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JAYS might be a new name to some HFC readers, but the Swedish manufacturer specialising in in-ear monitors has been around since 2006. Its innovative dual-balance armature two-way miniature monitor system fitted inside of its first set of in-ears was perhaps a little ahead of its time when it was launched shortly after the company was formed, but jump forward to today, and JAYS is one of a number of brands that’s adopted the twin speaker approach with considerable success.

We were deeply impressed when we got our hands (or should that be ears?) on the q-JAYS Reference in-earphone back in issue 408. And it’s this very model that you stand a chance of winning in this month’s competition, albeit with an additional inline remote and built-in microphone for control of iOS devices.

And the associations with Apple don’t stop there, as the q-JAYS comes dressed in lavish packaging that’s straight out of the top drawer of the Cupertino school of design.

A compact carry case containing the two impressively small earpiece enclosures sits alongside a selection of six different-sized earbuds to ensure a perfect seal inside of your ear canal. These are produced from fine-tolerance stainless steel with a matt black, scratch-resistant, anti-fingerprint coating and screw onto the tangle-free cable thanks to a pair of custom-designed threaded connectors.

Down to business
When an audio product has the boldness to use the word ‘reference’ as part of its name, it’s a fair assumption that at the very least the balance it provides is free from peaks and troughs throughout the frequency range, while augmented bass is notably absent. Happily, the q-JAYS doesn’t disappoint on the early promise, offering up a performance that sounds every bit as good as the earphones look. With a punchy and powerful presentation that sounds impressively natural and engaging, there’s plenty of space around both instruments and vocals, leading to an impressively broad soundstage and driving bassline that makes it one of the most finely balanced in-ears we have listened to in some time.

The first three winners pulled from the hat will each receive a pair of £250 q-JAYS for iOS devices, while five lucky runners up will get to sample firsthand the joys of the £170 u-JAYS on-ear headphones – for more info on this model, visit the JAYS website at: www.jaysheadphones.com. Simply answer the question opposite for a chance to win one of these great prizes.

To be in with a chance of winning answer this simple question:

A) 2004
B) 2005
C) 2006

Click here to submit your answer and enter the competition

To submit your entry to the JAYS earphone competition, simply register using the online form and provide your answer to the question shown above. Please ensure you complete all required fields, including your email address, telephone number (including area code) and postal address. We regret we cannot take postal entrants.

Arrangements for the fulfilment of prizes may be made by a third-party sponsor. AVTech Media & My Time Media reserve the right in its sole discretion to substitute any and all prizes with prizes of comparable value. By entering a Competition, if you are a winner, you grant permission to use your name and likeness for advertising and future promotional purposes. For full privacy policy and terms and conditions, visit www.hifichoice.co.uk/terms