2. misc-audio
  3. 1209852547

Is this tube sound????

I have just purchased a Jolida 1501 hybrid amp and I need some input from everyone. I've always owned ss amps so I decided to ease into the tubes with the inexpensive Jolida. Vocal artist such as Krall, Buble and others sound great but on other disc such as Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel and Toby Keith the vocals really seem to be in your face with the music not as defined and distinct. My previous amp was a Rotel 1080 and it overall was pretty neutral but a little harsh on the top end. Is this the sound of tube gear or possibly just the actual tubes.

A little more info.... I have Totem Forest speakers and I have a wide variety of music taste at moderate listening levels. I have read that the stock tubes in the Jolida are not great but I didn't want to start the rolling without a little advice.

I'm new to this so I would appreciate any help
tigermark89

Showing 1 response by ablang

ablang
165 posts
 
I owned the JD1501A a while back and had the same experience with the stock tubes. Don't give up on it yet, as its sound does change enormously with tube rolling. What tubes will work best for you is of course system dependent, but I had great luck with a pair of NOS GE 5751s from Upscale Audio. They're bargains for NOS ($20 each matched) and resulted (in my system) in a very balanced, sweet sound from top to bottom. Svetlanas are $10 each and are said to sweeten the mids/highs.

Is the Jolida the greatest amp in the world? Of course not. Can you do better at the price? Maybe, depending on your tastes. But I do think it's an enormous value--I presently have a JD1501RC on order, to replace the NAD that replaced my 1501A. I'm getting new speakers that need more current, and I missed the Jolida besides. For the money, it does an awful lot right.

If you do buy some tubes to roll, at worst they'll help the Joldia's resale value.
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