It's been two years since I started getting serious in the audio world. Even so, I am not at the point where I will spend thousands of ringgit on a set of headphones, amps, cables and so on. I'm still trying to find the perfect TWS and trying to appreciate music using IEMs to get the best details of instruments and vocals.
I have tried FiiO, Tin HiFi, Moondrop and recently Razer came with their IEM which is Razer Moray. According to Razer, this set of wired earphones is for all-day streaming and gaming in full comfort while enjoying THX audio with wide audio staging.
The question is, is this IEM worth RM669 worth having compared to a set of headphones or other audio products with roughly the same price?
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DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS
Looking at the Razer Moray's design, it is similar to most IEMs or ChiFi on the market today. It's ergonomic, comfortable in-ear, removable wire, focusing on the use of memory foam type ear buds and durable embroidered wire. Razer only uses a simple design and plain black color with white text. The construction material is plastic and it is very light.
According to Razer, Moray targets users who do long-term streaming or gaming sessions because it guarantees comfort throughout use. For the interior Moray uses dual hybrid audio drivers (dynamic + balanced armature), the cable is a detachable Y-type MMCX and a 3-pole mini gold-plate L-shaped jack.
This simple design is the antithesis to the design of gaming products that usually look fierce, aggressive and a little extreme. Very different from the Razer Blackshark V2 mouse and headset design of the day tempo which looks complex. At least Razer now offers a neater looking product.
AUDIO QUALITY
For a bass-focused IEM, the Moray is too buzzy. You imagine that the bass is a singer and he is singing in a large, spacious but empty room. It becomes cluttered with no definition and the bangs don't make a good impact.
Women's voices are heard more clearly and loudly, while men's voices are slightly drowned and tight. Not only that, each singer's voice also has a strange sound color (timbre) as if the voice has been digitized and then changed back to the real voice.
It's fine actually. The high end that Moray produces has a balanced buzzing effect, not too sharp and towards a soothing sound. This may not be enough for everyone but it is enough for me.
The audio staging is also quite wide making the Razer Moray directionless in the audio graph to focus on. Instruments become stringy and cluttered, it's hard to get the detail that's usually easy to enjoy on IEMs in the same price range.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
Razer's claim that the Moray is suitable for long-term use is true. After I used this IEM for a few hours I forgot that there was something stuffed into the ear. The lightweight build and the choice of soft ear buds are smart things that Razer has done.
It's just a pity, the audio quality is not satisfactory enough. It seems to be using the Razer Leviathan V2 X soundbar. The capabilities are there but the tuning makes the audio quality not quite immersive. Using this IEM whether playing video games or music is less fun.
It says there is THX support, where is the unique immersive audio and THX stereo that everyone knows? No Moray means THX on this IEM is just branding? Audio products for gaming need to have good bass, loud bangs and give a thrilling impact.
Not only that, for gaming if a game like PUBG I can't hear the sound of footsteps clearly what's the point? Razer's iconic RGB or green color finish is also absent.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Here's what you get with every Moray purchase;
1x Razer Moray
1x Waterproof storage bag
1x Razer Carabiner
1x Set of silicone ear buds (S, M, L)
1x Set of memory foam ear buds (S, M, L)
1x Manual
CONCLUSION
This year's Razer Moray is actually a rebirth of the product with the same name in 2008. At the selling price of RM669, Razer provides complete with IEM, cable, additional ear buds, carabiner and even a storage bag. A complete and interesting package if you want to complete your collection of Razer products. If you're looking for an audio product for gaming and streaming, there are many other sets of headphones that I feel are better – either cheaper or about the same price.
Razer Moray is an IEM that is too flat. While the product focuses on gaming that should have great bass. Aside from its undeniable comfort, the Moray is weak compared to IEMs in the same class.
Pro
Simple and minimal design.
Very comfortable for long-term use.
A worthwhile purchase package.
Easy to use, (plug and play)
Cons
Poor audio.
Gaming products that are not suitable for gaming.
Price is not user friendly for IEM.
The build quality isn't great for the selling price.