Introducing Element IV and Core™—the next evolution of our flagship amp+DAC, inspired by your requests and built on a foundation of what made Element III MK2 so loved. Element IV retains the essentials that defined its predecessor: perfect channel balance, automatic gain, and a discrete optical encoder for its signature knob.
Many of you asked for more EQ bands and advanced DSP capabilities, and we immediately realized that managing parametric EQ bands on a device display would be a user interface disaster. So, we envisioned a next-generation app to support our DACs. Enter Core™, our new web app, designed to provide you with intuitive, driverless control over Element’s 10-band PEQ and more. Together, Element IV and Core mark the future of desktop audio.
And we didn’t stop there! Element IV features USB Type-C connectivity, failsafe DC protection, and outputs an incredible 3.2W per channel—3x the power of the original Element III—while running cooler than a Boosted MK2. We also upgraded the discrete optical encoder for faster interaction and refined the auto-vanishing display with tinted Gorilla Glass. All in the same desktop form factor with a wobble-free knob. Pure bliss.
What is Core
It took our top developers over a year to build the firmware and Core platform for Element IV. Now, as I listen through Element IV, I’m certain that Core is the future of desktop DACs.
Core brings a new level of control to modern DACs, offering easy access to every setting exposed in firmware, along with a sleek yet powerful equalizer canvas. Core parses EQ profiles from Autoeq.app and Squiglink so that you can apply headphone profiles effortlessly.
Element IV connects to Core under Windows, macOS, and Linux without custom drivers or additional software. We’ve also eliminated third-party firmware tools and tedious command line procedures. Core detects when hardware updates are available and easily installs new firmware through your browser.
And this is just the beginning. Development is ongoing, and Core will continue to evolve.
Element IV’s DSP Implementation
Element IV currently supports up to 10 real-time, parametric EQ bands managed through Core:
- 1 Lowshelf Filter
- 1 Highshelf Filter
- 8 Peaking Filters
- Gain Range: +/-30.0 dB
- Frequency Precision: 0.1 dB
- Q Range (peaking): 0.1 to 50.0
- Q Range (low/highshelf): 0.1 to 3.0
- Preamp Gain: Auto or Manual
Firmware automatically sets preamp gain, volume compensation, and amplifier gain, so you can experiment without worrying about clipping or unintentionally distorting your music.
DSP is currently supported through USB input. Support for DSP over optical input is underway, along with several additional functions.
Lossless DSP?
The term “lossless DSP” has begun to appear in certain corners of the market. It’s tempting to label DSP performance as “lossless” if distortion and noise levels remain unchanged whether filters are enabled or disabled. But consider this: applying equalization intentionally changes the output. That change represents a loss of original frequency response. Rather than “lossless”, an appropriate label is “no added distortion or noise.” Admittedly too wordy for marketing teams.
With this in mind, we will not be so bold as to claim that any EQ is lossless. Instead, Element IV’s DSP is engineered to avoid distortion. On the left is SINAD with all 10 DSP filters enabled with volume at -3 dBFS; on the right is the same Element IV with DSP disabled. The DSP altered profile has favorable performance because of its slightly higher internal signal strength. No loss of quality!
Initial Release
Core has been running smoothly for a couple months. We shared the app at CanJam SoCal 2024 with trusted faces, along with reviewers. While Core is fully functional, we’re keeping the “Beta” status label until we’ve gathered more of your feedback.
Why a Web App? What happens in 10+ years?
Timmy is our full stack developer. He built jdslabs.com from scratch and has solved major challenges we’ve encountered throughout the past decade. When I pitched Core to Timmy, he immediately suggested a web app over native. Thus, Core is a web app.
Core is built in React, meaning it can potentially be ported to a native Electron app. For now, the server costs far less than our daily coffee, so it’s financially sustainable. Core as a web app is always up-to-date, and it’s OS agnostic. Use it with Windows, macOS, or Linux.
As for the far distant future, I’ll be glad to release the codebase under an open-source license if the time ever comes to decommission the app server. It’s also possible to run Core locally on any machine with access to the codebase. In short, Core will always be available for your Element IV—barring, of course, world domination by emerging AI.
Requirements
Core connects to Element IV through a virtual serial port. You may use any Chromium based browser:
- Chrome
- Edge
- Opera
- Brave
- Firefox with WebSerial for Firefox
We’re curious to hear how many of you would like to use Element IV with an iOS or Android app. Let us know in the comments!
Core is free to use, and accounts are entirely optional. Unlimited EQ profiles or “presets” are possible through accounts, and you are welcome to export all of your EQ settings as you see fit.
Software Development Journey
Building Element IV and Core has been the most exciting project our team has undertaken. Core departs from decades of simple DAC interfaces, addressing the UI challenges required to introduce powerful features many of us have wanted for years.
As with any ambitious project, the vision came easily. The reality of building Element IV involved our top developers across four countries. Concept hardware was completed in 2023, and I underestimated the complexity of migrating to a new processor, leading to several months of groundwork before we had USB audio running on an early Element IV. Only then could we lay the foundation for Core, which involved designing a custom protocol to handle settings transfers to and from the app.
A test app was built early on, permitting firmware and Core development teams to work concurrently and independently. Building Core’s parametric EQ canvas was no small feat either, requiring some outside expertise. Special thanks to Rick, Oskar, Julian, Timmy, and Thiago for making Core a reality!
Element IV Hardware Overview
Amplifier Stage
The gain stage of Element IV has been upgraded with an OPA1656 for ultra low THD, while the output buffer has been overhauled with 14 paralleled OPA1692s. This topology reduces common-mode noise and allows Element IV to deliver over 3.2W per channel at 32 ohms while running cooler than a Boosted Element III MK2.
Gain has also been increased, reaching maximum output in excess of 10 VRMS = 28.7 Vpp!
Failsafe DC Protection
Adding DC protection to Atom Amp 2 was a hedged bet. Worst case, each amplifier would cost us more to produce. In hindsight, it was a solid decision, protecting a handful of customers’ headphones from dangerous ESD events throughout the first year alone.
Thus, DC detection and failsafe relay muting is standard in Element IV. The same analog detection method is used, rather than resorting to a digital detection technique. Going digital would have reduced cost, and maybe yielded similar safety. But do we need more “maybes” in a design? Nope.
By the way, DC protection can trigger when listening to clipped audio. This is not a design defect. It’s DC protection at work. We plan to add Soft Clipping to Element IV in a future firmware update, for those of you listening to speedcore (warning, clipped!).
Power Supply
Element IV uses a new 17VAC transformer delivering 40% more current than before, in the exact same physical form factor as the previous generation 16V supply.
The USB Type C port is used exclusively for data, consuming no power. We evaluated USB C PD to eliminate the transformer. Given the extra circuitry required and the need for a 20V USB C charger, cost would have increased with debatable convenience.
D/A Stage
Implementation is everything. We explored ES9038Q2M and revisited AKM DACs early in the project and found that our tightly tuned 9018K2M performs every bit as well at lower cost.
Element IV’s transimpedance stage has been further refined, using triple OPA1612s and 0.1% thin-film resistors, with an LT3045 analog supply to reduce noise by several dB.
Oscillators received additional scrutiny. Master clocks now use ultra low phase noise crystal oscillators. There was no obvious measurement disadvantage by installing cheap oscillators rated at 80000 fs jitter. With that in mind, Element IV uses 43 fs clocks for its 45/49MHz clock pair, which look better on paper for a relatively small change in cost. Without delving into a longer discussion, the I2S engine and ESS’s algorithm influence jitter more.
Processor & Storage
The leap to a 16-core XMOS XU316 processor unlocks new possibilities. With 4 cores and 70% of memory remaining free even when running 10 EQ filters, there’s plenty of headroom for future feature expansions.
Element IV stores all settings, as well as your active Headphone and Preamp DSP settings, onboard. This means your EQ settings follow your Element IV wherever you use it (i.e., multiple PCs, tablets, phones, or consoles). When you open Core on another system, it reads settings from the Element IV connected to your machine.
You may save unlimited EQ “presets” in your optional Core account, allowing you to toggle between headphone profiles with a single click.
Knob
Element III MK2’s discrete encoder proved durable and wobble-free, so we improved it even further for Element IV by increasing the fin count from 8 to 12 fins. This gives the knob a more responsive feel, with the same smooth rotation.
Knobs are available in aluminum by default, or in polished “Clear Resin.” To streamline manufacturing, the Clear knobs for Element IV are now crafted in two parts: the clear knob itself and the encoder fins.
Clear knobs and PCBs arrived after our photo shoot, so stay tuned for updated images. For now, here’s a render:
Ring Colors: Element IV features a copper-colored accent ring by default. While black and red accent rings are still available upon request, over 80% of customers choose copper. Managing a single color simplifies inventory for our team.
Performance
Element IV is cleaner than ever, reaching up to 118 dB SINAD at high gain. During a month-long hiatus when our APx555 analyzer was down, none of us were able to audibly differentiate between untuned Element IVs at 110 dB SINAD and tuned boards at 118 dB. As mentioned in recent years, advancing SINAD is not a major priority. But yes, Element IV measures well.
Test Setup: ApX555 analyzer bandwidth = 22.4k, LPF = ADC passband, HPF = AC coupling, 300 ohm load, and Element IV USB input @ 48kHz fed from Synapse unless otherwise noted.
Element IV | Performance |
Frequency Response 20-20kHz | +/- 0.1 dB |
SINAD, 1kHz Low Gain | 117 dB |
SINAD, 1kHz High Gain | 118 dB |
THD+N Sweep 20-20kHz | < 0.00025 % |
IMD CCIF 19/20 kHz -6 dBFS | -118 dB |
IMD SMPTE @ -20dBFS | -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, 100k RCA | -127 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) |
Just-in-Time Production
Element IV has been on our roadmap for over a year, and we’ve been refining prototypes for months. The final build passed all FCC/CE compliance tests on the first try. Just in case, we added a two-week buffer to the release schedule. Thankfully, we did.
First, enclosures arrived late. Then, first-article production boards were completely unresponsive—no screen, no USB, no audio. I confirmed the cause after hours of probing test points: the processor ground pad was missing on the production silkscreen. Working closely with our assembly partners, a corrected stencil was overnighted, and we approved proper assemblies after a long drive to Chicago.
Hurry, Price Goes Up!
Element IV’s base price of $499 USD is valid through the end of 2024 and will increase by 10% thereafter. I know many of you are eager to upgrade, so now is the best time! The circuit board is packed with more silicon than ever before and software development will be ongoing as we add capabilities.
Availability
Element IV is in stock, exclusively at jdslabs.com. A limited number are ready to ship today, and we know they will move fast! All U.S. orders will ship first, while 220-240V power supplies for international orders are scheduled to arrive on Monday.
Fantastic, congratulations with the new release! Parametric EQ and extra power are very exciting! Looking forward to a loudness function now that the hardware has plenty of oomph left 😁
Is a version with a 4.4mm jack also available?
Thanks, Sergio. Yes, we can custom assembly with a 4.4mm jack. A footnote can be found on the product page for now.
Loudness is planned 🙂
Congratulations on all your hard work. Putting out a new product is not easy. You must be proud. I bet it will be a stunning product and I look forward to receiving mine.
Thanks, Mike
I am excited to receive, Core sounds like a game changer! I would be interested eventually in an iphone app.
Bummer about the Chromium only, Web access is great but a dedicated app would be nice on iDevices specially because many of us are using those for Apple Music.
Also both a C to C and A to C USB cable would be appreciated at this price range but it just comes with A to C.
Sorry if I sound rude, just nitpicking 🙂
@Adam – Appreciate your feedback! We’ll most likely switch accessories C-C with a C-A adapter in early 2025. Native app development is a possibility.
Will any older/existing models be added to Core as compatible devices? Element III, Atom DAC+, etc.
@Lee – As much as we’d like to port Core to older designs, each lacks adequate resources. Element III memory consumption is around 126kb of 128kb available. Core firmware consumes about twice this footprint–there is no room to compile.
Is there maybe a EL DAC 3 coming soon that supports Core?
I just received Element III mk 2 a week ago, it is awesome unit but it will be even better if I get the Element IV.
I loved my MK III, but sadly phased it out for the Hifiman Serenade. Will the MK IV be powerful enough for my Hifiman headphones; Arya and He 1000se? How will the sound differ from the Serenade? I only listen to classical music…
Paul Cohen
[email protected]
I would love to have an Android app for this. Aside from this, I can’t wait for it to deliver. This will be my first ever desktop DAC/AMP, and I keep hearing good things about JDS.
Will there be an option to control the entire menu from the web app? the screen being on top again is hard to see for desktop users. A screen on the front would have been nice.
@Jacob – Already done! In core, click “Device Settings”. There is actually more in the Core menu than the OLED at this time. We’re adding all features back to the OLED menu, but there is rather little need for a screen given the power of Core.
Awesome! Good to hear! Then i have no problem with the screen where it is 🙂 Stop with the great products! JK. it makes me want to buy this one now even though i have aperfectly working 3.
App is a must have much more convenient than browser based.
Amazing work guys. Just want to know is it possible to set the Element 4’s audio Bit-rate and sampling rate on linux OS with the new Core DSP?
@Akila – Thank you! Sampling rate must is set at the driver (OS) level.
I’m very interested in this terrific new product and plan to order soon. With all the options now made possible by moving to the Core platform, I would suggest a couple more for consideration:
1. Digital headphone crossfeed for older recordings with excessive artificial stereo separation
2. Digital tone (treble/bass) controls, similar to the analog versions in the new Atom Phono
@Gary: Yes, crossfeed is an active feature request. You can already accomplish bass and treble “tone” control using the Lowshelf and Highshelf filters (bands 1 and 10).
Thanks John. As others have mentioned, I’d also be very interested in an iOS/iPadOS app, even if it’s slightly limited in scope relative to the full web app.
I am planning to order this before the end of the year. Would very much like to see the Core EQ available for both Android and iOS. I use both for desktop playback when at work, where the actual computer must remain strictly a business tool. In order of preference I’d ask for Android first. Also, I think I read correctly that once an EQ setting is implemented via Core, it stays encoded within the unit, so if I have to EQ at home on a Mac and then take to the office, that would be a workaround, albeit a clumsy one with no on the fly adjustability. Anyhow, the new product sounds amazing, looking forward to buying myself a new toy!
Will the preamp gain work at the RCA? or is there some added fixed gain available?
@Christian – Gain is locked to “low” position in RCA output mode when EQ filters are disabled. It’s possible for the RCA output signal to go beyond 2VRMS when applying strong EQ gains, due to automatic gain functionality.
Am I understanding your comment “in RCA output mode all EQ filters are disabled” correctly? This seems to contradict what I was told in prior email correspondence: “Element IV stores an active Headphone profile and an active RCA Output profile, each with their own list of your EQ preaets within Core. Yss, you can apply the same or different profiles to each output.”
Sorry, typo! Yes, you can apply and store EQ settings for RCA Mode. Christian’s question referred to signal level. To clarify, the nominal RCA output level is 2VRMS. Auto gain functionality kicks in when you apply positive DSP filter gains to the RCA outputs, enabling the preamp output level to increase beyond 2V.
Very glad to hear that. Thanks for clarifying.
If EQ is done via desktop in Core and then disconnected, will that same EQ persist and be used when a phone or tablet is connected for playback?
Yes
Will Core be an Element exclusive feature or any chance we’ll see this come to a new Atom Dac model in the future.