Short answer: the HIFIMAN RE2000. It ranks #339 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $799. The JVC HA-FW1500 ranks #359, rated 3.4/5, at $766.28, $32.72 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the HIFIMAN RE2000: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman preference score of 69 with a deviation of 2.63 dB, a respectable match to the target most listeners prefer. The catch: A score of 69 is only middling for a flagship in-ear, and a response that deviates from the target by 2.63 dB leaves audible coloration.
The case for the JVC HA-FW1500: The 11 mm dynamic driver rates a manufacturer specified 6 Hz to 52 kHz, and Crinacle’s measurement shows a Harman preference score of 66 with a mild warm tilt of 0.53 dB. The tradeoff: A score of 66 is middling and a deviation of 2.69 dB means audible coloration, which is hard to justify at a flagship price.
Buy the HIFIMAN RE2000. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $32.72 saving on the JVC HA-FW1500 is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN RE2000 | JVC HA-FW1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $766.28 |
| Ranked | #339 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #359 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 66 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.63 dB standard deviation | 2.69 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.32 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 11mm dynamic |
| Impedance | - | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 103 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | - | 6Hz - 52kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Headphones In Full
HIFIMAN RE2000: $799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman preference score of 69 with a deviation of 2.63 dB, a respectable match to the target most listeners prefer. The tonal balance is close to neutral, with a tilt of only 0.32 dB toward brightness, so it avoids sounding either dark or harsh.
Cons: A score of 69 is only middling for a flagship in-ear, and a response that deviates from the target by 2.63 dB leaves audible coloration. The wired-only design has no built-in mic or wireless option. The FiiO FD5 carries a higher rating at a notably lower cost, which makes this model a hard sell on sound value.
Full HIFIMAN RE2000 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.63 dB standard deviation |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.32 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +7.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 76 Hz | -4.7 dB | 0.24 |
| Peak | 916 Hz | +5.3 dB | 0.86 |
| Peak | 4,638 Hz | -5.1 dB | 5.93 |
| Peak | 1,592 Hz | -2.1 dB | 1.01 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,553 Hz | +3.5 dB | 5.51 |
| Peak | 8,895 Hz | +3.3 dB | 2.20 |
| Peak | 5,174 Hz | -1.3 dB | 5.99 |
| Peak | 7,469 Hz | -0.3 dB | 5.72 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JVC HA-FW1500: $766.28 Amazon eBay
Pros: The 11 mm dynamic driver rates a manufacturer specified 6 Hz to 52 kHz, and Crinacle’s measurement shows a Harman preference score of 66 with a mild warm tilt of 0.53 dB. The 16 ohm impedance and 103 dB/mW sensitivity make it easy for a phone to drive. It has been out since late 2019.
Cons: A score of 66 is middling and a deviation of 2.69 dB means audible coloration, which is hard to justify at a flagship price. The HIFIMAN RE2000 and FiiO FD5 are both rated higher, and the FiiO costs far less. It is wired only and lists no microphone.
Full JVC HA-FW1500 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.69 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz - 52kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 66 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 163 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.59 |
| Peak | 9,088 Hz | +6.3 dB | 1.23 |
| Peak | 895 Hz | +3.7 dB | 1.07 |
| Peak | 4,924 Hz | -4.1 dB | 3.58 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +1.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 42 Hz | -0.2 dB | 1.53 |
| Peak | 3,050 Hz | -0.7 dB | 4.21 |
| Peak | 2,204 Hz | +0.8 dB | 4.04 |
| Peak | 1,609 Hz | -0.5 dB | 3.41 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons