Short answer: the Schiit Midgard on measured measured performance, the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 on price. The Schiit Midgard ranks #5 of 19 headphone amplifiers, rated 4.8/5, at $259. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 ranks #9, rated 4.7/5, at $129, $130 cheaper.
Why pick the Schiit Midgard: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB.
Why pick the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has no DAC, so you need a separate source.
Buy the Schiit Midgard if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 if the price matters more than measured performance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $129 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #9 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,650 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 286 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 5.7” x 1.3” x 5.2” (145 x 34 x 131 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 1 lbs (454 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Schiit Midgard compares with other leading options:
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A30 Pro
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A50 III
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A70 Pro
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs SMSL VMV P2
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
Schiit Midgard: $259.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 4.8 W into 32 ohms and 750 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone. It offers 6.35 mm and 4 pin XLR balanced outputs, RCA and XLR inputs, and passes the signal through to RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB. It has no 4.4 mm balanced jack, so many portable balanced cables need an adapter. It is an amp only and needs a separate DAC.
Full Schiit Midgard review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JDS Labs Atom Amp 2: $129 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 2,650 mW into 32 ohms and 286 mW into 300 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and it offers both 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm outputs. It matches the rating of the Topping L50 for less and adds RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no DAC, so you need a separate source. Its inputs are RCA and 3.5 mm only, with no balanced XLR input, and the Topping A50 III rates slightly higher for a bit more.
Full JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 1.3” x 5.2” (145 x 34 x 131 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 286 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,650 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1 lbs (454 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons