Impressions/Review: Sensaphonics j-phonic MX and SP

[shigzeo]

Well, I spent a few hours with Sensaphonics' newest ear monitor, the j-phonic, and I have to say that I am impressed. On the outside, the new earphone is expensive, especially if you are a numbers' fiend. Their circuitry is the same as the Sensaphonics 2XS and they use the same cable and very similar box.

Their price, however, is much much lower. It comes at 39,900¥ which isn't cheap, though, by any standard. But, where they show their merit, I think, is in their market. I am sure that audiophiles will buy into them, but Sensaphonics don't cater first to audiophiles and they never will. This earphone is a stage monitor and engineering monitor for musicians. It will also be great for other professions where the most important factors in purchase decision are: fit, comfort, isolation, build quality, and musical accuracy.

So, the two drivers and passive crossover in these colourful earphones may sound 'weak' to certain audiophiles who are used to a lot of marketing lingo. The j-phonics are purely earphone, no more, no less. They fit extremely well and lay almost perfectly flat against the concha. Ostensibly, you could even fall asleep with them in if your pillow is soft enough.

They come in several cable lengths and the final termination, too, is user-selectable. In other words, these earphones are tailor-made universals.

Sensaphonics Japan intentionally shied away from the removable cable here for overall longevity against sweat and pin breakage. I think they chose right.

Soundwise, they mimic the 2Xs very closely, except that (surprise surprise), their highs are smoother, less grainy. The 2Xs is a fine sounding custom earphone, but the highs can at times squeak out a bit uncomfortably. The SP and MX version of the j-phonics are free from these problems thanks to better inner lamination.

I will have high quality pictures and fuller impressions/review up later this week, here at our forums with links to the outside world!

[Skepton]

What happened to the review? I don't see it no more. Where can I buy the earphones?