Jdslabs Atom Amp 2 Adjusts RCA Preamp Instruction Manual
- June 15, 2024
- JDSLABS
Table of Contents
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AMPLIFIERS
ATOM AMP 2
Atom Amp 2 Adjusts RCA Preamp
SUPPORT
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SECTION 1 QUICK SETUP
STEP 01
Connect AC power adapter to rear power jack, then connect power adapter to
wall outlet.
STEP 02
Connect a cable from your audio player to the RCA or 3.5mm input jack. Press
the front ‘INPUT’ button to select 3.5mm input, or depress to select
RCA.
STEP 03
Connect headphones to the front headphone output jack
STEP 04
Turn the volume knob clockwise to power on.
STEP 05
Slowly raise the volume knob to an appropriate listening level. See listening
tips on page 5.
SECTION 2 CONFIGURATION
Connectivity
Atom Amp 2 provides two inputs. Press the ‘INPUT’ button inward to listen via
3.5mm, or leave unpressed to listen via RCA input.
RCA Preamp Outputs are only active while headphones are unplugged. Make sure
Atom Amp 2 is set to low gain (unpressed = low gain, pressed = high gain) when
using RCA output. The volume knob adjusts RCA output.
| Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (High Gain): | 2.0 VRMS (+8.24 dBu) |
|---|---|
| Maximum RCA Analog Input Level (Low Gain): | 9.22 VRMS (+21.5 dBu) |
Setting Gain
Press the gain button to toggle between low or high gain amplication. Always
use the lowest gain necessary. When the button is in its unpressed, outward
position, Atom Amp 2 is set to low gain. Press the button inward to set high
gain.
Switch to high gain only when you’re unable to achieve desired listening
volume at low gain.
Source Safety
Atom Amp 2 is DC coupled for maximum signal quality and expects source signals
with less than 4.5mV of DC offset. All JDS Labs DACs and consumer audio
sources are safe to use.
Atom Amp 2 senses DC offset and automatically mutes its outputs when more than
60mV of DC is detected at high gain, or about 280mV at low gain. These
detection levels are intended to protect your headphones from rare,
catastrophic equipment or component level failures.
The default detection tuning is not intended to trigger during minor DC
offset.
Preamp-Output Functionality
HEADPHONES CONNECTED
HEADPHONES DISCONNECTED
The volume knob adjusts RCA preamp output. Use Low Gain. Be sure to reduce
volume level before connecting headphones!
Inputs vs Outputs
Your audio sources connect to your amp’s input. These are common audio
sources:
Your headphones or speakers connect to your amp’s output
Listening Tips
Listen safely to conserve your hearing: www.hearingloss.org
To ensure an optimal noise floor, always position audio equipment as far away
as possible from wireless devices.
Operating Care
Atom Amp 2 uses a high current, linear power supply design and runs warm to
the touch.
Atom Amp 2 can be safely powered on 24/7.
Do not turn knob beyond its limits or press buttons with excessive force.
Use gentle force when inserting or removing cables.
Troubleshooting
Amplifier does not turn on
Cause: Disconnected, damaged, or incorrect power adapter.
Solution: Please ensure AC adapter is firmly connected to power jack and
wall outlet.
Amplifier does not turn off
Cause: On rare occasion, mechanical relays can stick.
Solution: Tap or knock top of enclosure with moderate force to disengage.
No sound, but light is on
Cause: Wrong input mode selected, or cable/source problem.
Solution: Input button must be in the outward position for RCA input, or
in the inward (pressed) position for 3.5mm input. Try another audio source if
cables and buttons are correct.
Audio plays in only one channel
Cause: Bad cable or adapter, or incorrect source setup.
Solution: Try another input cable, and headphones with a native 1/4”
connector.
For more help, please visit :
www.jdslabs.com/troubleshooting
Power Adapters
ATTENTION: Incorrect power adapters can result in capacitor explosion
hazards and device damage. Only use the poweradapter included with your Atom
Amp 2:
| Type: AC-to-AC Transformer | Output Voltage: 15 or 16 VAC |
|---|---|
| Current: Minimum 500mA | Connector: 2.1×5.5mm (ID x OD) |
Application for Council Directives 2004/108/EC, 2006/95/EC, 2002/95/
EC.Conformity declared for EN55022:2011, EN611000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN55024-2
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
References
- JDS Labs - Makers of Element and Atom Headphone Amps + DACs
- Homepage - Hearing Loss Association of America
- Troubleshooting _ JDS Labs Customer Support