Headphone AMP+DAC all in one for Ananda Nano

[robertul]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a pair of Ananda Nano headphones and I am very happy with them. Running JDS Labs ATOM DAC 2 and AMP 2 stacked. I was thinking of upgrading my ATOM to something that has full PEQ. I was considering between Element IV DAC+AMP in one combo or Topping DX5 II combo. Which would be better? I have read amir review both of them, but, to me, they are quite similar. The thing that comes down to it, is that Topping has all relevant headphone outputs, 4.4 mm balanced, XLR balanced and 6.35 mm single ended connectors, while the Element IV does not. Which would be a wiser investment, long term, considering if I ever will upgrade to a better planar, like DCA Noire X or an Audeze or whatever makes sense on the Hifiman lineup, as an upgrade path. I know I am the one that should decide at the end of the day, because only I will know how I am going to use it and what features are important to me. But, from an objective standpoint, which one provides more current and which is cleaner for demanding planars. I know, for example that HE6SE v2 is the hardest to drive headphone. None of them are able to drive it, I know, the only AMP that can provide clean current is the FiiO K19 flagship.

 

[staticV3]

I was considering between Element IV DAC+AMP in one combo or Topping DX5 II combo. Which would be better?

JDS for software stability and long-term customer support.

Topping for price.

I know, for example that HE6SE v2 is the hardest to drive headphone. None of them are able to drive it, I know, the only AMP that can provide clean current is the FiiO K19 flagship.

Audiophile voodoo nonsense. All of them can drive the HE6se cleanly.

Even an Apple dongle can, if you listen on the quieter side.

 

[AnalogSteph]

Even an Apple dongle can, if you listen on the quieter side.

Now that would get a bit tight even by my standards at 91 dB/V. Classical would only make it to the mid-60s average. You ideally want something that can churn out like +19 dBV (9 Vrms) into 58 ohms. Thankfully, both the Element IV and DX5 II qualify. Maximum output is DX5 II unbalanced (~7.8 Vrms) < Element IV (~10 Vrms) < DX5 II balanced (~14 Vrms).

It is not easy for a small outfit like JDS Labs to be competing with the economy of scale of a major Chinese player like Topping, but the Element IV seems to be no slouch despite its less busy circuit board. Mind you, with its AC transformer plug pack it's not likely to set any records for low standby power consumption. (The EU unit for my Atom Amp+ uses near 3 watts by itself. One would wish for a unit based on a small toroidal of decent quality.)

 

[Mike_Trueman]

In Europe the DX5II cost 300€ and the JDS Element IV 700€ so they will not sell many units here.