feels different than my other IEMs. The others in my collection are Aful Performer 5+2, Truthear Zero Red, Oriveti Lowmaster, Moondrop Variations, Sennhesier IE200. For bassy music the Thieaudio is my go to.

I’m currently trying to downsize - if you’re interested in trying Moondrop variations vs thieaudio hype 4 vs sennheiser ie600, I’m down to send them to you as long as you buy one of the three and send the other two back!

Tried them. Returned the IE600, kept the dusk and variations from Moondrop. Those two I wasn't expecting the size of them, the tube seems to help making the sound a bit more airy. Dusk is quite neutral, a bit more airy than variations, and less fatique on long run. But tuning I preper variations a bit more. Both are very nice. Quite a step up from my old SE846. Thanks.

VDSF Moondrop is my favorite budget tuning. Gets me just as happy as thieaudios monarch line!