JadeAudio JT9 Launches: Planar Headphones for $164

The JadeAudio JT9 was launched today (August 13) in the international market and mainland China. The new planar magnetic headphone from FiiO’s sub-brand features a design similar to that of the JT7, but with a different sound tuning. Below, you can find all the details about JadeAudio’s latest release.

JT9 features a construction similar to the JT7, but with an improved planar driver

Approximately 10 months after the launch of the JT7, JadeAudio has released the JT9, its new over-ear planar magnetic headphone. Its construction is very similar to that of its smaller sibling, but the manufacturer states that the two do not sound the same.

Hopefully, the JT9’s headband has been improved

It is hoped that the development of the JT9 took into account the headband issue found on the JT7. JT7 users have reported cracks developing at the base of the plastic component of the headphone’s headband.

On the “headphones” subreddit, user “Trospher” reported in July 2026 that the headband of their JadeAudio JT7 had cracked. An image illustrating the issue can be seen below.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, a user shared a photo showing the junction between the ear cup and the headband of the JadeAudio JT9. I believe this was done in an attempt to identify any differences between the JT9 and JT7.

JadeAudio improves its planar magnetic driver for the JT9

Joseph, Chief Engineer at FiiO’s IEM R&D Center, said that the JT9’s driver uses a 95 × 86 mm diaphragm. According to Joseph, the new driver provides a natural advantage in terms of soundstage, bass extension, and dynamic range.

The FiiO engineer explained the JT9 driver manufacturing process as follows:

“The improved manufacturing process lowers the driver’s resonant frequency, allowing for deeper bass, a fuller and warmer sound signature, and greater overall refinement.”

Joseph then provided further details about the adjustments made to the JT9’s ear cups:

“Complementing the driver is a newly designed ear cup structure that reduces the ‘in-the-head’ vocal effect and expands vertical soundstage, creating a more spacious, natural presentation that’s comfortable to enjoy for hours.”

The goal of the JT9’s tuning

According to FiiO engineer Joseph, the JT9’s sound was inspired by the JadeAudio JT7 and FiiO FT1 Pro. He said:

“With the JT9, our goal was to create a planar headphone that’s easy to enjoy for hours, with a spacious and well-organized soundstage. To achieve this, we drew inspiration from both the JT7 and the FT1 PRO, incorporating a secondary sapphire coating process.”

Joseph explains that the JT9’s sound signature is characterized by deeper bass and clearer treble compared with the JT7 and FT1 Pro:

“The result is extended frequency response at both ends of the spectrum, more effortless bass, clearer treble, and improved reproduction of string instruments.”

JT9 is heavier than the JT7

JadeAudio says that the JT9 is lighter than the typical 400 g weight of planar magnetic headphones. However, even at 365 g, the JT9 is still heavier than the JT7 (318 g). I believe this difference is due to the changes made to the JT9’s driver.

JT9 features a foldable headband

As with the JT7, the JadeAudio JT9’s headband is also foldable. This makes it easier to transport the headphone in a more compact carrying case.

JadeAudio JT9: Specifications

• Color: Black / Deep Brown
• Headphone type: Open-back planar magnetic headphone
• Frequency response: 7 Hz–40 kHz
• Driver: 95 × 86 mm planar magnetic driver
• Impedance: 20 Ω @ 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW @ 1 kHz; 112 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz
• Weight: Approximately 365 g (excluding cable)
• Cable material: 22 AWG high-purity oxygen-free copper
• Cable length: Approximately 1.5 m
• Headphone connectors: Dual 3.5 mm TS connectors
• Audio plug: 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm

What comes in the JadeAudio JT9 box?

Below are the items included in the JadeAudio JT9 box:

• Headphone ×1
• 3.5 mm single-ended headphone cable ×1
• 4.4 mm balanced headphone cable ×1
• 6.3 mm (male) to 3.5 mm (female) adapter ×1
• Storage case ×1
• Quick start guide ×1
• Product box ×1

Launch, price, and availability

The JadeAudio JT9 is now available internationally in Black and “Deep Brown” for US$164.35 through FiiO’s official store on AliExpress.