I got an Element III MK2 to replace a Mojo 2 and I love it. Here's why: first, the Mojo 2 was replaced because it doesn't offer enough power and while it's cute, its ergonomics are not there for constant daily usage on a desk next to a laptop and other clutter necessary for work. First, I couldn't care less about having a stack. Setting up is not the issue, the issue is that the result tends to be ugly, it's 2 devices that I have to turn ON/OFF, potentially 2 power bricks, and I couldn't care less about spending time figuring out what's the right DAC/amp combination. I didn't even bother getting just getting a separate amp that could be used with the Mojo 2. I really much prefer all in one. To replace the Mojo 2, I debated between the Element III MK2 and an RME ADI-2 DAC FS. The fact that the Element III MK2 costs less than half was just a bonus. I also love the solid machined aluminum build (I like the fact you don't read your review your review from a script and just improvise, but it would be nice to do a background check on basic facts, like used materials, in preparation for your reviews so that you don't let uncertainty get in the way of credibility). But the main reason I picked the Element III MK2 was precisely the better ergonomics and footprint on the desk. IMO the reason they're much better than the RME or 99% of the amps out there is because the volume knob sits on top of the unit and my hand naturally extends to rest on top of it to control it. The large size of the knob makes it easy to perform fine grained adjustments and because it uses an optical sensor (another bonus: no channel imbalance), the volume steps can be configured to be more fine-grained. The damping of the knob is perfect and you can you can either grab it or just turn it precisely with one finger, vinyl spinning style (try that with other amps). The knob button offers good resistance so I can't imagine how would you ever press it by accident. I love the display because of its main function which is to indicate the volume output. I find that hugely invaluable to help quickly set up the volume when switching between sensitive IEMs and a harder to drive over ear headphone. With the exception of the volume indication, the text is indeed tiny, but how is that a problem when you probably only go to settings once or rarely, and there is automatic gain switching? I'd rather much more have it that way than have almost no configuration options like most other DACs or amps. As for the sound performance, I agree with what you said: it's competent. I'd even say the sound quality is great if you don't spend all your time doing A/B comparisons. The only negative for me is the noise floor which could be lower to play better with IEMs. Other than that, I think headphones are much more worthy of performance scrutiny than a product like this.
most people would just get a cheaper amp like asgard 3 to pair with mojo 2 though, they have enough brain cells to be able to turn on/off 2 devices and plug rca cables, like its not even about " caring " at that point, seriously how busy are that you cant spare 2 seconds to turn off a switch, someone really wants to convince himself he didnt waste $450 it seems. I used to have the jds labs element II and its sound quality was dogshit compared to my aune X7S fed by my motherboard DAC outputs. The element II was very poor in dynamics, low frequency extension,timbre and mid range clarity compared to aune. But for people with less brain cells and more money to waste I can see how jds labs products are appealing. or maybe I am replying to some JDS sales rep. I didnt even have to A/B to notice how vastly superior the X7S is to element II.
I couldn’t have said anything better than you have! This unit is a perfect option when desk space is at a premium. The knob functionality is perfect in my opinion and anyone who struggles in its operation has issues with their motor skills and dexterity. The auto switching into high output mode is extremely useful when using difficult to drive headphones. I wish other manufacturers used the same tech rather than having to fiddle around with switches.
I agree for most the accidental switching by bumping the knob will be a rarity. Muscle memory will also help. As a reviewer I'm using different stuff every week so developing that natural "this button/knob is here" doesn't happen very much anymore. There was a time of 2 at work where I'm reading emails and then a new track plays that's quieter than the previous and I blindly reach for the ELIII and something unintended happens in a way that's unique to the ELIII.
Too all in this thread, can we avoid questioning intelligence and motor function please? It's completely valid like of dislike any given audio product. We're arguing over things not all that meaningful in the long run.
I've own and have owned several Schiit components and continue to be impressed with the timbre, resolution, and flat out realism that I hear. Best bang for the buck in my opinion!
As an owner of the first JDS Atom amp, it seems like they kept the same measurement-focused, analytical-oriented approach. An excellent tool for studio use because you hear all the detail and clarity, but not recommended if you want your music to sound organic, realistic, life-like.
Is this the boosted version and does it sound better then the hel 2 I have the lcd gx and hd800s how do u think them headphones will sound on this unit for call of duty?
i had JDS Labs Atom first version amp and it sounded better to me then Violectric v222. topping a30 pro. ef600 amp side. i still search amp to beat this tiny thing so JDS Labs for me are good..
The biggies don't want to compare this piece with comparable Schiit products. I don't think it's about time/effort. Everyone has a bias and that is fine, but those that catch such bias will have to take those reviewers with a tiny grain of salt. JDS Labs does make good products and if this was $250-300, then I would be very curious in getting it. $400 and more for this is an outrageous price for this piece. Thanks for the review/overview.
@@bandit8623 I honestly have no idea. I have been using Schiit products since 2016 and they all still work to this day. People do say it's basic and not very good, but I personally have never interacted with customer support from Schiit.
I got an Element III MK2 to replace a Mojo 2 and I love it. Here's why: first, the Mojo 2 was replaced because it doesn't offer enough power and while it's cute, its ergonomics are not there for constant daily usage on a desk next to a laptop and other clutter necessary for work. First, I couldn't care less about having a stack. Setting up is not the issue, the issue is that the result tends to be ugly, it's 2 devices that I have to turn ON/OFF, potentially 2 power bricks, and I couldn't care less about spending time figuring out what's the right DAC/amp combination. I didn't even bother getting just getting a separate amp that could be used with the Mojo 2. I really much prefer all in one.
To replace the Mojo 2, I debated between the Element III MK2 and an RME ADI-2 DAC FS. The fact that the Element III MK2 costs less than half was just a bonus. I also love the solid machined aluminum build (I like the fact you don't read your review your review from a script and just improvise, but it would be nice to do a background check on basic facts, like used materials, in preparation for your reviews so that you don't let uncertainty get in the way of credibility). But the main reason I picked the Element III MK2 was precisely the better ergonomics and footprint on the desk. IMO the reason they're much better than the RME or 99% of the amps out there is because the volume knob sits on top of the unit and my hand naturally extends to rest on top of it to control it. The large size of the knob makes it easy to perform fine grained adjustments and because it uses an optical sensor (another bonus: no channel imbalance), the volume steps can be configured to be more fine-grained. The damping of the knob is perfect and you can you can either grab it or just turn it precisely with one finger, vinyl spinning style (try that with other amps). The knob button offers good resistance so I can't imagine how would you ever press it by accident. I love the display because of its main function which is to indicate the volume output. I find that hugely invaluable to help quickly set up the volume when switching between sensitive IEMs and a harder to drive over ear headphone. With the exception of the volume indication, the text is indeed tiny, but how is that a problem when you probably only go to settings once or rarely, and there is automatic gain switching? I'd rather much more have it that way than have almost no configuration options like most other DACs or amps.
As for the sound performance, I agree with what you said: it's competent. I'd even say the sound quality is great if you don't spend all your time doing A/B comparisons. The only negative for me is the noise floor which could be lower to play better with IEMs. Other than that, I think headphones are much more worthy of performance scrutiny than a product like this.
most people would just get a cheaper amp like asgard 3 to pair with mojo 2 though, they have enough brain cells to be able to turn on/off 2 devices and plug rca cables, like its not even about " caring " at that point, seriously how busy are that you cant spare 2 seconds to turn off a switch, someone really wants to convince himself he didnt waste $450 it seems. I used to have the jds labs element II and its sound quality was dogshit compared to my aune X7S fed by my motherboard DAC outputs. The element II was very poor in dynamics, low frequency extension,timbre and mid range clarity compared to aune. But for people with less brain cells and more money to waste I can see how jds labs products are appealing. or maybe I am replying to some JDS sales rep. I didnt even have to A/B to notice how vastly superior the X7S is to element II.
Agree, atom was horrible, worst amp ive used to date
I couldn’t have said anything better than you have! This unit is a perfect option when desk space is at a premium. The knob functionality is perfect in my opinion and anyone who struggles in its operation has issues with their motor skills and dexterity. The auto switching into high output mode is extremely useful when using difficult to drive headphones. I wish other manufacturers used the same tech rather than having to fiddle around with switches.
I agree for most the accidental switching by bumping the knob will be a rarity. Muscle memory will also help. As a reviewer I'm using different stuff every week so developing that natural "this button/knob is here" doesn't happen very much anymore. There was a time of 2 at work where I'm reading emails and then a new track plays that's quieter than the previous and I blindly reach for the ELIII and something unintended happens in a way that's unique to the ELIII.
Too all in this thread, can we avoid questioning intelligence and motor function please? It's completely valid like of dislike any given audio product. We're arguing over things not all that meaningful in the long run.
I've own and have owned several Schiit components and continue to be impressed with the timbre, resolution, and flat out realism that I hear. Best bang for the buck in my opinion!
Same here. I have the OG Modi Multibit, Modi +, and Vali 2++. Very impressed with each component.
My first stack was the OG JDS Labs Atom Amp & DAC. Was fun to see you review a JDS Labs product. I feel they do a good job in their segment.
I had it and worked great with Organic. Underpowered tho for more demanding. Agree with your evaluation but it’s beautifully made.
what do u mean under powered they say this amp could drive anything eazy?
As an owner of the first JDS Atom amp, it seems like they kept the same measurement-focused, analytical-oriented approach. An excellent tool for studio use because you hear all the detail and clarity, but not recommended if you want your music to sound organic, realistic, life-like.
Is this the boosted version and does it sound better then the hel 2 I have the lcd gx and hd800s how do u think them headphones will sound on this unit for call of duty?
i had JDS Labs Atom first version amp and it sounded better to me then Violectric v222. topping a30 pro. ef600 amp side. i still search amp to beat this tiny thing so JDS Labs for me are good..
does this amp dac sound better then the hel 2?
how do u connect it to the ps5? and can it use the mic of your headphones with it ?
Yes you can. Uac 1 mode
For a mic you can buy a usb mic or even a usb to headphone and mic adapter. Works well with the ps5
All makes perfect sense to me. Yay Schitt Audio.
32:46 Sir, this is the Internet, not a Wendy's.
🤣
curious if you will be doing a review on the Modhouse Tungsten soon...
The EF499 is REALLY good for the price. I imagine it would beat everything that you compared this to.
The biggies don't want to compare this piece with comparable Schiit products. I don't think it's about time/effort. Everyone has a bias and that is fine, but those that catch such bias will have to take those reviewers with a tiny grain of salt. JDS Labs does make good products and if this was $250-300, then I would be very curious in getting it. $400 and more for this is an outrageous price for this piece.
Thanks for the review/overview.
i would add though jds has the best support in the planet. can that be said for others?
@@bandit8623 I honestly have no idea. I have been using Schiit products since 2016 and they all still work to this day. People do say it's basic and not very good, but I personally have never interacted with customer support from Schiit.
Solid stuff per $
👌👍
Ask me why this is superior to the iFi Phantom I received last week. ☝️
Ouch. I haven't heard that one yet but was admittedly leery of it after my Pro iCan experience.
It's priced reasonably?
@@AliArghavan, and it probably WORKS. 😢
human companion? oh boy....lame