The Jadis Orchestra measures 53 x 27 x 20 cm, weight is 21 kg. Sensitivity for rated output (40 Watts RMS per channel) is 380mV RMS. Input impedance is greater than 100 Kohms, and power consumption is 300 Watts maximum. Bandwidth at 0dB is 20 Hz to 20kHz and at -3 dB it is 5 Hz to 60 kHz. These are all figures supplied by the manufacturer. There are five gold-plated RCA line inputs and one record output available on the back panel. The tube lineup is two pairs of EL-34 power tubes, with their distinctive pointed tops, and two 7025/12AX7WB inputs.

I had the occasion to open the chassis and discovered that the circuit is all point-to-point hardwired in a clever and logical fashion. The circuit is straightforward and elegant in execution. This kind of handwork is time consuming and expensive but worthy of the result. All solder joints were superbly done, and it is evident that the constructors at the factory take great pride in their work. The only printed circuit boards used are for the power supply and input selector. It is comforting to know that the two pairs of power tubes are protected from arcing or over-bias operation by two .315mA fuses mounted inside the chassis. The quixotic offsetting of the components gives a pleasant feeling of tension to what would otherwise be a ho-hum exercise. You know what I mean. The old Dyna ST-70 formula: four EL-34s and a bunch of transformers. Instead we have a post-modern sculpture that could stand on it’s own in the most elegant of surroundings. The glowing tubes reflected in the mirror-polished top plate will bring a smile to your face and entertain your guests. And the space-deck just above those silky controls – well, it’s just made to display the CD you’re listening to right now. Notice the tube sockets. They’re ceramic with gold-plated pin contacts, an unexpected touch in an entry-level unit. If the odd, clunky, heavy-duty power switch bothers you, just have a look at a picture of a Jadis Defy-7 or JA-200. I believe you will find that Jadis uses the same switch on them too. I guess they do it for sonic reasons. In fact, I’m convinced that every component Jadis has chosen to use has been selected because of the effect on the sound of the amplifier. And that even goes for those cheap plastic five-way binding posts. I wouldn’t change a thing. Top of the line or entry level? The uninitiated could never tell by looking at this beauty from Carcassonne. Or by listening.