Review and Measurements of New JDS Labs Atom Headphone Amp

[MrGoodbits]

That may not necessarily be true either. Dr. Sean Olive at Harman conducted a sound quality test of 61 in-ear headphones, with the most expensive one at $3k a pair. He concluded there was no correlation between price and sound quality. The "best sounding' headphone was a $100 pair EQ to the Harman target curve. So, if Dr. Olive is correct, we can get the very best headphone sound for under $300 USD (DAC + amp + headphone).
https://seanolive.blogspot.com/2017/02/twirt-337-predicting-headphone-sound_17.html

I think you're basically right. Dr. Olive is saying that the $100 IE, when EQ'd to Harman curve, sounds better than 61 other IEs (presumably not all individually EQ'd to Harmon--maybe I'm wrong).

BUT what if you could EQ'd every tested headphone/IEM to Harman? I think that would level the playing field a lot, there may be some real gems up there between $500 and $1000. And then we're into @solderdude's issues that there's more to headphones than frequency response, like THD (or very narrow peaks and valleys that resemble comb filters that our brains will misinterpret as HRTF).

 

[NTK]

I found a link to one of Dr. Olive's headphone measurements presentations. I was wrong in that when he said IE headphones, he really meant IE headphones. That test was only one of the multiple tests they had performed.
https://www.listeninc.com/wp/media/Perception_and_-Measurement_of_Headphones_Sean_Olive.pdf

I think you're basically right. Dr. Olive is saying that the $100 IE, when EQ'd to Harman curve, sounds better than 61 other IEs (presumably not all individually EQ'd to Harmon--maybe I'm wrong).

BUT what if you could EQ'd every tested headphone/IEM to Harman? I think that would level the playing field a lot, there may be some real gems up there between $500 and $1000. And then we're into @solderdude's issues that there's more to headphones than frequency response, like THD (or very narrow peaks and valleys that resemble comb filters that our brains will misinterpret as HRTF).

I believe only the headphone identified as EQ'd was EQ'd in each test. I know Dr. Olive's claim was extremely controversial, and he may not have the last word in this. I myself have spent good $$$ on a pair of Beyerdynamic T1 when they first came out too, and have no desire to look stupid.

 

[JohnYang1997]

Fuck harman target, especially the IE one sounds completely shit. Etymotic target FTW.

 

[JohnYang1997]

To those of you who haven't used the type of measurement equipments Sean used, you can't just simply eq out of measurements especially in the high frequency. If you want more details, PM me. I don't want to sound like a smart ass in public...

 

[mt196]

Fuck harman target, especially the IE one sounds completely shit. Etymotic target FTW.

Finally someone says it

 

[magicscreen]

The Atom just amplifies. If you want sound to change or get 'warmer' you need something else...

The Atom has been saved!

I have managed to listen some Pink Floyd vinyl rip (turntable->phono preamp->ADC->24 bit/192kHz file), and the sound is great! I cannot believe it.
It is much better than listening the inferior CD version. (pc dvd drive->exact audio copy->16bit/44kHz wav file)

 

[mt196]

It seems you like some distortion in your music that is why you prefer the vinyl and the turntable

 

[magicscreen]

It seems you like some distortion in your music that is why you prefer the vinyl and the turntable

That's sure I grown up to listening to vinyl. But the Atom can play that as well

 

[Get a hearing test]

Whats the max power you can put into hd600?

 

[JohnYang1997]

Whats the max power you can put into hd600?

350mW

 

[Get a hearing test]

350mW

Hmm thats low gain on gustard h10. Does hd650 have higher power ceiling? But then at max volume your ears would be bleeding anyway.

 

[norman]

Which model of Khardas Tone Board (VIM or Generic) should I choose to pair with JDS Atom? Can some one share the link to purchase KTB from USA? Thanks.

 

[dsissitka]

If you just plan on using it as a USB DAC either will work. If you plan on using Frost's case I would go generic because I'm not sure if VIM will fit.

generic

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/khadas/KTONE-G-001/2064-KTONE-G-001-ND/9867223

VIM

https://www.amazon.com/Khadas-Board-Resolution-Audio-Eedtion/dp/B07K6HX2W9
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/khadas/KTONE-V-001/2064-KTONE-V-001-ND/9867222

 

[solderdude]

Whats the max power you can put into hd600?

The Atom can deliver 250mW (not clipping)
The HD600 driver is rated at 200mW continuous.
HD650 is rated at 500mW continuous.
Both can handle more peak power when playing music.

100mW is already pretty loud.

 

[norman]

If you just plan on using it as a USB DAC either will work. If you plan on using Frost's case I would go generic because I'm not sure if VIM will fit.

generic

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/khadas/KTONE-G-001/2064-KTONE-G-001-ND/9867223

VIM

https://www.amazon.com/Khadas-Board-Resolution-Audio-Eedtion/dp/B07K6HX2W9
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/khadas/KTONE-V-001/2064-KTONE-V-001-ND/9867222

Thank you for valuable information and the links. Can you please share the link to purchase the Frost's case? and how much work is required to assemble the board and the case?

 

[dsissitka]

Here's Frost's case:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3230306

I'm a little biased, but if you'd prefer a case that matches your Atom:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3824172

You can get either printed by clicking "Order This Printed" and following the prompts. Personally I use Treatstock and black PLA.

 

[norman]

Here's Frost's case:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3230306

I'm a little biased, but if you'd prefer a case that matches your Atom:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3824172

You can get either printed by clicking "Order This Printed" and following the prompts. Personally I use Treatstock and black PLA.

I did not see the price for the case. Do you mind to disclose the price? Thanks.

 

[dsissitka]

It depends on the printer you choose. Looking at my purchase history I'd expect between $16 and $21 shipped.

 

[ngs428]

It depends on the printer you choose. Looking at my purchase history I'd expect between $16 and $21 shipped.

That is a good price considering I spent that much on the aluminum DIY case, not including the time spent on it.

 

[bobbooo]

And I agree FR is the largest factor but even when you EQ a turd into a flagship they won't sound the same.

For over-ear headphones at least, Sean Olive and his team showed they probably will sound the same actually, with an 85% agreement in preference ratings: https://seanolive.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-virtual-headphone-listening-test.html

While the HD 518 they used to virtualize the other headphones isn't a 'turd', it's not exactly an acclaimed audiophile masterpiece. Basically, you just need a headphone with reasonably low distortion, and capable of good extension in the bass and treble.