Geshelli Labs J2 DAC

General Information

https://geshelli.com/j2

A NEW DESIGN​

ESS Here we come!​

Here at Geshelli, we like to find the positive light in an adverse situation. Our bright light was the absolutely beautiful sounding ESS Sabre series DAC chips.

We went through many iterations of prototypes using the different models and brands and found the ES9026PRO worked best for our design requirements.

We chose the PRO series because of the 4x2 current based configuration. This means, you can tie four independent channels together as one therefore lowering noise and distortion levels. We also chose to run the DAC analog output in current mode.

For our current to voltage conversion we chose the Texas Instruments OPA1656 opamp chips. Like the original JNOG, we are running three independent opamps, which give you the ability to run the XLR (L/R) at the same time as the RCA outputs.

The J2 includes four SPDIF interfaces (two Coaxial, two Toslink). These SPDIF connections are routed through a Texas Instruments DIX9211 digital audio receiver. This provides a 216khz/24bit capable digital signal.

We also kept with the optional Amanero USB Module which allows the user to stream 32bit 384khz PCM signal or bit perfect DSD512. In our opinion, this is the best USB module on the market.

Lastly, for a bit of fun, we incorporated a tricolor LED that can display several colors along with pulse modes and a multicolor mode all controllable at a touch of a button.

A NEW DESIGN​

ESS Here we come!​

Here at Geshelli, we like to find the positive light in an adverse situation. Our bright light was the absolutely beautiful sounding ESS Sabre series DAC chips.

We went through many iterations of prototypes using the different models and brands and found the ES9026PRO worked best for our design requirements.

We chose the PRO series because of the 4x2 current based configuration. This means, you can tie four independent channels together as one therefore lowering noise and distortion levels. We also chose to run the DAC analog output in current mode.

For our current to voltage conversion we chose the Texas Instruments OPA1656 opamp chips. Like the original JNOG, we are running three independent opamps, which give you the ability to run the XLR (L/R) at the same time as the RCA outputs.

The J2 includes four SPDIF interfaces (two Coaxial, two Toslink). These SPDIF connections are routed through a Texas Instruments DIX9211 digital audio receiver. This provides a 216khz/24bit capable digital signal.

We also kept with the optional Amanero USB Module which allows the user to stream 32bit 384khz PCM signal or bit perfect DSD512. In our opinion, this is the best USB module on the market.

Lastly, for a bit of fun, we incorporated a tricolor LED that can display several colors along with pulse modes and a multicolor mode all controllable at a touch of a button.

MEASUREMENTS AND COMPARISONS​

  • //img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/52b28b80-5994-41e3-9b66-4d188ae2874f/smpteratio_vs_generatorlevel_ess_hump_test.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1300,h:800
  • //img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/52b28b80-5994-41e3-9b66-4d188ae2874f/smpteratio_vs_generatorlevel_ess_hump_test-0001.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1300,h:800
  • J2 XLR Output - THD+N at Full Volume
  • //img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/52b28b80-5994-41e3-9b66-4d188ae2874f/jnog_spdif_0fs_xlr_thdn.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1300,h:800
    //img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/52b28b80-5994-41e3-9b66-4d188ae2874f/jnog_spdif_neg3fs_xlr_thdn.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1300,h:800
J2 XLR Output - THD+N at Full Volume - This was a random sample taken from new production stock.


OUR TAKE ON THE NUMBERS GAME​

We own a fully calibrated APX555 Audio Analyzer in our shop. We use custom made cables with Neutrik connectors and Mogami wire. For these measurements we felt it was fair to pick random samples from our stock. Measurements on different devices can vary based on numerous outside factors including heat, noise (emi), board temperature, etc. For these charts, we simply screen cap the machine while it's running and go with the current measurement at that point in time.
We feel that measurements are useful for debugging hardware, figuring out your sound signature, and overall understanding where your distortion levels are at on the product. We find that it is an important tool to use during development and production testing, but my no means is the great decider for what is good or bad. Audio is an Art Form - You should be the judge for what works for you.
In the end, let's have fun! We are all blessed to be in an era with such wonderful hardware at our fingertips at every corner of the market. Enjoy the gear, the debate, and most importantly - Enjoy the Music!

SPECIFICATIONS​

Inside the Hood​

  • ES9026PRO DAC Chip
  • TI DIX9211 SPDIF DIR Chip
  • Twin TI1656 OPAMPS for Balanced (XLR) Outputs
  • Single TI1656 OPAMP used for Unbalanced Output Circuit
  • Ultra Low Noise Power Supplies
  • 12V ("Geshelli Style" 5.5mm x 2.1mm) POWER SUPPLY

Optional Amanero USB Available​

  • USB 2.0 High Speed Interface
  • Plug and Play LINUX,MACOS,WIN10
  • 32Bit PCM (44.1Khz to 384Khz)
  • DSD64 - DSD512 Compatible
  • Optional Windows Driver Available (Needed for High Speed DSD Interface)

SPDIF Interface​

  • 24bit SPDIF PCM Interface up to 216Khz
  • 4 Independently Selectable Ports Available (2xTOSLINK, 2xCOAX) Front and Rear

Outputs​

  • Stereo RCA (Unbalanced) Outputs
  • Stereo XLR (Balanced) Outputs
  • Outputs Work Simultaneously
  • THD+N < .000300%
  • SINAD < 111dB
  • SNR < 121dB

Latest reviews

dbsylvia

100+ Head-Fier
Geshelli Labs J2 DAC - Are you Geshelli'n too?
Pros: Quality build, customizable paint, LED lights, optional USB module, plentiful inputs, RCA and XLR outputs, analytical sound with a kiss of musicality
Cons: Lacks a touch of naturalism
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Over the last several years Geshelli Labs has been producing DAC and amplifiers at budget prices that far exceeded the price paid with the audio quality and enjoyment provided. Geshelli Labs also provides custom paints and acrylic face plates to match whatever you desire to add even more enjoyment to the experience. The J2 is the newest DAC from Geshelli Labs; does it follow in the steps of it's siblings or does the J2 venture down a different path?

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Purchase/More information:

https://geshelli.com/j2


https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/52b28b80-5994-41e3-9b66-4d188ae2874f/downloads/jnog2%20user%20manual.pdf?ver=1621055624915


https://amanero.com/drivers.htm


Disclaimer:

Geshelli Labs provided the J2 for review and only asked for an honest review. I wasn't influenced or directed to say or paid for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Specs:

ES9026PRO DAC Chip

TI DIX9211 SPDIF DIR Chip

Twin TI1656 OPAMPS for Balanced (XLR) Outputs

Single TI1656 OPAMP used for Unbalanced Output Circuit

Ultra Low Noise Power Supplies

12V ("Geshelli Style" 5.5mm x 2.1mm) POWER SUPPLY

USB 2.0 High Speed Interface

Plug and Play LINUX,MACOS,WIN10

32Bit PCM (44.1Khz to 384Khz)

DSD64 - DSD512 Compatible

24bit SPDIF PCM Interface up to 216Khz

4 Independently Selectable Ports Available (2xTOSLINK, 2xCOAX) Front and Rear

Stereo XLR (Fully Balanced) Outputs

Stereo RCA (Unbalanced) Outputs

Outputs Work Simultaneously

THD+N < .000300%

SINAD < 111dB

SNR < 121dB


Unboxing:

The Geshelli Labs J2 comes in a white box that has some Geshelli Labs branding on it. Overall it is a pretty bleh box. Inside you will find a good amount of foam protecting the contents; after all that is what is most important. You get the J2 DAC, power supply, USB cable, cleaning cloth, stickers and some paperwork. Nothing special really to talk about but it is enough to get you started.

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Design/Build:

As mentioned early on, Geshelli Labs does custom paint and the J2 that was sent to me is a great example of their talents. Geno and Sherri have learned over the years that my favorite color is orange and that I lean towards blue and charcoal as well. Most audio gear on my desk is black and it seems that with every piece of Geshelli Labs gear that is sent to me, they are trying to change my desk color scheme. Okay I get the hint! Anyway, I love the look of the split green and orange, good job as always Geshelli Labs. The clear acrylic glass gives a peak inside at the board. There is a LED light inside that is multi colored and can be solid, pulse or fade and there are many color options; red, green, blue, purple and I think it is supposed to be white, You can also disable the LED if desired. On the front (left to right) is a power button that doubles as a LED switcher, an input switch button, four LED square pattern status that indicates input, fiber optic input and SPDIF/Coaxial input. On the back (left to right) is a USB input, SPDIF/Coaxial input, fiber optic input, RCA output, XLR output and power plug input. The small, aluminum body is light but strong. The J2 has a small footprint on the desk. Overall, I really enjoy the J2 build and design as it is well laid out and includes a lot of inputs and the outputs that are necessary for a quality stack.

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Setup/Connections:

The Geshelli Labs J2 is a plug and play DAC that can connect via USB, coaxial and fiber optic. The J2 is available with or without the Amanero USB module. If you have the USB version; so that you can take advantage of the PCM playback capabilities, I highly recommend that you download and install the Amanero USB driver:

https://amanero.com/drivers.htm

Overall, the J2 is as easy connecting cables and changing your computer output setting to the Geshelli Labs J2. It is the simplest DAC that I have to setup, just like the JNOG.

Sound:

(Gear used: Geshelli Labs Archel, Geshelli Labs Erish, Meze Empyrean, Hifiman Sundara, Sennheiser HD660s, Sennheiser HD600, MrSpeakers Ether C, Meze 99 Classics, VibroLabs Curly Maple, Ollo S4X) (All music was played using the Audirvana player, streaming Tidal and playing local files, MP3, WAV, DSD, FLAC)


Through the years of using the Geshelli Labs Enog I have always been pleased with the detailed, natural tone. When I first listened to the J2 I've got to be honest, I wasn't impressed. The first headphone that I used was the Meze Empyrean. Now don't get me wrong, it sounds good but it just isn't a pairing for the Empyrean, especially off the Archel. Moving over to the Erish, the experience improved slightly but not much. With the Empyrean and the J2 there was a lack of naturalism, it was just music. For the first time the Empyrean failed to give me enjoyment and the J2 was off to a bad start. So I moved on to the Sennheiser HD660s and immediately there was a sense of realism creeping in. Vocals had life and energy, bass was defined but controlled, treble had sparkle and energy, soundstage had depth and layering, there was instrument separation and I was feeling connected to the music. Going back and forth on the different Geshelli Labs amps added in small differences with the 660s; yeah I love these headphones and they pair well with the Geshelli Labs J2 and Archel the best. I then proceeded to try many other headphone pairings, here are some random thoughts. Sennheiser HD600 is as usual a great pairing with Geshelli Labs and the J2 brings out the vocal clarity and tone and timbre, best I have heard on a Geshelli Labs/600 pairing. Ollo S4X not a huge fan of this pairing as there is slight ringing in the upper mids at times but the tone, timbre and vocal presence were pleasing. VibroLabs Curly Maple pairs well with the J2 and Erish but not good with the Archel. The Curly Maple has fantastic tone and timbre and the detail retrieval is good with resolution and control being good as well; I like this pairing. Meze 99 Classic is not a pleasant pairing at all, too much upper mids and treble energy and it shreds the ears. MrSpeakers Ether C brings out a different side to the Geshelli Labs J2, analytical. The Ether C is the most detailed and resolving headphone I own and the J2 matches it perfectly. Now this isn't a listen for those seeking emotion and musicality, ohhh no, it is for those seeking detail retrieval, resolution, tone and timbre accuracy. If you want a pairing that reveals everything then the MrSpeakers Ether C and Geshelli Labs J2 with the Archel or Erish is where to look. This pairing is fantastic for those critical listening needs and I love it. But the Hifiman Sundara is another pleasant surprise for the critical listener. The Sundara is well controlled on the J2 and Archel and Erish. There is good clarity throughout and the timbre is not as metallic as it can be on other gear. Vocals have a solid presence and the treble is extended but controlled; there is no sibilance, sharpness or harshness. Bass is extended and controlled but isn't the most impactful. Soundstage seems to have gained a smidge of width over other gear as well. This is the pairing for the critical listener who wants a touch of musicality, unlike the Ether C. I really like the Hifiman Sundara and Geshelli Labs J2 with Archel pairing, in fact it is my favorite pairing followed closely by the Ether C.

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Comparison:

Mytek Liberty:


This is an interesting comparision as the Mytek has been my benchmark DAC/AMP for the last 2 years. When I put my favorite headphones and my test headphones on the Mytek and compare to the Geshelli Labs J2 one thing stands out, naturalism. The Mytek has an approach to presentation that says natural and realistic is most important. The J2 does a lot right but it misses slightly on this one thing, naturalism. The Mytek Liberty is better at detail retrieval, resolution, tone and timbre but the J2 is no slouch, especially considering the price difference.

Soekris DAC1421:

The Soekris DAC1421 is an R2R DAC so this isn't really an even comparison. The Soekris does one thing that many DAC just can't and that is natural tone and timbre. The Geshelli Labs J2 comes close in reproducing the tone and timbre that the Soekris can. If my ears aren't fooling me they are very similar in detail retrieval, resolution and stage width, depth and layering. The only difference that I can hear consistently is the tone and timbre is more natural and realistic on the Soekris DAC1421 but it is a small difference.

Conclusion:

Geshelli Labs has created a musical masterpiece of a DAC with the J2. Starting with the build and paint schemes to the sound signature, the J2 is a musical masterpiece. For the price point of the J2, I can't think of a DAC that is better and that I would recommend over it. Is the J2 replacing the Mytek Liberty on my desk, no, but it is complementing it. Is the J2 replacing the Soekris DAC1421, maybe, they are similar enough that I am considering it but it is a tough call. Does the J2 follow the path of its Geshelli Labs DAC siblings; yes and no. Yes that is quality built and an enjoyable listen. No in that it is the best of the lot and is more analytical then musical, in the best way possible. If you are looking for a budget friendly DAC that can be both analytical and musical then look no further then the Geshelli Labs J2.

YouTube reviews: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LG7Kqp_7f/?igshid=1pj7fm78gz0h2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs

DBS Tech Talk research and review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc

Audio Terms and Definitions: https://www.stereophile.com/reference/50/index.html

Recommended Gear:

Meze Empyrean:
https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean

Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290

Sennheiser HD600: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/best-audio-headphones-high-end-stereo-hifi-hd-600

Sennheiser HD660s: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s

Meze 99 Classic: https://mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/meze-99-classics-walnut-gold-wood-headphones

MrSpeakers Ether C (non flow version) https://danclarkaudio.com/

(similar to:) https://drop.com/buy/drop-mrspeakers-ether-cx-closed-headphones?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S

Meze Rai Penta: https://mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/rai-penta

Meze Rai Solo: https://mezeaudio.com/products/rai-solo

ADV. M5-12D: https://www.adv-sound.com/collections/pro-audio/products/m5-12d-universal

Tin Hifi T3: https://www.linsoul.com/collections/tin-hifi/products/tinhifi-t3

Tin Hifi T2+: https://www.linsoul.com/collections/tin-hifi/products/tinhifi-t2-plus

Tin Hfi T5: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tin-hifi-t5?_pos=1&_sid=a6d49043d&_ss=r

Moondrop SSR: https://www.moondroplab.com/ssr

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 788: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459

Mytek Liberty: https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/products/liberty-dac/

Soekris DAC1421: https://soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soekris-audiophile-line/dac-1421

Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#

Massdrop THX AAA 789:

https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S

Grace Design SDAC-B: https://drop.com/buy/drop-grace-design-standard-dac-balanced?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S

Geshelli Labs Enog 2 Pro: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/products/enog2-pro-dac-metal-case

Geshelli Labs J2: https://geshelli.com/jnog

Geshelli Labs Archel 2: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/products/archel-pro-amp-metal-case-b5ca9a41-69ed-4786-98b2-18f72ae911bf

Geshelli Labs Erish: https://geshelli.com/shop/ols/products/erish-balanced

Music recommendations:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/5bbf80ce-33f3-4222-a1fc-6539a95415d6 (in order of playlist)

Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality

Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage

Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone

Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone

Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement

Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre

Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre

Pain of Salvation “Stress” - percussion balance

Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics

Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check

Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids


Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging

Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension

Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control

Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check

Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics

Hans Zimmer :2049” - sub bass extension

Cher: Believe - sibilance

Stanley Clarke - Passenger 57 main title - percussion, bass, seperation and placement

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - The Pine of the Appian Way - soundstage, imaging and seperation

Houston Person - You are my Sunshine - tone and timbre


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goodwinds
goodwinds
Interesting DAC, what is its cost?
dbsylvia
dbsylvia
Geshelli Labs would be able to confirm but I believe it is $200 for non-sub and $250 for usb version. I would reach out to them via email.

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