Kurt reviews the MOONDROP METEOR, the company’s latest flagship hybrid quad planar, dual BA, and 13mm dynamic driver earphones. It is priced at $549.99.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank MOONDROP and Shenzhen Audio for their support.
Click here to read more about MOONDROP products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines which you can read here in more detail.
MOONDROP’s recent lineup has focused heavily on successor IEMs, with releases like the Kadenz, Blessing 3, and Aria 2 sparking speculation about whether the renowned Variations would receive a refresh.
Despite being released in 2021, the Variations continues to hold its place as a top contender in the $500 market and is often hailed as the Harman endgame for many enthusiasts.
In late December 2024, MOONDROP unveiled the MOONDROP METEOR, a new $549.99 tribrid IEM, instantly fueling discussions about whether this was the long-awaited Variations 2.
While MOONDROP hasn’t confirmed or denied these rumors, the question remains: will the METEOR be the Variations successor, or will it carve out its legacy as the start of a new lineup?
Features
The MOONDROP METEOR brings a fresh take on tribrid IEM, dropping the usual EST drivers in favor of a new driver configuration.
It features 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures, and 4 micro-planar drivers, all tied together by MOONDROP’s new advanced crossover system.
At the core of this setup is the XTM Complex Technology, a specialized crossover designed to manage the METEOR’s seven drivers.
This ensures that the micro-planar and 13mm dynamic drivers integrate seamlessly, avoiding the disjointed sound usually found in poorly tuned hybrids.
The dynamic driver in the METEOR stands out with its impressive size, one of the largest in any hybrid IEM. Built with a large N52 neodymium magnet and a composite dome diaphragm, it is designed to handle low frequencies with better precision and add depth to the overall dynamic range.
MOONDROP uses two custom-balanced armatures for the mids with dampening, an acoustic nozzle, a crossover circuit, and four newly developed micro-planar drivers for the highs.
While MOONDROP has used planar drivers in the MOONDROP May, the METEOR’s implementation aims to challenge EST drivers’ detail retrieval with efficient power usage.
To fine-tune the sound, a passive acoustic notch filter is employed, targeting the 4.7kHz to 7.2kHz range. This filter eliminates peaks that could lead to harshness, sibilance, or unpleasant harmonics, resulting in a more controlled and refined treble.
Design
The MOONDROP METEOR’s design is one of its most controversial features. Its size is undeniably large, raising immediate concerns about how it fits in the ear.
Despite its oversized appearance, the METEOR’s size is mostly aesthetic and doesn’t affect the wearing experience. The faceplate creates a deceptively massive IEM, but its fit is comparable to the MOONDROP Blessing 3 and other similar-sized models.
The faceplate isn’t just for show as it also functions as a vibration damper for the 13mm dynamic driver. Its unusual protrusion is due to the difficulty of fitting such a large driver alongside six others without making the shell wider than taller.
What makes the faceplate truly unique is the real Aletai meteorite embedded within it. This iron meteorite, known for its jagged dark-brown surface and striped patterns when cut, acts as a vibration damper and adds a premium touch to the METEOR’s design.
The faceplate of the MOONDROP METEOR is printed with text that circles its centerpiece, reading “MOONDROP METEOR” along with “13mm DD + 2BA + 4 planar.”
The shell is crafted from a single piece of black semi-opaque resin using DLP-3D printing by HeyGears, MOONDROP’s long-time partner for IEM manufacturing.
It offers a glimpse of the drivers and notch filter under light, while the nozzle features three openings for the sound but lacks a nozzle lip, which can cause some ear tips to slip off during use.
Comfort & Isolation
The MOONDROP METEOR’s fit is similar to the Blessing 3, which might be tricky for smaller ears to handle. If it doesn’t fit securely, it can easily slip out of place, potentially risking damage to the IEM.
For larger ears, the fit is much better, sitting securely and staying in place. However, the faceplate adds noticeable weight, which you’ll feel during longer listening sessions.
That said, the faceplate makes it easy to remove. It works like a built-in handle, letting you pinch and pull the IEM out quickly without fumbling around.
The resin shell is smooth and comfortable, with no sharp edges or sticky spots to irritate. It doesn’t absorb surrounding temperatures, so it stays comfortable no matter where it’s used.
Isolation is surprisingly solid, doing a great job of keeping outside noise out. Even the Aletai meteorite faceplate adds to the noise blocking, which makes sense considering it acts as a vibration damper for the dynamic driver.
Ear Tips
The MOONDROP METEOR includes two sets of silicone ear tips, each available in small, medium, and large sizes. Both sets are inside transparent plastic containers, each designed with six stem compartments to hold different ear tips.
The first set is the great Softears UC silicone ear tips, which work particularly well with the METEOR’s lipless nozzle. These tips offer a secure and comfortable fit, staying firmly in place while smooth and non-irritating during extended use.
Unlike many ear tips that press too firmly on the ear, the Softears UC ear tips feel light and natural, making them ideal for long listening sessions. They also excel in comfort by providing proper grip without any irritation.
The second set consists of black silicone ear tips, differing from traditional black tips with their thinner flanges. While they are less grippy than the Softears UC, they remain softer on the skin and don’t irritate.
For sound quality and overall fit, the Softears UC ear tips deliver the best experience. Their wide bore design enhances clarity without compromising the METEOR’s sound.
Stock Cable
The MOONDROP METEOR’s stock cable draws inspiration from the MOONDROP Aria 2 but steps it up with copper and silver-plated wires arranged in a Litz structure.
While the build feels premium, the cable’s stiffness can make it prone to tangling and tricky to bend into place when needed.
Visually, the cable matches the aesthetic of the Aletai meteorite faceplate with its silver and iron colors. Even the chin slider and connectors carry a similar metallic look, tying the design as one connected piece.
The cable’s weight is heavier than average, but it doesn’t bring discomfort during use, though its tangly nature might make on-the-go usage less practical.
The interchangeable connector system is easy to use. By twisting the lock, the connector is exposed and can be swapped out for the 3.5mm or 4.4mm plug seamlessly.
Packaging & Accessories
The MOONDROP METEOR’s unboxing leans heavily into its space theme, hinting at the cosmic inspiration behind the IEM.
The front of the packaging depicts a girl standing on a river beneath a meteor shower, a subtle showing that each METEOR has actual meteorite material used.
The outer box features a sleek black background with the IEM’s technical details such as frequency response, driver configuration, impedance, and sensitivity displayed on the back.
Inside, the white inner box is sealed with a METEOR-branded stamp, giving it a minimal and clean appearance compared to the more detailed outer box.
Sliding it open reveals the METEOR as it showcases its Aletai meteorite faceplates still wrapped in protective plastic.
Beneath the foam insert are three black boxes: two dedicated to ear tips, one labeled for accessories, and a circular leather carrying case that sits neatly on the right.
The accessories box contains only guide cards, while the other boxes house the Softears UC and black silicone ear tips, each stored in transparent plastic containers.
The leather carrying case is a familiar sight, as it’s the same type included with the MOONDROP Kadenz and Concerto.
Inside, the silver stock cable is neatly coiled along with the 4.4mm and 3.5mm connector, and a small fishnet pouch is attached inside for carrying tips or the connector during on-the-go use.
Sound Impressions
Bass
MOONDROP has a reputation for keeping their bass on the subtle side, even with multi-dynamic driver IEMs like the Blessing 3. The MOONDROP METEOR follows that with a bass that is disappointingly unfitting of its massive 13mm dynamic driver.
I expected the METEOR to have potent bass, one that gives you that strong bass-heavy listening experience. Unfortunately, it’s more on the lighter side and quite uninviting instead.
The bass isn’t something that bassheads are looking for, but there is something unique with its bass that genuinely impressed me.
The METEOR excels in bass note clarity, with top-notch detail retrieval in the bass that stands out among tribrid IEMs. Its bass note definition is precise, reaching deep into the low end to reveal subtle nuances.
Jazz tracks or bass guitar-heavy music are where that bass clarity can be easily heard. Each pluck of the bass strings resonates with a clear and detailed impact, even highlighting movements across the fretboard.
Adding to its uniqueness, the bass also has a unique soundstage quality due to how the dynamic driver is positioned farther out, causing its staging to reach farther than the mids or treble can.
It doesn’t sound disjointed but rather envelops the mids and the treble, creating a rich and cohesive presentation.
Subbass gets a slight boost but only when the track demands it. During those moments, it offers a surrounding, omnipresent rumble with slow decay, delivering an addictively detailed experience.
The mid-bass leans on the safer side but still packs a satisfying punch with a subtle yet lingering impact. Its delivery is refined, with a quick and snappy attack, like a sharp jab, providing energy without ever bleeding into the midrange.
Mids
The midrange of the MOONDROP METEOR is executed exceptionally well, showcasing some of MOONDROP’s best work. It offers a smooth, refined vocal presentation that balances musicality and analytical clarity.
The tonality leans warm while maintaining excellent micro-detail retrieval, bringing nuances like a singer’s breathing or subtle pauses to the forefront. Backing vocals are particularly vivid, standing out more actively in the mix.
Vocals feel forward and intimate, positioned center stage without ever sounding shouty. Even in complex tracks, they remain well-layered and properly centered, never losing their spotlight.
The timbre of the METEOR’s midrange feels natural and lifelike. Male and female vocals are delivered with authenticity, free from honkiness, shrillness, or artificial tonality.
Its note weight is balanced perfectly, not too lean or muddy, offering a clear improvement over the thinner note weight of the MOONDROP Variations. While some might prefer added weight, I found it sufficient in my listening experience.
Treble
The METEOR’s treble feels nearly flawless, offering a level of refinement and smoothness that is praiseworthy. Its micro-planar drivers may even perform better than some EST-equipped IEMs in detail retrieval while being far easier to drive.
Its treble is wonderfully extended, offering detail retrieval surpassing any planar IEM and even some IEMs with EST drivers. It does all that without having peaky or uneven treble, giving a smooth experience that treble-sensitive users will greatly enjoy.
Listening to long-familiar tracks, the METEOR unveiled details I hadn’t noticed before, even across the bass and midrange. It shows how well MOONDROP implemented the micro-planar drivers to deliver exceptional treble extension.
The notch filter works wonders here, removing harshness, sibilance, or sharpness in the upper frequencies. Treble control feels complete, avoiding unnatural timbre or unwanted peaks.
Instrument and vocal presence are displayed effortlessly, with no brightness or edginess to cause fatigue. Stringed instruments and cymbals maintain their natural shimmer without sounding soft or muted in their impact.
Staging & Dynamics
The METEOR offers a spacious and immersive soundstage, combining vertical height with depth perception. Its unique bass soundstage adds an extra layer of immersion, giving the overall presentation a unique feel.
The soundstage extends beyond the typical in-head experience, allowing sounds to play freely around the ears. The bass, being the widest part of the stage, ties the entire experience together cohesively with an enveloping low-end.
Imaging is precise and takes full advantage of the vertical soundstage, placing sounds seamlessly from top to bottom and across the depth field. Instruments and vocals feel properly spaced, moving forward or backward with clear intent.
The METEOR excels in its ability to handle busy tracks without losing clarity. Layering and separation are done effortlessly, keeping the mix clean and avoiding any clutter.
Its dynamics remain consistent across all volume levels, with no loss of bass detail, treble extension, or midrange timbre. Even with the bass having an extended reach in the soundstage, it never competes with the mids or treble, allowing for a well-balanced presentation.
Click on page 2 for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
