JDS Labs · Updated July 2026
JDS Labs Element IV: price & specs
The JDS Labs Element IV costs $549, #9 cheapest of 10 dac amps (median $239). It earns a Bronze Deskmark — 14/100 pay-blind standing, #8 of 9 in class.
Verified Jul 11, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
JDS Labs Element IV. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: jdslabs.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Is the JDS Labs Element IV a good buy?
At $549, the JDS Labs Element IV is #9 cheapest of the 10 dac amps we track, where the median is $239. On the spec sheet, its weight grams of 570 is the highest of the 5, its max power mw of 3200 is above the median of the 8, and its snr of 120 dB is below the median of the 7.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $549 US MSRP $549.00 for the base "Default Knob" configuration, listed verbatim on the JDS Labs official product page (Silver Edition is a +$598.00 cosmetic variant). Corroborated by the ecoustics dated review, which states "$549 at JDS Labs" and repeatedly cites the $549 price. |
|---|---|
| Brand | JDS Labs |
| Released | — |
| Form factor | desktop |
| Dac chip | ES9018K2M |
| Max pcm (kHz) | 384 |
| Max dsd | DSD128 |
| Max power mw | 3200 |
| Snr (dB) | 120 |
| Thdn percent | 0.00025 |
| Balanced output | No |
| Headphone jacks | 6.35mm |
| Digital inputs | USB-C/optical |
| Weight grams | 570 |
Source: jdslabs.com (verified 2026-07-11) · corroborated by ecoustics.com. The JDS Labs official product page confirms the exact model "Element IV" at a base US MSRP of $549.00 and supplies the full spec sheet: Max Continuous Power @ 32 Ω = 3.2 W (stated elsewhere on the page as "3200 mW per channel"), Signal to Noise Ratio 120 dB, THD+N < 0.00025%, USB PCM to 384 kHz with DSD64-128, a single 6.35mm (1/4") headphone output, USB Type C + optical TOSLINK inputs, and weight "0.57 kg" (570 g). The ecoustics dated review independently corroborates the $549 price, 3.2 W into 32 ohms, SINAD 118 dB / SNR 120 dB / THD+N < 0.00025%, 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128, and the single-ended 6.35mm output (4.4mm balanced only on custom request), and identifies the converter as an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M — a chip JDS does not print on its own spec sheet but which is further corroborated by ear-fidelity and the headphones.com teardown as an ESS Sabre design. Model identity is unambiguous: both pages describe the "Element IV" specifically, distinct from the Element III, with the Silver Edition being only a $598 cosmetic option.
Is the JDS Labs Element IV worth it vs cheaper dac amps?
JDS Labs Element IV against its closest cheaper and pricier dac amps on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 10 ranked →
| Product | Price | Form factor | Dac chip | Max pcm (kHz) | Max dsd | Max power mw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JDS Labs Element IV this | $549 | desktop | ES9018K2M | 384 | DSD128 | 3200 |
| AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt | $300 | dongle | ES9038Q2M | 96 | — | — |
| Chord Mojo 2 | $650 | portable | FPGA | 768 | DSD256 | 600 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the JDS Labs Element IV cost?
The JDS Labs Element IV has a US price of $549 (US MSRP $549.00 for the base "Default Knob" configuration, listed verbatim on the JDS Labs official product page (Silver Edition is a +$598.00 cosmetic variant). Corroborated by the ecoustics dated review, which states "$549 at JDS Labs" and repeatedly cites the $549 price.), as of 2026-07-11.
How does the JDS Labs Element IV compare on price?
At $549, the JDS Labs Element IV is #9 cheapest of the 10 dac amps we track, where the median is $239.
What are the JDS Labs Element IV's key specs?
JDS Labs Element IV (JDS Labs): formFactor desktop, dacChip ES9018K2M, maxPcmKhz 384, maxDsd DSD128, maxPowerMw 3200. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-07-11.
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Step up
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