a-JAYS ONE+ Headphones Review

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In recent years we have seen an increasing number of headphones that use tangle-free, flat cords. They really do help you avoid having to deal with the tangled mess that is wired headphones. Plus, they look and feel neat. That’s why I was excited to review the a-JAYS One+ headset when it was offered to me.

Preview

After all, not everyone can afford $150 for in-ear headphones, and that’s what I’ve been reviewing lately. At $59.99, the a-JAYS ONE+ look like a bargain. I was even more excited when I saw the box. It is unusually done in oval-shaped plastic., and it screams quality because it is sturdy and “locked” closed; in short, it created an expectation that these $60 headphones would be awesome.

Are they? Read on.

Preview

Before we jump into the headphones themselves, let’s talk about the packaging. As I mentioned, the “box” is a plastic oval that is more than a bit unique. I tried to open it. I failed. I tried prying the lid up. It didn’t work. I tried again. Same result. I finally read the little tag on the back. It told me to remove the sticker, depress the “button” and open the case. It worked. (Yeah, I’m an idiot.)

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Here’s how the company describes their entry-level headphones:

On a-JAYS One+ we’ve added a one-button remote with a built in mic so you can control talk and music on your mobile device. They are optimized for Android phones but also work great with Windows phones like Nokia Lumia and all Apple iOS devices. You get the same award winning sound as on a-JAYS One and our beloved tangle free cables. Out of the box you can control Play/Pause, Answer/Hang up and with the free of charge JAYS Headset Control App for Android you will be able to add functions such as volume control, track control etc. Go check it out and experience something new, something great!

A Tangle-Free, Flat Cable: Take charge of your earphones! Stop worrying about tangled cables and ill-fitting ear pieces. The a-JAYS Series is bursting with product innovations such as the JAYS-developed, tangle-resistant, flat cable and is supplied with up to five pairs of silicone sleeves designed to give you the best possible earphone fit meaning that you can take superior sound and design quality with you wherever you go.

It’s all about the Rhythm: The a-JAYS Series gives up a rich, deep bass response and will help you to discover your music all over again. The rhythm sections in your favorite tunes will be uplifted and reinvigorated; music has never been so much fun.

JAYS One+ comes loaded with a 8.6mm dynamic speaker engineered by JAYS. It is the perfect partner for on-the-go music enjoyment as it efficiently blocks out ambient noise. a-JAYS One+ is perfect for use when out and about with your MP3 player or phone. The remote and microphone keep you available and in constant control with only a few finger clicks.

Preview

As you can see, the spec on the headphones are quite impressive. This is especially so when one considers the pricing of the a-JAYS One+.

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And while the headphones work fine for iOS devices, they shine if you are using them with an Android device and the free app.

Discover even more features with JAYS Headset ControlTM app for Android. With this app you can now turn your a-JAYS One+ into a fully customized multi feature control. Change volume, skip songs, voice control and much more. And of course it’s free and can be downloaded from Google Play. Just make a search in your Android phone for JAYS and install and you’re ready to go.

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Remote with mic: The remote with built in microphone enables you to pick up calls / hang up calls and play / pause your music. The remote works with your local music library as well as with streamed music / video content via your smartphone applications such as Spotify and YouTube. You can also control your calls when using applications such as Skype and iChat. If you are using an Android smartphone you are now also able to add even more features to your a-JAYS One+ headset by downloading our android application JAYS Headset Control.

The remote and mic of a-JAYS One+ work with most* HTC, Samsung, BlackBerry, Sony, LG, Nokia Lumia Series, Motorola and Apple devices (MacBook, iPhone, iPad, iPod) although functions vary between models. As the company notes, “The remote and mic are also compatible with most applications such as VOIP, Skype, iChat and other recording applications such as voice memo.”

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The headphones come with up to 5 pair of silicone sleeves ranging in size from XXS to L. Plus, you can “use the gift box included to store your silicone sleeves when not in use or to protect them when you’re on the go.” Nice, but the headphones do not come with anything that makes it easier to carry… not even a cheap bag!

Okay, so those are the facts about the a-JAYS One+. What about actually using them? That, unfortunately, is a mixed bag.

The price of the a-JAYS ONE+ is good. For under $60 you get headphones with a tangle-free cord, an in-line microphone and remote and various-sized ear cushions for the best fit. You also get a free Android app if that is your thing. The look and feel is that of headphones costing far more. In addition, when I wore them laying on the couch they were quite comfortable, even when resting my ear on them. I can’t say that for all headphones and, for me at least, it is something I tend to appreciate. That is all good, but it is not all good news. I found that the 3.5mm plug has an issue and when you rotate it, as it not uncommon to do when you move about, static is introduced into the line. I tried the headphones with three different devices and it happened with each. I tried two other pair of headphones with the same devices and there was zero static. Not a good start. In addition, I didn’t find the headphones to stay in my ear all too well, and that was true after trying to find the right ear cups for my ears. Then there was the cable. I am in the midst of reviewing a pair of $120 headphones. They also have a thick, flat, tangle-free cord, and it works great. The cords on the a-JAYS ONE+ are thicker and heavier. I found them to be a bit TOO heavy, as they pulled the earphones out of my ears at times. The sound is decent, but it did not blow me away.

These are all issues that make me a bit cautious. At the same time, the other headphones I’ll be posting on, likely tomorrow, are twice the price. Draw your own conclusions!

The a-JAYS ONE+ have an MSRP of under $60. You can find details on these and the higher-end models offered by the company here on the product website.

MSRP: $59.99

What I Like: Cool packaging; Tangle-free cord; Five pair of ear-cushions for the best fit; in-line mic and controls; Under $60

What Needs Improvement: 3.5mm plug introduces static into the line when moved; Cable may be a bit TOO heavy; No included carrying bag; Sound is okay but not great

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

2 Comments on "a-JAYS ONE+ Headphones Review"

  1. Viktor Sundelin | August 18, 2012 at 1:13 pm |

    Have washed my: a-JAYS One+ in a washing machine (accidental). And found them a week later in on of my pants pocket. But they still works great 🙂

    The only problem I have is that the cable only hang in the ears and no support of any clip, or a longer cable for the right speaker (that’s goes behind the head, to release tension in the ears.

  2. Viktor Sundelin | August 18, 2012 at 1:13 pm |

    Have washed my: a-JAYS One+ in a washing machine (accidental). And found them a week later in on of my pants pocket. But they still works great 🙂
    The only problem I have is that the cable only hang in the ears and no support of any clip, or a longer cable for the right speaker (that’s goes behind the head, to release tension in the ears.

Comments are closed.