We have been ardent fans of the Languedoc brand since its beginnings, and over the years, a subtle evolution can be noticed in both look and sound. The adoption of the new KT170 tetrode with its particularly low distortion rate combined with true pure class A operation enables the JA170 to provide a quite exceptional sensation of presence. Available in monophonic form, it is every bit as good as the legendary JA30, 80 and above.
Its defining characteristic is the exceptional anchoring of the sound stage within your listening space. Listening to the JA170 makes it impossible to listen with a distracted ear, so much do they impose themselves on you. The term holographic construction has rarely had so much meaning.One is transfixed by a spatial reproduction that is so remarkably structured that it seems almost to be embodied. The precision of the elements and their position in space is so surprisingly realistic that you almost feel as if you could walk around the various musicians. Their positioning is unmistakable, and the proportions are striking in their coherence. The JA170 reproduces the bodies with a rare homogeneity, and through the fluidity of the movements, one can follow the musicians’ movements on stage.This is the result of the designers’ hard work to respect the signal phase to the letter. The spectral balance so specific to the brand is clearly suffused with a delectable warmth and roundness, while gaining considerably in accuracy and clarity since the early days of Jadis. Listening to brass, a voice or a piano reveals what the notion of presence can bring to sound production at this level.With this high level of performance in terms of image and timbre, listening to an opera with this Jadis electronic trio is a delight. The amplifier’s dynamic behaviour worthy of the name is equally impressive, providing excellent energy management that ensures a clear and comfortable listening experience on any type of message and at any modulation peak. This also guarantees excellent listening comfort over very long periods, even at high volume levels.We are constantly amazed by the creativity of the Villedubert manufacturer and the freshness of its passion. The brand’s historical references are still present in the catalogue after more than 40 years and have been able to evolve intelligently over time. But it is with these latest achievements that Jadis seems to us to be best able to reinforce its unique status as a manufacturer of tube amplifiers. Firstly because it has complete control over the R&D and manufacturing chain (the famous power supply and output transformers), but also because its vision of the subject is as profound and accomplished as ever. You will have to pay a very large sum to acquire this elite duo, but not only will you be able to keep it for life, you will also be able to pass it on. These are products which, by nature, are not subject to obsolescence and are made to succeed us.Vumetre, Laurent Thorin, Winner Remarkable Award, April 2025.