Kiwi Ears ETUDE VS Moondrop Rays DSP
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears ETUDE and Moondrop Rays DSP use 1DD+3BA+1VT and 1DD+1Planar driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119 while Moondrop Rays DSP costs $99. Kiwi Ears ETUDE is $20 more expensive. Kiwi Ears ETUDE holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (6.9 vs 5.8). Moondrop Rays DSP carries a user score of 5.7.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears ETUDE | Moondrop Rays DSP |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 6 | 5.8 |
| Treble | 5 | 5.8 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 5.8 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 5.8 |
| Tonality | 6.9 | 6.8 |
| Technicalities | 6.4 | 5.8 |
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.9Cautiously Favorable
Moondrop Rays DSP Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
5.8Mixed
Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jays Audio
6.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Jays Audio
5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Buy Moondrop Rays DSP on HiFiGO
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Price: $99.99
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE (more reviews)
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jaytiss
7
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Z-Reviews
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Web Search
7
Reviewer Score
The Kiwi Ears Étude offers a distinctive listening experience centered around its Kiwi Vibration Transducer (KVT), which adds a subtle tactile sensation to bass frequencies. This isn’t a gimmick—it lends sustained notes like bass guitars or synth lines an organic, textured quality that feels immersive without overpowering the mix. That said, the KVT can introduce mild reverb in lower-mid frequencies, occasionally coloring male vocals in podcasts or sparse tracks.
Tuning-wise, the Étude follows a mild V-shaped signature with an 8dB sub-bass lift and smooth, relaxed treble. The midrange remains relatively neutral, though vocals can lack body in acoustic tracks without bass accompaniment. While the beryllium dynamic driver delivers punchy kicks, the real star is the KVT’s physicality, which creates a holographic low-end that enhances EDM and hip-hop. Technical performance is competent for the price, with average soundstage width and decent separation, though imaging lacks precision.
Fit may be divisive due to the large shells housing the transducer, and the nozzle’s lack of ridges limits eartip options. Source pairing is critical too: the KVT scales noticeably with powerful amplification, unlocking fuller dynamics. Despite quirks, the Étude succeeds as a fun, genre-specific IEM that stands out in a crowded market.
Moondrop Rays DSP (more reviews)
Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Audio Amigo
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Moondrop Rays DSP reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $119
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Moondrop Rays DSP Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1Planar
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $99
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE 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 Rays DSP User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
5.7Mixed
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming 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
6.1Gaming Grade
BKiwi Ears ETUDE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
B- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
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.
Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMoondrop Rays DSP User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA well-built gaming-focused IEM with practical DSP features but modest technical finesse
Pros
Balanced and non-fatiguing sound; comfortable fit; excellent USB-C DSP cable with mic and EQ controlCons
Weak sub-bass and limited clarity/detail; somewhat overpriced for performanceFind your next IEM:
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