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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
Thanks Amirm!
Helpful review as always and a very interesting interface. And made in the USA is a first I haven't heard in years, very good to hear repatriation is taking place. Good to know all the options out there and this site is the only source of true measurements (well, mostly) except Stereophile and God Bless John Atkinson who must've tested 5,000 devices in his long and illustrious career. We live in the Best Times Ever for audio and I'm blessed to have good ears and great devices to hear killer Rock 'N Roll thru, much of it Hi-Res media at this point! Pic not related
 

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Yes I was wondering about this as well. I wonder how it would fare without the isolator?
I plan to do a separate review on the isolator, showing with and without. From memory, one channel only improved 1 to 2 dB. The other channel however, improved 5 to 6 dB.
 
The only feature on this particular unit that I would find interesting and useful and that would set it apart, and no information on it.
The possible permutations are near endless with "testing EQ". What would a testing protocol look like? 10 tests for ten top headphones?
 
What you want to know about it?
What Q definition do they use? Are presets implemented using JDS' web tool identical in response to the same presets implemented using Equalizer APO, CamillaDSP, Roon etc?

Does the DSP run at variable sample rate, hence with slightly different EQ response depending on the sample rate?

Does enabling EQ have an unforeseen impact on noise, distortion, linearity, phase, IS-over performance etc?
 
Yes I was wondering about this as well. I wonder how it would fare without the isolator? Would the issues be audible or just measurable? I expect it would not be audible.
these usb devices are totally unnecessary, JDS Labs should not have sent it, because it raises this exact question.
 
From the blog:

The gain stage of Element IV has been upgraded with an OPA1656 for ultra low THD, while the output buffer has been overhauled with 14 paralleled OPA1692s. This topology reduces common-mode noise and allows Element IV to deliver over 3.2W per channel at 32 ohms while running cooler than a Boosted Element III MK2.

Gain has also been increased, reaching maximum output in excess of 10 VRMS = 28.7 Vpp!

EL4_PCB.jpg
 
It still uses the ES9018K2M DAC chip introduced in 2013.
"We explored ES9038Q2M and revisited AKM DACs early in the project and found that our tightly tuned 9018K2M performs every bit as well at lower cost."
 
So to get the measured performance requires another $69
Many modern DACs suffer from ground loop/mains leakage noise. This is also true for many Topping / SMSL devices. Only the RME ADI-2/4 PRO DAC I tested was indifferent to this type of noise. There the output characteristics do not change at all with/without USB galvanic isolator.
 
$500 and still uses a wall wart? Nice performance, but I'll pass.
I had the same feeling that this price does not reflect the actual hardware, although the performance/functionality is at a good level.
The profit margin of this device is probably higher and is expected to be used for future hardware/firmware/web app developments.
 
Does enabling EQ have an unforeseen impact on noise, distortion, linearity, phase, IS-over performance etc?
As I said in the review, JDS has done this test.
 
$500 and still uses a wall wart?
It is a very thin package so likely doesn't have room for an internal power supply. They could use USB-C but would not provide the power it has without lot of logic to extract higher profile PDs.
 
The profit margin of this device is probably higher
The cost of doing business and assembling goods in the US is definitely higher than it is in China, Vietnam, India, etc. The margin relative to BOM cost is probably higher with JDS vs. Topping, but I doubt that the actual profitability of a given product line, with all costs accounted for, is higher.
 
Given that this is made in US and has PEQ on board, I think this should be on anyone's list (in the US) who is in the market for a new desktop setup.
I can't agree that this device should be on everyone's shopping list in the US. I am happy to be a patriot and buy products from local manufacturers. It is good that production is returning to the country despite economic difficulties. But in this product I am not satisfied primarily with the design. A large knob on top, a wall wart power adapter - not the style I like. Even cheap foreign companies now make more stylish and attractive devices.
 
It is a very thin package so likely doesn't have room for an internal power supply. They could use USB-C but would not provide the power it has without lot of logic to extract higher profile PDs.
It would be better if they took this step. After all, in 2025, using these transformer AC power supplies from the 80s is just an anachronism.
 
A large knob on top, a wall wart power adapter - not the style I like. Even cheap foreign companies now make more stylish and attractive devices.
Well, I think it should be on the list of contenders for DACs, but of course there is room for opinions. It's more expensive and has a different style than other DACs, which some will love, others might hate it. But I certainly think it deserves consideration. You get transparent DAC, lots of power for headphones, and PEQ in one box, it's not the cheapest but it checks the boxes.
 
The cost of doing business and assembling goods in the US is definitely higher than it is in China, Vietnam, India, etc. The margin relative to BOM cost is probably higher with JDS vs. Topping, but I doubt that the actual profitability of a given product line, with all costs accounted for, is higher.
Their previous ATOM product line retailed for around $100 give or take. This one has jumped up to $500. Considering they re-use an already designed (old) ESS chip, a wall wart power adapter, it feels like there's more profit in there. Not to say it's bad, but I'd like to see new DAC chips, a better design, a modern power supply, etc. for that kind of money.
 
Their previous ATOM product line retailed for around $100 give or take. This one has jumped up to $500. Considering they re-use an already designed (old) ESS chip, a wall wart power adapter, it feels like there's more profit in there. Not to say it's bad, but I'd like to see new DAC chips, a better design, a modern power supply, etc. for that kind of money.
The element line has always been more expensive and fancier, but the Atom line is still hovering in the $100-130 range. Interestingly enough you can get an Atom Dac+ for $59 right now. Wall wart or not, not a bad deal.
 
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