Here are my initial thoughts on Jays q-Jays, comparing them to Denon ah-C700s. As everyone knows on this thread, the q-Jays have dual armatures per phone, while the c700s have a single dynamic driver per phone.
Setup
Apple iPhone and Macbook as audio source, no amp... I should probably get one soon, no?
Fit
To start, I have smaller ears. It's always been a challenge to find phones that will fit properly and not cause me too much pain. The q-Jays fit perfectly for me. I use the small silicone tips, down from the medium ones that are attached when you open the box. There are even a size smaller than I use, so it should be no problem for someone to find the correct tip. The Denons are also comfortable and easy to insert. You don't insert them as far as the q-Jays, but because of the larger sound chamber, the Denons constantly rubbed against my ear canals. Not terribly mind you, but enough to be annoying with extended use.
As far as physical size, it really takes some time to get over how small the q-Jays actually are. The q-Jays are very easily inserted into to the ear canal and are easy to take out. I'm not afraid of tugging on them to get them out of there. They are for the most part hidden within my ear and I would have no trouble laying my head on a pillow.
Sound
My first thoughts on sound are that the q-Jays are balanced, with no emphasis on high/mid/low, and no level overpowering the others. When an instrument wants to be heard, it is cleanly separated from the others. This has always fascinated me about IEMs and their ability to separate instruments. Compared to the Denons, the Denons seem to produce an enhanced mid and bass which seem to give them a fuller sound. I remember someone referring to it as a fun sound, rather than an analytical sound.
Both phones sound really
really good!, especially for acoustic/live/rock music which I listen to most of the time.
The q-Jays provide a wider soundstage, but somehow keep the vocals close to your head. The Denons push everything out farther is seems, even the vocals. Both phones allow you to easily separate instruments. The q-Jays provide more of a "live" experience than the Denons. The Denons provide an up-front experience with the instruments. Does that make sense?
Anyways, thats my first impression of the q-Jays. They have an excellent product and I can't wait to listen some more!
I'll keep updating this post with more impressions.