JDS Labs C5/C5D (pg96) portable amp/amp+DAC

[jseaber]

Quote:

Agreed. +8db does seem like that's a lot of boost. Most people that would buy a amp at this price point would simply buy Sony XB700s if they wanted their headphones to sound like that

 
Hope I didn't start this rumor! Bass boost is +6.5dB at 80Hz and diminishes from there.
 
We tried a 1-band bass EQ in an early prototype (64 steps), and I wasn't pleased. Everyone preferred the on/off switch. Mechanical switches perform best in measurements as well. This experiment gave us the opportunity to try as few or as many levels as we wanted. At +3dB/+6dB/+8dB, the go-to level was still around +6dB. Real-world users simply desired +0 or +6dB, so that's what we built.
 
Final production samples landed on my desk early this morning, and initial testing looks normal. THD+N @ 1kHz measures better than 0.001%:
 

 

[juntom10]

Quote:

 
Hope I didn't start this rumor! Bass boost is +6.5dB at 80Hz and diminishes from there.
 
We tried a 1-band bass EQ in an early prototype (64 steps), and I wasn't pleased. Everyone preferred the on/off switch. Mechanical switches perform best in measurements as well. This experiment gave us the opportunity to try as few or as many levels as we wanted. At +3dB/+6dB/+8dB, the go-to level was still around +6dB. Real-world users simply desired +0 or +6dB, so that's what we built.
 
Final production samples landed on my desk early this morning, and initial testing looks normal. THD+N @ 1kHz measures better than 0.001%:
 

Nice!

 

[cel4145]

Good measurements

Will you be able to share the output impedance tests when you go live, for those of us with low impedance phones?

 

[adamlr]

im actually more interested to see WHAT the BB boosts, as opposed to how much. the cMoy BBs boost starts at around 1khz, boosting alot more than just the bass (fiios e11 for example, has a similar boost), so im more interested to know where the boost starts, not so much where it peaks. 
 
edit: oh, is it at 80hz??

 

[miceblue]

Quote:

im actually more interested to see WHAT the BB boosts, as opposed to how much. the cMoy BBs boost starts at around 1khz, boosting alot more than just the bass (fiios e11 for example, has a similar boost), so im more interested to know where the boost starts, not so much where it peaks. 
 
edit: oh, is it at 80hz??

From their Facebook post:
Quote:

JDS Labs, Inc. wrote: "[insert name here]: Bass boost is +6.5dB @ 80Hz, and diminishes from there."

 

[etys rule]

One thing JDS does exceptionally well, IMO, is bass boost. They seem to get it "just right".  Never muddled, never intrusive.  Whatever they decide, I am sure it will compliment the amp nicely. Even the $50 cmoy-BB thumps just right with it on.

 

[ostewart]

I agree, bass boost on the C421 is perfect, adds that little extra punch when listening to electronica tracks IMO

 

[HideousPride]

Will echo what previous posters have said - the bass boost on the C421 was executed very well. Clean, not overpowering, and definitely an enjoyable addition for bass lovers.
 
Interesting to hear that a new amp is coming out, looking forward to impressions.

 

[Craigster75]

I may be upgrading my E11.  Any thoughts comparing JDS Labs to the Headstage Arrow?
 

 

[xuan87]

Right now, I'm more worried about what the sound signature is like. I first bought my IEM because it sounded perfect with the O2 amp. When I pair it with the JDS C421 OPA2227 version, the final sound became too warm, so I sold it. When I'm finally ready to buy the AD6820, I'm found out that it will be replaced by the C5 which will not be customizable. If the C5 is warm like the C421 OPA2227, I will have to either buy a 2ndhand C421, or look for an offering from another brand. Maybe JDS will consider having 2 options of the C5 too?

 

[LoveKnight]

Thinking of buying a board ODAC and sending my C421 to JDSLabs to let it be upgraded to C5. Does JDSLabs has that policy? Guess not

.

 

[antberg]

Guys you think JDS will stop produce the C421?

 

[Craigster75]

Quote:

Guys you think JDS will stop produce the C421?

Just a wild guess with no specific info, but IMO yes since it is being presented as a replacement.  V-Moda has the Verza coming out and they are already out of stock on Vamp.  My guess is that production has stopped on those as well.  Of course, confirmation will need to come from JDS.

 

[adamlr]

Quote:

From their Facebook post:

not just facebook, its posted 3 posts above mine. i was just surprised, starting at 80hz, its hardly a bass boost, more like a sub bass boost, sounds pretty cool actually =]

 

[ostewart]

C421 production has stopped.