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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 10Hz to 17 kHz
  • Impedance: 18 Ω
  • Input Sensitivity: 119 Db @ 1mW
  • Noise Isolation: -26 Db
  • Driver Configuration: Dual Low, Single Mid, Single High
A touring staple since 2006. This quad-driver IEM provides a level of clarity and refinement far beyond most high-end earphones and is known for outstanding detail, tonal range, and stereo imaging.
Manufacturer Site

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:

  • They are known for their variable bass output, adjustable via a module on the cable, providing users with precise control over the low-frequency response to suit different listening environments and musical genres.

JH5 PRO

  • Positioning: The entry-level custom IEM designed for affordability and reliable performance.
  • Description: Uses a simple dual balanced armature driver setup that provides clear, balanced sound with good isolation, making it ideal for small venues or touring on a tight budget. Compared to models with more drivers and advanced crossovers, it delivers essential performance without extra complexity.

JH7 PRO

  • Positioning: A heritage model that updates a classic design with improved driver configuration and phase accuracy.
  • Description: Features a 3-driver configuration with a proprietary Freqphase WaveGuide for precise phase correction, delivering a well-balanced sound profile that enhances musical detail. Compared to the entry-level JH5 PRO, it offers a richer sonic experience.

SHARONA

  • Positioning: A flagship custom IEM built with an advanced multi-driver design for a broad and detailed sound.
  • Description: Features a 16-driver setup with a true 4-way integrated crossover and the innovative Knowles RAU Quad Supertweeter that extends treble response while ensuring phase accuracy. Compared to the simpler configurations of the JH5 PRO and JH7 PRO, it provides a wider soundstage and higher technical performance.

AMBIENT PRO

  • Positioning: A high-performance system crafted for natural live sound with integrated mix control capabilities.
  • Description: Uses an 8-driver per side design with state-of-the-art DPA microphone capsules and dual supertweeters to deliver a live audio experience that maintains clarity and broad stereo imaging. Compared to the Sharona's extensive driver array, it offers added functionality for live mix transmission and professional monitoring.

RUBY 2 UNIVERSAL

  • Positioning: A premium universal IEM bundle engineered for maximum performance and detailed audio control.
  • Description: Features a 10-driver setup with tightly controlled acoustic tuning and the integrated Pearl Tri Amp Micro Speaker Management System for personalized, dynamic sound shaping that stands out in clarity and precision. Compared to the custom options like Sharona and Ambient Pro, it provides the highest level of sonic refinement and versatility.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
782
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2007

Our take on the brand

JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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JH Audio

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What if you spend more?

Product image
JH Audio
Pearl | Ruby 2™
3299
3299
/
2
Reviews
JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Video review

Our take on the brand

JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Empire Ears
Legend Evo (Universal)
3099
3099
/
12
Reviews
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval, considered several cuts above other IEMs
  • Outstanding imaging performance, with precise soundstage and instrument separation
  • The bass response is a highlight, delivering a punchy sub-bass with texture and articulation
  • Offers a warmer tonal balance that is easy to get into with a mostly 'neutral' sound
  • Bone conduction enhances low-frequency extension, reverb, and detail

Product Considerations

  • Large chassis that may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with smaller ears
  • The subdued treble range may not provide enough energy and sparkle for some listeners
  • Stock cable is lackluster in terms of usability due to its plasticky feel, rigidity, and microphonic feedback
  • Driver flex (a harmless crinkling sound upon insertion) is present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Legend Evo delivers a stronger bass impact, depth, and extension than the Legend X
  • Legend Evo produces better constructed highs than the Legend X
  • Legend Evo shows better clarity than the Legend X, and has more detail
  • The Legend X can sound veiled concerning the Legend Evo
  • The Legend Evo feels a touch smoother than the Empire Ears ODIN

Takeaway: The Legend Evo is a top-tier IEM with innovative bone conduction technology that creates a unique and immersive listening experience with enhanced bass. It is a great option for those seeking flagship-level performance with a warm, bass-focused sound signature.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Noble
Viking Ragnar (Universal Fit)
4000
4000
/
9
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent detail retrieval, resolving with the best over-ear headphones, challenging the brain to take it all in.
  • Wide soundstage with precise imaging, creating an immersive, holographic 3D image.
  • Easy to drive, delivering speed and impact even with low-power sources.
  • High level of craftsmanship and build quality, using premium materials like CNC-machined aluminum and Damascus steel faceplates.
  • Comes with the Magnus cable, a high-quality 8-core cable constructed with graphene, monocrystalline silver, and copper-silver alloy.

Product Considerations

  • Treble can become a bit hot and fatiguing over long periods, but can be mitigated by using foam ear tips.
  • Bass presence is more nominal and cohesive, not dominant or overpowering like some bass-head IEMs.
  • Fit may be an issue for some due to the larger-than-average size of the IEM.
  • Could be fatiguing over time due to sensory overload from extreme detail.
  • Some reviewers found that the upper mids/lower treble frequency range could use a little boost.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Offers a stronger balance of detail, performance, and musicality, a fuller, richer midrange, and better texture and timbre, when compared to the Empire Ears Odin—Odin has stronger holographic separation, an intense sense of vocal performance, and more potential for fatigue.

Takeaway: The Noble Viking Ragnar is a top-tier IEM, offering incredible detail and a wide soundstage for an immersive listening experience. Its build quality and design are exceptional, making it a great choice for those who want some of the best IEMs in the market.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Empire Ears
Odin (Universal)
3399
3399
/
9
Reviews
Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Tremendous transparency, offering a wealth of microdynamics and spatial cues, critical in determining positioning and layering.
  • Incredibly clear sound, yet wrapped in a warm, lush, and inviting overall picture.
  • Highs are extended, detailed, and wonderfully resolved, easily able to summon the ethereal or holographic when called for.
  • The soundstage is quite impressive—deep, wide, with very good headroom, and holographic when called to be so.
  • The shell design is comfortable with a short nozzle, and light weight.

Product Considerations

  • The treble is a little bit relaxed, and some songs may not cut through the way they need to.
  • Amplifiers for this particular headphone are going to matter, and they are going to make a difference between several different amplifiers.
  • The bass does not bring the rumble, nor the impact, nor does it reach to the stygian depths of the Holy-Bass-Head-Grail.
  • Though the Odin provides for a comfortable fit, it can be uncomfortable for people who have really small ear holes, as the stem itself is quite wide.
  • The 'Bifröst' faceplate design might be too flashy for some.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Empire Ears Zeus: The Odin smashes the Zeus all day, every day, for sound quality, with a better midrange and significantly nixed highs.
  • Vs 64 Audio U12T: Odin is at least as good, if not better, in the mids and the bass, and has better punch and slam to the bass frequencies.
  • Vs Empire Ears Legend X: The Odin is a much more balanced-tuned IEM.
  • Vs 64 Audio Tia Forte: The Odin has a more agreeable frequency response.
  • Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Monarch has a really nice bass shelf, but the Odin has better technical performance and a better frequency response.

Takeaway: The Empire Ears Odin offers an easygoing listening experience and clear sound, and has tight bass response with a great midrange. It could be a great choice for those seeking a warm IEM with finesse.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Empire Ears is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones featuring their proprietary Weapon IX 9mm rare-earth magnet "subwoofers" with bass-reflex systems. The company hand-builds synX crossover networks without PCBs, assigning more individual audio bands per driver than any other IEM crossover. They also developed EIVEC electrostatic control to integrate EST drivers with dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

JH Audio
Sharona
2499
/
Released
2022
JH Audio is proud to introduce a new flagship In-Ear Monitor, The Sharona™, our first-ever 16-Driver configuration with a true 4-way crossover. Sharona™ features the all-new Knowles RAU Quad Supertweeter, which produces an extended treble response starting where most balanced armature drivers roll off (12 kHz) and pushes out to 25 kHz.
Check Amazon
JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Video review

Our take on the brand

JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
JH Audio
Sheena
2199
/
Released
2023
Sheena Universal™ contains the same components as our beloved Sheena™ custom-fit in-ear monitor, featuring 8 balanced armatures per side with a true 4-way crossover. Like its custom counterpart, the Sheena Universal™ offers a detailed, well-rounded sound signature with a punchy low-end and smooth mid-range.
Check Amazon
JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Video review

Our take on the brand

JH Audio is a hifi brand best known for headphones that use patented Freq|Phase stainless-steel tube waveguides to time-align multiple drivers' outputs within 0.01 ms at the ear. This creates phase-coherent IEMs without DSP, while cable-mounted Variable Bass Attenuators with independent left/right dials offer up to ±15 dB adjustment range.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Campfire Audio
Astrolith
2199
/
Released
2024
The latest from the acoustics team at Campfire Audio, Astrolith represents the tip-of-the-spear for IEMs using a pure planar magnetic architecture. Further expanding on Campfire's lineage of planar earphones, Astrolith incorporates two new drivers wrapped in our PPR and AAOI tuning elements. Combining the inherent advantages of planar magnetic drivers with decades of acoustic engineering experiences brings about an incredible new horizon in the realm of planar magnetic IEMs.
Check Amazon
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
  • Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
  • Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
  • Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
  • Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.

Product Considerations

  • Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
  • Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
  • Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
  • Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
  • The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
  • Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
  • Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
  • Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.

Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
Check Amazon
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
  • Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
  • Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
  • Very light and comfortable
  • Excellent connectivity and usability

Product Considerations

  • LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
  • ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
  • Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
  • High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
  • Hiss is also present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
  • The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
  • The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
  • The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
  • The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
  • The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound

Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Letshuoer
Cadenza
1999
/
Released
2023
LETSHUOER Cadenza is the new LETSHUOER flagship in-ear headphones. It features with 12 hybrid drivers, titanium chassis, six-way electronic crossover five acoustic bores, and 204-strands cable 6N Monocrystalline Copper and Silver Hybrid. Most importantly, it represents the TOP artisanship from LETSHUOER ACOUSTIC.
Check Amazon
Letshuoer is a hifi audio brand known for democratizing planar-magnetic IEMs with their S12 model, which brought exceptional technical performance to the $150 price point. The brand sets itself apart through unconventional driver architectures like their proprietary R-Sonic passive filtering module for pressure relief and staging expansion.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Praised for its beautiful design
  • Very comfortable, almost expected from an IEM based on resin
  • Easy to drive due to its low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Provides a lot of clarity
  • Has a very natural tonality, even with balanced drivers

Product Considerations

  • Its design might be too fragile and prone to scratches
  • May lack impact and slam for music with a lot of low-octave focus
  • Some amplifiers might not synergize well, needing experimentation

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Moondrop variations, the Cadenza is preferred for its handling of transitions

Takeaway: The Cadenza is a beautiful IEM with great clarity that's also comfortable to wear. It is an easy to drive IEM, with great potential to provide enjoyable listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Letshuoer is a hifi audio brand known for democratizing planar-magnetic IEMs with their S12 model, which brought exceptional technical performance to the $150 price point. The brand sets itself apart through unconventional driver architectures like their proprietary R-Sonic passive filtering module for pressure relief and staging expansion.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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