Moondrop May VS Moondrop Rays DSP

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Moondrop May and Moondrop Rays DSP are 1DD+1Planar in-ear monitors. Moondrop May costs $65 while Moondrop Rays DSP costs $99. Moondrop Rays DSP is $34 more expensive. Moondrop May holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (6.5 vs 5.9). Moondrop Rays DSP carries a user score of 5.7. Moondrop May has significantly better bass with a 1.2-point edge, Moondrop May has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Moondrop Rays DSP has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge and Moondrop Rays DSP has better dynamics with a 0.9-point edge.

Insights

Metric Moondrop May Moondrop Rays DSP
Bass 7 5.8
Mids 6.5 6.2
Treble 5 6.3
Details 6.5 6.1
Soundstage 6 6
Imaging 6.5 6.4
Dynamics 5 5.9
Tonality 5.8 6.6
Technicalities 5.5 5.8

Moondrop May Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Tim Tuned Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org
Z-Reviews Audio Amigo Super* Review Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

6.5

Cautiously Favorable

Moondrop Rays DSP Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Fresh Reviews Jays Audio
Paul Wasabii Gizaudio Axel Audio Amigo Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

5.9

Mixed

Reviews Comparison

Moondrop May reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 7 * score rescaled + normalized
A DSP IEM that sounds fantastic with both the Default DSP cable, and a standard 3.5mm analog cable. Great build, good case, and the ability to change the tuning using the Moondrop Link App add up to a fantastic All-Rounder with great versatility and good technical performance. Competes with the Aria 2 and the EW300 very well.

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel

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Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 6 * score rescaled + normalized
Essentially a Moondrop May in a "Green Goblin" Purple/Green Paint Scheme that gives you access to Moondrop's online DSP tool. Really hard to justify the extra cost Vs. The May when the sound is identical.

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
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Moondrop May reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized
The May is the way to go if you have 80 bucks. Standard EQ sounds great. Nice low contrast neutral sound

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized
When People ask me for the best IEM for gaming, I would probably point them to these.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
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Moondrop May (more reviews)

Moondrop May reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.5 * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
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Moondrop May reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A-

Moondrop May reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.3 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
D Tech
A very enjoyable listen, hard to fault at this price and design. Could be a winner for you.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: D Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: B
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop May reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.3 * score rescaled + normalized
7 community members have rated the MOONDROP MAY at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Moondrop May reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B+ Tech

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.

Moondrop Rays DSP (more reviews)

Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 6.4 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
B Tuning
B Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
Gaming-focused USB-C DSP IEM where curated presets do the heavy lifting; default profile is mediocre for music or games. Curated DSP presets and slick web app make gaming-focused tuning easy and effective. Default tuning is mediocre and the loose DD can muddy bass and mask the planar, limiting pure-music performance.
Youtube Video Summary

Moondrop Rays is positioned as a gaming-oriented IEM built around a USB-C DSP cable and curated presets. The default profile sits awkwardly between FPS and Hi-Fi targets and neither flatters music nor competitive play. Value emerges when selecting the gaming presets or the community Hi-Fi curve via the web app, which offers quick, granular control.

The 10 mm sapphire-plated DD sounds a bit loose; too much bass quickly masks the 6 mm planar, dulling clarity, stage and positional cues, so less bass works better. With FPS presets, sub-bass is trimmed, mids get a nudge for footprint and body, and upper treble is lifted for alert audibility, improving imaging and perceived detail. As a pure music set it is only decent; as a plug-and-play gaming tool with tweakable DSP it makes more sense.

Bass: B- Mids: B Treble: B Dynamics: B- Soundstage: B Details: B Imaging: B

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel

Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B- Tech
Good for customizable sound (EQ) and gaming. Balanced tonality, with deep bass, forward vocals, clear treble. Overall detail.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Borders B (Val) - Borders C+ (COD)

Fresh Reviews original ranking

Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
A more neutral version of the May with less bass and treble, very neutral sounding, inoffensive and boring, overpriced, many cheaper options with similar tuning and performance

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

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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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Moondrop Rays DSP User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

5.7

Mixed

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

5.6

Gaming Grade

B-

Moondrop Rays DSP Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.1

Gaming Grade

B

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.
Bass A-
The bass hits with conviction, offering both punch and clarity. It reaches low with confidence and control.
Mids B+
The mids are articulate and well-balanced, lending body to instruments. Instrument layering remains stable.
Treble C+
Highs come through with reasonable clarity while staying mostly smooth. Sibilance is mostly controlled.
Dynamics C+
Dynamic performance is decent, delivering respectable macro swings with limited nuance. There's a fair amount of macrodynamic swing.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical.

Moondrop Rays DSP Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

B-
  • It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Bass B-
Expect a balanced but ordinary low end that avoids both extremes. Slam remains moderate and controlled.
Mids B
The mids are articulate and well-balanced, lending body to instruments. Instrument layering remains stable.
Treble B
Highs sound lively and extended while remaining controlled. Detail retrieval keeps shimmer intact.
Dynamics B-
Expect solid impact overall, even if finer gradations feel a touch smoothed. Micro-details could still be sharper.
Soundstage B
A satisfying balance of width and depth yields a stage that feels organized and engaging. Imaging lines up with the intended mix.
Details B
Finer gestures snap into focus without sounding clinical or forced. Layering holds strong across genres.
Imaging B
Depth cues step forward, giving performances a dimensional presence. Front-to-back cues become more immersive.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

Moondrop May User Reviews

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Moondrop Rays DSP User Reviews

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R Riven
5.7

A well-built gaming-focused IEM with practical DSP features but modest technical finesse

Tuning: B+ Tech: B Bass: B Mids: B Treble: B Dynamics: B- Soundstage: B Details: B- Imaging: B-
Pros
Balanced and non-fatiguing sound; comfortable fit; excellent USB-C DSP cable with mic and EQ control
Cons
Weak sub-bass and limited clarity/detail; somewhat overpriced for performance

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