JDS Labs Element II Desktop DAC/Amp

[VSG]

JDS Labs merits recognition for its value-oriented DACs and amplifiers in the desktop audio community. But did you know they also have a more premium Element line? Today, we examine the Element II, an integrated DAC/amp that aims to be a one-stop shop for performance, build quality, customization, and aesthetics alike.

Show full review

 

[Space Lynx]

I still swear by my Schiit Modi 3 DAC and Schiit Asgard 2 amp. Very good setup. Same price MSRP as this. Would be interesting to hear them side by side and compare. I'm pretty happy with my setup regardless.

 

[VSG]

I still swear by my Schiit Modi 3 DAC and Schiit Asgard 2 amp. Very good setup. Same price MSRP as this. Would be interesting to hear them side by side and compare. I'm pretty happy with my setup regardless.

Integrated DAC/Amps typically cost more for the convenience and the form factor, so it won't be a similar comparison here.

 

[lowrider_05]

maybe the iFi Zen DAC should also be mentioned, its not even half the price and from other reviews and my own subjective experience its one of the best in the more "affordable" class of DAC´s.

 

[VSG]

maybe the iFi Zen DAC should also be mentioned, its not even half the price and from other reviews an my own subjective experience its one of the best in the more "affordable" class of DAC´s.

I have no experience with iFi at this point, so I can't really say that it's equivalent or not unfortunately. I reached out to them but never heard back. Next up is the Atom+ stack from JDS Labs, and then a portable DAC/Amp from Shanling, another portable one from IKKO, and a desktop amplifier from Cambridge Audio to complete the current set.

 

[Space Lynx]

I have no experience with iFi at this point, so I can't really say that it's equivalent or not unfortunately. I reached out to them but never heard back. Next up is the Atom+ stack from JDS Labs, and then a portable DAC/Amp from Shanling, another portable one from IKKO, and a desktop amplifier from Cambridge Audio to complete the current set.

I'd love a Atom+ stack. Looking forward to that review. I have heard several ifi products, I think they are overrated. I heard the original Atom stack once and really enjoyed it. Atom+ is only better I assume.

 

[Operandi]

Plenty of power to drive headphones or even some desktop speakers

While maybe possible I doubt it has much power and not great for the amp so this would be highly impractical.

Also how do you even physically wire such a configuration?

 

[VSG]

While maybe possible I doubt it has much power and not great for the amp so this would be highly impractical.

Also how do you even physically wire such a configuration?

I was thinking more about the bog standard 2.0 speaker sets when discussing what can run off this, just get a speaker wire to RCA adapter or hardwire to RCA input.

 

[Operandi]

I was thinking more about the bog standard 2.0 speaker sets when discussing what can run off this, just get a speaker wire to RCA adapter or hardwire to RCA input.

Using the pre-outs? Thats not amplified and not at all what they are meant for. They would have be puniest speakers on the planet to make any meanful sound from the power coming out pre-outs.

Also, what is "bog standard 2.0"? Focal Aria 906 are standard 2.0 speakers but cost $2,000 and should have 50-150 watts powering them.

 

[mechtech]

Hmmm Designed and manufactured in USA (minus the power adapter), well that explains the price at least