q-JAYS review – Refined, Resilient, Reference
q-JAYS earphones
£229.99
Pros
- Engineering precision, solid build and quality craftsmanship. Great cable quality,
- Reference signature with articulate detail
- Refined tuning with great micro-detail
Cons
- Bass presence may not be a little refined for some
- Slight treble peaks but can be addressed with tip selection
- Vocals a little recessed at times
Build Quality
The focus on engineering quality is apparent and the shells are extremely solid with a matt black finish.
They are built using metal injected molding processes, ensuring they are precise and results in a single piece of curved solid housing per shell. To get even greater precision they coupled this with CNC machining and laser-cutting, resulting in extremely small solid shells.
In addition a number of other steps are taken to further improve the shells.
I am very impressed by the design approach and engineering quality of the q-JAYS earphones.
The nozzles have removable acoustic tuning filters that are designed to smooth and wash off any sibilant peaks that could occur. Only one set of filters are present, so this is the only tuning filter option available
A little way down the nozzle there is a recessed groove channel to hold the tips even more securely in place.
Build quality is excellent on these shells and they feel very well built, solid with a reassuring tactile scratch resistant precise finish.
Size is very small, with comfortable nozzle depth, fit is secure and well suited to my ear shape.
I can’t see many people having fit issues with the shape/style and these seem very accessible for a universal IEM.
Digital Audio Player Pairings
I paired the q-JAYS with all 3 digital audio players above, Cowon Plenue S, Chord Hugo DAC and the Sony NW-WM1Z DAP
The q-JAYS earphone paired well with all 3 DAPs.
The Cowon Plenue S DAP had a more delicate presence and was a little bright at times.
The Chord Hugo DAC had a very reference signature with greater articulation and micro detail but there was some hiss at times.
There was particularly good synergy with the Sony NW-WM1Z dap as it added more space and lifted the natural aspects of the q-JAYS earphones characteristics.
Giving a more natural aspect to the sound.
The rest of the review is based on the Sony NW-WM1Z pairing and suited my audio preferences best.
