Introduction

As with Cambridge Audio recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find we had already covered JDS Labs in the past with the Objective2 amplifier and integrated DAC. That review was over eight years ago, and the unit cost $285 at the time. Going to the product page on the JDS Labs website confirms it is indeed discontinued, but what is more interesting is the recommendation for the Element II instead. Isn't that just fitting since we are re-introducing JDS Labs to TechPowerUp readers with the Element II today? Thanks again to the company for sending a review sample to TechPowerUp!


One of the reasons I wanted to get more familiar with JDS Labs is that the brand just keeps getting recommended left and right by audio enthusiasts as well as PC DIY community members. In particular, there's enough love for the customer support of this Illinois, USA-based company for a dedicated page. The new Atom+ DAC and amplifiers are also what many consider among the best value offerings to drive even many demanding headphones and speakers. I do have that set here, but you might have seen the Element II already used in the review of the Audeze LCD-XC, so I decided to start with this integrated unit instead. The photograph above shows off one of the three color options (copper, red, or black) for the over-sized volume wheel that is a prominent feature, with my sample having the red option. We begin the review with a look at the product specifications below. Given there are so many line items, I thought it prudent to use an image from the product page you can click on twice to view the full-size version.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

JDS Labs operates a web shop; however, the Element II came along with a few other things in a large box, so we begin with the product packaging. The product box makes quite a statement in only having a render of the Element II on the front with the photo and logo on it enough to let people know what is inside and who made it. In fact, there is very little to see on even the other side. We get certification information on the back and the company contact information alongside a mention of the exact SKU inside on one of the shorter sides. It is on the longer side that we find out this is a sleeve over a plainer cardboard box, which appears to be shared by the JDS Labs Element Line of products, of which this is the only integrated DAC/amp unit. The inner box can be pushed out of the sleeve, which reveals the company logo, more of the same certification logos on the back, and a motto on the side, where two side flaps also keep the contents inside in place during transit. Opening the box, we see the the contents placed between two foam pieces.


These foam pieces go a long way in ensuring the Element II arrives in perfect condition, being thick enough even with the cutouts to snugly hold the items. This includes some paperwork, where a note reminds the user to head over to this page for more detailed instructions and applicable drivers. The Element II itself comes wrapped in plastic, as does the only other default accessory.


This is a USB cable, which is part of the whole digital-to-analog (DAC) functionality of the Element II. It goes from USB Type-A on the source, such as your PC, to a USB Type-B port that is for the Element II itself. I wish JDS had gone with Type-C connectivity instead, but the provided cable is quite good and has a small cable management trick up its sleeve. The connectors are gold-plated for oxidation resistance, the cable is 1 m long, and there is a TDK ferrite core to help "reject noise and improve jitter performance."


At this point, you might be wondering whether the USB cable will suffice for powering the Element II as well as the devices connected to it, as there is no power cable. Ah, but you see, this is because JDS Labs products tend to be AC powered from the wall since they are not portable-class devices. As such, you need a compatible 16 V AC adapter you get to choose when placing the order, and it comes packaged separately as seen above. I have the UK version here, meaning it is 220 V with a relatively large UK plug even compared to others! It is all sorts of overkill, and I suppose the good thing is that UK plugs tend to be spaced apart to where the size is a non-issue even on a typical extension cord. Actual output isn't a lot at 16 W, so I would like to see an Element III use Type-C connectivity since it can easily provide the power and more—but there is a snag to this idea we will discuss later. The JDS Labs 16 VAC adapter comes in four versions and costs $20, should you needed a spare unit or one for another region.


JDS Labs also included an optional accessory I was not expecting, and it would look quite similar to the default USB cable if it weren't white, also going from Type-A to Type-B. This is a USB audio Class 1 (UAC1) fallback cable. I've touched on the two USB audio classes before, but suffice it to say that most TPU readers with a relatively modern PC will have no issues with USB Class 2 compatibility, which brings with it higher specifications for playback. If you do have a device that can't handle UAC2, then this cable forces UAC1 mode on all JDS Labs DACs. It can be handy when connecting to consoles and some TVs, including the Sony PlayStation PS4/PS5 as well as the Nintendo Switch. This optional cable costs $10, and I am showing it here for those who need it.