2. amps-preamps
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Life beyond Jolida?

I have owned a 302b for a little over a year now and, having tube swapped out to achieve "as good as it gets" results with this stock unit, I am considering where to look next to improve detail, dynamic range and imaging. My qualifications for an upgraded tube integrated amp are:
- made in the USA
- all tube integrated design (Rogue, cj, Cary etc)
- minimum 40 WPC (driving Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs)

My local dealer is arranging for me to home audition a Rogue Cronus in the near future. I have listened to the now discontinued cj CAV50 and liked what I heard, but not through my own speakers/home.

What upgrade paths have other Jolida (or other entry level tube)owners taken in their journey up tube alley? What are your suggestions for high quality tube integrated amps?

Cheers and Happy New Year
Steve
stevecham

Showing 4 responses by stevecham

stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions!

My sources for this system are Jolida JD100 cdp, Music Hall MMF7 table and stock cart. and Jolida tuner.
stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
Currently running Svetlana winged EL34s purchased from Joe Sausa at NewTube (I'm not affiliated but Joe is a great guy). TungSol 12AX7s and Mullard (New Sensor) 12AT7s in the 302. I'm overall happy with the sound but as I climb the tube world as I did for the solid state system, I realize that there is probably a world of everything I'm missing. I am interested in hearing the Rogue Cronus though. The Vandy 2Ce Sigs have been a revelation to say the least. Everyone should at least have one opportunity to hear these speakers. I am also intrigued by SET land; the only experience I have is hearing Cary monos in Montreal years ago at the Festival du Son et Image. I can't remember the speakers but I think they may have been Reference 3As, which are popular in Quebec.

Also someone told me Quicksilvers have short tube lives because they put alot of voltage on the plates. Is this true? But everyone who owns them seems to like Quicksilvers. Thanks again!
Steve
stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
Uhurit: I knew it! Doh!
stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
No but I just received a Rogue Cronus and am in the second hour of bliss with it, and it hasn't even been broken in yet. Full review to follow...

Wow!
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