Review: Clash of the Titans (3D) - JH16 Pro vs. JH13 Pro - Page 12

You can't go wrong with either, really.  I use both interchangeably, depending on source, amplification and genres.  Lately, another factor became more and more important: the mastering of the recording I'm listening to.  High-resolution recordings: either from HDTracks or from the new Japanese SHM-CDs or SHM-SACDs have changed the way I listen to what I consider classics in rock, progressive rock and even jazz.  These new remasters (most of them produced in 2010 and continue thru 2011 and 2012) for the grand total of about 300 titles punch some amazing dynamics, visceral impacts and detail completely missing from the original 80s or 90s 16-bit redbook CDs.  It's like listening to them for the very first time.  I find that the 16s can accommodate these rock titles a bit better in most cases but they are enjoyable with both on the go.  Kickdrums, percussions and other instruments accompanied by visceral impact just translate better with the JH-16 Pros.  In older recordings, however, the 13s provided a more correct, balanced reproduction because most of that detail and extended dynamics were just not present in them or were compressed altogether.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darthdiggler 

Hello, I am a long time fan of this site but I have just joined! I am a professional singer, bass guitarist and music lover.  Having spent a lot of time with both the 13's and the 16's, I am finally getting my own pair of 13's on monday.  For my ears the 13's do everything perfect.  I find the sound of the 16's very artificial.  I dont see how anyone can say that these two iems even sound remotely the same??  The 16's deliver a very dramatic U sound signature while the 13's are far more balanced.  The treble on the 16's for my ears is overbearing and way to harsh. That being said, I was introduced to the 16's before the 13's, and at the time thought the 16's were amazing (and I still do) and was on my way to purchase them.  However, once i heard the 13's there was no going back. Again, everything just seemed better.  I believe that hearing is a totally subjective and only YOU can say what sounds better or worse to your own ears, and both of these iems are incredible, I think there is a placebo effect when people hear these numbers( 13's, 16's, 18's ect).  

Did you pre-audition them using demos?  If so I'm not surprised of how you may find them dissimilar.  Truth is the 16s merely provide enhanced bottom impact in the mid bass range, however, the 13s are not linear either, due to the +6dB bump at 50Hz.  As a singer, the conventional 13s are definitely a good choice for you, but if you were a drummer, you'd be far better off with the 16s.  In terms of treble reproduction there is really not that much of a difference between the two and midrange reproduction differs only as far as detail and instrument separation.

The JH-3A changes everything, though, because of the DSP.  The JH13 version has been discontinued (or canceled), because the JH16 shell and 3-bore sound-tube design was a better choice to match the enhanced capabilities of the 3A Amp/DAC.

In all cases, however, a LOT depends on your source, quality and materials of your interconnects being used to ultimately match either or both of these customs to your particular hearing preferences.