Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Jade II
85Outstanding
$690
Full review dataHiFiMAN Jade II vs STAX SR-404: 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.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Jade II - Outstanding overall at around $690.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Jade II
Sound9.0
Value7.0
STAX SR-404
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Jade II | STAX SR-404 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $690 | $395 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2019 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-90kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | Bass-rolled neutral | Neutral |
| Impedance | - | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 365 g | 295 g |
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
STAX SR-404
The STAX SR-404 is an electrostatic over-ear headphone known for its exceptionally transparent and neutral sound, delivering remarkable detail and speed. Its lightweight build and wide frequency response make it a solid choice for critical listening, though it demands a dedicated electrostatic amplifier to function.
- Pro:Outstanding clarity and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Very fast transient response typical of electrostatics
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Very high impedance limits portability and source compatibility
- Con:Bass extension is present but can feel lean to some listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.