On this function, Kurt opinions the MOONDROP RAYS, a brand new hybrid dynamic and planar driver IEM optimized for the gaming audiophile. It’s at the moment priced at $99.99.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank MOONDROP and Shenzhen Audio for his or her help.
Click on right here to learn extra about MOONDROP merchandise we now have beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our present scoring pointers, which you’ll learn right here in additional element.
MOONDROP RAYS Assessment
Abstract
The hybrid dynamic and planar driver MOONDROP RAYS delivers an incredible gaming IEM expertise at an reasonably priced worth level. It feels full and purposeful moderately than only a half-baked launch with gaming slapped on the label.
Execs
Balanced and non-fatiguing sound with good element retrieval
Snug match suited to lengthy gaming or listening periods.
Glorious USB-C cable with built-in DSP, mic, and EQ help.
Cons
Inventory ear ideas are underwhelming and lack selection.
Readability could possibly be higher.
MOONDROP wants no introduction as they’re already well-known within the audio neighborhood.
With widespread price range releases just like the MOONDROP MAY and MOONDROP Aria (and Aria 2), they’ve lengthy confirmed their consistency in making nice IEMs and audio merchandise.
Now comes the MOONDROP RAYS, a extra gaming-centric entry with built-in DSP, customized EQ choices, and a flashy design to match.
Will this change into the gaming IEM staple that lastly sticks locally, and the way does it examine to MOONDROP’s different audiophile price range choices, such because the MAY and the Aria 2? I came upon in my full overview under.
Options
The MOONDROP RAYS makes use of a hybrid configuration consisting of 1 dynamic driver and one planar magnetic driver. This setup follows the same idea seen within the earlier MOONDROP MAY.
A 10mm sapphire-plated dynamic driver oversees bass and midrange efficiency. Treble and air frequencies are dealt with by a 6mm annular planar magnetic driver designed for high-frequency output.
The sapphire-plated diaphragm is predicted to enhance timbre and total driver management. Its planar driver makes use of a round structure, differing from the flat or BA-shaped planar sorts present in different IEMs.
A twin crossover system is used to assign frequency duties cleanly between the 2 drivers. This prevents any overlap and helps preserve a targeted and coherent presentation.
Design
The MOONDROP RAYS makes use of a shiny, mirror-finished steel faceplate formed like a teardrop. Its floor is susceptible to fingerprints and exhibits a robust violet tone at relaxation, shifting to cyan, inexperienced, or pink below totally different lighting, like RGB results in gaming setups.
The suitable earbud has a plain end whereas the left aspect options etched traces that resemble solar RAYS extending from the decrease nook. Branding is engraved alongside the underside edge with “MOONDROP: RAYS” marked clearly on each side.
The shell is manufactured from medical-grade resin and is translucent darkish inexperienced with a clear and uniform tone. It gives full visibility into the inner parts with out including visible litter.
There are two vents on every shell, one positioned close to the nozzle and one other positioned on the higher pointed fringe of the physique. Each are small and sit flush towards the shell floor.
Connector pins use a recessed 0.78mm 2-pin structure mounted inside a sq. cutout close to the highest. The nozzle has a correct lip and is completed with a steel mesh to carry ideas securely and block particles.
Consolation & Isolation
The MOONDROP RAYS has a wonderful form that sinks deep into the ears with no need any adjustment. It sits flush towards the ear with no protrusion in any respect, holding the profile compact and safe.
Its match works nicely throughout all ear sizes, providing a constant and steady seal. The graceful shell end provides to the consolation, making the IEM really feel nice throughout lengthy periods.
It’s particularly excellent for gaming use, staying snug and fatigue-free even throughout prolonged hours. Isolation can be sturdy, blocking out most ambient noise and holding focus locked in throughout aggressive matches.
Cellular players will discover the RAYS simple to make use of whereas mendacity on their aspect, because of its non-protruding form. It stays in place naturally with out pushing or inflicting discomfort.
Suggestions
Just one set of normal black silicone ideas is included, which feels misplaced contemplating MOONDROP’s ordinary generosity with equipment. No foam choices or various bore sizes are supplied with the MOONDROP RAYS this time.
Consolation is common and doesn’t stand out in any manner. There’s additionally no noticeable impact on the sound no matter which measurement is used.
Small, medium, and enormous sizes for the ear ideas can be found. Whereas they get the job performed, the general choice feels primary and underwhelming.
Inventory Cable
The cable makes use of a totally inexperienced braided end that matches the colour of the MOONDROP RAYS shell. It has a comfortable and light-weight really feel that makes it simple to handle throughout every day use or whereas gaming on the go.
A USB-C termination is used, with the connector housing the inner sound card and DSP that powers the tuning. The connector is completed in a metallic violet casing with the “RAYS” print on one aspect, mixing in nicely with the remainder of the construct.
There’s a single-button mic module positioned alongside the cable, designed to be used throughout voice calls or in-game chat. It options an embedded NPU that runs MOONDROP’s AI noise cancellation for clear vocal pickup with out surrounding noise interference.
MOONDROP’s Hyperlink app and internet interface give entry to a full EQ system that may apply tuning profiles primarily based on widespread FPS titles like Apex Legends and Valorant.
The app additionally contains IEM-matching presets, permitting customers to tune the RAYS to imitate different MOONDROP fashions such because the Meteor and Blessing 3.
EQ settings are saved instantly into the DSP, which suggests the tuning stays lively even after switching units. This avoids the trouble of reapplying EQ each time and makes it simpler for customers to remain locked into their most well-liked sound.
Normal 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are used for the IEM aspect, completed with purple aluminum housings and coloured bands to point left and proper. Whereas it lacks modularity, the cable is designed for flexibility, customized tuning, and every day gaming use.
Packaging & Equipment
The MOONDROP RAYS arrives in an anime-themed outer sleeve with line artwork branding and MOONDROP’s signature character on the entrance. The character is holding a weapon, probably as a nod to FPS video games and the RAYS’ gaming focus.
On the again, primary specs like impedance and sensitivity are listed in a clear structure. The design from the entrance wraps across the sides as nicely, holding the general presentation constant.
Sliding off the sleeve reveals a plain white interior field with delicate diagonal traces and a small RAYS emblem within the nook. The design appears prefer it’s meant to symbolize RAYS, matching the title.
Opening the field exhibits a two-level tray with the IEMs sitting in cutouts on the highest. Proper under that’s the spherical brown leather-style case sitting securely in foam.
The case has a comfortable texture and is stamped with the MOONDROP title. It’s the identical case utilized in different IEMs from MOONDROP, just like the Kadenz.
Beneath the tray is a small equipment field holding the inexperienced braided USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C adapter, and three pairs of black silicone ideas in small, medium, and enormous.
The adapter is supposed for desktop setups, and MOONDROP advertises below 5ms latency for lossless audio use.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions of the MOONDROP RAYS had been accomplished utilizing the included inventory cable’s USB-C sport sound card termination to my laptop computer.
Bass
The MOONDROP RAYS delivers a bass response that leans extra impartial than boosted. It avoids being overly punchy however nonetheless provides the combo sufficient physique to stop it from sounding flat.
Subbass has simply sufficient rumble so as to add low-end depth when the monitor requires it. It doesn’t dig notably deep, however the presence is constant and clear.
Midbass has a comfortable kick that fills house naturally with out feeling aggressive. It provides rhythm and weight however stops in need of giving the bass a lot texture or drive.
There’s a very slight quantity of midbass bleed that smooths over some lower-mid particulars. It doesn’t change into distracting, although it barely impacts readability throughout extra layered passages.
Mids
Vocals are positioned proper within the middle of the combo, holding issues relaxed and simple to comply with. Nothing sounds pushed too far ahead or buried within the background.
Male vocals carry sufficient physique to sound pure, providing respectable weight with out sounding skinny or bloated. They keep steady throughout totally different tracks and don’t shift round unnaturally.
Feminine vocals are easy and simple on the ears with out sounding shiny. The supply stays impartial and clear with out ever turning into sharp or harsh.
Vocal texture and emotion are current, however readability isn’t at all times constant. Refined particulars and inflections can sound veiled, particularly when the combo turns into dense.
Vocals and devices sound extra sensible and cohesive, with no odd coloration. The timbre additionally sounds way more pure, avoiding the unnatural tone present in its probably predecessor, the MOONDROP MAY.
Treble
The treble on the MOONDROP RAYS is easy and well-controlled. It avoids harshness or sharp peaks even at larger listening volumes.
Sibilance is dealt with properly throughout all recordings and volumes. There’s minimal sharpness in vocals, whereas nothing for percussive devices that would result in fatigue.
Cymbals, hi-hats, and different upper-frequency sounds come via with a pure tone. They sit comfortably within the combine and don’t really feel pushed or overly comfortable.
Element retrieval is sweet sufficient to disclose delicate textures, although it doesn’t totally open up. Some smaller nuances are nonetheless tucked behind extra dominant sounds.
Throughout my gaming periods, I used to be capable of hear distant sound cues like footsteps and reloading with no points. Even when issues grew to become extra intense, particulars stayed clear with out ever turning into harsh or muddied.
Staging & Dynamics
The MOONDROP RAYS has a soundstage that feels above common in width, giving a great sense of left-to-right house. Nonetheless, depth and top are minimal, so the general presentation stays extra horizontal than immersive.
Imaging is correct and well-placed, making it simple to comply with positional cues. For gaming, this made it simple to pinpoint feels like footsteps or reloads within the appropriate route.
Separation holds up nicely even in busy tracks, holding devices from overlapping an excessive amount of. It doesn’t fill the house however avoids sounding congested or smeared.
Decision is okay with sufficient readability to maintain every component outlined. It might not be extremely detailed, but it surely by no means feels blurred or unfocused.
Dynamics are the one space that feels inconsistent. Vocals can shift barely ahead or backward relying on the monitor, which impacts how steady the combo feels throughout extra intense passages.
Click on on web page 2 under for my beneficial pairings and chosen comparisons.
