Swedish headphone maker Jays isn't exactly a newcomer to the market, but the company's products had yet to make their way to the CNET Reviews desk until quite recently. The first pair to earn the privilege is a sleek on-ear model with a superlightweight and compact design dubbed the V-Jays ($98). These headphones offer reasonably balanced sound and an understated style that will surely appeal to the eye of many an earbud hater, but flimsy elements and an anemic low-end response will turn some potential buyers off.
On first glance, the V-Jays Headphones remind us of the original cassette Walkman models, thanks to their low-profile design, small earpads, and use of a Y-cable rather than a single cord descending from one earpiece. However, the V-Jays certainly look more refined with their square earpads and the glossy black finish on the ends of the headband. Also, the multidirectional pivot of the earpieces proves these 'phones are a step above the cheap-o giveaway models. Plus, the cord is exceptionally thick and features good reinforcement at the gold-plated plugs.
Still, we can't help but think that the V-Jays seem rather flimsy and delicate, probably because of the use of so little material in their construction. Therein lays the double-edged sword of an ultracompact design: it's nice and portable, but usually doesn't feel sturdy. Also, the foam earpiece covers seem cheap and tear easily--the right one on our test unit already had a small hole when we removed them from the sealed package. Finally, we wish the headphones would fold down more compactly, as just having the earpieces fold in does not actually make them all that much smaller. It would be nice if Jays had included a carrying pouch, as well.
