Moondrop Variations VS Softears RSV MK II
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Variations and Softears RSV MK II use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 5BA driver setups respectively. Moondrop Variations costs $550 while Softears RSV MK II costs $700. Softears RSV MK II is $150 more expensive. Softears RSV MK II holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.5 vs 8.2). Moondrop Variations carries a user score of 7.5. Softears RSV MK II has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has significantly better dynamics with a 2.1-point edge, Softears RSV MK II has better details with a 0.7-point edge and Softears RSV MK II has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Variations | Softears RSV MK II |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 7.1 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| Details | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 7.7 |
| Imaging | 7 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 6.2 | 8.3 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Technicalities | 7.6 | 7.9 |
Moondrop Variations Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.5Strongly Favorable
Softears RSV MK II Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.2Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Variations enters the $520 bracket as a sleek tribrid (DD bass, BA mids, dual EST treble) that mirrors the Blessing 2 shell and fit—complete with the familiar large nozzle—while upgrading the look with a smoky, beach-glass finish. The package is generous (tips, foams, spare filters, and a modular cable with 3.5/4.4/2.5 swaps), though the case is bulky and the connector mechanism isn’t the slickest. Ergonomics are essentially the same as Blessing 2/Dusk; secure once sealed, but best with smaller tips.
Sonically, this reads as a refined “Dusk-plus”: a flatter lower-mid profile, prominent yet tidy sub-bass, and treble that’s a touch smoother and better extended than Blessing 2/Dusk. Despite measuring with more sub-bass than Dusk, it often feels less bassy in practice—more integrated, less showy—while preserving the line’s standout midrange detail and vocal clarity. Versus peers, staging depth benefits from the sub-bass lift (a hair more “space” than Blessing 2), and detail/resolution is effectively on par with Dusk; Blessing 2 still edges it for midrange naturalness, and all-BA sets like S8 retain the treble finesse crown.
The catch is value: performance moves forward, but only by small, picky margins. With Blessing 2/Dusk sitting a full $200 lower, Variations feels like a tasteful refinement rather than a categorical leap. For listeners who want a neutral core with an articulate sub-bass emphasis and slightly more air/polish up top than the Blessings—without the Dusk’s heavier bass feel—it’s an excellent pick. As scored, it earns 4 stars: easy to recommend on its tuning and competence, just shy of “must-buy” given how close its cheaper siblings perform.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelBuy Moondrop Variations on HiFiGO
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Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Super* Review
2025-09-09
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Softears RSV MK II brings back the all-BA ethos at $700 with five armatures and a promise of “re-engineered BA bass.” Build and accessories feel premium (sleek shells, plush case), while the cable choice is quirky—4.4 mm only with a 3.5 mm pigtail. Fit is outstandingly secure and custom-like but on the larger side with a longer nozzle, so comfort depends on ear size. Softears’ Ultra Clear tips work well; the new metal-ring variant adds little beyond novelty.
On the graph, bass looks like gigabass, yet in ear it settles into a warm, weighty foundation without steamrolling the mids. The midrange follows a “new-meta neutral” tilt—fuller than Harman with forward upper-mids—while treble lands clean and sparkly without fatigue. Imaging is tidy rather than cavernous; separation and delineation are convincing, with the top end executed better than the bottom. BA bass here is among the more physical and satisfying of its kind, though tactility can be track-dependent and turn a bit tubby on very bass-heavy mixes.
Against peers, Symphonium Meteor sounds warmer and more “special” but less all-round; DUNU SA6 MK2 is more colored with janglier treble and the least convincing bass; 7th Acoustics Supernova trades warmth for vivid, bright-tilted imaging; Softears Studio 4 is lighter on bass and airier; and the old Moondrop S8 stays the lively, vocal-centric counterpoint. Net take: a supremely competent, character-light all-rounder that favors bass weight over panoramic staging. Verdict: 4/5 stars—a welcome throwback done right, and notably cheaper than the original RSV launch price.
Super* Review original ranking
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Moondrop Variations reviewed by Jaytiss
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories: Variations shows its age. The resin shell fits well and the metal faceplate looks clean, but the body feels a bit chintzy and slightly see-through, with a chunky nozzle compared to newer slim designs. The pocketable case is nice, yet the stock cable is thin with barely visible L/R markers; modular termination is handy, but modern Q-Lock-style systems do it better.
Sound: tuning centers on energetic, engaging vocals with a tasteful sub-bass lift—not a bass-head set, more a polite, gradual boost. A dip around the lower mids can read as thinness, pushing some female vocals a touch distant, while the top end has air, detail, and an overall chill presentation. Technicalities are solid rather than class-leading at the price, but the EST implementation is clean and cohesive. Expect limited mid-bass weight, occasional shout for the sensitive, and ergonomics that won’t suit everyone.
Context & verdict: despite a wave of competitors (Oracle MK2, Hype 4, Softears Studio 4/Volume S, AFUL Performer 7, DUNU Brain Dance, even Moondrop’s own Dusk at a lower price), this tuning remains a benchmark reference around the mid-fi bracket. Variations delivers the archetype many listeners still chase: clean sub-bass, airy treble, and a deft, easygoing balance that makes it a “legendary” set in the catalog. Not flawless, but noteworthy—the kind of IEM worth borrowing at a meet and auditioning for 10–15 minutes to see if that lighter midrange flavor clicks.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-03
9.2
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Variations tracks the compensated diffuse-field target closely at typical listening levels (75–85 dB), delivering a signature that is clean, smooth, airy with center-locked imaging. The well-known mid-bass tuck trades some weight on male vocals, bass guitars, and kick drums for top-tier separation and midrange clarity, while the sub-bass rises with a subwoofer-like rumble and texture. Treble is generally coherent and extended, though a touch of extra energy past 12 kHz can turn hot on brighter J-/K-Pop masters. At sane volumes, the overall presentation feels correct and harmonious, with instruments and vocals popping out in a spacious, non-congested stage.
Against Blessing 2 Dusk, Variations sounds clearer and more separated with better sub-bass extension; Dusk’s added mid-bass gives male vocals more heft but softens the subwoofer illusion and feels less smooth up top, making female vocals a bit less airy. For listeners wanting a touch more slam and a gentler treble tilt, sets like Shuoer EJ07M and the original Monarch provide that extra meat without wrecking clarity. On a budget, the Moondrop Quarks DSP offers a “mini-Variations” vibe—~85% of the experience—though it gives up some treble extension, bass texture, and imaging precision due to driver and DSP constraints.
Big picture: for accuracy, balance, imaging, and an almost studio-monitor take in an IEM, Variations remains a go-to recommendation—especially if there’s no strong preference for extra mid-bass or if listening stays below 85 dB. Those chasing more bite or “out-of-the-box” coloration can find sharper sets, but they won’t sound as even, faithful, or effortlessly clear as Variations at moderate volumes.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-08-28
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears RSV MK2 shifts from the OG’s vocal-centric tilt into a bass-forward all-rounder. The sub-bass and mid-bass hit with real slam and weight, giving drums and bass guitars a satisfying, dynamic punch. Upper mids (3–6 kHz) are tamed to avoid shout, while a gentle 1–2 kHz rise keeps vocals open and natural—slightly less pushed than the original but still clear. Treble is smooth with decent air; not super sparkly and there’s no EST “sauce,” but it stays clean and non-fatiguing.
As a package, MK2’s standout is the low-end texture—thunderous yet controlled—making it one of the more engaging bassy sets under four figures. Technical performance is solid for the tier, though some rivals at lower prices bring more raw detail and EST extension. Build and accessories get a tasteful, modern refresh. For best balance, the stock tips work well; bass-boosting or treble-opening tips can shift it toward a more V-shape at the expense of overall smoothness.
On genre fit, MK2 shines with hip-hop, pop, EDM, and R&B, where its punch and warmth bring rhythms to life; for orchestral or leaner acoustic picks, the bass can edge forward depending on the mix. It scales to mid–high volumes nicely (around the 70–80 dB zone) without turning sharp. Compared with the OG RSV—now likely affected by a silent retune in recent units—the MK2 is the safer buy: less shout, more authority down low, and a broader all-rounder appeal. Recommended, especially if found below full MSRP, for listeners craving tasteful bass with natural mids and relaxed, smooth treble.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.2
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop Variations (more reviews)
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop Variations reviewed by Crin
8
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Packaging brings typical Moondrop flair—an anime-clad box, a large but well-built carrying case, assorted foam and silicone tips, and interchangeable plugs (3.5/2.5/4.4). The shells look sleek and minimalist, with a stock cable that’s better than usual for the brand. Fit mirrors the Blessing 2 profile—still on the larger side—but slightly more comfortable over long sessions.
Sonically, this is a sub-bass focused set with minimal mid-bass, yielding deep, clean rumble and zero bleed. The midrange is refined and clear, giving female vocals spotlight treatment, while male vocals can feel a touch thin due to the leaner lower mids. Treble is well-extended with a hint of air, avoiding peaks, sibilance, and fatigue. The headline is separation and microdetail—attack/decay snap notes into place so instruments occupy distinct spaces, producing imaging that’s confident and a stage that’s wide enough for the price.
Against $500 peers like Kiwi Ears Orchestra and Thieaudio Oracle, Variations competes directly; Oracle may sound warmer and more natural on male vocals, but Variations pushes ahead with cleaner layering and a more modern, sub-bass fun tilt. At around $530, it delivers a taste of $1k-class resolution without sacrificing musicality—an easy five-star recommendation for listeners who want clarity, air, and subterranean slam over extra mid-bass warmth.
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.3
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Smirk Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Precogvision
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Variations takes the Harman idea and fixes what that target often gets wrong. The tuning pushes sub-bass with minimal mid-bass, plus a dip around ~200Hz that cleanly separates lows from the rest—think speaker rig with a dedicated sub. Midrange is clear yet forward, bordering on shouty in noisy environments, with thinner lower-mid body. Treble is the standout: a smooth, extended EST implementation with real air to ~15kHz—softer in attack than some sets, but among the few EST tunings that actually feel coherent at this price. Build echoes Blessing 2’s large shell, fit is good for larger ears, and the cable’s swappable termination is a practical upgrade.
Technical performance is where Variations surprises. Detail retrieval is top-tier for ~$520, edging past well-known mid-fi competitors and clearly a step up from the Blessing line; imaging is solid if not showy, while dynamic contrast and punch are unusually engaging. Bass quality shows better texture and slam than earlier Moondrops, even if the absolute best DD bass in class still belongs elsewhere. The overall presentation is energetic, clean, and high-contrast—notes pop against a dark low end and lit upper mids/treble.
Against peers, DUNU SA6 suits listeners wanting smoother, laid-back treble and a less insistent midrange, whereas Shuoer EJ07M offers a bouncier bass shelf but a less even top end. Compared with Moondrop’s own Blessing 2/Dusk, think “Dusk on steroids”: bigger sub-bass, more resolution, and more punch—though Dusk owners won’t see a night-and-day jump. Imperfections aside, on paper this is one of the most complete packages in its bracket, especially for those who value sub-bass authority, clarity, and a refined EST treble without sacrificing coherence.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Nymz
6.7
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Yifang
6.5
Reviewer Score
Softears RSV MK II (more reviews)
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Fox Told Me So
2025-09-26
7.8
Reviewer Score
On the graph, it diverges from JM-1 or Harman, choosing its own path. Sub-200 Hz is elevated, giving the bass notable weight and warmth, but also risking congestion. A dip between 200–600 Hz thins mids and robs some body from vocals and instruments, though it does clean up edges. Then comes a surprising 14 kHz BA-driven peak, adding air, shimmer, and openness—rare for an all-BA set!
In practice, bass hits with real presence for BA, punchy and convincing though not as deep as DD. Mids lean slightly thin, a bit lack of density, making instruments less woody. Treble is airy and crisp thanks to that 14k lift, but may edge bright for sensitive listeners. Stage favors forward bass and a sense of openness, though not massive in depth.
Verdict: It’s bassy, airy, and a touch thin in the middle—a distinct tuning philosophy that stands apart from the crowd.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Softears RSV MK II reviewed by Web Search
2025-08-28
8
Reviewer Score
The Softears RSV MK II refines the original RSV with an all-5BA design and a 4-way crossover, targeting a stable “reference sound” while improving driver control and airflow management. It’s easy to drive at 122 dB/Vrms, 7 Ω, and the build mixes medical-grade resin with CNC-milled aluminum and forged carbon for a robust, low-resonance shell; MSRP is $699.
On paper, the tuning remains neutral with a bass lift: dual Knowles CI22955 woofers aim to give BA-bass more texture and weight, an improved ED driver anchors clean mids, and a SWFK unit handles upper treble for a smoother, less fatiguing top end. Softears’ LRC network and dual pressure-relief approach target consistent FR and reduced ear pressure, which should aid long listening sessions and imaging stability.
Subjectively, this positions the RSV MK II as a coherent, midrange-centric set with tight, controlled low-end rather than maximal slam, and a smooth treble that trades sparkle for fatigue-free listening. Soundstage is moderately wide with tidy imaging; technicalities are competitive for the class but won’t chase ultra-etched detail specialists. Given the tuning goals and efficient drive requirements, value will appeal most to listeners prioritizing tonal accuracy and midrange timbre over sheer sub-bass impact or treble air.
Moondrop Variations Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $550
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Softears RSV MK II Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $700
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Moondrop Variations User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
Softears RSV MK II 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 Variations Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.1Gaming Grade
A-Softears RSV MK II Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
AMoondrop Variations Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Softears RSV MK II Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- It delivers a coherent, natural timbre that remains captivating across genres. Acoustic instruments sound lifelike and textured.
Average Technical Grade
A- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Moondrop Variations User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewThis was one of my first IEMs. I loved it and hated it. It is still the cleanest sounding IEM I own - also compared to something much more expensive.
Pros
Very clean sound signature combined with a satisfying amount of sub-bass. Sounds great with the right songsCons
Thin mids and poor note weight in some songsTaught me Harman is not for me...
Pros
Clean and clearCons
Recessed lower mids, a bit too calm and lifelessSoftears RSV MK II User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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