Jadis Orchestra Reference SE and DA-50 Integrateds


Just out of curiosity, since I may decide to set up a second system later, how would you describe the difference between these integrated amplifiers outside of their roughly double price difference? And how would you compare them to a pre/power combo like the JA-15 and JP-15? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
washline
Wow! I'm really, really impressed by the replies here. Thanks Joe and Mr. Bartok for these exceptional details. Joe, I know that specs really don't mean much but I was curious about the fact that the frequency range on the DA-50 is only 20-17k, whereas the JORSE goes up to 40k. Is this meaningful? It sounds like it isn't an important issue. Still, I was wondering about the differences. I'm not fully versed on technical issues.

Where I live the JORSE, goes for about 2900 USD and the DA-50 is 6500 USD. I hope you don't find this query rude, but if you don't mind, what is the price of the DA-60? Don't feel obliged to answer if my query is out of line. I'm not sure I can get the DA-60 where I live. I've not yet seen it posted on any of the familiar websites.

Thanks so much for the replies. I learned a lot from them.

Bill
"Jadis products are best enjoyed by folks who get the emotional end of music, and are less concerned about the way things look on paper or measure."

Rereading your post once again, I see you've answered this question already. Thanks.
In France, the Cayin 500 received many rave reviews but I don't think it was ever sold in the US. I have never heard one.

I auditioned both the JOR and 50S side by side and loved both. It was a classic comparison of EL34 to KT88 and so I would pick whichever tube I prefer. Personally, I like EL34 better.
I am indeed the lucky recipient of Joe's JOR. Just for perspective, let me state that my home system (EMM DCC2, CDSD, Sota Cosmos latest vacuum model, Shelter 901, EAR 324, Atma-Sphere MP-1 Mk III, Atma-Sphere MA-2 (220 WPC OTL Class A), Kharma Reference 3.2, PAD Dominus i/cs and s/cs) provides no more musical pleasure than my much more modest second office system, powered by the incredible JOR (Merlin TSM-Mx, APL 3910, Thorens 125 Mk III, Shure V15V, Wright WPP 200 C phono preamp, Cardas GR i/cs and s/c) which runs 12 hours every day while I work. (3500 hours) I am ashamed and embarassed to say that in the 12 months I have owned it, I have not re-biased it after Joe kindly biased it and sent his JJ blue EL 34s with it. I did replace the 12AX7s with Mullard NOS courtesy of Andy at Vintage Tubes. I cannot face dissembling the amp - although it is obviously time, after 12 months. But you cant tell from listening. This is an ear-opening amp, of seductive mid-range, sweet, mellow but resolved highs and light, non-weighty but satisfactory bass. For classical, mostly chamber music - you should just hear Mozart Clarinet concerto or Kiri singing Dovo Sono - you dont miss the non-stellar lower notes - But the overall midrange and high-end are so beguiling, relaxing and tonally perfect, that I elect to listen to it all day rather than come home to a system that is logarithmically more expensive and powerful and "better." But, you just cant beat the utter musicality and visceral appeal of the JOR amp. The mids and highs have a earthy, almost thick, but detailed enough, mystical presence, an almost palpable feel that is sensuous and gripping beyond description - - It blew away any other amps I have tried, including many highly rated SS amps and high powered SET amps of highly pedigreed lineage. This is indeed a magical piece of music-producing design and again I thank Joe for selling it - I really dont think he wanted to - had his arm kinda severely twisted, but it aint going nowhere, unless someone offers me the new auto-biasing Jadis at a song:). Joe's description of its strengths are perfect, and if this wasn't such a pain to bias, would get even higher raves than the best compliment I can give it - it is my first listening choice every day. I cant bring it home to try with the Kharmas because it doesn't have balanced inputs and all my home cables are XLRs. But it owns you after a while and could only conceivably be replaced with another Jadis.....just like Joe did and said.
"Bartok are you in france?"
Hi Joe
No I live i n Baton Rouge. Recently displaced by hurricane Katrina, lived in Lakeview, was at home during the storm. My stereo/cds were saved, unlike many others who evacuated w/o knowing the consequences.
I bought the Jadis from the US dealer, came with KT90's, Richard Grey told me, "mighty fine tubes, do not go with others". So not sure if I really want/need the KT88's.
The thing with the JOR is that lack of "punch" you refer to that the DA60 has in ample supply, the DA30 as well.
However I really was impressed with a friend's Cayin 300, and since then I have bought 2 Cayin Tube cdp's. Both fine output.
The Cayin 500 is in a class above most Cayin's. One can see from the photio those U29's are pretty amazing looking tubes.
So I managed to call a dealer in france. And from a short chat with him, I do not speak french, he spoke fair english, he had only the highest praise for the 500. He wanted me to understand one descriptive, "imaginique" How the music has a clear imaginable image in production, depths of reality I guess he wanted to express..
Now I guess the DA60 produces extra-ordinary sound reproduction as well. This I have no boubts.
I might be able to ship a 500 MK for $3600.
The DA60 runs about $6K.
I'd really hate to comapare the 2 in a test, as I'd want both.
Most likely I'll go with the Cayin, 1-2 yrs from now.
I'm expecting the 500 to delieve some heft, she weighs in at about $80 lbs.
The DA60 goes heaviey than that I believe.
The DA60 is not easy to get out my mind.
"a last amp" for sure.
Which tubes are best with the DA60?
Paul