Synergy
Efficiency
The MOONDROP METEOR has a sensitivity of 120 dB/mW and an impedance of 18.5Ω, allowing it to reach high volumes with minimal power.
A high-powered DAP or amp isn’t necessary, as even low-powered sources like smartphones, laptops, and portable DAC/amps can drive it with ease.
For the best experience, I recommend using the 4.4mm balanced jack, as it allows for finer volume adjustments and improved control. The 3.5mm single-ended jack works well for portability but isn’t the most efficient option in terms of power delivery.
Listening at lower volumes doesn’t impact treble extension, but the vocals sound thinner than usual. The already restrained midbass also loses further impact, making it even softer, while the sub-bass remains unaffected, retaining its omnipresent rumble when called upon.
At higher volumes, the midrange and treble remain consistent, with no loss in clarity or balance. The midbass punch returns to more acceptable levels, while the sub-bass gains extra presence, delivering a stronger rumble and improved texture in bass details.
Pairings
Using a smartphone with a 3.5mm jack didn’t require much volume adjustment, keeping the METEOR efficient and uncolored. The sound remained unchanged, with no noticeable modifications or added coloration.
Pairing it with the HeartField R1, an R2R DAC-amp, added weight to the lower midrange, giving vocals a fuller presence. This extra warmth made the METEOR sound more musical, enhancing its natural tonality.
Switching to the Colorfly CDA-M2 improved overall clarity and layering within the mix. Instrument and vocal separation became more defined, allowing the METEOR to make better use of its expansive soundstage and imaging.
Select Comparisons
MOONDROP Variations
Technical
The MOONDROP Variations features a tribrid system comprising a 10mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dynamic driver, 2 Sonion electrostatic tweeters, and 2 customized midrange balanced armatures. An improved hybrid crossover design inherited from the Blessing 2 is used.
The LCP dynamic driver handles the low-end, while the dual Sonion EST drivers are dedicated to treble reproduction.
The two midrange balanced armatures provide support for vocals and midrange frequencies, with it being tuned based on MOONDROP’s VDSF target response.
Design
The MOONDROP Variations features a 3D-printed resin shell paired with a sand-blasted stainless-steel faceplate. The faceplate is engraved with a geometric pattern resembling Sachiko stitching and is stamped with the Variations logo.
Its size is slightly larger than typical acrylic-shelled IEMs, but the long nozzles ensure a secure fit. MOONDROP uses standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, and the resin shell shows no visible imperfections, with seamless bonding between the steel faceplate and resin.
Performance
Both follow the VDSF target, but the METEOR is tuned to an updated version based on the B&K 5128 measuring rig. MOONDROP moved from their 711 couplers to improve treble consistency and reduce uneven peaks in their new products.
Despite having a larger dynamic driver, the METEOR does not surpass the Variations in sub-bass impact, as the Variations delivers a deeper and more dominant low end. It may surpass in bass potency but lacks the unique bass soundstage and bass note definition that the METEOR has.
The mid-bass is where the Variations fall short, as it’s unable to complement its sub-bass-heavy sound. It sounds thin and hollow when delivering a punch unlike the meatier and heavier impact of the METEOR, plus it also blends well with its sub-bass.
Midrange presentation is noticeably different, with the METEOR offering thicker vocal weight while the Variations leans towards a thinner and weaker sound. This results in male vocals sounding more natural on the METEOR, but both have a similar clarity for female vocals.
Both sets push vocals forward, but the METEOR’s warmer tonality and superior timbre provide a more lifelike presentation. The Variations introduces harshness, making its timbre less natural and slightly fatiguing over time.
The METEOR’s micro-planar drivers rival the EST drivers in the Variations by delivering comparable detail retrieval. It does this while being easier to drive with my sources too.
While the Variations offers more airiness, it comes at the cost of sibilance and a metallic tinge. The METEOR completely avoids this through its notch filter that smoothens and refines its treble from any unevenness.
Soundstage width is similar, but imaging is more precise on the METEOR, allowing for better spatial accuracy. It utilizes vertical staging more effectively, enhancing separation and layering better than what the Variations achieves.
Softears Studio 4
Technical
The Softears Studio 4 uses 4 balanced armatures to handle the bass, midrange, and treble. It follows an older driver configuration that relies solely on balanced armatures.
The 4 drivers are arranged in a 3-way crossover design, achieving a nearly straight impedance curve for consistent performance across sources. It also maintains Softears’ full-band phase consistency for a coherent sound.
Design
The original Softears Studio 4 features a plain black shell with the Softears logo and “Studio 4” engraved on the faceplate. It includes a 0.78mm 2-pin connection and a lipless nozzle, a feature commonly seen with Softears’ IEM.
There’s an updated version, the Starry Version, offering a transparent shell with a starry-blue faceplate, revealing the internal arrangement of the balanced armatures. Both versions are crafted using high-precision 3D printing with medical-grade resin for durability and a refined fit.
Performance
The MOONDROP METEOR’s bass delivers a richer, fuller, and more detailed sound than the Softears Studio 4. Despite offering similar clarity and precision in the sub-bass, the Studio 4 lacks impact and texture, making it more restrained and engaging.
The Studio 4’s midbass also falls short, missing the punch and liveliness the METEOR effortlessly provides from its large 13mm dynamic driver. Where the METEOR injects tracks with energetic boominess, Studio 4’s balanced armature impact feels dry and overly conservative.
Both of them share remarkably natural midrange timbre and clarity, free from harshness or shoutiness. The Studio 4’s slightly thicker note weight also gives vocals a touch more realism than the METEOR.
That additional note weight makes the Studio 4’s vocals more recessed, making it less fatiguing for long sessions, while the METEOR’s midrange highlights vocal nuances better.
This trade-off means microdetails are easier to catch on the METEOR, even if its intensity can tire some users’ overly sensitive ears.
Treble extension and control are strong on both, avoiding sibilance or metallic tones. The METEOR leans brighter, adding sparkle and life to instruments, whereas the Studio 4 opts for a darker, more neutral tonality that fits its pursuit of a reference sound more.
Studio 4’s soundstage is wide but traditional, staying within the listener’s head. The METEOR expands further, adding vertical depth and an immersive out-of-head feel that Studio 4 can’t match.
Both separate and layer instruments cleanly, avoiding sounding cramped or any congestion. However, the METEOR’s imaging goes beyond Studio 4 as it uses its vertical staging, properly placing sounds precisely above or below the soundstage.
My Verdict
The MOONDROP METEOR is one of the company’s best-tuned tribrid IEMs, delivering an impressive sound signature.
While minor nitpicks like a lighter bass response or potential fit issues may hold it back for some, its overall execution remains impressive.
With its unique meteorite-infused faceplate, premium stock cable, and well-selected stock tips, the METEOR offers a complete package right out of the box.
It may not be a direct successor to the Variations, but it marks a strong beginning for the METEOR series
MOONDROP METEOR Technical Specifications
- Driver Type: One (1x) 13mm dynamic driver, two (2x) customized balanced armatures, and four (4x) micro-planar drivers
- Plug: 0.78mm 2-pin with a modular 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced termination
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 18.5-ohms
- Sensitivity: 120db/V@1KHz
