
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS | AMPLIFIER
EL AMP
SUPPORT
ONLINE BY PHONE BY MAIL
CONTACT@JDSLABS.COM
JDSLABS.COM/SUPPORT
314-252-0936
9:30AM-6PM CST,
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
909 N BLUFF RD
COLLINSVILLE, IL 62234
UNITED STATES

SECTION 1
QUICK SETUP
STEP 01
Connect AC power adapter to
rear power jack (16VAC), then
connect to wall outlet.
STEP 03
Connect headphones to the front
headphone output jack.
STEP 05
STEP 02
Connect a cable from your audio
player to the RCA Input jacks.
STEP 04
Press the power button on the rear
side of the amplifier. Keep volume
low until music is playing.
Slowly raise the volume knob to an
appropriate listening level.
See listening tips on page 5
JDSLABS.COM 2

SECTION 2
CONFIGURATION
CONNECTIVITY
EL AMP accepts analog input via RCA jacks.
RCA Line Output jacks are active while the amplifier is turned off, and automatically
mute when the amplifier is turned on.
Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (High Gain):
Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (Low Gain):
2.06 VRMS (+8.5 dBU)
9.93 VRMS (+22.5 dBU)
SETTING GAIN
Press the gain button to toggle between low or high gain amplification. Always use
the lowest gain necessary.
Switch to high gain only when you’re unable to achieve desired listening volume at
low gain.
JDSLABS.COM 3

LISTENING TIPS
Listen safely to conserve your hearing:
www.hearingloss.org
OPERATING CARE
EL AMP uses a high current
power supply and runs warm to the
touch. Avoid covering the top and rear
sides.
To ensure an optimal noise floor,
always position audio equipment as far
away as possible from wireless devices.
The Element can be safely powered on
24/7. For maximum relay lifespan, cycle
power at least once per month.
Do not lift amplifier by knob, or turn
knob beyond its limits.
Use gentle force when inserting or
removing cables.
JDSLABS.COM 5

TROUBLESHOOTING
Amplifier does not turn on
Cause: Missing or loose power adapter connection
Solution: Firmly connect AC adapter to 16VAC power jack
Internal LED flashes, then turns off
Cause: Wrong power adapter detected
Solution: See Power Adapters section below
No sound in one channel
Cause: Bad cable, or incorrect computer settings
Solution: Check balance settings; try another headphone or RCA cable.
Some Mac OS X systems will pan audio to the Left channel upon initial
connection of a DAC. User must restore balance to center.
POWER ADAPTERS
ATTENTION: Incorrect power adapters can result in capacitor
explosion hazards and device damage. Only use the power
adapter included with your EL DAC:
Type: AC-to-AC Transformer Output Voltage: 16 VAC
Current: Minimum 1000mA Connector: 2.1x55.mm (ID x OD)
JDSLABS.COM 6

Application for Council Directives 2004/108/EC, 2006/95/EC, 2002/95/
EC.Conformity declared for EN55022:2011, EN611000-3-2, EN61000-33, 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.
JDSLABS.COM 7