Sound performance
My main sources were: EarMen Eagle / EarMen Sparrow / iBasso DX300. Trusted sources from trusted brands that I used extensively for the past weeks.
As usual, files were played from either Apple Music / Spotify or my own music library. Some tracks will be highlighted, just so you can try them home too!
Overall signature
Out of the box, the ddHiFi E2020B was fitted with the treble-type Silicon tips and the bundle’s cable.
First impressions? Thanks to the improved sensibility and lower impedance, the IEM was much (much) easier to drive than the previous one. Paired with my computer and no DAC, the new IEM easily reached uncomfortable levels of pressure, with absolutely no distortion.
We get the same open sound, with a wide soundstage, and much proper highs, even at low volume. I listened to Mistakes from CYA, an electro track with lots of distorted instruments, all coming in delayed waves, and the Janus2 came out as a clear winner, compared to its older brother.
Layering is great even for a single-driver IEM, and like the FiiO FD3, the Janus2 gives you solid bass, paired with energetic highs, even without the Treble-focused tips. Long are gone the shy trebles, and ddHiFi’s new IEM are now more engaging than before.
There are no sibilants, nor harshness in the sound. Resolution and clarity are slightly better than same-tier IEMs and the sound signature exhibits a peak around 8kHz, for more accuracy. Bass goes deep, but compared to the AudioSense DT200 and DT600, they seem tamed.
Of course, this is much more palpable on a good DAC like the EarMen Sparrow or a DAP like iBasso DX300 and both were able to create a very nice sound stage, where I could immerse. It’s a great all-rounder, one that can be used daily, now that isolation has been improved. A very nice job from the brand.
Tonality
Highs: heightened highs. ddHiFi fixed the lack I previously found on the first-gen Janus, aka missing highs! This time, the IEM properly exhibits clean, proper trebles, and the E2020B are very engaging in this regard.
Good test-track : Wildflowers – Nicolas Jaar
Mediums: rich and full. Excellent soundstage and clean mids make for a very pleasant experience. ddHiFi made an excellent job in this regard: voices are sharp, the soundstage is wide, and even paired with the small TC35i, the Janus2 delivered a copious amount of information..
Good test-track: Seeker – Kei Angel
Bass: clean, fast, and well-rounded. Even with a sole driver, the Janus was able to give me some nice kicks and rumbles. It’s not as dependent on the source, as it was the first time and even connected directly to my computer, I was pretty surprised by how well the IEM behave.
Good test-track : Sacrifice – Sara Landry
Associations
ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) + TC35i/TC35B: teen titans go. Of all the bundles you could make with the Janus, this is by far the tiniest and lightest you could pick. What’s even more surprising is how well they sound together, even if they remain outclassed by the Eagle or Sparrow. Still, if you just need a good setup, easy to carry on the go, this is a very clever choice.
ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) + EarMen Sparrow: parfait. There isn’t much to be said here: it’s a terrific combination, sound and ergonomic-wise. The Sparrow is able to unveil a lot of details on the Janus and the soundstage widen by quite a nice margin. And with the help of the TC28i, I was able to connect everything neatly to my iPhone. The to-go combo.
ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) + xDuoo xD05-BAL: powerhouse. If you want to raise your game, the new XD05-BAL is a good contender for that. In addition to power, this new DAC also gives you the ability to change internal op-amps so that you can find the perfect sound. It’s obviously not as simple to carry as the Sparrow or TC25i, but if you want the extra punch, without breaking the bank, this is my recommendation.
Conclusion
The ddHiFi E2020B combines a clever build with real design prowess and a little bit of quirkiness. But, most of all, these IEMs are a real sonic upgrade, compared to the previous Janus.
The sound quality is excellent, with a slight v-shape and exquisite mediums. Once paired with a small DAC like the Sparrow or even ddHiFi’s own dongles, the difference between the old and new model came clear as the day. Once again, it’s impressive to see how much those dynamic drivers have evolved, and time after time, I end up preferring them to BA-driven IEM now.
All in all, if the previous model left room for improvements, the new Janus2 filled all those gaps and now sounds like the proper IEM it intended to be. Great job!
