The amp does have the power, we tested it with a wide range of electrostatic headphones using a 2V line-in from a few decent DACs and it will reveal plenty of detail. However, once you start going up to higher-end electrostatic amps, and in particular, tube options, then the stock can be left a little wanting in terms of texture and dynamic range.

All in all, the Jade II system is recommendable indeed, but the electrostatic presentation is so different that I can’t recommend buying it blind. Compared to planar and dynamic headphones, some may find the Jade II a bit too ethereal-sounding. But for those interested in the electrostatic sound, the Jade II is a worthwhile option to check out.

While the Jade II system may not in the strictest sense be a “state-of-the-art” product in the way that HiFiMan’s far costlier Shangri-La Jr or Shangri-La systems are, the Jade II package offers such heaping helpings of the sonic qualities most listeners seek in electrostatic systems that it qualifies as an unequivocal success. The fact that it can deliver the results it does for a tick under $2500 is downright amazing.