JDSlabs Element III impressions

[Pirastro]

I love the way their unit sits, it's unique and not done often.

Totally agree, sits perfectly on my bedside table. Small enough footprint to not take over the table and actually just looks sleek and cool...it also happens to sound really good!

 

[Patswalker]

Wondering what dac chip is used in the Element III mk2 or EL dac II+. Been having difficulty digging up info on it, or is al different and programmed special at JDS labs like some sort of specual FPGA implementation that replaces the normal chip

 

[MakeItWain]

Wondering what dac chip is used in the Element III mk2 or EL dac II+. Been having difficulty digging up info on it, or is al different and programmed special at JDS labs like some sort of specual FPGA implementation that replaces the normal chip

Here you go:

https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

The AK4493 has been replaced by an ES9018K2M with triple OPA1692s at its differential current-to-voltage (I/V) stage. These low noise opamps consume a fraction of the power of our usual JRC choices, albeit at a slightly higher cost. Improved I/V efficiency allows Element III to run with a similar thermal profile to Element II, despite 3x the analog circuitry.

 

[Robin82nl]

To bad thy are so hard to get in EU ( the netherlands ) and if you find store thy sel them for more then 700 euro.

 

[Quadrangulator]

How can I set the SPDIF input to 96KHz? I've got a SPDIF out from a Creative Labs X4 set at 96KHz, but the Element III shows 48KHz only. Sample rate shows 96KHz in Windows device properties and the Creative app.

SPDIF source: Creative Labs X4 via Windows 11 (yeah, I know, but I'm playing with some virtual surround for gaming)
Firmware: 2.52
Drivers: 5.68.0

 

[MacMan31]

Okay so I think I have found the right thread. I have the Element III boosted version. I just found out about the bass and treble gain and frequency options. I have no idea how those things work so perhaps someone could help with that. I noticed it can be done with the headphone out and the RCA out independently. I would like to get the most out of this DAC/amp as I'm trying to have a simple setup for music listening.