tubes for Jadis JP-200

I have owned a JP-200 since 1993. During that time I have had it modified, and then restored to factory specs. I have used Telefunken, Ei, RCA, GE, Tesla, and Electro-Harmonic gold-pin 12ax7 tubes and have always returned to the Telefunkens. I have achieved a brighter sound but never any sparkle unless the Telefunkens are in the system. The Ei tubes were my second choice.

During the modified period, there was greater top-end sparkle; however, the unit also lost all of the musical characteristics for which one selects a Jadis product! To be clear, I do not recommend this option.

An idea, audition Mapleshade planar power cords (the active version with battery box) on the JP-200 or, on your power amps. This will change the balance somewhat, but not the character of the Jadis -they do open up the top end in a rather natural way.

By the way, what is the production year of the unit? I ask because this advice may not be as applicable to more recent production units --later than 2001.

I have another idea to share with you, a tube mixing strategy that I learned from a consultant at the Audio Outlet/CSA Audio, Mike O'keefe.

Put your NOS tubes in the first line stage socket (front of preamp to the left) and use two more widely available, and likely less expensive, tubes in the second and third sockets. Try the Telefunken matched with two Electro-Harmonix, an Ei with two Electro-Harmonix, or Telefunken and two Eis. Each combination will change the balance somewhat but not the character of the unit.

This system also works for the phono section. However, the NOS tube should be placed in the last socket at the rear of the unit. I have used this strategy with great success during my re-tubing of several Jadis preamps over the years. It is a cost effective way to listen to different brands in your unit before making a significant financial commitment!

With regard to the power supply, I have used GE, Mullard and Telefunken 6CW5/EF-86 tubes, and Ei, Mullard, Electro-Harmonix and Telefunken EL-86 tubes in the power supply with good results.

Good luck!