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HiFiHeadphones Best Buy list

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Here at HiFiHeadphones we really are passionate about audio and listen to the products we offer. Our headphone guru and Youtube star John has put together a HiFiHeadphones best buy list, so read on to find out what our best headphones, earphones and headphone amps in 2022 are!

Best True Wireless with ANC

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 – £79.00

The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price. – Full Review

lypertek Z5
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Best True Wireless for Sound Quality

Final ZE3000- £119.00

These don’t have a lot of features, no AThese don’t have a lot of features, no ANC, ambient mode or wireless charging. However they are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review

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Best Wired Earphones under £100 

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

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Best Wired Earphones £100-£300

Oriveti OH300 – £299

The OH300 really does a lot right, especially when you take into account the £299 price tag. With a detailed and even-handed sound signature that is tonally accurate yet not boring. There is power when needed, yet they always have a controlled and refined approach to rendering your favourite tracks. – Full Review

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Best Wired Earphones £300-£1000

Campfire Audio Holocene- £649.00

The Holocene are almost a scaled down Andromeda, but with a twist of their own of course, they are slightly warmer and less airy in the top end but still have a very enjoyable sound. The Holocene are fairly linear with a slight bass lift that doesn’t bleed into the midrange, allowing that to cut through with clarity and accuracy. The lower treble is dipped slightly, robbing them of some energy but also meaning they don’t sound fatiguing or sibilant, yet the upper treble is well presented with great extension and air. Overall they are a really impressive earphone, and make a superb daily driver. – Full Review

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Best Wired Earphones £1000-£2000

64 Audio U6t- £1,299.00

For the price, 64 Audio have created a brilliant everyday earphone that allows great insight into the recording with superb clarity and detail retrieval, wrapped up in a smooth, coherent and easy to listen to sound. They are such an easy earphone to live with. Providing a comfortable fit and refined sound that many fail to match. This is proof that 64 Audio really do know what they are doing when it comes to sound. A superb model for the price.

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Best Wired Earphones £2000+ 

64 Audio tia Fourte – £3,599.00

This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but the clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all.

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Best Wired Studio Earphones 

Etymotic ER-4SR – £305.95

If you are looking for neutrality, the ER-4SR are the industry standard – they do not flatter you with a smooth sound or hide any mistakes in recordings, so not great for everyday listening but superb if you want to hear every detail.

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Best Wireless Headphones under £100 

SoundMAGIC P23BT – £49.96

SoundMAGIC once again show that they are unrivalled when it comes to creating budget models with excellent sound quality, the P23BT has such an enjoyable sound that you quickly forget they only cost £50. Full Review

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Best Wireless Headphones £100+ 

Final UX3000- £119.00

The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review

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Best Headphones £100-£500

Sennheiser HD660s – £429.00

The latest addition to the HD6xx series comes with improved clarity, these are detailed and open sounding and paired with the excellent comfort the HD6xx series are known for, make these a superb headphone for the price.

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Best Headphones £500-£1000

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £749.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

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Best Headphones £1000-£3000 

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

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Best Headphones £3000+

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

These are resolving yet enjoyable, they have a reference like tuning without coming across clinical, they have an honest presentation without too much colouration or sweetness to the sound. Full Review

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Best Headphone DAC/Amp under £100

Periodic Audio Rhodium – £49.00

The Periodic Audio Rhodium is brilliant for the money, a USB-C dongle DAC/Amp that has a clean sound, even if the output power is a little limited.

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Best Headphone Amp £100-£300

JDS Labs Atom Amp+ – £129.00

The Atom Amp+ is a neutral and linear sounding amp that will pair well with most headphones and earphones on the market – it measures well and doesn’t cost a lot, what more could you want? – Full Review

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Best Headphone Amp £300-£1000

JDS Labs Element III -£499.00

The Element III comes with an all new digital volume encoder and optical input, you get perfect channel balance for sensitive IEM’s along with auto-gain and enough output power for most over-ears too – backed by that same linear sound JDS Labs are known for. They even added an opitical input, very handy for gamers or those who listen to CD’s . Full Review

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Best Headphone Amp £1000+ 

Burson Soloist 3X GT – £2,499.00

This amp is perfect for those who need the best from their hard to drive headphones, the perfect pairing for those select few headphones that need multiple watts of power – it’s dual mono, fully discrete design doesn’t compromise when it comes to sound quality either. 

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JDS Labs Element III Review

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The all new Element III isn’t just a simple refresh. It was built from the ground up around a new DAC chip and offers up the same excellent sound signature people have come to love in an improved package.

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As a result of the AKM factory fire late last year, JDS Labs had to refresh the Element II. So they initially decided to develop the Element II+ with a Cirrus Logic DAC chip. However, increasing lead times from Cirrus Logic forced them to go down the ESS Sabre route and ended up developing the all new Element III. (prototypes with a CS and ESS Chip were developed alongside each other). Due to these supply chain issues, JDS Labs decided to essentially cancel the Element II+ and focus on something completely new. Something that was audibly better, The Element III.

Volume Control

One of the main differences between the Element II & III is the volume knob. It may look the same, but it now uses a digital attenuator instead of the analogue volume pot of old. This means you get audibly perfect channel balance right down to -127.5 dBFS. In turn, this allows you to listen at lower volumes and still get the same excellent sound quality. There is a slight drawback to this though as the new Element III no longer has an analogue input due to the digital nature of the volume knob. But they have added an optical input alongside the USB. This was also done to achieve perfect channel balance and also allow them to implement auto-gain.

The Element III has both USB and Optical inputs and can still be used as a pre-amp via the RCA outputs

OLED Screen

There is a small OLED screen on the Element III that shows you some key things like the volume and output selected (HP or pre-out). This is a really handy feature that was missing from previous models.The power for the screen is also separate to the audio channels to make sure there was no impact on the audio quality. There has allowed for a menu, where you can change the brightness, timeout interval, Volume knob LED behaviour and DAC tuning. (Filters, DPLL bandwidth, S/PDIF De-Emphasis and Harmonic compensation).

Auto Gain

Auto-Gain is something really interesting with the Element III. Instead of a separate gain button the amp automatically changes to high-gain (+13.5dB) when the volume is pushed beyond the 0 dBFS threshold. At that point it also compensates volume (-13.5dB) for a near seamless transition. This means no more toggling between high and low gain to get the right listening levels.

As you can see from above, JDS Labs have implemented a lot of new features here. There are also few more geeky ones if you want to check them out (alongside measurements): JDS Labs Element II Benchmarks

Compatibility

As mentioned above, The Element III is a DAC/Amp combo that works with Optical and USB inputs. Output wise it has RCA output for connecting to an external amplifier where you can use the Element III to control the volume. Or even have it set at 0 and use it purely as a DAC. On the front it has a 6.3mm headphone output. The internal amplifier is excellent and provides more than enough output power for most headphones on the market. From sensitive IEM’s to 600Ohm hard to drive dynamic driver over-ears. The only headphones that need more power are low sensitivity planars like the HiFiMAN HE6/Susvara.

Sound

JDS Labs know what they are doing and have implemented changes that have benefitted the sound. With the side effect of slightly better spec on paper too! (inaudible). I have been using an Element II for the last 2 years in my desktop setup. Before that I had the original Element too. They are excellent devices, and perfect for powering all different headphones without issue. they also make the perfect reference point and one that I am very familiar with.

The Element III brings things up a notch though. It still has that signature JDS Labs sound that is clean, linear and effortless but this time it feels smoother and less clinical. The perfect channel balance is something that is noticeable and a welcome addition to already excellent devices. You can now listen with even the most sensitive IEM’s and have zero hiss, zero noise and also zero channel imbalance at low volumes. Not that hiss/noise were ever issues before.

It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones.

The Element III doesn’t want to impart a sound signature. It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones. It doesn’t colour the sound. Nor will it flatter poor recordings or making things easier on your ear. However, pair it with a pair of headphones you truly enjoy the signature of and voila. You need to try it!

Where to use

There is a great opportunity for studio users to put the JDS Labs Element III in their system. It provides an exceptionally clean sound signature for recording and referencing work. The design is perfect for desktop users. I personally use it for listening to music and also when gaming. The volume knob is so easy to use. I also often use it as a DAC only into another headphone amplifier. And it must be said, the DAC section is very well implemented, sounding very transparent.

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Interested in what else LDS Labs has to offer? See all news and reviews here.

JDS Labs Brand Story

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This is the JDS Labs Brand Story, they are known for creating objectively neutral headphone amps that don’t cost a fortune, with humble beginnings they have gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years.

John Seaber founded JDS Labs in 2007 in his college bedroom, disappointed in lack of power from his iPod, and the mediocre bass response from his headphones, he hacked Chu Moy’s open source (cMoy) portable headphone amp design and added a bass boost circuit. He started building these and selling them on eBay as the cMoyBB – this was the birth of JDS Labs as we know it. John now holds a BSEE from Missouri S&T and is still the lead electronics engineer on all JDS Labs designs, he works with a team of talented developers and fellow audio enthusiasts.

Fully built cMoy BB:

JDS Labs designed a few portable amps in the early years, the C421 was an excellent portable amp that was well received within the community, later they released the C5 and C5D which included an internal DAC too. All of these were slim portable amps at a time where using a source with an amp strapped to it was all the rage (the golden years of portable audio if you wish).

JDS Labs C421 – came with either AD8620 or OPA2227 op-amps installed for different sound signatures:

In 2011 “NwAvGuy” created the design of the Objective2 Headphone amplifier – there was however growing dissonance between this blogger and the HiFi community. JDS Labs decided however to fully support the Objective2 amplifier and helped secure its position as the face of the objective movement. This gamble paid off, JDS Labs tripled in size within a year due to the popularity of the Objective2 and ODAC models, moving out of a basement and in to a much larger office space. In just a year, JDS Labs moved again to a larger space and set up CNC machining facilities to help keep up with the growing demand for their products.

Fast forward and JDS Labs have cemented themselves as a top player in the Headphone amplifier and DAC market – releasing the Element line that is gorgeous to look at, measures well and is a pleasure to use, along with their Atom line which are more basic in terms of looks, but still provide that JDS Labs signature sound that is neutral and linear. The Atom Amp for example quickly became the go-to headphone amp recommendation at it’s price point, offering up leading benchmark performance for an affordable price.

JDS Labs Atom Amp+:

JDS Labs Atom Amp+

In 2020 COVID19 hit – and it hit hard – JDS Labs had to battle with supply chain issues which delayed the release of the Atom DAC. They invested deeper in to robotic automation too, which helped keep up with the manufacturing side of things as the company continued to grow – new CNC machinery helped triple their manufacturing productivity. To top all this off there was a fire at the AKM factory – the supplier of DAC chips used in JDS Labs products. This led to JDS Labs acquiring an Audio Precision ApX555 audio analyzer that has allowed them to redesign their digital products in record time.

JDS Labs are an innovative company, they have an excellent team behind them along with a solid product lineup – they are also known to have some of the best customer support in the industry. All their products are engineered, machined and assembled at their facilities in Collinsville, IL, USA.

Full history: https://jdslabs.com/true-performance

The LDS Labs lineup currently consists of:

Atom Amp+ Headphone Amplifier

Atom DAC+ Optical and USB DAC

EL Amp II+ Headphone Amplifier

EL DAC II+ Optical, Coaxial and USB DAC

JDS Labs Element III Headphone Amplifier with built in DAC

JDS Labs Atom+ Stack Reviewed by Headfonia

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JDS Labs Atom+ Stack: Many of us are already well acquainted with JDS Labs because of their widely popular and affordable DACs & AMPs that they design and build. Luckily for us, they recently updated their most affordable Atom line. Now known as the Atom Amp+ & the Atom DAC+ Headfonia checks out what is under the “hood”.

Message from JDS Labs: “We do not release new hardware for the sake of release schedules or corporate goals. In fact, this announcement was not on our roadmap and JDS Labs is doing well without the need to grab your attention. Of tens of thousands of Atom stack owners, virtually no one has asked for more performance. Alas, we’ve continuously improved…. (Rest of the statement can be reached here)

Headfonia really enjoys the updated Atom (now Atom+) Stack. Their conclusion “JDS Labs continues to develop the Atom line consistently every passing year. Just when I was about to say how much better it could get, they continue to surprise me by finding something to improve. Of course, this makes me very happy because there are not many alternatives in this price range. Especially any that offer this kind of performance. Thanks to the rising prices, the number of desktop products under $100 is decreasing steadily. It is truly admirable that JDS is still defending the sub-100 castle. I hope they continue to do so because the Atom+ stack offers an excellent price to performance ratio.”

You can read their full review of the Atom+ stack here.

Back of the DAC+

Oscar really enjoys the products from JDS Labs, check out his review of the previous version of the Atom Stack here.

New JDS Labs Atom Amp+ and EL Amp II+

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Chipset upgrades come to the Atom Amp+ and EL Amp II+ boosting performance for the same great price!

Two new models from JDS Labs – Atom Amp+ and EL Amp II+
Atom Amp is now Atom Amp+, JDS Labs’ best value amplifier. John Seaber says “Aside from subtle fit and finish improvements since release, we’re tagging “Atom Amp+” because we’ve boosted performance using the same analog IC employed in the matching Atom DAC+. More importantly, every Atom Amp+ is built with hand matched potentiometers for superior low volume imaging, up to 20dB better than the originally spec’ed Alps pots.”

The bulk of the performance boost results from upgrading the input stage ICs from NJM2068 to NJM5532, followed by small tweaks to supporting resistors. Atom Amp+ achieves a crazy 119dB SINAD @ 20-20kHz BW. This is around 6dB better than the initial release. Totally inaudible, by the way. It’s possible to reach 120-122dB SINAD by omitting Atom’s high pass input filter, but there’s no incentive to do so. They know customers appreciate RFI rejection from the high pass filter and prefer a distraction free listening experience.

EL Amp II is now EL Amp II+, following the same chipset upgrades applied to Atom Amp+. EL Amp II+ increases SINAD from 114dB to 119dB at low gain, and from 105dB to 110dB at high gain. All other parameters measure similarly.

You can find the official release notes from JDS Labs here: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2021/07/jds-labs-el-amp-ii-is-now-el-amp-ii/ / https://blog.jdslabs.com/2021/07/jds-labs-atom-amp-is-now-atom-amp-plus/

JDS Labs Atom DAC+ Official Release

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An immediate successor to Atom DAC. Designed from start to finish with their new Audio Precision APx555 analyzer, Atom DAC+ came together as a contingency plan following the recent AKM factory disaster.

We know many of you will appreciate the improvements Atom DAC+ brings: USB and optical inputs, silent transitions when resuming from auto standby, even higher performance, standard support for UAC2 with UAC1 fallback*, and alternative firmware which lets you experiment with a tube-like sound.

JDS Labs have also been investing in IP to minimize their reliance on proprietary ICs since well before the global pandemic and AKM shortages. USB and S/PDIF controllers are key to high performance audio and they find that their goals increasingly demand custom software development. Exceptional hardware goes hand-in-hand with code. Replacing proprietary silicon with software reduces cost, and in many cases, presents opportunities for performance optimizations. Alas, the AKM disaster threw a wrench in their plans, as they were still targeting AKM DACs in late 2020. Nearly a year of firmware development is being set aside for now.

Atom DAC+ ships with their latest firmware improvements, tagged v1.8.2:

  • UAC2 with UAC1 fallback* is now standard
  • Connection to Android and iOS Devices no longer require a USB hub
  • Resuming from auto standby is now instant and free of transients

*UAC2 w/UAC1 Fallback retains future firmware update capability. UAC1 fallback is activated when using a USB 1.1 hub or isolator. This method means you can connect to any operating system with UAC1 support (yes, PS4/PS5, and even Win XP and Win 7).  Custom UAC1 cables will be available at from us in the coming weeks.

If you plan to connect to a PS4/PS5, you may install optional firmware v1.8.4 to lock volume to 100%. For more information and installation guidance, please see Custom Firmware Builds.

** Warning: Do Not attempt to install Atom DAC+ firmware onto an original Atom DAC. While there is no risk of bricking the DAC, the AK4490 and ES9018 chips require different initialization routines. **

If you wish to read more into the technical development of the Atom DAC+ – JDS Labs have their official release here and it goes into more detail than the above.

You can pre-order the Atom DAC+ from us now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-atom-dac-2021-edition-uk-plug

JDS Labs add Playstation 4 and 5 Support via a Firmware change

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JDS Labs have got some news for all you Playstation owners (PS4 / PS5) – They have found a way you can use your Element II / EL DAC II or Atom DAC with your console.

As some of you more tech savvy readers out there may know, when JDS Labs released their newest DACs they all came as USB Audio Class 2 DACs (UAC2) devices out of the box so they could support higher bitrates amongst other things. This did however mean they were designed for PC/Mac use mainly and consoles were not supported, however you can now change this via a simple firmware change.

The firmware change makes the DACs run as USB Audio Class 1 (UAC1) devices which means your PS4 or PS5 will now see them when connected via USB, you just have to navigate to: Settings ? Devices ? Audio Devices ? Output Device ? JDS Labs XXX DAC UAC1.

One small caveat, the PS4 and PS5 are known to limit USB Audio output volume, so this UAC1 firmware is locked to max volume as a workaround, but you can still adjust the volume at your console.

Please note this disclaimer from JDS Labs Please keep in mind that installing a UAC1 firmware disables UAC2 support and removes the ability to install firmware updates on the DAC, meaning installing UAC1 firmware is a one-way street. Any firmware built for UAC1 will be listed with a warning note.

Additional information and the UAC1 firmware can be found HERE

You can find our full range of JDS Labs products HERE

Headphone Amplifier Buying Guide

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Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

What is a headphone amplifier?

Simply put, every device that allows you to plug in headphones has an amp built in. The amp takes the audio signal and boosts it, allowing us to hear sound through the headphones. Amps don’t only boost volume; they can add and improve qualities like soundstage and separation. Adding an amp to a setup can also bring extra warmth or clarity. This all depends on the quality of the amp and how it has been designed. The reality is that most people won’t need an external headphone amp. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t benefit from one, though. Smartphones are now a very common music source, and with the technology getting better and better, they do a decent job of delivering good quality sound to most portable headphones and earphones. There are plenty of headphones designed to be used with mobile phones and other low powered portable devices. These headphones generally have a low impedance of up to 32ohm, and high sensitivity of around 100db, so they are very easy to drive and are more likely to go louder. Remember though: not only do amps add extra power but they can also improve the quality of the sound. So, once you start looking at higher quality headphones, improving your amp will start to make more sense as you will want to get the most out of them. No matter how good your headphones are, the sound quality will be limited by how good the amp is.

How to choose a headphone amp

If you’ve decided to go for a headphone amp, you now need to decide which one to go for. There are many to choose from, and they go for anything between £20 to £2000 and more. Amps can be split into two main groups: portable and desktop. If you want to add some power to your phone or laptop, then you will want to look for a portable amp. These amps can be charged, and will run off batteries, making them ideal for using on the move. They are also small in size, and there are some out there (like the Shanling UP4) which can connect to the source wirelessly using Bluetooth.

If you only use your headphones at home, or intend to use headphones that are particularly hard to drive, then you will probably want to go for a desktop amp as they are generally more powerful. Not only are they more powerful, they also tend to have a larger amount of inputs and outputs, making them very versatile. They will need to be plugged it at all times, so will need a power socket to work. As amps can bring their own character to the overall sound quality, it’s worth making sure you choose wisely and pick an amp that will compliment your headphones. For example, if your headphones have a warm or bassy sound then it’s a good idea to go for a neutral or bright sounding amp. This also works the other way around; a warm sounding amp will complement bright headphones and help to balance the sound out.

Get in touch!

If you have any questions about choosing the right amplifier then please feel free to comment below! We’ll be happy to offer advice on this.

JDS Labs Atom DAC / Atom Amp Stack Review

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The Atom combo provides power for most headphones on the market, with a neutral and reference sound signature.

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Design and Functionality

The Atom Amp is simple, with both RCA and 3.5mm inputs on the back, RCA outputs for use as a pre-amp and a volume knob, headphone jack and gain/input selectors on the front. The Atom DAC on the other hand has USB input and RCA output on the back, with a white ring on the front that illuminates when it is on. They look clean and simple, yet inside they have been engineered to provide a clean and clear sound.

The Atom amp has 2 gain settings (1x and 4.5x), if you are pairing it with the Atom DAC you likely won’t need more than 1x for most headphones. The volume know turns the amp on, and there is a white ring around it to indicate the power is on. The Atom DAC on the other hand does not have a power switch, instead JDS Labs have shipped an inline switch you attach to the power supply cable, simple yet efficient. Turn them on, set up the input and hit play, it couldn’t be much simpler. If you want a neat and clean desktop setup the JDS Labs Stack RCA cables really help keep the units together. The Atom DAC supports up to 32/384kHz PCM

Find our range of JDS Labs here

Sound

Well JDS Labs are one of those companies who strive to provide products that don’t flavour the sound, they want you to have a neutral and transparent source so you can use the headphones as the standard tuning point. This rings true of the new Atom DAC, take a look at the specs and measurements, have a listen with your own ears, and all it does is masterfully convert your digital audio into an analogue signal for the amp to amplify. It doesn’t try to add anything, nor does it try to take anything away. Distortion levels are astonishingly low, the Atom DAC is effortlessly clean and clear sounding, allowing you to hear all the finer details with ease. JDS Labs are purists if you like, and the Atom DAC is a no-frills, pure DAC that gets out of the way of what is important – the music.

I reviewed the Atom Amp on it’s own a while back, and adding a high quality DAC to it obviously helps get the most out of it. It purely amplifies what you feed it, and the Atom DAC provides a really good base sound for the amp to amplify. As I have said earlier on in this review, this setup aims to provide a clean and neutral sound, allowing you to pick the headphones that suit your needs rather than finding an amp/DAC to compliment your headphones. The pre-amp outputs are really handy if you have an active speaker system too. The great thing about this combo is that is ultimately gives you a very good base system for a desktop headphone setup, and is one that will work with a great range of headphones, from IEM’s to full size planars.

Read our Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020 Guide

Conclusion

The Atom DAC has come along and completes the Atom stack, a small, neat system that will power most headphones on the market. It offers plenty of detail and a reference sound signature many will enjoy. It is not designed to alter the sound of your headphones, or add a flavour of it’s own, instead it provides a clean and crisp sound that gets out of the way of the music. All for a very modest price too.

JDS Labs Element II Review

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Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The original Element was always a great looking DAC/Amp with plenty of people loving it’s look and functionality. A well machined aluminium chassis with a large central volume knob with light illuminating the ring, it’s classy.

On the back you have RCA inputs and outputs so it can be used as a DAC/Pre-amp for speakers, or as an amp only when paired with a different external DAC. You also have the gain button and power button (which also switches between headamp and pre-amp). On the front you have the headphone output socket, that is it. JDS Labs have packed in plenty of functionality into an attractive package, it really does look great when sat on a desk.

The new Element II has a better DAC section which now supports higher resolution bitrates, along with other enhanced specs. The amp section is based on the one in the Atom, which we all know is super clean with low output impedance. Gain is set at 1x and 4.73x, which should fit most peoples needs.

Sound:

Well the Element II, just like the original, is designed to power your headphones to their maximum potential without colouring the sound. It can be used with sensitive IEM’s, right up to most planar headphones without missing a beat, it is clean and exceptionally well controlled. The Element II is not a bright sounding DAC/Amp, instead it will let you hear the true signature of the headphones you are plugging in to it. Having such low output impedance means even the most sensitive IEM’s won’t have their sound signature altered.

The Element II perfectly demonstrates that neutral is not boring, and it allows you to pick the headphones to suit your needs rather than picking the amp for your headphones. The Element II also looks superb when on a simple desk, it is clean and minimalist and is all the DAC/Amp you really need for most headphones. I for one, appreciate that the Element II is not trying to wow you with colouration, nor is it analytical to the point of sounding cold and artificial.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a clean and neat setup, that also sounds clean and detailed, you cannot go wrong with the Element II. Just don’t expect it to flatter you with a warm and analogue sound, it will reveal the true sound signature of your headphones instead.

 

Build Quality: 5/5

Features: 4/5

Sound Quality: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020: USB, Portable, Desktop

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Our pick of the Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier for all budgets and uses:

Not to be overlooked, a good quality DAC and amp can do wonders to any setup. We have seen huge growth in interest towards DACs and amps, so it makes sense that we put together our favourite headphone amplifiers and DACs to help make that decision easier.

Whether you want to use them with your TV, computer, laptop, smartphone or hifi system. We’ve gathered our picks for the best DACs and headphone amplifiers that you can buy!

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £100

1. Shanling UP2 – £79.99

Shanling UP2

The Shanling UP2 is the perfect way to bring added power and audio quality to your smartphone, tablet or computer. Using Bluetooth, the UP2 will connect wirelessly to your phone – or any Bluetooth compatible audio device – and thanks to the on board dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality Sabre DAC chip – you’ll be able to get high fidelity audio wherever you go.

READ MORE: Shanling UP2 Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £200

2. JDS Labs Atom – £129.99

JDS Labs Atom

JDS Labs has mastered the art of making high quality amplifiers and DACs at affordable prices – and the Atom is their most impressive yet. For just over £100, the Atom desktop headphone amplifier will drive any headphone you throw at it and will bring improved soundstage, depth and dynamics to your setup. All in a neat and tidy desktop design.

READ MORE: JDS Labs Atom Desktop Headphone Amplifier Review

 

3. Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) – £199

Periodic Audio Nickel

This one’s for the purists out there. On the outside, the Periodic Audio Ni seems like a very simple and basic headphone amplifier – plug it into your source and you’ll soon see that it most definitely isn’t simple or basic. This amp brings added power, punch and improved dynamics to whichever device it gets used with. Those that really appreciate good sound will love the Nickel.

MORE INFO: Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £500

4. iFi Audio xDSD – £399

iFi Audio xDSD

The xDSD from iFi Audio is a portable amplifier and DAC that can connect to your audio source wirelessly. So if you like to use your phone, but want to plug in some high quality headphones – then the xDSD will allow you to get the most from them, without adding more cables. The xDSD will take over the amp and DAC roles, so you will know that you’re getting the best sound no matter the source device.

MORE INFO: iFi Audio xDSD Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

5. JDS Labs Element II – £399

JDS Labs Element II

If it is a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £1000

6. iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL – £599

iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL

For the ultimate amp and DAC solution, look no further. The 2 Burr-Brown DAC chips provide a solid foundation for the custom op-amps, which help to deliver an impressive amount of fidelity and power. Using sensitive IEMs? This amp/DAC handles these superbly, with no noise or distortion. Whether used on a desktop or on the move – the iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL does it all… really well. 

MORE INFO: iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

 

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

JDS Labs Atom Review

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Review: The JDS Labs Atom

 

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Atom is sort of built to be the new Objective2, and it sure looks better from an aesthetic point of view. The Atom is very simplistic, yet the curved edges make it look quite premium for the price. The overall finish and attention to detail is excellent, and it looks really neat sat on a desk.

 

The build quality is really good, it may not have a nice CNC machined chassis but everything is well finished and put together. The push buttons, volume control, inputs and outputs all feel great. I have no complaints about the build quality whatsoever.

 

 

 

Features:

The Atom incorporates everything the Objective2 should have had. Rear power socket and RCA inputs, front gain and input switch along with a ¼” headphone output. On the back you have both RCA and 3.5mm inputs, along with RCA outputs so you can use the Atom as a pre-amp when you don’t have headphones plugged in.

 

 

 

Sound:

As I have said the Atom was conceived as the next generation Objective2, so is it worthy of that title? In short, Yes, it is.

 

First off, we have the fact that the Atom is more powerful, nearly twice as powerful at 32 Ohms, so it can drive a wider range of headphones. But with this could come more noise, luckily the Atom shares the same black background and pure reference sound of the Objective2. The output impedance remains less than 1Ohm, so there are no issues using sensitive IEM’s with the Atom.

 

It is really difficult to describe the Atom, as it really doesn’t anything apart from amplify the sound. It doesn’t add its own character, and this is what JDS Labs were aiming for. Feed it with a good source and you have an excellent system on a budget. Either the EL or OL DAC would be the perfect partner for the Atom.

 

Lets just face the fact that the Atom does a lot right for the price, and I personally cannot pick any flaws in the design or sound of this little amp. I do not think anything comes close if you are looking for a neutral, uncoloured headphone amp under £200.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

The Atom sets a new standard when it comes to budget headphone amps, it has a clean and reference sound, with plenty of power on tap, it does justice to most headphones. All neatly wrapped up in a well-thought-out chassis, the Atom really is hard to beat.

Top 10 Audio Best Buys for 2018

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Top 10 Best Buys for 2018

 

It’s that time of year again. So here’s our pick of the best audio gadgets available – with something for everyone.

 

Audeze Mobius

Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.

 

Bower & Wilkins PX

The B&W PX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.

 

SoundMAGIC P22BT

At under £40 – the SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth headphone provides high quality at a low price. The design is sturdy and comfortable, with a lightweight foldable headband which is great for portable use. These headphones are easy to use with controls conveniently placed on the left earcup. The most impressive feature is the sound quality – audio is crisp and punchy with plenty of energy, making them a lot of fun to listen to.

 

SoundMAGIC E11C

SoundMAGIC seems to have nailed the under £50 earphone. If you’re looking for a wired earphone and want to keep the price down, then we believe that the E11C is the one. SoundMAGIC have gone for a mature design, and used a silver plated copper cable to deliver superb sound quality which will compete with earphones over £100. The E11C has plenty of energy and punch with a dynamic and well detailed sound. There is also a 3 button inline control and mic, which is fully compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.

 

Flare Audio Flares Jet 2

Now, if you’re looking for an earphone with a more aggressive sound then the Flares Jet 2 could be the one. These earphones go loud, and they provide thumping bass and sharp clarity. The housings are made of aluminium and are built to last. There is also an in line single button remote to take calls and the cable itself is strong and tough. The design of the Jet 2 definitely stands out and the shape makes them very comfortable.

 

Final E4000

For those that appreciate their music a bit more and are happy to up their budget,  Final’s E4000 is a superb place to start. Final have been in the audio game for a long time, and their E series shows us what they can do. The E4000 is the sweet spot for me – musical and well balanced sound quality that draws you in, great comfort and design and a nicely made replaceable cable – all for just over £100.

 

Shanling M0

For something so small, the Shanling M0 manages to pack in a load of features. Starting with the design, the M0 looks and feels great. The display is made by LG and is very crisp – and thanks to Shanling’s own MTouch software, the player is extremely easy to use. The sound from the M0 is clear with good bass-weight, punch and fine detail. Thanks to the on board EQ settings, you can add some warmth or sharpness to suit your taste. The M0 can pair with Bluetooth headphones, and the 2-way Bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to your phone to use the player as an external DAC/amp – very clever.

 

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

The NuForce BE Sport4 is widely regarded as the go to Bluetooth earphone – and we would agree. At just under £90, they combine good value with superb sound quality – the Graphene coated drivers deliver a crisp and punchy sound with plenty of clarity. The BE Sport4 is IPX5 water resistant and can provide up to 10 hours or battery life. And to top it off, you get 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes thanks to their Fast Charge feature.

 

JDS Labs Element DAC

Whether you like to listen to your headphones at home using your computer, laptop or hifi system – the JDS Labs Element will breathe life into your setup. For a long time now, JDS Labs have been making high quality headphone amplifiers and DACs with a simple design and superb value. The Element shows that not only do they have the technical knowhow – they have a great eye for design too. With analogue RCA inputs and digital USB – the Element is extremely versatile and as expected, provides a clean, expressive and powerful sound.

 

iFi Audio XDSD

Ever wondered if you could have a high quality headphone amplifier connect to your phone or laptop wirelessly? Well wonder no more. The iFi Audio xDSD is the perfect way for you to get the most from your headphones and chosen device – without adding more wires. Use your phone to listen to Spotify, your favourite podcast or play PUBG and let the xDSD wirelessly drive your headphones, giving them all the power they would need to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound.

Getting Amped Up for Autumn

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Getting Amped Up for Autumn

Our top recs for seriously impressive headphone amplifiers.

 

Stick a pin in it, summer’s just about done for.

Now we’re staring down the barrel of the big chill, and we’re gonna have to get serious about our indoor entertainment if we want to get through it without  either losing our marbles or freezing them off. What else are you supposed to do, take in the beautiful changing foliage? Get really into trick-or-treating?  As if.

It doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom, though! Whether you’re looking for something to complement your perfect gaming rig or a punch of power for your juice-hungry headphones, we’d be willing to bet we’ve got something for you to get excited about.

Pick 1: The Burson Audio Play with V6 Vivid

Settle in for a long winter’s night with this awesome, customisable amplifier from Burson. This is one of the most powerful headphone amps around, and it’s perfect for anybody looking to upgrade their gaming setup to include a serious sonic boost.

No high end soundcards in gaming feature the DAC chip found in the Play, which means PC gamers have to settle for distortion, poor sound quality, and noisy power supplies. Who wants subpar audio dragging you out of the moment when you’re trying to keep an ear out for raiders lurking in the capital wasteland?

The Play is perfect for users wanting to roll their opamps, which means you can tweak that sound to your exact specifications and lose yourself completely in whatever world you’d like to substitute for the cold, wet one outside.

Pick 2: The iFi Audio Micro iDSD Black Label with USB DAC

You’ve gotta show your face in the real world eventually, but why resign yourself to a less-than-stellar listening experience while you’re making moves?

The Micro iDSD Black Label is a perfect portable companion for those wanting to maintain a high standard both at home and on the way to your friend’s ill-advised homemade fireworks display. Drown out the sounds of his self-inflicted injuries with three power output modes to make it the perfect match for the most sensitive headphones all the way to the most power-hungry. What’s that? You need more options? It’s got you covered- the 3D+ option allows you to focus the stereo image, and the XBass+ gives you control over deepening and tightening bass frequencies.

This amp is a real ride-or-die. You’ll get 6-12 hours of power out of it depending on use and settings, and the USB port means you can charge your phone or other electronic devices as well! Do your other friends put in this kind of effort for you? Ricky won’t even lend you £5 for lunch. Serves him right about the fireworks mishap.

Pick 3: JDS Labs ‘The Element’

 

 

Treat yourself to a slice of simplicity in the form of The Element, a deceptively powerful unit from JDS Labs. You don’t need anything too showy- not like your neighbours already throwing their Christmas lights up. The Element’s gentle copper-coloured ring of light beneath the volume control will inspire plenty of warm cozy feelings.

The Element’s minimalist design houses absolute reference quality perfection in a body that doesn’t fight for attention, but will probably get it, because- let’s face it,  it looks good.

And it’s more multifaceted than it appears- just turn the amplifier off and use the analog jack inputs to turn The Element into a standalone DAC. The gift that keeps on giving!

So whether you’re dreading the change of the seasons or welcoming it with open arms, it’s more fun to do things with a buddy. Or three.