JDS Labs ELEMENT IV

SUPPORT

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 03: Connect headphones to the front headphone output jack.

STEP 04: Pressing the Power button turns Element on or off.

STEP 05: Slowly raise the volume knob to an appropriate listening level. See Listening Tips on page 7.

Pressing the volume knob toggles between USB and Optical input.

Please see Connectivity and Computer Setup for additional help.

SECTION 2: CONFIGURATION

Automatic Gain

Element IV handles audio logic for a blissful experience, automatically toggling the optimal gain state as you adjust volume. No thought is required on your part. Enjoy!

Low Gain is always active at volume levels from -127.5 to 0 dBFS. Continuing to turn the knob beyond 0 dB presents an on-screen progress bar, signifying a pending transition to High Gain. Element IV automatically adjusts volume for a pleasant transition between gain states. You will see an effective volume range of 0 to 14 dB in High Gain.

Please observe safe listening habits under Listening Tips. Typical listening levels range from -50 dB to -20 dB for most dynamic and planar headphones, depending on your music collection and preferences. For IEMs, expect to listen below -50 dBFS.

Display

Element IV displays status information while you interact, then vanishes so that your focus remains on listening.

The display shows: Input Mode (e.g., USB), Stream Format (e.g., PCM @ 48.0kHz), Sampling Rate, Volume (e.g., VOL -26.0dB), Headphone status (e.g., HEADPHONE @ LOW GAIN), DSP status (e.g., DSP ACTIVE), Output Mode, and Current Gain.

SECTION 3: OPTIONS MENU

Settings

Press the Volume Knob for 3+ seconds to enter the Options Menu. Turn the knob to navigate up/down the options menu. Push the knob to make a selection.

For best experience, we recommend adjusting settings through Core. You will find up-to-date descriptions of each option and feature within Core.

Core™

Core provides access to every setting available in Element IV, including graphical control of its 10-band parametric EQ. Visit core.jdslabs.com from a supported desktop browser:

• Chrome
• Edge
• Opera
• Brave
• Firefox with WebSerial for Firefox

Connectivity

Inputs

Element IV accepts digital input via USB or S/PDIF (optical). Press the rear mode button to toggle between USB or optical input.

Outputs

Element IV provides headphone output and RCA Preamp Outputs. Press the tactile Volume knob button to toggle between output modes. Only one output is active at a time. Volume is adjustable in either mode, and saved to memory for easy transitions.

Pressing an input or output button displays the current mode on the screen.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT MODE: Digital Input connects to DAC, which outputs to Headphone Amplifier, sending Audio to Headphones. RCA Jacks (Line-Output) are available, with an option for Speakers Mute.

RCA OUTPUT MODE: USB Input connects to DAC, which outputs to Headphone Amplifier (with Headphones Mute option). RCA Jacks (Line-Output) connect to Speakers, with an option for Audio to Speakers.

USB Cables

Element IV ships with a 3ft (1m) USB Type C to A cable equipped with a ferrite core for optimal jitter and noise rejection.

Longer cables can be used, but may increase jitter or compromise connection quality. If you must use a longer USB cable, we strongly encourage the following practices:

1. Transfer the detachable ferrite from your JDS Labs cable to your new cable. Use the exact same position on the new cable.
2. For runs longer than 6ft, use a USB hub or Synapse and two shorter cables (one 6ft cable to the hub, and the other 6ft cable to your DAC).

Listening Tips & Operating Care

Listening Tips

Set sampling rate to the highest integer multiple of your music collection. For example, use 192kHz for a collection of 48k and 192k audio files. Common streaming services and games tend to use 48kHz audio. Alternatively, you may install the optional XMOS drivers in Win 10/11 and use an ASIO capable app to achieve bitperfect sampling rate changes. Active sampling rate is displayed on Element IV's screen.

By default, Element IV disables host operating volume controls for maximum fidelity and plentiful D/A headroom. Note: Win 10/11 may still permit system level volume adjustments.

Element IV can amplify headphones to dangerously loud audio. Listen safely to conserve your hearing: www.hearingloss.org

Operating Care

Element IV uses a high current power supply and runs warm to the touch. Avoid covering the top and sides.

Element IV can be safely powered on 24/7, or you may power down.

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

SECTION 4: SETUP

Computer Setup

Element IV requires no drivers in Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, and modern versions of iOS or Android. You may optionally download drivers for Windows at jdslabs.com/drivers to enable all bitrates, adjust Buffer Length (latency), and to enable an ASIO endpoint. Be sure to select your new DAC as the default playback device:

Windows 10/11

1. Right click the volume icon in your taskbar: Open Sound Setting â→ Sound Control Panel.
2. Click on JDS Labs Element IV and then choose Set Default.

Please refer to Listening Tips on the previous page for optimal settings. For Windows 11, we recommend setting sampling rate to 192 kHz.

macOS

Ensure JDS Labs Element IV is selected from Audio Devices.

Troubleshooting

Power Adapters

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

Compliance

This device complies with 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.