JDS Labs OBJECTIVE2+ODAC REVB User manual

JDS Labs Model # OBJECTIVE2+ODAC | Last updated June 4, 2015 Pg. 1 of 2
Objective2+ODAC
Operating Instructions
Quick Setup
1. Connect AC power adapter to the power jack (14-20VAC).
2. Connect USB cable between your computer and the USB jack on back side of Objective2+ODAC.
3. Connect headphones to the front Headphone output jack.
4. Press the Power button at left to turn on the amplifier. Keep volume low until music is playing.
5. Slowly raise Objective2’s volume knob to an appropriate listening level. See tips below.
Connectivity of Objective2+ODAC
Connection at Front, Right 3.5mm Jack DAC Line Output (Front 3.5mm) Headphone Output Jack
No connection -- Plays ODAC, amplified
External Analog Source1--connected Plays external source, amplified
External Analog Amplifier2Accessible3, not recommendedconnected Plays ODAC, amplified
Connectivity of Custom Objective2+ODAC with Dedicated Line-Output
Connection at Front, Right 3.5mm Jack DAC Line Output (Rear) Headphone Output Jack
No connection -- Plays ODAC, amplified
External Analog Source
1
or any cable connected Accessible
3
Plays external source, amplifiedvia External Amplifier
Connectivity of Custom Objective2+ODAC with Switched RCA Amplified Output
Same input behavior as above, "Dedicated Line-Output" table. Rear outputs are amplified and active only
when headphones are unplugged. Use 1.0x gain when driving powered speakers!
Gain
Use the right pushbutton to toggle between low or high gain amplification. Always use the lowest gain
necessary. Switch to high gain when you're unable to achieve desired listening volume at low gain.
Your OBJECTIVE2+ODAC may differ from the customized model shown above.
Thank you for purchasing Objective2+ODAC. If you have additional questions or comments, feel free to write
to: [e-mail]
1Analog Source refers to any device which produces usable audio through an output jack. Examples include the headphone jacks of iPods, laptops, cell phones, etc.
2Analog Amplifier refers to any device which receives analog audio through an input jack. Examples include speaker or stereo 3.5mm and RCA inputs, etc.
3ODAC achieves published performance when used with a single device. For best results driving external speakers or amplification systems, mechanically relieve
ODAC from the Objective2 amplifier by connecting any cable to Objective+ODAC's front 3.5mm input jack (requires Custom, Dedicated RCA or 3.5mm DAC Line-
output jack).

JDS Labs Model # OBJECTIVE2+ODAC | Last updated June 4, 2015 Pg. 2 of 2
Power Adapters
ATTENTION: Incorrect power adapters can result in capacitor explosion hazards and device damage.
Required power adapter characteristics for the Objective2 include:
Type: AC-to-AC transformer
Voltage: 14-20V AC output
Current: Minimum 200mA
Connector: 2.1x5.5mm (ID x OD)
Please note that Objective2 strictly requires an AC-to-AC adapter. AC/DC adapters differ greatly from AC/AC adapters.
Manufacturers commonly abbreviate and refer to all types simply as "AC Adapters", which gives no indication of their
actual type. Be aware that most adapters are in fact AC/DC type. These power adapters are used with laptops, game
consoles, computer peripherals, etc., and are not compatible with the Objective2.
Please refer to the Objective2+ODAC item page at www.jdslabs.com for current power adapter recommendations.
Computer Setup
ODAC requires no drivers in Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. Most operating systems immediately recognize and
set ODAC as the default playback device. To manually select the playback device in:
oWindows XP - Double click volume icon in taskbar. Click Options,
Properties, choose ODAC.
oWindows Vista/7/8/10 - Right click volume icon in taskbar, click
Playback Devices, set ODAC as default device. Suggested
Properties (Right click ODAC "Speakers" icon):
•Enhancements: Check "Disable all enhancements"
•Advanced: 24 bit, 96000 Hz
oMac OS X - Ensure ODAC is selected from Audio Devices
Listening Tips
For maximum signal fidelity, set ODAC to 24-bt audio and set digital
volume slightly below 100% at the computer. Only control volume from
the Objective2+ODAC.
Set sampling frequency to match the majority of your music (i.e., use 96000 Hz for 96kHz music).
High-performance audio devices can produce dangerously loud music. Be sensible and listen safely:
www.hearingloss.org
Troubleshooting
•Objective2 does not turn on, or power LED is on but output is silent
oCause: Wrong or missing power adapter
oSolution: Connect proper AC adapter
•Distortion at high gain
oCause: Objective2 's volume control resides between its input and output stages. Some headphones can
overdrive the Objective2's input stage. Refer to NwAvGuy's blog for thorough explanation.
oSolution: Use low gain or reduce DAC volume at computer.
•No sound in one channel
oCauses: Bad output cable, or incorrect computer settings
oSolutions: Check balance settings; try another output cable. Some Mac OS X systems will pan audio to
Left channel upon first connection of ODAC. User must restore balance to center.
•Distorted output or “harsh” treble (constant or intermittent)
oCauses: Weak USB power, or bad USB cable
oSolutions: Use a powered USB hub or different computer; try another USB cable