Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Jungson JA-88D Integrated Amplifier (SS) by audiomarc1@hotmail.com

Model:	JA-88D
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1700
Description:	80W Class-A with fully balanced non-feedback circuit
Manufacturer URL:	Jungson
Model Picture:	View

Review by audiomarc1@hotmail.com ( A ) on July 25, 2006 at 04:57:18
IP Address: 12.154.167.143

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Great and thourough review by Chillysalsa of the JA-88D. I have owned this "gem" for about 4 months now and have to say that it is comparable in build and sonics to Rowland, Krell, etc. at the price of Arcam & Creek.

Build: It weighs nearly 70 lbs. All the best parts that can be utilized are found here. Huge power supply contained in its own separate shielded enclosure to isolate it from all other electronics. The heat sinks are made of copper which is very expensive and one of the best means of dissipating heat. Balanced and single ended inputs with WBT RCA's / binding posts. The case work for the chassis and faceplate is top notch! There was no skimping here as well.

Sound: Very powerful amp. At only 80 wpc it utilizes 160,000 mf of storage. The current output, while not listed must be immense. This allows the amp to take complete charge of the drivers and produce prodigious bass! Excellent imaging and soundstaging capabilities. Image is 3D and deep while the soundstage is vast - beyond the outside of the speakers. No trace of bright or edgy sound. Very "tube like" in the treble area which is very smooth.

Negatives: This amp runs in pure class "A" 100% of the time. This will produce some serious heat. However, the heat produced is noticeably less that many other similar designs and even some A/AB designs. It needs good ventilation to help dissipate the heat. It is heavy, so be careful not to hurt your back or crush your rack. The rack needs to be very deep. The amp is about 20" deep and will hang out of most racks. Nothing else would even be worth mentioning at this price!

Overall: Given its price vs. performance I would have to say that this amp is by far one of the best bargains on the planet. While it is not perfect (nothing is perfect in audio), its strengths are easily recognizable and its weakinesses are not easily noticeable. I have a feeling that once this amp and the entire Jungson line for that matter, start receiving their proper notice, that the prices will increase. Oh, BTW, the packaging that the Jungson comes in weighs about 20 lbs. This is the most formative packaging I have ever seen. This amp was packaged to make several trips around the world.

Product Weakness: Runs hot, needs good rack with proper dimensions or an amp stand.
Product Strengths: Cost, Build, Sonics, Packaging and looks.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	NAD Silverline S300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Music Hall Maverick
Speakers:	ACI Sapphire XL
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Pop, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 15 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	rugs, stuffed furniture, etc.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Runs hot, needs good rack with proper dimensions or an amp stand.
Product Strengths:	Cost, Build, Sonics, Packaging and looks.