Jadis JA30 Mk2, how great???

stringreen, what vintage are the friends gear? Are you referring to JA 30's or some other model in the line up? I would very much doubt that the amps you are referring to are the new mk 2 models. As to the preamp, I have no experience with Jadis models.... no need to, as my CAT is a perfect match for the Jadis amps. 

Davey:
I want to be clear the air about me raving about the JA 30ll and then selling them to Davey and now hearing his opinion.
I loved the Jadis elegant sound as well and I think you are finding my description as I posted accurate.
I sold the amps. with regret but they simply were not enough power for my Gamut RS7i speakers and the marriage broke up.....the mate was my fault but certainly the dealer as well. I now say what was I thinking and certainly was not the amps. fault.  These speakers really like a "bigger amp." and the JA 80ll would have been a better match but they were out of my range. I am thrilled Davey is "engaged" in the music. 
With a brief trial with a refined SS amplifier, I have landed a deal on a CAT JL5 amplifier and just got it home today. It is a way better mate for these speakers and CAT can pretty much do it all. 
Once again it is all about proper mates. I am one of those guys that believe you mate the amplifier to the speaker.....not the other way around. 
Gwalt

Gary, great news...I was expecting that you would really like the CAT JL5. I am sure that this amp will be a great match to your Gamut's. Like you said, you match the amp to the speaker...and not the speaker to the amp. CAT is such a great piece of gear...as you know, I am a very BIG fan.
Oh, only drawback is now you have to think about the CAT preamp...;0)
Daveyf

Hi Davey:

When I was in Denver auditioning the JL5 against some other contenders I also heard it with the CAT SL-1 preamp. OMG was that good a pairing to die for.
It will be a goal of mine to get one with some options. I have to let Wally the Wallet rest now for awhile.....we will see. 
This amp. really is a fit for these speakers. As I said it pretty much does it all and gets out of the way for the music and drives most anything with ease.
Glad you are enjoying the music. That is what it is all about. As our world continues to turn it will help you through it all.

Gwalt

Gary, as great as Ken's amps are, IMO his preamps are actually even better. As you know, Ken made his mark with his preamps, and IMO they are still at the very top of the contender list. Absolutely SOTA.
Interestingly, the preamp and the Jadis amps have always matched up well. I can say that my hot rodded/modded SL-1 Sig matches up like a dream with the JA30Mk2. If and when funds allow, go for the CAT Renaissance with Black Paths...as you noticed, your system will take off.
In the meantime, happy listening.