JDS Atom Amp 2 Headphone Amplifier Review

[mc.god]

Fantastic unit, but I'd like to see a 3 level gain with a negative setting for very sensitive iems.
Not that I'll ever think to get one if it'll continue to be such an hassle here in EU

 

[staticV3]

Here's the Atom Amp 2's Max Power vs Load:


And compared to other Amps in the price class:


(Thanks for tightening up your Voltage sweeps @amirm!)

 

[mc.god]

Here's the Atom Amp 2's Max Power vs Load:
View attachment 328728

And compared to other Amps in the price class:
View attachment 328727

(Thanks for tightening up your Voltage sweeps @amirm!)

L30II higher power due to max gain set at 16,5 db where Atom 2 is set at 13,5 db, just a hint more than older Atom+ (13 db), but still plenty of power.

 

[staticV3]

L30II higher power due to max gain set at 16,5 db where Atom 2 is set at 13,5 db, just a hint more than older Atom+ (13 db), but still plenty of power.

The L30II has higher output power, not because it has higher gain, but because its power supply can supply more current.

 

[ocinn]

L30II higher power due to max gain set at 16,5 db where Atom 2 is set at 13,5 db, just a hint more than older Atom+ (13 db), but still plenty of power.

Gain is a completely irrelevant argument once you factor in the relative context of SINAD and noise.

Even with its higher gain, L30ii beats this in SINAD, output and low level noise.

Regardless, if I was in the market for a headphone amp in this price range I’d probably choose this simply due to the physical design and the reputability of JDS’s support.

 

[mc.god]

The L30II has higher output power, not because it has higher gain, but because its power supply can supply more current.

Atom 2 ps is rated at max 1A output, can't find the spec for the Topping one, but shouldn'it matter only at low ohm loads? I was referring to the entire curve at all the possible loads, is max gain totally unrelated to max power delivered by an amp?

Gain is a completely irrelevant argument once you factor in the relative context of SINAD and noise.

Even with its higher gain, L30ii beats this in SINAD, output and low level noise.

Regardless, if I was in the market for a headphone amp in this price range I’d probably choose this simply due to the physical design and the reputability of JDS’s support.

I was not implying anything about sinad and noise. As i mostly use sensitive iems i would rather buy the Topping due to it's low gain setting, fantastic 100 db sn at 50mv and availability in italy.

 

[Michael Fidler]

Just beyond impressive with 2HD at -144dB! Voted great!

I'm going to buy one of these just to reverse engineer it. Spectacular results at a super price point.

Thanks again to ASR for testing these.

 

[staticV3]

is max gain totally unrelated to max power delivered by an amp?

No. In a situation where input voltage is limited, low gain may well be the factor that's limiting output power.

For example, here's the Max Power vs Load of the L30 and L30II with limited input voltage:


The higher gain of the L30II means that it can reach its current or voltage limits even above ~14Ω where the L30 is gain limited.

 

[ripmixburn]

Are you able to measure the preamp function?

 

[Philipp]

Newbie question:
Would that make a good Preamp in combination with a stereo-power-amp with no volume control?
Or would there be a better product for such a purpose at this pricepoint?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Phorize]

This is the sort of thing that should be on the front cover of Stereophile; high performance, well made, no bullshit and fiercely priced. If JDS can make it this work commercially I take my hat (figurative) off to them.

 

[wwenze]

This is the sort of thing that should be on the front cover of Stereophile; high performance, well made, no bullshit and fiercely priced. If JDS can make it this work commercially I take my hat (figurative) off to them.

Nah, not if the listening reviewer cannot hear the difference between this and his iPhone with his HiFiMAN RE2000. On the other hand the Wood™ III Pro Plus produces a much more organic sound.

 

[A Cute Earring]

No, I was only given this amp.

Would love to see the DAC tested…

 

[Count Arthur]

That's impressive. I think JDS Labs started by selling CMoy amps and kits in mint tins.

CMoy - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Bleib]

Solid amp, well done

 

[Newman]

I remember how hifi forums were awash with ridicule of ‘NwAvGuy’, who came up with the original circuit behind this amp. His assertion, that he could devise a cheap amp that was utterly transparent to the ear, was apparently beyond the pale and sufficient proof that he was an idiot and didn’t know what he was talking about, let alone design a transparent amp.

PS a long time ago I bought an early O2 amp which is the predecessor to the Atom.

 

[Ron Texas]

It's amazing how affordable really great electronics have become. Thank you @amirm

 

[Room314]

Now I want one, even though I don't really need one...

That's impressive. I think JDS Labs started by selling CMoy amps and kits in mint tins.

View attachment 328779

CMoy - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[dzerig]

Different amp!

 

[Count Arthur]

Now I want one, even though I don't really need one...

Looks like they still sell the kits: https://jdslabs.com/product/cmoybb-diy-kit-rechargeable/

I never built a CMoy, but a headphone amp was one my first DIY electronics projects. It was one of the Meier Audio Corda variants:

https://www.meier-audio.com/amplifiers.html