JDS Atom Amp 2 Headphone Amplifier Review

[Doodski]

EDIT... OOPs.

 

[LivingLikeLarry]

How well would a fiio k3 (first gen) work as a DAC for this amp? I know the K3 didn't test too well but the line out was pretty good.

 

[staticV3]

How well would a fiio k3 (first gen) work as a DAC for this amp?

It would work very well.

 

[LivingLikeLarry]

It would work very well.

Hm I am thinking about doing that but I don't know if I would be better off just buying a higher end combo like a k7 or c200. I guess between the 3 options there would not be a noticeable difference besides different sound signatures. Any suggestions?

 

[Bernard23]

My sons Fiio k3 died, so the options are this (with the atom 2 amp) or a Fiio k7

 

[Doodski]

My sons Fiio k3 died, so the options are this (with the atom 2 amp) or a Fiio k7

The ATOM DAC+ is a very well measuring DAC with the simplest of features and it does what a DAC does without worry about sound quality. I have the ATOM DAC+ on my desktop and decided on this one after a few weeks of deliberation. For US $109.00 including the power adapter and with the 2 year parts and labor warranty it is very good value. Atom DAC+'s light blue light ring glows when in use, automatically powers down during inactivity, and wakes up instantly and silently so you don't require a power switch. If you do want a power switch then there is a supplied rocker switch provided in the box. JDS Labs DACs are fully guaranteed against parts and electronic manufacturing defects for 2 years from original purchase date.
This is a nice short RCA cable at 15 cm = 6 in = 0.5 ft length JDS Labs accessory to purchase with your DAC.

Stack RCA Cables _ Shop JDS LABS

These are the RCA Interconnects you've been looking for! Ultra short length, premium gold-plated connectors, and custom cabling which holds its shape.

jdslabs.com

A review of the JDS Labs ATOM DAC+ is here. >>>

JDS Labs Atom DAC+ Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JDS Labs Atom DAC+ desktop USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company and is an early production sample. The product was just announced at a retail cost of US $109. I accepted the sample in the interest of getting this information to you early...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[LivingLikeLarry]

My sons Fiio k3 died, so the options are this (with the atom 2 amp) or a Fiio k7

If he just wants a simple solution to good audio just go with the K7. If he wants to get into audio as a hobby and mess around with different DAC/AMP combos the JDS AMP would be better.

 

[Doodski]

If he just wants a simple solution to good audio just go with the K7. If he wants to get into audio as a hobby and mess around with different DAC/AMP combos the JDS AMP would be better.

I don't understand your reply. The K7 is a feature laden and much more expensive unit.

 

[LivingLikeLarry]

I don't understand your reply. The K7 is a feature laden and much more expensive unit.

Wouldnt he need both the DAC and AMP ? That would almost $250 for the last gen stack and nearly $300 for the version 2 models and JDS charges shipping. Fiio K7 is $200

 

[Doodski]

Wouldnt he need both the DAC and AMP ? That would almost $250 for the last gen stack and nearly $300 for the version 2 models and JDS charges shipping. Fiio K7 is $200

Yes, I see your wisdom and ways now... LoL. Sorry for questioning you.

 

[LivingLikeLarry]

Yes, I see your wisdom and ways now... LoL. Sorry for questioning you.

No worries, also it was a bit confusing because this is the review for the AMP but it sounded like he was asking about the DAC.

 

[Deckard01]

The only issue with this wondaful product is that it gets to expensive to buy from Europe and so, they do not give in afford so as for Europe retailers. So sad..

 

[Boris]

The atom 2 amp easily feeds my power-hungry DT880 600ohm cans and brings out the best in them.

 

[Bleib]

The only issue with this wondaful product is that it gets to expensive to buy from Europe and so, they do not give in afford so as for Europe retailers. So sad..

Another options is Sabaj's A20H, with the right shipping it shouldn't cost anything extra

Sabaj A20h Desktop Balance TPA6120A2 Headphone Amplifier freeshipping - HiFi-express

Brand Name: Sabaj Certification: CE Recommended Headphone Maximum Impedance: 32-50 Ohm Output Type: LINE OUT (AUDIO OUT) Output Type: Balanced Out Origin: CN(Origin) Input Type: RCA Input Type:...

hifi-express.com

Sabaj A20h Balanced Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sabaj A20h balanced headphone amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. It is discontinued but I see it at one site for just $108. The look is kind of outdated but it works. Back panel shows the odd choice of putting headphone jacks there...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Deckard01]

Another options is Sabaj's A20H, with the right shipping it shouldn't cost anything extra

Sabaj A20h Desktop Balance TPA6120A2 Headphone Amplifier freeshipping - HiFi-express

Brand Name: Sabaj Certification: CE Recommended Headphone Maximum Impedance: 32-50 Ohm Output Type: LINE OUT (AUDIO OUT) Output Type: Balanced Out Origin: CN(Origin) Input Type: RCA Input Type:...

hifi-express.com

Sabaj A20h Balanced Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sabaj A20h balanced headphone amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. It is discontinued but I see it at one site for just $108. The look is kind of outdated but it works. Back panel shows the odd choice of putting headphone jacks there...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Looks nice! Thanks for the mention!

As I see the site is stored in USA too, so I do not know if in Europe will have taxes and the known issues as may occur with JDS too.

 

[Veri]

As I see the site is stored in USA too, so I do not know if in Europe will have taxes and the known issues as may occur with JDS too.

The Sabaj? I bought from hifi-express and didn't get hit with any fees/taxes whatsoever..

Note that it ships from abroad. If you have issues/warranty claims, it will be a pain. But for the price it's well worth a shot though (IMO).

 

[mc.god]

Looks nice! Thanks for the mention!

As I see the site is stored in USA too, so I do not know if in Europe will have taxes and the known issues as may occur with JDS too.

They state this:

For many European countries, we offer a tax-paid Standard Shipping method via Yanwen Express.

...

Shipping fees exclude import taxes or processing fees that might be applicable for your country, unless you have selected the tax-paid option.

So it should be ok.

 

[Deckard01]

They state this:

So it should be ok.

Thanks for mention. To be truth, I like a bit more the size and design of JDS! I think has a more compact and minimal design

 

[Ear-Wax]

Anyone else try the SMSL SU-1 with the Atom Amp 2? Highly recommended.

I down sized from RME-ADI 2 FS and I'm beyond satisfied, mega bang for your buck audio!

 

[MRC01]

Anyone else try the SMSL SU-1 with the Atom Amp 2? Highly recommended.
I down sized from RME-ADI 2 FS and I'm beyond satisfied, mega bang for your buck audio!

Doesn't the RME have built-in parametric EQ? I'd miss that for sure.