Jomo Audio S100 Cappuccino Review – Embrace the Fuzz

Comparisons –

Soft Ears Volume ($285): The Volume is the heavy hitter in this price range with a highly mature tuning set to a capable hybrid driver setup. Clearly, the two are targeting different audiences as the Volume comes across as clean and clear, the Cappuccino much warmer and fuller. Both have similar strong sub-bass extension and a tight impact; the Cappuccino offers to me a slightly more concise impact and slam despite having less sub-bass. The Volume is much cleaner tonally and has superior definition and separation in its mid-bass. The Cappuccino offers greater texture and punch but also rounder, more bloated notes. The midrange is much cleaner and moderately clearer on the Volume due to its lesser bass emphasis.

It is also more accurate with regards to articulation and balance. The Cappuccino is slightly more laid-back, and instruments take more of a backseat. It sounds fuller, grander and lusher while the Volume sounds more separated and resolving of fine detail. Treble is notably smoother on the Cappuccino; the Volume offers a more balanced presence and a more linear presentation. The Cappuccino has a slightly crisper lower-treble but less shimmer and air above. The Volume has a larger soundstage and better detail retrieval throughout. It has sharper imaging and much better separation, but the Cappuccino does have more defined layers.

Fiio FD5 ($299): Identically priced with a trick Be-plated driver, the FD5 is a formidable single-DD competitor. It offers a more Harman-accurate tuning and greater modularity – I used the large nozzles and clear tips for this comparison. Immediately, the FD5 offers a faster, tighter bass with greater deep-bass focus. Though still warm, it is much cleaner than the Cappuccino. The Jomo offers a slightly more textured mid-bass and isn’t as fatiguing due to its lower energy sub-bass though loses out on technical ability. The midrange is warmer on the Jomo and more forward on the Fiio.

The FD5 has a relatively balanced presentation, it sounds thinner and clearer but does lean a touch thin. The Cappuccino is the opposite being warmer with larger, lusher vocals. Both have similar resolving power, but the Jomo is more forgiving and laid-back. Both earphones have a similar treble tuning, the Fiio comes across as brighter, the Cappuccino more laid-back due to a larger 5k dip. However, both are crisp, somewhat thin and have reduced air. The Fiio has this to a lesser degree and offers superior note definition. It can sound a bit over-sharpened but does yield superior detail retrieval. The Fiio provides a wider soundstage with its semi-open design while the Cap provides greater depth. Both layer well, the Fiio has sharper positioning and better separation.

DROP + JVC HA-FWX-1 ($449): A slightly pricier option with a similar single-DD setup that targets a warm, coloured presentation. The FWX1 has a very interesting note presentation and tonality. Both are warm leaning; the JVC has a slightly more parity between sub and mid-bass making it more dynamic and slightly less rounded if still obviously warm. The Jomo is faster and offers better separation. Its mid-bass is slightly more defined. The JVC is more textured yet and offers a more emphatic slam. The midrange on the JVC is more laid-back and similarly coloured with warmth and lushness. The difference lies in the Jomo having a bit more centre-midrange making that helps to bring vocals out a bit more. The JVC is more laid-back but also more articulate and this aids with definition.

Still, due to its more laid-back nature, it does succumb to a bit more veil than the Jomo. Conversely, its articulate nature means on some tracks it provides a more enjoyable experience with greater experience and the JVC does have a nicer timbre and texture to my ears. It also has a resolving power advantage despite the Jomo having slightly better separation. Both have similar treble volume, the Cappuccino has a bit more crispness in the lower treble, the JVC has a slightly more linear lower treble. In turn, the JVC has better body and more note texture. Neither have much air or micro-detail above that said, however, the foreground is more accurate on the JVC and more energetic on the Jomo. The JVC has a deeper, grander stage and more multi-dimensional imaging.

Verdict –

The Cappuccino is an interesting proposition and it’s one where something like a rating system could gear quite heavily against it. However, though they have their place, this does not always tell the full story. For instance, the tonality is the clear focus here due to its unique and coloured nature. If you were looking for a warm, texture-focused sound, you’d be hard pressed to find something like the Cappuccino around this price range where most target the more balanced but also more sterile Harman-curve. Conversely, do not expect excellent separation, balance or genre versatility here nor the most detailed treble response. Jomo have created a lush, forgiving sound that upholds solid vocal presence and definition. It is clearly coloured but not pushed so far that this is its only schtick, maintaining a respectable balance overall. The design is charming and comfortable and though it is not technically outstanding, the driver is one of the better performers in the bass and midrange around this asking price. If you enjoy a warm, lush tonality with a nice analogue fuzz, the Cappuccino comes across as an authentic offering at an accessible price point.

The S100 Cappuccino is available from Jomo Audio (International) for $299 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Jomo and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Billie Eilish – dont smile at me

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Rae Street

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Jasen – BYE

John Mayer – Continuum

Kanye West – Ye

Missy Higgins – The Sound of White

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride