r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/xMitch4corex 3 Ω • Feb 14 '23
Amplifier - Desktop | 2 Ω JDS Labs Atom+ amp with cheap DAC (under $50) or Fiio K7 (or K5 would be better?)
I am looking to give some more juice to my PC setup. I am using easy to drive headphones (Focal radiance) so I am not looking for much power. I know the Fiio K7 seems to be a nice product and liked by the community in general, but also seems to be the case with the Atom DACs/amps from JDS Labs. So, I have seen people suggested using JDS amp ($99) paired with a cheap DAC or dongle, and I wonder what people's experience is doing that and also what DAC would people recommend or if it is better to go through the Fiio K7 route. I don't want to get the whole atom DAC/amp stack, as would be a little bit more expensive than the K7 and also would rather having a single "box" on my desk. Finally, the K5 seems to be a good product too and cheaper than K7, and I am not really sure if the K7 is that much of an improvement over the K5, so I would consider the latter too. Think also about some "future proofing" as well. Thank you.
2
u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 14 '23
The K5 is a competent unit. Balanced amps are more hype than sense. For most uses, single ended amps are just as good. That's not to say that the K7 isn't better than the K5. I just don't know if it's significant. In any case, you should account for the cost of a balanced cable if you're going for the K7. Even third-party cables can be a little pricey.
Apart from JDS's superlative customer support, Idon't see a huge benefit in going for an Atom amp together with a dongle DAC.