Sonatavs.Variations
Sound & Specs Comparison
Information
Both IEMs are widely regarded in the audiophile community. See how they differ in terms of sub-bass response, upper mids, clarity, and overall tonality. Spider charts and rating breakdowns included.
Objective Comparison
Facts, details, stuff.
| General Info | Sonata | Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KZ Earphones | Moondrop |
| Country | China | China |
| IEM Description | – | Moondrop Variations is a hybrid in-ear monitor combining electrostatic, balanced armature, and dynamic drivers for a precise and immersive listening experience. Known for its balanced, reference-style tuning with tight bass, clean mids, and extended treble, it’s a favorite among audiophiles who crave clarity and technical performance. Ideal for detail lovers and those seeking a high-fidelity sound signature. |
| Price Level | 100 – 500 | 500 – 1.000 |
| Housing & Driver | ||
|---|---|---|
| Driver Config | – | Tribrid |
| Driver Types | – | Dynamic Driver + Balanced Armature + Electrostatic |
| Shell Material | – | Copper |
| Cable | – | – |
| Technical | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freq Range | – | 9-40,000 Hz |
| Impedance (Ω) | – | – |
| Sensitivity (dB) | – | – |
| Crossover | – | – |
| Platform Info | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comments | 0 | 1 |
| Visit Count | 24 | 69 |
| External Reviews | 0 | 3 |
Meta Ratings
Variations reveals microdetails and transient responses with distinctly better articulation, helping listeners uncover nuances often missed with Sonata. For comfort fit, It performs barely better (7 vs 6.5). From the connector housings to the shell seams, Sonata demonstrates notably tighter tolerances and higher production standards. Users may find the It cable notably more confidence-inspiring for both daily use and long-term durability. Regarding included accessories, It offers a measurably more complete and useful package, which may include additional tips, a better case, or enhanced extras.
| Sonata | Variations | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Comfort Fit | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Build Quality | 9.0 | 6.5 |
| Stock Cable | 9.0 | 5.5 |
| Accessories | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Sound Characteristics
Low-frequency extension on Variations feels m more natural and authoritative, while Sonata lacks some reach (6.5 vs 3). It enhances basslines with a more energy and grip, giving them a livelier feel compared to Sonata (6.5 vs 3). Listeners may find the low-end impact on It overwhelmingly more engaging during high-dynamic passages (8.5 vs 3). It achieves overwhelmingly better warmth and coherence in the lower mids, bringing more realism to guitars and cellos (7.5 vs 3.5). In the upper mids, It sounds m clearer and more articulate, highlighting vocals and lead instruments better than Sonata (8 vs 6.5). Instruments like violins and brass are portrayed with a more brilliance on It, while Sonata sounds slightly dull (7.5 vs 7). Sonata paints a a broader sonic landscape, offering better instrument positioning across the stage (8 vs 7.5). In complex arrangements, Variations separates layers overwhelmingly more distinctly, preventing overlap that Sonata occasionally suffers (7 vs 2.5). Sonata keeps competing frequencies under control a more effectively, reducing sonic congestion compared to Variations (8.5 vs 7). The note presentation is overwhelmingly fuller and more tactile on Variations, giving instruments a stronger physical presence than Sonata (8 vs 3.5). It delivers dynamic shifts with overwhelmingly greater impact, making Sonata sound comparatively tame (8.5 vs 2.5). The upper range of vocals is a cleaner and more forgiving on It, helping it avoid sibilant harshness that Sonata shows (9 vs 6). It renders timbres with overwhelmingly better harmonic balance, preserving the character of instruments more accurately than Sonata (7.5 vs 3). The overall tonality of It is c more balanced and cohesive, offering a sound signature that feels better tuned than Sonata (7 vs 4). It portrays textures in vocals and strings with overwhelmingly more realism, enhancing emotional depth over Sonata (7.5 vs 3).
| Sonata | Variations | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub Bass | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| Bass | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| Bass Feel | 3.0 | 8.5 |
| Lower Mids | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Upper Mids | 6.5 | 8.0 |
| Lower Treble | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Upper Treble | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Sound Stage Width | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Detail | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Layering | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| Masking | 8.5 | 7.0 |
| Note Weight | 3.5 | 8.0 |
| Slam | 2.5 | 8.5 |
| Sibilance | 6.0 | 9.0 |
| Timbre Color | 3.0 | 7.5 |
| Tonality | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Texture | 3.0 | 7.5 |
Tonal Signature
// Nothing to compare yet.