Michael YYZ
Member
I am hoping someone could please help me decide between these two great devices.
Based on the published specs, both the ATOM AMP and the ELEMENT AMP II have an output impedance of 0.1 Ohms, although the latter is more powerful (9.9 Vrms vs. 8.66 Vrms, into 150 Ohms). However, Amir measured higher output impedance values of 0.7 (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ents-of-new-jds-labs-atom-headphone-amp.5262/) and 1.2 Ohms (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...lement-ii-dac-and-headphone-amp-review.10029/), respectively.
I would be using the amp mostly with my Sennheiser HD650 headphones (300 Ohms) and occasionally with my Shure SE846 earphones (9 Ohms and 5 Ohms min.). Based on the 8x rule of thumb and the ASR measured values, the ELEMENT AMP II would not be suitable for the Shure earphones, while the ATOM would be marginally okay. What is your opinion on this? Also, other than the increased power and looks, what would be the advantage for the ELEMENT AMP II vs. the ATOM, to justify the 2.5x price difference?
Thanks!
Based on the published specs, both the ATOM AMP and the ELEMENT AMP II have an output impedance of 0.1 Ohms, although the latter is more powerful (9.9 Vrms vs. 8.66 Vrms, into 150 Ohms). However, Amir measured higher output impedance values of 0.7 (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ents-of-new-jds-labs-atom-headphone-amp.5262/) and 1.2 Ohms (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...lement-ii-dac-and-headphone-amp-review.10029/), respectively.
I would be using the amp mostly with my Sennheiser HD650 headphones (300 Ohms) and occasionally with my Shure SE846 earphones (9 Ohms and 5 Ohms min.). Based on the 8x rule of thumb and the ASR measured values, the ELEMENT AMP II would not be suitable for the Shure earphones, while the ATOM would be marginally okay. What is your opinion on this? Also, other than the increased power and looks, what would be the advantage for the ELEMENT AMP II vs. the ATOM, to justify the 2.5x price difference?
Thanks!
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