The Jade Audio JT7 is designed to make planar magnetic headphones more approachable for a wider range of listeners. As interest in planar technology continues to grow, brands are finding new ways to balance performance, comfort, and affordability, and the JT7 arrives as part of that broader shift. Rather than chasing extremes, it positions itself as a practical over-ear option meant to fit naturally into everyday listening setups. Let’s examine how the Jade Audio JT7 performs as a complete package, taking into account its build, usability, and overall sound character to determine whether it delivers a satisfying planar experience at its price point.
What You Get
- Jade Audio JT7 Headphones
- 3.5mm headphone cable
- 4.4mm headphone cable
- 6.3mm male to 3.5mm female adapter
- Storage pouch
- Quick start guide
Look & Feel
The Jade Audio JT7 is probably one of the only planar headphones out there that folds inwards. This is the main standout about its design, adding to this headphone’s overall focus on portability. It enters the market immediately as one of the most affordable open-back planar headphones, but the build has a lot going for it, featureing combination of lightweight and durable materials that enhance both durability and all-day comfort. The earcups are large and encompass your ears with their plush pads that allow for tons of airflow while still securing the fit. Nothing about this design feels flimsy, even with plastic materials being used. Its frame is sturdy while also being versatile. There’s no flash or aesthetic flourish to the JT7, but it all works for its practical design.
Design
The Jade Audio JT7 uses a large 95 × 86 mm proprietary planar magnetic driver with an ultra-thin 3 µm diaphragm that vibrates evenly across its surface for fast, detailed response with low distortion and a broad frequency range. FiiO’s F.E.S. (FIIO Elastic System) adds multidimensional texture to the diaphragm to increase its elasticity, enhancing bass extension and control without sacrificing clarity. A two-way high-density magnet array generates a strong magnetic field for higher sensitivity and easier drivability from a variety of sources, while precision manufacturing processes integrate the voice coil and diaphragm seamlessly to improve performance and durability.
Soundstage
Even at its price, the Jade Audio JT7 features the open, spacious sound you’d expect from an over-ear planar headphone. You get a fairly large elevated headspace, while still not feeling a huge sense of scale. The projected width and height of the soundstage allow for semi-holographic spatial imaging that displays the sound outside of your head. Everything you need to hear is in front of you, with instruments placed in defined spaces that are separated from others.
Although the soundstage and imaging present an open space for the instruments, it doesn’t have a ton of depth, putting the sound elements on a very narrow surface. While the soundstage and imaging still appear accurate and immersive, the JT7 has some trouble with stacking busy layers and presenting them with a level of grace. The JT7 is better for simpler tracks that only highlight a few instruments rather than complex arrangements of sound. It does the JT7’s spatial properties more of a service.
Low End
While the JT7 doesn’t feature the most aggressive bass frequencies, the low end shows presence and realism throughout its resposne. The timbre of the bass is smooth but delicate, establishing a full form without featuring the most gratifying impact. With that said, the lows still have a certain speed to them that allows the bass to resonate with a considerable lift, thanks to the clear sub-bass resposne. This is a comfortable tone that might not grab you, but it gives bass notes a chance to make their statement. The bass establishes a gravely foundation, and the mid-bass comes through with a sufficient punch that keeps the frequencies lively and tight. It makes for a controlled presentation of low-end frequencies that offers just enough weight and body to be satisfied with.
Mids
The midrange has an impressive amount of clarity, showcasing natural detail in a way that never feels congealed or cloudy. Notes have a good level of finesse, exhibiting notes with strike and velocity. You get a full, roomy display of midrange tone that comes to you with a serene level of grace to the point where it’s almost lush. It doesn’t quite get to a point where the frequencies are completely transparent, but the amount of midrange resolve you get for this price is commendable. Everything is still presented with a very mellow tone, but you can still pick out parts of the midrange individually without them smearing into each other. Just like the bass, the mids are very comfortable and slightly restrained, but it never underpowers certain bands of frequency and recess them.
Highs
The treble is just as laid back as the rest of the sound signature, which really brings this profile together and makes it work. Nothing is ever completely dulled, but expect a noticeable roll-off in the highs. However, that doesn’t stop the highs from doing more with its limited space. You actually get some nice texture with the JT7’s highs, as they can appear quite airy at times. Cymbals and bells have a ring to them, but their extended detail is very basic. Brightness is balanced and almost a non-factor if it weren’t for the JT7’s natural sound profile.
Summary
The Jade Audio JT7 proves that planar magnetic headphones don’t need to be expensive or impractical to be enjoyable. Its fold-inward design and lightweight build make it unusually portable for an open-back planar, while the large diaphragm delivers a sound signature that leans smooth, spacious, and easy to listen to. The soundstage offers openness and solid imaging, the bass is controlled and articulate, the mids are clear and relaxed, and the treble remains airy without ever becoming fatiguing. While the JT7 may struggle with dense, highly layered tracks and doesn’t offer the deepest stage depth or most extended highs, its overall tuning feels intentional and cohesive. For listeners curious about planar headphones, or those looking for an affordable, comfortable open-back option with a calm, natural presentation, the Jade Audio JT7 stands out as a thoughtfully designed and compelling entry point into planar listening.
The Jade Audio JT7 is available at Audio46.
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