JDS Labs Element IV
JDS Labs Element IV
A compact, high power audio interface with parametric eq and a high quality build: The best value in its category, the Element IV.
JDS Labs Element IV
Desktop DAC/headphone amp with Auto Gain, Parametric EQ & preamp outputs
Element IV is a major upgrade over the already excellent Element III—more features, more power. You’ll struggle to find a headphone it can’t drive properly, and with a fully parametric EQ, adjustable built-in jitter compensation, and more, you’ll also struggle to make it sound anything but great.
Features
Auto Gain
3.2 watts into 32 ohms. More capable than the previous “boosted” version—eliminating the need for two variants. With multiple gain stages, you can still run sensitive IEMs without audible noise floor.
Perfect channel matching
Element IV delivers audibly perfect channel balance all the way down to -127.5 dBFS. You’ll immediately hear—and appreciate—the precision of the soundstage.
OLED display & settings
An OLED screen briefly shows status info while you interact, then turns off to minimise distractions. The options menu lets you adjust OLED and backlight behaviour, DAC filters, and more.
Exceptional performance
The rail-to-rail output stage provides extra headroom with no distortion penalty at high gain versus low gain listening. With +/-15VDC rails and continuous clean power, Element IV drives virtually any headphone—from balanced armature IEMs to planar drivers.
Preamp outputs
Variable RCA preamp outputs let you control active speakers. Preamp volume is managed independently from the headphone output and can be switched quickly.
Input/output selection
Press the tactile volume knob to select USB or optical input, or use the Mode button to toggle between headphones and active speakers. No cable swapping required.
Relay muting & safety
Built for desktop use, Element IV includes relay muting to eliminate pops and thumps on power-up—on both headphone and preamp outputs. For extra safety, two independent processors continuously monitor internal communication and verify ESS DAC volume.
Parametric EQ
The CORE web app lets you control all device settings from a much more comfortable interface than a single knob and tiny display. Plus, the fully parametric EQ can suit nearly any preference and make most headphones sound their best.
USB Audio Class 2 – PCM & DSD
Supports up to 32/384kHz PCM and DSD128 via our 2nd-gen XMOS XU208 engine. While we don’t claim measurable superiority at high sample rates, UAC2 with an ASIO endpoint supports your pursuit of high-fidelity audio.
Power isolation
The amplifier and DAC are powered 100% by an external AC transformer. Thirteen regulators maintain constant rail voltage, extremely low ripple, and strong isolation from mains noise.
Review
“I think JDS has done a fantastic job. From build, to features, to objective and subjective performance, this device checks all the boxes. (...) If you're in the market for a desktop source for headphones, right now, for under 1000$, the Element IV is the one to beat.”
Technical Specifications
Performance
| Frequency Response | 20–20 kHz, +/- 0.1 dB |
| SINAD, 1 kHz (Low Gain) | 117 dB1 |
| SINAD, 1 kHz (High Gain) | 118 dB |
| THD+N Sweep 20–20 kHz | < 0.00025 % |
| IMD CCIF 19/20 kHz, -6 dBFS | -118 dB |
| IMD SMPTE @ -20 dBFS | -95 dBFS |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 120 dB |
| Noise (Low Gain) | 2 µV |
| Dynamic Range (A-Weighted) | 123 dB |
| Linearity @ -90 dBFS | +/- 0.02 dB |
| Crosstalk @ 0 dBFS, 100 kΩ RCA | -127 dB |
| Jitter Components – USB @ 12 kHz, DPLL 7 | -126 dB |
| Channel Balance, -∞ to 0 dBFS | +/- 0.01 dB |
| Output Impedance | < 1 Ω |
| Max Continuous Power @ 600 Ω | 174 mW (10.22 VRMS) |
| Max Continuous Power @ 150 Ω | 692 mW (10.19 VRMS) |
| Max Continuous Power @ 32 Ω | 3.2 W (10.18 VRMS) |
Dimensions & Weight
| Enclosure Dimensions | 5.8 x 5.8 x 1.6 in |
| Weight | 1 lb 4 oz (0.57 kg) |
Data Support
| USB Interface | UAC2 with UAC1 fallback2 |
| Operating Systems | Windows XP/7/8/10/11, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PS5, Nintendo Switch3 |
| USB Sampling Rates | PCM: 16, 24, 32-bit @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 384 kHz; DSD64–1284 |
| S/PDIF (Optical) Sampling Rates | 16–24 bit @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 192 kHz5 |
Connectivity
| Headphone Output | 6.35 mm (1/4")6 |
| Preamp Outputs | RCA |
| Inputs | USB Type C and TOSLINK |
Configuration
| Gain | Auto toggling 1.0x and 5.0x (+14 dB) |
| Volume Attenuation | Discrete encoder, 255 steps |
Notes
- All measurements observed via USB-C @ 48 kHz with Synapse.
- UAC2 or UAC1 can be selected in the options menu.
- Appropriate cables are required for Android and iOS. UAC1 mode must be used with Win XP/7/8, PS4, or PS5.
- 44.1–192 kHz supports 12 EQ bands, and 2 EQ bands are supported beyond 192 kHz.
- Some TOSLINK sources are unable to reliably transmit at 192 kHz.
- 4.4 mm headphone output available upon request, same 3200 mW output. Custom build may delay order by 1–3 days.
Packaged Items
- JDS Labs Element IV
- 17 VAC 1.4 A Power Supply
- USB A to C Cable – 3 ft (1 m)
- JDS Labs Core™
- JDS Labs Core™ for Android
