Geshelli Labs J2 Digital to Analog Converter Review
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- Опубликовано: 1 апр 2022
- Watts! Not Joules! :facepalm: It's 6W of available power from stock cable.
A friend of the channel who wishes to remain anonymous loaned me the J2. Thanks!
Geshelli Labs J2 Website (affiliate link): geshelli.com/product/jnog2/?r...
My Schiit Modius review: • Schiit Modius Digital ...
Channel Intro: • Channel Introduction
My Hearing Quirks: • WaveTheory's Hearing Q...
Thank you for this. Yes, we did watch and AKM is coming back this summer so Geno is able to laugh about it now.
Geshelli customer service is THE BEST. I did a bad thing and burned out my J2. Totally my fault. They didn't have to do it... but they made the repair under warranty and I only had to pay for shipping. Quick turnaround and easy to go through the process. I will definitely be open to trying new products they put out.
How’d you burn it out?
@@840swed840 I mixed up the power supplies for the J2 and a Schiit Lokius EQ. AC and DC are, apparently, not interchangeable even if the plug is the same. The J2 killed the Lokius power supply as well. Schiit repaired the Lokius under warranty although they really didn’t have to. Just had to pay shipping and buy a new wall wart.
@@d-weezy3230 yep that’ll do it
I’ve had the J2 (AKM) for about two weeks. Input is USB from my PC (playing stored music files). Output is RCA to an Outlaw Audio RR2160 receiver, and XLR to a Geshelli Archel 2.5 XL headphone amp. I’m enjoying it. It is really great on vocals, and acoustic instruments. I think it is smoother, and more realistic than my internal Outlaw Burr Brown DAC. Singers sound like they’re in the room.
Ordered my E2/J2 with a nice wood combo a week ago. Thanks for your detailed reviews. Helped me a lot by choosing some of my gear
Thank you for the information and review of this Company, their products and the wonderful people that own and run the company.
A very detailed review. Hope to see you review more audio gear!!!
Thanks for the excellent review - mine is on order - bought an smsl PO100 usb to digital spdif to address the usb issues you mentioned
I have a the J2 with AKM on order. Might add a Wiim Mini...
Geshelli Customer service has been great for me. Have and like my Schitt phono stage, but shopping for DAC no replies from my emails or phone message going on 3 weeks. Plus unavailablity problem.
Odered Geshelli J2. Glad to support this growing USA mom & pop company. Wouldve been nice if this reviewer covered the DACs with a stand alone music streamer, but seemed like a very fair review.
Geshelli customer service is top notch. No schiity (haha) restocking fees if there's a problem.
Thank you, this solidified my decision. Geshelli for the win.
Omg. This is why I never use usb! Good review and good for you going to the lengths to handle the usb issues
With battery powered device there is no noise!
@@beslemeto good luck with that.
Good thing I waited a while before ordering the J2. As of today (3/10/23) Geshelli updated the JNOG2 to the J2S which now allows you to choose upgraded OP Amps for both the XLR and RCA outputs. I splurged and went all out and added the optional Sparkos OP Amps for both RCA and XLR. I don't mind the wait I think it is well worth it. Will be pairing w my Schiit Jotunheim 2. Cheers!
Edit. It comes with the AKM 4493 DAC Chip (which I wanted) and did not see any other options in terms of DAC chips. Also I did not opt for the USB, no need for it.
How is it?
New AKM 4499 coming in a month!
Love what you are doing. Much appreciated..Your videos could be much better if you invest in a good microphone, this would improve the experience a lot and we can hear you better
I will be getting the new J2 with the new AKM 4499 in a couple of weeks.... I'm stoked!
How was it?
I have J2 4493 with the Sparkos. Emotiva T1+ speakers (AMT tweeter). Sherri Geshelli suggested this option, as the AMT is very revealing and the 4499 may reveal songs that arent recorded very well will not sound great on these speakers. My standard J2 was good, but this is better.
There's more to a DAC than just using the latest and greatest DAC chips. Power supply, filtering and analog sections can make or break the end sound of a D to A converter regardless of the DAC chip sets being used.
You are not wrong - Geno works hard to get the circuits right. Has the boards independently tested by 3rd party engineering labs and then soft launches to a few people to work all the bugs out if any. Great measurements.
Thank you for your review! I ordered the J2 with the USB and you gave me some great feedback on how to get the best experience from it. I’m getting the AKM4499 chip with Sparkos op-amps. What are your thoughts on using a balanced output connection out from the J2 to my integrated amp to RCA, using a combination connection since my current amp doesn’t have balanced inputs.
Great!I've got Surface 5th Gen and i am so eager to purchase the AKM version of this DAC and do tests from different sources.Macboo,Desktop PC and Surface :)))). And then i will try linear power supply as well...What else to improve the sound?Oh i need XLR to RCA cables since i don't have XLR inputs on my preamp and my power amp.I am a vintage guy :)))
Great information, thank you. What about the 3 types of chips to choose does it matter?
Hello, what kind of desktop setup were you running this on? To me it sounds like the motherboard on your desktop wasn’t doing as well handling the J2 compared to the Schiit. Did you try this with a high power gaming pc, or was this just a normal everyday desktop you tested it with? I ordered the J2 for my gaming setup and looking at how it compares to others. I’d seen other people compare it to the bifrost, so I’m suprised it doesn’t blow away the modius.
I wonder if the Modi Multibit 2 at 299 would outperform the Giselli
Would be a fun alternative to the bifrost
I own one and it is awesome.
Hi, how would you compare the J2 to the Topping D30 Pro? They come to a pretty close price right now.
I wish they would make one without the SLR outputs
Question.. Using the J2 or Modius in a 2 channel system with my Android phone via USB.. Will the Modius be the better option?
Another great review. Thanks for this. I would save the 50 spot and just go S/PDIF, myself. And I would definitely go balanced. Because balanced is better. YES IT IS! I already hear you arguin, dude! Forget about it! Balanced is better. We'll just agree to disagree on that one. LOL!
That said, thanks again for this review. Geshelli Labs needs to get more love, man. They make great stuff. "See" you in the next one.
I always spend extra to get a USB module. I've never needed it on any DAC, but I'm always afraid that the one time I don't get the USB, I'll need it down the line.
I'm sure I've wasted a bunch on upgrading to unused USBs.
@@rumblerumble2276 cool thing about Geshelli is you can always send it somewhere down the line and have them upgrade the unit to USB for the same $50!
Was planning on getting the J2 to play off of MacBook and iphone through usb. Do you think these sources would be noisy like a deck top pc was for you?
No. They should be much less noisy than a desktop rig.
I have a McIntosh ma 5200 integrated amp ($4500 retail price) that I connect to my loud speakers. The DAC (32-Bit/192kHz) is good but 2014 technology. Would it make sense to connect this to the McIntosh? Would it improve the sound quality of the songs I steam from Amazon?
I have the same question
I had the same question and decided to try out a DAC for the first time, got a Topping e50 for $170 ($200 reg.) on prime day and noticed a lot more detail in 2 channels out of my Denon AVR-S760H - 7.2 Ch system. In comparison a separate DAC handles it better than the internal DAC of an AVR, now I'm just using an AVR to amplify the 2 channel RCA input of an external DAC. But then I have 14 AWG Oxygen Free pure copper speaker cables going to my speakers (improved the sound by 25% compared to cheap copper clad aluminum) and very resolving HiVi SWANS DIY2.2A front bookshelf speakers on Pangea speaker stands. All that improved the sound quite a bit and allow me to hear differences in various RCA cables, USB cables and DACs. The topping e50 DAC is going back to Amazon unfortunately, as the only way to get great sound out of it is by powering it with a power bank, and that's after also trying a linear power supply for it. If you're selling a product, it needs to be engineered and work it's best out of the box, that's why I'm now considering either Schiit Modi+ or one of these Geshelli DACs. One has to spend $500+ on either Topping/SMSL DAC to get a built in PSU and for them to sound better than Schiit/Geshelli IMHO, I have yet to hear them though ;)
I'd recommend trying one out (Schiit Modi+ should have no USB/power/sound issues), can always return it to Amazon, 30 days in comparison to 15 and maybe a restocking fee direct form Schiit
Hey Wave quick question, do you think the Schiit Jot 2 would sit nicely on-top of this JNOG2 with the aluminum casing? Thx.
Hmmm...I'm a bit skeptical. Check the dimensions on each web page.
@@wavetheorysound I'll check the dimensions, thx!
Can you tell me what dac chip is in the j2 you tested? They offer 3 on their web site and im trying to decide on one of them.
ESS
@@wavetheorysound thanks
What about an spdif out on a pc? Is that going to have the same disadvantage as using USB out on the same pc?
You won't get ground loop noise from an optical spdif output, but you might if there is a coax. The tricky part with most PC optical outs is the conversion from electron-based signals to light-based signals is often done with really cheap parts that can miss data. However, I still use the optical out on my mobo for web broswers and system sounds frequently, it still sounds pretty good.
Curious if this would be good alternative to internal AVR DAC if one only uses AVR's for audio music?
I had the same question and decided to try out a DAC for the first time, got a Topping e50 for $170 ($200 reg.) on prime day and noticed a lot more detail in 2 channels out of my Denon AVR-S760H - 7.2 Ch system. In comparison a separate DAC handles it better than the internal DAC of an AVR, now I'm just using an AVR to amplify the 2 channel RCA input of an external DAC. But then I have 14 AWG Oxygen Free pure copper speaker cables going to my speakers (improved the sound by 25% compared to cheap copper clad aluminum) and very resolving HiVi SWANS DIY2.2A front bookshelf speakers on Pangea speaker stands. All that improved the sound quite a bit and allow me to hear differences in various RCA cables, USB cables and DACs. The topping e50 DAC is going back to Amazon unfortunately, as the only way to get great sound out of it is by powering it with a power bank, and that's after also trying a linear power supply for it. If you're selling a product, it needs to be engineered and work it's best out of the box, that's why I'm now considering either Schiit Modi+ or one of these Geshelli DACs. One has to spend $500+ on either Topping/SMSL DAC to get a built in PSU and for them to sound better than Schiit/Geshelli IMHO, I have yet to hear them though ;)
I'd recommend trying one out (Schiit Modi+ should have no USB/power/sound issues), can always return it to Amazon, 30 days in comparison to 15 and maybe a restocking fee direct form Schiit
@@IvanITpro Nice test! The key thing to remember is when doing a comparison is the volume of each device. In addition only use one or two songs for your test. Songs too will have volume deviation. One can easily be fooled that a device sounds better if the volume is louder. It took me a week to go back and forth between my AVR 850 and the SU-10 doing the best I could with volume matching. I was told a test like this is best with measuring output of each device. I didn't want to go to that extent. Volume matching the best I could with a Db meter I found the SU-10 sounded better. However, I couldn't justify the expense of $900 for an external DAC compared to the circuit in my Arcam AVR 850 which was pretty darn close and also offers far more features than just a stereo DAC. Thus I sent my SU10 back. I will be upgrading my AVR 850 for the next Gen Arcam AVRs coming out later this year. I was told huge improvements at all levels forthcoming by Arcam which I am a huge fan of their audio capabilities.
how did you clean up the USB source if you are going to use J2 USB input?
It can be a challenge. The best bet is to use the cleanest sources possible. A battery-powered laptop is better than a large desktop PC. Phones and tablets are good. A DAP used as a transport is the best bet. If you need to use a desktop PC or a laptop on AC power you can try cleaners like the iFi iPurifier. I've not had particularly great results with that on my system but ymmv.
Things have come full circle - the J2 now is available with the AKM chip again - and it sounds *wonderful*. I think the *output* is 12V 2.1A - the input of the PS is 120V 0.5A, I think?
Will you recommend me that DAC?I don't wanna spend 2k on something and be disappointed.I wanted to buy Gustard R26, but Geshelli seems a good choice.
@@beslemeto I have not heard the Gustard R26, but by all accounts it is wonderful.
Yes, I love love love the Geshelli J2 AKM. I use it with a linear power supply, and it is elevated to another level, so to speak. I have used a Denafrips Area II and a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - and the J2 AKM beats them both at their strengths.
I am not looking for an "upgrade" - this DAC is as close to perfect as I can imagine.
@@NeilBlanchard Thanks for the respond sir!I hope it will give me dimensional and sweet sound without being too harsh and thin sounding.I will go for Geshelli :))
@@beslemeto Oh it is all of those things!
Hello!
What linear power supply are you using with you J2?
Thanks!
Will this work to get 24/192 from Apple Music?
If you connect via spdif it should work fine. For usb I'd double check that that Amanero usb has Mac or iOS drivers
Was this made with a phone? It's pretty impressive but for a few more bucks and a little more craft -- in particular a cheap lapel mic and some audio shaping in post -- you could be one of the big YT audio reviewers. Not trolling, no offense intended, but an audio equipment review with bad sound is a little bit like Sideshow Bob using the Springfield Jumbotron to declare his war on television. :D
It has gotten better. I knew next to nothing about video production coming into this and it's been a work in progress. But recent videos have looked and sounded much better.
@@wavetheorysound Good on 'ya! The more reviews are out there, the more information people have with which to make an informed choice! :-)
Let us not continue to refer to Gesellschaft labs as a “MOM & pop shop” their product challenge the technology of compeating Audiophile manufacturers. They are not the only company using a wall wart for power!
...And what can I expect when using the J2 with linux USB?
Can't say. I'm not a linux user. However, I think the general trend of the busier and more electrically chaotic the device (like a desktop PC) the more the J2's USB will struggle will likely still hold true.
@@wavetheorysound USB or Coaxial gives better sound quality?
how can a dac or an amp give a bigger sound stage? how can a clean sound give you a bigger sound stage? it makes zero sense bc the headphones give you sound stage
You should investigate more before you say something like that. Try a nice speaker setup with different Amps , DACs and your world will change. Headphones are a very limited way of experiencing music.
@@tango_gru Exactly! My soundstage disappears when I put headphones on, but speakers are a 3 dimensional sound experience.
Output watts sir?
12V x 2.1A = 25W input power. It's not an amp, doesn't output watts, just volts on RCA/XLR output signals..
Ok dac.
The shiit is $250.
$229
deal breaker for me is dont charge me for usb .bad move i wont buy one untill they include usb free .its a rip off you can get a dac as good for 200.00 with usb .most decent cheap dacs have usb .so you buy the look more than anything else are they better than cheaper schiit or fx not really so much HYPE thanks for the review
So you'll listen to other DACs that cost less than $1000 with a USB and sound like Schiit in comparison to a $250 Gishelli, and you wouldn't pay an extra $50 for a USB module if you needed it? ;)) This is a hand made DAC that outperforms a lot of DACs below $1000, someone physically has to put one together and add a USB module to it in Florida and that's time and labor that's not cheap in US... But yes, there's a lot of cheap Chinese DACs on Amazon that get returned all the time, my $200 Topping e50 with USB is going back!
You should never pay more than $250ish on a regular delta sigma DAC. Get a Topping E50 or Schiit Modius and call it a day.
What is a "regular" DS dac?
@@wavetheorysound A non-FPGA delta sigma, so like a non-Chord delta sigma ;) I think it’s worth spending more on a DAC if it’s multibit or R2R or an FPGA approach or if it’s hardware balanced
SMSL would beg to differ with you offering their $900 SU-10.
Topping e50 DAC is going back to Amazon unfortunately, as the only way to get good sound out of it is by powering it with a power bank, and that's after also trying a linear power supply for it. If you're selling a product, it needs to be engineered and work it's best out of the box, that's why I'm now considering either Schiit Modi+ or one of these Geshelli DACs. One has to spend $500+ on either Topping/SMSL DAC to get a built in PSU and for them to sound better than Schiit/Geshelli IMHO, I have yet to hear them though ;)