In this feature, Kurt reviews the MOONDROP RAYS, a new hybrid dynamic and planar driver IEM optimized for the gaming audiophile. It is currently priced at $99.99.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank MOONDROP and Shenzhen Audio for their support.
Click here to read more about MOONDROP products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines, which you can read here in more detail.
MOONDROP needs no introduction as they’re already well-known in the audio community.
With popular budget releases like the MOONDROP MAY and MOONDROP Aria (and Aria 2), they’ve long proven their consistency in making great IEMs and audio products.
Now comes the MOONDROP RAYS, a more gaming-centric entry with built-in DSP, custom EQ options, and a flashy design to match.
Will this become the gaming IEM staple that finally sticks in the community, and how does it compare to MOONDROP’s other audiophile budget offerings, such as the MAY and the Aria 2? I found out in my full review below.
Features
The MOONDROP RAYS uses a hybrid configuration consisting of one dynamic driver and one planar magnetic driver. This setup follows a similar concept seen in the earlier MOONDROP MAY.
A 10mm sapphire-plated dynamic driver oversees bass and midrange performance. Treble and air frequencies are handled by a 6mm annular planar magnetic driver designed for high-frequency output.
The sapphire-plated diaphragm is expected to improve timbre and overall driver control. Its planar driver uses a circular layout, differing from the flat or BA-shaped planar types found in other IEMs.
A dual crossover system is used to assign frequency duties cleanly between the two drivers. This prevents any overlap and helps maintain a focused and coherent presentation.
Design
The MOONDROP RAYS uses a glossy, mirror-finished metal faceplate shaped like a teardrop. Its surface is prone to fingerprints and shows a strong violet tone at rest, shifting to cyan, green, or pink under different lighting, like RGB effects in gaming setups.
The right earbud has a plain finish while the left side features etched lines that resemble sun RAYS extending from the lower corner. Branding is engraved along the bottom edge with “MOONDROP: RAYS” marked clearly on both sides.
The shell is made of medical-grade resin and is translucent dark green with a clean and uniform tone. It provides full visibility into the internal components without adding visual clutter.
There are two vents on each shell, one placed near the nozzle and another positioned at the upper pointed edge of the body. Both are small and sit flush against the shell surface.
Connector pins use a recessed 0.78mm 2-pin layout mounted inside a square cutout near the top. The nozzle has a proper lip and is finished with a metal mesh to hold tips securely and block debris.
Comfort & Isolation
The MOONDROP RAYS has an excellent shape that sinks deep into the ears without needing any adjustment. It sits flush against the ear with no protrusion at all, keeping the profile compact and secure.
Its fit works well across all ear sizes, offering a consistent and stable seal. The smooth shell finish adds to the comfort, making the IEM feel pleasant during long sessions.
It’s especially ideal for gaming use, staying comfortable and fatigue-free even during extended hours. Isolation is also strong, blocking out most ambient noise and keeping focus locked in during competitive matches.
Mobile gamers will find the RAYS easy to use while lying on their side, thanks to its non-protruding shape. It stays in place naturally without pushing or causing discomfort.
Tips
Only one set of regular black silicone tips is included, which feels out of place considering MOONDROP’s usual generosity with accessories. No foam options or alternative bore sizes are provided with the MOONDROP RAYS this time.
Comfort is average and doesn’t stand out in any way. There’s also no noticeable effect on the sound regardless of which size is used.
Small, medium, and large sizes for the ear tips are available. While they get the job done, the overall selection feels basic and underwhelming.
Stock Cable
The cable uses a fully green braided finish that matches the color of the MOONDROP RAYS shell. It has a soft and lightweight feel that makes it easy to manage during daily use or while gaming on the go.
A USB-C termination is used, with the connector housing the internal sound card and DSP that powers the tuning. The connector is finished in a metallic violet casing with the “RAYS” print on one side, blending in well with the rest of the build.
There is a single-button mic module placed along the cable, designed for use during voice calls or in-game chat. It features an embedded NPU that runs MOONDROP’s AI noise cancellation for clear vocal pickup without surrounding noise interference.
MOONDROP’s Link app and web interface give access to a full EQ system that can apply tuning profiles based on popular FPS titles like Apex Legends and Valorant.
The app also includes IEM-matching presets, allowing users to tune the RAYS to mimic other MOONDROP models such as the Meteor and Blessing 3.
EQ settings are saved directly into the DSP, which means the tuning remains active even after switching devices. This avoids the hassle of reapplying EQ every time and makes it easier for users to stay locked into their preferred sound.
Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are used for the IEM side, finished with purple aluminum housings and colored bands to indicate left and right. While it lacks modularity, the cable is designed for flexibility, custom tuning, and daily gaming use.
Packaging & Accessories
The MOONDROP RAYS arrives in an anime-themed outer sleeve with line art branding and MOONDROP’s signature character on the front. The character is holding a weapon, possibly as a nod to FPS games and the RAYS’ gaming focus.
On the back, basic specs like impedance and sensitivity are listed in a clean layout. The design from the front wraps around the sides as well, keeping the overall presentation consistent.
Sliding off the sleeve reveals a plain white inner box with subtle diagonal lines and a small RAYS logo in the corner. The design looks like it’s meant to represent RAYS, matching the name.
Opening the box shows a two-level tray with the IEMs sitting in cutouts on the top. Right below that is the round brown leather-style case sitting securely in foam.
The case has a soft texture and is stamped with the MOONDROP name. It’s the same case used in other IEMs from MOONDROP, like the Kadenz.
Under the tray is a small accessories box holding the green braided USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C adapter, and three pairs of black silicone tips in small, medium, and large.
The adapter is meant for desktop setups, and MOONDROP advertises under 5ms latency for lossless audio use.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the MOONDROP RAYS were completed using the included stock cable’s USB-C game sound card termination to my laptop.
Bass
The MOONDROP RAYS delivers a bass response that leans more neutral than boosted. It avoids being overly punchy but still gives the mix enough body to prevent it from sounding flat.
Subbass has just enough rumble to add low-end depth when the track calls for it. It doesn’t dig particularly deep, but the presence is consistent and clean.
Midbass has a soft kick that fills space naturally without feeling aggressive. It adds rhythm and weight but stops short of giving the bass much texture or drive.
There is a very slight amount of midbass bleed that smooths over some lower-mid details. It doesn’t become distracting, though it slightly affects clarity during more layered passages.
Mids
Vocals are placed right in the center of the mix, keeping things relaxed and easy to follow. Nothing sounds pushed too far forward or buried in the background.
Male vocals carry enough body to sound natural, offering decent weight without sounding thin or bloated. They stay stable across different tracks and don’t shift around unnaturally.
Female vocals are smooth and easy on the ears without sounding bright. The delivery stays neutral and clear without ever becoming sharp or harsh.
Vocal texture and emotion are present, but clarity isn’t always consistent. Subtle details and inflections can sound veiled, especially when the mix becomes dense.
Vocals and instruments sound more realistic and cohesive, with no odd coloration. The timbre also sounds much more natural, avoiding the unnatural tone found in its likely predecessor, the MOONDROP MAY.
Treble
The treble on the MOONDROP RAYS is smooth and well-controlled. It avoids harshness or sharp peaks even at higher listening volumes.
Sibilance is handled nicely across all recordings and volumes. There’s minimal sharpness in vocals, while nothing for percussive instruments that could lead to fatigue.
Cymbals, hi-hats, and other upper-frequency sounds come through with a natural tone. They sit comfortably in the mix and don’t feel pushed or overly soft.
Detail retrieval is good enough to reveal subtle textures, though it doesn’t fully open up. Some smaller nuances are still tucked behind more dominant sounds.
During my gaming sessions, I was able to hear distant sound cues like footsteps and reloading with no issues. Even when things became more intense, details stayed clear without ever becoming harsh or muddied.
Staging & Dynamics
The MOONDROP RAYS has a soundstage that feels above average in width, giving a good sense of left-to-right space. However, depth and height are minimal, so the overall presentation stays more horizontal than immersive.
Imaging is accurate and well-placed, making it easy to follow positional cues. For gaming, this made it easy to pinpoint sounds like footsteps or reloads in the correct direction.
Separation holds up well even in busy tracks, keeping instruments from overlapping too much. It doesn’t fill the space but avoids sounding congested or smeared.
Resolution is okay with enough clarity to keep each element defined. It may not be highly detailed, but it never feels blurred or unfocused.
Dynamics are the one area that feels inconsistent. Vocals can shift slightly forward or backward depending on the track, which affects how stable the mix feels during more intense passages.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
