HiFiMAN Jade II vs Shure Srh1840: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Jade II comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Jade II | Shure Srh1840 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $690 | $620 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2019 | 2012 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-90kHz | 10Hz-30kHz |
| Sound signature | Bass-rolled neutral | - |
| Impedance | - | 65 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 96 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 365 g | 268 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Jade II
The HiFiMAN Jade II is an over-ear electrostatic headphone that delivers a precise, airy sound with a lean bass response and excellent technical performance. Its ultra-wide frequency range and lightweight build make it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize clarity and detail over bass weight, though it requires a dedicated amplifier setup.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with fast transients
- Con:Bass is noticeably rolled off, lacking impact
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Fit and comfort may vary due to thin earpads
Shure Srh1840
The Shure SRH1840 is a lightweight, open-back dynamic headphone aimed at studio professionals, offering a notably flat and detailed sound signature with a wide soundstage. Its build is solid and drivers are well-matched, but it demands quality amplification due to its moderate impedance and lower sensitivity, and some measurements point to distortion issues that may affect critical listening. Overall, it's a capable tool for mixing and monitoring when paired with the right gear, though not ideal for portable use.
- Pro:Very flat, neutral frequency response
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Expansive soundstage with clear treble
- Con:Higher harmonic distortion at certain frequencies
- Con:Less efficient, needs a good amp
- Con:Not suitable for portable devices
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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