JDS Labs OBJECTIVE2+ODAC REVB Operating Instructions Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS | AMP+DACS

OBJECTIVE2+ODAC REVB

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SECTION 1

QUICK SETUP

STEP 01

Connect included 15VAC adapter to
power jack, then connect adapter to
wall outlet

STEP 02

Connect USB cable between your
computer and the USB jack

STEP O3 STEP O4

Connect headphones to the front
Headphone output jack

Press the Power button on the front,
left side of the amplifier. Keep volume
low until music is playing

STEP 05

Slowly raise the volume knob to an
appropriate listening level.

See listening tips on page 6

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SECTION 2

CONFIGURATION

CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity described below applies to JDS Labs Objective2+ODACs manufactured
beyond December 2017. Please refer to your specific order for exact functionality.

LISTEN TO HEADPHONES VIA USB DAC INPUT

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER: In use FRONT

Connect headphones
Do not connect right, 3.5mm input

DAC: In use REAR

Connect USB input

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LISTEN TO HEADPHONES VIA ANALOG INPUT

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER: In use FRONT

Connect Headphones
Connect source to right, 3.5mm input

DAC: Bypassed REAR

Optionally connect USB cable

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LISTEN TO EXTERNAL SPEAKERS OR AMPLIFIER VIA

USB DAC INPUT

Your O2+ODAC must be equipped with “Dedicated DAC line-output”

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER: Bypassed FRONT

Move headphones to right 3.5mm jack
to bypass amplifier and mute head­phones. This connection is important
for optimal line-output performance!

DAC: In use REAR

Connect external speakers or amplifier
to the rear, dedicated 3.5mm or RCA
line-output.

Line-output volume may be adjusted at
your receiving amplifier or from your
PC. Disconnect rear output when using
headphones.

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SETTING GAIN

Press the gain button (right of volume knob) 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.

INCLUDED ITEMS

-Objective2+ODAC

-15VAC Adapter

-3 ft. USB Cable

LISTENING TIPS

For maximum signal fidelity, set the
DAC to 24-bit audio and adjust digital
volume slightly below 100% at your
computer. Only control volume from
the amplifier.

Objective2+ODAC can amplify
headphones to dangerously loud audio.
Listen safely to conserve your hearing:

www.hearingloss.org

Set sampling frequency to match the
majority of your music (i.e., use 44100
Hz for 44.1kHz music).

To ensure an optimal noise floor,
always position headphone amplifiers
as far away as possible from wireless
devices.

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SECTION 3

SETUP

COMPUTER SETUP

The Element requires no drivers in Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. Most
operating systems immediately recognize and set the DAC as the default
playback device. To manually select the playback device in:

Windows Vista/7/8/10 - Right click
volume icon in taskbar, click
Playback Devices, set ODAC RevB as
default device.
Suggested Properties (Right click
ODAC RevB “Speakers” icon):

y Enhancements: Check

“Disable all
enhancements”

y Advanced: See Listening

Tips

Mac OS X - Ensure ODAC RevB is
selected from Audio Devices

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Objective2 does not turn on, or power LED is on but output is silent

Cause: Wrong or missing power adapter
Solution: Connect proper AC adapter

Distortion at high gain

Cause: Objective2 ‘s volume control resides between its input and output stages.

Some headphones can overdrive the Objective2’s input stage. Refer to NwAvGuy’s
blog for thorough explanation.

Solution: Use low gain or reduce DAC volume at computer.

No sound in one channel

Cause: Bad output cable, or incorrect computer settings
Solution: Check balance settings; try another output cable. Some Mac OS X systems

will pan audio to Left channel upon first connection of ODAC. User must restore
balance to center.

Distorted output or “harsh” treble (constant or intermittent)

Cause: Weak USB power, or bad USB cable
Solution: Use a powered USB hub or different computer; try another USB cable

POWER ADAPTERS

ATTENTION: Incorrect power adapters can result in capacitor
explosion hazards and device damage. Only use the power
adapter included with your O2+ODAC:

Type: AC-to-AC Transformer Output Voltage: 15VAC

Current: Minimum 500mA Connector: 2.1x55.mm (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, EN61000-3­3, 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.

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