Short answer: the JDS Labs Element IV. It ranks #9 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $549; the Yulong DA10 ranks #14, rated 4.6/5, and costs $1,092, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the JDS Labs Element IV: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. The catch: 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.
What the Yulong DA10 does well: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less.
Buy the JDS Labs Element IV. It is rated higher than the Yulong DA10 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JDS Labs Element IV | Yulong DA10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $1,092.00 |
| Ranked | #9 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #14 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA, XLR |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) | Digital (99 steps) |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 g) | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| DAC Chip | - | AK4497 |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for 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
- Aune X1s GT vs JDS Labs Element IV
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
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
Yulong DA10: $1,092.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Yulong rates it at 3,000 mW into 32 ohms and 460 mW into 300 ohms from the balanced 4-pin XLR jack, enough for nearly any headphone, and it accepts USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical with RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less. It is a large, heavy 4 kg box with no Bluetooth input.
Full Yulong DA10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4497 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (99 steps) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons