Purchased Atom 2 stack recently (really wanted element 3 boosted but was outside my budget). Atom 2 is phenomenal quality especially for the price. It drives my headphones flawlessly, easy to use and the sound is very clean (not a hint of noise even on high gain and sensitive headphones). When I had questions John was very quick to reply and very helpful. I purchased from JDS Labs directly and couldn't leave a review there but I recommend JDS Labs products to all my friends and gaming buddies. Great quality products and 5 star customer service.
There is no proper answer to this question, as "ohms supported" is a marketing driven claim. You may use any impedance headphone with Atom Amp 2. Performance is solid from 4 ohms to 100,000 ohms (or more).
Rather than turning the volume all the way up on my DAP, can I use the 3.5 mm line out to supply the signal to the Atom 2 through the 3.5 mm line in? Thanks.
@@JDSLabsinc ok thank you very much, last question, I have to connect this amplifier to the go xlr mini sound card, what cable should I take to connect them? Thank you
You may connect any active / self powered speakers with RCA or 3.5mm or XLR inputs. For example, you could connect anything from JBL studio monitors such as the LSR 305 series, to a basic set of Logitech computer speakers.
Hello, I have a sony dap and I feel that it lacks power, what would be the procedure to connect atom amp 2 to the sony, if possible, could you explain to me please, thank you
Hey, I'm new to this world of audio stuff. I recently decided to get a pair of DT990 Pro 250-ohm headphones mainly for gaming and music on my PS5. I want to know if this stack would work well or if it is compatible with PS5
Is there a way to modify the design to bypass the potentiometer for full signal replication on the outputs when headphones are not inserted instead of having it be a preamp?
Such a modification would require shorting the potentiometer with a relay or switch. We do not support such a modification, as it is measurably equivalent to turning the knob to 100% and preamp outputs (adjustable volume) are far more popular than fixed outputs. If you are adamant about using a fixed output, you can use a mechanical A/B switch at the output of your audio source to route the full-scale signa of your DAC to your Atom Amp or another device.
@@JDSLabsinc Makes sense. I still use a full stereo amplifier on my desktop setup, and not powered speakers like most. Honestly, having separate DACs would probably make the most sense as I can select between the two for dedicated headphone or stereo listening without needing to fiddle with a potentiometers in the signal path. Nothing like blowing your eardrums out after forgetting to turn the pot back down after listening to a desktop amp!
You may connect to GoXLR Mini using a 3.5mm to RCA cable. Connect the 3.5mm end to your GoXLR's headphone output jack; connect the RCA end to Atom Amp 2's RCA Inputs.
Hi, I have a question. It's more of a perplexity, actually. In the JDS Labs ATOM AMP 2 official page, under specs there is the Maximum Continuous Power at 32 ohm's, 150 ohm's and so on and so forth. Is that for the unbalanced single ended headphone connector or the balanced 4.4mm one? I think it's for the unbalanced one, right? Logically, it would make sense to be that way, right?
@rOb3r7sMArTe7 - The exact same circuit is used for both headphone jacks. In other words, power is identical for the 4.4mm and 6.35mm outputs of Atom Amp 2.
@@JDSLabsinc Oh, that's interesting, nice! I was asking because other manufacturers have different continuous power on the balanced connection. I guess I learned a new thing. I am glad I asked. Now I understand why the other manufacturers have different continuous power for the balanced connection. It's because they don't use the same circuit on both connections.
What input cable should I use to connect my atom amp 2 to my pc? All I want to do is use it for gaming so I just bought it thinking it would maybe come with an input cable. I dont know what a good cable is so could you recommend a cable to use to connect the amp to my source (PC)?
Your best bet to connect directly to your PC is to use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable (your standard small aux cable. Keep in mind, you may find that the volume directly from the PC is underwhelming, as Atom Amp is designed for a standard 2V signal level, which your PC may or may not output. See our video on gain for more! th-cam.com/video/d0PtrmAsNh4/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugz5aYC9yRov0MuQ-Rd4AaABAg&ab_channel=JDSLabs
Is this the right device if I have a turntable with built-in phono amp and I want to listen to vinyls with headphones and a pair of powered bookshelf speakers? Thanks!
Hi. I have a TV with an Optical output and a pair of speaker with both Optical and RCA entries and what I do is to plug the toslink directly to my speaker. If I could have a better undestanding, with the Atom Amp + Atom DAC + Stack RCA cables, will I be able to connect and switch from the TV or PC for them to sound on my speakers? And If I plug the headphones, will the RCA output of the amp be muted? Thanks in advanced!
You can press the front button on the DAC to switch between the Optical (your TV) and USB (your PC) inputs. When the headphones are plugged in, RCA is muted.
Solid question! We realize that 4.4mm and 6.35mm jacks cater to different styles of headphones, and as the 4.4mm jack grows in popularity, we've carefully considered trade-offs of adding a secondary headphone connector. Our goal was to balance functionality, while avoiding additional costs and complexity that toggles for RCA and/or headphone modes might introduce. The chosen design helps keep the front panel uncluttered and simplifies the setup process, especially for those new to HiFi. Additionally, we know that some customers, particularly with monitoring setups or Subpacs, require the RCA outputs to remain active. So while the non-muting 4.4mm jack is odd to some, it's actually a benefit to others. I hear you--the decision might not fit everyone's needs perfectly. We're always listening to such feedback and will evolve over time.
@@JDSLabsincso I can have a 4.4 headphone plugged in and speakers at the same time and just use the input button on the Amp to switch between the two without the need to unplug anything?
@@GangityBirdity The "Input" button selects which the audio source coming *into* the amplifier (i.e., the rear 3.5mm or rear RCA inputs). The RCA Outputs mute when anything is physically plugged into the 1/4" jack. To mute RCA Outputs when using 4.4mmm headphones, you may connect a 1/4" adapter to the 1/4" headphone jack. A picture and more detail can be found in the Instructions.
Can you please clarify what you have in mind? The rear 3.5mm input should only be used when you are *not* using your DAC. Think of the 3.5mm jack as an auxiliary input. You can select the 3.5mm aux input by pressing the "Input" button on the front, right of Atom Amp.
@@JDSLabsinc sorry if i said something unclear, but what i really mean is if i want to use my iem which has 3.5 mm plug, is there any way to plug it into atom dac?
@@adrifauzan Thanks for clarifying. Headphones and IEMs must connect to the front headphone port of Atom Amp 2. You will need a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter. The rear 3.5mm jack does not produce audio, rather, its purpose is to receive auxiliary input.
Does the AMP have a standby mode? The light ring is always powered on, even when volume is set to 0 and no devices are connected. The DAC does go into standby so it seems a bit weird. Instructions say „hit the AMP physically if it does not turn off“. Tried tapping several spots lightly but that didn‘t help. Don‘t want to break it either.
@TheRenget - Please try toggling the power switch several times, or reach out to support if you still have trouble. Chances of a stuck relay switch decrease exponentially over time--it's not uncommon after a rough shipment.
total noob here: i have 2 bookshelf speakers which have 2 connections each, so when i use the outputs on the amp 2 i need to put them in input on the speakers right? and the speaker output is then not used since the amp 2 is connected to the dac 2
Can you please share the exact brand/model of your speakers? For bookshelf speakers, you will need a separate speaker amp. No, the 3.5mm jack accepts audio feeding *into* Atom Amp. Only the RCA outputs can deliver audio to other amplifiers or powered ("active") speakers.
@@JDSLabsinc im talking about the Teufel Ultima 20, so when i connect the dac2 with the amp2 i take away an entire port for 1 of the speakers, so im kinda confused. Do i need the Dac 2 to power the amp 2 with 2 speakers? and if yes i only have to use the amp 2 output into the speaker input and can leave the speaker output away right? since i wouldnt have a port to connect it to since the dac 2 consumes the other input/output It would look something like this: A Toslink cable is connected from my pc soundcard to my DAC 2 which is connected to the AMP 2 via RCA cables, my AMP 2 connects via output to the speaker input while the speaker output can be ignored
@@Grantelbernt Tuefel Ultima 20s are passive bookshelf speakers, meaning they require a speaker amplifier or receiver. Atom Amp 2 is a headphone amplifier and cannot directly drive passive speakers. The connection will look like this: TOSLINK --> Atom DAC 2 optical input --> RCA Cable from Atom DAC 2 to Atom Amp 2's RCA Input --> RCA cable from Atom Amp 2's RCA Outputs to a separate speaker amplifier. If you will not be listening to headphones, you can skip Atom Amp 2 entirely and connect Atom DAC 2 directly to a speaker amp.
Hello, first of all, I would like to thank you for your amazing, authentic and high quality products that you provide and the way you conduct yourself! I love this and keep it strong! Secondly, I have a noob question. I am intending to purchase the ATOM AMP 2, as I already have the DAC 2 and I would like to know if I get to use the 4.4 mm balanced connection with headphones, will I be able to use the outputs on the AMP 2 for powered speakers and have sound for both the devices, the headphones and the powered speakers at the same time? I understood that whenever the 3.5mm headphone is populated, the LINE OUTS on the AMP 2 become muted. Is that applicable to the balanced 4.4mm output as well? Thank you!
Thanks, @rOb3r7sMArTe7. Yes, the RCA outputs will remain active when using the 4.4mm jack. You can mute the RCA outputs by connecting a headphone cable or adapter to the larger 1/4in jack.
That's what I wanted to know. I don't want to mute the RCA line outs, because I want to use the speakers to play music while also listening to the headphones, so I can prepare my next songs. I'm a Tango Dj and that's what I do. I'm glad I can do that! Thank you so much! @@JDSLabsinc
Adjusting lows/mids/highs requires an equalizer. Try EqualizerAPO for Windows, or use the equalizer for in your audio app (foobar, Spotify, Tidal, iTunes, etc.). You may also check out Element III, which provides bass and treble adjustment.
Purchased Atom 2 stack recently (really wanted element 3 boosted but was outside my budget). Atom 2 is phenomenal quality especially for the price. It drives my headphones flawlessly, easy to use and the sound is very clean (not a hint of noise even on high gain and sensitive headphones). When I had questions John was very quick to reply and very helpful. I purchased from JDS Labs directly and couldn't leave a review there but I recommend JDS Labs products to all my friends and gaming buddies. Great quality products and 5 star customer service.
Glad you're enjoying Atom 2! Btw, we're in the process of supporting genuine reviews: be on the lookout for an auto review request email.
@@JDSLabsinc i'll be glad to post a review again - so far 5 stars all around, great work and great products guys!
up to how many ohms can this amplifier support?
There is no proper answer to this question, as "ohms supported" is a marketing driven claim. You may use any impedance headphone with Atom Amp 2. Performance is solid from 4 ohms to 100,000 ohms (or more).
@JDSLabsinc I don't have any problems even with 250 ohm headphones?
@@Sora-lovecorrect.
Rather than turning the volume all the way up on my DAP, can I use the 3.5 mm line out to supply the signal to the Atom 2 through the 3.5 mm line in? Thanks.
Yes, you may!
@ Thanks!
but if my headphones are 3.5 mm how do I insert them? Thank you
You may use an adapter, such as: jdslabs.com/product/adapter-basic-stereo-35mm-635mm-14in/
@JDSLabsinc Isn't it better to adapt for 4.4 mm since the headphones are 3.5? they are iem headphones, model moondrop blessing 3, thanks
@@Sora-love Sound quality will be identical either way. Thus, choose an adapter which is most convenient for you.
@@JDSLabsinc ok thank you very much, last question, I have to connect this amplifier to the go xlr mini sound card, what cable should I take to connect them? Thank you
What kind of speakers connect to RCA outputs?
You may connect any active / self powered speakers with RCA or 3.5mm or XLR inputs. For example, you could connect anything from JBL studio monitors such as the LSR 305 series, to a basic set of Logitech computer speakers.
Hello, I have a sony dap and I feel that it lacks power, what would be the procedure to connect atom amp 2 to the sony, if possible, could you explain to me please, thank you
Does your DAP have a 3.5mm output jack? If so, a 3.5mm to RCA cable is the best solution. The RCA end will connect to Atom Amp 2's RCA Input jacks.
@JDSLabsinc if it is 3.5m
@@JDSLabsinc Is this product or another the one needed?
RCA to 3.5mm Female Adapter, 6in
Adapters
$7.99
@@FrankoKern You'll need something like this: www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Adapter-Subwoofer-Gold-Plated/dp/B01D5H8JW0
Hey, I'm new to this world of audio stuff. I recently decided to get a pair of DT990 Pro 250-ohm headphones mainly for gaming and music on my PS5. I want to know if this stack would work well or if it is compatible with PS5
Yes, many customers connect Atom stacks to PS5. You will need a UAC1 Fallback cable: jdslabs.com/product/usb-audio-class-1-uac1-fallback-cable/
it is as easy as that? just plug and play? or i need to do anything else?
@@eawful On your console, simply navigate to: Settings --> Devices --> Audio Devices --> Output Device --> JDS Labs Atom DAC UAC1
@@JDSLabsinc ok, thanks!
Hello I have a question? Will the amp 2 be powerfull enough to run my Sennheiser HD 660S2.
Yes, absolutely. Please find more detail in our Knowledge Base: jdslabs.com/knowledge-base/power/
Is there a way to modify the design to bypass the potentiometer for full signal replication on the outputs when headphones are not inserted instead of having it be a preamp?
Such a modification would require shorting the potentiometer with a relay or switch. We do not support such a modification, as it is measurably equivalent to turning the knob to 100% and preamp outputs (adjustable volume) are far more popular than fixed outputs. If you are adamant about using a fixed output, you can use a mechanical A/B switch at the output of your audio source to route the full-scale signa of your DAC to your Atom Amp or another device.
@@JDSLabsinc Makes sense. I still use a full stereo amplifier on my desktop setup, and not powered speakers like most. Honestly, having separate DACs would probably make the most sense as I can select between the two for dedicated headphone or stereo listening without needing to fiddle with a potentiometers in the signal path. Nothing like blowing your eardrums out after forgetting to turn the pot back down after listening to a desktop amp!
can anyone tell me how to connect this amplifier to the go xlr mini? which cable is needed?
You may connect to GoXLR Mini using a 3.5mm to RCA cable. Connect the 3.5mm end to your GoXLR's headphone output jack; connect the RCA end to Atom Amp 2's RCA Inputs.
@JDSLabsinc is there a link to purchase? Thank you
@@Sora-love We do not stock these cables, but they are common, such as: www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Adapter-Subwoofer-Gold-Plated/dp/B01D5H8JW0
Hi,
I have a question. It's more of a perplexity, actually. In the JDS Labs ATOM AMP 2 official page, under specs there is the Maximum Continuous Power at 32 ohm's, 150 ohm's and so on and so forth. Is that for the unbalanced single ended headphone connector or the balanced 4.4mm one? I think it's for the unbalanced one, right? Logically, it would make sense to be that way, right?
@rOb3r7sMArTe7 - The exact same circuit is used for both headphone jacks. In other words, power is identical for the 4.4mm and 6.35mm outputs of Atom Amp 2.
@@JDSLabsinc Oh, that's interesting, nice! I was asking because other manufacturers have different continuous power on the balanced connection. I guess I learned a new thing. I am glad I asked. Now I understand why the other manufacturers have different continuous power for the balanced connection. It's because they don't use the same circuit on both connections.
Does the Amp 2 come with RCA cables, or do you have to purchase them separately?
Stack cables are bundled only in the Atom 2 Bundle: jdslabs.com/bundle/atom-2-bundle/
Could i use a balanced 4.4mm cable with the amp. i know the input is not balanced but would using a balanced cable cause problems?
Yes, you may safely use a 4.4mm to RCA cable for input if you wish.
What input cable should I use to connect my atom amp 2 to my pc? All I want to do is use it for gaming so I just bought it thinking it would maybe come with an input cable. I dont know what a good cable is so could you recommend a cable to use to connect the amp to my source (PC)?
Your best bet to connect directly to your PC is to use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable (your standard small aux cable. Keep in mind, you may find that the volume directly from the PC is underwhelming, as Atom Amp is designed for a standard 2V signal level, which your PC may or may not output. See our video on gain for more! th-cam.com/video/d0PtrmAsNh4/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugz5aYC9yRov0MuQ-Rd4AaABAg&ab_channel=JDSLabs
@ can you recommend an exact cable that will be good and where to buy it from?
@@snipesnipey7640 A cable like this will work well (3.5mm to RCA):
www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Adapter-Subwoofer-Gold-Plated/dp/B01D5H8JW0
Do I use a usb-c to usb-c otg cable to connect my phone to the atom 2 dac?
@@ironhead3494 Yes, you can also find USB C-to-C cables in in the Recommended section at the bottom of the Atom DAC 2 page.
Is this the right device if I have a turntable with built-in phono amp and I want to listen to vinyls with headphones and a pair of powered bookshelf speakers? Thanks!
Yes, your understanding is correct. The RCA Outputs of your turntable (with built in phono preamp) will connect to the RCA Inputs of Atom Amp 2.
@@JDSLabsinc Thanks for the reply. This will be my next purchase 😃
Hi. I have a TV with an Optical output and a pair of speaker with both Optical and RCA entries and what I do is to plug the toslink directly to my speaker. If I could have a better undestanding, with the Atom Amp + Atom DAC + Stack RCA cables, will I be able to connect and switch from the TV or PC for them to sound on my speakers? And If I plug the headphones, will the RCA output of the amp be muted? Thanks in advanced!
You can press the front button on the DAC to switch between the Optical (your TV) and USB (your PC) inputs. When the headphones are plugged in, RCA is muted.
Hello. can I easily switch between ps5 (usb) and pc (toslink) with this stack?
Yes, simply press the USB/Optical mode button on Atom DAC 2.
@@JDSLabsincnice and thanks..
Whats the choice behind the 4.4 not muting the rca outputs?
Solid question! We realize that 4.4mm and 6.35mm jacks cater to different styles of headphones, and as the 4.4mm jack grows in popularity, we've carefully considered trade-offs of adding a secondary headphone connector. Our goal was to balance functionality, while avoiding additional costs and complexity that toggles for RCA and/or headphone modes might introduce. The chosen design helps keep the front panel uncluttered and simplifies the setup process, especially for those new to HiFi. Additionally, we know that some customers, particularly with monitoring setups or Subpacs, require the RCA outputs to remain active. So while the non-muting 4.4mm jack is odd to some, it's actually a benefit to others. I hear you--the decision might not fit everyone's needs perfectly. We're always listening to such feedback and will evolve over time.
@@JDSLabsincso I can have a 4.4 headphone plugged in and speakers at the same time and just use the input button on the Amp to switch between the two without the need to unplug anything?
@@GangityBirdity The "Input" button selects which the audio source coming *into* the amplifier (i.e., the rear 3.5mm or rear RCA inputs). The RCA Outputs mute when anything is physically plugged into the 1/4" jack. To mute RCA Outputs when using 4.4mmm headphones, you may connect a 1/4" adapter to the 1/4" headphone jack. A picture and more detail can be found in the Instructions.
hi what should i do if i want to put my single 3.5 mm audio jack to this atom amp 2 and atom dac combo?
Can you please clarify what you have in mind? The rear 3.5mm input should only be used when you are *not* using your DAC. Think of the 3.5mm jack as an auxiliary input. You can select the 3.5mm aux input by pressing the "Input" button on the front, right of Atom Amp.
@@JDSLabsinc sorry if i said something unclear, but what i really mean is if i want to use my iem which has 3.5 mm plug, is there any way to plug it into atom dac?
@@adrifauzan Thanks for clarifying. Headphones and IEMs must connect to the front headphone port of Atom Amp 2. You will need a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter. The rear 3.5mm jack does not produce audio, rather, its purpose is to receive auxiliary input.
@@JDSLabsinc thank you so much for the fast response, i really appreciate it! Allright i will just buy the adapter then
Does the AMP have a standby mode? The light ring is always powered on, even when volume is set to 0 and no devices are connected. The DAC does go into standby so it seems a bit weird.
Instructions say „hit the AMP physically if it does not turn off“. Tried tapping several spots lightly but that didn‘t help. Don‘t want to break it either.
@TheRenget - Please try toggling the power switch several times, or reach out to support if you still have trouble. Chances of a stuck relay switch decrease exponentially over time--it's not uncommon after a rough shipment.
@@JDSLabsinc Thanks for the quick response! After 24h of use on and off, just now it actually started working as intended.
total noob here: i have 2 bookshelf speakers which have 2 connections each, so when i use the outputs on the amp 2 i need to put them in input on the speakers right? and the speaker output is then not used since the amp 2 is connected to the dac 2
Can you please share the exact brand/model of your speakers? For bookshelf speakers, you will need a separate speaker amp. No, the 3.5mm jack accepts audio feeding *into* Atom Amp. Only the RCA outputs can deliver audio to other amplifiers or powered ("active") speakers.
@@JDSLabsinc im talking about the Teufel Ultima 20, so when i connect the dac2 with the amp2 i take away an entire port for 1 of the speakers, so im kinda confused. Do i need the Dac 2 to power the amp 2 with 2 speakers? and if yes i only have to use the amp 2 output into the speaker input and can leave the speaker output away right? since i wouldnt have a port to connect it to since the dac 2 consumes the other input/output
It would look something like this: A Toslink cable is connected from my pc soundcard to my DAC 2 which is connected to the AMP 2 via RCA cables, my AMP 2 connects via output to the speaker input while the speaker output can be ignored
@@Grantelbernt Tuefel Ultima 20s are passive bookshelf speakers, meaning they require a speaker amplifier or receiver. Atom Amp 2 is a headphone amplifier and cannot directly drive passive speakers.
The connection will look like this: TOSLINK --> Atom DAC 2 optical input --> RCA Cable from Atom DAC 2 to Atom Amp 2's RCA Input --> RCA cable from Atom Amp 2's RCA Outputs to a separate speaker amplifier.
If you will not be listening to headphones, you can skip Atom Amp 2 entirely and connect Atom DAC 2 directly to a speaker amp.
Hello, first of all, I would like to thank you for your amazing, authentic and high quality products that you provide and the way you conduct yourself! I love this and keep it strong!
Secondly, I have a noob question. I am intending to purchase the ATOM AMP 2, as I already have the DAC 2 and I would like to know if I get to use the 4.4 mm balanced connection with headphones, will I be able to use the outputs on the AMP 2 for powered speakers and have sound for both the devices, the headphones and the powered speakers at the same time? I understood that whenever the 3.5mm headphone is populated, the LINE OUTS on the AMP 2 become muted. Is that applicable to the balanced 4.4mm output as well? Thank you!
Thanks, @rOb3r7sMArTe7. Yes, the RCA outputs will remain active when using the 4.4mm jack. You can mute the RCA outputs by connecting a headphone cable or adapter to the larger 1/4in jack.
That's what I wanted to know. I don't want to mute the RCA line outs, because I want to use the speakers to play music while also listening to the headphones, so I can prepare my next songs. I'm a Tango Dj and that's what I do. I'm glad I can do that! Thank you so much! @@JDSLabsinc
How do you adjust the lows, mids, and high's when listening to music ?
Adjusting lows/mids/highs requires an equalizer. Try EqualizerAPO for Windows, or use the equalizer for in your audio app (foobar, Spotify, Tidal, iTunes, etc.).
You may also check out Element III, which provides bass and treble adjustment.
Plug in power last