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JDS Labs Atom DAC Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
Topping DX3 Pro can do that, I don't see why JDS can't compete with it at a lower price point and better performance.
TimW
Major Contributor
When I read about the inline power supply switch I was instantly turned off. The idea of getting this DAC for use with the Atom amp, and then having to turn on each component separately as well as the computer seems silly to me. Those who like to complain about the power supply switch being mounted on the back of Schiit gear should definitely be irritated by a cable mounted switch.
But then I checked out JDS Labs website and saw that this thing automatically powers down during inactivity. That actually makes the Atom stack a pretty compelling desktop solution in my opinion. How many people using a small $100 desktop DAC actually need anything other than USB anyway?
But then I checked out JDS Labs website and saw that this thing automatically powers down during inactivity. That actually makes the Atom stack a pretty compelling desktop solution in my opinion. How many people using a small $100 desktop DAC actually need anything other than USB anyway?
MRC01
Major Contributor
I agree in principle. Yet a 24 kHz stopband seems common in the gear Amir has reviewed. I imagine because of how aliased frequencies reflect across Nyquist, with the stopband at 24 kHz, at least any HF noise that leaks past the filter will be above 20 kHz and inaudible.
That said, even though it's above 20 kHz, it could still trigger passband distortion in downstream amps or speakers through IM.
Tks
Major Contributor
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I was wondering, how hard do the high-pass/low-pass PEQ settings on the DAC function? Like if I have a LP at 20kHz what does the output level look like at 20.5 or 21kHz? Or if I have a HP at 30Hz, what's the output signal looking like at 25kHz vs 20kHz for example? Looking at the Spectral Analyzer on the DAC shows a dip, but I can't tell how much, it seems relatively "gentle". If I set a -5db pure 63Hz signal, and I set the HP to 126Hz with a 1 Q-Factor, the 63Hz signal based on the analyzer dips to around -19dB or so.
I was wondering if it could be made more "brick-wall"-ish through firmware perhaps?
D
Deleted member 4360
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This is why JDS is the company to buy product from. Plus, which very few people mention, the warranty. Try getting support from Topping. Not going to happen. I had a D50 with a faulty toggle - returned it to Massdrop. Been with JDS since. I now have moved to an Element II and it's great with my Audeze cans. Email John and you'll get a reply that you'll understand. I'm not a flag waving guy but I pretty much only buy American products which isn't easy all the time. However, with JDS (to me), it's an easy decision. Shit, I would buy Shiit over Topping as at least I'll get good, albeit, sarcastic and rude support but at least I'll get the support...
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Guermantes
Senior Member
The AK4490EQ supports it on paper:
https://www.akm.com/content/dam/doc.../audio-dac/ak4490eq/ak4490eq-en-datasheet.pdf
Quite probably the XMOS chipset will also handle it. It may simply be an undocumented capability.
Nango
Major Contributor
Another trafo on the desk? Why 15 VAC for just a DAC? Only input USB? No way, thanks.
Looks like they use linear regulators in the power supply design. Maybe simplicity gives better reliability.
I got excellent support from Topping, they fixed a faulty DAC at no charge and I wasn't even the original owner, I was out $22 for shipping the mainboard from the USA and wait time, so yes that's there. Support was a bit slow to respond but communication was good. I understand if you go with Apos they will help you out for a faster turnaround. Sure, it is easier with JDS but it is unfair to bash Topping for no reason.
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AndrewDavis
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Because no one should need it?
I would buy this to pair with the Atom if it wasn't much more expensive in Europe but... Those two fat power supply and that rca cable really make this ugly and clutter your space.
Considering how little power the dac requires it would have been great to have a Y cable for the Atom power and a flat bridge for the rca. Too bad that you can't DIY because of the Atom Ps being AC and not DC else a simple 7805 in the Y adapter would have done the trick.
Considering how little power the dac requires it would have been great to have a Y cable for the Atom power and a flat bridge for the rca. Too bad that you can't DIY because of the Atom Ps being AC and not DC else a simple 7805 in the Y adapter would have done the trick.
The relationship isn’t US vs China, it’s where the company is in its lifecycle and it’s tolerance to risk. The younger the company the less tools and processes they have setup for testing in both design phase and production. The more mature the company the greater processes are in place to specify and measure quality. The higher threshold a company has for risk the more likely they are to use their V1 releases as betas to collect data that would otherwise take much longer to collect. Many of the Ch-Fi brands are (relatively speaking) rather young and in my experience are rapid iterators so taking the risk of moving too fast often yields greater success in the end.
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