DAC and headphone amplifier

The JDS Labs Element III MK2 is a high-end headphone amplifier and DAC (digital-to-analog converter) designed for discerning audiophiles and sound engineers. The Element III runs on the new second-generation XMOS hardware and software platform, seamlessly integrated with a proprietary encoder. Left-right balance is perfect and noise floor is infinitely low. Auto-gain lets you focus on listening rather than pushing a button, and an auto-disappearing display shows the essentials as you switch between USB or optical inputs and headphone or preamp outputs. The Element III MK2 improves on the Element series' popular knob with a discrete optical encoder for unmatched feel. JDS Labs added a two-band EQ to adjust bass and treble to your taste, as well as DSD support, selectable DAC filters and more. The Element III MK2 is designed and manufactured in the USA.

Automatic gain

Many users wonder how to adjust the gain. The Element III eliminates this problem by automatically adjusting the gain based on the volume. When you turn the knob past 0 dB, high gain is activated and the volume is compensated for a nearly seamless transition to higher listening levels.

Perfect Left-Right Channel Balance

Element III delivers audibly perfect channel balance down to -127.5 dBFS.

OLED display and options

An OLED display momentarily presents status information as you interact with the device, then turns off to minimize distractions. The Options menu lets you adjust OLED display and LED backlight behaviors, DAC filters, and a host of other things.

Exceptional power

The Element III's rail-to-rail gain stage increases headroom without increasing distortion when listening at high gain. With its +/-15VDC rails and ultra-clean power supply, the Element III is capable of handling any headphone on the market at very high volume levels. And if you think you need even more power, choose the Boosted option!

Preamp outputs

The Element III offers RCA preamp outputs so you can control the volume of your powered speakers. The preamp output volume and headphone volume are separately controlled.

Customizable buttons

The touch-sensitive rotary knob can be assigned to switch between headphones and speakers, or to switch between USB and optical inputs. No more unplugging cables!

Security and relays

Designed for desktop listening, the Element III uses relays to prevent noise from being heard when the device is turned on or off. For added security, the Element III’s two independent processors continuously monitor internal communications and check the volume of the ESS DAC.

Parametric Bass and Treble Equalizer

The latest Element III firmware adds an intelligent 2-band digital EQ: parametric control of these bass and treble boosts is done in parallel with automatic volume and gain optimization. The EQ works in real time with almost zero impact on distortion and fidelity.

USB Audio Class 2 - PCM & DSD

The Element III supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM streams and DSD128 thanks to its second-generation XMOS XU208 engine.

Power supply isolation

The Element III's amplifier and DAC are powered 100% by an external AC transformer. The transformer features 13 regulators and provides constant rail voltage, ultra-low ripple, and high power isolation.

Technical characteristics

• Frequency response 20-20kHz +/- 0.11 dB
• SINAD, 1kHz Low Gain 112.5 dB
• SINAD, 1kHz High Gain 112 dB
• THD+N sweep 20-20kHz < 0.0004%
• IMD CCIF 19/20 kHz -6 dBFS -101 dB
• IMD SMPTE @ -20dBFS -95 dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio 117.7 dB
• Noise level -112 dBV
• Dynamic range (A-weighted) 120 dB
• Linearity error -90 dBFS -0.01 dB
• Crosstalk @ 0 dBFS, 100k RCA -130 dB
• Jitter Components – USB @ 12kHz, DPLL 5 -131 dB
• Jitter Components – S/PDIF @ 12kHz, DPLL 5 -130 dB
• Channel Balance, -∞ to 0 dBFS +/- 0.01 dB
• Output impedance < 0.7 Ω
• Maximum continuous power @ 600 Ω 146 mW (9.37 VRMS)
• Maximum continuous power @ 150 Ω 584 mW (9.36 VRMS)
• Maximum continuous power @ 32 Ω - Standard 1.3 W (6.43 VRMS)
• Maximum continuous power @ 32 Ω - Boosted 2.3W (8.68 VRMS)

Dimensions

• Case dimensions 5.8 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
• Weight 538gr
  

Decoding Capabilities

• UAC2 USB interface with UAC1 fallback
• Operating Systems: Windows XP/7/8/10/11, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PS5, Nintendo Switch
• USB PCM sampling rates: 16, 24, 32-bit @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 384 kHz; DSD64-128
• S/PDIF (Optical) Sampling Rate: 16-24 bits @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 192 kHz.

Connectivity

• Digital inputs: USB Type B and TOSLINK
• Headphone output: 6.35 mm (1/4")
• Preamp outputs: RCA.

Configuration

• Gain: automatic switching 1.0x and 4.73x (+13.5 dB)
• Volume attenuation: discrete encoder, 255 steps.

Box Contents

• JDS Labs Element III MK2
• Power adapter
• USB cable
• User Manual