The ADI-2 DAC costs $1300, so JDS is at 38% price. Pretty fair IMO.
blog.jdslabs.com
Yes. I don't know the details, but @jseaber confirms that they're planning on it, in the comments on his JDS Labs blog post.
JDS will cost 550$ soon, so it will 42% of that of the ADI. If I can find a used ADI DAC then I can bring that to 60%-70%.
In Europe, with added on VAT and import costs Element will be more than 50% the price of RME ADI-2 DAC. And that is calculated at the current price, not the future 549$.
I think JDSLabs has a right approach here: managing complex DSP features on a device display can be done (see RME)…but quickly becomes very complex and may be the wrong approach in the end. At the same time, there is definitely a need to balance what can be done on the device itself vs. what is only available through the app—same debate as cars “information system”, touch screen vs. buttons, knobs, and dedicated sub-displays. The Element IV may be lacking a few useful on-board control, or a way to expand/overload the knob functions (short press, long press, double press, triple press, etc.) via settings in the app.Introducing Element IV and Core™ – JDS Labs Blog
Definitely interested in your take.
I think JDSLabs has a right approach here: managing complex DSP features on a device display can be done (see RME)…but quickly becomes very complex and may be the wrong approach in the end. At the same time, there is definitely a need to balance what can be done on the device itself vs. what is only available through the app—same debate as cars “information system”, touch screen vs. buttons, knobs, and dedicated sub-displays. The Element IV may be lacking a few useful on-board control, or a way to expand/overload the knob functions (short press, long press, double press, triple press, etc.) via settings in the app.
What John Seaber does not cover in his blog is what can and can’t be done with the XU316….
See the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 review thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neutron-hifi-dac-v1-review.56647/ for reference.
I know it’s ‘just’ a dongle… but the architecture is not that different, and Neutron is already fine-tuning the balance between adding more DSP features and how many of those can run concurrently vs. the available processing power of the embedded ARM processor.
The XU316 appears to be a fairly powerful (specialized) MCU, but it ain’t specialized DSP, that was my all point!
No reason the output can't be reduced and run to another amp. But honestly if I were going to spend $180 on that why not go for a WIIM pro plus and go direct into an Atom2 Amp for the same money. WIIm gives you PEQ and a bunch more. Part of the attraction for me on the EL4 is it simplifies my set up.
Does Wiim pro have independent PEQs? Independent PEQ is a must for me...for 2 channel and headphones.
Yes I believe you can adjust left and right independently if that is what you are asking. Pro PLUS runs a AKM 4493 I believe also. There is a review on here and it measures well. I used it to my Atom2 with good results. Only reason I updated to a EL4 was to get rid of the volume potentiometer and wanted to declutter my set up. Also I just like the EL4 and wanted it. I am currently steaming the WiiM Pro Plus via optical into the EL4 from Qobuz. The WiiM has been great honestly. Easy to use and set up. I think you can even used different peq for each output.
Email JDS they will get right back to you. You power transformer should be 15 or 16v. 18.7 is too high. Get up cheap tester at Home Depot and plug it into your wall outlet and make sure your grounds are okay.
Sure, but it's good to have it validated by a third party otherwise why would you measure and review any DAC that already had a full suite of measurements that the company had published themselves.
The mains is isolated via the transformer so it appears the 'tingling' from the finger rub comes from the DAC or whatever is connected to that DAC.
If you have another wall plug similar to the one from the EL (like if you have the EL DAC) I would swap it and see if the problem disappeared. That is great. They are a great company.
