Moondrop Meteor VS Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Meteor and Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk use 1DD+4BA+4PLA and 2DD+2BA+2PLA driver setups respectively. Moondrop Meteor costs $500 while Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk costs $400. Moondrop Meteor is $100 more expensive. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 7.7). Moondrop Meteor carries a user score of 7.7. Moondrop Meteor has better mids with a 0.9-point edge, Moondrop Meteor has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge, Moondrop Meteor has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Meteor | Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| Mids | 8 | 7.1 |
| Treble | 9 | 7.8 |
| Details | 7.3 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 5 |
| Tonality | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Technicalities | 8.2 | 7.8 |
Moondrop Meteor Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Moondrop Meteor Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4PLA
Tuning Type: Moondrop
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $500
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Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+2PLA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $400
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Moondrop Meteor User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
7.7Strongly Favorable
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Moondrop Meteor Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Moondrop Meteor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
Moondrop Meteor Reviews
8.5
Reviewer Score
Bright leaning. But very nice when it hits. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
I need more bass! Forward vocals, super smooth treble. Bass lacks weight, impact, and slam.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7
Reviewer Score
Neutral, clean and clear vocals, vocals pop out, good tech. Next to no planar timbre - one of the least planar like planars. Treble isn't sizzly and bright, but vocals can get shouty on energetic tracks, and doesn't scale very well. Bass is not that impactful and textured, can be a bit too pushed back in the mix. A bit too vanila like the Mega5EST, but just with more vocal emphasis now and less smooth in the treble. NO ESTS for whatever reasons, makes it less airy and smooth compared to sets with ESTs. Both Volare and Variations would still be better, and EPZ P50 is just a better tuned and cheaper version of the Meteor. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
6*
* score normalized
Objectvly great but unengaging. Not a set I reach for often. Maybe I am underrating it a bit.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The $500 Moondrop Meteor packs an oversized 13mm dynamic driver for bass, two balanced armatures for mids, and four micro planar drivers for treble. Objectively, its frequency response is fantastic—neutral with a tasteful sub-bass lift and exceptionally smooth, reserved treble that avoids harshness. Vocals sound natural and forward without edginess, and high-frequency percussion retains realistic timbre. Build quality impresses with a glossy, semi-transparent shell and a unique "meteorite" side panel, though the bulky design compromises fit stability versus sleeker Moondrop models. Accessories feel recycled from cheaper offerings, including a basic case and functional but kink-prone swappable-termination cable.
Subjectively, however, the Meteor feels unengaging. Its bass lacks punch and definition despite the large driver, coming across as soft and undynamic. Combined with the relaxed treble, this results in a lackluster sense of separation, layering, and imaging—music sounds cohesive but lacks incisiveness and visceral impact. While tonally balanced, the presentation is overly cautious, missing the excitement expected at this price. Even Moondrop’s own $360 Dusk outperforms it with tighter bass, sharper imaging, and greater overall engagement.
Comparisons highlight its shortcomings. The Dunu DK-31BD offers superior bass impact and more expressive treble at the same price, while the HiSenior Mega5EST delivers better definition and layering despite a warmer tilt. Ultimately, the Meteor’s excellent tuning can’t compensate for its dull technical performance. It’s a competent monitor but fails to justify its cost against rivals—or even Moondrop’s cheaper offerings.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Reviews
8.5*
* score normalized
8
Reviewer Score
I came close to writing this off because it relies on DSP to achieve the target tuning. Thankfully my curiosity got the best of me. Putting aside any issues pertaining to the DSP cable, this is a fantastic IEM in either DSP or analog set up. This IEM checks off so many boxes and I'm hardpressed to think of another IEM that does timbre, techs, and engagement as well as Dusk. I do prefer the Default DSP tuning slightly in most cases but even in analog set up, it's still very capable and sometimes I would take this tuning over DSP. In Analog, bass has a very satisfying, tactile/physical character, with good subbass extension and rumble. Mids are clean very crisp sounding, and treble is well extended with a lot of air. There is a slight thinness/metallic character in analog mode but it's not unpleasant and isn't really noticeable except on A/B. Switching to DSP retains the phsyical character while adds a very nice richness and weight to instruments and vocals, balances out the treble a bit, and eschews that smidge of unnatural/metallic sheen, becoming, quite frankly, one of the more natural sounding IEMs I've heard. In either configuration, techs are fantastic. Imaging and instrument separation are phenomenal. Dynamics are excellent. Transients are very well defined and there is an incisiveness to the sound that is super engaging. Details are very good for the price. This is the IEM to beat in 2024 and of the recent wave of fantastic releases. Leans a bit to the clinical side. I'd rank this higher if it didn't rely on DSP. Previously Owned
7.9
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
7.8
Reviewer Score
Just a tad on the bland side. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Pros: Balanced tuning with world class timbre decay. Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Excellent tuning and a highly detailed, all-around performer. Great bass quality, rich vocals, balanced tonality, sparkly treble, and excellent resolution. I prefer more bass.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7.2
Reviewer Score
The most neutral of the triple threat, caters to the safest of tunings
7
Reviewer Score
Inoffensive safe tuning, less fatiguing uppermids good for jpop/kpop. Vocals lack the last bit of extension, detail, and power. DSP APP is a shit show. Heavy competition from Nova, Cincotres, Hype 4. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Moondrop Meteor User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA technically proficient tribrid offering refined, balanced sound with superb clarity and staging ideal for critical listening, though bass enthusiasts may find it reserved.
Pros
Exceptional treble detail without sibilance, natural midrange vocals, wide soundstage, premium build with unique meteorite faceplates, and excellent accessory package including modular cable.Cons
Bass lacks physical impact despite driver size, fit may challenge small ears due to large shells, and stock cable is stiff/tangle-prone.Neutral, vocal focused. Not for bassheads.
Pros
vocals really sound lively and forward. Easy to get addicted to!Cons
chunky shellsBuy Moondrop Meteor on Aliexpress
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Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk User Reviews
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Pros
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