The Jadis JS5 and JS2 SL vacuum tube DACs are now available in Canada and the U.S., in Canada through distributor Bluebird Music.
The JS5 is a two-chassis unit with processing in one chassis and an elaborate power supply in the other. The single-chassis JS2 SL is second in performance only to the JS5 and is an extensive refinement of the successful JS2 series of DACs.
Both models use triode vacuum tubes in the signal path, along with separate DAC chips for each channel and multi-stage power supplies. The JS5 is the Reference, but the JS2 SL inherits much of its big brother’s technology in a simplified form.
Both models are immediately recognizable as “Jadis,” with chrome-plated stainless steel chassis, gold-plated knobs and faceplate, and black crackle-finished transformer covers. Inside the hefty chassis are premium-quality components and point-to-point wiring. Even the wiring was especially selected following extensive listening tests, and point-to-point construction eliminates the limitations in current flow and potential for crosstalk inherent in printed circuit boards, says the company.
The JS5 utilizes four dual triodes in its signal path, and two pentodes for regulation in the outboard power supply. The JS5 uses transformers that are wound in-house at Jadis, as they have been since the company’s founding in 1983. In doing so, transformers can be made with precise values for each application, not the approximations of off-the-shelf units, says Jadis.
The power supply uses separate custom-wound transformers for the digital and analog stages, to eliminate the possibility of induced noise and provide maximum headroom. Processing is performed by eight-channel Sabre ES9038PRO 32 bit DACs with Hyperstream technology. There are four digital inputs, and both balanced and unbalanced outputs.
The JS2 SL is related to its big brother, but in a somewhat simplified form. The power supply is inboard; the tube complement consists of four dual triodes; an ES9038PRO is also used. There are four digital inputs, and both balanced and unbalanced outputs.
“Both Jadis DACs provide plenty of resolution but have a sweet musical sound like no other DACs,” says Jay Rein, President of Bluebird Music. “The sense of space and ambience is incredible, and the tonality of instruments is natural and real.
“The JS2 SL,” he continues, “provides much of the performance of the JS5 in a more compact form. Both DACs should be heard by music lovers who want the rich, vivid sound of live musical performances in their home. I think they’ll be astonished by what they hear.”
The Jadis JS5 is $23,900 and $17,900 in Canada, respectively. Both are currently shipping to dealers through Toronto-based Bluebird Music.