Designing to cost

There are a number of ways it can happen. Generally, the designers will know ahead of time what is to be expected performance-wise. For high-end IEMs, the more armatures, the better they can be marketed and the lower distortion should be. However, if the drivers don't blend well together, there is no guarantee that it would sound better than one with fewer drivers. Also, the 'sound' of a headphone/iem can be tailored...as many people have said the JH13 have a bass peak around 40-50 hz...some may prefer that sound, others may not. The lower end version from JHaudio is actually flatter.

So my point is, it can be any number of things. The sound could be tailored in a way the designers want (making it different from other models that particular brand carries), it could just be a matter or production cost and priced according to that, the performance could be compared to current offerings and then fit in accordingly price-wise, etc.

There are exceptions, as the OP mentioned, but gear designed for a price point usually falls into the also-ran category. Classic gear generally is not. For instance, I have one of Sony's first DAC units, the DAS 702-es. It is huge and heavy, and it can still keep up with much newer DAC's. After that, Sony progressively gutted the design, and reduced the price. Besides the lesson to buy only first-generation Sony gear, learn when a product is built for profit, and when it is built with passion.

I completely agree with you, Laz.

This is why I greatly prefer classic gear, too. Though I want to add DIY gear, as well. Despite a reputation for being homemade and not quite up to the same standards as commercial gear, DIY is usually wonderful.

Look at something like the Bijou amplifier. Hundreds (if not more) have been built by experienced electronics geeks. If there were any problems in the design, it would be noted by the builders and the corrections would be put into the project going forward. Further, there are no product cycles in DIY, profit targets to meet, sales goals, etc. And if the project calls for X brand capacitors, you are free to use the Y brand capacitors you prefer.

Add in that you can repair your own work, have all the plans and the lower cost, and DIY is tops.

Oddly, you get some of the same rationale when buying classic gear. Earlier this year, I picked up a pair of classic Quad ESL-63 speakers. I was able to find huge amounts of service literature, FAQs, schematics, repair instructions, etc. for these wonderful speakers. In fact, just about as much documentation as I typically find for DIY projects. Because the ESL-63 has been around so long and is loved by so many, it has the same level of hobbyist interest and support as you get in DIY. You'll find the same thing with Klipsch speakers, McIntosh amps, Rega turntables, and many others.

Not to change the subject, but this is part of the reason why I've given serious thought to picking up an older, inexpensive Corvette. Not so much for the performance, but because there's an almost infinite amount of enthusiast support, information, and every last little screw or fastener (in the correct color and style, no less) is available on the aftermarket. You can find the same with some Mustangs and a few other popular models, but Corvette support is amazing. I know I'd be able to keep one on the road forever, have every question answered on the forums and always be able to find any part it needs.

As a lover of Early American cars from the 50's,60's,70's. I have to agree with you. There is an amazing number of parts and support available for early Corvettes.
Price,performance,and looks wise very hard to ignore.
If you research the man that designed it you will find that he went on to design the Biggest Corvette of them all:The 1971 Buick Riviera.