All told, it’s a logical and sensitive revision that takes account of more recent thinking and concerns when it comes to system set-up. But you can add to that the choice of output tubes that are now available for the Jadis amplifiers. Customers can choose between the original EL34/6CA7 or KT88s. Or, they can specify more recent tubes, with a choice of KT120, KT150 or KT170. The original JA80s delivered a solid 50 Watts of proper Class A from their quartet of KT88s. Change those up to KT170s – the tube that Jadis is now supplying, more often than not – and that doubles to three figures! 100 Watts of genuine Class A power is not to be sniffed at and, despite the substantial revisions to the amp, the uprated tubes and upgraded components, it will still tip the scales at less than €30K – a pair! Currently, a pair of JA30s – which will deliver a solid 50 Watts Class A if fitted with KT170s – will set you back around €13K. It’s an almost laughably low price given the quality of the amplifier and its performance, when compared to the competition. Don’t hang about though; you can expect incremental price rises in January: although even after that the prices are still going to be surprisingly approachable. Some Jadis products have been in constant production for 40-years. Their pricing clearly hasn’t kept up with audio stag-flation!
Longer-term, the plan is to carry out a similar revision on all of the Origin Series, that being the JA30 and 200, as well as the matching pre-amps and line-stages. At present, there are no plans to alter the format or casework of the pre-amps, products which I’ve always felt were amongst the most classically attractive audio components on the market. Instead, changes will concentrate on the internal layouts, components, grounding and noise performance. As yet, there’s no timescale for the introduction of the ‘Evo’ models, but don’t expect it overnight. In the meantime, fans of the original, oblong chassis designs should snap them up while they still can. It’s remarkable just how musically complete and engaging they are, compared to almost all of the current, more modern competition.
France has a long history of audio innovation and impressive products, although the parochial nature of so many French manufacturers means that few have been genuinely successful beyond the borders of their home market or the language barrier. In global terms, it’s only Focal and Jadis (Goldmund if you count them as French) who have hit the heights and stayed there. If the latter company has had a lower profile recently, its reputation and brand identity remain fully intact. With the impetus of new ownership and new organization behind it, those firm foundations look like a solid basis for the brand’s return to the high-end limelight: from sleeping giant to global brand that’s going places in one short step…
