Short answer: the Sony MDR-EX15LP. It ranks #777 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $9.99; the FiiO x JadeAudio JH5 ranks #895, rated 3.3/5, at $9.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the Sony MDR-EX15LP does well: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 68, a strong result for such an inexpensive in-ear, with the midrange from 1 to 10 kHz within half a decibel of the Harman target. The catch: A 7.2 dB dip near 11.9 kHz and air about 3 dB below target take some sparkle off cymbals.
What the FiiO x JadeAudio JH5 does well: A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 66 against the Harman target. The catch: Treble about 2 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
Buy the Sony MDR-EX15LP. It is rated higher for sound quality than the FiiO x JadeAudio JH5 at the same price, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 68, a strong result for such an inexpensive in-ear, with the midrange from 1 to 10 kHz within half a decibel of the Harman target.
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A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 66 against the Harman target.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony MDR-EX15LP | FiiO x JadeAudio JH5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | 9.99 |
| Ranked | #777 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #895 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 66 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.24 dB standard deviation | 2.43 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.88 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.69 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 1 x 9mm dynamic | 1 DD + 4 BA (1 x 10mm carbon-based dynamic driver + 4 x custom balanced armatures) |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 13 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 111 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0 lbs (3 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (7.6 g) (per earpiece) |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40,000Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Sony MDR-EX15LP from audioamigo, hobbytalk, ianfann, superreview and yoshiultra; the FiiO x JadeAudio JH5 from ekaudio, flare, iemocean, joshtbvo and superreview, all via squig.link.
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