I owned a NAD 720BEE. I sold it last year. I now have a Jolida JD302 BRC (the latest model with factory upgrades and little gold logo on the faceplate) as well as a LFD Zero LE MkIII. Nice to have the option of SS or tube when the mood strikes you. My Jolida with a tube roll to RCA grayplates, Mullard's, and 6CA7's really sounds wonderful to my ears (and I've heard Prima Luna and Cary). Since you went with the Rotel may I suggest their RCD-1072 CDP as well? I have one. It's one of the genuine CDP bargains in HiFi at $425-$500. Rotel makes well-engineered, reliable gear that performs way beyond its price, and with Rotel reliability you can buy Rotel gear on the used market and save even more - something I would not do with many other brands (like my now-in-the-dumpster Sony ES CDP that stopped functioning in SACD mode just two months out of warranty.
Jolida Hybrid vs. NAD or Rotel
Hello all,
I recently posted a query with regards to Jolida tube integrateds and some very inefficient speakers. The general consensus was that if I want to use my old Smaller Advents (which I do - this being the whole reason I'm investing in a new integrated amp in the first place), I'd need something considerably more powerful than a Jolida 102b. The Jolida 1501a hybrid was recommended, and I'd been looking into it. There isn't a Jolida dealer in my area, however, and I'm a little nervous about trying something sight unseen (and unheard). I did visit a local audiophile shop over the weekend, and the owner, who was very knowledgable and friendly, recommended Rotel and NAD. I'd heard NAD products in the past and thought they was alright, but nothing earth-shattering; however, I think I'd be very happy with the unit he demo'd (C720BEE, I think). I was also impressed with the Rotel offerings I heard. He said that either would drive my Advents well. Anyone compared Jolida hybrids to comparably-prices SS, especially Rotel or NAD? Budget is $700-1000 or so.
I recently posted a query with regards to Jolida tube integrateds and some very inefficient speakers. The general consensus was that if I want to use my old Smaller Advents (which I do - this being the whole reason I'm investing in a new integrated amp in the first place), I'd need something considerably more powerful than a Jolida 102b. The Jolida 1501a hybrid was recommended, and I'd been looking into it. There isn't a Jolida dealer in my area, however, and I'm a little nervous about trying something sight unseen (and unheard). I did visit a local audiophile shop over the weekend, and the owner, who was very knowledgable and friendly, recommended Rotel and NAD. I'd heard NAD products in the past and thought they was alright, but nothing earth-shattering; however, I think I'd be very happy with the unit he demo'd (C720BEE, I think). I was also impressed with the Rotel offerings I heard. He said that either would drive my Advents well. Anyone compared Jolida hybrids to comparably-prices SS, especially Rotel or NAD? Budget is $700-1000 or so.