ЦАПы — Jadis Electronics JS2 SL

The JS2 SL is a single-chassis digital-to-analogue converter from Jadis Electronics of France, introduced as a new generation of the long-running JS2 design and launched together with the two-chassis JS5. Where the JS5 splits processing and power supply into separate boxes, the JS2 SL keeps its power supply inside one enclosure in a simplified form while retaining a valve output stage. Both models were presented as the current Jadis converters, with the JS5 described by the company as its reference DAC.

Key specs that matter

The digital board is built around an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, an 8-channel 32-bit chip using Hyperstream technology. There are four digital inputs. A coaxial RCA socket, an XLR socket for AES/EBU and a Toslink optical port each accept PCM up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. The fourth is a USB type B connector, which accepts PCM at 24 bit and 192 kHz and DSD at up to 24 bit and 384 kHz. Across its inputs the unit is specified to handle PCM sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz and DSD from DSD64 to DSD256. Analogue outputs are provided on both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR sockets. The chassis measures 29 x 46 x 10.5 cm, weighs 13 kg and draws 22 VA from the mains.

Engineering and use context

The analogue section is a fully balanced valve stage built around four ECC82 dual triodes. It ends in a cathode follower output, which Jadis states can drive any preamplifier, so the DAC is intended to feed a separate line stage or an integrated amplifier rather than to act as a preamplifier itself. Keeping the supply inboard is the main simplification compared with the JS5, which uses custom-wound transformers for its digital and analogue stages and two additional pentodes for regulation in an outboard power supply chassis. The coaxial, AES/EBU and optical inputs suit a CD transport or network transport, while the USB port is the only route for DSD from a computer or network player.

Pairing

The balanced XLR outputs allow a fully balanced connection into any line stage equipped with XLR sockets, while the RCA pair serves unbalanced equipment. Any source with a digital output on coaxial, optical, AES/EBU or USB can be connected, from a disc transport to a computer running playback software.

Alternatives

The Jadis JS5 is the two-chassis DAC above it, with the same ES9038PRO conversion and an outboard power supply.