My new JDS Labs Element III

[Steever]

I’ve never been too serious about head-fi but recently, I decided to up my work-fi game. 
 

I’ve had Dita The Answer IEMs for a long time. I dabbled with KEF Model Ones and B&W P7 but went back to the Ditas through an Audioquest Dragonfly Red. 
 

Over recent weeks, I’ve had a nice Musical Fidelity V90-HPA amp (listed in the classifieds now) and some Sennheiser Momentum One on-ear phones. Very enjoyable. 
 

Adding an iFI USB Power made for big improvements. 
 

I’ve been looking for a Wadia 121 for a while but they’re “rare” and aging now. And the 122 is above what I’m prepared to spend. 
 

New course: something brand new arrived today. 
 

 

 

 

 

My phones are easy to drive but I got the boosted version anyway to future proof for changes. I’ll take it in to work tomorrow. I’ll swap out the MF amp and keep using the Momentums for now. 
 

I have a set of B&W P7 again. But they’re rewired with Canare now and I’m awaiting a new 6.3mm plug for them.  I’ll finish them next week. 
 

I’ll update as I get some hours on this but do you reckon I’m in for a treat?

 

 

Edited July 16, 2024 by Steever

[Steever]

Once at work, I pulled out the MF amp and installed the new Element III.

I let it warm up for a while. It gets warmer than the V90-HPA.

The first few seconds highlighted very well what I was in for.

 

The sound is epic and very immersive, even with my humble closed-back phones.

And everything is so refined and detailed. Bass is incredibly deep and dynamic. The rest is liquid and neutral and very easy to listen to all day.

And all this after only 6 hours.

 

 

I reckon it's a keeper...

Edited July 17, 2024 by Steever

[Andre28]

I have the same and don't have any upgraditis at all. Really happy with the whole thing.

[Steever]

Edited

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2024 by Steever

[Bengineer]

I bought the first Element when he released it. Before that all he had was some of those Objective amp remakes. I enjoyed it, it was a solid product and so neat on a desk.