Metrum Acoustics JADE NOS Digital Preamplifier
Best digital preamplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, natural sound reproduction.
Discover exceptional audio with the Metrum Acoustics JADE, a digital preamplifier offering high-end sound at an accessible price. It utilizes dual DAC chips per channel and advanced Forward Correction Technology to achieve remarkable linearity and a true 24-bit dynamic range. The JADE operates on a musical, non-oversampling principle, bypassing a traditional pre-amplifier stage for a pure listening experience. This innovative design integrates modern technological advancements while honoring classic audio principles, creating a superior soundstage.
$3529.98
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
240
/ 489
#240 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-19%
Below average
Working principle
242
/ balanced digital pre amplifier, bits non oversampling, Forward correcting technology, x DAC TWO modules per channel
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a natural, analog-like listening experience
- Minimalists wanting to simplify their high-end signal chain
- Listeners prioritizing expansive soundstage and spatial realism
Who should skip it
- Users with sensitive amplifiers requiring strict noise floor management
- Collectors of DSD files or advanced high-resolution streaming formats
- Listeners who prefer the sharp, analytical detail of delta-sigma DACs
Performance breakdown
Linearity Performance
Advanced forward correction ensures exceptional accuracy down to the lowest signal levels.
Signal Purity
Non-oversampling architecture delivers a raw, uncolored, and highly musical listening experience.
Dynamic Range
True 24-bit depth provides impressive headroom for complex, high-resolution audio tracks.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive digital inputs handle everything from standard optical to high-bandwidth USB.
Noise Floor
An ultra-low noise floor ensures silence remains completely black between musical notes.
Build Integrity
Compact, robust chassis design houses high-quality toroidal power components with precision.
Key Specs
Working principle
balanced digital pre amplifier, 24 bits non oversampling, Forward correcting technology, 2x DAC TWO modules per channel
Power
15 VA toroidal transformers
Mains voltage
110/115V AC, 220/230V AC 60/50Hz
Input
1x optical, 1x AES/EBU, 1x coaxial, USB
Output
RCA (1x stereo pair), XLR (1x stereo pair)
Frequency response
1Hz – 20 kHz -1dB (44.1 kHz sampling), 1Hz – 65 kHz -1dB (192 kHz)
Distortion
0.006% THD
Noise floor
-145 dB related to 2 Volt RMS
Features
- Balanced digital pre-amplification
- 24-bit non-oversampling design
- Forward correcting technology
- Dual DAC TWO modules per channel
- High linearity down to -140 dB
- Realistic 24-bit dynamic range
- Musical, non-oversampling principle
- Integrated technological advancements
What customers say
The Metrum Acoustics JADE NOS Digital Preamplifier is celebrated for its exceptional sound quality and natural presentation. Users consistently highlight its unique NonOverSampling design, which delivers an organic, analog-like audio experience. The JADE is praised for its transparency, detailed yet unanalytical sound, and remarkable musicality. It creates a wide soundstage with precise imaging and excellent instrument separation, offering an immersive listening journey. Many appreciate its neutrality, allowing recordings to shine authentically. The build quality and elegant design also receive high marks, reflecting its premium status. While an investment, owners feel the JADE provides significant value for its sonic performance, making it a highly recommended component for a pure and engaging digital audio experience.
Know before you buy
A non-oversampling design avoids the digital filtering processes found in most standard DACs, which can often introduce phase shifts or ringing. By bypassing these filters, the JADE aims to deliver a more natural, organic, and time-accurate sound that feels closer to the original recording.
This proprietary technology addresses the inherent linearity limitations of DAC chips at very low signal levels. By correcting these errors, the JADE achieves exceptional detail and a noise floor of -145 dB, ensuring that subtle musical nuances remain clear and undistorted.
Yes. Because the JADE functions as a digital preamplifier, it includes volume control and balanced outputs, allowing you to connect it directly to a power amplifier without needing a separate traditional preamp in your signal chain.
Yes, the USB input supports sampling rates up to 384 kHz. This allows you to play high-resolution PCM files and DSD formats with the high level of precision provided by the dual DAC TWO modules.
The RCA outputs provide a maximum of 3 Volts RMS, while the balanced XLR outputs provide up to 6 Volts RMS. Using the XLR connections is recommended if your power amplifier supports balanced inputs, as it offers a higher signal level and better noise rejection.
Yes, the JADE is designed to operate on both 110/115V and 220/230V mains voltages, making it versatile for use in different regions. It utilizes 15 VA toroidal transformers to ensure stable and clean power delivery.
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