JS1 MkV vs Audio Research Corporation DAC9
The DAC9's signal-to-noise is 114 dB against the JS1 MkV's 100 dB and its output voltage 3.8V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
The Jadis JS1 MkV is a dual-chassis tube digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a separate, tube-regulated high-voltage power supply, designed as Jadis's reference tube DAC for highly musical, natural digital playback. It employs a fully balanced analog stage using 2x ECC82, 2x ECC88, 1x EL84, and 1x EF86 tubes, with the EL84 and EF86 located in the outboard power supply. Digital conversion is handled by AKM 4497 DAC chips in dual-mono architecture (one per channel), followed by a passive filter and current-to-voltage conversion stage. The JS1 MkV provides four digital inputs: S/PDIF on RCA (PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz), S/PDIF on Toslink (PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz), AES/EBU on XLR (PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz), and USB-B (PCM up to 24-bit/384 kHz plus DSD up to 24-bit/384 kHz), and feeds unbalanced RCA and fully balanced XLR analog outputs. Housed in non-magnetic stainless-steel chassis and hand-built in France, it uses premium wiring and capacitors and is voiced for a rich, colorful, tactile presentation with expansive soundstaging and freedom from digital artifacts, emphasizing natural tonal color and a relaxed, non-fatiguing character. Each chassis measures approximately 455 x 325 x 125 mm, with a combined weight of about 30 kg (66 lbs) and power consumption of roughly 75 W.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DAC9's signal-to-noise is 114 dB against the JS1 MkV's 100 dB and its output voltage 3.8V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
The D50 matches the JS1 MkV on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (384 kHz), signal-to-noise (100 dB), and output voltage (2.5V RMS).
The Planck's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the JS1 MkV's 384 kHz, its signal-to-noise 111 dB against 100 dB, and its output voltage 3.5V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
The S-5's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the JS1 MkV's 384 kHz, its signal-to-noise 110 dB against 100 dB, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
B.M.C. Audio DAC1
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free