What else to look at after Schiit Jotenheim w/DAC option or JDS Labs Element

Huck · « **on:** 7 Dec 2017, 12:51 pm »

Hi:
I am looking to move up a step from a Audioengine D1 DAC/Amp and now I am looking at the Schiit Jotenheim with the DAC option,or the JDS Labs Element for my desktop,so portability is not required.,used mainly for computer listening and ripping (JRiver,Spotify) computer listening is primary and headphone listening (Eartools RP-21) is secondary....what else should I be looking at...no tubes and must have headphone out (1/4" or XLR) and internal power supply,RCA or XLR pre-amp outs,so output volume is controlled via volume control on unit,not from my PC. I am using JBL LSR 305's and KRK 8S subwoofer.
Thanks,Huck

roscoeiii · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 01:11 pm »

This may be surprising, since it is smaller and portable, but I'd go with the iDSD Micro Black Label. Love its versatility and versatility aside, it is worth it for the sound alone. Sold my Jotenheim after I got it.

If you are only using digital inputs, a Mojo might be worth checking out. I also sold mine after getting the iDSD, but that was more a matter of sound signature prefs, plus adjustability of iDSD made it more versatile with my headphone collection.

Huck · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 02:29 pm »

Quote from: roscoeiii on 7 Dec 2017, 01:11 pm

This may be surprising, since it is smaller and portable, but I'd go with the iDSD Micro Black Label. Love its versatility and versatility aside, it is worth it for the sound alone. Sold my Jotenheim after I got it.

If you are only using digital inputs, a Mojo might be worth checking out. I also sold mine after getting the iDSD, but that was more a matter of sound signature prefs, plus adjustability of iDSD made it more versatile with my headphone collection.

Thanks for that! This one looks more for the headphone enthusiast (many types) and portability (battery)rather than just audio quality,but something to consider.Thanks,Huck

maty · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 02:37 pm »

The most important issue: How much?

I would not buy any of those two.

Huck · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 02:49 pm »

Quote from: maty on 7 Dec 2017, 02:37 pm

The most important issue: How much?

I would not buy any of those two.

This is not for my main listening,but when playing on 'puter,so maybe around 6-7 hunnit Canadian bucks and must have RCA or XLR outs to feed powered speakers,1/4" or XLR headphone jack(s)Thanks,Huck

roscoeiii · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 02:49 pm »

Quote from: Huck on 7 Dec 2017, 02:29 pm

Thanks for that! This one looks more for the headphone enthusiast,rather than just audio quality,but something to consider.Thanks,Huck

Yeah it is surprising that these sound so good. But I would take the iDSD or Mojo over the Jot based on audio quality alone. That they are portable is a bonus but they are also better amps and sources to my ear. Both are also surprisingly powerful.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 02:59 pm »

If you are committed to a larger desktop AMP/DAC, this one sure looks pretty but I haven't seen any reviews yet:

http://www.klipsch.com/products/heritage-headphone-amplifier

Though you will have to wait, there is also a Cavalli/Massdrop amp/DAC combo. Some reviews of it (or at least the amp portion), but you'll have to wait for the next drop. (There is both a SS version and a tube hybrid version). Sorry don't have time to look the links up right now.

maty · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:14 pm »

DAC + headphones (no ornament) + preamp and < $500

The answer, my friend, is blowing in UK: Beresford Caiman SEG

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/tc-7535.htm

http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?47-Beresford-Banter

[IMG, front] http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/home_htm_files/53823@2x.jpg

[IMG, back] http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/home_htm_files/56352@2x.jpg

I do not know anything better in that price range.

And you have money to add after a clean linear PSU or a battery.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:30 pm »

Quote from: maty on 7 Dec 2017, 03:14 pm

DAC + headphones (no ornament) + preamp and < $500

The answer, my friend, is blowing in UK: Beresford Caiman SEG

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/tc-7535.htm

http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?47-Beresford-Banter

[IMG, front] http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/home_htm_files/53823@2x.jpg

[IMG, back] http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/home_htm_files/56352@2x.jpg

I do not know anything better in that price range.

And you have money to add after a clean linear PSU or a battery.

There is a real cult of Beresford in the Art of Sound forum. But I was unimpressed with what I heard when I bought an earlier Beresford DAC.

Another bang for the buck brand with a big following (esp on. Headfi) is Audio GD. They have so many different products that it is tough to keep track.

maty · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:33 pm »

Which earlier Beresford DAC?

roscoeiii · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:35 pm »

And the lack of any specs about the Beresford amp other that voltage output is concerning. That product page is real light on details. Tho it does mention those sweet sweet dimming LEDs.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:36 pm »

Quote from: maty on 7 Dec 2017, 03:33 pm

Which earlier Beresford DAC?

Don't recall. Whatever the favor of the month was at Art of Sound a few years ago.

maty · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:46 pm »

The new uses a FPGA like expensive DACs.

Studio monitors like the cheap JBL LSR305 -> Steinberg UR22 MK2 but... the headphones amp and Sennheiser HD-600...

https://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_series/models/ur22mkii.html

I think it is better than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen, the next option. The same problem with good headphones.

https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 03:54 pm »

Quote from: maty on 7 Dec 2017, 03:33 pm

Which earlier Beresford DAC?

Several years ago there was a Beresford DAC that was sold by MCM Electronics for cheap.

maty · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 04:04 pm »

https://www.thomann.de/gb/usb_audio_interfaces.html?oa=smb&filter=true&price-first=0&price-last=6500

Amazon.com

[Customer reviews] https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/product-reviews/B017MVUAHM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewopt_srt?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=1

[Customer reviews] https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/product-reviews/B01E6T56EA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewopt_srt?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=1

2gumby2 · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Dec 2017, 04:19 pm »

I own the JDS Labs Element and it is an outstanding product and JDS Labs has great customer service as well. The owner has always answered my questions right away.

Huck · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Dec 2017, 08:13 pm »

Quote from: 2gumby2 on 7 Dec 2017, 04:19 pm

I own the JDS Labs Element and it is an outstanding product and JDS Labs has great customer service as well. The owner has always answered my questions right away.

I can agree with fast customer service,at least as far as replying to e-mails?!...I had a few questions yesterday and I was contacted both times within 2 hours! Huck

Tyson · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Dec 2017, 08:26 pm »

Quote from: roscoeiii on 7 Dec 2017, 02:49 pm

Yeah it is surprising that these sound so good. But I would take the iDSD or Mojo over the Jot based on audio quality alone. That they are portable is a bonus but they are also better amps and sources to my ear. Both are also surprisingly powerful.

+1

Huck · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Dec 2017, 11:47 pm »

Quote from: maty on 7 Dec 2017, 02:37 pm

The most important issue: How much?

I would not buy any of those two.

Why not?? Huck

Huck · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Dec 2017, 11:49 pm »

Quote from: Tyson on 8 Dec 2017, 08:26 pm

+1

I need RCA or XLR outs to control powered speakers...don't care to use adapters.Huck