Jds labs element reddit. I'm upgrading from a Fiio BTR5 and just want the best listening experience from my kit. Updated to the firmware with the EQ. Feb 2, 2022 · General Information. They delayed the shipment on my request and their responsiveness is amazing. Use a 3. Element III differs substantially from a separate EL Amp II+ and EL DAC II+, unlike the previous generation, which shared common hardware. I've heard that the Aryas need at least 2W for the bass to shine, first of all, does this The JDS Labs Atom stack or Schiit Heresy and Modi 3 for $200 will easily drive the HD 650. 2024. What about an iFi Zen can to stack with the zen DAC? The Atom stack is more accurate. So just bought the HD 800 S and I have a JDS Labs Element that I've been using for a few years. My headphones also sound different when listening to the DAC/Amp from my integrated account. Now that I know this, I will most definitely get Quirrel on mine when I buy one. 4mm socket). It's ugly as sin but whenever I go to one of my JDS Labs amps or my Schiit amps, I unhook them and just plug my Rupert Neve amp back in. pdf says that the Element doesn't require any drivers The nightstand is my favorite place for head-fi too! Damn, what a fantastic first setup!! Keep an eye on your wallet, you might find a hole in it one of these days. I hesitantly purchased it solely for optical input when I actually wanted the Atom DAC to go with the Atom amp that I already owned. Speaking of alternatives, in the 11/11 sale, the Topping L30 Mk II was down to ~$105, which compares favourably with the Amp 2 at $143 delivered, while having a similar spec (except the lack of 4. Try removing the modi mb from your setup. It will power my BeyerDynamics DT1990 Pro, connected to my PC, used for music listening and playing games. Holding the power button = switch to preamp (=with attenuation), powering the Element off switches it into line-out mode. 5mm input. 1. I’m a big fan of JDS Labs. Jan 31, 2022 · Element III uses DC coupling throughout and internal AC-to-DC rectification to feed low noise +/-15V linear regulators from its 16VAC transformer. Both my windows PC and Mac recognise the Element II as connected and working when connected via USB-b/USB-a, and are sending signal out, but there's no audio on the Dac/amp itself. Reply reply Top 1% Rank by size [WTS] [USA-MN] [H] JDS Labs Element III MK1 [W] $225 PayPal shipped CLOSED In great condition, comes with a transferrable warranty that's good until Oct. Buy the K7 if you want the most for your money. Pretty much two dacs and three amps (four if they still do the altoid tin thing), no tubes. The RME has built in parametric EQ, enough for most headphones to sound significantly better. I would think it's the same with the 2nd Gen but I can't confirm it. 5mm stereo audio cable to go from your PC's line out to the atom's 3. If you can afford the Element and you're okay spending more just for aesthetics, get the Element. The transparent clinical sound had really stuck with me. The item is in great condition, and will come with all original accessories and boxes. The form factor and functionality is amazing. The Element II is a fantastic DAC/Amp that sounds and measures to a degree where there isn't much more left to be desired, is well-built by a trustworthy, friendly and helpful bunch of people, it looks great, has great ergonomics, and provides only the I/O's and features that you truly need. A 3-inch volume knob and and dual gain levels make fine level adjustments possible. The original Element III knob was designed for a loose and free spinning feel. One note: only 1 front facing input compared to the o2+odac. Everything just sounds so clear and relaxing! My element II does the same thing and when I asked jds labs they said that it’s normal for it to run at around 91. This suffix distinguishes the “knob feel” of the original Element III from our latest hardware. All other performance and noise specifications remain the same. I was thinking of selling my Element 3 (Mk1) and getting the Mk2, but wanted to first consider other options. Louis. Been trying to scour the internet for info on whether or not it would be a significant upgrade to go to the Element II or III but not really finding much information. 3W at 32 Ohms). This is the El Amp 2 and El DAC 2. The element II will come with the included USB cable and power bank/cable $300 shipped. That's not an input on the front of the Element, it's the 1/4" headphone output. Thanks for your submission to r/headphoneadvice. I like having a clean desk so was looking for a DAC/AMP combo, and was trying the Topping DX3Pro+ before. Audio sounds as clean as you’d expected JDS Labs products to at this point and is extremely simple to set up and use. I love my Element, but it was my first dac/amp so I wasn't upgrading anything. You’ll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor. We’ve reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. Is the JDS Labs Element an upgrade over the Sound Blaster G6 worthy of the price difference? Howdt, Reddit My full written review exploring the JDS Labs, Inc. Projectors, Receivers, Headphones, Speakers, Custom Cables, Vintage Units, Monitors. I have tested different headphones, cables etc. I recently purchased a JDS Labs OL DAC about a month before the release of the new Atom DAC+. Jun 2, 2023 · Element III MK2 = New Knob and EQ Firmware. Both cost $799 AUD at my local audio store and would like some advice on which may be better for running my HD600's. The JDS Labs Element's impressive power output and sound I have both the Fiio K3 and JDS Element III. Reason why I keep chasing the atom combo is beacause it was the first dac/amp I had before upgrading to other amps. Your input drives us, and our products, forward. And both of these setups measure very accurate, so you're not going to get significantly better audio quality by spending more. Element I never seem incapable volume level, but I always heard the Arya scales with a more powerful amp. 5mm while the Element II has a 1/4-inch). You’ll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor. An Objective 2 is cheaper and a little cleaner of an option. Just got the JDS Labs Element III in hopes it would "power" my Hifiman Arya V2's better than the Element I. Element 3 kicks ass. The Element is basically an odac with a more powerful amp (and a fantastic knob!). Yes, it definitely has it's flaws. Includes: USB Cable Brand new power supply (JDS sent me one when I told them the original one was buzzing) $225 Shipped ZMF Atrium Open. Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone could comment on the performance Element II is transparent to human ears. It is in great condition and will come in the original box. Just tried setting up a newly purchased JDS Labs Element II, but I'm having problems getting an audio output. I think they were supposed to ship on the 21st, but mine actually shipped on the 20th. A huge shout out to JDS Labs support too. So the seller told me to contact JDS and those absolut chads send me a new unit with express from Murica to German. It's also got pretty good linearity, a lot of power, and looks really good. Today we’re pleased to present Element III MK2! Before diving into what has changed, let’s clarify what MK2 means. I turned the Preamp on and all the way Nov 18, 2022 · Boosted Power means that your Element III is assembled with quad output buffers (two per channel). My video review exploring the Element III MK2 Boosted DAC / AMP from JDS Labs, Inc. solid state amps can get slightly warm, so that might be normal. I love the thing. 4F (33C) at in a room temperature room. I do like the look of the Modius/Magnius stack, mostly cause its metal. Build Quality. The DAC card is essentally just an internal Modius, same circuitry. JDS Labs Element II - Timestamp - $200 shipped Second owner of this unit. Has JDS labs changed the tonality / sound to less I'm having a slight issue, I have a Beyerdynamics DT1990 paired with the JDS Labs Elements 2 amp, and here's the thing. My listening has been done with Amazon Prime music and a few local audio files (320 kb/s 44. I'm tempted to check out tubes in the future but I have zero desire to try anything else in solid state after getting this. DAC - Desktop. My journey, for context: I have about 50% high frequency hearing loss in one ear, so I love headphones with a lot of high end sparkle, but I also love electronic music, so I Dec 28, 2022 · I personally love the soft shimmer of copper. , about 20 minutes from St. Use the exact same position on the new cable. The element II has them beat on looks and simplicity, obviously, but I prefer separates for more input options, and swapping out either the dac or amp for upgrades. Cherry wood with black magnesium hardware. x through 11. Please see below for a high level comparison. Comes in original box with cables. The Element drives all balanced armature, dynamic, and planar magnetic headphones with ease. First off, huge props for early shipping. Hey all, looking to sell my JDS Labs Element II and Modhouse Argon MK III balanced in order to downsize a bit. The Element III seems to have a cleaner overall output, but the K3 is very noticeably punchier with it's high gain and bass switches. The Element works with 16ohm IEMs just as well as it works with full-size 600ohm planars. Honestly, other than the preamp out, I'm not real sure why anyone with the previous model would need this. JDS Labs also offer a 'boosted' power option for the Element (2. Atom+ is really all any one would ever need (unless they're really fond of hearing loss territory, with the least sensitive headphones), only upgraded mine because I wanted something with a better build and knob. We are committed to listening to our customers and welcome your feedback. The huge knob feels great to touch 😏 and makes using the Element III much nicer to use. It's a killer amp, frankly you really hit diminishing returns afterwards. Much to my surprise I have not been able to tell much of a difference in superior sound quality from the Element vs the SB Zx. You may use a Type C to Type B cable to connect to Type C devices. 993K subscribers in the headphones community. It’s to use with with Audeze LCD3 and Senn HD800. The Element III moved from analog to digital volume control so there is no physical min-max point for the wheel. Element's powerful headphone amp, ultra clean USB DAC, and graceful switch are all housed in a precision machined chassis with a comfortable knob. I bought The Element from JDS Labs, and even though the instructional . Idle power consumption is only 0. Pretty much as expected. I don't think it will be a big jump. A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable audio, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs. I don't know about the Element II, but, the amp that makes my HD800S sound the most amazing is my Rupert Neve RNHP amp. Come to find out they are about the same, but this amp has less soundstage, less imaging, neutred trebley sound. Make no mistake, I will not place my head anywhere near those headphones while they're blasting at full volume. The volume wheel feels incredibly smooth and fast. Most impressively, there's zero hiss from the JDS Element through to the Andromedas, something I've not encountered with any amp/DAC other than the SMSL IDEA. 3 to 2. JDS Labs has confirmed DAC support for iOS versions 7. 3W. I've been trying my new Sennheiser HD 650s on my JDS Labs Element and my SoundBlaster Zx. So, I'll get this out of the way up front - the JDS Atom is amazing, it's a spectacular value at $99, and easily the most substantial upgrade I've made in my headphone listening ever. In addition to improved efficiency, High Gain performance is stunning. Would the Topping cut or, and/or is the JDS Labs worth more than double the price do you think JDS Labs is very responsive to emails, which you likely won't see with the major alternatives. Unlike anything before it from JDS, the Element III features an OLED screen that is facing upwards. I didn’t do any specific A/B testing but my headphones sound different from one DAC/Amp to the next. By far, it's the best-looking of the three. 5W at 32 ohms. Element III MK2 upgrades the iconic knob with a discrete, optical encoder for unmatched feel. I second this. 182 votes, 63 comments. JDS Labs' new Atom 2 stack is pretty sweet. So the Element 2 is around £410 in the UK and the RME ADI-2DAC can be had for £780. x, 10. Shout out to DMS for turning me on to the Element III. 5mm to 3. Also, an amp being high power does not mean it doesn't support high-quality output at lower power levels. I’m selling my Woo Audio WA7 and about to buy a replacement. EL DAC II+ makes sense if you require coaxial S/PDIF or Bluetooth 5 input, or perhaps The low impedance of the JDS Element lends a very bassy sound to the Andromedas. My current JDS Element gets just a tad warm after half an hour, but not something you'd notice when touching or adjusting the dial. The audible differences might be there, but it's very slight and not worth the price differences. The Sundaras are a loved, and rightfully so, planar magnetic headset while the JDS Labs provide way more then enough power to drive them. However, I don't have the original boxes for either of them. JDS labs customer service > schiit. It also has balanced out for no ground loops if you ever get a balanced amp to go along with it. You'll hear nothing but the headphones. Reply. Automatic gain helps you focus on listening rather than button pressing, and an auto-vanishing display presents the essentials while you toggle between USB and Optical inputs and headphone or preamp outputs. ago. I will most likely upgrade my headphones in the future but I would like a Dac/Amp set up that can last me a while. Is it still a good Dac + Amp in 2020, Does it work properly with Windows 10? I’m using an Asgard 3 right now and it generates too much heat in the summer (little A/C). Not an exaggeration. Be sure to transfer the detachable ferrite from your JDS Labs cable to your new cable. EL DAC II+ Balanced is live now!! When looking for the best midrange DACs out… For those who might not know, JDS Labs released a Mark 2 version of the Element 3 amp/dac this year. x (most recent build as of January 2017). x, 9. I replaced an Aune X1S/X7S stack. Just wanted to ask if someone has used, or is still using the 1. is live now!! IF you love simplicity, and a powerful amplifier that can be the centerpiece of your setup, with a smoother, warmer sound, this should be right up your alley! Highly recommend. For $50 more, Schiit Jotunheim 2 with the ESS DAC card is a MAJOR step up from either of those two setups. I am trying to decide if its worth the 200ish extra dollars to get the Element MkIII over the atom stack. The volume knob and ability to switch seamlessly between speakers and headphones is wonderful. If you don't need the power, and let's face it, you probably don't unless you have a few specific headphones, then yes. A place to put all your used or un-used Audio or Video gear. Customers have reported DAC connectivity success with iOS 7. The Jot is truly balanced and has WAY more headroom than either the Midgaard or Element. 6. JDS has a much smaller and less complex product line. 3W power output as opposed to the usual 1. Helping you enjoy the worlds best headphones with beautifully designed headphone amps and DACs. Thing is, once I reach this equal level in both ears, it's too loud. • 8 mo. Within 3-5 days the new unit arrived and works perfectly now. Hi all, Timestamp. I'm also using APO/Peace to EQ to Oratory1990 Harmon curve with a few little tweaks to my own taste. Rail-to-rail OPA1692s are used in the amplification gain stage for increased headroom. If you want to use the Element's volume knob for your tube amp as well (which is perfectly fine), just use it as preamp. For element 2 to 3, likely not worth it for sound, but if you like the digital readout, then there might be a case. The charge brick though is as heavy as an actual brick. Element III runs on our second generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. Sennheiser HD800s, JDS Labs Element III DAC/AMP Very happy with this. We design, manufacture, and ship from our 8000 ft2 facility in Collinsville, IL. Both measured to be very, very similar headphone amps. JDS Labs Element II (Copper Ring). Enjoy seamless transitions between your powered speakers and headphones. After some advice from Reddit, I got into contact with JDS Labs and they We redesigned Element II to maximize your desktop audio experience. The element II will definitely have more power. According to my research, this device is really good for it's prize. II suppose they’d be a similar, “transparent” sound, but I haven’t compared the two units myself. Cannot complain! The JDS Element DAC/amp, plugged into the LCD-2, and turned all the way up - I can put the cans down on the desk, get out of the room, walk down the stairs to the living room, and I can still hear the music. JDS Labs' Customer Service is Incredible. There isnt much else to say. 1 kHz). A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable…. It's very easy to use - if a comment on your post is considered helpful, please reward them by using the term !thanks. Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone could comment on the performance Hey guys! I got the jds labs element 3 right now and I'm absolutely loving it, an amazing piece of equipment. I've been debating the K9 and Element 3 myself and in an eternal battle between thinking about both. Aiyima A07 MAX - $70 shipped. Amplifier - Desktop. Thanks for that. Hey guys, Happy Thanksgiving! Today I wanted to share some impressions of the JDS Labs Atom amp that I received yesterday. Until today, I'd never heard of ASIO drivers, which I take to mean that I'll have no use for them. x. Ended up going with powered studio speakers. Aside from that, the only other consideration would be the headphone jack (I think the Topping is just a single 3. My visit to Audio shop, it fell down between K5 pro and JDS labs Element 3 as everything else was out of stock. Even the nob stem is plastic, and it has so much wiggle room. Speaker amps, turntables, preamp, with or without tubes and balanced options) which is tougher to manage and service. Element III operates on our second-generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. I needed to get a bit of my creative fix today and what better way to do it than to do a mini photoshoot of arguably one of the best value planar Reply. That said, IMHO the element is nice, but very pricey. XS, HD600, DT1990, Elegia, Blessing3, OrchestraLite / L+E70V • 2 mo. Schiit has a ton more options (several dacs, amps and combos. We actively encourage Element III for those who need both an amp and a DAC. After a lot of research and such I ended up buying the Elex to replace my DT 990 600 ohm due to the piercing highs and I can honestly say these are most likely my end games! They pair up nicely with my JDS Labs Element II. We have employed a "thank you" system for submissions. Try unhooking the speakers from the atom. I realize those are basically EQ switches, but I cannot replicate the sound of the K3 with APO Equalizer and the Element III. 14. I just watched both Z and DMS review the Element 2 and they seem to really enjoy it. But the HEL did deliver the power when it worked! For what I'm looking at as a replacement, it's a JDS Labs Element II. ago • Edited 8 mo. This extra silicon doubles amperage availability, approximately doubling output power into 32Ω headphones. And WOW! I'm testing it using my SHP9500 while waiting for my HD58x and the benefits are already apparent: No harshness. We designed The Element to simplify your desktop audio experience. x, 8. I really don't want to sell it but I am moving on from it. I think I’m now down to either the Topping 3DX Pro+ (£199 locally) or the JDS Labs Element III (£499). I don't understand. Bet you could sell the Element 2 for a decent price. 2. I didn't think I was going to replace my Schiit Stack, but having one DAC/Amp and knowing it'll power everything (including the possible DT 1990) seemed tempting. $350 is a lot to spend for essentially a line out. I know the element 2 also gets hot, but how is it compared to the Asgard? Is it similarly burning hot or just warm to the touch? Hi, I have a pair of the Dan Clark Audio AEon open x. Selling an Element 3 MK 1 in good condition. I have an Element II and it’s a great sounding piece of equipment. The jds is good but I feel like if your going to stretch your budget that far there’s better stuff you could get. x, and 11. . Enjoy the comfortable knob and seamless transitions between your powered speakers and headphones! JDS Labs Atom - First Impressions (After 2 Hours). A $200 stack like the schiit modi 3 dac and jds atom amp are an amazing combo. I bought it brand new from JDS Labs (Dec 31, 2020). JDS Labs Element 2 - $200 shipped - SOLD. JDS Labs Atom is made fully plastic, like a hollow box with an aluminum nob cap. I just received my Atom a couple of hours ago and been testing difference between plugging in directly to my PC and through the amp. PimpmasterMcGooby Ed. This is my baby. I will also get myself a audiquest USB A-B cable The Element II doesn’t have S/PDIF or Bluetooth inputs at all. AJP14699. The DAC measures better than the original Element and the previously great Amp portion is slightly improved. The problem is it's so good, and bringing to light so much more in the headphones that I already have (huge, huge, upgrade over the headphone I'm quite confused JDS and Schiit seem to be the most popular brands but the output signals don't look very clean even on the high-end models. Mar 31, 2022 · Element III ships with a 3ft (1m) USB Type A to Type B cable equipped with a ferrite core for optimal jitter and noise rejection. JDS Labs Element 3 Standard vs Boosted (for Hifiman Arya Stealth) I had actually bought an Element 3 (standard) BEFORE JDS Labs announced they were doing a 'boosted' version of the amp/dac where they doubled the output power of the amp from 1. so accurate that it is easily arguable to be noise and distortion free within the range of human hearing. The Element III is fantastic for iems, there's perfect channel balance at really low volumes. Buy the element if you want much much better after sales support (firmware updates, direct contact with CS via forums etc). Try using a different set of RCA cables going from the modi to the atom. JDS Labs Element I vs II vs III with Sen HD 800 S. Has been great and time for me to move on to try a different setup. If this is a problem for you, it's something that can be "fixed" with an IEMatch. If you have a recent high-end motherboard you might have decent sound built in and not need a separate dac/amp. probably not. Can meet in NYC if local. Argon's - ZMF protein pads and are JDS LABS Element II vs iFi Zen DAC + AMP Stack. Enter JDS Labs! I didn't realize this is another company with quality products made in USA. I ended up getting the element 3, as sound was just beautiful, and super smooth every thing just feels like its coming alive I do not regret my decision, although K5pro would be cheaper, the element 3 looks amazing. And we’ve added a 2-band EQ to adjust bass The only way I can explain this is that sometimes iFi doesn't get low enough volume, while the Atom gives me lower volume options. Another item that was purchased on here and it works flawlessly. Also features an OLED display that activates when pressing a button or adjusting volume, which shows the input mode (USB or SPDIF), output mode (RCA or headphones), volume and the sample rate of the track being played. From JDS Labs' official website: We’ve reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. power / sound wise not sure of any differences really, I just prefer a single, compact, sexy solution and no blinding white led's. But if you just want performance, go with the Schiit stack. Element II is transparent to human ears. Automatic gain helps you focus on listening rather than button pressing, and an auto-vanishing Looking to sell my Element III (Black Ring). Award. Element II packs the performance you expect from JDS Labs into a precision machined aluminum chassis, with an equally impressive 32/384k DAC, and button activated preamp RCA outputs. boogieback_11 • 3 yr. build quality for the element is far superior too. If those things are not important to you, go with the JDS. I have to turn on the amp to a certain level for both ears to output equally. Contact JDS Labs about it, they've got fantastic customer service from my experience. JDS Labs Atom stack is very clean. Sort by: make_moneys. . Indeed, ASIO is generally only used for certain professional audio applications, like production, mixing, mastering etc. When I got my SHP9500, compared to my As far as Element II vs El stack, JDS did an excellent job with the Element II and the only real need for seperates here is if you want the extra inputs of the El DAC II like optical or you REALLY like the idea of separate. Please note that support is dependent on the mobile operating system and can vary with each operating system update! 2. Linear regulators provide 30VDC to clean LME49600 buffer amplification stages, with peak output power in excess of 1. It was mainly the body of the device but you don't really touch that part often anyway. 02W higher, or negligible. Don’t know about a DAC/Amp unit but have the Argons and the Atom/Khadas Tone Board combo and it works flawlessly. generation JDS Labs "The Element", and can share their experience. The Element II/El Amp will have plenty of power and a very nice feeling knob along with being very aesthetically appealing. The Amp can drive the Argons to a good volume if it is cranked all the way to the end in low gain and if you’re using high gain, it can drive them to a good volume at 12’o 5. Make sure in sound settings for the modi that all enhancements are disabled. the K7 is the slightly better unit with better connectivity and slightly more power. I was actually wondering if it would be worth it to stack it with the El dac ii+ because I know that the El dac was released with the element 2. • 3 yr. The jds atom stack is plenty of power for what you have. I have looked around the internet for comparisons but I haven't found any. It works well with anything I use it with. Both are in great condition and working perfectly. Since you already have an o2/odac, it's a tossup. Doesn't matter if you use it as preamp or line-level. wait for u/raistlin65 to tell you about how good the JDS atom is. Keep also in mind that personalized engraving reduces resale value. nd ou yo ec di xc yj rb tf fh