OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS | AMP+DACS
THE ELEMENT
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 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 rear 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 5
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SECTION 2
CONFIGURATION
CONNECTIVITY
The Element accepts two methods of audio input: Digital input via USB, or
Analog input via RCA jacks.
Connecting an RCA cable mechanically bypasses the integrated DAC, so that
the amplifier only plays audio from your external source.
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.
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AUTOMATIC DAC LINE-OUTPUT
FUNCTIONALITY
Feature available on customized Elements only! Refer to your order for available features.
ELEMENT TURNED ON ELEMENT TURNED OFF
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
USB
INPUT
Automatic DAC Line-Output allows you to toggle between
headphones and powered speakers simply by pressing
the power button.
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES
SPEAKERS
MUTE
USB
INPUT
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
ANALOG INPUT FUNCTIONALITY
Feature available on customized Elements only! Refer to your order for available features.
HEADPHONES
MUTE
AUDIO TO
SPEAKERS
RCA CABLES CONNECTED RCA CABLES DISCONNECTED
EXTERNAL
AUDIO
USB
INPUT
Analog Input allows you to connect any external audio player to the
Element’s headphone amplifier. Connecting an external audio
immediately bypasses the Element’s DAC.
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
DAC
NOT USED
EXTERNAL
AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES
USB
INPUT
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
DAC
NOT USED
DAC AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES
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LINE-IN + A UTO LINE-OUT
FUNCTIONALITY
Feature available on customized Elements only! Refer to your order for available features.
RCA INPUTS DISCONNECTED
ELEMENT TURNED ON
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
USB
INPUT
EXTERNAL
AUDIO
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
NOT USED
AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES
SPEAKERS
MUTE
RCA INPUTS CONNECTED
ELEMENT TURNED OFF
USB
INPUT
EXTERNAL
AUDIO
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
NOT USED
HEADPHONES
MUTE
AUDIO TO
SPEAKERS
ELEMENT TURNED ON
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
EXTERNAL
AUDIO
USB
INPUT
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
NOT USED
AUDIO TO
HEADPHONES
SPEAKERS
MUTE
ELEMENT TURNED OFF
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
EXTERNAL
AUDIO
USB
INPUT
RCA JACKS
(LINE-INPUT)
DAC
RCA JACKS
(LINE-OUTPUT)
NOT USED
HEADPHONES
MUTE
AUDIO TO
SPEAKERS
This configuration adds a second set of RCA jacks to the Element, allowing you to listen via USB audio or from an external audio player. Audio passes
to the line-output jacks when the Element is off and toggles instantly to your headphones when the Element is powered on.
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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.
The Element 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.
OPERATING CARE
The Element uses a high current
power supply and runs warm to the
touch. Avoid covering the top and rear
sides.
Do not lift amplifier by knob, or turn
knob beyond its limits.
The Element can be safely powered on
24/7. For maximum relay lifespan, cycle
power at least once per month.
Use gentle force when inserting or
removing cables.
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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 - Right click
volume icon in taskbar, click
Playback Devices, set JDS Labs
Desktop DAC as default device.
Suggested Properties (Right click JDS
Labs Desktop DAC “Speakers” icon):
y Enhancements: Check
“Disable all
enhancements”
y Advanced: See Listening
Tips
Mac OS X - Ensure JDS Labs Desktop
DAC is selected from Audio Devices
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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: Please see Power Adapters section
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 Element:
Type: AC-to-AC Transformer Output Voltage: 16 VAC
Current: Minimum 1000mA Connector: 2.1x55.mm (ID x OD)
JDSLABS.COM 8
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 9
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