JDS Labs Element III Review (DAC & Amp)

[MRC01]

The differences are well documented. The Jotunheim is more powerful, has both SE and balanced inputs and outputs, and an internal power supply. The Element has some useful DSP functions and an SPDIF input. They both have plenty of power and are equally "clean" with 50 mv SNR within 1 dB of each other. Either one will serve you well, it only depends on your preferences.

 

[tb753917]

I really like the form factor, features and customer support for Element 3. But before I pull the trigger, I am wondering if the measurement is really good enough? For example, if I use Element 3 to power HD600 (300 omh), Sundara (40 omh), or Arya (16 omh), how will it compare with other devices at the top of the SINAD chart? Such as Topping L50 or JDS’s own Atom 2 Amp?

PS: If JDS releases a new version (maybe called Element 4?) that has the same performance/measurement like Atom 2, then my purchase decision will become really easy.

 

[paudio]

I really like the form factor, features and customer support for Element 3. But before I pull the trigger, I am wondering if the measurement is really good enough? For example, if I use Element 3 to power HD600 (300 omh), Sundara (40 omh), or Arya (16 omh), how will it compare with other devices at the top of the SINAD chart? Such as Topping L50 or JDS’s own Atom 2 Amp?

PS: If JDS releases a new version (maybe called Element 4?) that has the same performance/measurement like Atom 2, then my purchase decision will become really easy.

I would try to find some comparable SINAD numbers for output devices you already own and see if they are higher or lower than the Element 3. As Amir notes in the review that it would be with sensitive IEMs you might hear the background hiss. In my experience I doubt you'd be able to hear it with full size cans especially the higher impedance ones.

 

[LoFiAudiophile]

I would try to find some comparable SINAD numbers for output devices you already own and see if they are higher or lower than the Element 3. As Amir notes in the review that it would be with sensitive IEMs you might hear the background hiss. In my experience I doubt you'd be able to hear it with full size cans especially the higher impedance ones.

Here’s an experiment for anyone bothered about potential background hiss:

1. Take your favorite sensitive IEM (or your favorite headphone/IEM)
2. Plug them to your laptop, connect your laptop to AC charger. This test assumes that your laptop is the noisiest HP amp you own.
3. Play absolutely nothing (to protect your hearing).
4. Double check nothing is playing and change volume to 100%

If you can hear any hiss, congratulate yourself on your excellent hearing, excellent choice of IEMs and pay attention to 5mV SNR, otherwise just stop worrying about that specific section.

My EL II has inaudible noise at 100% volume (to me on any IEM I own). Sensitive IEMs don’t need powerful Amps like JDS El anyway but we all gotta have our toys.