Comparison of Tube Output CD Players


I wonder if anyone has had an opportunity to listen to, and evaluate, the following relatively comparatively priced CD players which all incorporate tube output stages:-

Jolida JD-100A

Audio Aero Prima

Unico CD

Audio Note 3.1x

The Jolida 100A is also available with quite a number of mods by the "Parts Connexion", by "Underwood HiFi", and by Verastarr which are apparently "factory approved" since the original warranty is maintained. If anyone could
comment about these mods I would be very grateful.
p_ullman

Showing 1 response by kevinzoe

Hi all,
The first generation of the Prima CD did have a volume control so you could connect it directly to your power amp. However the subsequent and latest version of it (which is I guess a MKII version but they don't use this nomenclature to account for successive versions) does not have a volume control. Nor does it have analogue inputs like its bigger brother the Capitole.

By the way, the dealer I bought my Prima CD from says that the Prima gives you about 80-90% of the Capitole's performance (although I wouldn't know how you can quantify something intangible like sound timbre etc.).

The other option you might consider is getting a first generation (MKI?) Capitole but be warned that there was some software related issues but it still sounds marvelous and has a volume control so you could get away without using a preamp is need be.

Hope this helps.
Kevinzoe