The JS-1 is a testament on how a well designed DAC can still crush the competition 25 years later. It may not have the “high tech” features like 24 bit/ 192 kHz that you would commonly find in most current DACs but it will still rival them for musicality, easily. In fact, the JS-1 was so successful it is into its fifth generation (with 24 bit/ 192 kHz technology and USB input) now. What made the original JS-1 the legend it is now is the focus on the areas that are critical to producing a great sound. Like a beefy power supply, which Jadis said has enough current to power an amplifier, the complete separation of the digital and analog circuitry with their dedicated power source and the incorporation of tubes for its silky smooth, warm sound. The naturalness of its music can be traced back to its use of a bitstream DAC and then through its two ECC88 and two ECC82 tubes. The use of tubes in the design does not stop here and a EL86 and a EF86 tube is also incorporated in the power supply. There are three digital inputs – two SPDIF and one fiber glass optic with two pairs of RCA outs. If you don’t need a DAC to stream or an USB input, and just want something that will stay true to its musical roots, the JS-1 does not disappoint. Especially when its later generations sell for much more without significant difference in sound quality. Built and finish is typical Jadis, lots of chrome and brass. It is also solidly made – weighs almost 60 lbs together which should trounce many newer DACs on weight alone!
Cosmetically, it has the usual brass plate discoloration and minor scuff marks here and there but nothing major. They are shipped in two boxes so multiply by two for actual shipping cost. Isolation pads you see in the pics are not included. They were only used to lift the top unit off the power supply unit for pics (they should never be stacked anyway for heat ventilation). Local pickup from our store can be arranged.
