DACs

Atom DAC 2

Name: Atom DAC 2
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)

~~$149~~ $129

Backorder, Reserve Today and Save – Ships After Dec 25

or get notified when this item is back in stock.

Covered by our 2-year transferable warranty

All Metal, Custom Engravable, USB Type C

Atom DAC 2 helps your get the most out of your JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 or Atom Amp+, ensuring that your amp delivers its rated power. Equipped with USB Type C and TOSLINK inputs, Atom DAC 2 runs on our latest upgradeable XMOS-based firmware, supporting UAC2 and UAC1 fallback*. Its subtle light ring glows during use, automatically powers down during periods of inactivity, and wakes up instantly and silently. Additionally, Atom DAC 2 operates cooler due to a more efficient I/V stage, and its new aluminum enclosure is custom engravable!

Stock Status: Due to overwhelming interest this holiday season, Atom DAC 2 is temporarily sold out. Enclosure production is an 8 week process. Rest assured, stock will return in mid-January. Reserve yours today for only $129 USD—please note that the price will increase to $149 once stock is replenished. Alternatively, Atom DAC+ is in stock and also pairs well with any generation of Atom Amp!

Gallery

Atom 2 Bundle

Interested in pairing Atom Amp 2 with Atom DAC 2?

Check out our Atom Bundle -- Everything you need to get started!

Features

USB TYPE C

Atom DAC 2's native USB Type C input receives up to 32/384kHz PCM over a custom XMOS based UAC2 engine with ASIO and DSD support. UAC1 mode for PS5 or Nintendo Switch is activated when using a UAC1 Fallback Cable.

MORE EFFICIENT

Atom DAC 2 is powered by a perfected supply network, with an external AC transformer and 10 regulators ensuring consistent rail voltage and super low ripple. Atom DAC 2 is also more efficient than Atom DAC+, saving power and running 10°F cooler.

MEMS OSCILLATOR

Atom DAC 2 is clocked by 45/49MHz MEMS oscillators with ±25ppm frequency stability, delivering minimal jitter.

UPGRADEABLE FIRMWARE

Atom DAC 2's XMOS based firmware configures and manages all functionality, with DFU support for future updates.

AUTO STANDBY

Atom DAC 2 automatically enters standby after 5 minutes of USB inactivity, powering down its light ring, and resumes from standby silently and instantly. We've also retooled Atom DAC 2's light ring, which is now bolted to the aluminum chassis for ruggedness.

DIFFERENTIAL SUMMING I/V OUTPUT

Differential output of an ES9018K2M DAC is paired with our unique, DC coupled, precision tuned transimpedance stage utilizing three OPA1692s per channel, or six opamps in total.

METAL ENCLOSURE

Atom DAC 2 is built in an aluminum chassis. The anodized surface is also eligible for free, custom engraving. Add text or artwork as you please in the shopping cart.

NO MORE ROCKER SWITCH!

Yes, Atom DAC 2 has a proper power switch! No need for the Rocker Switch bundled with Atom DAC(+).

Customer Reviews

Nov 13, 2024

Fantastic!!!!

Until now I've been using my headphones all wrong. Now that I have a proper stack, music has never sounded better and I don't know why I didn't pull the trigger before. Looks nice but more importantly, sounds fantastic! Very happy with this impulse buy.

Reggie K.

Verified Buyer

Oct 21, 2024

Superb piece of kit

The DAC is simply superb. I use it connected to my Atom Amp 2 powering Beyerdynamic DT770 Prox Ex LE and the sound is crystal clear with a big sound stage. The customer service and fast delivery from JDS is exemplary. Highly recommended.

Peter F.

Verified Buyer

Oct 16, 2024

Superb DAC

Have it hooked up to my TV via optical cable and it gives a punchy and detailed sound. When using headphones I have it connected to my Atom Amp 2 and I’m getting superb results from my Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X LE The customer service and fast shipping is another bonus. Great company to deal with and great products

Peter F.

Verified Buyer

Oct 7, 2024

Rad little Doodad!

Definitely spiffed up my little dot III’s already stellar sound quality. First thing I fired up was some John Williams- Theme (From Jurassic Park) and boy did it give me the goodbumps when the bridge came along. Would definitely purchases more equipment from JDS Labs. I’m also running some NOS Motorolla 6ak5s through some Hifiman sundaras

Larry L.

Verified Buyer

Sep 27, 2024

Uncoloured

I don't believe in altering the sound signature of iems or headphones, the JDS Atom Dac 2 perfectly reflects this, sounds transparent and uncoloured.

Trevor L.

Verified Buyer

Sep 24, 2024

Such a great DAC. I have it playing audio flawlessly from my Switch and PS5 going to my main amp. The engraving is such a cool touch as well. But best of all might just be the speedy customer service. This company sets the bar high for sure especially being such an affordable product for what you get.

@Consola260

Verified Buyer

Sep 13, 2024

Awesome

I recently purchased the Atom DAC 2 and have found it to work excellent as a USB sound card for Windows PC. There were no drivers to install, and it works flawlessly. I also use it as the DAC for my music streamer so the button on the front of the Atom DAC 2 is an easy way to switch back and forth between PC and Streamer. Originally, I tested the Atom DAC 2 in my Home Theater setup and found the Atom to be very accurate. My setup makes it easy to tell DAC’s apart, but the Atom and my Home Theater Receiver were nearly indistinguishable. I like that the Atom is to the same accuracy as my “Elite” Home Theater. I like it so much; I bought a second one for my work PC.

James S.

Verified Buyer

Aug 31, 2024

What I wanted

The product works as advertised, if you want consistent sound across all devices then this is a good choice.

Zane C.

Verified Buyer

Aug 31, 2024

Awesome stack

Awesome stack, especially for the price.

Ferdinand A.

Verified Buyer

Aug 29, 2024

Incredible DAC

The thing is completely transparent and I've never had an issue with it. Literally no reason to upgrade after having one.

Frank N.

Verified Buyer

Aug 28, 2024

Hmm

The sound coming thru the DAC is good. However, I was getting a lot of dropouts when connecting to the optical toslink output on my tv (short moments of missing audio, super annoying). I found the guthub repo with the cli tool and an article to downgrade the software. After that the dropouts are gone. I think the software binary was for ATOM DAC+, not 2 though. Please let me know which software would be best for ATOM DAC 2!

Segev M.

Verified Buyer

From JDS Labs

@Segev - Please see here for Atom DAC 2 firmware v214.

Aug 28, 2024

Great USB C connectivity from an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This DAC offers true, simple, USB C connectivity to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. I have not had to worry about using the right USB C cable as long as the cable supports data transfer.

Jonathan B.

Verified Buyer

Aug 28, 2024

Great little DAC

I purchased the Atom DAC 2 to upgrade my desktop audio. I was using the headphone out from my PC as an input to a pair of older powered speakers. Now I’m using a usb output from the PC to the Adam DAC 2. Then from the DAC to a RSL iA255.1 desktop integrated amp. The completed setup is a big step up from what I had before. Sounds really great.

Michael Q.

Verified Buyer

Aug 28, 2024

Great companion to Amp 2

If you are on the fence on this stack, just pull the trigger if this is your budget or really anything from a dac amp or stack standpoint below 600-700. You get a wonderful clean sound, excellent power and small footprint. This can even be used bedside if you really wanted as an affordable option for any headphone or iem( because both sound great and clean). Not a flavored Dac, very transparent so do keep that in mind.

Maurice G.

Verified Buyer

Aug 28, 2024

Just great

I bought the atom dac2 when I realized that my wiim mini did not have a proper dac, so I now I connect it via optical to the atom and from there I use rca to my amp. Really happy with it (the improvement in sound quality is clear specially when playing loud) Also: great customer service, for EU-customers like myself as well.

Rafael G.

Verified Buyer

May 30, 2024

I've been listening to my new [Atom 2] stack for the majority of the evening and wow, you and your team did a fantastic job with the new gear! The audible refinements you have managed to achieve is noticeable coming from my Element 2.

Abdul

Verified Buyer

Nov 24, 2023

Got the Atom DAC 2 and it feels amazing compared to my OG Amp which flexes and creaks like a toy.

Michael

Verified Buyer

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Review Title*

Your Review*

Show off your gear!

Drag and drop your image here

Would you like to be notified about new product releases, content, and any sales we may have? Consider subscribing to our newsletter.

Specifications

Performance

Frequency Response, 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.12dB
SINAD @ 1kHz, 20-22.4kHz 113 dB
THD+N, 20Hz-20kHz < 0.0004%
SNR, 20Hz-20kHz 117 dB
IMD CCIF, 19/20 kHz -6 dBFS -105 dB
Noise, A-Weighted -111 dBV
Dynamic Range, AES17, A-Weighted 119 dB
Linearity Error -90 dBFS -0.05 dB
Crosstalk, 1kHz, 100k Input -121 dB
USB Jitter Components @ 12kHz -129 dB
Maximum DAC Line-Output, 100K 2 VRMS
PCB Stackup 4 Layers

Dimensions

Average Power Consumption 4W
Weight 15 oz (425 g)
Case Dimensions 131 x 130 x 34 mm (5.2 x 5.1 x 1.3 in)

Data Support

Audio Formats (USB) 16/44.1kHz thru 32/384kHz PCM, DSD64-DSD128
Audio Formats (TOSLINK) 16/44.1k thru 24/192k PCM
USB Interface UAC2 with UAC1 Fallback ^1.
USB Driver OS Support Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PS4/PS5, Nintendo Switch ^2.

Connectivity

Digital Inputs USB Type C and TOSLINK
Line Output RCA

^1. UAC1 supported by USB Isolator, sold separately.
^2. Appropriate cables are required for Android, iOS, and PS5, and Win 7/8

Packaged Items

Atom DAC 2
15VAC Power Supply → Please note current batch is labelled '14VAC 500mA'
USB C to USB A Cable w/Ferrite

Drivers

XMOS Driver v5.72 for Win 10/11
XMOS driver v5.70 supports Windows 10/11 under x86/x64/arm64 and is optional. No drivers are required for macOS, Linux, or Windows 10/11.

This driver enables ASIO support, provides the ability to view and adjust Buffer Settings (latency), supports 16/24/32-bitrates, and adds full DSD64-128 support to Atom DAC+, Atom DAC 2, EL DAC II+, and Element III (MK2), and Element IV.

All XMOS based JDS Labs DACs are supported, including:
- Element IV
- Element III (MK2)
- Atom DAC 2
- Atom DAC(+)
- EL DAC II(+)
- Element II
This driver is developed and maintained by Thesycon, and licensed to JDS Labs. Please find the full change log at TUSBAudio_history.txt.
Optional - XMOS Firmware Update Utility (DFU) for Win 10/11
This optional application for Windows 10/11 allows you to install firmware updates to XMOS based JDS Labs DACS, including:
- Element III
- Element II
- EL DAC II(+)
- Atom DAC(+)
- Atom DAC 2
To use, unzip the folder and follow instructions in the article How to Install an XMOS Firmware Update.

Instructions & Guides

Atom DAC 2 Instructions (EN) | Quick Start Video

Atom DAC 2

All Metal, Custom Engravable, USB Type C

Gallery

Atom 2 Bundle

Interested in pairing Atom Amp 2 with Atom DAC 2?

Features

USB TYPE C

MORE EFFICIENT

MEMS OSCILLATOR

UPGRADEABLE FIRMWARE

AUTO STANDBY

DIFFERENTIAL SUMMING I/V OUTPUT

METAL ENCLOSURE

NO MORE ROCKER SWITCH!

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!!!!

Superb piece of kit

Superb DAC

Rad little Doodad!

Uncoloured

Awesome

What I wanted

Awesome stack

Incredible DAC

Hmm

Great USB C connectivity from an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Great little DAC

Great companion to Amp 2

Just great

Specifications

Performance

Dimensions

Data Support

Connectivity

Packaged Items

Drivers

Instructions & Guides

Related Products

Atom Amp 2

Synapse

Stack RCA Cables

USB Audio Class 1 UAC1 Fallback Cable

USB Type C Cable

Larry Lyons

@Consola260

Peter Forshaw

Zane Clary

Frank Nares

Trevor Luff

Segev Malool

Jonathan Bruce

Rafael G.

Reggie Knight

James S

Maurice Gonzalez

Abdul

Peter Forshaw

Michael Quinn

Michael

Ferdinand Abramowski