Juzear Dragonfly 81T: Technical & Detailed

Summary

In this video, Axel reviews the JU Ear 81T, a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring one dynamic driver and eight balanced armatures. He discusses the design, build, and comfort of the IEM, noting its noise isolation and modular cable. Axel describes the sound profile as a Harmon-inspired tuning with neutral bass, a forward midrange, and elevated treble, providing excellent clarity and separation. The 81T’s sub-bass extension and midrange transparency are highlights, though its elevated treble adds a bit of coloration. Axel compares it to other IEMs, recommending it for those who enjoy clear, detailed sound with a bit of sparkle in the treble, while cautioning bass-heavy listeners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The JU Ear 81T features a hybrid design with one dynamic driver and eight balanced armatures.
• 😀 The IEM comes with a modular cable, offering swappable terminations (3.5mm and 4.4mm).
• 😀 The build quality is solid, with an average size and a 6.5mm nozzle diameter, which might be large for some users.
• 😀 Comfort is good for the reviewer, though the larger nozzle may not suit all ear shapes.
• 😀 Noise isolation is above average, with no pressure issues commonly associated with other IEMs.
• 😀 The sound signature follows a Harman-inspired tuning but with a twist, featuring neutral bass, forward mids, and elevated treble.
• 😀 Bass quality is excellent with great texture and detail, but the reviewer feels it could use more mid-bass for impact.
• 😀 The mid-range is clear and forward, with excellent vocal and instrumental separation, making it great for various music genres, including rock and metal.
• 😀 The treble is airy and detailed but a bit elevated, which can introduce a slight coloration, especially in high-frequency sounds.
• 😀 The soundstage is wide with good depth, and the imaging is above average with excellent precision.
• 😀 Compared to the JU Ear 61T, the 81T has a more neutral bass and a more forward, clearer mid-range, along with a higher level of detail and separation.

Q & A

What is the key feature of the Ju Ear 81T IEM in terms of driver configuration?

The Ju Ear 81T is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring one dynamic driver and eight balanced armatures, combining both technologies to deliver a detailed and clear sound.

How is the modular cable of the Ju Ear 81T designed?

The Ju Ear 81T comes with a modular cable that allows users to swap between 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations, providing flexibility for different devices. The cable is high-quality, tangle-free, and doesn't retain memory.

What are the notable design elements of the Ju Ear 81T IEM?

The Ju Ear 81T has a design inspired by a dragonfly, with wings visible on the earpieces. It is a compact IEM with a 6.5mm nozzle diameter, slightly larger than typical IEMs, but still comfortable for users who wear large ear tips.

How does the Ju Ear 81T perform in terms of noise isolation?

The Ju Ear 81T offers above-average noise isolation, though it does not have the pressure issues that some IEMs, like the Ju Ear 61T, might have. The isolation is generally good, helping to block out external noise.

How would you describe the sound signature of the Ju Ear 81T?

The sound signature of the Ju Ear 81T follows a harmonized, neutral bass with a forward upper mid-range and an elevated treble. It offers a clean, clear, and detailed presentation with excellent separation between frequencies.

How does the Ju Ear 81T handle bass performance?

The Ju Ear 81T delivers great sub-bass extension, with clear texture and detail in bass notes. However, it leans towards a more neutral bass response, which some listeners may find lacking in impact or fullness, especially in mid-bass.

What makes the mid-range of the Ju Ear 81T stand out?

The mid-range of the Ju Ear 81T is clear and clean with excellent separation from the bass. The upper mid-range is slightly forward, giving vocals and instruments a prominent presence without sounding shouty or harsh, even in energetic genres like rock and metal.

What is the treble quality like on the Ju Ear 81T?

The treble on the Ju Ear 81T is airy, detailed, and sparkly, with a noticeable elevation that adds a sense of space and air to the sound. While not harsh, the treble is a bit louder than the mid-range, which gives the sound a slight coloration that may not appeal to everyone.

How does the Ju Ear 81T compare to the Ju Ear 61T?

The Ju Ear 81T offers a more neutral bass, forward mid-range, and elevated treble compared to the warmer, punchier base of the Ju Ear 61T. The 81T has better detail and separation, making it ideal for listeners who prioritize vocal and instrument clarity, while the 61T excels with fuller, punchy bass.

Who would the Ju Ear 81T be recommended for?

The Ju Ear 81T is recommended for listeners who enjoy a clear and detailed sound signature, with a preference for neutral bass and forward mid-range. It is ideal for those who like the Harmon sound signature, and appreciate the air and sparkle in the treble, and those who value vocal and instrument clarity.