DDHiFi Janus 2 (E2020B)
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DDHiFi Janus 2, E2020B ($199): Retuned, with better sound.
*Better late than never, I post this while revisiting the Janus2, which I still really, REALLY like.
Janus2
Intro: After the Janus E2020A made the rounds, DDHiFi asked for and received tuning recommendations. While I enjoyed the tuning, something seemed off. Moving to a more “consumer-oriented” tuning, the E2020B comes across with changes, which might make it better. I thank DDHiFi for the support and sending of the unit. It is understood that the unit may be asked back for at any time, but until then, it is mine to keep; but not sell. That’s still really, really uncool to do.
*George hangs stuff from trees, I use stone blocks cut from our historic quarry...
Specs:
In The Box:
Janus 2 (E2020B)
Upgraded MMCX cable, 3.5mm se
C80A earphone case (different color)
C10A magnetic cable clip (matches case as before)
MMCX dust cover plugs x10
3 sets silicone bass tips
3 sets silicone treble tips
Gear Used/Compared:
CFA Honeydew ($249)
CFA Satsuma ($199)
Thieaudio Legacy 4 ($195)
BQEYZ Spring 2 ($165)
DDHiFi Janus-E2020A ($199)
Cayin N6ii (E01 motherboard)
MacBook Pro
Shanling M6 Pro
HiBy R3 Pro Saber
Songs:
Alex Fox
Pink Floyd
Buena Vista Social Club
Elton John
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Shane Hennessy
Jeff Beck
Dave Matthews
Unboxing:
I unabashedly love the unboxing experience of DDHiFi products. Originally coming in small bamboo boxes, the company went towards a more environmental route with recycled cardboard boxes. I applaud this push, and while I miss the bamboo boxes, don’t regret the switch.
The Janus-B comes in an elongated rectangular box, with a lift off lid. Remove the lid and you will find the new colored goldish-bronze carrying case on one side and a same sized box labeled “Janus.” Inside that box you will find the Janus-B set in a foam protective square. The cable and accessories come within the new case. A full set of accessories comes with the Janus-B including two different styles of tips, one for treble oriented sound, and one for more bass orientation. Also included are 10 small plastic plugs to be used for the MMCX side of the Janus if you choose to use a 2-pin 0.78mm cable. This came with the original Janus as well, which gives a nice touch and can keep dust out of the earphone itself. A very competent owner’s manual is also included, complete with pictures. DDHiFi has had this right from the beginning, so it is nice to see this pattern continue. The new color is certainly unexpected, and an almost brazen attempt at one-upmanship to the competition. So far with everything that DDHiFi has done, they have the good to back it up.
Technology:
Listening to the users and reviewers of the Janus-A, DDHiFi didn’t just tweak the new one, they redesigned it. I will admit I liked the Janus-A, but felt it was lacking in a bit of tonality. The Janus-B “corrects” this by using a new 10mm dynamic driver and redesigned acoustic chamber. A faster driver to boot, the rear of the cavity is now two chambers, cutting down on the resonance of that driver. Think of it this way. Sometimes resonance is good, for it gives good depth and a 3-dimensionality to the bass. But the downside is that it can be slow to respond and allow a certain muddiness of sound to pervade your listening pleasure. The new one does not, and I can admit the bass is faster in responding and with better control while reaching a bit deeper.
A nice trick from the old one is gone as well. Instead of using PCB to connect the wiring to the driver, which not only looked cool but allowed a quick response across the sound spectrum, the new one uses regular old wiring. But that wiring was developed in conjunction with custom cable maker, Effect Audio. I can remember a meme from not too long ago that made fun of users who spend too much on cables, only to be bound by merely 10 cents of inside wiring connecting the crossover, driver and cable. It makes sense, and Effect is quite good at cables, so I suspect the connecting wires inside the Janus-B is as well. Again, DDHiFi fixes a problem we may not know we had. They certainly did not have to but jumped ahead yet again. While the wiring may not offer the exact same “precision” as the PCB, it works nonetheless, and we should expect the same level of performance. Add in a new venting system with a ring set around the short nozzle of the ear side shell and you can understand how the bass is richer, deeper and with better control.
The cable is new as well, made of silver-plated OCC also by Effect Audio. The aftermarket Air cable of the previous version was a really fine cable in its own right, but some may not have liked the color (No big deal to me...). The new one looks more mainstream while providing quality sound. There is a bit of microphonics involved, but not like many of today.
Build/Fit/Finish:
I could write this in one sentence stating that the build of the Janus-B is exactly like all of their adapters and wires, as in as good as it gets. But there is more to it than that. I did find the look to be a bit less premium than the Janus-A, until I listened. Made of two halves, one is a clear plastic material and the other of steel. Fit is very much like an ear bud, but as per the original can be worn either up or down. I will state that when wearing down, there was much sou8nd leakage from the outside on the Janus-A. Not so with the B, as isolation is much, much better. Not sealed, but using the included bass tips, very adequate.
Still using both MMCX and 2-pin of standard 0.78mm, you still get versatility. There are no ear guides on the cable so wearing the bud up like and IEM is a trick in placing the wire properly. I will also add that when worn up, the fit is a smidge better for me, with a deeper reach of bass than down. But when worn down, the fit and sound is much better than from the Janus-A. Whatever voodoo was done here, I approve.
The polished steel shell does draw fingerprints, but to be honest, it is lying inside your ear most of the time, so who cares. Combine that with the still easy to grab back shell and you get an IEM/ear bud, which is quite easy to handle. The case may be a new color as well, but is the familiar open clipped top, complete with magnets. Why change a good thing? The cable clip also still has a magnet for roping in the cable. When not in use, as in when I’m listening, I close the clip, and allow the magical magnetic forces to grab onto it, staying put on the case. It is rather fun to try the other side, so you can make the case magically walk away from you...oh to be kids again...I would rate the Janus-B easily as good as the Janus-A, if not better.
Sound:
Summary:
If I had to sum up the new tuning on the Janus-B, it would be more “consumer-oriented,” but in a good way. While there is more bass emphasis, both in reach and quality specifically quality. While there can be a bit of rumble, this would not be quantified as a bass-oriented ear bud. Hence the quality. Better speed and response are definitive differences, and this helps tighten up the signature across the board as there is little to no bleed in my less than stellar hearing. The treble is still thankfully distinct and present in sufficient detail. The mids to me are also pushed a small bit forward or maybe it has better presence than the old, which was very good in its own right. Treble as mentioned does not become tiresome, rounding out a thorough upgrade to the sound, of which I approve; even if it may be more consumer oriented.
More:
Sometimes going with a new signature is good, sometimes bad. Sometimes this is driven by marketing or consumer response. Any way you look at it, this can be a bit risky. Taking a tried and true model, and “upgrading it” can have devastating consequences if done wrong. Going from the Janus-A to the Janus-B has been a positive move in my estimation. I did like the Janus-A for reasons other than it was simply different from most of that time (last year...). But the Janus-B simply doesn’t fall into the “mee too” signature to accommodate market fluctuations. The change is a result of customer feedback for the better.
The new driver is faster in response, which tightens up the bass making for a tauter, less intrusive bass. While not necessarily more in quantity as I mentioned, the bass response is better in that decay, hence you get less intrusion into the mids. Sometimes bleed into the mids is good for it can lend a certain richness to the signature. Not here. It is not needed. Allowing the notes to speak for themselves, the bass plays in quality over quantity, adding in rumble when needed. On Reckoner, I find the bass quantity just right. The rumble, which is present complements the guitar work of Frampton nicely, but does not intrude. A well behaved bass is all I could ask for here, and a nice change from the lifted sub-bass of some lately. It has been mentioned among some peers that the new signature norm is one of lifted sub-bass instead of the near neutral with composure. I would agree and some reviews of IEM’s, which tend towards neutral are called “thin” in response when a better description would be “neutral.” I like a bass signature, but appreciate and respect neutral, or reference. I do think it is important to clarify both with the way tuning seems to be going. The Janus-B in response is neither neutral nor sub bass lifted or heavy. A nice balance of richness pervades my senses.
The balance carries over into the mids as a result. It can be rightly said that here the B “falls behind” the A in mid response. Not as frontal, or pushed forward, the B does fall a bit behind the A as a result. To me (and others) timbre is better though. So, the tradeoff is a less prominent mid-section, but added musicality. On Wish You Were Here from the Pink Floyd tribute album, Joe Satriani’s wonderful guitar licks do seem a bit less prominent on the Janus-B, but it is not bad mind you. Call it a compromise in working together.
The treble on the Janus-B is to my liking, even if it can be a bit frontal. Those who have better hearing than I may not appreciate this, but the air between notes is better on the new version to me. Call it competent and slightly lifted in comparison, but with slightly better detail. I do not find this offensive.
A fault I had with the Janus-A, if you want to call it that, is the soundstage. Smaller than I thought it should be, the Janus-B “corrects” this, with better depth and height. As a result, instrumentation & separation are aided, giving a certain spaciousness to the sound, but without being what I would call thin. Certainly not molasses thick, but the richness of the mids helps to fill the spatial awareness in the soundstage. Shane Hennessy’s Raindance is a cacophony of guitar plucks, plinks, and strikes; which comes across with excellent spaciousness on the Janus-B. A very complicated track once it gets going, I find the Janus-B holds its composure well during those sections. Nicely done and nicely presented.
Comparisons:
Just by the sheer number of comparisons listed below, you can see there is incredibly tough competition for the Janus-B. I would even venture this may be the toughest market segment out there...
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v CFA Honeydew ($249):
The reincarnation of the two CFA models has been met with outright hate by some. And love by others. I really, REALLY wish the hate would stop. It is almost like certain reviewers have an agenda against CFA. If you do not like them, stop listening to them.
Marketed as the “bassier” of the two, the Honeydew is a wonderful addition to the CFA line up, and from my review note that bass can bleed into the mids a bit, but this is where that is a complimentary action. Detail and clarity are still very good, and the lineage from the Andromeda can clearly be heard. If we were to gauge these two on clarity alone (even with the added bass note), the Honeydew would win out. Add in that additional bass and it may be a runaway. But, the Janus-B is a worthy competitor for it has better soundstage to me (which is a surprise), and I like the treble treatment better on the B. I could not pick a winner, nor should I for each has their own merits.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v CFA Satsuma ($199):
Where the Honeydew shines in richness and bass, the Satsuma wins out in details. It does seem odd that the less expensive model may in fact have the better detail response, but that is what I hear. And this hearkens to what some have referred to as thin. The Satsuma is nothing like that. Excellent detail highlights a thoroughly pleasant signature, with an expansive stage. Less bass than the Janus-B for sure, but also more air between notes. If you prefer a slightly richer signature, then the Janus-B might be the better choice. If you want an affordable detail-oriented IEM patterned after the Andromeda, there are far worse choices than the Satsuma.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v Thieaudio Legacy 4 ($195):
The Legacy 4 continued the excellent success of the Thieaudio lineup. Think of Thieaudio as an all-star rock band, who took stars from other bands and formed a super group, like Asia of old. That one did not work out, but the Thieaudio line has. The Legacy 4 is one of my top picks at this price as a result. A bit less bass than I would like, but good nonetheless, the Legacy 4 makes up for that in its richness of signature. The Legacy 4 is more mid-centric to me as well. As a result, it does not have the sheer width of soundstage the Janus-B has. But that midcentric sound comes across with excellent detail. This also leads into a treble note, which is too bright for my liking. The treble note is excellent in response and detailed, but there is a bit too much for my liking, especially when compared to the Janus-B. These two are very different in character and should be looked at individually rather than competitors.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v BQEYZ Spring 2 ($165):
Another favorite of mine at this price, the Spring 2 was a very pleasant surprise. With a richness, that belied its character to me, it really does feel like that first fine, warm Spring day. Bass is equally taut in the Spring 2, but mids again are lifted. Not as much as the Legacy 4 thankfully, and the treble note is much more akin to the Janus-B. In other words, not strident or pulsating. Of the models compared here, to me these two are closest in signature (others may hear something completely different). Equally spacious in stage as well the Spring 2 really is a fine unit for the price, and one that could be looked at equally in comparison to the Janus-B.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v DDHiFi Janus-E2020A ($199):
The comparison everyone wants...new v old. Improved v old. Well, the Janus-A had its merits in mid presentation and detail response. Especially when complemented by the Air balanced cable. I like it still, but find it lacking in bass response. A really cool design in shell cannot make up for the lack of bass response to me. The Janus-B has better reach down low and is tighter and tauter. If you want a model, which leans towards a detailed warmth, that represents the musicality of the song, then the Janus-A would indeed be a good fit. If you prefer a more spacious soundstage and better, faster bass response along with that timbre mentioned above, the Janus-B is a “clear winner” and step forward. That “thinness” mentioned as a response to tuning might be called upon here for the Janus-A, but it is not thin, just not as prominent a sound signature as the Janus-B. If I had to choose though, the Janus-B to me is the better choice.
Finale:
To me, DDHiFi has yet to put a foot wrong. Some might find the Janus-A not to their liking, but so what. It is different tuning, because that’s what DDHiFi does. Different. As mentioned in my very first review of their wares, DDHiFi finds solutions to problems we may not even know exist. And those solutions are stellar in creation, build, and usage. I have yet to find flaw in any of their wares, which says something about how they approach business. It is said that if you work for Lamborghini, that you sign strict confidentiality contracts, extending even to your use of social media. There is a reason that Lamborghini’s are so sought in in the luxury car market, the brand is as much the sell as the actual car.
I liken this to DDHiFi and their wares. While they may only produce accessories, adapters, cables, and the Janus-B; the approach is the same. You work for us, our goal is to provide the best product no matter if it is a $10 magnetic strap, and adapter or the $199 Janus-B. This is our passion as much as producing amongst the best cars on the planet is to Lamborghini. Different price points, but the approach holds true. Provide the customer with the best possible unit we can and if they like it, good. If it is not for them, we cannot fault how we presented and built the product.
The Janus-B is pretty much an entirely new unit, and I like it more than the Janus-A, which I also liked. If I had to choose one, it would be the B 8 days a week. Please, keep up the excellent work, DDHiFi.
Many, many thanks to Lily and DDHiFi again for the support offered me by their wares. They are excellent and the customer service is as well.
Cheers.
*Better late than never, I post this while revisiting the Janus2, which I still really, REALLY like.
Janus2
Intro: After the Janus E2020A made the rounds, DDHiFi asked for and received tuning recommendations. While I enjoyed the tuning, something seemed off. Moving to a more “consumer-oriented” tuning, the E2020B comes across with changes, which might make it better. I thank DDHiFi for the support and sending of the unit. It is understood that the unit may be asked back for at any time, but until then, it is mine to keep; but not sell. That’s still really, really uncool to do.
*George hangs stuff from trees, I use stone blocks cut from our historic quarry...
Specs:
- Type: IEM
- Style: Dynamic Driver
- Driver: 1x Dynamic, 10mm (new)
- Socket: MMCX + 2-Pin (0.78mm)
- Cable: octo-core silver-plated OFC + copper OCC
- Shell: acrylic + 316L steel
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 12 ohms
- Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
- Cable length: 120 cm (Effect Audio designed/built)
In The Box:
Janus 2 (E2020B)
Upgraded MMCX cable, 3.5mm se
C80A earphone case (different color)
C10A magnetic cable clip (matches case as before)
MMCX dust cover plugs x10
3 sets silicone bass tips
3 sets silicone treble tips
Gear Used/Compared:
CFA Honeydew ($249)
CFA Satsuma ($199)
Thieaudio Legacy 4 ($195)
BQEYZ Spring 2 ($165)
DDHiFi Janus-E2020A ($199)
Cayin N6ii (E01 motherboard)
MacBook Pro
Shanling M6 Pro
HiBy R3 Pro Saber
Songs:
Alex Fox
Pink Floyd
Buena Vista Social Club
Elton John
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Shane Hennessy
Jeff Beck
Dave Matthews
Unboxing:
I unabashedly love the unboxing experience of DDHiFi products. Originally coming in small bamboo boxes, the company went towards a more environmental route with recycled cardboard boxes. I applaud this push, and while I miss the bamboo boxes, don’t regret the switch.
The Janus-B comes in an elongated rectangular box, with a lift off lid. Remove the lid and you will find the new colored goldish-bronze carrying case on one side and a same sized box labeled “Janus.” Inside that box you will find the Janus-B set in a foam protective square. The cable and accessories come within the new case. A full set of accessories comes with the Janus-B including two different styles of tips, one for treble oriented sound, and one for more bass orientation. Also included are 10 small plastic plugs to be used for the MMCX side of the Janus if you choose to use a 2-pin 0.78mm cable. This came with the original Janus as well, which gives a nice touch and can keep dust out of the earphone itself. A very competent owner’s manual is also included, complete with pictures. DDHiFi has had this right from the beginning, so it is nice to see this pattern continue. The new color is certainly unexpected, and an almost brazen attempt at one-upmanship to the competition. So far with everything that DDHiFi has done, they have the good to back it up.
Technology:
Listening to the users and reviewers of the Janus-A, DDHiFi didn’t just tweak the new one, they redesigned it. I will admit I liked the Janus-A, but felt it was lacking in a bit of tonality. The Janus-B “corrects” this by using a new 10mm dynamic driver and redesigned acoustic chamber. A faster driver to boot, the rear of the cavity is now two chambers, cutting down on the resonance of that driver. Think of it this way. Sometimes resonance is good, for it gives good depth and a 3-dimensionality to the bass. But the downside is that it can be slow to respond and allow a certain muddiness of sound to pervade your listening pleasure. The new one does not, and I can admit the bass is faster in responding and with better control while reaching a bit deeper.
A nice trick from the old one is gone as well. Instead of using PCB to connect the wiring to the driver, which not only looked cool but allowed a quick response across the sound spectrum, the new one uses regular old wiring. But that wiring was developed in conjunction with custom cable maker, Effect Audio. I can remember a meme from not too long ago that made fun of users who spend too much on cables, only to be bound by merely 10 cents of inside wiring connecting the crossover, driver and cable. It makes sense, and Effect is quite good at cables, so I suspect the connecting wires inside the Janus-B is as well. Again, DDHiFi fixes a problem we may not know we had. They certainly did not have to but jumped ahead yet again. While the wiring may not offer the exact same “precision” as the PCB, it works nonetheless, and we should expect the same level of performance. Add in a new venting system with a ring set around the short nozzle of the ear side shell and you can understand how the bass is richer, deeper and with better control.
The cable is new as well, made of silver-plated OCC also by Effect Audio. The aftermarket Air cable of the previous version was a really fine cable in its own right, but some may not have liked the color (No big deal to me...). The new one looks more mainstream while providing quality sound. There is a bit of microphonics involved, but not like many of today.
Build/Fit/Finish:
I could write this in one sentence stating that the build of the Janus-B is exactly like all of their adapters and wires, as in as good as it gets. But there is more to it than that. I did find the look to be a bit less premium than the Janus-A, until I listened. Made of two halves, one is a clear plastic material and the other of steel. Fit is very much like an ear bud, but as per the original can be worn either up or down. I will state that when wearing down, there was much sou8nd leakage from the outside on the Janus-A. Not so with the B, as isolation is much, much better. Not sealed, but using the included bass tips, very adequate.
Still using both MMCX and 2-pin of standard 0.78mm, you still get versatility. There are no ear guides on the cable so wearing the bud up like and IEM is a trick in placing the wire properly. I will also add that when worn up, the fit is a smidge better for me, with a deeper reach of bass than down. But when worn down, the fit and sound is much better than from the Janus-A. Whatever voodoo was done here, I approve.
The polished steel shell does draw fingerprints, but to be honest, it is lying inside your ear most of the time, so who cares. Combine that with the still easy to grab back shell and you get an IEM/ear bud, which is quite easy to handle. The case may be a new color as well, but is the familiar open clipped top, complete with magnets. Why change a good thing? The cable clip also still has a magnet for roping in the cable. When not in use, as in when I’m listening, I close the clip, and allow the magical magnetic forces to grab onto it, staying put on the case. It is rather fun to try the other side, so you can make the case magically walk away from you...oh to be kids again...I would rate the Janus-B easily as good as the Janus-A, if not better.
Sound:
Summary:
If I had to sum up the new tuning on the Janus-B, it would be more “consumer-oriented,” but in a good way. While there is more bass emphasis, both in reach and quality specifically quality. While there can be a bit of rumble, this would not be quantified as a bass-oriented ear bud. Hence the quality. Better speed and response are definitive differences, and this helps tighten up the signature across the board as there is little to no bleed in my less than stellar hearing. The treble is still thankfully distinct and present in sufficient detail. The mids to me are also pushed a small bit forward or maybe it has better presence than the old, which was very good in its own right. Treble as mentioned does not become tiresome, rounding out a thorough upgrade to the sound, of which I approve; even if it may be more consumer oriented.
More:
Sometimes going with a new signature is good, sometimes bad. Sometimes this is driven by marketing or consumer response. Any way you look at it, this can be a bit risky. Taking a tried and true model, and “upgrading it” can have devastating consequences if done wrong. Going from the Janus-A to the Janus-B has been a positive move in my estimation. I did like the Janus-A for reasons other than it was simply different from most of that time (last year...). But the Janus-B simply doesn’t fall into the “mee too” signature to accommodate market fluctuations. The change is a result of customer feedback for the better.
The new driver is faster in response, which tightens up the bass making for a tauter, less intrusive bass. While not necessarily more in quantity as I mentioned, the bass response is better in that decay, hence you get less intrusion into the mids. Sometimes bleed into the mids is good for it can lend a certain richness to the signature. Not here. It is not needed. Allowing the notes to speak for themselves, the bass plays in quality over quantity, adding in rumble when needed. On Reckoner, I find the bass quantity just right. The rumble, which is present complements the guitar work of Frampton nicely, but does not intrude. A well behaved bass is all I could ask for here, and a nice change from the lifted sub-bass of some lately. It has been mentioned among some peers that the new signature norm is one of lifted sub-bass instead of the near neutral with composure. I would agree and some reviews of IEM’s, which tend towards neutral are called “thin” in response when a better description would be “neutral.” I like a bass signature, but appreciate and respect neutral, or reference. I do think it is important to clarify both with the way tuning seems to be going. The Janus-B in response is neither neutral nor sub bass lifted or heavy. A nice balance of richness pervades my senses.
The balance carries over into the mids as a result. It can be rightly said that here the B “falls behind” the A in mid response. Not as frontal, or pushed forward, the B does fall a bit behind the A as a result. To me (and others) timbre is better though. So, the tradeoff is a less prominent mid-section, but added musicality. On Wish You Were Here from the Pink Floyd tribute album, Joe Satriani’s wonderful guitar licks do seem a bit less prominent on the Janus-B, but it is not bad mind you. Call it a compromise in working together.
The treble on the Janus-B is to my liking, even if it can be a bit frontal. Those who have better hearing than I may not appreciate this, but the air between notes is better on the new version to me. Call it competent and slightly lifted in comparison, but with slightly better detail. I do not find this offensive.
A fault I had with the Janus-A, if you want to call it that, is the soundstage. Smaller than I thought it should be, the Janus-B “corrects” this, with better depth and height. As a result, instrumentation & separation are aided, giving a certain spaciousness to the sound, but without being what I would call thin. Certainly not molasses thick, but the richness of the mids helps to fill the spatial awareness in the soundstage. Shane Hennessy’s Raindance is a cacophony of guitar plucks, plinks, and strikes; which comes across with excellent spaciousness on the Janus-B. A very complicated track once it gets going, I find the Janus-B holds its composure well during those sections. Nicely done and nicely presented.
Comparisons:
Just by the sheer number of comparisons listed below, you can see there is incredibly tough competition for the Janus-B. I would even venture this may be the toughest market segment out there...
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v CFA Honeydew ($249):
The reincarnation of the two CFA models has been met with outright hate by some. And love by others. I really, REALLY wish the hate would stop. It is almost like certain reviewers have an agenda against CFA. If you do not like them, stop listening to them.
Marketed as the “bassier” of the two, the Honeydew is a wonderful addition to the CFA line up, and from my review note that bass can bleed into the mids a bit, but this is where that is a complimentary action. Detail and clarity are still very good, and the lineage from the Andromeda can clearly be heard. If we were to gauge these two on clarity alone (even with the added bass note), the Honeydew would win out. Add in that additional bass and it may be a runaway. But, the Janus-B is a worthy competitor for it has better soundstage to me (which is a surprise), and I like the treble treatment better on the B. I could not pick a winner, nor should I for each has their own merits.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v CFA Satsuma ($199):
Where the Honeydew shines in richness and bass, the Satsuma wins out in details. It does seem odd that the less expensive model may in fact have the better detail response, but that is what I hear. And this hearkens to what some have referred to as thin. The Satsuma is nothing like that. Excellent detail highlights a thoroughly pleasant signature, with an expansive stage. Less bass than the Janus-B for sure, but also more air between notes. If you prefer a slightly richer signature, then the Janus-B might be the better choice. If you want an affordable detail-oriented IEM patterned after the Andromeda, there are far worse choices than the Satsuma.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v Thieaudio Legacy 4 ($195):
The Legacy 4 continued the excellent success of the Thieaudio lineup. Think of Thieaudio as an all-star rock band, who took stars from other bands and formed a super group, like Asia of old. That one did not work out, but the Thieaudio line has. The Legacy 4 is one of my top picks at this price as a result. A bit less bass than I would like, but good nonetheless, the Legacy 4 makes up for that in its richness of signature. The Legacy 4 is more mid-centric to me as well. As a result, it does not have the sheer width of soundstage the Janus-B has. But that midcentric sound comes across with excellent detail. This also leads into a treble note, which is too bright for my liking. The treble note is excellent in response and detailed, but there is a bit too much for my liking, especially when compared to the Janus-B. These two are very different in character and should be looked at individually rather than competitors.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v BQEYZ Spring 2 ($165):
Another favorite of mine at this price, the Spring 2 was a very pleasant surprise. With a richness, that belied its character to me, it really does feel like that first fine, warm Spring day. Bass is equally taut in the Spring 2, but mids again are lifted. Not as much as the Legacy 4 thankfully, and the treble note is much more akin to the Janus-B. In other words, not strident or pulsating. Of the models compared here, to me these two are closest in signature (others may hear something completely different). Equally spacious in stage as well the Spring 2 really is a fine unit for the price, and one that could be looked at equally in comparison to the Janus-B.
DDHiFi Janus-B ($199) v DDHiFi Janus-E2020A ($199):
The comparison everyone wants...new v old. Improved v old. Well, the Janus-A had its merits in mid presentation and detail response. Especially when complemented by the Air balanced cable. I like it still, but find it lacking in bass response. A really cool design in shell cannot make up for the lack of bass response to me. The Janus-B has better reach down low and is tighter and tauter. If you want a model, which leans towards a detailed warmth, that represents the musicality of the song, then the Janus-A would indeed be a good fit. If you prefer a more spacious soundstage and better, faster bass response along with that timbre mentioned above, the Janus-B is a “clear winner” and step forward. That “thinness” mentioned as a response to tuning might be called upon here for the Janus-A, but it is not thin, just not as prominent a sound signature as the Janus-B. If I had to choose though, the Janus-B to me is the better choice.
Finale:
To me, DDHiFi has yet to put a foot wrong. Some might find the Janus-A not to their liking, but so what. It is different tuning, because that’s what DDHiFi does. Different. As mentioned in my very first review of their wares, DDHiFi finds solutions to problems we may not even know exist. And those solutions are stellar in creation, build, and usage. I have yet to find flaw in any of their wares, which says something about how they approach business. It is said that if you work for Lamborghini, that you sign strict confidentiality contracts, extending even to your use of social media. There is a reason that Lamborghini’s are so sought in in the luxury car market, the brand is as much the sell as the actual car.
I liken this to DDHiFi and their wares. While they may only produce accessories, adapters, cables, and the Janus-B; the approach is the same. You work for us, our goal is to provide the best product no matter if it is a $10 magnetic strap, and adapter or the $199 Janus-B. This is our passion as much as producing amongst the best cars on the planet is to Lamborghini. Different price points, but the approach holds true. Provide the customer with the best possible unit we can and if they like it, good. If it is not for them, we cannot fault how we presented and built the product.
The Janus-B is pretty much an entirely new unit, and I like it more than the Janus-A, which I also liked. If I had to choose one, it would be the B 8 days a week. Please, keep up the excellent work, DDHiFi.
Many, many thanks to Lily and DDHiFi again for the support offered me by their wares. They are excellent and the customer service is as well.
Cheers.
Ace Bee
So, the Honeydew has better clarity, but Janus 2 has the better stage expansion...on all sides? Width, depth, height - all?
ngoshawk
No, I said the Honeydew has better clarity and soundstage, by a small bit and that surprised me. Most CFA models (to me) have very good soundstages.
Executive Summary
The ddHifi Janus2 (model 2020B) is a moderately warm and technically very capable single DD earphone with a bright tilt in the midrange. It is sonically completely different from the Janus1 (2020A).This reviews was previously published at www.audioreviews.org
Introduction
In the previous article we had a look at ddHifi’s first earphone, the Janus (2020A or Janus1). This is my analysis of the Janus2 (2020B) which replaces it. As it appears, some early adopters of the 2020A may have decried a lack of sub-bass extension so that ddHifi modelled their follow-up according to some frequency response model curve (I speculate).Janus1 sound(ed) great to me as the tuning is matching the driver. Other examples of great-sounding iems with “unusual” frequency responses are the Dunu Zen, the Final Audio E3000/E5000, and Meze RAI Solo, to name just a few. There are, on the other hand, iems that sound meh because they were squeezed into a model curve. The SeeAudio Yume comes to mind.
What this tells us is that quantity (“frequency responses”) does not always translate to quality (“sound”). In fact, it never really does, but some frequency responses may ring alarm bells.
One thing up front, the newly designed Janus2 has sonically little in common with the Janus1: it is bassier, brighter, and faster. Whether this means is it more balanced than the Janus1, we will work out as follows.
Optically, not much has changed, there is more steel (and less “transparency”) in the earpieces, but there is a new, “faster” driver with high-speed tweeter inside.
Specifications
| Drivers: 10 mm dynamic |
| Impedance: 12 Ω |
| Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW |
| Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Cable/Connector: BC110A Silver-Plated OFC Earphone Cable |
| Tested at: $200 |
| Product Page: Janus2 (E2020B) |
| Product Page: C80A PU Leather Storage Case |
| Product Page: C10A Magnetic Cable Clip |
| Purchase Link: aliexpress |
Physical Things and Usability
In the box are the two earpieces, the C80A PU leather storage case ($25)with magnetic lock, the BC110A silver plated ofc cable with MMCX connectors ($46) and the C10A magnetic cable clip ($8), 2 sets of silicone eartips (red-stemmed “bass type” bulbous narrow-bores, and black-stemmed “treble type” short wide-bores), 10 MMCX hole dust covers, and the usual paperwork. As you see, you can purchase some of the included accessories individually, and they add up to almost $80.
The earpieces preserve the Janus1′ innovative shape and still feature the dual connectors (2 pin, 0.78 mm and MMCX).
The cable’s wires are a combination of OFC (oxygen-free copper, for grounding) and silver-plated OFC (for data transmission) that comes with MMCX connectors and a 3.5 mm plug. The MMCX connection is the tighest fitting I have experienced. Cable’s outer material is medium hard PVC, which gives the cable just the right elasticity and keeps it free from microphonics.
The cable is devoid of (constricting) earhooks so that the earpieces can be worn over and under ear. In summary, an excellent one.
The case is still stain and fading resistant, lined with microfibre, and with a magnetic lock, but the material is now PU leather, which is smoother than the Janus1’s cowhide leather (but lacks that natural smell).
The reversible magnetic cable clips is strong enough to hold the Janus2 on the fridge door (a first step to our Wall of Excellence?) and on my jacket.
And like the Janus1, the Janus2 are very comfortable whilst isolation is soso. The included wide-bores worked again best for me. With its higher sensitivity, the Janus2 is easier to drive than the Janus1.
As with the Janus1, the whole assembly, that is earpieces and cable, is extremely light and small, and fit in the smallest shirt pocket.
Tonality and Technicalities
Testing and Measuring Details
Equipment used: MacBook Air, iPhone SE (1st gen.); AudioQuest Dragonfly Red/Earstudio HUD100 w. JitterBug FMJ, AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, EarMen Eagle; Astell & Kern PEE51; both sets of stock tips (red-stemmed “bass type” bulbous narrow-bore, and black-stemmed “treble type” short wide-bores); 200 hours of break in.
ddHifi have tuned the new 10 mm high-speed driver of the Janus2 completely differently compared to the original Janus1 by adding bass and upper midrange (for balance) but the treble (rolloff) remains approximately the same.
Janus1 vs. Janus2.
The “bass” tips have an upper midrange boost over the “treble” tips.
In the big picture, this results in a well-tempered DD sound, big staging, lushious spatial cues, good dynamics and excellent note definition, but a leaner midrange (compared to the Janus1) with grain at higher volumes and the occasional sibilance. In my testing, the Janus2 sounded best with a warm, organic source such as the two DragonFlys or the slightly cooler EarMen Eagle.
Sub-bass extension is (now) adequate, you get a good rumble at the low end, but it is still not record breaking deeply rooted. Mid bass is punchy and dynamic with a satisfying kick. There is good speed and texturing…it is on the faster side of the dynamic drivers I have tested. And yes, there are more than enough bass and impact, way more than in the Janus1.
Male and female are natural and well sculptured, with very good note definition and articulation, but they are also lean and frequently sharp, which can get fatiguing. A bit more body would have done them well. Read on…
That boosted upper midrange may help with the perceived technicalities and provide for a clean and transparent midrange, but it makes the lower midrange thin and breathy. And yes, the midrange is shouty at higher volumes and high violin notes can be grainy, but it is well resolving and clean at lower volumes. But…
As always with peaky iems, I put a strip of micropore tape over the nozzles (80-90% of the screens covered), which calms the upper midrange down (results vary between earphones). In this case, it removes most of the shoutiness and adds body to the vocals – and brings the bass out.
After this reversible fix, voices are not aggressive anymore and the richness of the vocals are now acceptable. Problem solved. ddHifi should have not boosted the 4-6 kHz that much, and they should have implemented the pinna gain between 1 and 2 kHz (instead of 3 kHz).
Note definition is very good across the midrange right into the well-resolving lower treble: high piano notes are well defined with cymbals, although somewhat back, are crisp. The recession in the lower midrange from 6 kHz progresses right into the upper midrange above 10 kHz which moves the vocals ahead of the high notes.
Some of the very high notes are tizzy, probably related to the 15 kHz spike, which definitely adds fake resolution, air, and sparkle to the midrange. The lower treble is largely similar to the Janus1’s, that is sweet and polite – and therefore pleasant on the ear.
Soundstage is rather wide with decent depth and height. Imagining, spatial cues, and 3D transparency are very good and so is separation. All better than in Janus1. The driver speed makes this possible and is also responsible for the excellent dynamics and attack. There is no smearing going on.
Timbre is organic with that bit of brightness added. Get yourself some micropore tape and make it darker…
Janus2 Compared
The $199 IKKO Gems OH1S 1 DD +1 BA has a much lesser bass and treble extension and is therefore less V-shaped. OH1S’s vocals are more forward and richer, but also with a tendency toward brightness.The original Janus1 lacks the low-end extension, and vocals sound thicker owing to the more contained upper midrange. To me the Janus1 has a tad too little upper midrange and the Janus2 has too much. This also results in a narrower stage in the Janus1. The midrange of the Janus1 is somewhat reminiscent of the Sennheiser IE 500 PRO. It can also not compete with Janus2 in terms of dynamics.
The frequency responses of the Janus2 and the very well resolving NF NM2+ look similar, but the latter is much hotter in my perception – and way more analytical. Too hot to handle for me.
Concluding Remarks
ddHifi have produced a very good sophomore iem, but with a caveat: 2 steps forward and 1 step back. They implemented a faster dynamic driver and tuned it according a model curve as it seems. Out came a more dynamic, better resolving, better imaging, better staging iem (than Janus1 2020A).However, the Janus2 falls short in the vocals department by an overdone upper midrange boost. Luckily, this can be fixed by very simple means. If ddHifi had tuned it slightly better, the Janus2 could be considered being fantastic.
If you own the Janus1, should you…? Erm…I don’t know but the Janus2 is a completely different beast.
The Janus2 is as innovative and classy as the rest of ddHifi’s offerings, it truly is a good sounding work of art and deserves a design award.
Until next time…keep on listening!
Disclaimer
The Janus2 was provided by ddHifi for my analysis. Thank you very much.Get the ddHifi from the DD Official Store
Our generic standard disclaimer.
The first ddHiFi product for me was a 2.5 to 4.4 adapter (DJ44A). The day I took it in my hands, I realized that the company has a great future
A small box made of recycled cardboard came to me. When I saw its small size, I was not upset, but rather delighted, because, firstly, the manufacturer cares about the environment, and secondly, a product of excellent quality will be waiting for me inside the box. This is the case when one is not judged by appearance. Let other manufacturers pay attention to this approach...it's better to spend 1 yuan not on royal and pretentious packaging, but invest 1 yuan in the quality of the product and its sound
ddHiFi distributes investments correctly, so the buyer does not pay for a ton of printing, he pays for high quality and sound...in Janus 2 there is sound
Sound. This is a technical presentation of one DD, expressive, with an excellent elaboration of the upper range, smoothly and very coherently turning into a rich middle and further organically descending into a magnificent punchy and rich bass. The imaginary scene is very wide, sometimes the sound becomes halographic, where the sound engineer and the author of the composition intended it
I would call the sound very balanced and comfortable (by comfort I always mean the possibility of long listening without signs of fatigue)
The size of the shells is very small, suitable for all people, except for people who have a very small ear canal
Special attention should be paid to the cable, which was created in collaboration with the legendary Effect Audio. In my opinion, this is an example of a VERY cool co-brand project in the world of audio, such ingenious ideas are sorely lacking in the target audience and the market as a whole
The cable is soft, very high quality and insanely beautiful, despite the fact that it is very laconic because of the small metal elements, but this was apparently done deliberately, so as not to distract attention from the aesthetic futuristic translucent shells iems
At first glance, looking at the Janus 2 advertisement, you do not understand why the costs $199, but when you take the accessories and iems in your hands you understand that the product is worth every cent...but worth listening the Janus 2 to and you forget about money altogether, because that incredible metamorphoses begin in your head, pleasure displaces rational thoughts and you just dissolve in music...
I recommend DDHiFi Janus 2 (E2020B)
Appreciate the small and you will touch the great ©
#ddHiFi #ddHiFiJanus2 #ddHiFiIEMs
Link to store: https://a.aliexpress.com/_AUS8R4
Attachments
The Janus II presents itself in an improved box still made from recycled cardboard and still a very environmentally friendly unboxing. Still some great accessories inside. Same style case but a much shinier metallic color.
The cable is a newly designed The positive pole of the signal wire is made of high-purity silver-plated OFC. And the ground wire is made of pure OFC material. This combination is to make the earphone more balanced as a whole and more pleasant to hear for long-term listening. The Janus 2 utilizes a newly developed high-speed speaker, which results in more powerful expressive force on fast-paced music. This Φ10 dynamic driver has a very fast response speed, coupled with the special cavity design is supposed to give it a transparent sound without excessive excitement. The Janus 2 also is easier to drive with a sensitivity of 105dB and impedance of just 12Ω compared to the previous Impedance of 32Ω and
Sensitivity of 97dB. Needless to say build, comfort and style are all the same and quite good.
Sound:
The new driver Delivers a more speedier performance and This gives the low end a wonderful rapid attack, the Bass is Punchy and neutral focusing more on precision than low end rumble, still it has a great detailed Bass that is non fatiguing and well controlled.
Mids: are rich with details somewhat neutral and bright on top but there is that slight warmth down in the lower mids. They also present some really clear vocals without thinness and female vocals shine without being shouty or harsh. Male vocals sound good and instruments have a fair amount of separation throughout.
Treble: The highs here have some sparkle and decent details. The performance is much improved here but they are still a little laid back, not that it is a bad thing as they never got to a harsh point but some details are lost to me due to their laid back nature. Still they are easy on the ears of treble sensitive people and present a nice balanced non peaky Treble.
Soundstage:
Is wide and airy with accurate imaging and nice separation overall, it feels natural and open. This is a much appreciated feature.
Conclusion:
The Janus 2 is more of an evolution than a upgrade to the Janus 1, improvements were made and good features were kept. The $199 price range is very full of some great IEMs but I think the unique features separate the Janus 2 from the rest, its a well built, great looking contender with a neutral/ balanced sound certainly worth a look.
