Best Dac Amps · head-to-head

Schiit Magni Unity vs JDS Labs Element IV

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Schiit Magni Unity is cheaper at $119. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Schiit Magni Unity or JDS Labs Element IV?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Schiit Magni Unity is the cheaper at $119.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Schiit Magni Unity JDS Labs Element IV
US price $119 $549
BrandSchiit AudioJDS Labs
Released
Form factor desktop desktop
Dac chip ES9018K2M
Max pcm (kHz) 384
Max dsd DSD128
Max power mw 2500 3200
Snr (dB) 122 120
Thdn percent 0.0001 0.00025
Balanced output No No
Headphone jacks 6.35mm 6.35mm
Digital inputs USB-C/optical
Weight grams 570

Sources — Schiit Magni Unity: schiit.com (verified 2026-07-11). JDS Labs Element IV: jdslabs.com (verified 2026-07-11).

What's the difference between the Schiit Magni Unity and JDS Labs Element IV?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Max power mw: Schiit Magni Unity 2500 vs JDS Labs Element IV 3200
  • Snr (dB): Schiit Magni Unity 122 vs JDS Labs Element IV 120
  • Thdn percent: Schiit Magni Unity 0.0001 vs JDS Labs Element IV 0.00025

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