I have listened to the "Variations", and after trying them, I feel they remind me of the Vision Ears EXT at the low end, with nicer trebles, and not slightly "U" shaped like I found the EXT somewhat was.
Yet the EXT may have had a touch more resolve in some ways.
But the EXT wasn't for me, and not better overall than my 64 Audio U12T.
Yet in the end, I found the "Variations" signature more lively, and musically attractive for me, while being at a very very close and just similar resolve, with the two mentioned above.
I am seeing many reviewers not admitting the high resolve level, which I personally feel, if admitted, would upset the market. I am admittedly speaking in overall, and not specific terms. I prefer not to nitpick specific attributes, but instead the sonic image as an integrated whole. Musicality was my guage.
The moondrop Variations really punch beyond into high-end territory, so yeah, they may not be for everyone (slightly gentle "V") but ended up buying them and choosing them as my preferred IEM overall now.
Stock Cable was suprisingly ver good, but I switched to my favorite "Effect Audio Cleopatra" cable, that I feel actually elevated the unit further, and is a reason for my final determination.
No need to jump into thousand dollar range IEMs anymore. Spend it on the Dap instead.