Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
PH01
reviews
Manufacturer details
- RIAA EQ Curve Accuracy (20-20kHz): +/- 1 dB
- Headphone Amp Noise: -103 dBV
- Headphone Amp Output Power (32 ohms): 56 mW
- Headphone Amp Output Power (600 ohms): 42 mW
- Phono Input/Outputs: RCA
- Headphone Output: 1/4in (6.35mm) TRS
- Gain (MM, Line-Output): 35 dB
- Gain (Headphone Output): +7 (42dB total)
- Input Impedance: 47k
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- JDS Labs prioritizes objective measurements and a "sound as science" approach, resulting in products that deliver a transparent and uncolored listening experience, allowing headphones to perform as intended.
- They offer custom firmware builds, demonstrating responsiveness to community ideas and enabling enthusiasts to tailor device performance, including experimental options for different sonic signatures.
- The brand offers a balance of value and performance by using high-quality components like Alps potentiometers and Vishay/WIMA capacitors, even in their entry-level offerings.
Select products
Atom Amp
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a streamlined design with a low-noise amplification stage that fits small-room setups and simple audio needs. Has fewer features than the digitally focused Atom DAC 2 and the phono-specialized unit, making it a good choice for buyers with a tight budget who only require basic power amplification.
Atom Phono
- Positioning: Entry-level line, tailored for vinyl enthusiasts with dedicated analog input.
- Description: Offers a dedicated phono preamplifier with built-in RIAA equalization that stands out for its specialized treatment of vinyl signals. Focuses on analog source processing compared with the more digitally oriented Atom DAC 2 or the simple Atom Amp.
Atom DAC 2
- Positioning: Entry-level digital audio converter designed for basic digital source setups.
- Description: Offers digital-to-analog conversion with refined clocking that provides precise signal handling, setting it apart technologically from the simpler Atom Amp and phono-focused variant. Delivers improved digital performance in comparison to the Atom series while remaining more cost-effective than the midrange integrated solutions like the El Amp II.
El Amp II
- Positioning: Midrange integrated amplifier aiming for enhanced control and balanced sound.
- Description: Offers a balanced power supply and integrated preamplifier functions that deliver robust signal control, giving it a technological edge over the entry-level Atom models. Provides a wider range of features and power handling compared with the Atom Amp, Atom Phono, and Atom DAC 2 while being positioned below the premium Element IV.
Element IV
- Positioning: High-end integrated system designed for premium performance and advanced connectivity.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking processing and high-quality analog circuitry that deliver superior signal handling and connectivity options, setting a high standard within the lineup. Exceeds the feature set and build quality of the Atom series and the El Amp II.
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Used
JDS Labs
What if you spend more?
We've reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. Element III operates on our second-generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. You'll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor. Automatic gain helps you focus on listening rather than button pressing, and an auto-vanishing display presents the essentials while you toggle between USB and Optical inputs and headphone or preamp outputs.
Element III MK2 upgrades the iconic knob with a discrete, optical encoder for unmatched feel. And we've added a 2-band EQ to adjust bass and treble to your taste, along with DSD support, selectable DAC filters, and more. Element III MK2 is designed and built in the USA.
Auto Gain
We regularly hear from customers fretting over when to use gain. Element III eliminates this confusion by automatically toggling gain for you at exactly the right volume level. As you turn the knob beyond 0 dB, high gain activates and volume is compensated for a near seamless transition to higher listening levels.
Perfect Channel Balance
Element III delivers audibly perfect channel balance all the way down to -127.5 dBFS. You'll immediately hear and appreciate soundstage accuracy.
OLED Display & Options
An OLED display momentarily presents status information while you interact, then powers down to minimize distractions. The Options menu further allows you to adjust OLED and backlighting LED behaviors, DAC filters, and more.
Exceptional Power
Element III's rail-to-rail gain stage provides extra headroom and no distortion penalty when listening at high gain versus low gain. With +/-15VDC rails and continuous clean power, Element III drives all headphones on the market to extraordinary levels, from balanced armatures to planar magnetics. Think you need even more? Choose Boosted Power!
Preamp Outputs
Element III provides preamp RCA outputs so that you can control volume of your powered speakers. Volume of preamp output is managed separately from the headphone output for quick toggling.
Customizeable Buttons
The tactile knob button can be assigned to toggle between headphones and speakers, or to toggle between USB and optical inputs. No need to disconnect cables!
Relay Muting & Safety
Designed for desktop listening, Element III's full relay muting eliminates pops and thumps during startup through both its headphone and preamp outputs. And for extra safety, Element III's dual, independent processors continuously monitor internal communications and verify volume of the ESS DAC.
Parametric Bass & Treble EQ
Element III's latest firmware adds a 2-band DSP engine: Parametric bass boost and treble controls coordinate perfectly with auto volume and gain logic. Equalization runs in real-time with virtually no impact on THD. Tweak your headphones to your taste, without extra hardware or software!
USB Audio Class 2 - PCM & DSD
Element III supports up to 32/384kHz PCM and DSD128 through our second generation XMOS XU208 engine. While we claim no measurable superiority of high sampling rates, UAC2 with an ASIO endpoint will satisfy your pursuit of high fidelity listening.
Mains Isolation
Element III's amplifier and DAC are 100% powered by its external AC transformer, with 13 regulators ensuring consistent rail voltage, super low ripple, and mains isolation.
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Product Strengths
- High build quality with a metallic top and durable plastic bottom
- The Boosted version is powerful and can drive demanding headphones, offering 2.3W into 32 ohms
- Known for a very clean and neutral sound signature with good detail and control
- Versatile, with a wide volume range and the ability to drive both IEMs and headphones with zero background noise
- Has EQ options and DAC filters that allow the user to tweak the sound in real time
Product Considerations
- The small display on the top can be difficult to read and awkward to access
- The power supply is a separate, large power brick that requires extra space
- The position of the knob limits placement options
- The knob is clunky to use because it's easy to accidentally bump and change settings when only trying to adjust the volume
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL DO300EX: The headphone amplifier has finer control, but the DO300EX has a slightly better DAC with a larger, more holographic soundstage and is more resolving
- Vs Schiit Modius-E DAC and Midgard headphone amp stack: The Schiit stack outperforms the Element 3 in soundstage size, imaging, separation, soundstage depth, and resolution
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400: The EF400 has a more powerful amplifier and a more lively—natural sound presentation but a more stripped-down feature set
- Vs JDS Labs Atom 2 Bundle: The Element 3 eliminates needing two power bricks, has a PEQ and multi-function knob, and is worth the extra cost
Takeaway: The Element 3 Mark II is a versatile and well-built all-in-one unit with a clean and neutral sound that offers good value, especially for those who appreciate the ability to fine-tune their listening experience. Its powerful amplifier and versatile features make it a solid choice for a desktop setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The io has been designed to offer exceptional Rega performance at an affordable price point. It uses the same amplifier stage as the multi-award winning Brio now designed to run at 30 W per channel into 8 Ω. The io features two line level inputs, a high specification Rega moving magnet phono stage, and a dedicated high quality headphone output. The io will integrate seamlessly into any home audio system whilst remaining simple to use and easy to set up. A must for demonstration.
Product Strengths
- Detailed, rhythmic, and fun sound, recognizable as a descendant of the Rega Brio
- Moving magnet (MM) phono stage offers palpable midrange richness and three-dimensionality
- Good headphone output duplicates the good qualities showcased during lower-volume loudspeaker experiments
- Compact size and well-built chassis, with a satisfyingly simple remote control
Product Considerations
- Limited power output (30W per channel) demands careful speaker pairing
- Lacks digital connectivity, as it is purely an analogue amplifier
- Plastic front panel gives it an unremarkable aesthetic
- Number of inputs is limited to two line-level inputs and one phono input
- Volume control via the remote control goes up in relatively large steps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Brio: The Brio is bigger-sounding with a more polished presentation, greater detail, and dynamic precision
- Vs Marantz PM6007: The Marantz PM6007 offers more space around the vocals and an overall maturity to the rendition, but its smoother, more laid-back approach comes at the cost of not quite being able to capture the track's energy
- Vs Rotel A8: The Rotel A8 offers a more even sonic balance, more refinement, and space
- Vs PS Audio Sprout: Although lacking an onboard digital section, the sound quality of the Rega's discrete design and overall build quality is superior
- Vs Naim Nait: The Rega io is similar to the Naim Nait, but it has better bass control
Takeaway: The Rega io is a small but capable amplifier, perfect for those who prioritize sound quality and simplicity in an analogue setup. Its compact size and engaging sound make it a great entry point into hifi audio, especially for vinyl enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- JDS Labs is an American company that machines aluminum cases and puts some of the cleanest audio inside
- It has no background noise, which is surprising and works perfectly well for IEMs
- The headphone AMP is incredibly powerful, and maximum power is 1.3W
- Easy to implement in a system, it has a good raw price to performance ratio
Product Considerations
- The EL-AMP gets quite warm during usage, especially if no cables are connected to the input while powered on
- The form factor of the DAC is almost irrelevant, because it can be placed under something
- A slight issue is the sensitivity of that front touch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Burson Funk: The EL AMP II+ Balanced has better control, a lower noise floor and will generally sound more detailed and have less distortion when driving IEMs
- Vs Feliks Echo 2: For most planar magnetic headphones with a low impedance, most IEMs, most earphones and dynamic headphones with a low impedance, the EL AMP II+ will have a lower noise floor, better control, lower distortion and better overall layering
- Vs Rebel AMP: The EL AMP II+ Balanced is slightly better for how easy it is to implement in a system and for its raw price to performance ratio
Takeaway: The EL is a clean and neutral amplifier that will allow one to hear headphones as they are meant to sound. It's a great option for anyone looking for excellent audio performance in a compact and well-designed package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Full metallic chassis, offering a more robust build compared to the original Atom series
- Substantial 2.65W of continuous power at 32Ω, providing ample power for most headphones
- Clean, neutral, and transparent sound, allowing the headphones' characteristics to shine
- Low output impedance ensures accurate audio with a variety of headphones
- Includes both 6.3mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs for versatility
Product Considerations
- The 4.4mm jack doesn't employ a differential bridged mode circuit, thus not offering fully balanced output despite the connector type
- The increased power may not be necessary for all users, as even the previous models had sufficient power for many headphones
- The amplifier may reveal flaws in poorly recorded or mastered music due to its transparent nature
- To use the Atom Amp 2, pairing with a separate DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is necessary
- It can get warm quite easily—especially when placed above the DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. JDS Labs Atom Amp+ Hevi: Better clarity, punchier sound, harder impact, and a lower noise floor
- Vs. FiiO K11: Tighter/punchier bass, more control, and better treble refinement/extension
- Vs. SMSL HO100: Sounds harder, tighter, more detailed, has much better resolution, timbre and natural tonality, better bass and clarity
Takeaway: The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier that provides a clean and transparent sound. It's a great choice for those looking for an amplifier that delivers a lot of power and a neutral sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
- Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
- Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
- Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
- XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
- Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
- ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality
Product Considerations
- Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
- Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
- Battery life estimation can be unreliable
- No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
- Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
- Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
- Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
- Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
- Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer
Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality, especially in the midrange, leads to vivid and well-formed vocals
- Versatile, it works well with both efficient headphones/IEMs and moderately powered speakers
- Compact design and good build quality, with the chassis acting as a heatsink
- Ability to roll op amps allows users to customize the sound signature
- Ample power for most headphones and nearfield speaker setups
- Only one RCA input, which may be limiting for some users
Product Considerations
- Speaker amplifier power (35-45W) might be insufficient for power-hungry speakers or larger rooms
- The base model op amps are sonically inferior to upgrade options
- Mild turn-off thump present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Funk has a narrower but deeper soundstage with better imaging and layering than the Arylic A08 Pro
- The Funk has superior imaging, but less potential power output depending on the Arylic's power supply than the Arylic A07/A08 Pro
- The Funk is preferred for desktop speaker setups with Vivid opamps when compared to Schiit Aegir
Takeaway: The Burson Funk is a solid choice for people wanting good sound from both their headphones and speakers in a single, convenient unit. The ability to change the sound by swapping op amps is a welcome feature for those who like to tinker and upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great value for the money and an attractive price point
- Balanced input and single-ended RCA input
- Op amps are swappable
- Compact form factor
- Versatile with stereo and mono mode
Product Considerations
- The volume control was found to be touchy by some reviewers
- The included power brick is quite large, almost as big as the unit itself
- The binding posts are small
- The RCA input sounds inferior to the XLR input
- The amplifier does not high pass the mains when a subwoofer is plugged in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Fosi Audio V3: ZA3 is considered a more mature version with stylistic elements and new features like balanced inputs and mono mode, with a naturalness in the tonal quality
- Vs SMSL AO200 MKII: AO200 MKII delivers better clarity, definition, and resolution of the sound
Takeaway: The ZA3 is a versatile and compact amplifier that offers great value, especially for those starting their audio journey. Its ability to be used in both stereo and mono configurations and the option to upgrade components make it a flexible choice for various setups.
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