JDS Labs EL DAC II – Digital-to-Analogue Converter

JDS Labs EL DAC II

JDS Labs designed the Element Line for precision fit and function. With the new and improved EL DAC II, JDS Labs furthers the exceptional performance of its predecessor with relay muting, an XMOS based USB Class 2 engine with MEMS oscillator, transformer-isolated coaxial input, and higher performance optical input. Stack with EL Amp II for single button switching between headphones and speakers.

JDS Labs’ EL DAC II provides pure sound presentation far beyond the standard. Reference level sound output with the lowest possible noise floor and near-zero distortion provide studio-grade analytical listening for the audio enthusiast that seeks pure sound. Externally powered by a perfected supply network with an external AC transformer and 12 linear regulators, the EL DAC II ensures consistent and clean rail voltage without distortion.

To achieve single button switching between headphone and speakers the EL DAC II can be stacked with JDS Labs’ EL Amp. Externally the uncomplicated design consists of one button for front and centre mode selection through a touch-sensitive light ring. The design is flawless and simple, as with all JDS Labs creations.

Supreme connectivity, re-engineered.

 

 

Advanced Processing
Microprocessor controlled relays are standard in EL DAC II so that power up and input mode changes are free of audible transients. EL DAC II’s USB engine is clocked by an SiTime MEMS oscillator with highest frequency stability, delivering pristine jitter.

USB Audio Class 2
EL DAC II supports up to 32/384kHz PCM over a custom XMOS XU208 based UAC2 engine. While JDS Labs claim no measurable superiority of high sampling rates, UAC2 and ASIO support satisfy your pursuit of bit-perfect listening.

Externally Powered
EL DAC II is powered by a perfected supply network, with an external AC transformer and 13 regulators that ensure consistent rail voltage and super low ripple. Never be bothered by USB hubs or OS power difficulties again.

Differential Output
Differential summing output of an AK4493EQ DAC is summed by a low noise NJR output stage, with DC coupling throughout, letting you drive to any volume level.

Transformer Isolated S/PDIF
Coaxial S/PDIF input is isolated using a Pulse transformer to minimize the possibility of ground loop noise.

4-Layer PCB
EL DAC II is built an a 4-layer, star grounded printed circuit board with proper 90-ohm characteristic impedance of its USB input.

Upgradeable Firmware
JDS Labs’ custom XMOS based firmware configures and manages EL DAC II’s USB input and AK4493, with DFU support for possible future feature additions.

Technical Specifications

DAC Performance

• Frequency Response 10Hz-20kHz: +/- 0.13 dB
• THD+N 20Hz-20kHz: < 0.0010%
• IMD CCIF 19/20 kHz -6.03 dBFS: 0.00016%
• IMD SMPTE -6.03 dBFS: 0.00029%
• Noise (A-Weighted): -110 dBu
• Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 119 dB
• Linearity Error -90 dBFS: -0.01 dB
• Crosstalk -10 dBFS 100K RCA: -109 dB
• USB Jitter Components 12kHz: -126 dB
• PCB Stack: 4 Layers
• Maximum DAC Line-Output, 100K: 2.00 VRMS

Data Support

• Audio Formats (USB): 16/44.1kHz through 32/384kHz PCM, DSD-over-PCM
• Audio Formats (S/PDIF): 16/44.1kHz through 24/192kHz
• USB Interface: USB Audio Class 2
• USB Driver OS Support: Windows 7/8/10, OS X, Linux, Android

Connectivity

• Digital Inputs: USB, TOSLINK, and Coaxial S/PDIF
• DAC Line-Output: RCA

Dimensions

• Case Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.8 x 0.9 in
• Weight: 13 oz

Features

• Microprocessor controlled relays
• USB engine is clocked by SiTime MEMS oscillator
• Supports up to 32/384kHz PCM over custom based engine
• Powered by perfected supply network with external AC transformer
• Differential summing output is summed by a low noise NJR output stage
• Front and centre mode selection via touch-sensitive light ring
• Isolated Coaxial S/PDIF input using a Pulse transformer
• 4-layer printed circuit boards achieve USB impedance of 90 ohms
• Upgradable custom firmware

Package Includes

• JDS Labs EL DAC II in Black
• 16VAC power adaptor (EU plug)
• USB Type-A cable (0.9m)
• TOSLINK cable (1.8m)