jolida vs. ASL

ASL is generally regarded by many (me included) to be better built, higher caliber designs, esp. where it counts (transformers.) Agreed chinese tubes are nothing special (their 845 is ok though). Some really interesting amps in the ASL lineup, incl. the Tulip - an IT-coupled choke loaded (?) 2A3 amp which sounds better than it should for $1000 or whatever it costs. I've seen/used one Jolida, an older one (not sure how old) and the build quality was pretty much crap - hopefully they are better now.(?). ASL has a more varied lineup with a lot of unique amps, Jolida seems to have a more narrowly focused product mix.

-Ed

I own both. I have a 202, 302 and 502 Jolida's in various secondary systems. These are the older models and the build quality is only good. However, I believe that these units offer some of the best sound for value.

A few weeks ago I got the ASL AQ 1006 845 based SET monoblocks to replace the Jolida in my office. The build quality is excellent and the sound is SET beautiful. However, the ASL is way more expensive than my older Jolidas.

In every case I replaced the Chinese tubes.

thank you all for the informative responses. However, there seems to be a discrepancy of opinions regarding the quality of the respective units. the word crap was used to describe jolida products that were desribed by someone else as being slightly better in quality to the asl line, which was generally accepted as being solidly built. Will someone step up to the plate in a convincing manner and put the issue to rest?
THanks folks.
ben

Since no one used the C word in this thread you must be referring to some previous threads since there have been posters on this site that have referred to the Jolida's as crap. If you found that thread you probably saw my response there. If I recall correctly that audiogoner did not claim first hand experience. Let me step up to this issue as you requested.

I’ve been at this hobby for over 30 years. I have degrees in Physics and EE and have built a fair number of amps from scratch. In my main system I have also owned or own many ARC, CJ, Melos, Threshold, Pass, Spectral, etc. components. I have no connection to the industry other than as a consumer.

The first thing to keep in mind is that tube amps are high voltage and high temperature devices. They can fail spectacularly in a shower of sparks and flame. This is rare, but it does happen occasionally, even to “name” brands.

I recommend Jolidas to all of my financially challenged music loving friends. Eleven Jolida units (202,302,502) have passed through my house and I own three. These are older and cheaper models so I could be under rating the company. None of these units cost more than around $500 used. One unit had several dubious solder joints and a few loose fittings which I easily fixed. The built quality of the other units was basic acceptable, no better. All have been working fine for up to three years now. (Clean your contacts, pots and tube socket contacts every year). The Jolida parts (except for the quite good transformers) are just Asian basic commercial quality. You must replace the Chinese tubes. I think they are a great price performance bargain for an integrated amp. Many people buy the Jolida as a DIY chassis and upgrade the parts and modify the circuits. Check out Audio Asylum if you are interested. If you can spend $1500+ (used) you can get better sound and quality.

I bought the ASL 1006 845 SET mono blocks to replace the Jolida in my office. It is the only ASL unit I have owned. Used they cost about four plus times that of a used Jolida (with no preamp stage, switches etc.). The parts are high end audio. The build on my unit is excellent. It won the Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award a few years back. The stock Russian driver tubes were OK. (Absolute Sound gave positive reviews to the high end Jolida a few years ago also). I replaced all the driver tubes with premium NOS and new Valve Arts 845s. The sound is SET gorgeous far better than the Jolidas. I have not compared a similiarly priced ASL integrated to my Jolidas.

Parts and build quality cost money. The unique selling proposition of the Jolida is the very good sound quality per dollar spent not it's absolute build quality or sound. If you can afford better for your main system buy better.

thanks pls. Well stated.

Ben