Moondrop May USB-C Headphones Review

[Chromatischism]

Good work.

My 3 biggest gripes with them:

No chin woggle on the cable above the remote (I need it)

Not enough length above the remote to add a woggle (those little velcro cables can be used)

App is woeful even if it "works'.

I ended up using the cable on another pair of iem and swapping for a dongle and a Zonie.

So what response do you get if you don't use the DSP cable?

 

[mc.god]

So what response do you get if you don't use the DSP cable?

 

[Berwhale]

It means the cable is removable from the iem? So it means it is a DAC you can use with the app to power any iem mechanically compatible?

Yes, I'm using a FreeDSP with my Thruthear x Crinacle blues...

 

[Jimbob54]

So what response do you get if you don't use the DSP cable?

Same as turning the DSP settings to 0.

 

[heraldo_jones]

I have them, they doesn't sound bad, but average at best. Still Hexas with Zero Red adapter impedance (to tame high peaks) are my kings. Better imaging and resolution.

 

[Jimbob54]

Went back to the DSP cable - removed the heat shrink on the hooks and secured the woggle below the remote (so it doesnt slide down) with one of those velcro straps everything comes with fitted snug below the woggle.

As long as I sit still the cables stay put and dont flap about (again, a proper positioning of the remote and a proper woggle so you can go right up under your chin is required really).

Reason being I really like the Standard tuning and it seems daft to have it unused if I put the cable on another pair of IEM.

Anyway- stand by my original view- this is a very comfy, good sounding IEM. A no brainer if you want a sub $100 set and dont want to buy a separate dongle etc. Think I would rather have this over the Zero 2 plus a dongle.

 

[Jimbob54]

Yes. Moondrop sells just the cable with a different name. It is the Free DSP cable if you just want the cable.

Just to point out 2 minor differences (I agree this is almost certainly the same components etc)
1. The length of cable between the remote and ear is different- slightly longer on the FreeDSP at least on my versions (see my gripes)
2. Of course the May cable comes with the May presets that arent baked into the FreeDSP cable. Unless having the May cable unlocks the apps' ability to access them - either way not an issue when using either cable on a different pair of IEM

 

[Matias]

Awesome review, very thorough. Thanks a lot!

 

[DOuG pRATt]

There is no audible hiss when no audio is playing.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Multicore]

I need a full semiotic workup of package decorations of boutique IEMs. Stat!

 

[CedarX]

I need a full semiotic workup of package decorations of boutique IEMs. Stat!

The Waifu culture is a thing… One may or may not like it, but it’s only on the packaging—easy to discard.
I only care about sound / fit / comfort / features, and boy does MAY deliver !!!

 

[ehabheikal]

Yes. Moondrop sells just the cable with a different name. It is the Free DSP cable if you just want the cable.

was the cable measured anywhere?

 

[Jimbob54]

was the cable measured anywhere?

If you accept its the same as the May cable, yes, in this review.

 

[staticV3]

was the cable measured anywhere?

The Free DSP was measured here: https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/moondrop-free-dsp-review-measurements

 

[ehabheikal]

If you accept its the same as the May cable, yes, in this review.

cant see cable distortion alone.

 

[staticV3]

cant see cable distortion alone.

These all show cable distortion without the earphone:

 

[Jimbob54]

The Free DSP was measured here: https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/moondrop-free-dsp-review-measurements

Oh- and @Phenoez8 the Free measurements linked here show the same -55db distortion/ linearity glitch you observed and speculate its a software issue. Further proof if needed we are looking at the same DAC in both cables.

 

[Phenoez8]

Oh- and @Phenoez8 the Free measurements linked here show the same -55db distortion/ linearity glitch you observed and speculate its a software issue. Further proof if needed we are looking at the same DAC in both cables.

Interesting. If that's the case I hope they can fix it in a software update soon.

 

[Jimbob54]

Interesting. If that's the case I hope they can fix it in a software update soon.

I'm not sure there is scope for cable firmware updates in their eco system. My guess is it would have to be done in future production runs.

Last thing they want is a spate of device bricking complaints to fix a minor glitch.

 

[BobPM]

Never experienced a godless IEM - "atheistic." I assume he meant "aesthetic."