JDSLabs ATOM AMP 2 Exemplary Headfonia Amplifiers Instruction Manual

: June 15, 2024
: JDSLABS

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 QUICK SETUP
SECTION 2 CONFIGURATION
Troubleshooting
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

JDSLabs ATOM AMP 2 Exemplary Headfonia Amplifiers

JDSLabs ATOM AMP 2 Exemplary Headfonia Amplifiers

SECTION 1 QUICK SETUP

STEP 01

Connect AC power adapter to rear power jack, then connect power adapter to wall outlet.

Quick Setup

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.

Quick Setup

STEP 03

Connect headphones to the front headphone output jack.

Quick Setup

STEP 04

Turn the volume knob clockwise to power on.

Quick Setup

STEP 05

Slowly raise the volume knob to an appropriate listening level. See listening tips on below.

Quick Setup

SECTION 2 CONFIGURATION

Connectivity

Atom Amp 2 provides two inputs. Press the ‘INPUT’ button inward to listen via 3.5mm, or leave un-pressed to listen via RCA input.

Make sure Atom Amp 2 is set to low gain (un-pressed = 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 implication. Always use the lowest gain necessary. When the button is in its un-pressed, 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

RCA Preamp Outputs mute whenever headphones are plugged into the 1/4in (6.35mm) headphone jack. To mute RCA outputs when using the 4.4mm output, you may insert an unused 1/4” adapter into the 1/4in connector.

Preamp-Output Functionality

For example:

1/4 in HEADPHONES CONNECTED

Preamp-Output Functionality

1/4 in HEADPHONES DISCONNECTED

The volume knob adjusts RCA preamp output. Use Low Gain. Be sure to reduce volume level before connecting headphones!

Preamp-Output Functionality

Inputs vs Outputs

Your audio sources connect to your amp’s input. These are common audio sources:

Inputs vs Outputs

Your headphones or speakers connect to your amp’s output.

Inputs vs Outputs

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 power adapter included with your Atom Amp 2: