[MatthewK]

I don't think it works like that... If the DAC isn't getting enough signal it just won't work rather than degrade in sound quality.

It's the analog part I'm wondering about. The DAC's purpose is to output digital sound as analog, and as an analog signal if it's not getting enough power it could degrade the sound quality (albeit it's likely only a miniscule amount). What I'm wondering is by how much; is there a reason JDS recommends a 3-foot cable other than reducing the possibility of digital dropouts?

 

[jseaber]

@MatthewK - Shorter cables reduce the possibility of characteristic impedance deviations. The longer the cable, the more opportunities are presented for impedance discontinuities. This is entirely unrelated to power. From a recent post:

USB Impedance
Notice that Element is built on a 4-layer PCB, while ODAC uses a 2-layer board. Differential USB signals require a characteristic impedance of 90 ohms, and this spec is only tightly controlled on a 4L board. Ideal USB characteristic impedance improves jitter and increases reliability of USB connections when using long cables (6ft+).​

 

[MatthewK]

Ah, thank you for clearing that up. So power isn't an issue with a 6ft+ cable, jitter and reliability of the connection is the concern. Thanks!

 

[Scapewalker]

Is it worth upgrading the USB cable for my element to an audioquest cinamon or carbon edition cable for example?

 

[Mark Stamper]

Is it worth upgrading the USB cable for my element to an audioquest cinamon or carbon edition cable for example?

NO.

 

[theminstrel]

Given that the O2+ODAC will drive the HD600 to ear bleeding levels anyway, is there any meaningfl advantage to be had from trading up to the Element, if I'm not going to be buying any 600 Ohm Beyers?

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Given that the O2+ODAC will drive the HD600 to ear bleeding levels anyway, is there any meaningfl advantage to be had from trading up to the Element, if I'm not going to be buying any 600 Ohm Beyers?

It looks better

 

[PacoTaco]

Given that the O2+ODAC will drive the HD600 to ear bleeding levels anyway, is there any meaningfl advantage to be had from trading up to the Element, if I'm not going to be buying any 600 Ohm Beyers?

I'd hate to say, but no. The amp would a lot better than the O2, but I would actually suggest just upgrading to EL DAC instead, as that dac is better than what is in the element.

 

[evilsync]

Anyone tried this with a tube amp? Wonder how a WA6 or WA7 would be paired with this.

 

[Mark Stamper]

I'd hate to say, but no. The amp would a lot better than the O2, but I would actually suggest just upgrading to EL DAC instead, as that dac is better than what is in the element.

I have an EL DAC and an EL AMP for sale. prolly 15 hours on them. I went to Schiit.

 

[Burt Macklin]

So can anyone tell me what are the differences between the first generation and new(er) model?
I remember seeing it mentioned here, but can't find it at the moment.

I've bought the refurbished Element, the whole time under impression it's the current one -
only to be told "Oh, btw, it's the first generation" just now, when it's probably already on the way.
It'd be a hassle sending it back (given it's going across the Europe),
so does keeping it despite it being older model make sense?
Or am I better getting a newer one someplace else?

 

[jseaber]

So can anyone tell me what are the differences between the first generation and new(er) model?
I remember seeing it mentioned here, but can't find it at the moment.

I've bought the refurbished Element, the whole time under impression it's the current one -
only to be told "Oh, btw, it's the first generation" just now, when it's probably already on the way.
It'd be a hassle sending it back (given it's going across the Europe),
so does keeping it despite it being older model make sense?
Or am I better getting a newer one someplace else?

Here's the post: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ori...fferent-from-newer-ones.870105/#post-13983797

 

[Burt Macklin]

Yep, that's it -
not sure why I couldn't find it, thanks

 

[420204]

Today's review on Headfonia is all about the JDS Labs Element

www.headfonia.com/review-jds-labs-the-element-v2

 

[chococya96]

Anyone here have their Element stacked with EL DAC?
I'm tempted to get EL DAC to stack with my Element for more input connectivity but, I'm not sure if it's worthwhile to drop 250 bucks for "another" DAC to match with my Element.
JDS claims that EL DAC "achieves superior measurable performance" compare to the DAC in Element though, I'm not sure if the price is justifiable.