JDS ATOM DAC - REVIEW (The Complete Stack!)

This is my review of the JDS labs ATOM Dac and stack! This is a budget DAC setup.
New MERCH: teespring.com/...
Atom Dac: jdslabs.com/pr...
Atom Amp: jdslabs.com/pr...
Budget Tube amp: amzn.to/2Yq3C2B
Mic I'm using: amzn.to/2XWtxjw
My social media:
--- / dms3tv
--- / dms3tv
--- Snapchat @dms3tv
--------- Forums: forum.hifiguid...
--------- Hifiguides tool (beta): hifiguides.com/
If you want to join the discussion checkout our discord community:
--- discordapp.com...

[@DMS3TV]

Quick note for those wondering: is element II worth it over this? Personally yes but of course it costs more. I’ll talk about this in the full review of the EL 2 stack as well as comparisons to the element 2.

[@SuLu_B]

Looking forward to the review! Btw, your audio sounds fantastic in this video so keep doing what you're doing 👊🏻

[@Thantoss80]

I was having those exact thought / questions while I was watching this

[@WakeUpB2P]

Awesome can't wait to see that comparison review

[@MS-jy2mx]

Great review. I am looking forward to watching the comparison as well.

[@laicphk]

this is exactly what' i'm thinking about lol

[@BelowZero]

That was the clearest sound I ever heard on any YT video.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Absolutely! That Electro Voice RE20 mic!

[@brockercheddlie]

I can't be the only one who still gets a kick out of it when a reviewer says "shit stack"

[@dhartze02]

Oh i love it too. It gets me even better when someone says "shit pissed" when talking about their RCA cables.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Gunnery Sergeant Hartman approved.

[@Skyfalcon12345]

It's so nice when a creator has audio that's actually good. Really sets apart the good from the professional.

[@SalParadise]

good point yeah I noticed that..they're selling audio products but the sound sucks

[@epicgamer2670]

​@@SalParadise the sound in the video? I think it sounds far better than other bigger channels

[@Ober1kenobi]

​@@epicgamer2670Personally I find it comes down to the style of music chosen. I've found DMS uses music no other channel uses When I hear the same music across several different channels, I start wondering if it's 2012 again, and they're all biting each other's stuff without a shred of originality between them. This is what makes DMS good, other than just knowing what he's talking about without shilling something 3 times a video

[@Krmpfpks]

Thank you! Review of affordable gear is very much appreciated, most KZbinrs review mostly the very expensive stuff that is way out of my budget. As a suggestion you should not only compare to the same budget range but also to one step up or down, so buyers like me know if it’s worth saving a bit for the next step up or not. Would you say if you had to wait another 3 months to afford the el-dac/el-amp stack, would you wait? (I have modhouse Argon and hd650 headphones )

[@pc_decisions8764]

As I used to have HD6XX with my atom, I can tell you that works flawlessly with superb detail, but is one of those headphones that scales with power just like in dark souls. I dont think it will make a big impact to the element or EL amp, I would jump straight to thx 789 in balanced to hear actual change but since measure similar to atom, I assume a difference no bigger than 10% for essentially thrice the price plus new cables

[@SuLu_B]

@@pc_decisions8764 Building on top of this, if you're interested in upgrading amplifiers I can wholeheartedly recommend the 789 even in single ended for a pair of HD650s (if you wanted to hold off on investing in a balanced cable). However, I do notice an increase in separation and imaging performance when switching to balanced. I think the power output of the 789 pairs very well with the HDxxx line.

[@Krmpfpks]

@@SuLu_B @PC_Decisions Thank you guys for your suggestions!

[@exact3]

short and sweet, love it.

[@PramodKumar-pj5nj]

Just like him!

[@metal571]

Hey this room looks familiar

[@buster7618]

Come back Metal, we love you homie!

[@metal571]

lol

[@Hyperdonic2]

Did he kidnap you or something?

[@alinear1310]

Damn! I was just looking for DACs this morning

[@giuseppeafellay4855]

It kinda seems like the Atom stack performs so well that the EL stack or the element is kinda irrelevant of an upgrade in terms of audio performance. I did get the element because it's a combo unit and is also built well though. I wish the atom stack was also built well but the plastic is kinda ehhhh to me.

[@unotsolucky]

the question is, do I upgrade my topping d10 to the atom dac for the perfect stack..

[@dudemanismadcool]

Do I upgrade from my ol dac for a unit that sits flush with the atom but loses the optical input and is made of plastic? Hmmm.

[@jeffreymakuch2493]

Little to no audible difference. If the aesthetics matter that much to you though, go for it.

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

No point. D10 is a fantastic DAC. Pairs flawlessly with my liquid spark.

[@treblig_00]

For gaming I been using Sound Blaster X3 pair stack with Jds Atom Amp and sound is beautiful, clean , precise. I’m really happy with that stack for gaming.

[@ELJefeReviews]

Adding this to my list! I already love the Atom Amp. It would be nice to have the matching set.

[@tw1tch09]

just got the amp and dac for my HD6XX coming in. I wanted to say thanks, DMS, for your insight and help with navigating the overwhelming world of headphones and all things audio related.

[@loganb.1984]

Do you know if it works with iPhone?

[@tw1tch09]

@@loganb.1984 it will.

[@erikvasauez9361]

you made me really glad I just ordered this duo tonight haha makes me feel a bit better about dropping $200 on a dac and amp which guys, I know isn't a lot, I myself am by no means an audiophile, not by a long shot BUT I have been seeing a lot of stuff and looked into some subject that peaked my interest and I currently have a pair of senheiser's 599SE's that I got for like $70 bucks which were miles better than any gaming headset I had, the sound stage along is phenomenal with sounds and foot steps plus their open back which I quite enjoy and I know they're not hard to drive but I want to eventually get some other better headphones and I knew that i wouldn't be able to drive any with my little audio interface I use where I currently have them plugged into (runs my mic for chat) and stumbled upon the JDS Labs amp and then saw they had a DAC and decided to get them both. So not I'm really excited to try these out and maybe here soon opt for the Beyerdymanic dt990's or some Sennheiser 6xx's and call it good. I'm already big into keyboards and photography, don't want to add another expensive ass hobby to the list haha

[@chickenpasta7359]

Alternatively you can also look for music interfaces that are on sale for DAC purposes. Focusrite has pretty clean outputs even in their budget ranges and offer multiple outputs. I got my 18i8 2nd gen at an absolute steal and paired it with an O2 amp along with a HD 6XX. Great sounding combo.

[@ThankYou_AV]

Oh shiit! Awesome background!

[@nobbylegs4064]

A dac is a dac is a dac. You cannot tell the difference in any half decent modern dac provided it has a low enough noise floor.

[@stevenstruglia36]

I just got these for my HD650 and I cannot thank you enough for recommending these. Absolutely incredible stack and blew me out of the water with the clarity. Amazing job JDS Labs.

[@maliz]

analog t shirt looks amazing

[@DMS3TV]

Thanks!

[@Admajors]

How about a ZMF headphones buying guide?

[@Dutchforces1]

€500 Amp and DAC combo for a DT1990 Pro, what's your take? Great video!

[@Killerhurtz]

Would like to know exactly that as well.

[@nisn7343]

@@Killerhurtz same

[@DMS3TV]

Element II for sure! (If it’s available)

[@Dutchforces1]

@@DMS3TV Looks good, have you got a referral code so you can take a juicy commission?

[@DMS3TV]

Floris Heinen nope! I don’t make any commission . Just my honest opinion. :)

[@robinfranz17]

Great combo, just wish i knew about the import and shipping cost before ordering to germany. The total went up to almost 300$ and i didnt expect that. So guys, only buy these if you live in the US ! Otherwise there are great alternatives.

[@KevinCragun]

I just got my Atom DAC in the mail today and it came with the power rocker. I also got the short cables but had to pay the $15 for them and it's totally worth it for how well they fit. Sounds great and looks great on my desk. The DAC replaced a Modi 3 and Grace S-Dac that I used for the last year or so.

[@alexejnemov]

SMSL SH-8 & SMSL SU-8 v2. Is a nice combo.

[@matthewdavies2057]

For the love of pete will somebody please make a QUALITY FM tuner the size of this DAC! My Sprout 100 needs one to sit on it.

[@fabe61]

A Fiio K5 Pro review would be much appreciated!

[@pointlesspotential9376]

I can't even hear a difference between using my Topping D10 and using my Fiio e10k in dac-only mode. I think I'll just stick to my D10. The amber numbers on the front are also so pretty. 😆

[@GentleTA]

I just ordered the atom amp + Topping E30... do you think it is worth it to cancel the E30 to go for the flushed stack, in exchange for some features the E30 offers?

[@6434Daniel]

they'll sound virtually the same. Do you care more about the "stack" look or the added features of the E30?

[@Tanjimulchowdhury]

Can you please do a review about ifi zen dac 2?

[@tinypickle]

Bit late on this, but curious if you'd ever review/compare the FiiO K5 Pro. It's a popular dac amp but I feel like gets a bad rap for being ChiFi (from what I've seen?) I use it to drive my Elex and am wondering if I'm missing out by not getting something like an Element or Atom stack. I prefer DAC/AMPs purely for the sake of less cables and less desk space, but the Atom stack won't stop coming up as a suggestion!

[@tofu.delivery.]

I feel really tempted to get the DAC just for the complete stack aesthetic, but I'm already using a Focusrite audio interface as my DAC and I need the XLR input for my mic. The issue with that is it doesn't really stack well with the Atom amp. ugh decisions

[@ratonman]

same problem lmao i want them to stack so bad

[@Voidward]

Shit stack = too much shit glare. 👌 👍

[@truthxbl]

Is it a better pair than he atom+d10?

[@DJ.1001]

My modi DAC just died for the second time, they last about 2-3 years before the usb chip give up the ghost. Schiit support has been less than stellar so it's time to jump ship. This seems like the obvious move.

[@goftm4058]

I would really like to get it but shipping and import fees to Austria are way too high. If anyone got a solution, please tell me.

[@coffee-vz1nr]

What's the song playing in the background. Edit - found it. Check comments

[@SpeedStars81]

It's Ooyy - Siren Screen kzbin.info/www/bejne/epSwgqRvr75ricU

[@coffee-vz1nr]

@@SpeedStars81 nahhh found it. It's from Dj DENZ - autumn mournings to winter nights

[@coffee-vz1nr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6K7mpqrnZZqqq8

[@trixniisama]

How is the Atom dac vs the ol dac ?

[@Guessaga]

New to the audio scene. Do I need both of these to power the dt 1990 pros? Or will just the amp work fine?

[@andtothewestamerica]

Depends what source you're using. An apple dongle or macbook would be fine, some other sources maybe not.

[@a.a1001]

Where can I get those transition you add they look amazing! @0:08

[@petertaylor9371]

Yea I want that as my desktop wallpaper!

[@VFHost]

I have a question, only comparing audio performance, Is there a difference between the element ll and the EL stack ll ? What do you get for 150 dollars more, is it "only" the convince of having the units spilt up, and more connectivity?

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

2nd cam focus is on your mic.

[@oooweebaby4483]

Originally just had the Atom Amp with the SoundBlaster Z soundcard but went with the Atom DAC (full Atom Stack) and let me say.... GAME CHANGER... the quality is phenomenally better. For one, I was obsessed with the EQ functions of the SoundBlaster, but the Atom DAC sounds completely tuned right out of the box... NO EQ necessary.

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

I just decided to dip my toe in to the DAC world with the TempoTec Sonata HD PRO. Should arrive soon, but I wonder if anyone reading this has tried it. Someone actually said it beats the Atom. It's $39.87 on amazon at the moment. I can't find a bad review of it anywhere. I'm keeping my expectations low, but I won't be able to compare it to other DACs, so I'm definitely interested to hear any takes on it &/or how it stacks up to the competition. The consensus seems to be that it punches way above its weight...

[@Frikkification]

Will this stack power T50RPs?

[@LeDechaine]

Yes. :)

[@danielbean9458]

if I going to get DT1990pro , just have schiit stack and HD6XX now. Is it worth to upgrade to JDS Element 2?

[@vrba3487]

I have Khadas Tone Board paired with JDS Labs Atom AMP. Is this Atom DAC is better than Khadas? What do you think

[@vangledosh]

What is "glare" in an amp?

[@Rockett.]

Cable that came with this dac kept making it disconnect, swapped to HQ one and it no longer disconnects after 30 seconds of playing

[@yohanesrandy6468]

Brooo, still waiting for your ATH-R70X review. I can get them for half of HD650 price brand new.

[@Dinkin_Flicka]

Awesome video. Song(s)?

[@nomanhossain6597]

i already have the magni heresy, can i pair the dac with magni? or do i need to stick with modi 3e from schiit?

[@CthulhUwU]

Hey, do you recommend this stack for a beyerdynamic dt990 pro 250 Ohms?

[@aceofspades6667]

Subscribed.. what is the “best affordable” amp to pair with the Abyss 1266 Phi TC?

[@crustytp2185]

Thanks so much bro. You've really helped me getting into audio. Thanks so much. Also your videos are such great quality!

[@jimstewart2242]

Could I plug a Bluetooth dongle directly into the atom amp? Would it play the signal through to the headphones?

[@ZoMbIEx23x]

Am I wrong in thinking this amp can definitely drive the HD800 S?

[@DMS3TV]

It definitely can

[@ZoMbIEx23x]

@@DMS3TV That's what I thought. Thank you for confirming. There's a lot of reviewers and I've found your videos to be the most helpful, thank you for that as well.

[@DJKomoi]

What size is you T-shirt, DMS? Just for reference to pick mine. Thanks.

[@angrynerd2103]

Should i by the dac to go with my atom amp if im already using a khadas tone board.

[@dhanslee]

Which one is better jds atom or topping D30? Mmhh..

[@TheWantedghost]

which dac and amb you will recommend for 100 USD , here is my list - atom,spark ,and magni,modi ,topping etc , im so confused - and my headset can be byerdynamic dt1990 pro

[@loganb.1984]

Does the DAC work with iPhone? If so what cable do I need?

[@dirtyfunk1165]

Would this be recommended for the DT1770 or DT1990 headphones from Beyerdynamic or would you recommend the Magni/Modi stack instead?

[@dannybos7024]

Get the Atom stack.

[@zohebamin331]

Damn I was just about to buy the Hersey + Modi but DMS releases a video :(

[@NWGR]

The heresy+modi is a more capable set. The modi has optical and coaxial inputs at no extra charge, and both the heresy and modi measure audibly transparent, just as the atom stack does. And to be clear, there is no "schiit glare" from the heresy/modi. Whatever DMS was hearing is placebo.

[@jonaskonrad]

@@NWGR The Schiit glare is definitely there and I personally don't like it. So the Atom stack is the clear winner for me. Will be ordering an additional one for my second flat in the upcoming days.

[@NWGR]

@@jonaskonrad If you heard glare from a modi 3, magni 3+ or magni heresy, it was in your head and entirely placebo.

[@memberrrberry7282]

So is it an upgrade from the ol dac?

[@flak73]

I'm curious about this too since I use my Atom with an OL DAC.

[@memberrrberry7282]

Shane I also use the ol dac and love it lol

[@marekkouril7134]

Hi! Have you ever heard Gilmore Lite Mk2?

[@Dani-we4cd]

Are budget stacks better than DAC/AMP combos (at a comparable budget)? Because I'd prefer to keep it one package. I'm driving a pair of 4xx out of my laptop. Thanks!

[@dannybos7024]

Stacks are always better, because you can swap each individual component whenever you want to instead of replacing your entire unit.

[@Graneth1987]

I think you don’t really need those side cam b rolls shots or whatever they’re called. I feel like they’re distracting. The product shots are great tho.

[@DMS3TV]

I just use it for when I have cuts in the dialogue

[@Graneth1987]

DMS I suggest you discard the side cam and do the zoom in a bit thing instead. Keep up the great content mate

[@pocak89]

I have Dragonfly Cobalt. How do these desktop AMP/DAC compared to Cobalt? I'm satisfied with Cobalt I'm just curious.

[@dramafishh473]

I have a Dragofly Red and Atom dac connected to Atom Amp, powering HD6XX. On its own DF Red sounds constricted and bass shy, but connected to atom amp it sounds livelier and more engaging than jds stack. Cleaner contorolled bass, clear vocals, better separation. The only advantage of atom dac is wider soundstage and better bass response, but it just sounds veiled and boring compared to DF Red.

[@kristiankirial2438]

You made me get this for sure, thanks dude! Great simple review!!

[@LongHoang-gq2il]

Why mind have white led instead of blue ?

[@epicmike3915]

Wish I knew about JDS labs sooner. Picked up schiit amp/dac combos and they were awful. Volume pot always had static sounds. Schiit name matches their products quality. Thanks DMS for the Element 2 review. That combo outclasses anything I ever used.

[@igorcosta8559]

JDS Should had released a revised Atom with this DAC. All they needed to do was to increase the power from 1W to 2.5W per channel and they would had hit gold (or they didn't do it on purpose to not cannibalize the sales of the next tier amp they have.

[@pc_decisions8764]

It has its challenges, for example, the liquid spark runs 2.5 watts at 32 o 16 ohm, but at 300ohm the atom offers twice de power (150 vs 250 milliwatts) so the 1W is actually a limitation to forget distortion which can be presented in magni also.

[@pietossing]

Is the Atom+ amp a bit congested like the original was? The thx amps had better separation of instruments. Has it improved with the +?

[@polyclot1976]

Do the fostered t50rp's fair well?

[@johnnguyen5371]

I'm interested in getting the Argon Mk3. Would this stack be able to drive it?

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

Like most planars, they need massive amount of power to sound right. This will make them play suitably loud, but not powered properly (hard to explain, but when your amp can't do this, it sound constricted). I would really suggest a smsl sp200 with this.

[@zarants]

Sorry and sweet. Great video, keep it up !

[@laicphk]

thanks for the great video!!!! looking forward for this dac for sooooo long. Anyway, the side camera focused on the mic instead of DMS bugs me quite a lot..

[@DMS3TV]

One-man filming. Can’t re-focus from where I sit,

[@loganynguyen]

I feel like the shirt could be a bit less messy if the words didn't overlap

[@loganynguyen]

Maybe put it below. You could also keep the logo but make it more elaborate (fancy up the design or even add a mixed painting color like your intros) and take out the words for people who don't like words as much.

[@BillBynum]

i can't find anywhere what DAC chip it uses??? AKM? ESS?

[@marekkouril7134]

AK4490

[@TheMightyMedia]

filmed at the same table as w the abyss crew

[@Glashutte1111]

Compare to smsl ao300 JDS is so behind, I should have read more and search more before buying JDS labs amps.

[@andtothewestamerica]

I've had a couple SMSL dacs but found them harsh. You'll go crazy if you try read specs and think you'll know what will sound good to you, not to mention the huge roll of synergy with your other gear. I sometimes still use a JDS amp from 10 years ago and it sounds great with certain headphones.

[@thelastrhino2581]

So you're saying that the $99 Atom DAC sounds better with the $99 Atom AMP then say... a $2k amp? Interesting.

[@jamesbittle2138]

Metal571 prefers the Atom Stack to theTHX amp/dac setup.

[@thelastrhino2581]

@@jamesbittle2138 the THX 789 is a sterile, artificial $300 amp. I am not surprised the Atom amp sounds better. But to claim that the Atom DAC sounds better with the Atom amp than with a Violectric 280, a Phonitor, a Linear, or a GSX Mini...

[@Tesseract9630]

Which dac chip do they use.

[@Rashomon00]

I'm digging the foliage.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Love my ATOMs

[@nickthaskater]

Finally! Been waiting for the Atom DAC so I can finally get the stack to replace my O2 + ODAC.

[@giladkingsley]

You got it in the end? If so, how much better is it? I'm thinking of getting an O2 amp for 80$ used

[@nickthaskater]

@@giladkingsley still running O2+ODAC. I can't find a reason to change. The O2 has no issue with my HE-4XX.

[@giladkingsley]

@@nickthaskater I want an amp for my LCD 2C

[@redz8856]

I just bought JDS Element 2 and I am wandering if I can use it as a DAC with another AMP.

[@memberrrberry7282]

Yes you can

[@ruusta8042]

*wondering Make sure to have the Element II's knob turned up to maximum when you do that.

[@SilverDetroit]

I think the side camera was focused on the Mic..

[@DMS3TV]

One-man filming has its downsides

[@Pirxel]

Where is the shirt link thing? I don't see it in the description :(

[@DMS3TV]

Updated! Sorry! Entered the description late last night.

[@SneakyBinHidden]

Would these be good for bayerdynamic dt1900 headphones?

[@dannybos7024]

The DT1900 doesn't exist.

[@SneakyBinHidden]

@@dannybos7024 my bad its a typo, 1990

[@dannybos7024]

@@SneakyBinHidden Okay. But yeah, Atom stack all the way.

[@SneakyBinHidden]

@@dannybos7024 the element 2 or the stack? I could buy either or.

[@dannybos7024]

@@SneakyBinHidden Element 2.

[@Iryuushen]

Is Atom Dac good for Little Dot MK2?

[@DMS3TV]

Yes

[@J-Ernie]

Are these good for the DT990 pro headset?

[@dannybos7024]

The DT990 isn't good in general.

[@davidmason8212]

Do you recommend the atom dac over the d10 odac and modi ?

[@DMS3TV]

As a usb-only dac yes.

[@fredpasta6488]

"short" is good!

[@RizzleK]

Dms is alive :)

[@thetndixie]

Well done! 👏👏👏💗

[@diegoramirezmatindelcampo2788]

Sooo these wouldn't be enough for the DT880 600Ω , right?

[@pc_decisions8764]

Well...yes, but actually no.

[@diegoramirezmatindelcampo2788]

​@@pc_decisions8764 Do you think there's a cheap amp (less than $200) that matches well with the Dt880 600Ω?

[@shilo.5087]

Just don’t get the 600ohm if you cant afford powering it lol, theres a 250ohm version

[@pc_decisions8764]

@@diegoramirezmatindelcampo2788 the schiit asgard 3 is the cheapest that i know and it will give you almost twice the Power of the magni.

[@bonkz30]

water

[@StrikitRich]

Was there ever any follow-up on the new EL stack?

[@DMS3TV]

There will be! Still running it through a few more tests.

[@StrikitRich]

@@DMS3TV Great. Hadn't seen anything on Discord or Patreon.

[@stevie8211]

Should I get the Dt990 Pro for ps4?

[@DMS3TV]

I wouldn’t. You’re better off with the TYGR 300R. It’s available in a cheaper set if you don’t get the mic.

[@stevie8211]

DMS I have a studio mic, so I don’t need the mic. Should I still get the other headset?

[@DMS3TV]

Definitely the TYGR 300R. The 990 pro is pretty bad these days. I was just saying the 300R comes in 2 bundles and is cheaper without the mic.

[@stevie8211]

DMS someone was saying it would suck for PS4, would the audio be fucked up?

[@UrAJok3r]

@@DMS3TV: "the 990 pro is pretty bad these days." Me: I just bought a 990 pro 😞 feelsbadman.