2026 Awards – Valve Integrated Amplifier

conrad-johnson’s CAV-60 is the soft-spoken counterargument to the modern world’s convenience-over-performance priority. While its long line of predecessors were minimalist, this latest integrated model takes minimalism to new levels, with the preamp part defined by just two line-level inputs on a toggle switch on the front panel, which otherwise simply sports a volume dial and power button. Generous? Not at all. But if you have two sources – a turntable and a streamer, say – do you really need any more?

The CAV-60, like the company’s Classic 62, uses three 6922 double-triodes for voltage gain and phase splitting duties, alongside two pairs of EL34 power tubes, operating in ultra-linear modes to deliver 60 watts into four ohms. And it too teems with high-grade metal-film resistors and polypropylene capacitors, even if the CAV-60’s power supply does feature larger-value electrolytic capacitors to accommodate the inputs and potentiometer.

The best of old and new

The absence of gain stages means that ideal source components are those with high gain and low output impedance, although the amp’s handling of those with less-than-optimal values is simply to go warmer and smoother; detail isn’t lost unless you are trying to run long interconnects.

Speaking of detail, plenty is in supply, presented in, describes Alan Sircom, a “refined and effortlessly informative” manner. Soundstage and image depth are also highlights, and the sonic character straddles the divide between that of old conrad-johnson and new. That older sound was inviting and extremely musical, but a little too ‘lush’ and warm for today’s listeners,” says Alan. “The newer sound is more focused and forward… [and] has more emphasis on ‘space’ and ‘grace’ rather than ‘pace’.” A great-sounding amplifier.

Reviewed in Issue 242

conrad-johnson • conradjohnson.com

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French tube amp brand Jadis excels in three areas. Firstly, it develops products without a relentless urge to constantly change them. Secondly, it produces many of them to order, allowing timeless models to stay in production for longer. And thirdly, it manufactures its own output transformers, meaning it can receive early versions of the latest output tubes and set the standards for other manufacturers.

The I-88 is a product of these advantages. The Class A integrated delivers 90 watts per channel using a double push-pull configuration featuring eight KT150s, plus two ECC83s and three ECC82s in the preamp stage, and includes an auto bias circuit. Connectivity would be as simple as it comes were it not for the unspecified USB DAC that joins, simply, four RCA inputs.

Any design language that has remained unchanged for over 40 years is on the right track, and such careful attention to craft is also evident in the point-to-point wiring loom – circuit boards are kept to a minimum throughout.

The sonic ‘x’ factor

Once each tube is installed and properly seated, your effort is well and truly rewarded. “The excellent sound quality extends to everything, from the most basic folk singing in a pub (The Unthanks) to small halls hosting jazz (Bill Evans), studios (Trentemøller), and stadiums (Queen), as well as concert halls (Georg Solti),” notes tester Alan Sircom. “Not a single track during the entire listen sounded anything less than thoroughly enjoyable.” Sure, the Jadis ticks all the boxes of ‘hi-fi-like’ replay, but it also has the sonic ‘x’ factor; the blend of sounding inviting, informative and musically effortless in a completely non-invasive way.

Reviewed in Issue 246

Jadis • jadis-electronics.com

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