Firstly I would like to thank HiFiMAN for sending me the Jade II system on loan for the purpose of this review.
I have less experience with electrostat systems than anything else, but I have heard a few. Due to this, sadly I do not have another amp/energiser on hand to test just the Jade II headphones with.
Gear Used:
Topping DX7 Pro / Singxer SDA-2 > XLR out > Jade II
Tech Specs:
Frequency Response: 7Hz-90kHz
Bias Voltage: 500V-650V
Headphone Weight: 365g (12.9oz)
Amplifier Weight: 6.5kg (14.3lb)
Amplifier Dimensions: 276 x 270 x 116mm (10.9″ x 10.6″ x 4.6″)
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/jade-ii-electrostatic-headphone-601.html
Build Quality:
Well the amp is one solid looking thing, made out of aluminium it heavy and feels solidly put together. The inputs and outputs are great, the volume knob is stepped and feels great in use. The headphones have a fixed cable that is covered in nylon sheathing, it isn’t particularly special and is quite noisy when it hits against things, but it has good strain relief and does the job. The cups are plastic to keep weight down, with a comfortable hybrid headband which distributes the weight well. The earpads are similar to those of the Ananda and are comfortable, longevity is something only someone who owns these can comment on. Overall the combo looks good and the amp is certainly very well built but the cable on the headphones let them down slightly.
Comfort:
The Jade II headphones are exceptionally lightweight, paired with good pads and the headband strap that distributes weight evenly and you have a very comfortable set of electrostatic headphones. I have no issues wearing these for prolonged periods of time.
Sound:
Lows: I do not have a lot of experience with electrostats but one thing that always comes to mind is their speed, and this shows most when it comes to the lower frequencies. The Jade II system leans a little towards a brighter tonality, with very quick and precise bass that favours accuracy over body. They are incredibly snappy yet there is more than enough quantity for my listening tastes. Due to their incredible transient response, the Jade II do an exceptional job of separating instruments down low, and layering is also a strong point when listening to them. Whilst certain tones can lack a little impact, what they do not lack is clarity, you cannot get the Jade II to ever sound muddy or slow. Don’t discount this nimble and fast paced low end for rolled off though, they can easily dig right deep down into the sub-bass frequencies with ease.
Midrange: There is a great balance to the sound of the Jade II, tones in the midrange may come across a little on the cooler side as they lack any kind of influence from the low end. This does however work in their favour when it comes to the separation and width of the soundstage, the midrange is where it should be and everything is so perfectly placed you don’t notice the slight lack of richness in vocals. This is a headphone that will impress those who enjoy picking apart the tracks and hearing each individual layer, it is not perhaps, the most easy or relaxing listen though. There is never much of a favouring of male or female vocals, electric or acoustic tracks, they just render it as it is. Acoustic guitars sound excellent with well rendered reverberation, yet electric guitars have power and drive. The transition into the highs is smooth without any boost in the sibilance region.
Highs: This part just tops these off, they may be light and nimble on their feet, but they have a delicacy to their sound that renders them smooth and not offensive or harsh. The treble is so intricately detailed, yet devoid of harshness or fatigue inducing peaks that they just want you to listen to your whole collection over and over again. The treble is perfectly balanced in the mix and extends without any hint of early roll off, and due to their incredibly open back nature they have excellent air and resolution. They really do get the highs spot on, especially when it comes to the accuracy of their placement withing the soundstage, there is real height which benefits the treble and helps keep it well separated from the rest of the mix.
The soundstage has great width, but they also have a good amount of height. It is convincing too though, and you can clearly separate instruments by their space within the soundstage. These are one of the few headphones that have convinced me that headphones can do both height and width soundstage wise.
Conclusion:
Well the Jade II system is expensive, there is no ignoring that fact. But I personally really enjoyed my time with them, they have a balanced sound signature that leans a little towards a cooler tonality. They are responsive and snappy, yet have a certain refinement that allows you to listen for prolonged sessions without fatigue. They do a brilliant job at picking apart the recording and letting you hear every nuance. I am also told that the headphones scale up well with other amps but sadly I do not have access to any.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (expensive, the cable isn’t great, but the sound is clear and precise without being fatiguing)