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JDS Labs Atom, O2 Killer?

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I have been noticeing some posts on the new JDS Labs Atom it looks very compelling to me. I was just about to get myself the MD O2 becouse I got $20 in credit, but then I saw this reveiw https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-new-jds-labs-atom-headphone-amp.5262/ Is the Objective 2 still worth it?
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David33
8
Nov 19, 2019
I absolutely love the atom and yesterday I ordered the new EL Dac II to compliment it. I am just amazed that an American company is going to be able to compete at $99 to the Chinese gear we are seeing in the market. I will always try to support a US made product if it is relevant.
marlons1
9
May 3, 2019
I have had my O2 for 3 years now. I would say I am very happy with it. What would be a good up upgrade though. I am an Audiophile on a budget, so I tend to plan my purchases very carefully. My best headphones are a pair of HD650s. What would be the next level up in amps from the O2. Would the Atom be more of a Sidegrade?
audiopornstar
8
Feb 19, 2019
Both are quite good in my opinion... I wouldn't say one kills the other
KaneDWilliams
46
Jan 12, 2019
BTW, JDS themselves say the Atom is their best amp to date, which includes their more costly amp!
rz1000o
8
Dec 5, 2018
I broke down and ordered the Atom Yesterday I am really looking forward to hearing the difference from my Micca Origen plus.
JBiser
31
Dec 2, 2018
The atom appears to be something really special. I have been following audiosciencereview for a few months now, and those measurements are really something. Proof of good engineering. That is what you are buying. Arguably you don't "need" such good noise/distortion numbers, at or below the threshold of audibility. Amir, the main guy at audioscience, himself uses the Topping Dx3 Pro as his main DAC/amp. This is with all the stuff he has at his disposal. Its numbers aren't quite as good, but he likes that it is a one-piece unit rather than a stack, and has convenience features, and is small and cute. You see what I'm getting at? The O2 was designed to prove that you can make a competent, class-leading amp with $30-40 worth of parts. And it was. Even now, it holds its own, but is uses older parts. If it was me, I would chose the Atom in a heartbeat. State of the f'Art and all. Just know that you would probably not hear that much difference, if at all, especially at normal listening levels.
Heefty
1387
Nov 28, 2018
Depends on what you're trying to drive with it. O2 works well, but won't fully drive high impedance cans. Based on the specs it appears that the Atom will. I haven't heard the Atom for comparison though.
JBiser
31
Dec 2, 2018
Adding to my reply...what is really impressive about the Atom is that its distortion number into low impedance (32 ohms) are better than most other amps into 300 ohms. By an order of magnitude (at 30 ohms). If I used say a 50 ohm headphone, this would seal the deal for me.
rz1000o
8
Dec 2, 2018
JBiserI think I will just order the atom then because I do not see the atom being on a drop anytime soon because it is too new. And I do have a couple 35 ohm headphones like the Audio Technica msr7 that would really benefit from the low distortion levels on the atom. I then might just usey Micca origen plus as a portable unit for my laptop and phone
dcha12
461
Nov 28, 2018
The Objective 2 is still an extremely good amp in price/performance. Better measurements do not a better sound make. Also, different rigs measure things very differently. Wait for other reviews before jumping on that Atom train. (also, it really pays to learn more about audio measurements and search what other people have measured to see how results compare)
Danoob
4
Nov 25, 2019
jumped in on this thanks to you. Awesome improvement! Thanks a lot man. I paired it with a Khadas Tone Board
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Orange_5673
0
Dec 26, 2020
Hey man, I appreciate the discussion you created here, it was very good reading. I own a Mayflower Objective 2 amp, the portable version. It is amazing, it powers all of my headphones very well. The sound is very clean. The amp is robust, metal, and heavy. Build quality is excellent. I even dropped it on concrete a couple times, and nothing happened. Unlike many of these lightweight, plastic, fragile amps from China, this is a real impressive piece. I carry it around with me, and use it on it's batteries for about 5 hours each outing, no issues with the portability, (even though it is a big boy). A great piece of equipment imho, especially for the price, I got it for about $120 shipped. Is the JDS Labs Atom a better amp? I don't know, but it seems real hyped up to me. There is so much hype about it, that it actually disturbs me. I also don't like the 100% plastic body. The 02 is made in the USA, it seems the Atom is made in China somewhere? Just sayin'... Anyway, I appreciate you talking back to power! That is what America is all about! Even though you don't have the level of technical knowledge, as these shills, who work for companies, who try to hype up their products, you come from a good place. Head-fi is known for hyping up companies, that pay them, or offer Head-fi certain "benefits". Quid pro quo arrangements, between Head-fi and these companies. There are many articles and reviews on Head-fi, that are written by paid reviewers, and shills! That is messed up! Similar to companies on Amazon, paying people to review their product, in a positive light. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion you created here. May your audio quests, bring good things!
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