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JDS Labs Element IV DAC & HP Amp with EQ Review

Rate this DAC & HP Amp

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 3 1.3%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 14 6.1%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 62 27.1%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 150 65.5%

  • Total voters
    229
I just got the Element IV today and used it for maybe 4 hours. It works without a problem and I tried the core software shortly and that also did just work. So I am very happy to have something that doesn't require any tinkering.

One thing I noticed after a bit of use was that the device got noticeably warm. Not hot or something but warm. Warmer than my old FiiO K3 did get ever, which is of course also a way weaker device, but I'm still using the same headphones and should not drive the Element IV very hard (max was about -40dh low gain).
 
It will run warm even at idle. It is normal. Every JDS Labs unit I have owned has run a little warm and JDS has reassured me on a few occasions that it's perfectly normal.
 
Ok, so as impressive as this device seems, why would I not get the Topping D50III, a Schiit Midgard, and some TRRS-to-XLR cables as a combo for around the same $$?

Since both DACs use the XMOS processor's DSP and a web app for the PEQ...

Although the JDS U.I. qtys. of EQ presets seem to be an advantage over what "Topping Tune" can offer - which based on info on ASR is just 2 possible presets that can be recalled via the remote - or am I wrong?
Because Topping is garbage. Always has been. Crap build quality, no returns, and hard to get a refund for something even when it breaks after 2 weeks. They fooled me once. For their lowest priced items, it might be worth the risk of failure, and hope that it doesn't take out some of your more expensive equipment along with it.
What's foolish, is buying this junk for $800+ when you could buy excellent quality, nearly new items instead. And actually have customer support, peace of mind, and pride of ownership.
 
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Because Topping is garbage. Always has been. Crap build quality, no returns, and hard to get a refund for something even when it breaks after 2 weeks. They fooled me once. For their lowest priced items, it might be worth the risk of failure, and hope that it doesn't take out some of your more expensive equipment along with it.
What's foolish, is buying this junk for $800+ when you could buy excellent quality, nearly new items instead. And actually have customer support, peace of mind, and pride of ownership.

Agreed, every single Topping device I and a close friend of mine has ever owned there have been issues with them, every single one has either had failures, not operating correctly, HW revisions that have burnt early adopters, promises of FW update fixes that don't come to fruition, and instead of being able to send back for repair easily you're really looking at a straight refund with your local supplier rather than proper customer care.

I was recently tempted again with Topping with the D90 III Discrete DAC, I pop in the thread and what do you know, people are having issues with it!, I just had to tell myself nope, don't do it!
 
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