If you want the best sound for your money, get an Ayre Codex and use whatever CD player you have now for a transport. It makes players like Marantz and Cambridge sound defective. You can drive an amp directly with it.
Jolida Fusion DAC/transport: opinions or other DAC/transport alternatives?
Hi all,
I've been looking for a CD player with a little future proofing thrown in (in the way of digital inputs). I have many CDs that I'd like to keep for critical listening sessions, but would like to run a USB or toslink from my imac for access to my digital library for convenience sake.
The Jolida Fusion DAC/transport caught my interested but I can find nothing in the way of information or reviews (save for one). I like the tube idea, but it's not mandatory. I've used a couple of Shanling tubed CD players in the past with good success.
Other player/DACS I've researched but ruled out include the Cambridge Audio Azur 851C, (most seem to agree this is a very analytical sound, and not one I would enjoy), and the Rega Saturn R. The Marantz SA8005 looks good on paper, but again, I've heard it's sound can be a little analytical and sterile.
I'd welcome recommendations for other units in the $2k or less range that can handle optical or USB in.
Thanks!
I've been looking for a CD player with a little future proofing thrown in (in the way of digital inputs). I have many CDs that I'd like to keep for critical listening sessions, but would like to run a USB or toslink from my imac for access to my digital library for convenience sake.
The Jolida Fusion DAC/transport caught my interested but I can find nothing in the way of information or reviews (save for one). I like the tube idea, but it's not mandatory. I've used a couple of Shanling tubed CD players in the past with good success.
Other player/DACS I've researched but ruled out include the Cambridge Audio Azur 851C, (most seem to agree this is a very analytical sound, and not one I would enjoy), and the Rega Saturn R. The Marantz SA8005 looks good on paper, but again, I've heard it's sound can be a little analytical and sterile.
I'd welcome recommendations for other units in the $2k or less range that can handle optical or USB in.
Thanks!
16 responses Add your response
good question yakbob.... I'm also looking at the Jolida Fusion for the exact same reason you are... I have an Oppo 93 but like the idea of a dedicated cd/digital media player with tubes... balanced output... I have a lot of cd's but want to dabble in downloads... had my first listen today from a USB stick and sounded pretty good... only problem is I have a quite a few sacd's... |
If you go with a tube dac because you're trying to fix something like brightness in your system, it almost never works. You first have to determine what's causing the problem. It could turn out to be the amp, preamp or speakers. Its best to deal with the problem component directly, than it is to buy other components to offset the short comings of the offender. Even if you do manage to get things right, upgrading is a nightmare. A different approach would be to find components that are better at creating the correct timbre of the instruments on the recording. Because that's the real issue here. If the highs are bothering you, you have 3 basic choices. 1. Do nothing and suffer with it. 2. Try to cover up the problem with products like tubes and cables. 3. Eliminate the actual problem. Option 3 is the way to go. |
thanks for the input so far guys. Mb1audio, it's not that I'm trying to fix something in my system with the possible addition of a tubed source, as much as avoid adding a component described as cold, thin, analytical, or providing hyper-detail. I've run 2 tubed SACD players in the past (Shanling SCD-T200 and SCD-3000) and have had great synergy in my system with them. That's the main reason I've considered the Jolida (along with the digital inputs). My current disc spinner (McIntosh MCD-205) is a perfect fit, but lacks the digital inputs. Yes, I could simply add a DAC, but really want a 1-box solution as I'm running out of room in my rack. Call it box downsizing. :-) |
Disagree with your strategy. Get a separate DAC. Benchmark make a DAC that can also act as a preamplifier if you don't have enough inputs to select between a separate DAC versus your CD player analog out. Being neutral the Benchmark pre/DAC won't colour the output of your tubed CD player so you can keep enjoying what you have while adding the ability to play digital files. |
I understand the desire to have a CD player with access to the internal DAC. Seems logical way to simplify a system and remove need for some cables. I own the Jolida Fusion preamp and enjoy it greatly however have no experience with this CD player therefore am not much help. Can you purchase with return privilege? |
I appreciate the input guys and realize the "right" thing to do is go with a separate outboard DAC, but have decided to take chance on the Yamaha CD-S2100 which will add SACD capability to my system. I still have a stack of SACDs around from my time with the Shanling units. The Jolida looks like it offers nice performance for the dollar, but the Yamaha ticked a lot of boxes for my needs. I'll report back once I've had some time with it. |
yakbob, this may be a little late, but I thought I would add my experience. I have owned the Fusion/Transport for a year and I am very pleased. I also wanted something that I could ease into computer audio. I had the opportunity to audition a $4000 Naim cd player, and in my system the Jolida was better in detail, overall resolution and dare I say less digital sounding. Jolida also offers 2 levels of upgrades if you are so inclined. System is Spectral amp/preamp, Ayre phono preamp, VPI analog and Avalon speakers. |
Thanks for the additional input runner. I think I would have been happy with the Jolida Fusion and did have some great coorespondance with one of their dealers. I will seek a demo of this unit in the near future to satisfy my "what if" curiosity. For now, the Yamaha I purchased has landed and is singing along in my system. So far, I'm impressed, but cannot give a detailed review on the sound until my main amp comes back from repair. I'm getting by with a $150 craigslist "backup" amp which is muddy sounding and really bass heavy. Operationally, the cd-s2100 is a beauty. Its nice to see a big name in the mid-fi/ home theater market get serious about audio again. |
Once you use a CD player as a transport, the only thing that matters is jitter from it. Like a previous poster said, any transport will do, including your current one. This is true, PROVIDED that you use a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh. Here is the jitter from a typical transport before and after reclocking: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0 Steve N. Empirical Audio |
I have had the Jolida Fusion for a couple of years now and have been very pleased. It has allowed me to ease into computer audio via using the Jolida as a DAC with my Apple laptop. I compared this unit with a $4000 cd player which will remain Naim (less) and the Joldia blew the other player away. This is in a system of Spectral electronics and Avalon Speakers. |
I am a dealer for Jolida / Black Ice Audio. For 12 years. Much of what is said here is not completely accurate. You would not want to use a high price DAC with a cheap CD player, or a DVD/CD player. I have sold several of these units. The customers were totally satisfied. The older JD100 CD player that was discontinued was extremely well received, and 10 year old players are now selling for nearly what those sold for new. Find Anderson Audio Gallery on FB. I will be happy to answer any questions about Jolida or Black Ice Audio gear. Bob Anderson |
I just posted this in another thread: "One of the best sounding CD player / DACs I've heard (tube or solid state) is the Black Ice Audio Transport DAC (tube output stage). I think the retail price is very reasonable considering the sound quality. Unfortunately, they are backordered for several months out." Bob, can you confirm when units will be available? |
