Visual Comparison: Jerry Harvey JH13Pro and Sensaphonics 2X-S
Left: take a bow JH13Pro; Right: Handshake, 2X-S
I will not get into which sound signature I am more partial to, rather the pictures are merely to illustrate the differences and similarities between both high-end iems. Sensaphonics’ 2X-S is a stodgy contender for the better part of a decade and has survived several cosmetic and build overhauls since its infancy. It is made from soft silicon, a pliable material which stretches with minute changes in the ear’s internal shape. Jerry Harvey’s JH13Pro is made out of the more traditional hard acrylic material that with a perfect fit, feels almost as comfortable as the Sensaphonics 2X-S. Differences in materials do mean a different flavour of sound; the hard acrylic of the JH audio renders extremely clean sound in all frequencies, but both earphones are incredible.
If you would like to read our review of the JH13Pro, please click here.
Of course, there is a gulf of about 350$ between the two now that the JH13Pro has returned to its non-introductory price of 1099$. However, for that price, it packs an Oprah of technology inside: 6 balanced armatures divided between a passive 3-way crossover network which sounds lovely. For 750$, the Prophonics 2X-S will get you dual balanced armatures (dedicated low and dedicated high drivers) on a single crossover network.
Technological differences aside, both inner ear monitors sound very good. I hope these pictures will do two things: whet your appetite for our reviews, and give you a good comparison point. One thing is for sure: both companies have different aims in creating their monitors.
JH13Pro box (left) swallows the 2X-S box (right)
The BIG JH composite carbon box
Notice the difference in twisted cables. The 2X-S is more tightly twisted with a sturdier sheath
JH13Pro cable: soft, noise-free, but very loosely twisted
The 2X-S cable is stiffer, and stronger, but still quiet
Top: JH13Pro; bottom: 2X-S
Head to our headphone (sic) section to catch more news, reviews and anything else which might tickle your fancy.
Jack Kontney | Sep 3, 2009 | Reply
Factual correction:
The price of Sensaphonics 2X-S: $750, not 799.
The updated Sensaphonics 2MAX (optimized for use with wireless IEM systems) is $850.
[Reply]
shigzeo Reply:
September 4th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Yes, I see that, thank you. I have updated the price to 750$.
[Reply]
Shawn Gee | Sep 8, 2009 | Reply
Hey Shigzeo,
I am in the market for some custom in ear monitors. I currently have Shure SCL3s and am on my 3rd pair of the e3 derivatives. Anyway, I was looking to get Sleek CT6s based on yours and others reviews. Then I found JH Audio through Head-Fi and was also looking at the JH-5 as well as the UE-4. I see you now have the JH-13, and see many people praising it on Head-Fi. Could you make a comparison between the Sleek and the JH-13. I wasn’t planning on spending that much on my customs but if it really is that big of a difference then I might just consider saving up the extra money.
Shawn
[Reply]
shigzeo Reply:
September 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hello Shawn,
I will be making a formal comparison a bit later. My review of the JH13Pro is a little ways off (probably about 3 weeks). I will say this for now: both are very good. I think the JH13Pro is probably one of the best sounding hearing instruments on the planet, however, the CT6 from Sleek is simply phenomenal. For the price, I think the Sleek CT6 is unbeatable. However, I cannot say anything about the JH5 since I have only heard the universal version of it.
cheers
[Reply]