starence
100+ Head-Fier
In my experience, the Synapse does make an audible difference, but it's hard to say whether it's positive or not. I wouldn't bother unless you have obvious ground loop hum.
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JDS Labs Element 4 Released
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starence
100+ Head-Fier
Thanks for the review! You mentioned setting the DPLL Bandwidth as low as possible to reduce jitter. I've heard that this setting for ESS DACs only applies to SPDIF inputs, is that correct?
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DPLL bandwidth impacts both USB and SPDIF inputs. Setting too aggressively results in potential glitches. That said, most machines will handle a value of 5 well.
Lucikun
100+ Head-Fier
Any idea when the next batch will be ready? I see the site says after Xmas. @jseaber
On the site: Stock Status: Element IV has sold out 4x faster than expected! We’re currently awaiting the next batch of enclosures, scheduled to ship to JDS Labs on December 30th. Reserve yours today for only $499 USD—please note that the price will increase to $549 once stock is replenished.
Lucikun
100+ Head-Fier
Ah. Just had to scroll a bit. Thanks! Better just preorder now then.
punkedrock
100+ Head-Fier
Anyone want to tell me how to use this guy with my xbox series x AND ...or my iBasso DX320 DAP?
I'm kind of leaning into this little square dial.
I'm kind of leaning into this little square dial.
Looking at photos of the I/O, your Series X could connect via Optical, likely USB as well. If you wanted to have active EQ, you'd need to configure that prior to hooking up to the XBox. As far as the DX320, it's not abundantly clear if that DAP supports external DACs, so I'm not sure you'd be able to get the two playing nicely, though I doubt it would be much use. The DX320 has a decent looking EQ baked in, and I'm guessing the internals aren't exactly lacking either.
JeroenNietDoen
New Head-Fier
The Element IV is among my list of options as well. The other option being a Modius + Asgard. Importing the Element IV or buying Schiit from the EU reseller makes the price the same. Schiit's EU reseller and they also take care of support, which I had to deal with twice. Should something be wrong with the Element I'll have to ship it back to US. So while I prefer the JDS Labs, the fact that Schiit has EU support kinda makes me lean towards that.
Same price would be a no brainer for me, E4 all the way. Single stack, perfect channel balance, peq, that volume knob and a whole lot more.
Asgard is slightly more powerful and can also be an all in one too though!
Both great companies to deal with for sure, you can’t really go wrong either way.
Asgard is slightly more powerful and can also be an all in one too though!
Both great companies to deal with for sure, you can’t really go wrong either way.
JeroenNietDoen
New Head-Fier
Yes but should something be wrong with the E4, I'll have to ship it back all the way to the US with all the shipment costs etc. Than it can take quite some time before I'd have that unit back. Additionally I'll have to deal with customs whom might claim it's a new purchase, I'll have to prove it's not etc.
Schiit's EU dealer is in my country. They also handle the support/repairs. JDS Labs EU dealer is what I need
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JDS Labs EU dealer is what I need
Check out Level Audio. Andreas is responsive and helpful:
https://www.levelaudio.it/gb/startseite/244-jds-labs-element-iv.html
There's a strong chance the Dec 30th batch will be fully reserved by the time it arrives. We posted the following update this afternoon:
We've implemented a Rolling Backorder for orders placed after December 18th. Element IVs will ship in chronological order throughout the month of January.
JeroenNietDoen
New Head-Fier
Ah thanks for the link! He's official dealer so that's great. And that's still a great price too compared to if I'd order directly from JDS.
yeah think I better get this baby!
Lucikun
100+ Head-Fier
Done obsessing over this. Finally put in my order for this and the synapse! Woohoo!
guerillaw
100+ Head-Fier
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Just another data point for you. I have had several pisces of JDS labs equipment over the years and not a single one failed and the sound was excellent. I had trouble though with my last element playing nice with Apple IOS, so I sold off the equipment.
The Element IV (and perhaps earlier units as well) not only resolves that issue, but its USB implementation is incredible. No noise, connects seamlessly, works with Roon, and of course the new EQ function is insane. The web interface is easy to use and then you can tweak to your heart's content.
Another deciding factor for me was the UI re volume. The digital readout is excellent for knowing exactly what volume you are at, and easy to recall as you switch back and forth between different headphones and turn the volume up and down and of course the volume knob on the Element IV is simply a pleasure to interact with.
Beyond that, the "power level" of either unit is not a deciding factor because either one has plenty of power for almost any headphone.
The Asgard's one advantage is that is can be used with an external DAC down the road or form the start, whereas the Element only accepts digital inputs.
For reference, I was running an Eversolo Z8 into a ZMF homage and I was happy to simplify, downsize, get a better volume interaction, eq, and I do not feel I have lost any sound quality.
It can always get "better" but there is a reason the Element IV sold out so fast, the value proposition is phenomenal. if I ever "improve" my system with nose bleed level separates, I would always keep the Element IV around.
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping.
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