JDS Labs ATOM AMP Operating Instructions Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS | AMPLIFIER

ATOM AMP

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SECTION 1

QUICK SETUP

STEP 01

Connect AC power adapter to rear power jack,
then connect power adapter to wall outlet.

STEP 02

Connect a cable from your audio player to the
RCA or 3.5mm input jack. Press the front
“INPUT” button to select 3.5mm input, or
depress to select RCA.

STEP 03 STEP 04

Turn the volum knob clockwise to power on.Connect headphones to the front headphone

output jack.

STEP 05

Slowly raise the volume knob to an
approporiate listening level.

See “Listening Tips” on pg. 5.

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SECTION 2

CONFIGURATION

Connectivity

Atom Amp provides two inputs. Press the “INPUT” button to select 3. 5mm, or depress for RCA.

RCA Preamp Outputs are only active while headphones are unplugged. Set the “GAIN” button
to low gain (depressed) when using RCA output. The volume knob adjusts RCA output.

Gain Setting VRMS (dBU)

Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (High Gain):

Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (Low Gain):

2.10 VRMS (+8.6 dBU)

8.65 VRMS (+20.1 dBU)

Setting Gain

Press the gain button to toggle between low or high gain amplication. Always use the lowest

gain necessary.

Switch to high gain only when you’re unable to achieve desired listening volume at low gain.

Source Safety

Atom Amp is DC coupled for maximum signal quality and requires an input source with <

4.5mV of DC oset for safe operation. All JDS Labs DACs and consumer audio sources are safe

to use.

If you experience warm headphones, a loud pop when changing gain, or severe rustling sounds

while adjusting volume, immediately power o and contact the manufacturer of your audio
source to ensure DC oset is below 4mV.

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Preamp-output functionality

HEADPHONES
MUTE

HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER

AUDIO TO
SPEAKERS

EXTERNAL
AUDIO

INPUT JACKS

(RCA or 3.5mm)

RCA JACKS

(OUTPUT)

Headphones Connected

HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER

EXTERNAL
AUDIO

RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)

RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)

Headphones Disconnected

AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES

SPEAKERS
MUTE

The volume knob adjusts RCA preamp output. Use Low Gain. Be sure to
reduce volume level before connecting headphones

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Inputs vs. Outputs

Your audio sources connect to your amp’s
Input. These are common audio sources.

Input

Listening Tips

Listen safely to conserve your hearing:

www.hearingloss.org

Your headphones or speakers connect to
your amp’s output.

Output

To ensure an optimal noise oor,
always position headphone ampliers as

far away as possible from wireless devices.

Operating Care

Atom Amp uses a high current, linear
power supply and runs warm to the touch.

Do not turn knob beyond its limits or
press buttons with excessive force.

Atom Amp can be safely powered on 24/7.

Use gentle force when inserting or
removing cables.

Troubleshooting

Amplier does not turn on

Cause: Disconnected, damaged, or incorrect power adapter
Solution: Please ensure AC adapter is rmly connected to power jack and wall outlet

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Amplier does not turn on

Cause: Disconnected, damaged, or incorrect power adapter
Solution: Please ensure AC adapter is rmly connected to power jack and wall outlet

Amplier does not turn o (light remains on)

Cause: On rare occasion, mechanical relays can stick. Most common after shipment
Solution: Firmly knock top left corner of enclosure, near power jack, to disengage

No sound, but light is on

Cause: Wrong input mode selected, or cable/source problem
Solution: Input button must be depressed for RCA input, or pressed for 3.5mm input

Audio plays in only one channel

Cause: Bad cable or adapter, or incorrect source setup
Solution: Try another input cable, and headphones with a native 1/4” connector

For more help, please visit: www.jdslabs.com/troubleshooting

POWER ADAPTERS

Attention: Incorrect power adapters can result in capacitor
explosion hazards and device damage. Only use the power adapter
included with your Atom Amp:

Type: AC-to-AC Transformer Output Voltage: 16 VAC

Current: Minimum 1000mA Connector: 2.1x5.5mm (ID x OD)

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Application for Council Directives 2004/108/EC, 2006/95/EC, 2002/95/
EC.Conformity declared for EN55022:2011, EN611000-3-2, EN61000-3-3,
EN55024-2

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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