Atom 2 Stack vs Topping DX5 II. Which for Performance?

[Guetta]

Looking purely at performance (sound quality, detail, power), should I go with the JDS Labs Atom 2 stack (AMP + DAC) or the Topping DX5 II? What’s best bang-for-performance?

 

[Joe Smith]

I can only speak to JDS Labs equipment - great product, great communication and service. The Atom 2 amp has more than enough power for most headphones, and they now have metal cases, a nice upgrade from years past. I am awed by their customer responsiveness - if I send an email with a question, I usually get a reply within hours. I have not had to send anything back, but I imagine they would be equally responsive if anything needed service.

 

[Crook]

Depends. I've only had good products from JDS, right from their Altoids tin 9v days (got taken from my by airport security in Ireland, they said is looked like a detonator) up to their El DAC II+. Flawless products operationally. No EQ on the atom though I think. From what I can gather DX5 II is a great product engineering wise, but pages and pages of issues on firmware/software issues means I'd never buy one. I can't imagine much of a performance difference re; sound quality, I do value EQ very much, but also want it to work properly. Probably not much help

 

[Joe Smith]

If your source is from PC, of course, you can always control EQ from software. I mostly use tone controls for low-level amp + speakers listening, and with headphones, you can always set the level volume level best for you. (If really tuning in headphone FR, software gives you more control than typical amp digital or analog controls.)

 

[Dk33145]

The DX5 II is going to come with more bells and whistles like PEQ and bluetooth whereas the Atom stack is going to be a more solid but simpler build. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I love my DX5 II and it is very robust, though it seems other people have had problems with theirs. I have tripped the relay switch protection more than once or twice and it still sounds perfect.