Element III MK2

I recently purchased a JDS Labs Element III on Ebay. I am simply jaw dropped at how amazing the Element III is. I am getting my PhD in Finance and on a budget and which prevented me from purchasing an Element IV. I came across a fantastic deal on a very lightly used Element III, as mentioned on Ebay, for $190. It came in the original box and had the original firmware on it. No scratches, blemishes, and no imperfections. I am mentioning these facts to give some context to my review in the following paragraph.  I have listened to many DAC/AMP's costing twice as much as the Element III and all of them don't even come close to the Element III's sound quality. It's taken me nearly a month to come up with a one-word description of the Element III. That one word is transparent!!! But a one-word description isn't fair because the Element III is so much more than that. It is holographic and has peerless depth and width to it. I don't know how you did it, but there is no coloration in the sound, which is a very high complement. Because of this my Campfire Audio Dorado 2020's absolutely become unleashed in music transparency and detail retrieval. When I say unleashed, I mean that my music becomes free from constraint and reaches out of my head with such transparent width and depth with more detailed than anything I've ever heard before. The much-lauded RME DAC/AMP is left in the dust. My friend has an RME and I have A/B swapped it against the Element III. And I've got to say the RME is nowhere near the quality of the Element III. My friend has the RME on Ebay now and just bought an Element IV. The Element III has miles more holography than the RME and more detail retrieval. The RME sounds stuffy against the Element III. Thank you for making such a wonderful product!! It has transformed my music in ways that I never thought possible.

New fan of JDS Labs, sounds great fits into my desktop the knob is just smooth as it sounds. Hope the next one comes with I2S input, that's when i upgrade.

great sound, great platform

I love my Element III MK2. I bought this after the atom 2 stack. The ability to EQ, and the smaller profile are incredible. +2 bass for my Edition XS… could not be happier, my current endgame. My atom 2 stack now is used on my gaming computer (900 Pro X) while I use the Element III MK2 for critical listening from my iPhone. I could not be any happier.

I don't understand how in this small box can exists such performance. The pairing with the Caldera is perfect, enough for when I want to switch from music with my tubes to gaming with a light AMP/DAC that fits in my desk.

5 stars!

I got the Boosted for my work/gaming desktop to save space and holy molly, this thing hits hard. Can drive the ZMF Atrium without any effort.

Love my new Element III. The build quality is phenomenal and the knob is super satisfying. And of course a great clean signal.

Sounds great, and is very compact. Powers my hifiman arya well and knob is very satisfying to use.

i have been searching for a small desktop headamp/dac for quite some time. My desk has limited space so can’t fit any big headamps. Found element iii mk2 online and it is just nice for me. The dac amp is so well built, elegant and powerful. I was wondey if I need boosted version for my senns HD800s but turns out the standard version is more than enough. And I didn’t even use it in high gain at all. The sound quality is decent, it just presents the music in the way it is supposed to be, I enjoy it with my hd800s

i tried a number of devices and was disappointed by all but this one. though i hear a modi was fine. the aesthetics are pleasing and it’s just a great experience and touch all around to my gear.

Excellent customer service, fast delivery. One of the best companies I have ever ordered from.

I’m loving my Atom+ and my Element 3 mkii.  The former inspired me to purchase the latter sight-unseen after running a cheaper DAC through the Atom.  Music I’ve listened to for years comes alive—or begins to show sins of its production.  For example, Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories has instrumental details in Giorgio by Morodor that keep unveiling themselves.  Industrial metal music shows clear separation between guitar parts; sometimes even clean separation between the guitar and its pedals.  Setup:  Sennheiser HD-650 and HiFiMan Edition XS headphones, Linux OS, cdparanoia-ripped FLAC, and the default firmware options.” I’m not one for words of praise like this, so apologies if it’s rough. I’m considering purchasing a second one for work, but at work I have to use in-ears.  Would you be able to recommend an attenuator for it?  I’m a little hesitant to run sensitive IEMs with such a powerful amp.  Do you think my hesitation is warranted or should I be a little less cautious? Thank you again.  You’ve truly made my year with this amp/dac.

Love everything about the Element III MK2. The build quality is excellent, and it’s dead simple to use. Of course, that knob feels amazing. And the sound is stupendous. I’ve got the boosted version and almost never need to go to high gain. It’s helping me get the best out my headphones, and I don’t feel like I’ll ever need anything else for my audio setup…until some Element down the line ;-)

Im glad you sent this email, i've been meaning to leave a review to let you know how much I like this DAC/amp. It has been working perfectly, and every detail is perfectly addressed, which is really rare in almost any product. I really love that the usb is powered, the last amp I tried didn't work because of usb power issues. The knob is great, it's really easy to adjust the volume and looks great. Maybe the best part is the screen that allows for precise volume adjustment and many other functions, very cool. Overall pretty much perfect amp. The only one flaw which is cosmetic is the finish on the outer case. There are some discolorations, kind of like smudges or looks a bit "worn off", basically it's just not perfectly uniform black. It not bad, it just is one thing that could be improved a bit. I am grateful for this amp, it saved me from buying a sub-par amp that I wouldn't have been happy with, and I use my headphones a lot, so thanks for making this amp. I will recommend this amp if I get the chance to.

I couldn't be more happier to my unit. Channel balance is perfect even for very low volumes with sensitive IEMs and plenty of power for full size headphones. 2 band EQ and some DAC-filters are the cherry on top of this beautiful cake. The Element III has impeccable build quality and the interface is super easy to navigate full of useful features.

I began my audio journey with JDS Labs way back during the NWAVGUY days when they were still a relatively new startup company in 2011. I began my journey with an ODAC and O2 headphone amp from them and it was my main setup for a couple of years. Afterwards, I decided it was time to disembark and navigate the vast oceans of audio components, some of which were rougher than others. For many years, I had tried all sorts of gear to find the ultimate sound. The journey has been filled with ups and downs. Along the way, I encountered a wide range of audio equipment, from budget-friendly options to high-end audiophile gear. Each piece brought its own unique characteristics and contributed to my understanding of what defines exceptional sound quality. Some setups impressed with their clarity and detail, while others offered subjective warmth and richness. Through my years of exploration, I developed a deeper appreciation for the nuances of audio reproduction and some of the engineering behind it. In 2023, I requested to demo the Element 3 after noticing that it featured design innovations I had not previously encountered. More specifically, it has a custom encoder for volume control. I did not expect a significant difference from what I have heard in my past, but when it arrived and sat down with it, my entire view of audio was turned upside down. As I continued to listen to the Element 3, it made me question everything I thought I knew about audio. Every time I thought I had found something “better” among other audio products I owned, priced as high as ~$3,000, I would switch back to Element 3 and say “Oh wait… wow… never mind. Element 3 has that too. It sounds clearer on Element 3. It sounds genuinely better on Element 3. Hold on a second… the Element 3 handled that passage or instrument just as well, if not better.” The whole experience was an epiphany of what true transparent audio should sound like. I couldn’t help but laugh and tell myself that I reached the endgame. Okay, so how does Element 3 MK2 SOUND? Clean, convincingly realistic, authoritative, effortless and holographic Bass is deep, impactful, heavy, audible and clean. Mids were first of all… clean! It was smooth, rich, not emphasized or scooped anywhere. It sounds exactly where it needs to be. Treble was silky, sweet, neutral, and of course… CLEAN! Overall, the frequency spectrum sounds perfectly flat, with emphasis or attenuation only as intended by the audio engineer during recording and mastering. JDS Labs helped me begin and end my journey in audio just as happy and satisfied as when I started about 13 years ago. What they have manifested over at JDS Labs is a true epiphany in a small black box with a big round knob on top.

I found JDS LABS when researching the Objective DAC/amp. I really liked the specs on the Element III MK1 and also JDS LABS' approach as a business. They avoid the jargon and "magic" and focus on making the best DAC/amp that they can (go check out their about page). I bought the MK2 and it was amazing (still is). It is dead quiet when not processing sound. And it sounds amazing when processing sound. I had an issue with the Element II and they repaired it, free of charge. Amazing customer service. Bottom line, this product is so good that I bought the MK2 when I needed another DAC/amp for my home office. I have the Element III MK2 paired with Klipsch 2.1 speakers and 600 ohm DT990s. You can't go wrong with this product.

I have used JDS Labs stuff since the OG atom dac + amp and not only is this thing amazing, but their customer service has never failed to amaze me over the years with a few replacement parts and a single repair. They are very customer focused and it is worth the extra money vs something you may find on Amazon due to quality and customer service IMO

JDS Labs is the king of headphone audio, and all kings deserve a throne, so when I built my headphone stand, that's exactly what I did for my Element III.

I am amazed by my Element. I don’t feel like I had actually heard my Senn. 6xx headphones before plugging them into this.

Hello! I am just reaching out to provide some feedback on the Element 3 that I just received. I have the element 2, atom dac+ and amp+ from you guys. I seriously wanted to just say I am absolutely blown away with the quality of this device. I was stunned with element 2 and atom, finding myself once again shocked. - The laser etching, I honestly cannot believe how good you guys got it. It is absolutely perfect and exactly what I envisioned, please let whoever was in charge of this know they are doing some great work. I am very impressed. - Element 3, I mean what can I even say. I am putting it through its paces now on some of my favorite albums and I just cannot believe the quality on this thing. I'm listening from dt1990 and the pairing is made in heaven. Display is great as well as the auto gain, I think that was an awesome idea. I really love the quick switch between spdif and usb from pushing the dial, works really well in the setup I have here. Sorry if this is out of the ordinary, I just wanted to thank you guys once again for shipping out another incredible product. Wishing you guys a great rest of 2024. Lifetime buyer here!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm so, so, so happy with the Element III Mk2 I bought.

I gotta say the Element 3 definitely flipped my views on audio on it's head! It's a magnificent product and never thought I would hear a true difference between Element 3 and... well... pretty much everything else I own! It makes me question everything I know... or... umm... knew about audio.  Every time I thought I heard something "better" in the other products I owned, including my EL AMP 2+ and a $2,000 piece of audio equipment, I would switch back to Element 3 and immediately thought "Oh wait... wow... never mind. Element 3 is doing something special here that I can't put my finger on." Using Element 3 as a new reference allowed me to hear the dirtiness in my $2,000 DAC that I have sitting in my home theater system. That was quite the revelation! When I swapped it for the Element 3 preamp/DAC, I was blown away by tiny details and cleanliness of the audio I was hearing! Holy smokes did you guys at JDS Labs work your magic on Element 3 and that's why I am sold on it and will be buying one to call my own!

The Element III MK2 is such a well designed and executed DAC/AMP combo. The look, feel and function surpassed all of my expectations. Power is abundant and sound processing is clean and accurate. This thing powers my HD650's to ear shattering levels without a hint of distortion. Well done JDS labs!

The Element III MK2 arrived today, and it is amazing. I can’t believe how much of a difference it makes, even on my normal audio hardware. I now feel stupid for ever buying that creative soundcard, if so much better things exist. Thx again for the suggestion, I love it!

Have had my Element III for about 5 months, and I f******' love it.

Have been using my Element III mk2 for a couple months now and am still absolutely enamoured with it.

I got them! And I gotta say I’m VERY impressed! The Element III would be my first serious audiophile equipment and I LOVE IT! It absolutely brought my headphones to life and the bass gain DOES help with the HD800s! It’s now clear and airy, dynamic and I can pick part different tones in the music now aaaa! 😍😍

ELEMENT III was originally a luxurious product both in visual and sound, but the newly changed ELEMENT III's knob [MK2] feels really gorgeous. I'm very happy to be able to spend a lot of time with this wonderful device.

I’m loving the III. Picked up some Edition XS cans and the pairing is perfect.

I'm not sure if this is the right place to send this e-mail, but I just wanted to say that I ended up choosing your Element III as my very first AMP/DAC, and I couldn't have been happier. I'm newish getting into the high quality audio scene, and I feel like this is going to last a very long time. You guys are ****in' awesome.

The element 3 sounds amazing on my PC, and oh my gosh, have you absolutely crushed it with this product!

Hey guys, I finally pulled the trigger on an element 3 and I've gotta say, I absolutely love it. The monolithic knob is exactly what I wanted sitting on my desk.

I just wanted to let you know how much I love my Element 3.  I use it with a the Audeze LCD-X (2021) and a Tascam CD-500B cd player through S/PDIF. The Element 3 ‘wowed' me with its soundstage right from the first listen. Then, I was drawn in by the pure, effortless, naturalness of the music. I’ve only ever heard two other systems in my life that have impressed me so much: a Teac-JBL based system in a studio at my college radio station back in the early 1990s and a $20,000+ system based on a tube-hybrid Musical Fidelity CD system with ProAc speakers (the owner was a jazz sax player and academic, and a close friend was house sitting). Thanks for making it, I’m really enjoying it.

Just wanted to thank the team! The Element III pairs beautifully with the Focal Clears.