JDS Labs Atom DAC+ Review

[Wizard509]

Both are well beyond the threshold of audibility; in other words they sound exactly the same. With the Element series you’re paying for the much nicer machined enclosure.

If you’re feeding the DAC via USB, you’d be better off going with the Element II. The separates are only advantageous if you need some other digital input.

Noob here - can you help me understand the last two sentences of your post?

 

[Chesapeake HT]

I had posed the question about this vs. the Schiit Modi+. Both are very comparable spec wise, so it came down to a few reviews about company philosophy/ customer support, several emails with John S., and the engravable HEVI top. Sounds much better than the built in Mac Mini dac (M1 2020 year, apparently newer M2 Macs have improved internal dac?). Also loving the Stealie on top!

 

[Jimster480]

I had posed the question about this vs. the Schiit Modi+. Both are very comparable spec wise, so it came down to a few reviews about company philosophy/ customer support, several emails with John S., and the engravable HEVI top. Sounds much better than the built in Mac Mini dac (M1 2020 year, apparently newer M2 Macs have improved internal dac?). Also loving the Stealie on top!

View attachment 291015

Looks great and fits with the Mini!

 

[adelaidestevens]

How much better is Atom Dac compared to the fiio K3s? is it $100 better? asking because it's the only two decent Dac I can think of that works with PS5

 

[jesseday2]

@Chesapeake HT Was the stealie done by them? Love it. Is that additional on top of the HEVI upcharge?

 

[Chesapeake HT]

@Chesapeake HT Was the stealie done by them? Love it. Is that additional on top of the HEVI upcharge?

Contacting JDS is the best thing, but yes they will engrave just about any design. B&W images work best. The engraving was a no additional cost option. Did some dancing bears on one headphone amp and Bertha on a second one! Great company.