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JDS LABS 02 Headphone Amplifier Portable JDS Labs 02 Portable Headphone Amplifier. Has 2*9v Rechargeable batteries couple months old, as new, allowing use for a few hrs without power supply/ recharges in 4hrs. This is a legendary entry level amp ( plenty of details online ). Comes with 15V Ac 240v power supply and 3.5mm to dual Rca cable to hook it up to a decent DAC. Dual level Gain allows hook up to sensitive IEM's in low and so far for me 250 Ohm Dt990 pro Headphones in high: tons of power. Quiet as a mouse and with more nuance than this price indicates. Postage $15. Condition: Very Good
At A$55, this JDS Labs Objective 2 is a massive bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of A$131 and just a fraction of the A$129 new price it once carried. The median for recent AUD listings is A$192, with the 75th percentile at A$283, making this asking price an undeniable strong deal for a like_new unit.
The Objective 2 remains a legendary beginner amp because of its benchmark measurements: ultra-low distortion, a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and enough power (613 mW at 33 Ω) to drive virtually any headphone. Its open-source design allows for customization, and at this price, the upside is simply owning a well-regarded, high-performance amplifier in excellent condition without the usual market cost. This is a clear buying opportunity for anyone seeking clean, powerful sound.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
JDS Labs emerged in 2007 from the college bedroom of founder John Seaber in the United States, sparked by frustration with his iPod's weak headphone drive and lackluster bass. Seaber, now a BSEE holder from Missouri S&T and lead engineer, hacked an open-source cMoy amplifier design, adding a bass boost and selling it on eBay as the cMoyBB—marking the brand's scrappy debut. From basement operations in Collinsville, Illinois, it scaled rapidly, adopting the influential Objective2 amplifier in 2011 and expanding with in-house CNC machining to meet surging demand.
The brand specializes in high-fidelity headphone amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs), delivering objectively neutral sound without audiophile premiums. Early portable models like the C421, C5, and C5D evolved into stacked desktop rigs such as the Atom and Element series, optimized for driving demanding headphones. Direct-to-consumer sales from their Illinois facility ensure competitive pricing, with no retail markups, alongside robust two-year warranties and meticulous U.S. assembly.
JDS Labs commands respect in the mid-tier hi-fi market as a benchmark for measurable performance and value, powering enthusiasts' setups worldwide. Its "science-first" ethos—prioritizing transparency over hype—has fueled triple-digit growth, cementing a niche as the go-to for reliable, no-nonsense amplification that punches above its weight.
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