The Jade Audio JT9 brings open-back planar magnetic sound to headphones that are light enough, sensitive enough and foldable enough to use away from a desktop system. A 95 x 86mm planar driver gives it the speed, detail and open soundstage that planar designs are known for, while a 95dB/mW sensitivity rating and 20 Ohm impedance mean it runs happily from a smartphone with a portable DAC or amplifier dongle. It joins the JT7 in the Jade Audio open-back planar range.
Next-Generation Planar Driver
The driver is a proprietary 95 x 86mm planar magnetic unit built around a 1µm ultra-thin PET diaphragm. The diaphragm carries a patented dual coating of sapphire and aluminium: the sapphire layer adds rigidity and the aluminium layer provides conductivity, a combination that supports a fast, extended response with fine resolution. The conductive trace is laid down using a 28nm-grade semiconductor process, deposited under vacuum for uniform thickness and long-term reliability.
Uniform Magnetic Field
A patented magnet layout produces a uniform magnetic field across the whole diaphragm, so the diaphragm moves as one and distortion is suppressed at source. The low moving mass delivers a lightning-fast transient response for treble detail, while the large diaphragm area gives deep bass extension and dynamics. The ear cup structure has been redesigned to reduce the in-head feeling and widen the soundstage, with a more natural and vertical presentation.
Easy to Drive, Easy to Carry
Rated at 95dB/mW (112dB/Vrms at 1kHz) into 20 Ohms, the JT9 has a low driving threshold for a planar headphone and does not need high-power amplification. At 365g it is lightweight for its driver size, and the foldable design overcomes the traditional bulkiness of planar headphones so it packs away easily. A dedicated waterproof carrying case is included, and the headphone carries Hi-Res Audio certification.
Two Cables in the Box
Both a 3.5mm single-ended cable and a 4.4mm balanced cable are supplied, each 1.5m long and detachable, with 3.5mm connectors at the headphone end. The copper conductors combine 0.06mm, 0.08mm and 0.12mm strands in a 22AWG build, and the cables are specially tuned for the mid-bass performance of the planar drivers. A 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is also included for use with full-size headphone outputs.
The JT9 is available in Black and Deep Brown finishes; this listing is for the Black version.