JCALLY JM20 Headphone Dongle Review

[mc.god]

That's absolutely correct. @CedarX was talking about JM20-Pro, hence my question...

Right, I missed you were quoting that post

 

[CedarX]

Has a firmware update been released that adds the ability to switch filters? It is a very useful and effective feature of CS43131, imo.

I just checked with WalkPlay, no FW upgrade available. The more advanced features, such as DAC filter selection are not available. It only offers the standard 8x PEQ & mic. gain.

 

[Njoy]

Please try this app available on playstore - My Audiocular. It's very similar to Walk play app

 

[CedarX]

Please try this app available on playstore - My Audiocular. It's very similar to Walk play app

Indeed, it looks very much like a re-skinned version of WakPlay supporting their Aura dongle (CB5100+CS43131+SGM8262).
Most likely a TTGK module & software customized for Audiocular.

 

[imajescape]

Anyone here with the Jcally jm30 dac? Mine runs so hot to the point i think it might break if i don't d/c it righaway. I also have the NICEHCK NK1 MAX which has a dedicated AMP and i barely feel any warmth coming from it while running. I'd expect some temps from the jm20 max which has a powerful amp but i didn't expect jm30 to get this hot.

 

[Fabsen]

Short feedback from my JM20: had it connected to my work laptop everyday and used it for meetings with IEMs (Zero:2). Bought it in January and does not work anymore. Connected it to different devices to double check- it does not pop up in settings menu. I assume it ran too hot?

 

[imajescape]

When i got my jcally jm30 it didn't work on first connection, had to do around 3 disconnects-reconnects for it to be recognised either by phone or PC. It didn't get too hot, but still hot compared to my NICEHCK NK1 MAX which is cold even after some time. After around 2 months it started working randomly on first connection, but now it gets excesively hot and draws alot of power from my smarphone. Just bad QC i guess.

 

[PoorAudioGuy]

AB tested a JM20 vs SMSL SU-1 with Fosi V3 and Elac DBR62s. Could not tell the difference. In some occasions I preferred the sound of JM20 but not reliably. Spending any big on DACs is a waste but perhaps we already knew that.

 

[antcollinet]

but perhaps we already knew that.

We did - we have a whole 547 page thread about it.

 

[PoorAudioGuy]

We did - we have a whole 547 page thread about it.

Would you mind sharing the link to it?

 

[sabih]

The only problem when using JM20 max as a DAC is a POP noise at the time of turn-off. Otherwise Sound wise it is as good as any expensive DAC out there with a slight leaner tonal balance.

 

[antcollinet]

Would you mind sharing the link to it?

How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Palladium]

AB tested a JM20 vs SMSL SU-1 with Fosi V3 and Elac DBR62s. Could not tell the difference. In some occasions I preferred the sound of JM20 but not reliably. Spending any big on DACs is a waste but perhaps we already knew that.

That's totally expected, especially when the dongle is far less stressed driving an power amp than headphones.
Even I don't feel much of a difference between the different IEMs recommended here on ASR, let alone perfectly ruler-flat electronics.

 

[Ismapics]

Hello, is it missing the SNR bar graph I just saw on the Fiio.

 

[Matias]

Yesterday I tried maxing out my regular JM20 using the Truthear Pure IEMs and it was VERY loud, unbearable to listen for a few minutes of loud compressed modern music. Reducing volume to 60-70% is already pretty loud enough for me to listen for long time.

So I think the Max version with opamps and even more power only makes sense for very insensitive IEMs or headphones. I honestly would be kind of worried to have so much power into regular IEMs if I do something wrong and the volume is maxed out and the music blasts into my ears!

Anyway very happy with this regular JM20 + Pure.

 

[CedarX]

So I think the Max version with opamps and even more power only makes sense for very insensitive IEMs or headphones. I honestly would be kind of worried to have so much power into regular IEMs if I do something wrong and the volume is maxed out and the music blasts into my ears!

Agreed! In addition, lowering the (digital) volume just increases the chances of hissing … and it always draws more power from the USB host.
The JM20 Max, FiiO KA11, etc. are certainly competent dongles, but the added power is more a hindrance than any thing else, unless you absolutely need the added power.

 

[Somafunk]

I honestly would be kind of worried to have so much power into regular IEMs if I do something wrong and the volume is maxed out and the music blasts into my ears!

but the added power is more a hindrance than any thing else, unless you absolutely need the added power.

Yeah, I have never used the JM20 Max I bought last year, i much prefer using my Hiby D1 as it has volume +/- controls built in but is slightly larger which may be off putting for some.

 

[Palladium]

Yesterday I tried maxing out my regular JM20 using the Truthear Pure IEMs and it was VERY loud, unbearable to listen for a few minutes of loud compressed modern music. Reducing volume to 60-70% is already pretty loud enough for me to listen for long time.

So I think the Max version with opamps and even more power only makes sense for very insensitive IEMs or headphones. I honestly would be kind of worried to have so much power into regular IEMs if I do something wrong and the volume is maxed out and the music blasts into my ears!

Anyway very happy with this regular JM20 + Pure.

DR13 tracks was crazy loud at max volume outdoors with my 7Hz G1 even on a Apple's USB-C dongle nerfed to 0.5V.

 

[gordinho]

I have the jm20 that I sometimes use with my hd600 and wondering if the max or another dongle would make a difference. When I go louder it almost feels like it's running out of gas but could be placebo. It also warms up more than I expected. I haven't done a side by side with other gear I have.. this is my portable setup.

 

[staticV3]

I have the jm20 that I sometimes use with my hd600 and wondering if the max or another dongle would make a difference. When I go louder it almost feels like it's running out of gas but could be placebo. It also warms up more than I expected. I haven't done a side by side with other gear I have.. this is my portable setup.

The JM20 is incapable of clipping (=running out of gas) with high impedance loads like the HD600.

With the HD600, it will always play clean, so w/o changing tonality, regardless of volume.