Moondrop Variations Review
Dynamic Driver..Balanced Armatures..Electrostatic Drivers..all three driver types are in the Moondrop Variations Tribrid IEM we are reviewing today. The Moondrop Variations uses 1 10mm dynamic driver bass driver, 2 balanced armatures for mids, and 2 electrostatic drivers for high-end frequency from Sonion.
Specifications
Frequency response: 9-40kHz (IEC61094, free field)
Effective frequency response: 20 - 20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
Sensitivity: 118dB/ Vrms @1kHz
Impedance: 15.2Ω @1kHz±15%
THD: <1% @1kHz
Drivers: 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures, 2 electrostatic drivers
Bass driver: 10mm LCP liquid crystal diaphragm dynamic driver
Midrange driver: Softears D-Mid-B customized midrange balanced armature drivers
Treble driver: Sonion high-performance dual electrostatic drivers
Cavity material: stainless steel + resin
For more information click here.
What is Included
Included with the Moondrop Variations are the IEMs, an IEM cable that allows you to change the connection type, foam tips, silicone tips, ear filters, and small case.
What do they sound like
For this review, I will be using an iBasso DX320 and Qobuz for music. The Moondrop Variations are an interesting pair of IEMs as they have a pronounced 3k peak. For the most part, this does not affect the music. But know, these know, these will lean towards the bright side.
For our first selection, I chose “Let It Die” by the Foo Fighters. This is a Hard Rock selection that pushes the Variations to the limit yet retains clarity. There is deep-hitting bass and a drum kit for miles, and Dave’s voice is crystal clear. One thing you can tell is that these are your sound signature-shaped IEM. Though, this works for most music.
Oooo ooo time to feel that music with Mr.Bataiste on “Adulthood“, this is how you can tell the Variations is a higher-end IEM by being able to produce the love low-end. The keys, vocals, and even, the little flute in there.
Stand back for Peter Gabriel's “Steam”, in this track you can hear each minute detail of the track. We start with Peter’s voice we can hear each detail, almost on edge of break up, as it is close to the 3k peak of the IEMs. The bass is tight, as is the guitar.
I found the 3k treble peak was not a problem if recordings were done well.
The IEM cable allows you to use a balanced 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm balanced connection. More on this in the suggestions section.
Suggestions
The Moondrop Variations IEM is excellent, but there is room for improvement. Starting with the cable. While having a cable that allows for multiple connections is convenient, it also provides a point of failure. I would rather use a cable with the connection first.
Also, the cables are quite flimsy, and hard to read (L) and (R).
Last, of all, I would smooth out the 3K peak, as it is not bothersome for most music, but for some, it can detract from the tracks heavily.
Closing Thoughts
As I said before, the Moondrops Variations IEM tends to lean brightly. For most music, this is fine Additionally, the Variations are a medium to large size IEM, and will not fit all, if it is recorded well. Additionally, the Variations are a medium to large size IEM, and will not fit all. At $520, can I recommend this pair of IEMs? If you like a sound signature that leans towards the bright end, yes.
To purchase the Moondrop Variations Click Here
Music Used
Foo Fight – Let It Die
https://open.qobuz.com/track/13038471
Jon Batiste - ADULTHOOD
https://open.qobuz.com/track/112153248
Peter Gabriel – Steam
https://open.qobuz.com/track/49743206
Gear Used
iBasso DX320
Qobuz (Current Version)