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My Jolida JD100 mod VS Music Hall CD25 mod


I purchased the Music Hall CD25 mod from underwood in December.The Cd player sounds great, but i wanted to know what the Jolida player was all about, since i am new to tubes and had just purchased the modded jolida 202A to go along with the Music Hall(love the Joida 202A mod from underwood!!!).So i purchased the modded version of the Jolida JD 100(with the underwood level 1 mod) from a seller here on audiogon.These players are two entirely different animals!!
If i could combine the best of both of them i would be in heaven but i find myself inbetween, and could lean either way, if the right thing were to be addressed in either player.
The Music Hall is so defined and has decent staging where as the jolida is not as defined and the staging is HUGE.I feel that if i could get the bass tightened up and a bit, and more accented on the Jolida, with a bit more extension in the upper frequencies,then things would be "right on" with the Jolida.
I do have some "VH Audio" power cords coming and i am hoping that will help me hear which way to go with these players.
I have heard that some GREAT tubes in the Jolida may help as well but i am really stuck on this cause each has there own sonic draw ya know.
They are so different but both sound so sweet in there own way.Didn't want to really keep both for financial reasons.
Any help or suggestions and or thoughts are much appreciated
THANKS!!
seekburk

Showing 1 response by rcj1231

rcj1231
62 posts
 
I was in a similar situation. I had purchased a CD-25 level-1 modified from underwood last april. Sounded good, but was looking for something else. I purchased a JD-100 level-1 player (used) in December. I could tell there was potential in it, but the tubes (12ax7 Valvos) were creating a distortion I wasn't liking. After consulting with some folks here on A-gon, I bought a pair of Sylvania 5751 gold brand 3 mica grey plates for $65. What a difference! Now the Jolida sounds great, just what I was looking for. This was the player to invest in. So I sent the Jolida back to parts connexion for the level-2 upgrade and LC Audio XO3 clock. Currently breaking it in again after the mod.

I would highly recommend getting some quality 5751 tubes. You'll probably pay around $100 for a good NOS matched pair. Look for Sylvania, GE, RCA, 3 mica black plates. Check Joe's Tube Lore for a good read on the different 5751 options. You will keep the huge soundstage, and get the range and bass punch of the Music Hall. Plus, you'll find the middle more musical. I have been hoarding tubes and have several pair of 5751s now. I intend to keep this CD player for a long time.

I still have the Music Hall CD-25 and intend to keep it for my second system. I still like its sound as well, just not as much as the Jolida. The Music Hall is more exact, analytical, solid-state.

Feel free to contact me if you need any more info.

Rick
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