Jadis, makers of lovely tube-based electronics like the DA50S Tube Integrated Amp I reviewed back in 2021, have not one but two new tube DACs.
The Jadis flagship JS5 and JS2 SL are built around the ESS ES9038PRO Sabre DACs while vacuum tubes help breath life into the analog output.
The JS5 is a two-chassis design with an outboard power supply while the JS2 SL keeps everything in one chassis while both wear the Jadis chrome-plated stainless steel and gold attire.
The new Jadis JS5 and JS2 SL are available now for $18,300, and $13,900 respectively.
Here’s the press release from Bluebird Music:
NEW JADIS JS5 AND JS2 SL DACS NOW IN STOCK IN USA
Buffalo, NY — March 11, 2025. Bluebird Music is proud to announce the availability in the US and Canada of the Jadis JS5 and JS2 SL, two new vacuum tube digital-to-analog converters (DACs) from the famed French audio manufacturer.
The JS5 is the ultimate Jadis DAC, a two-chassis unit with processing in one chassis, and an elaborate power supply in the other chassis. The single-chassis JS2 SL is second in performance only to the JS5, and is an extensive refinement of the highly successful JS2 series of DACs.
Jadis’ name is synonymous with musical-sounding vacuum tube amps, which often causes their DACs to be unfairly overlooked. That’s a shame, because the Jadis JS5 and JS2 SL DACs provide the same kind of immersive, enthralling sound as Jadis amplifiers. Both models utilize 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, and is still able to provide a wondrous musical performance.
Both models are immediately recognizable as “Jadis”, with chrome-plated stainless steel chassis, gold-plated knobs and faceplate, and black crackle-finished transformer covers. Both DACs continue the Jadis tradition of excellence with an unmatched feeling of solidity and orderliness. Inside the hefty chassis there 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.
The JS5 utilizes four dual triodes in its signal path, and two pentodes for regulation in the outboard power supply; much of the Jadis “flavor” can be attributed to tube circuitry. The JS5 utilizes 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. The power supply utilizes 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 8-channel Sabre ES9038PRO 32 bit DACs with Hyperstream technology. There are four digital inputs, and both balanced and unbalanced outputs.
The JS2 SL is clearly 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 utilized. 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,” said 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 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.”
US retail price of the Jadis JS5 is $18,300, and the JS2 SL is $13,900. ($23,900 and $17,900 Canadian respectively.) Both are currently shipping to dealers.
About Jadis — Jadis is a manufacturer of vacuum tube electronics based in Villedubert, France who recently celebrated 40 years in business, Jadis is revered worldwide for their hand craftsmanship which features: point-to-point wiring, the finest components, and most importantly; Jadis proprietary custom transformers which are hand-made in house and guaranteed for life.
About Bluebird Music — Founded in 2000 and led by Founder and President Jay Rein, Bluebird Music is a full service, value-added distributor of hi-fi products of the highest quality. In addition to Jadis, Bluebird Music distributes Canton loudspeakers, Weiss Engineering digital products, Fezz Audio affordable tube amplifiers (USA only), and Orpheus Lab solid-state electronics. Products distributed by Bluebird can be found at over 100 select dealerships in USA and Canada.
Company Website: Jadis
US Distributor Website: Bluebird Music
Technical Specifications
JDS5 Digital to Analog Converter with separated power supply
Tubes: 2xECC82, 2xECC88, 1xEL84, 1xEF86
Dimensions: 455X325X125 mm each
Weight: 19 kg
Input:
SPDIF on RCA-PCM 24 bits/192 KHz
AES/EBU on XLR – PCM 24 bits/192 KHz
SPIDF on Toslink – PCM 24 bits/ 192 KHz
USB type B – PCM: 24 bits / 192 KHZ – DSD : 24 bits/384 KHz
Output: Unbalanced on RCA / Balanced on XLR
JDS2 SL Digital to Analog Converter
Tubes: 4xECC82
Dimensions: 29 x 46 x 10,5 cm
Weight: 13 kg
Consumption: 22 VA
Input:
SPDIF on RCA-PCM 24 bits/192 KHz
AES/EBU on XLR – PCM 24 bits/192 KHz
SPIDF on Toslink – PCM 24 bits/ 192 KHz
USB type B – PCM: 24 bits / 192 KHZ – DSD : 24 bits/384 KHz
Output: Unbalanced on RCA / Balanced on XLR
