Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Comfortable and lightweight, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
- Produces a clear, detailed, and open sound signature.
- Has a balanced and neutral frequency response, according to some reviewers, with good accuracy.
- Impressive imaging, particularly 3D imaging and instrument separation.
- Lightning-fast transient response.
Product Considerations
- Build quality can feel cheap due to the use of plastic in the earcups.
- Cable is not detachable, is tangle-prone (flat cable), and can be microphonic.
- The amplifier can get quite hot, requiring proper ventilation.
- The amplifier volume pot may have limited steps, making precise volume adjustment difficult.
- Some reviewers have noted a lack of substantial bass impact or sub-bass extension.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HE-H1, the Jade 2 had much more of a 'wow' factor.
- Vs Stax Lambda Pro, the Jade 2 is better in definition, instrument separation, and clarity.
- Vs HiFiMan HE-1000 v2, the HE-1000 v2 has more detailed resolution and texture on vocals and instruments, a wider and deeper soundstage, and faster transients.
Takeaway: The Jade II is an electrostatic headphone system that offers a comfortable listening experience with clear and detailed sound. Its unique sound presentation and lightweight design make it an appealing option for those seeking a different kind of listening experience.
All
Jade II
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response: 7Hz-90kHz
- Bias Voltage: 550V-650V
- Headphone Weight: 365g (12.9oz)
- Amplifier Weight: 6.5kg (14.3lb)
- Dimensions: 276 x 270 x 116 mm³ (10.9" x 10.6" x 4.6")
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
Select products
EDITION XS:
- Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
- Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.
AUDIVINA:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
- Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.
HE1000SE:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
- Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.
SUSVARA:
- Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.
SUSVARA UNVEILED:
- Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
- Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Product Strengths
- A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
- It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
- Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
- A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio
Product Considerations
- The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
- No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
- On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
- The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
- The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
- Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly
Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
- Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
- Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
- Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones
Product Considerations
- Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
- Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
- Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
- Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment
Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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The outstanding performance of the Kenzie headphone amplifier is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers providing amazing frequency extension. The Kenzie does not use a voltage network, and has more than enough power to drive even the most difficult headphones. We chose 32 ohms and 600-ohm output taps to allow use with the widest variety of headphones; everything from Grado Labs, HiFiMan, Audeze, MrSpeakers, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.
The Kenzie showcases the transformers on the chassis to frame in the unique 1626 single-ended tubes. We have included an Alps volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path. The Kenzie is one of the sweetest-sounding headphone amplifiers on the market. The 1626 is commonly referred to as the "Poor Man's 300B"; offering a similar level of warmth, texture, and soundstage depth. The 1626 is a WWII-era tube that was used as a transmitter tube in radar installations. The design is shy on pure output, but offers layers of texture and drive, and is paired with a massive choke and robust output transformers for ultra-quiet operation. As with all of our products, parts selection was crucial during this build and each chosen not for price, but for best quality and synergy.
Generation 2 of the Kenzie OG The close of 2021 has brought out more than 18 months of a global pandemic. During these challenging times, we at ampsandsound strengthened our development efforts resulting in new generation of our classic amps. 2022 adds the ability to chose 8/100 or 32/300 for output impedances when ordering. Though octal input tubes provide a romantic character that had defined the ampsandsound house sound, reminiscent of 1950s HiFi, the downside to this approach is a reduced noise floor and dwindling NOS options. With ampsandound moving to a 9pin front end, performance has been increased, NOS tube rolling has become nearly limitless, and yet we were able to enhance the sweetness and tone we are known for. The 9pin front end allows vastly increased options for tone rolling to find your balance and preference. With our front end's new development, we have improved our amps further, including both subtle and significant changes alike. Notable takeaways include increased power output, reduced noise floor across all our amps, increased bandwidth.
Product Strengths
- Unique 'tube character' enhances the sound in a positive way
- Known for sweetness, euphony, and richness of tone
- Enhances microdynamics, drawing attention to finer nuances of volume
- Creates a more involved and textured soundstage
- Is a completely neutral headphone amplifier, as long as the output impedance synergy is observed
- Inputs and outputs are located on the back of the unit, which can be inconvenient
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for very inefficient planar headphones like the HE6 or Audeze LCD-4
- Not generally recommended for IEMs
- Can be susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi signals or other electronic components
- Depending on the headphone used, the environment, and the output being used, the unit may produce some noise floor
Takeaway: The Kenzie is a special tube amp that makes music sound sweet and detailed, improving the listening experience with many headphones, assuming the right setup is used. It's a good option for those who want to go beyond solid-state amps.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very refined sound signature
- Outstanding output power
- Pleasingly smooth and refined tonal quality with a strong focus on spatial detail, all delivered within a very spacious presentation
- Presents wonderful PRaT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing), injecting loads of dynamics and rendering complex passages with ninja-like speed of attack
- Plenty of I/O options for both source and third-party power amplifiers
Product Considerations
- Non-linear volume curve for demanding headphones
- Beefy desktop amplifier requiring significant table or rack space
- Has only 0.1R O/P impedance on the headphone socket, while the line O/P impedance is still 100R
Takeaway: The Gustard H26 is a high-performing headphone amplifier and preamplifier that provides refined sound and plenty of power. It could be a great addition to a hifi system because reviewers are overwhelmed by the performance compared to the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Specifically designed to drive the power-hungry HE-6 planar magnetic headphones.
- Boasts 5 watts Class A per channel, providing massive output power.
- Delivers a wonderfully lush and smooth sounding presentation.
- Offers a clean and neutral tonality.
- Exceptionally well-rounded in terms of genre selection.
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced circuitry option.
- Does not include a remote control.
- The buttons feel loose.
- The lateral heatsinks can get quite toasty to the touch if played long enough.
- The EF-6 arrived without a power cord.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Lyr: The EF-6 stays noticeably cooler after an hour or so of usage.
- Vs Schiit Mjolnir: The EF-6 edges out the Mjolnir for smoothness, the Mjolnir would be the closest for power, though tonally it is a bit brighter and more dynamic than the EF-6.
Takeaway: The EF-6 is a great choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile amplifier, especially for demanding headphones like the HE-6, with a smooth and engaging sound signature. It is a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Spacious and balanced-sounding presentation, especially on the X-Axis
- Works well with a wide range of headphones and IEMs
- Robust build quality and design
- The GA-10 is an amp that has both warmth and emotion in its sound performance, suitable for listeners who pursue sound atmosphere and naturalness
Product Considerations
- Lacks a pre-amp output
- Potentiometer dial does not have a huge amount of resistance
- Other competing tube amplifiers offer a weightier low-end
- The case and volume dial get quite warm during usage
- The finish is prone to scratching and fingerprints
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AURIS Audio HA2-SE+, the GA-10 sounds slower, thicker, and warmer, while the HA2-SE+ sounds cleaner, faster, livelier, and more clear
Takeaway: The Goldenwave GA-10 is a great value tube amplifier, built well, easy to use, and easy on the ear. If musical sound performance is desired, the GA10 is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
- The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
- Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
- Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used
Product Considerations
- Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
- The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
- Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
- Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
- Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
- Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered
Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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