JDS Labs Element IV

JDS Labs Element IV

The JDS Labs Element IV is a complete redesign of the company's flagship amp/DAC, designed to deliver an effortless and refined listening experience. Built on third-generation XMOS hardware and equipped with a precise optical encoder, the Element IV delivers perfect channel balance down to the noise floor. Automatic gain adjustment eliminates the need for manual switching, while a sleek, auto-dimming display shows only the essential information when users switch between USB and optical inputs or headphone and preamp outputs.

The device also integrates seamlessly with Core™, JDS Labs' new web app, which allows users to intuitively adjust 12-band parametric EQ and other settings. All adjustments are stored directly on the device, so profiles and presets are retained across rooms, PCs or consoles. Designed and built in the USA, the Element IV combines precision engineering with ease of use.

Key Features

3.2W Power

With tetradeca output buffers delivering more than 3200mW per channel, the Element IV offers distortion-free power that can drive any headphone-from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar magnetics.

Parametric EQ with Core™

The custom DSP engine supports up to 12 bands of real-time parametric EQ, easily managed via the Core web app. Settings are stored internally, without downloads or drivers, and remain available wherever the Element IV is used.

Automatic Gain Control

The Element IV eliminates guesswork by automatically switching between low and high gain at the right time, compensating the volume level for a smooth transition.

Perfect Channel Balance

Designed for accuracy, the Element IV maintains audibly perfect channel balance down to -127.5 dBFS, ensuring precise soundstaging and imaging.

Pre-amplifier outputs

Preamp outputs allow direct volume control of active speakers. Users can switch between headphones and speakers at the touch of a button, saving independent volume levels and EQ profiles for each mode.

Customizable Operation

The tactile volume knob switches between outputs by default, but can be completely reconfigured via Core.

OLED display + Gorilla Glass

A subtle OLED display shows status information only during interaction and then extinguishes to minimize distractions. Protected by tinted Gorilla Glass, it is both durable and stylish.

DC Protection & Safety

The Element IV uses proven analog DC detection, failsafe relay dampers and continuous system monitoring to protect headphones and prevent pops and ticks at startup.

USB Type-C Connectivity

The USB Type-C input supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, with ASIO and DSD compatibility. Full EQ functionality is available up to 192kHz, with two-band EQ at higher sample rates.

UAC2 or UAC1 mode

Users can switch between UAC2 and UAC1 for compatibility with modern PCs, older operating systems and consoles such as the PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

Precision Optical Encoder

The second-generation discrete optical encoder features a reinforced steel shaft and 50% more fins for faster, smoother knob response. With a lifetime of millions of rotations, it offers unmatched durability and tactile feedback.

Robust Power Design

The amplifier and DAC are driven by an isolated external AC transformer, supported by 13 precision controls. Ultra-low-noise rails and mains power isolation ensure stable voltage and a pristine signal path.