Moondrop Variations VS Ziigaat Horizon
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Variations and Ziigaat Horizon use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 1DD+2BA+2Planar driver setups respectively. Moondrop Variations costs $550 while Ziigaat Horizon costs $329. Moondrop Variations is $221 more expensive. Ziigaat Horizon holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.6 vs 7.9). Moondrop Variations carries a user score of 7.8. Ziigaat Horizon has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Ziigaat Horizon has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Ziigaat Horizon has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Ziigaat Horizon has significantly better dynamics with a 1.6-point edge, Ziigaat Horizon has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge, Ziigaat Horizon has better details with a 0.8-point edge and Ziigaat Horizon has significantly better imaging with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Variations | Ziigaat Horizon |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 7.1 | 7.6 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 8.2 |
| Details | 7.3 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 7 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 6.2 | 7.8 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 8.1 |
Moondrop Variations Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Ziigaat Horizon Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
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
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Ziigaat Horizon reviewed by Super* Review
2025-10-11
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Horizon aims for a neutral-natural tonality with a slightly lean lower midrange, delivering standout vocal transparency and crisp separation. Bass is mostly sub-bass focused—felt and supportive rather than boomy—giving notes a pleasing sense of density without smearing the mids. The trade-off is an elevated upper-treble that adds air and detail but can tilt gritty/sandy if the fit or tips aren’t dialed in.
Build and accessories are a mixed bag: a surprisingly nice carrying case and swappable termination, but a fussy cable and a resin shell that fits deep and may need shorter, grippier tips to shine. Once seated well, the Horizon’s imaging and instrument separation pop, making complex mixes feel organized and engaging.
Versus pricier hype pieces with similar FR, the Horizon feels like a “short king” take: not as refined up top as the best of them, yet more weighty and satisfying than some leaner peers. Compared to something like Volume S at a similar price, this set is clearer and more incisive (better separation), while Volume S is fuller and smoother with punchier bass presence. At $330, it’s the most compelling entry in its family so far—addictive for transparency and staging, with the caveat of treble sensitivity and fit quirks.
Super* Review original ranking
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Moondrop Variations reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
Reviewer Score
Ziigaat Horizon reviewed by Audionotions
2025-10-12
8
Reviewer Score
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
Ziigaat Horizon reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-10-09
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Ziigaat’s Horizon follows the current meta-inspired recipe—think Astral, Metas, Crescent—but pushes the focus upward: the treble is the most prominent piece here. It’s bright-leaning without turning harsh, giving a crisp, “OCD-like” sense of transient bite and pinpoint imaging. Low end and vocals sit a touch behind the highs, so the presentation feels clean and lively rather than thick; at mid-volume, the top end drizzles detail over the mix like raindrops—engaging and textured, not shouty.
On the technical side, Horizon pulls strong detail retrieval and resolution for the price—above sets like Supermix 4 and near EM10/Volare —yet it doesn’t scale massively because of that treble lift. The bass is snappy and controlled, with good separation, but lacks the slam and rumble seekers of impact will want. Pairing and playlist matter: avoid hot, highly produced pop/K-pop/J-pop or most hip-hop where the combo of elevated highs and lighter bass can feel edgy; it shines with slower pop, R&B, indie acoustics, ballads, and classical where the sparkle reads as “high-fidelity.” Warmer sources help a bit, and tip-rolling (stock black/clear, or bass-adding options like Final E/divinus) can balance things—just skip anything that pushes treble further.
Against close competitors, Astral hit harder down low and feel more V-shaped and contrasty; Crescent is warmer and smoother but not as clear or micro-detailed. Horizon is the cleanest and brightest of the trio, with the most refined treble focus and “tickly” transients. Verdict: a value-minded all-rounder for detail lovers who prefer clarity and air over bass authority—technical, tidy, and energetic at sensible volumes, provided the library isn’t a treble minefield.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop Variations reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Ziigaat Horizon reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.2
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop Variations (more reviews)
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
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 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
Ziigaat Horizon (more reviews)
Ziigaat Horizon reviewed by Web Search
2025-10-09
7.9
Reviewer Score
Ziigaat Horizon is a tribrid IEM that combines 1DD + 2BA + 2 planar drivers, positioned at an MSRP of $329; this configuration aims to split bass, mids, and treble duties across specialized transducers for coherence and headroom. These fundamentals are confirmed on the brand’s product page and storefront listings.
Subjectively, community impressions describe robust sub-bass from the dynamic driver, clean mids from the BAs, and airy treble from the planar tweeters, with multiple listeners highlighting a notably expansive soundstage. Head-Fi reviews and threads also call out treble extension claims “up to 40 kHz” and above-average staging for the price class.
In tuning terms, the Horizon trends U-shaped: lifted bass and upper-treble energy provide excitement and perceived width, while midrange presence is more neutral than forward—favorable for pop and electronic but less ideal if you prioritize warm, intimate vocals. Reports also note that pairing and tips can influence perceived brightness and staging, so synergy matters if you’re treble-sensitive.
Moondrop Variations Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $550
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Ziigaat Horizon Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ZiiGaat Top ZiiGaat IEMs
Price (Msrp): $329
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Moondrop Variations User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.8Strongly Favorable
Ziigaat Horizon 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
7Gaming Grade
A-Ziigaat Horizon Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.8Gaming 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- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Ziigaat Horizon Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
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 songsZiigaat Horizon User Reviews
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