Moondrop May VS Etymotic ER2SE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop May and Etymotic ER2SE use 1DD+1Planar and 1DD driver setups respectively. Moondrop May costs $65 while Etymotic ER2SE costs $80. Etymotic ER2SE is $15 more expensive. Moondrop May holds a decisive 1.3-point edge in reviewer scores (6.5 vs 5.2). Moondrop May has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Moondrop May has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Moondrop May has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Moondrop May has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop May | Etymotic ER2SE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 5.5 |
| Mids | 6.5 | 6.3 |
| Treble | 5 | 4.7 |
| Details | 6.5 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 5 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 5 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 3 |
| Tonality | 5.8 | 5.1 |
| Technicalities | 5.5 | 5.1 |
Moondrop May Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.5Cautiously Favorable
Etymotic ER2SE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5.2Mixed to Negative
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop May reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
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Etymotic ER2SE reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop May reviewed by Tim Tuned
5.5
Reviewer Score
Etymotic ER2SE reviewed by Tim Tuned
5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop May reviewed by Jaytiss
5.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Etymotic ER2SE reviewed by Jaytiss
3.3
Reviewer Score
Moondrop May (more reviews)
Moondrop May reviewed by Z-Reviews
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop May reviewed by Audio Amigo
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Moondrop May reviewed by Head-Fi.org
6.3
* score rescaled + normalized
Moondrop May reviewed by Web Search
7
Reviewer Score
The Moondrop May offers a convenient USB-C DSP cable with multiple EQ presets accessible via the Moondrop Link app, though the app suffers from connectivity issues and requires invasive permissions like location and file access. Its lightweight resin build provides solid comfort for extended wear, but the included ear tips are notoriously difficult to install on the nozzles. The DSP cable itself can exhibit a faint electronic whine during audio pauses, which disrupts calls or quiet passages.
Sonically, the May delivers a balanced signature with smooth, natural midrange, though male vocals occasionally lack resolution and texture. The 6mm planar driver handles treble with refinement, avoiding harshness, but struggles with airiness and micro-detail retrieval compared to competitors like the Truthear Hexa. Bass texture and layering also fall short despite the hybrid 1DD + 1 planar configuration, leading to a somewhat one-dimensional low end in complex tracks.
Technical performance is adequate for the price, with a moderately intimate soundstage and competent imaging, though instrument separation and dynamics can feel congested in busy mixes. The May scales better with analog cables than its own DSP solution, revealing improved clarity and midrange texture when bypassing the stock setup. While the DSP concept is innovative, execution issues limit its appeal, making the May a competent but inconsistent package at $65.
Etymotic ER2SE (more reviews)
Etymotic ER2SE reviewed by Jays Audio
5.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Etymotic ER2SE reviewed by Precogvision
5.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop May Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $64.99
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Etymotic ER2SE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral
Brand: Etymotic Top Etymotic IEMs
Price (Msrp): $80
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Moondrop May User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Etymotic ER2SE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Moondrop May Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.6Gaming Grade
B-Etymotic ER2SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.1Gaming Grade
C+Moondrop May Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.
Average Technical Grade
B-- Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Etymotic ER2SE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C+- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Moondrop May User Reviews
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Etymotic ER2SE User Reviews
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