Jadis Preamps JPS8, JPS2 and JP80

I never heard of the JPS8. The JPS2 is pretty much a line stage version of the JP80MC full function preamp, which has an excellent phono stage. I'm not sure about recent production of these two units, but I did notice that the JPS2 at least at some point had an additional tube that was used in connection with the CD input circuitry--my JP80 never had that, nor does my JP200, but my old JPL line stage had that extra tube in the CD input circuit as well. I think it was intended to tame the sound of digital. I personally avoided it, as it also degrades the signal--the best input on the JPL was the tape in. Otherwise, expect the line stage of the JP80 to be the same sonically as the JPS2 (assuming you use the same tubes in each, of course).

Edle's description captures what these pieces are all about. Had the chance for the 80's big brother, the 200, not presented itself after over a decade owning the JP80, I'd still own that unit. I don't expect to replace the 200 till it can no longer be serviced, even though it takes up four spaces in my front-end racks.

The difference between the JP200 and the JP80 is in part a sense of ease--it never hints at being strained by anything I throw at it, and macro-dynamics are handled as well as the micro-dynamics. It DOES make a difference with preamps. Otherwise, it is hard to compare the two in my case, because my JP200 was a special version which initially was thought to be the successor mk II version, using EF86 tubes rather than 12AX7s in the gain stages. The EF86 is cleaner sounding at low volumes than the 12AX7s, which needed some volume before they sounded their best, IMO. Otherwise, the two are comparable, the 200 is just that little bit more real.

Did finally sell my 80s. The Jadis were wonderful to listen to, but definitely colored and rolled in the highs (fat in the bass too, but not a concern for me as I bi-amp). The Lamms are far more neutral than the Jadis, but still manage to get the midrange and natural dynamics right like the Jadis, and Lamm equipment (in my case, the LP2 and the ML 1.1s) seems to work very synergistically with the Jadis preamp. Interesting that two pieces of equipment so diametrically opposed in their design philosophy (Jadis was desined in large part through listening, Lamm strictly by measurements) can both get it right. More than one way to skin the proverbial cat.

I'd add the JP200 to the list of the best preamps they've made so far--what it is in reality is a JP80 for each channel. I had a hunch the 8 designation maent it was like the JP800, which I have never seen or heard.

Johnny is right in that the stock Jadis can be made to sound different by changing some of the stock parts. I would be careful about that, however--take a look at Trelja's post on another thread about the DA60 he bought that had been modified. There are some mods that can be made that will improve the sound of the Jadis but there are some that will change its character, even if delivering better measured performance. Be careful what you play with in there.