The Moondrop May earphones have emerged as a noteworthy addition in the realm of audio technology, particularly for those who cherish quality sound in a compact form. Bridging the gap between affordability and high-end audio performance, the Moondrop May stands out for its comfortable design and impressive sound quality. Equipped with a unique DSP USB-C cable, these earphones offer a blend of convenience and technological innovation, making them a suitable choice for both casual listeners and audio enthusiasts who seek an immersive listening experience without breaking the bank.

Box, MAY, Cable

The Moondrop May’s packaging’s exceptional level of attention to detail immediately caught my eye as I opened it. The case is a masterpiece, showcasing a sleek and sophisticated design that captivated me from the first glance. The polished finish of the case exudes elegance, and its sturdy construction gave me confidence that the earphones inside were well-protected during their journey. This case isn’t just about looks; it’s about functionality too, ensuring the high-quality in-ear monitors are secure. Moondrop’s focus on both design and practicality is evident here, setting them apart in the audio equipment field. The unboxing experience of the Moondrop May was as enjoyable for me as I anticipated the listening experience to be.

As I explored the Moondrop May earphones, I was immediately taken by their exquisite build that perfectly blends form with function. The design is visually striking, offering not just aesthetic pleasure but also practicality, with a comfortable and snug fit ideal for prolonged audio sessions. These earphones, constructed from premium materials, strike an impeccable balance between robust durability and a luxurious feel, appealing to both audiophiles like myself and casual listeners.

The cable of the Moondrop May is a feature that particularly stands out. It’s meticulously crafted, harmonizing with the earphones both in looks and functionality. I appreciate its resistance to tangling and wear, enhancing its longevity, while its flexibility ensures comfort during use. The inclusion of a USB Type-C plug is a modern touch, making connectivity across various devices effortless. This cable is more than just a utility; it’s a statement piece that enhances the overall auditory experience (however, 6N pure x cables enhance it). From my perspective as a discriminating listener, the Moondrop May is not merely an earphone; rather, it is a neutral to bright and one-of-a-kind item that has left a lasting impression on me.

• Impedance: 30Ω @1kHz ±15%
• Frequency Response: 7-39kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
• Effective Frequency Response: 20-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
• Sensitivity: 120dB/Vrms @1kHz.
• THD: <0.05% @1kHz.
• Driver: 1DD + 1 Planar.
• Headphone Jack: 0.78-2pin.

Moondrop MAY Sound

In my exploration of the Moondrop May, I found it to adeptly handle complex musical structures, although it doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of resolution compared to some other products on the market. These earphones offer a balanced sound that will appeal to most music lovers, but they might not fully satisfy those seeking an audiophile-grade experience.

The most striking feature is undoubtedly its clarity. However, the large dynamic driver in its hybrid structure doesn’t fully provide the deep bass expected. Although the neutral bass response indicated in the frequency graph makes the bass in genres like drum’n bass feel somewhat dry, it successfully conveys the beats’ rhythm. Its dark timbre and immersive structure offer a feast of entertainment while listening to music. While the separation of instruments is adequately achieved, the tonality is slightly bright, offering an overall accurate balance. From a layering perspective, its performance is satisfactory.

I

I found the playback on the V30 to be okay somehow; however, after connecting them to the Hidizs AP80hd X, it evolved into something that was more natural and immersive. David Gilmour’s percussions had a sound that was eerily realistic, and the guitar solos were the reverse of the approach that the Simgot EW200 took; they were smooth and forgiving. On the other hand, in contrast to my first encounter with the V30, the drum-and-bass performance was lively and full of energy. Despite the fact that the bass did not have a dynamic impact, it added depth to the recordings without being overpowering. The trebles were more muted, and the vocals were audible throughout.

II

My second round with May simply served to verify the impressions I had formed initially. These are, without a doubt, wonderful for the purposes of enjoyment. The Moondrop May is even more tempting when compared to the company’s earlier Quarks dsp iem. This is especially true when considering the fact that even the new iPhones feature a USB-C output.

III

I also experimented with a 4.4 cable, connecting the May to my iPad 10 via the Colorfly CDA M1P. In this setup, the increase in resolution was immediately noticeable, particularly in the mid and upper mids, which gained remarkable detail and texture. When listening to my favorite tracks, I was treated to what I can only describe as delicious bass, feeling the depth of bass guitar notes like never before. This DSP earphone, mirroring the Moondrop Variation, excelled in delivering a nuanced and varied listening experience.

However, it’s worth noting that in one track, I couldn’t discern a specific bass effect that resembles a bouncing ball. This could be attributed to the May itself, the eartips used, the Colorfly dongle, or perhaps the iPad 10. Nonetheless, its accurate portrayal of guitar strings in acoustic tracks more than compensated for this minor shortcoming. The clarity, fullness, and intensity in RATM’s “Killing in the Name” turned it into a sublime five-minute auditory treat, even if the layering was slightly lacking.

IV

I was able to experience a remarkable level of realism in a test with the Samsung A54 and May. The drumsticks struck fast right in front of me. The playback took on a clear quality, with a greater emphasis on higher frequencies; nevertheless, this differed from track to track at different times. The fact that there was a discernible decrease in bass during this test was somewhat disheartening.

PROS

• Planar Magnetic Sound: The earphones offer a planar magnetic sound, which is known for its accuracy and detail.
• Fun and Lively Sound Profile: The sound has huge bass and a sparkly treble, making it enjoyable for various music genres.
• Good Build Quality: The construction of the earphones is solid, ensuring durability.
• Comfortable Design: The Moondrop May features a design that is comfortable for long listening sessions.
• Nice Feeling Cable: The cable included with the earphones is of high quality and enhances the user experience.
• Convenience: The convenience of not needing a dongle for connection.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: The earphones have an attractive appearance.

CONS

• Resolution Not the Best in the Market: While the earphones handle complex musical structures well, their resolution is not the best compared to other products on the market. Even a Hexa can beat it down.
• May Not Satisfy Audiophiles: For those seeking an audiophile-level experience, the earphones might not be entirely ideal.
• Variability in Performance: The performance of the earphones can vary depending on the source and the cable used.
• Poor Software Support: I couldn’t find May as an option at Moondrop Link.

Moondrop May Review Conclusions

Concluding my review of the Moondrop May, I must commend the ergonomic and sonical improvements achieved through DSP technology, which have yielded sound qualities rivaling much more expensive headphones. To this day, not one has disappointed me. In Moondrop May, you have found an under-$100 gem for fun, daily listening that I wholeheartedly recommend. (if you look past the failed software support)