Short answer: the JDS Labs Element IV. It ranks #13 of 53 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance (rated 4.8/5) at $549 and is still sold new; the JDS Labs Element III ranks #22 (rated 4.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The case for the JDS Labs Element III: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, so noise and distortion stay well below audibility in normal listening. Watch for: Discontinued and replaced by the JDS Labs Element IV.
What the JDS Labs Element IV does well: 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 JDS Labs Element IV. It is rated higher and still sold new, while the JDS Labs Element III is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JDS Labs Element III | JDS Labs Element IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $549.00 |
| Ranked | #22 of 53 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #13 of 53 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,300 mW | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical | USB-C, optical |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9018K2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital encoder | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Weight | - | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How JDS Labs Element IV compares with other leading options:
- 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
- Aune X1s GT vs JDS Labs Element IV
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
JDS Labs Element III Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JDS Labs Element IV, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5.
Older model: the JDS Labs Element II (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every JDS Labs Element I generation.
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, so noise and distortion stay well below audibility in normal listening. A rated 1,300 mW into 32 ohms is enough for most headphones. It offers USB, optical inputs.
Cons: Discontinued and replaced by the JDS Labs Element IV. There is no balanced headphone output.
Full JDS Labs Element III review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | ES9018K2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,300 mW |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital encoder |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JDS Labs Element IV: $549.00 JDS Labs $549.00 eBay
Older models: the JDS Labs Element III (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the JDS Labs Element II (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every JDS Labs Element I generation.
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