Today we’re looking at JDS Labs’ latest creation, their small Atom amplifier. A 99$ entry level headphone amplifier.
Disclaimer: JDS Labs provided the Atom amplifier free of charge. I only had to cover import fees and customs. Headfonia is not affiliated with JDS Labs in any way, they are not a site advertiser. Many thanks for the generosity and opportunity to review the Atom.
About JDS Labs:
JDS Labs is a US based brand that operates since 2007. They are the producer of many critically acclaimed products. Their main aim is to get great sounding and affordable gear out to the many consumers. Their vast product-line consists of amplifiers, digital to analogue converters, hardware equalizers, CMOY amps and even DIY kits. JDS Labs offers it all in pursuit to satisfy their customers. All of their products are made in the USA, which makes the impressive prices even more appealing.
We have covered a number of their products in the past, including the wonderful Element amplifier last year.
A selection of relevant links can be found at the end of the review.
JDS Labs Atom
About the Atom:
At the end of last year JDS Labs has introduced their latest creation, the Atom amplifier. It is very small for a desktop amplifier and measures pretty much the same as a CD cover. It is designed to offer a high performance for little money.
The Atom offer two analogue in- and outputs. You get a regular RCA and 3.5 mm stereo input as well as 6.3mm and RCA outputs. The outputs are both independent from each other and cannot be used simultaneously. Once you unplug the headphones you will get RCA pre-output at the current volume. So when you plug in your headphones, make sure that the volume is at a low level, to not blow out your ears.
Having pre-outputs you will be able to use your favorite active speakers with the Atom. That’s a big plus for versatility!
The inputs can be changed very easily by pushing the front-seated button. Atom offers two gain stages to power both efficient and hard to drive headphones. JDS decided to give the Atom loads of power as it fires one Watt into 32 ohms, that should be sufficient for most cans.
When we take a peek at the technical specifications we learn that the Atom has a low output impedance of only 0.7 ohms, so even super efficient multi driver monitors should not see any weird sound alterations.
JDS offers the Atom at 99$ in their online shop, I couldn’t spot a list of dealers on their website.
JDS Labs Atom
Package:
Delivered with the Atom comes a 16V/AC outboard power adapter. This is a pretty huge one, that really covers the full space of an output socket. Other than that you’ll only get the amp itself. No cables or accessories.
Build Quality:
When I reviewed the Element last year I was pretty impressed by the build quality, and my expectations for the Atom were clearly high. So when I unpacked the Atom I was a little disappointed to find a plastic body and even a plastic headphone output.
The Atom is very lightweight and comes in at 9.3 ounces, which translates to 263.65 grams. This low weight makes the Atom stand a bit too light on my table, as my RCA cable does pull the amplifier down. To have it stand more robust on my desk I needed to put some weight on it.
Editors note: JDS has told me that the weight of the Atom can be customized, so if you chose a higher weight you won’t run into the same problem as me with the RCA’s pulling it down.
On the front you’ll find the necessary control buttons, the volume knob and the 1/4” output. The knob uses a custom Alps 15A potentiometer. The implementation of the volume dial is well done, as it rotates with the right smoothness, it doesn’t sit flimsy and gives an overall good impression.
JDS did put four rubber feet on the bottom of the Atom, to keep it free of gliding around your table. I do appreciate this a lot, as nothing’s more annoying than a headphone amplifier that moves around too much.
The build quality is fair for the price, but I would have loved to see it sport more weight so it stands more secure on its own as well as a more premium 1/4” socket.
More about the Atom on page two!
Wills
Hi Linus, nice review as always : )
This is very likely to be the one I am getting as an entry of the world of full-sized headphones.
What dac would you recommend to pair with these? Or is it fine if I use the line-out from my ak70 mkii? Thanks!
Linus
Hi Wills,
thanks a lot for your comment. 🙂
I think you’d be very well set with the AK70ii and this one.
You can also take a look at some affordable units from JDS or Schiit. Have heard good things about their DACs. I only know their DAC/Amp combos and not their standalone converters though.
Tired_Guru
One of the best, natural sounding amps no matter the price. No magic tricks here, no added distortion even on large dynamics peaks or very high volume levels. There is depth to the sound, texture, layering, instrument separation, upper harmonics of intruments, proper attack & decay, resolution and speed. There is black hole background. You can listen very quietly and still be able to hear a lot of details and punch, this is amazing.
Carl
Thank you very much Linus for the review. Questions: do you think the Atom would pair well with the FiiO K3? Anything I would need to keep in mind? Might there even be synergy between these two?
Linus
Hi Carl,
thanks for the comment.
The Atom should be fairly easy to match. Can’t say about the K3 though, I have zero experience with it.
Cheers!
Darryl
Now do the Monoprice Liquid Spark:).
Jasper Young
Very nice review! Could you tell me more about the Atom amp’s pairing with the HD 800 S? I’m thinking of getting a tube for my cans but this review is swinging me to get the atom.
I’ve heard the 800 S on solid states but usually the treble is peaky. I would like to know if there are any sort of peaks with the atom.
Mr. Bojangles
First. They need to use your full name and not just your first name like the made up ones individuals give you at call centers.
Second. Where is the weight customization here? I ordered an Atom and didn’t see that option and see nothing else listed on the site. I know you all have $1000 cords to review so this measly $100 amp isn’t a priority to follow up on, but still…
Linus
Hi Mr. Bojangles (I love the song),
I think you have to send them a mail about the weight. JDS told me about this option after the review has been published…
If one of your previous comments has been missed I’m sorry, maybe you know this, but every single Headfonia writer has a daytime job. We all work during the week and this site is just a hobby. I also have two kids, with which I spend my spare time. Headfonia gets some evenings… 😉
Darryl
I don’t remember where I saw it, but I saw a photo of the Atom with the top of the case off, and and it shows that they put a 1/2 oz. iron weight of the type used to balance automobile tires in each corner. $9 will get you more than you need:
https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-oz-wheel-weights-67226.html
Alan Tan
Currently I am using the EGA from stoner ac. and also another is TEAC UD-301, matching with the HD650 and LCD-2C, do you think this will be a nice replacement of the EGA?
Linus
Hi Alan,
sorry for the late reply.
Can’t say as I have zero experience with the EGA, but the Atom is really nice for the price.
Hope that helps.
Alan
Hello,
It should be ok for Audioquest Nighthawks/NightOwls ?
I need some air. This one or Arcam’s Rhead ?
Jim
Good detailed review of a benchmark product in the sub $100 headphone amplifier market.
I have used my Atom for the past year with the following headphones: Sennheiser HD600, HD6XX, AMY K240 Sextett, Hifiman HE4XX, Grado SR60, Fostex T50RP MK3, NAD HP50 VISO, Audioquest Night Hawk Carbon, Meze 73 Classics, Koss KSC75, Superlux HD681 EVO, and
the Sharkk Bravo. I listen to classical and jazz mostly. And high quality recordings with violin, cello, guitar, harp and piano solos.
The Atom is a remarkable piece of gear in that it does a credible job of reproducing these
instruments with a clarity that belies its low price. The Atom’s black background is also amazing for such an inexpensive product. For those who’ve stated that the Atom should be heavier, JDS Labs will at the buyer’s request, add small weights to the inside of the Atom prior
to shipping.
This a great American company that offers first rate products for one’s audio dollar, with
outstanding customer service!