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.
matyas

Showing 2 responses by matyas

Thanks for the input, guys. Bob, unfortunately, I don't have the option of auditioning the Jolida at all. There are no Jolida dealers within driving distance. (I'd be willing to schlep out quite a bit, but I can't even find any within a five hours' drive!) I've heard good things about Jolida, and I was kind of obsessed with the idea of getting a 102b until I discovered just how inefficient my Advents are. The one good thing about them is that they are not at all lacking in the bass department, so I doubt I'll be wanting a sub anytime soon. To quote Stereophile's retro-review of them from a few years back: "there is useful output down to 30Hz or so."
Despite the fact that there is no local dealer, however, an inquiry to Jolida regarding the suitability of their products with my speakers resulted in my getting a personal email from the president of the company, so I feel like I would have a good support network with them if I chose to go that route.
Here's another thing to ponder: the Smaller Advents are far from being a flat, neutral speaker. They have a very wide frequency response, and good dynamic range, but they're definitely not modern, "in-your-face" speakers. Would the combination of SAs with Jolida be too colored or muddy? Or would it not be an issue? Or could it even sound cool and retro?
Just as an update, I ended up buying the Rotel. After much consideration, I eventually decided against the Jolida because in the end, I preferred to buy from a local shop where I could hear the gear before buying. My first few ventures into local audiophile shops left a bad taste in my mouth - they pretty much assumed that anyone on a limited budget must be into home theater exclusively - but I did end up finding a local dealer I really liked, a very nice, knowledgeable guy who's been in business for a long time.
I brought my wife out to the shop today, and we listened to both the NAD C720BEE and the Rotel RA1520, using discs I brought. We both preferred the Rotel, so even though it was a little more of a stretch finanacially, we went for it. The NAD didn't sound bad, but the Rotel had better clarity, better detail - generally seemed to handle transients well. I'll post a review once I've had it awhile and broken it in a bit.