Size/Footprint of device and Performance correlation?

[confucius_zero]

The JDS Atom is quite small yet would outperform larger heavier devices (on numbers and possibly sound) that have more "things" making them heavier and larger or more impressive.

I wonder if the size/weight of the device is often reflective or not of its performance? and why something small perform exceptionally. Thanks!

 

[svart-hvitt]

Source. The Audio Critic, No. 23, 1995

 

[amirm]

In general, shorter distances are better for electronic performance. This is why small DACs like Khadas Tone Board and amps like JDS Labs that you mention are quite small and light. Even the Massdrop THX AAA 789 is small if you strip away the big box around it.

 

[Ron Texas]

When devices get down to the USB stick size there isn't enough real estate to do everything.