I am in the same proverbial boat. I really like my DAC (Theta DSPro Basic), I want to improve my transport(secondary) and give an alternative sound(primary) by use of the analog outs. I am thinking A modified Jolida JD-100 (tubes), but I know you guys have infinitely more experience and wisdom than I.
Same budget as above, mostly 2 channel listening, with musical taste all over the place.
I like the aggressive/dynamic DAC but it sometimes gets tiring and it would be nice to have options.
The one thing I dont want is a loss of high frequency, whether that be extension or air. I like my highs detailed and pronounced. |
As far as the Jolida is concerned.
Which tubes would improve the highs the most without much sacrifice elsewhere? |
From what I have learned/read Dan Wright does some fantastic work. I talked on the phone once with him and he is an absolute joy to converse with. Very knowledgable and he seems genuinly interested in YOUR needs.
Since I changed my ICs on my DAC (Transparent ML100s to Signalcable analog 2s) I am actually preferring CDs to SACDs. Note that my SACD player is somewhat lowend (Sony DVP-NS900v).
My train of thought currently is, either, improve redbook first and then SACD later, or do both at once. Maybe a Dan Wright modded Sony 999. But alas I cant decide. As a side note I have been told that Modwrights Sony 999 doesnt do 5.1 SACD(2 channel only) and thats something I dont want to lose.
So I am back once again considering the Jolida redbook player.
Ahh the joy of being addicted to audio. |
I love it. I have about 110 hours on it, although some said it would take a while to burn in, I found it very pleasing at about 60 hours.
I have been using EH 12ax7eh's and really like them, vocals are awesom. Decay is sweet. A very black background. Dynamics are acceptable.
I tried some JAN GE 5751's (grey plate?) great dynamics, solid bass, decent vocals, but lost decay sweetnes and definately lost imaging. So back in the EH's went.
I have ordered Some NOS RCA 5751 triple mica black plates, on Muralmans advice, they should be in this weekend. I will come back and give my impression of these as well.
I only have one complaint, the case is a real bugger to open up. Seeing as you have to remove it to change tubes I wish it had been made easier to do. It is thick gauge steel.
The remote is a solid chunk of aluminum with ball bearings for buttons, awesome. FWIW. |
Well I broke down and plan on buying a JD-100.
I intend to audition, in home, several tubes, EH 12AX7, NOS 5751, and stock. I will use an MIT powercord, Sorbothane or Vibrapod feet, and several ICs. I dont have any silver RCA ICs, only copper, but my system is all SS, I may need to tweak ICs for ultimate synergy, we shall see.
After burn in I will revist this thread with my impressions, for what there worth. |
Muralman1, you can check the system at the link below. All SS with metal dome tweeters, I like my highs.
Currently the Theta DAC gets the workload, the Jolida is at least equivalent as a transport to the Rotel currently in use. No worries there, I do hope the Jolida gives me an alternative sound to the DAC, I am sure it will do that. A miracle worker, I seriously doubt especially at its pricepoint.
I am new to tubes, Its called "rolling" when you swap tubes around right. When I "roll" my tubes will they require a break in time? How long? They should be warmed up a little bit before each session as well? |
My Jolida arrived today.
I had to leave the room to keep dry eyes. This player sounds great right out of the box. I changed the tubes from stock to EH 12ax7, damped the chassis, and placed Vibrapods under the feet. As I said, Loreena Mckinnett just about brought tears to my eyes, sweet vocals.
I can hardly wait for break-in.
I got some GE 5751s as well, but I have no idea if they are "triple mica black." Being a tube virgin and all. |
I have been playing it about 24 hours straight and it sounds great, a little flabby in the bass, but very very sweet and seductive mids, especially female vocals. Strings seem to be strummed instead of just vibrating, I can actually here the pic clicking each string.
Looking at the tubes(5751) vertically, there are two horizontal plates about 1/3 from the bottom and about 1/3 from the top. These plates look like white painted metal. There are three or four odd shaped grey peices that run vertically from one plate to the other. They appear to cover a metal filament. Finally at the pointed end (top) inside the glass is a white metal halo mounted on a single copper post. But alas no black at all, at least internally.
The box says "JAN 5751 GE" along with "DLA900-87-C-0624" and "ESCM 33173 PN JAN 5751" |
My vintage RCA 5751 black plates arrived yesterday I installed them ASAP, warmed it all up about 5 hours and had a listening session.
The BP5751's have more solid adn immediate bass, acceptable dynamics, they seem a little more reserved in the mids, but still quite nice. These are the most expensive Tubes I have, but....
I think I still prefer the incredible 3d soundstage the EH 12ax7eh's are throwing, even if I have to live without the SS like bass the 5751s give.
I have ordered a pair of EI ECC83 low noise 12ax7's, they should be in next week. I'll give an impression of them as well.
I am going to leave in the RCA 5751's for a while however, as they are pretty darn good. |
Just for the experience maybe you should plug in some of the tubes I seem to be drawn to. You couldnt be more right about the system components and the tubes synergy. Here is a link to a spot were you can buy them The Tube Store. They(EH 12ax7eh's)are only $9.95 each, so what the hay. The RCA 5751s are gonna stay in for while and then I will swap back. Sometimes I feel like I get acclimated to a certain sound and any change is perceived as bad. |
I thought I might revist this topic with a follow-up.
Just today, I recieved a pair of EI 12ax7ln tubes. Promptly inserted and listened for a while, after warmup of course. These are very nice tubes. I intend to let these stay in place a while.
After that I am gonna have a shootout of my three favorites, Vintage RCA 5751 Triple Mica Black Plates, Electro Harmonix 12ax7eh, and the Elektra Industrija 12ax7ln's.
This is so much fun. If I had known "tubing" was so much fun I would have been doing it a long time ago. Thanks everyone and especially 89lotus, the original poster, for letting your thread be hijacked so easily. |
Well, as cheap as they are, why noy give 'em a try.
I wouldnt go so far as to say favorite, I really like the RCA 5751 black plates, now I am trying some Ei 12ax7ln's I like them as well. "thetubestore.com" has a decent selection of newer manufacture tubes(Sovteks, Ei's, EH's, and more, I gave a clickable link a few posts back)
I cant remember the address, but a placed called "upscale audio," has a good selction of NOS tubes. A'gon member "fat_cat" sold me the RCA 5751 blackplates, give him an email, I bet he has some more and is a real pleasure to work with, not to mention a fast shipper, which is great for immediate gratification guys like myself. hehe.
I listened some more to the Ei 12ax7s last night I really like this tube. It definately is a bit more dry than the 5751's but, it isnt as pronounced on the highs. (my system tends to be on the bright side, Bryston amp, Metal tweets, hardwood floors, no drapes, Silver/copper hybrid ICs) In my system it sounds nice. Just a though. |
Thats good info Crgolfer, I havent used Sylvania tubes yet, but I have read that many folks like them. Are the Sylvanias 5751s or 12ax7s?
I have been using Vibrapods for isolation and a MIT Zcord power cable. I am thinking of upgrading the PC. Any recommendations?
I have had a pair of EI 12ax7ln's tubes in for a week or so. I really like these tubes.
Muralman, have your EH tubes arrived yet. I am interested in your opinions on these. |
Muralman, its been a pleasure discussing tubes with you and the others in this thread. Thank you, for all the input. I think you hit the nail on the head with the description of the EH tubes. Did you notice any change in imaging or depth with the EHs?
I agree about the gain, the difference is hardly detectable.
I am gonna try out those Sylvania's if I can find some, I will revisit this thread when/if I do. I think Upscaleaudio.com has some.
Thanks again all, and enjoy. |
