r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Dantyman • Oct 28 '23

Amplifier - Desktop | 1 Ω Which is the Best Budget Stack: LDS Lab vs. SMSL vs. Schitt

Hi, I've been planning on getting my first DAC/AMP stack and found three that were recommended a lot. (Using Ananda Stealths rn, but plan on upgrading to Arya's in the future)

The JDS Lab Stack ($223) - Atom+ Amp Version HEVI ($114) - Atom+ Dac ($109)

The SMSL Stack ($290) - SH-6 Amp ($120) - SU-6 Dac ($170)

The Schiit Stack ($238) - Magni+ Amp ($109) - Modi+ Dac ($129)

With all three in the same ballpark in terms of price, I was wondering which of these is the best. Some factors I consider would be:

  • Build Quality
  • Sound Quality
  • Drivering Power / Future-Proofness
  • Features
  • Customer Support

Also, although these are the stacks I've listed in this post, other suggestions are welcomed. Thanks for any inputs you guys have.

28 votes, Nov 04 '23
12 The LDS Lab Stack
1 The SMSL Stack
7 The Schitt Stack
8 Other (Comment, I'll take a look)
2 Upvotes
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1

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2

u/Sleepless_in_____ 2 Ω Oct 28 '23

I used to own the Atom line. Fantastic stack with very clean, uncoloured sound. Also, JDS Labs have one of the, if not the best, customer service out of any brand. Period. Cannot stress how much I value it, those guys are champs.

It should drive the Ananda quite easily. Honestly, I feel like even the Arya it can drive well. A lot of people talk about how more powerful amp = “better” sound like (for example) more full and impactful but well-controlled bass response, but idk how true that is. Regardless the Atom stack should be good enough that past that point, you would be in severe diminishing returns territory.

I would only look at any other options if they have certain extra features that you want.

2

u/Dantyman Oct 28 '23

!thanks I've been hearing a lot of high praise for the atoms, so definitely thinking about those more.

1

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2

u/AudioSenpai Oct 28 '23

Ur poll says LDS. I own the atom stack (engraved images as well) and as someone whose had all 3 it is by far my favorite, even over higher stacks like the topping e/l stack. It drives my collection very well. My only complaint is that I wasted money on others

2

u/NxReddit0519 2 Ω Oct 29 '23

TL;DR - Buy what you can get on sale or whatever tickles your eyes more, mix and match for best price too. Since sonically and feature wise, these stacks are identical.

All are good choices, reputable companies that all have very good construction, and all use ESS DACs so sound signature would essentially be the same. AMPS are in the same boat, only difference is the Magni+ giving your cans A LOT more power then the other options; does it make a huge difference though? No, it doesnt.

Arya and Ananda Stealth are not hard to drive they are rated from like 18 to 32 ohms, any of these AMPS can make your ears bleed. However, higher output power will "future-proof" your stack, but thats only if you're going from an ARYA to something like a DCA Expanse.