ЦАПы — Jadis Electronics JS5

The JS5 is a two-box DAC with a valve output stage from Jadis Electronics of France, a company that has wound its own transformers in-house since it was founded in 1983. It was introduced together with the smaller single-chassis JS2 SL, and the North American prices were announced as USD 18,300 and CAD 23,900. Jadis describes the JS5 as a two-chassis design, with processing in one box and the power supply in a separate one.

Key specs that matter

Digital decoding relies on an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, an eight-channel 32-bit converter with Hyperstream technology. The four digital connections are coaxial S/PDIF on an RCA socket, AES/EBU on XLR, optical Toslink and USB Type B. Via coaxial, AES/EBU and Toslink the unit takes PCM up to 24-bit and 192 kHz, while the USB port also accepts DSD, quoted up to 384 kHz. Outputs are unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR. Jadis lists the valve complement as two ECC82, two ECC88, one EL84 and one EF86. Each chassis measures 46 x 29 x 11 cm, the total weight is 20 kg and power consumption is 75 VA.

Engineering and use context

After the Sabre chip the signal passes through valve amplification and impedance adaptation stages. Four dual triodes carry the audio signal, while the two pentodes regulate voltage in the outboard supply. That separate chassis powers the different stages of the converter, and the analogue and digital sections each have their own custom-wound transformer, which Jadis says removes the possibility of induced noise and gives maximum headroom. Wiring inside is point to point throughout, with parts selected after extended listening sessions at the factory. The casework follows the Jadis style, with a chrome-plated stainless steel body, gold-plated knobs and faceplate, and black crackle-finished transformer covers. Options for the JS5 include a remote control, a mains voltage choice of 117 V or 230 V, and different colour versions.

Pairing

Offering RCA as well as XLR outputs, the JS5 can drive a preamplifier or integrated amplifier through single-ended or balanced inputs. DSD files arrive over USB from a computer or network streamer, and a CD transport can connect via coaxial, AES/EBU or Toslink.

Alternatives

The Jadis JS2 SL is the more compact converter launched alongside the JS5, priced at USD 13,900 or CAD 17,900 and housing the ES9038PRO chip, four ECC82 valves and its supply in one 13 kg box.