JDS Element Amp Versus Atom

[Deleted member 5035]

I have a JDS Element DAC/Amp, but am using it only as a headphone amp, for driving my HiFiMan Arya headphones - relatively hard to drive planars. Any reason not to sell it and buy a JDS Atom (and pocket the difference)? I'm driving the Element with my LG V35 cellphone, which has a high end quad-DAC, and would do the same with the Atom amp.

 

[solderdude]

Arya headphones are not difficult to drive.
At 40 Ohm and 105dB/1V

Both the element and Atom can drive this headphone equally well (both to 120dB SPL peak = around 100dB average)

When only using it as an amplifier then the Atom would be a better choice. When you can free money this way (and not lose too much on the Element) is may be a good idea financially seen. Technically there is no effective difference.