The new JDS Labs Atom Phono is more than just a phono preamp, it’s a RIAA phono stage that doubles as a tone control. As the company’s first major move into the phono preamp market, does it measure up?
According to JDS Labs, the Atom Phono is “a strong RIAA phono preamp and clean tone control all in one.”
There are two toggles on the front panel that allow you to enable or bypass both functions, meaning you can run this discreet desktop-friendly box as a phono pre, a EQ, both at the same time, or neither.
Essentially, the Atom Phono incorporates a 2-band equalizer (EQ) for those who want to add a little more bass or top-end sparkle to their listening experience. When the EQ toggle is enabled, the bass and treble can be adjusted using the front panel knobs.
According to JDS Labs, the EQ is a low-noise adaptation of a Baxandall circuit, which can be completely bypassed. They also claim the EQ has no bearing on the phono stage performance when used at the same time.
The phono stage is switchable between 30dB and 40dB of gain making it suitable for use with Moving Magnet phono cartridges. The gain level is controlled using a simple button on the front panel next to the phono toggle switch. On the JDS Labs product page, they state that the Atom Phono achieves “remarkably low noise as a phono preamp, even at high gain.”
Now, I’m not one to geek over specifications, but the Atom Phono lists a signal-to-noise ratio of 89dB. That’s a high-spec; I gather this is A-weighted (so accounting for human hearing sensitivity), but regardless, on paper it’s a great spec. It’ll be interesting to hear how clean the Atom Phono sounds.
There is also no RIAA accuracy specification on the website, so I also look forward to hearing how this sounds compared with the many other phono stages I’ve reviewed. Regardless, specs can be misleading; I like to use my ears.
Another feature worth highlighting is the subsonic filter for preventing low-frequency turntable interference (an essential feature of any great phono stage, in my opinion). This helps protect your speakers from low-frequency rumble while improving audio clarity in the face of any subsonic issues.
Build Quality
The Atom Phono feels well-built and looks really sharp. The controls feel durable compared with many rivals at this pricepoint. The toggle switches have a durable feel to them and the tone control pots feel silky and smooth. I also like the addition of a power toggle on the back, which is handy for power saving.
Listening Tests
For the listening tests, I span The Meters Rejuvenation, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, and The Beatles Abbey Road.
The Atom Phono has a lively, dynamic sound. It has a great sense of timing, particularly in the low end, where I’ve found some of its similarly priced rivals to underperform.
The Atom Phono doesn’t over or underplay any particular area of the frequency spectrum and to me sounds remarkably accurate for a phono stage priced at just $150.
Having reviewed a number of phono preamps on the market, I like to dig out any similarly priced rivals and capture sample recordings of each. For this part of the listening test, I sampled clips of the Schiit Mani 2 (priced the same at $150), the Rega Fono Mini ($199), and the iFi Zen Phono, which is a little more expensive (the latest model costs a little over $300).
For reference, I also sampled the built-in phono stage on my integrated amplifier.
Unsurprisingly, all three phono stages outperformed the built-in version, which, while sounding perfectly adequate, can sound quite flat and 2-dimensional compared with most external phono preamps.
What surprised me was how similar the Atom Phono and the iFi Zen sounded. I regarded the iFi Zen to sound very accurate and remarkably quiet at its pricepoint, so this is an interesting benchmark. It’s worth remembering, though, that the Atomo Phono is a moving magnet only phono stage, whereas the iFi Zen will handle moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
The Mani 2 sounded a little unwieldy and over-energetic in the low-end for my liking, losing the tight, focused sound I was enjoying from the Atom Phono. The Mani 2 is similarly priced, of course and will also handle Moving Coil cartridges.
As for the Rega Fono Mini, I found this to be s omewhere in the middle. It doesn’t suffer from the over-excitable bass like the Mani 2, but it also doesn’t quite have the panache of the Atom Phono.
For such an affordable phono stage, the I was suitably impressed!
Tone Controls
The tone controls on the Atom Phono are a curious addition. The first thing I notice when enabling them is that there is no coloration to the sound when the knobs are left in a neutral position. This is categorically a good thing, as the last thing we want to do is throw off the phono stage accuracy.
What they do, though, for those that have an appetite for it, is put you in the driving seat.
Fancy a little extra bass? You can do that.
Got a record pressing that sound a little dull? Liven it up with a touch more treble.
You can seamlessly switch the EQ on and off while listening to records without any nasty pops coming through your speakers. In an ideal world, this little box would also have a mid-range control, but for most listeners, this is likely enough control.
I tried the tone controls on a copy of The Moody Blues Days of Future Passed; it’s an anniversary re-pressing that sounds like it was recorded under a pillow. By lifting the treble quite significantly and dropping the bass just a bit, I made it sound noticeably more likely. Useful? I think so.
The Bottom Line
JDS Labs have been in the headphone amp and DAC space for a little over a decade. The Atom Phono is there first major step into the vinyl space. For $150 dollars, I think they’ve smashed it out of the park.
It doesn’t offer the array of controls and the support for moving coil seen by some similarly priced competitors, but it more than makes up for it with a less-is-more approach.
Without any bias, I can say categorically that I prefer the sound of this phono stage to the popular Mani 2. That may just be a preference, but I prefer the tighter, more focused bass performance on offer here.
If you only plan on owning a moving magnet phono stage and have a relatively modest budget, I urge you to check out the Atomo Phono. It sounds great, the tone controls are a nice bonus, it’s sturdily built, and it’s one of the better-looking phono pres at this price, too.
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