Short answer: the Aune X1s GT. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#11 and #9 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Aune X1s GT costs $319 against $549 for the JDS Labs Element IV, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
Why pick the Aune X1s GT: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
The case for the JDS Labs Element IV: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. Watch for: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the Aune X1s GT. Both are rated the same, and it costs $230 less than the JDS Labs Element IV.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aune X1s GT | JDS Labs Element IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 | $549.00 |
| Ranked | #11 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #9 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) | USB-C, optical |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out | RCA |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Dimensions | - | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to JDS Labs Element IV:
- SMSL DO400 vs JDS Labs Element IV
- D&A Alpha vs JDS Labs Element IV
- Topping DX5 II vs JDS Labs Element IV
- D&A Alpha Pro vs JDS Labs Element IV
- JDS Labs Element IV vs Yulong DA10
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Aune X1s GT: $319.00 Aune official store eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Aune rates it at 1,200 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced jack, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it takes USB, optical and coaxial inputs plus an external 10 MHz clock. RCA line and preamp outputs let it feed powered speakers too.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 rates higher for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full Aune X1s GT review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JDS Labs Element IV: $549.00 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. A rated 3,200 mW into 32 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and a built in 12 band parametric equalizer lets you correct headphone response without software. It takes USB-C and optical inputs and has RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher with more rated balanced power for less.
Full JDS Labs Element IV review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons