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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 ponnie

ponnie
233 posts
 
If you want to hear a truly great hybrid amp check out the Pathos. You may get your cake and eat it too. It's more expensive then the Jolida but refined and will drive almost anything out there. There are other very good integrated amps the ONix SP8 40(EL34) watts integrated (Nice), the Cayin (Nice) Prima Luna (Nice). I have a Jolida 502 and I'm moving it very soon. My Modified ST 70/Sound Valves input board tweaked and additional mods done by Tom Tutay and a VanAlstine Super PAS3si sounds marvelous compared to the 1501 and several other amps I have heard. I have heard many amps make the Totems sound good. I think the Pathos will make them sound great. The other amps I mentioned will be close as well. They are in good company.
I'm even driving a pair of Magnepan MG12's and I'm pleased.
The JoLida you have well I'm not surprised you have the hardness and you don't like the top end. Afterall it is a solid state amp. Check out the Pathos you may be in for a real ride.
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