Unsatisfied with the JDS labs element - tried the advice thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by loki993, Aug 11, 2017.

  1. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

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    So sorry but I put my question in the advice thread and I didn't really get a response. So i'm trying here.

    Basically ever since I got the element I've been underwhelmed by it. It feels very neutral which is a way is a good thing but for me it's almost neutral to the point of being boring. It doesn't quite have the seperation I would have liked, it doesn't quite have the bass slam I would have liked, some fast music tends to get a little muddled by it. It's just not as "tight" as I thought it would be. I came from a fiio E10k.

    I game a lot so that's important, but I also like a good music experience when I want to listen to some music

    When I got the element I was deciding between the element and the Schiit stack. I went with the element because of some good reviews it was getting at the time and the fact that the headphones I was using, AKG K7xx, people in some other places said the magni was too bright for them.

    So i'm looking again and again leaning towards something from Schiit.

    The obvious sidegrade would be a magni 2 u and modi 2 u..not sure what that would really accomplish though.

    The Modi multibit is an interesting piece that wasn't an option when I got the element. I could bypass the elements DAC and use that instead to see what that's like since it's been said that the dac in the element isn't great.

    Jotunheim lots of good thing said about this but I would want the dac with it so we're in the 500 dollar range and then I would feel like I needed to go balanced on all my phones to take full advantage of it. I could also not get the DAC and pair it with a Modi Multibit because it almost seems like with multibit available for so little why not do it.

    Lyr the most expensive option but may be the best one...I get SS when I want it I get this when I want it and I get more power that I think I would evey need. I would need a dac..probably the Modi Multibit for the fact that the money just isn't there for a Bifrost Multibit.

    So again sorry about not posting in the advice thread, like I said I tried, but I also think I have specific questions about things that may not fit well into the 1 or 2 answer format those threads usually fall into.
     
  2. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    Your question(s) aren't specific at all. All I got from this post was that you 1) don't like the Element, which isn't surprising because it's a piece of shit and 2) are looking for an amplifier and DAC to apparently play games and listen to music. The rest was a whole lot of thinking (typing?) out loud.

    Try again by stating what headphones you own and what your total budget is and then maybe you can get a worthwhile answer. No promises.
     
  3. elguapo

    elguapo Gringos falling from the skys

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    I think the problem is that your question is not succinct. It's kind of rambling with no clear indication of your budget or really even your goals.

    If you are asking someone you don't know to take time out of their life to give you free advice, at least do the legwork and don't make them work just to understand what you want.

    EDIT: This is kind of redundant given @k4rstar's reply.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2017
  4. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

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    Ok sorry I did ramble a bit.

    Budget 500 max in the near term.

    Primary headphones are AKG K7xxs. I will probably be adding some HD650s soonish and maybe some planars farther down the road. I have a pair of Sextetts and DT770 pro 80s that don't get much time right now.

    So basically with a 500 dollar max would using a Modi Multibit with the elements amp be worthwhile upgrade for now and then add something down the road like a yount or lyr or should I just go straight to a yount or lyr now and skip the Modi Multibit. Even though I would still need a dac in that case....

    Which one of these would give me a decent upgrade to the element? I like bass but I also like decent separation and clarity...I also need at least some soundstage with the gaming.

    could you please expand why its a piece of shit?
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    1. Lacks nuance - simplifies music in a high constrast way
    2. Nasty glare - causing fatigue
    3. Same performance from $89 Asus Xonar soundcard / breakout box with headamp
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...s-grace-schiit-ifi-lh-jds-etc.401/#post-11102

    I would get Vali 2 or what might come out from Massdrop this afternoon, THEN WAIT until next year. Good things happen to people who wait.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2017
  6. SSL

    SSL Friend

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    Magni 3, in other words.
     
  7. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    We're talking about something that is flat out outstanding, not just good for the price, even though it will be a bargain, sort of.
     
  8. cizx.6

    cizx.6 Just couldn't stay away...

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    The massdrop thing or the next year thing? Beans. Spill. SHOW US YOUR BEANS!
     
  9. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Pretty sure @Marvey's phrasing implies that the thingy coming out from Massdrop will be arriving on doorsteps sometime in 2018. Hence the use of "and" rather than "or" earlier.
     
  10. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

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    Ok you have my attention....Ive been waiting this long...no reason I can't wait a bit longer....


    And Ive just spent the past 20 minutes refreshing my email..checking Schitts facebook page lol
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2017
  11. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    You would ...

    It'd be the Massdrop page you'd want to be checking ...
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    The next year thing is not 100% certain. It is not the current Massdrop thing that will come out today. I was referring the non-thing not-talked about at the Pasadena meet.
     
  13. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    So you were talking about the thing that does not exist and that which we can't talk about anyway (because it really doesn't exist!).

    :bow: (hehe, but good to know a decision may be made next year, probably worth the wait then if it happens)

    But yeah, excited for "Massdrop thing that will come out today." I know you can't tell us what it is but given the title of the thread, I have some guesses. Will you post impressions after embargo is lifted? (pretty please??)
     
  14. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Pedantic fail on my part, then.
     
  15. M3NTAL

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  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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  17. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    @Marvey you are a scoundrel and a tease. If the thing on Massdrop is Laconic, I will defecate a petard.
     
  18. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    Massdrop x Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp (CTH)

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    The Massdrop x Alex Cavalli CTH launches Monday, August 14 at 6 a.m. PT for $249.99. To be notified when it comes available, click “Request” on the drop page below.

     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2017
  19. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    Umm, I'm pretty sure we respect embargoes around here. This isn't HF...
     
  20. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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