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JDS Labs EL DAC II+ Balanced

JDS Labs EL DAC II+ Balanced - Main image
$436.6 $590 In stock

Category: Cat_All Hi-Fi

Simplified Audio, Re-engineered
We designed the Element Line for precision fit and function. EL DAC II+ furthers the exceptional performance of its predecessor with relay muting, an XMOS based UAC2 engine with PCM and DSD support, transformer isolated coaxial input, and higher performance optical input. Optionally Add a BT5 Module, or Add Balanced Outputs for the flexibility of connecting to any amplifier. Stack with EL Amp II+ or EL Amp II+ Balanced for single button switching between headphones and speakers.

MEMS Oscillator
EL DAC II+'s USB engine is clocked by an SiTime MEMS oscillator, 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 we claim no measurable superiority of high sampling rates, UAC2 and ASIO support satisfy your pursuit of bitperfect listening.

Light Ring
Enjoy the presence of your EL DAC II+ with front and center mode selection via a touch-sensitive light ring.

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

Upgradeable Firmware
Our custom XMOS based firmware configures and manages EL DAC II+'s USB input and DAC, with DFU support for possible future feature additions.

Relay Muting
Microprocessor controlled relays are standard in EL DAC II+ so that power up and input mode changes are free of audible transients.

Externally Powered
EL DAC II+ is powered by a perfected supply network, with an external AC transformer and 14 regulators that ensure consistent rail voltage and super low ripple. Never be bothered by USB hubs or OS power difficulties again.

Differential Summing Output
Differential output of an ESS Sabre DAC is paired with our unique, DC coupled, precision tuned I/V converter with three stages per channel, or six NJM opamps in total. Optional Balanced TRS Outputs and single-ended RCA Outputs provide flexibility of connecting to any amplifier.

ASIO and DSD Support
EL DAC II+ provides an ASIO endpoint and automatic handling of PCM and DSD playback. Live sampling rate and status mode information is available in the XMOS control panel.

Optional Bluetooth 5
An optional Bluetooth 5.1 module feeds the received digital audio signal directly to the DAC via S/PDIF, relying on ESS's patented jitter recovery to deliver maximum performance from the wireless transmission.

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United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

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Customer Reviews (4.8 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Ava A. ★★★★★

The XMOS based UAC2 engine handles everything I throw at it without a hitch, and the relay muting clicks are actually satisfying. It's refreshing to have a DAC that just works perfectly without any driver fuss.

Lucy Q. ★★★★★

The relay muting is a small detail but it makes a huge difference—no pops or clicks when I switch sources, just clean silence. Pairing it with my amp, the soundstage feels wider and more precise than my old DAC. Setup was effortless, and it’s been rock-solid stable over USB.

Nicholas Z. ★★★★★

The relay muting completely eliminates the pop when switching inputs, which was a constant annoyance with my previous setup. It drives my headphones with effortless clarity.