JDS Labs Element IV DAC & HP Amp with EQ Review

[5onderling]

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).

 

[JimmyBuckets]

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.

 

[Livnmuskoka]

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.

 

[PacketofCrisps]

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!

 

[Lord Victor]

As per the EQ features.
View attachment 411295
View attachment 411297

Any idea how/if this differs functionally from using something like APO EQ/Peace? Beyond being persistent to the dac/amp itself even if plugged into a different pc. Wondering if the actual interface is better/worse or if there are any weird quirks with it (like e.g. Qudelix randomly setting EQ bands to +48dB when uploading an EQ profile to it, etc.)

 

[Lord Victor]

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).

Curious to hear more experiences on using the Core EQ as compared to fx. APO Equalizer, which can be used with any other Dac/amp, if you're used this or any other EQ solutions prior to the Element?

 

[5onderling]

Curious to hear more experiences on using the Core EQ as compared to fx. APO Equalizer, which can be used with any other Dac/amp, if you're used this or any other EQ solutions prior to the Element?

I don't use the equalizer currently. I used Equalizer APO in the past for my previous headphones and was happy with it. I just looked it up and saw that oratory1990 has a preset for my headphones (Denon AH-D5200) so I will try to try that out sometime this week maybe.

 

[JimmyBuckets]

Curious to hear more experiences on using the Core EQ as compared to fx. APO Equalizer, which can be used with any other Dac/amp, if you're used this or any other EQ solutions prior to the Element?

I have only played around with Core a little bit, but it also allows you to change all the setting and functions of the EL4. I found it very easy to learn and use. The only other EQ I have used is in my WiiM steamer. I found Core more straight forward to use. I generally don't use EQ.

 

[evanft]

I'm hoping they make a DAC-only version of this with coax input and balanced outputs. Basically like my Schiit Modius but with the additional EQ. I'd love to have EQ in my DAC but unfortunately it's currently limited to either portable units or very expensive desktop ones.

 

[Doodski]

I'd love to have EQ in my DAC but unfortunately it's currently limited to either portable units or very expensive desktop ones.

Why not use a software PEQ in your PC? There are many available and the good ones work very well.

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[evanft]

Why not use a software PEQ in your PC? There are many available and the good ones work very well.

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

This is a fine solution when using a PC, but not for other sources.

 

[Doodski]

This is a fine solution when using a PC, but not for other sources.

If you use PC then go for it.

 

[5onderling]

I don't use the equalizer currently. I used Equalizer APO in the past for my previous headphones and was happy with it. I just looked it up and saw that oratory1990 has a preset for my headphones (Denon AH-D5200) so I will try to try that out sometime this week maybe.

Tried and I could set the filters pretty much like oratory1990 documented. It worked no problem, I don't know what I can tell more about it. It's very simple.

On an (more or less) unrelated note the oratory1990 filters for my Denon AH-D5200 include a 5,5 db boost from 110 hz downwards which I think is strange since they already seem to have quite a bit of bass, at least that is how I feel. I set all the filters nonetheless and immediately noticed on some bassy tracks that the headphones were not happy and distorting (very noticeably) and so I guess I'll keep using the headphones without filters happily like I have the past years. (I plan to upgrade to Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X eventually this year)

 

[mike_k]

Hello, I have a question regarding EL4 and Synapse. Does Synapse provide galvanic isolation? I own EL3 and it was working perfectly but just today the USB input on it became non functional, not detectable by any of my computers with different cables, while Toslink still works as usual. Could it have been burned due to switching with a USB KVM switch? Even though other peripheral connected to it seems to be fine.
I wonder if I could pick up EL4 with Synapse, I don't have ground loops but galvanic insulation protection would should prevent this from happening again, or at least that's what's I'm thinking.

 

[JimmyBuckets]

Hello, I have a question regarding EL4 and Synapse. Does Synapse provide galvanic isolation? I own EL3 and it was working perfectly but just today the USB input on it became non functional, not detectable by any of my computers with different cables, while Toslink still works as usual. Could it have been burned due to switching with a USB KVM switch? Even though other peripheral connected to it seems to be fine.
I wonder if I could pick up EL4 with Synapse, I don't have ground loops but galvanic insulation protection would should prevent this from happening again, or at least that's what's I'm thinking.

I could be wrong, but I think there was an issue with newer firmware and using USB with Windows. I believe JDS has a role back option if you have recently updated firmware. I don't think this effect EL4 since as far as I know there is only one firmware out for it.

 

[mike_k]

I could be wrong, but I think there was an issue with newer firmware and using USB with Windows. I believe JDS has a role back option if you have recently updated firmware. I don't think this effect EL4 since as far as I know there is only one firmware out for it.

Not sure, I'm on version 2.3.2 and I've updated quite some time ago. And I also tried it with laptops running MacOS and Fedora Linux, same result.

 

[JimmyBuckets]

Not sure, I'm on version 2.3.2 and I've updated quite some time ago. And I also tried it with laptops running MacOS and Fedora Linux, same result.

Sorry, I think it was actually the Windows update that broke it. I would email JDS, I just remember seeing something about rolling back and update.

 

[jseaber]

I could be wrong, but I think there was an issue with newer firmware and using USB with Windows. I believe JDS has a role back option if you have recently updated firmware. I don't think this effect EL4 since as far as I know there is only one firmware out for it.

@mike_k - Thanks for emailing (and reminding me to check in here!). We'll help you out.

@JimmyBuckets - We released the first major firmware update for Element IV earlier this month, adding support for DSP over S/PDIF:

Element IV now Supports DSP over Optical – JDS Labs Blog

blog.jdslabs.com

 

[JimmyBuckets]

@mike_k - Thanks for emailing (and reminding me to check in here!). We'll help you out.

@JimmyBuckets - We released the first major firmware update for Element IV earlier this month, adding support for DSP over S/PDIF:

Element IV now Supports DSP over Optical – JDS Labs Blog

blog.jdslabs.com

Thanks John. Looks like y'all have been hard at work. Looking forward to all the future possibilities with the power of the new EL4 and Core. Firmware update was painless and easy through Core

 

[evernessince]

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.

Yep, I've had the same experience with Topping as well. Have a DX5 who's knob no longer worked after 5 months. Great sounding but I would absolutely prefer buying from a company like JDS that stands behind their product.