JUZEAR 81T DRAGONFLY: No-Nonsense Tuning With Technical Competency

Dragonflies are small flying predatory insects that dwell on grasslands and wetlands that are usually situated in tropical regions. They are known for their slim and elongated profile, unusually large compound eyes,with two pairs of veined transparent wings and 3 pairs of legs that aren't capable of walking but rather were used for holding on to their prey. These creatures became a fascination to humans as they are illustrated on some artefacts such as vase, pottery and statues. While dragonflies were viewed as an ominous and menacing presence in some European folk tales, however it was viewed positively in the Northeast Asian cultures as it is a symbol of strength, resoluteness and happiness.

JUZEAR previously known as JUNEAR show some strong presence in the audio market with the releases of their models; Clear, 41T and 61T in which these IEMs receive some positive feedbacks from the audio community. What I have here is JUZEAR’s latest set at under US$250/£200 price range.

This is JUZEAR 81T Dragonfly, this is the next model after the JUZEAR 61T Butterfly and like its preceding version, it also has a hybrid driver configuration. The multi-driver layout of this set consists of one (1) dynamic driver and eight (8) balanced armature drivers. The dynamic driver that was implemented here is a 10mm structure with carbon-based composite material diaphragm that was paired with PU gasket suspension along with a large voice call, will deliver a full and deep bass response with quick transients on them. The balanced armatures were customised ones (probably they were sourced from either from E-audio and Bellsing) which are specifically-tailored for JUZEAR’s standards for its overall audio quality on the midrange and treble response to have crisp, detailed and clear sound on vocals and instruments. The drivers were connected to acoustic tubes to ensure smooth, improved separation for each frequency and clear transmission of audio signals as it also worked in tandem with a gold-plated PCB electronic crossover for better audio reproduction. It also has a balanced pressure system for better bass depth while greatly decreasing some air pressures in the enclosure that were generated by dynamic driver to eliminate ear pressure.

The drivers along with other components are encapsulated in a medium-size 3D-moulded resin shell chassis. The faceplate has a resin-laminated wood panel with some silver coloured outlines and a brand name and logo for each channel part, while its resin cavity base has a slight bulge that stabilises the fitting inside in our ear with a stainless steel nozzle. The 18T Dragonfly chose a proven interlocking mechanism, the 0.78mm bi-connector for its detachable cable.

The stock cable has 4-core structure 16AWG 6N Oxygen-free Silver-plated copper wires that were sheathed with PU insulator and then it braided with a modular termination plug in which you can interchanged with either 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs for seamless compatibility to any audio interface output. The cable itself ensures a smooth transmission of audio signal for accurate sound reproduction and the build quality itself is quite supple and flexible with no microphonics issues at all.

In terms of fitting and comfort, with its UIEM-shaped profile, it will provide a snug fit in all ear sizes and it actually perfectly fits into my lug holes without any issues at all. The passive noise of this one is pretty excellent as it was able to block some unnecessary external noises from the outside.

As for product packaging, the JUZEAR 81T and its inclusions  are packed in a medium-size packaging box. It has a quantitative amount of accessories inside of that will be useful according to your usage.

These are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• A pair of JUZEAR 81T Dragonfly earpiece transducers.
• Stock cable with modular termination plug.
• 3.5mm SE  adapter
• 4.4mm balanced adapter
• Hard-bound nylon carrying case.
• Three (3) pairs of grey-coloured narrow-bored ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of opaque white balanced-bored ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Two (2) pairs of memory foam ear tips in different standard sizes.
• User’s manual

With an impedance of 32 ohms with sensitivity of 117dB, this set is quite easy to drive even to devices with a usual  normal gain power output. Pairing it with even better sources like headphone amp dongles, DAPs and desktop DAC/Amp will even deliver a full and vivid sound quality.

About its tonal profile, it appears that it follows a mild U-shaped sound signature with similar tonality of a balanced-neutral which has slight lift on the low frequency and between upper-midrange up to the presence section on the high frequency.

LOWS/BASS:

It is evident that the bass quality of this set has more emphasis on sub bass depth presence rather than the tangibility of its mid bass texture. In general, the bass response of this one sounds rumbly, precise and tight with a tidiness on it  that doesn't smudge over other frequencies.

Since the bass tuning of this one is clearly more focus on the sub bass feedback, the grumbling and reverberations that were generated from instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, piper organs and from string instruments that were tuned at low pitch like bass guitars, double-basses and octobasses were plainly perceptible that I was able felt its presence. The mid bass texture of this one is rather adequate to give some decent volume and depth on the note weight of selected bass-clef instruments and male vocals. The adequate mid bass characteristics will give both double-basses and bass guitars to sound resonant and rasping but a bit hollowed, bass trumpets sound less warmth and full that this instrument should have, and bass kick drums have a thudding yet soft sound. On deep male vocals, both bass and bass-baritones have deep resonating voices but it lacks that dark timbre, with inadequate warmth and fullness as they sound less authoritative than these vocals should have, but at least it has smoothness on them.

MIDRANGE:

While the midrange presentation of this one is slightly recessed on its overall frequency spectrum, it has an ample presence  while having a smooth, transparent sound with enough lushness and energetic sound on them. Those characteristics will elucidate the qualities of the tonal colours of certain vocal types and also on instruments to sound more clearer while retaining some of their natural tonality.

On the male vocals, baritones have a smooth, mellifluous and velvety on sound on them which are excellent for light baritones and lyric baritones, tenors have bright, clear and dazzling on their vocals and countertenors have a smooth, light and delicate sound from their falsettos. As for female vocals, the contralto vocals, while they have an ample depth with resonance on their vocals, they are sort of lacking of richness and lushness on them, mezzo-sopranos have a smooth and expressive vocals  albeit it has some spiciness on their sound, and sopranos have shimmering, silvery and satiny sound that makes them captivity to listen to either from dramatic, lyric or coloratura-types of soprano vocal types.

When it comes to instruments, on string instruments, guitars have a crisp and lingering sound, violins sound clear and vibrant, and then, cellos have a cantabile, lively and sweet sound. The brass instruments like trumpets, trombones and horns; trumpets have that metallic brilliance from them while trombones have a hard and eruptive sound and horns sound clear and mellow. As for woodwinds, piccolos have a clear and brilliant sound, concert flutes sound light, light and poetic, clarinets sound melodic and dramatic, and   saxophones have that melancholic and sonorous sound. Moreover, on percussive ones, tom-toms have rounded and resonant sound, snare drums have hard and penetrating sound, field drums sound hard and menacing and last but not the least, kettledrums have a resonant and deep sound albeit a bit dry in my opinion. Pianos appear to be on the side of  brighter tone, as it sounds brilliant, crisp with some resonance on every hit on its piano keys.

 HIGHS/TREBLE:

The quality of the high frequency on this one is a tad brighter with sufficient crisp and gleam on its overall treble response as it is noticeable that there are some accentuation between upper-midrange up to presence section on this particular frequency region. The elevation will highlight the clarity and definition on the articulation of vocal quality and attack on the instruments. Surely that this one particularly it doesn't have that harshness of its overall sound and the sibilance was kept under control, but there are some instances that it produces some tinny, shrill and a bit piercing sound.

On its brilliance section, there’s a good airy extension with an intense sparkle on it. Cymbals have a glistening and bright sound while hi-hats have that distinctive shortened buzz and dry sound on them to give that chick-y sound. Glockenspiels sound thin and brilliant on either keyboard format or mallet-type, and celestas have a silvery and glistening sound from them.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

This is probably the most interesting part of the JUZEAR 81T as its overall technical performance is more of a diverse one particularly on the sound/speaker stage. On my estimates within my head stage, on its overall dimensions of its sound field, it has a rather average to above average width on its lateral span, good height ceiling and an immersive depth that gives me that perceived fairly moderate head room.

The stereo imaging of this one projects a concave-like presentation on its sonic canvas but what makes this set more impressive was its layering and separation capability. I was able to pinpoint the exact cues of instrumental sections and vocal positioning in a well-layered soundscape with remarkable separation on each element.

The resolution capabilities of this one is fairly good on both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics, as the former has a solid presentation on stressing the diverging loudness level among chorale parts and instrumental passages while the latter has sharp definition on highlighting micro-details and grains from a playback track with its reverb tails, roomy effects and notational attacks and texture of instruments.

The cohesiveness of its multi-drivers in this one is pretty excellent as it delivers that homogeneity performance as the fast transient response of the bass quality on the dynamic driver while the responsiveness of its balanced armature drivers delivers a detailed and clear sonic performance.

PEER COMPARISONS:

JUZEAR 61T BUTTERFLY

• The preceding model of this set, and this one also has hybrid driver configuration.
• This one has similar configuration with 81T but it has a lesser number of balanced armature drivers but it has a dual Knowles BA driver that was implemented here.
• It was also encased in a medical-grade UIEM-stype resin shell chassis with a polynesian-style design pattern on its faceplate.
• This one is pretty well-packed with inclusions on its packaging box.
• This one has a U-shaped sound signature as it has a more balanced bass response to sound more tactile and punchy, a more warmth and texture in its midrange presentation and a smoother treble response.
• As for its technical capabilities,this one projects a wider sound/speaker stage presentation and a 3D-like stereo imaging presentation with similar resolution capabilities.

EPZ K5

• Another set from EPZ with similar driver configuration but with a lesser number of drivers inside.
• It has a smaller dynamic driver but its four balanced armature drivers are provided by Sonion.
• The drivers were encapsulated in a more compact-sized resin shell chassis.
• The product packaging of this one is well-accessorised with quality accessories inside, but this one has a 2.5mm balanced adapter for its modular termination plugged stock cable.
• This one has a mild U-shaped sound profile as it has a rumbly and punchy bass response, a sufficiently warm and rich midrange presentation and a gleaming and airy treble response.
• On its technical capabilities, it has an above average sound/speaker stage on its overall dimensions, a 3D-like stereo imaging presentation with similar layering capabilities and pretty resolving resolution capabilities.

LETSHUOER CADENZA 4

• An initial-level midrange set from LETSHUOER and like 81T, it also has hybrid driver configuration.
• While it has a lesser amount of drivers that were implemented inside but difference was that LETSHUOER uses a combination of Knowles and Sonion balanced armature drivers.
• The drivers were encapsulated in a 3D-moulded resin shell by Heygears with a metal alloy faceplate on it.
• Like all LETSHUOER’s sets, this one is well-packed with quality accessories inside of its packaging box.
• This one has a more balanced-neutral sound profile as it has rumbly and tighter bass response, a neutral, wall-balanced midrange presentation and smooth, lustrous but a modest airy extension.
• It has reasonably wide soundstage size, a 3D-like atmospheric stereo imaging and pretty resolving resolution capabilities.

As I conclude this product review, the JUZEAR 81T DRAGONFLY is indeed an excellent set on its own on how it presents a very balanced tonality with good technical performance. While its intimate sound/speaker stage projection might be its drawback along some instances of shrill and metallic sound, but overall it's its general tonal and technical proficiencies speaks for itself that make this set engaging that in my opinion, some portable audio enthusiasts should test this one out  and in that regard as they might find this one captivating. This one will surely become a keeper and will be part of my daily rotational sets around.

JUZEAR 81T DRAGONFLY is now available at HIFIGO, check out the non-affiliated links that I have provided below.

AMAZON:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLWL42QB/juzear+dragonfly+81t/

HIFIGO:

https://hifigo.com/products/juzear-81t

For more JUZEAR product, here is another product review of the JUZEAR 61T BUTTERFLY

JUZEAR 61T BUTTERFLY

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: JUZEAR 81T

IMPEDANCE: 32Ω

SENSITIVITY: 117dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:  20Hz – 20KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.78MM)

PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER, (7) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S)

PROS:

● Quite well-built composite shell structure.

● A solid cavity base resin with a beautifully-designed laminated wooden faceplate.

● Despite its size, it offers a comfortable fitting and excellent passive noise isolation,

● High quality stock cable with modular termination plug features.

● Full-packed with quality accessories.

● Three types of ear tips to choose from.

● Fairly balanced tuning.

● Tight and reverberating bass response.

● Sufficiently textured and energetic with ample warmth midrange presentation.

● Definitely versatile on vocal tracking in most male and female voices.

● Shimmering and gleaming treble response.

● Relatively exceptional layering and separation capability.

CONS:

● Intimate soundstage presentation.

● Not for bassheads due to lack of authoritative and vigorous bass response.

● Noticeably that It doesn't  fare well with poorly-recorded tracks and also on some lossy audio format.

● Instances of shrill, metallic and tad piercing sound.

Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to JUZEAR nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like send my gratitude to TEAM HIFIGO  for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.