THE BEST $500 CAN BUY - Moondrop Variations Review

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you for watching! If you've tried Variations before leave a comment down below! :) And if you're not subscribe yet please subscribe, more reviews coming soon!

[@thepearled0120]

My Variations arrived a few days ago, and they are doubtlessly the best IEMs I've ever owned. On all the previous IEMs I've owned, even ones I thought were well-tuned, I found myself often spending a while playing around with equalisers to see what improvements I could make. But the Variations is so incredibly close to my idea of "perfect tuning" that it genuinely took me a while to even find anything worth tweaking at all; I eventually found I preferred a tiiiiny boost in the lower midrange, but everything else is 1-to-1 with the exact kind of tuning I've always wanted from an IEM. Not to mention how top-notch the details + soundstage are, especially with my Moonriver 2 DAC, how comfy they are (at least, outside of very long listening sessions) with the foam eartips, and how clean the aesthetics of the shell and cable are. It's my ideal IEM in pretty much every way, and it's so difficult to imagine how anything could be enough of an improvement to justify costing hundreds or thousands of dollars more than this.

[@Plucks_IEM_Wonderland]

Thanks for the straight forward review. I have been using Variations for 2 months now. In China, you can get this IEM at a retail store for around $420. That is true and that is crazy. So I definitely found it worth the money. The variation tuning is what I considered to be “fun neutral”, with particular emphasis on upper mids and sub bass. The treble, while airy, is not crispy or crunchy, perhaps lacking a little bit presence. The mid is exactly what was mentioned in the video, slightly lower mids recessed. Technicality is superb, but tuning wise I still believe that it depends on personal preference, although this is already tuned particularly well.

[@1988remixx]

Just received my Variations & I’m extremely happy with these IEM’s. The suggestion made about the ThieAudio Monarchs had me SO disappointed. So I hesitated on getting these because I thought I’d be disappointed again but just upon listening to the first song I knew I would love these!!!!!! Easier to drive then the Monarchs, punchier bass & the vocals…..OH MY!!!!!! Randomely threw on Shouse “Love Tonight” & was amazed by the detail. The soundstage isn’t that wide but wide enough. These are definitely my step up over my old faithful Campfire Polaris II's

[@Gizaudio]

Glad you like them! Variations has the wow factor for sure.

[@zeissiez]

Heard these. If you are ok with the sub bass focus, which someone will like some will not, this is overall a great IEM. The mids are very very well done. The treble is great too. Overall a very musical/lively and detailed sounding IEM.

[@Gizaudio]

We have the same idea on this IEM! Completely agree with you here. Thank you for commenting! :)

[@5Sull]

My variations will arrive soon, this will be my first ever end game IEMs and I can’t wait to try this out and vibe with it 🎉

[@tempest5363]

Nicee they arrive yet? if so how are they?

[@5Sull]

@@tempest5363 it was AWESOME, very worth it, female vocals are INSANE it so good idk how to explain it, IM SPEECHLESS LOL

[@tempest5363]

@@5Sull omgg I can’t wait till mine comes :D

[@johnwoo9051]

I had the Variations for a few months now and I just auditioned the Monarch Mk2. After two hours of comparison I conclude that I prefer the cleaner and clearer sounds of the Variations. Am I missing something coz I've read so many great reviews on the Monarch Mk2.

[@juanblanco7898]

I'd say that the Monarch mk2 is more about the tonal balance and "correctness" with very solid technicalities overall, while the Variations are more about the fun and that "wow factor", a showiness of a kind. Admittedly I only had a taste of the former by EQ-ing the Variations, but I liked the Monarchs tuning more. The staging was less expansive and spacious, but felt more balanced and natural. Resolution and layering felt the same if not better depending on the music. The upper treble is a bit more subdued resulting in less air, but the lower treble was a bit sharper which combined with a bit "meatier" upper mid bass & lower midd gave a more natural, "weighty" feel to percussive instruments and vocals while retaining the necessary sharpness of attack. I'm inclined to believe that the Monarch itself should sound better to some extent than it's EQ imitation, so I'd trade my Variations for it happily if not for the 2x price difference. I won't say that the Monarch is overpriced, though. At least in relation to it's niche and the overall ridiclous pricing of the market.

[@zaq9339]

@@juanblanco7898 correctness is a funny term because the variations is pretty much tuned to the Harman target which literally comes from what multiple people deemed correct sounding in a lab setting. Personally I feel this type of tuning lends itself to superior separation between instruments and little bleeding, so a more correct sound as opposed to something described as neutral with a bass boost. So what is even neutral and what is correct?

[@aekashiraki2570]

just got variations yesterday, thanks for this review

[@MuhammadHammadAshraf]

I'm a detail freak and I'm saving up for this IEM. I was aiming to get the Blessing 2 but I've decided to just wing it and get the Variations instead.

[@krayozmines]

Yes definitely save for the Variations

[@datdudeinred]

This is my 1st time watching your reviews. & Omg man that was epic review subbed 🍻

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@theloyalcolonel]

Thumbs up for the nice b roll, good review, and mention of IU

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much!

[@sztruharrobert]

Just got today :) I like it with my Toping G5. I will try with bigger dac, too. How to connect the cables correctly?? -Thank you

[@gavingranado2146]

Anotha viddd from my fav reviewer noiceee Im adding it to my wishlist

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you for the continued support man! You're the true OG!!

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

You killed this review…✌️❗️

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man!!

[@townofdudleysixth]

Amazing review, clear and concise! It would be nice to see how these compare to the Mangird Xenns Up- as the newer tribid to town. Looking forward to future content!

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much! I've been want to grab the Xenns Up. Hopefully soon.

[@davidcoons89]

I’m late to the game here but I’ve got both if there are any questions ya Jay have.

[@townofdudleysixth]

@@davidcoons89 No worries, I was curious as to how the Xenns up compared in the treble response, sound stage and detail retrieval. Especially as the Xenns up are the more musical of the two, wanted a better idea of the trade-offs and how much of a difference there was.

[@davidcoons89]

@@townofdudleysixth the treble is definitely a lot warmer on the Xenns Up. It’s very smooth indeed the way they have the ESTs integrated, def never even walking the line of sibilance. The upper mids/female vocals specifically are also pulled back a little bit for smoothness in the ear gain region. Never shouty to my ears. Sound stage is decent on the Xenns but is vested in depth and height by the variations. The width isn’t extremely noticeable in difference between the two but again, variations is wider. Imaging and microdynamics and other details are definitely among the absolute strengths of the variations whereas like you said, the Up is more ‘musical’ and lively in its presentation. The treble resolution is definitely one of the standouts in favor of the variations as well. I’d say they’re both a good buy as long as you know what you’re looking for and getting into. I’m actually gonna be selling my set of the Mangird Xenns Up soon myself. Best wishes with whatever you decide moving forward and please let me know if I can help clarify a bit further on things. Enjoy your music listening friend!

[@townofdudleysixth]

@@davidcoons89 Fair, wow- thanks for the thorough comparision and for taking the time for this! Definitely was not expecting something so detailed. You went further than just answering my query, thanks again for this! My first proper iem was a budget BA set which was said to be really good for bass. Although not what I expected by a long mile, it did grow on me and got me hooked in the audiophile hobby, although they recently stopped working in the right ear. But I do miss the bass response, so was looking for a DD set that still preserved details. It does seem like a good balance of both, so I'll wait a bit more and see if a sale lowers the price on the Xenns Up to under the £500 mark. If not, the Variations are currently at £440 which is more easy on the wallet. Will just wait and see how this goes.

[@KevinWuOfficial]

Wonder how is it compare to the Dunu SA6😁

[@Gizaudio]

SA6 focus more on midbass than subbass, so you get more boom with SA6 and a fuller male vocals. Variations is much cleaner and more resolving than SA6, it also has better treble extension and air. Both are amazing quality for $550 price point. Either one is great in my opinion. Thank you for commenting! :)

[@那人冷靜一點]

唯二的中文觀眾😭

[@carminedesanto6746]

It’s taken a while☕️…but I’ve reached the end of MY IEM journey..I’ve ordered the Moondrop Variations 😋 Great review 😋

[@Gizaudio]

I hope you like it!! and yeah, no, it's never the end. I've told myself that soooo many times

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@Gizaudio Well, maybe the IFI Gryphon….

[@EJM07]

Great review! In another video you said you loved the oracle. How do those compare to the variations?

[@Gizaudio]

They are both very strong for the price. I enjoy both for what they are amazing at, Oracle is more beautifully tuned and Variations is more resolving and clean. Hard to pick one over the other honestly.

[@noykrub]

@@Gizaudio But if you have to choose one between this and oracle. Which one you choose ?

[@Gizaudio]

@@noykrub Oracle, the tuning is simply beautiful

[@rouzah9419]

1:32 Incredible Naruto Ninja defense stance! 10/10 form!

[@blakader]

I listen to mostly k-pop and j-pop (City Pop). Mostly female singers Are these still the ones to get in 2023? Thanks these reviews

[@Sifu26]

Pulled the trigger on the kiwi, while its good for the most part, i feel like im missing something, maybe the fun? Any sidegrade recs? For 500?

[@wyw201]

FML, just bought the Moondrop B2 and now these came out. Not sure if I should upgrade...

[@caradoacre]

Great video, do you think it's better than tanchjim prism ?

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

I hv try it Moondrop Variations vs Fiio FH 9 .. end up buying FH9 just sound better they coming with exchangeable filter for different character music

[@nekomito6133]

Hi, can I ask for a cable recommendation that will go well with the variations?

[@MannyScoot]

I love the Variations, the natural sound signature is more satisfying and more fun than the S8 ! ...... I am using the HIDISZ S9 Pro and that small 100 mW power pump makes them sound warmer and harder Mid Bass hit .......I like the Treble Waaay better than the EJ07 ......

[@DystopianPersona]

Greaat review man! Can you tell me briefly how you think they compare woth the Aria? Do you think it's worth the upgrade?

[@thiagot1234]

Hi! I have two older iems, the Dunu Titan 5, and the Dunu Dn2000! I would like to do a good upgrade! Would Variations be a good option? I like listening to Rock, Metal, Acoustics, Electronics and songs from the 80's, 90's! Hug

[@chapinhagreen8443]

Nice review as always! I have the SeeAudio Yume. Do you think it will be a big step up if I get the Variations?

[@LinhNguyen-zd8ve]

I watched your video and bought Variations, many thanks. But my stock cable is broken and I'm looking for replacement. Could you recommend some cables for me?

[@proProcrastinatooor]

great review, are these good for piano and classic Al music?

[@Gizaudio]

I actually forgot what song was used in the editing of this video. I'll have to dig around to find that song again and come back to tell you. Thanks man!

[@alexasbagel]

Would you say these are worth it over the dusks? (Coming from AirPods Pro, I want a good update that feels big enough to justify the cost and losing true wireless and noise canceling)

[@krayozmines]

I am personally saving abit more just to get the moondrop variations. Definitely better than the dusk. The dusk for me is not that much of an upgrade compared to other iems that are $100-$300. That's why im gunning straight for the variations

[@talktomenowxbmc]

How does this compare to HD6XX in terms of tonality? I like HD6XX for its clear mids and highs.

[@thomas.earl.speers]

how’s it compare to FH7S ?

[@KENNETHDRUMMER]

Hi, just love your reviews!! You also have a very high regard for the Tanchjim Oxygen. I like jazz, big band and classical orchestras. Horn groups like Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears are also my favorites along with progressive rock like Yes and Spock’s Beard. Which would you recommend, the Variations or the oxygen. Thanks in advance Tim.

[@J.c410]

Already have the starfield and enjoy them. My urge of buyung something is striking again but I'm just wondering if I should go for the variations or a similarly price heaphone as I dont have one. Always felt like you kinda get more for the price out of an iem but do you think there are other options ? Like a closed back aeon for example if you've heard them ?

[@sandiriffic]

Same sentimental. Are you getting urself upgrade from starfield?

[@carminedesanto6746]

Greetings from May 2022…I wonder how the Variations compare to the s12…… Damn , time travel make one dizzy 😵‍💫 Great review ☕️🥓🔥

[@bigjt37]

May I ask, what is a more enjoyable and greater sense of air, in an iem in similar ish price range, to variations that you regard well?

[@Bootrosgali]

For fit, comfort , and lifelong build, I went ie600 . These were on the list but none of these brands just in actual fact have the longevity proven like sennheiser

[@thomas.earl.speers]

I bought IE600 and returned them because they weren’t as warm or punchy as the FH7S I have

[@rippedray]

Do you prefer these over the kinera nanna?

[@godsoldier3169]

CAN YOU DO A REVIEW ON IEMS FOR GAMEING?

[@wildanzuhdi5492]

Nice review Sir 👍 In the video you say that Variation has punchy bass and deep subbass. Does this mean that Variation is suitable for Basshead?

[@HobbyTalk]

That RGB bokeh... I like it...

[@Gizaudio]

thanks lol, that was old house

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

And how does it compare to Dusk… some say it’s so close it’s a waste of $200 and some say the Dusk bass seems like it’s kind of unnaturaly in it’s own space…I have to say Timmy I have only SSR from Moondrop but I am so much in love with it’s sound… of course I want to upgrade … but which one B2, Dusk, Variations or S8… Iam willing any of these…😃♥️✌️☀️

[@Gizaudio]

It's really not close too close to DUSK, it definitely has similarities but let me state what it does better than DUSK 1. Subbass and bass responses are very natural while the DUSK can feel a bit forced. 2. Separation, detail, and resolution are a clear upgrade from the DUSK. 3. Treble extension and treble are very well done while on the DUSK, the treble extension was the main issue. Now, what the DUSK does better... 1. More balanced sound throughout the vocal ranges while Variations has a bit less robust male vocals. 2. Tuning overall, the DUSK takes a slight edge (not by much) over the Variations. I've not tried the S8 so unfortunately cannot speak about that one. However, owning both DUSK and Variations I'm very impressed by what both can do and they are both valued at their respected prices. If you have $520 I would go with Variations as it is the better IEM overall, but if $330 is the budget then you will not be disappointed with DUSK either.

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Thank you Timmy...I have to say...I think B2 is probably the closest experience to SSR...Dusk is a little bit of a mystery to me either really great or I would find something off like the forced bass(but you really love the mids)... Intuitively I really like the Variations...but S8 that's the real question...❗️🦁😁🔆Maybe you hear them before me...and I'm gonna be wiser...anyway the Variations look really sweet 🙋‍♂️💯

[@mohamadshafeghat940]

i want to buy moondrop variation i want to buy a donglefor it moondrop dawn 4.4 or moondrop moonriver 2 or fiio btr7 by usb-c????????

[@jaimansworld]

Dawn. Btr7 sucks

[@casshekhar]

Best review of MD Variation presently live on YT. Subscribed. One question - how do you compare this with UM Mest Mk2?

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much! Compare to the MK2? First thing you'll notice is a big difference in detail retrieval, Mest MK2 is much better at it. Mest MK2 feels overall tighter in the bass as well. Treble wise Variations has more air but Mest MK2 is smoother.

[@casshekhar]

@@Gizaudio Thanks for the response.

[@jameshernandez1451]

Would you say these are worth the price difference between them and the blessings 2 dusk?

[@sadatnafis2032]

Name of the background music during bass section of the video?

[@fabiolopes5700]

How would they compare to kiwi Orchestra? Would eq remedy that lack of midbass to satisfactory levels? Great vid!!!

[@Gizaudio]

Kiwi Orchestra is more of a neutral signature with no real focus on any one aspect, maybe leaning slightly warm. I've not tried to EQ the Variations, but I think it will help. It's not missing a lot of mid-bass, you can still feel the bass with good impact. EQ a little can possibly help more. Thank you for commenting!

[@fabiolopes5700]

@@Gizaudio Thanks for clarifications , It does help a lot , I hope you get your hands on Mangird Xenns Up asap. I wanna land on a good iem in the $400~700 bracket, so Oracle , Xenns Up, Variations, Dunu As6, Kiwi Orchestra seem great contenders. Keep the good work 😀

[@amarnadh165]

I'm currently using qc35ii from its launch. Is the variations a good choice for me?

[@andreadorno7722]

This or the sa6?

[@soundflo3653]

been listening to variations for a year now.... and yes, this iem make it hard for me to find an appropriate upgrade path... i feel like all the other more expensive or higher ranking iems are going to be a sidegrade lol

[@EvolJeft]

saving money for Variations!!!!

[@Gizaudio]

Great choice!! :D

[@francisignatiusborrero5986]

If you can allow me a question, how does this compare to the thieaudio oracle and which do you prefer

[@digitalnation2876]

Better than Mangird Xenns Up ?

[@Gizaudio]

I've not tried that one! Hopefully I can get my hands on a sample soon. Thank you for commenting!

[@microwave6097]

2.5 mm btw :D 1:39

[@BigJalapeno]

Variations a good upgrade from dusk2?

[@Gizaudio]

Yes

[@ellaine888]

Can you rank these 3? Moondrop Variations, Dunu Est 112, and Fiio FH7

[@Gizaudio]

I've not tried FH7 but the general opinion online is that FH5 is the best FiiO and I've tried that one so my ranking would be..... 1. Variations 2. EST112 3. FH5

[@ellaine888]

I see. Thank you very much! Variations is already in my cart but I have been following your videos and bought the moondrop aria first then I have been eyeing the hzsound heart mirror and fiio fh3 so I can choose the best one for my taste. Haha

[@HalationSnow3535]

@@ellaine888 Have you been able to listen to the Variations yet? I've been eyeing them as an upgrade from the Arias.

[@ellaine888]

@@HalationSnow3535 not yet. I'm just adding them to my wishlist hahaha I am looking for my endgame IEM

[@HalationSnow3535]

@@ellaine888 What other sets have you considered for your endgame?

[@antonzaitsev8411]

Would you say theese are the best 500$ IEMs for hiphop/rap music?

[@kanz7329]

Which one from the variations or the B2 dusk would you say is good for 90s metal? mainly bands like Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Korn etc and to hear out bass guitar details

[@Gizaudio]

I LOVE LINKIN PARK! So for bands like Linkin Park I would say Variations is better because it has better treble extension and air. High hats, cymbals and percussions benefit more from Variations treble. Also subbass and bass is smoother on B2D as well.

[@josephphuah]

S8 or variations?

[@Gizaudio]

If I can only keep one I'd keep the S8 due to my preference for both male and female vocals. But sound quality wise both are very equal, just depends on which signature you like the best. In terms of the value for money it would be the Variations.

[@zerocoxib]

I am in a search for my first IEMs and would like to feel the improvement from my current Sennheiser TWS2, so these Variatons (or B2 Dusk which seem hard to find online) are in the spot of interest. So, will the improvement be so great that the price difference can be justified? (200 USD vs. 520 USD). And another thing, which usb type c to 3.5 mm dongle (with DAC?) is recommended for these? Thnx

[@Gizaudio]

If you're coming from TWS, many IEMs will be an improvement especially if you're looking at Moondrop offerings :) B2 DUSK and Variations will absolutely be a massive upgrade.

[@rockyjhon6736]

This or Oracle? What is the bes in terms of resolución in general

[@Gizaudio]

Resolution- Variation wins Tuning- Oracle wins. Between the two......I personally like Oracle a bit more, but it's very slightly

[@rockyjhon6736]

@@Gizaudio thank you

[@missingabyme]

thank you! love your presence though bg music detracts from it since it is not really my taste. you seem to like neutral but fun sound signatures so maybe that could serve as your creative inspiration. :p

[@mistaBorg]

I have the starfield but I would prefer a slightly bassier iem with better seperation but the same female vocal focus, is the variations a better choice than b2 or b2-dusk in terms of final upgrade in this case ? And how sensitive is it? does it need a special dac?

[@Gizaudio]

Blessing 2 is not for you if you want bass that one is more neutral. Blessing 2 Dusk is great, I highly recommend that. Variations have more subbass but overall good bass. Both are great for vocals. Depends if you want more subbass or midbass.

[@ezvkm77]

Just returned a pair for sounding thin and tinny

[@Orteth]

Fair question: do you think the Xenns or the Moondrop Variations is "half" the sound of a Unique Melody MkII? Or it's the opposite: it's just hard to justify a 1000+ iem?

[@kmwong1786]

Do you have an IEM hall of Fame list ordered by price intervals?

[@Gizaudio]

That's a great idea! Let me make that!

[@datdudeinred]

I would really love to know how these compare to ej07m.

[@Gizaudio]

I'll have a review of that coming in September!

[@mardiyantoriskihartono1944]

If someone give you an option to choose S8, B2, B2 Dusk, and Variations for free but need to give back to him when its broken.. Which one will you pick dude? :p

[@Gizaudio]

S8, hard to break the S8.

[@faizmohammad7154]

These vs Thieaudio Oracle?

[@Gizaudio]

Personally, I still like Oracle for it's tuning more than Variations. But if you like more details, Variations is better.

[@marcusbryant2007]

thanks for the review

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much! :D

[@chrischillbilly]

OK but wouldn't it just be quite justified that the dusk looses the crown to the variations being that the variations cost more and also have est drivers? Isnt this like comparing a Honda to an acura??

[@Gizaudio]

Lol! the skit at the beginning was for fun. Both are kings in their respective prices. If the budget is around $300 than I'd recommend Blessing 2, but if they can spend $500 than Variations is the better option.

[@seanjoshua3672]

Please name 3 alternatives of best IEM producing best vocal (male&female). About or under $500

[@alvinsiiheeyong7884]

Hey do it stand up against thieaudio duo (clairvoyance & monarch ) or S8 ?

[@Gizaudio]

Have no tried S8 so I can't compare that, but VS. Clair & Oracle....let's see VS. Oracle: Oracle has better tuning, male and female vocals sound very beautiful and natural, but Variations wins in details and separations VS. Clairvoyance: Clairvoyance has slightly better tuning, and performs evenly in details to Variations.

[@MrGalib-le4pt]

Best video 😍

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you man!!

[@brokelatino2587]

any help please i bought these but the channels are switched sound that’s supposed to come out the left bud is coming out of the right one and vice versa any help would be great

[@Gizaudio]

Maybe the cable is not plugged in on the correct side. Try swapping them

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

Don't you mean your favorite IEM until next week when you have another IEM to shill??

[@fauzanilzaki]

Pulling trigger on this one

[@Gizaudio]

Great choice!!

[@fauzanilzaki]

Anyway, its really guuud

[@shajeed]

Great 👌

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man! :D

[@uglybigfish2020]

I had to comment about the slap.. LOL

[@Gizaudio]

lol thanks man!

[@PAQUIDAN]

which implies that the price makes the quality of sound which is entirely false ...

[@R.C.Bullar]

Yan Yin Canon 2's are better

[@Ike-Mi]

i felt no tingly sensation, bass was about as good as my 50 dollar sony xb55 earbuds, how ever they were clearer. fu best subbass under 1000. everything else must suck even more then

[@SuperChonk]

Dude do more pushups on set.

[@Gizaudio]

Yes, more pushups!!!

[@chichaphile4943]

👻

[@Gizaudio]

CHA!

[@chichaphile4943]

@@Gizaudio yoooo Tim $* hahaha 😹

[@Vamp898]

I tired the Blessing 2 and Blessing 2 Dusk as the Variations. I liked the Variations the best but... it still does inherit a _lot_ of issues of the the Blessing 2 (Dusk) like the Soundstage that is all over the place and wrong layering and so on. But by far the biggest issue i had with the Blessing 2, which i also have with the Variations, is its price and its use case. They try to mix an Monitoring sound with an Listening sound and the result is, it sucks with both. I't can't be used as an Monitor (so i'd not call it IEM in the first place), its not accurate enough and they don isolate well enough. So neither in the Studio nor on Stage are these even remotely close to any real Monitor. But the biggest issue is, they suck with music too. Instruments sound flat and unauthentic. Everyone who ever heard a real acoustic guitar and a real double bass instantly notices, that the Blessing 2 (Dusk) and the variations represent these instruments, among others, wrong. Live concerts don't sound live, the clapping of the people is right beside your ears while the screaming is somewhere on the stage with the band like wtf You can not use them as an Monitor, so they are not really IEMs. You can not use them to listen to music because everything sounds flat, lifeless, unauthentic and off. And then the price. 500$? Why? For What? Tucking parts together that are worth 80$ in total? For 500$, you can get the Handmade in Japan XBA-Z5 with drivers developed and build by Sony themself or the IER-M7 and they both make the Variations eat dust. Unlike the Blessing 2 (Dusk) or the Variations who just buy 3rd party drivers (The Softears BA are below 10$ each) and put them in a 3D printes resin shell... I don't understand why people can pay so much money for an earphone with such an limited use-case with such an bad production-cost/MSRP ratio. I can understand why people like the Blessing 2 or the Varations. Its an geeky and nerdy earphone meant for the people who listen to music only so they can listen to the earphone. I could understand the price of the Blessing 2 because its a product for a small target group and they offer fancy things like engravings and the waifu on the box. Its like the Final E5000 or A8000. If the use case is limited, you are not a giant company and the target group is small, you have to put a higher price tag on the product. I can understand that and that is not the point i'm complaining. But replacing the 10$ Knowles Tweeter with an 20$ Sonion EST and a slightly adjusted circuit with more power to the DD result in what universe in this price hike? Thats just a rip off for the already small and nerdy target group that does have a bit bigger budget. The XBA-Z5 can not be used as an Monitor, but the Variations can't be either. But the XBA-Z5 can be used to listen to music and it sounds authentic and real and "like there" unlike with the Varations. I don't understand this whole ChiFi "Try to make Monitors to sound good with music" thing... I get why people like the result, but they are nowhere near their price point. As said, i dislike the Blessing 2 but the price is okay. The Variations is a rip off but look at things like the Solus. OMG does this thing scream "We laugh everytime someone buys this" Moondrop is getting cruelly greedy since they know, Audiophiles are willing to pay insane prices. Its not the only company who does that, don't get me wrong. Its just sad that they are joining the game.