2. amps-preamps
  3. 1139319335

Newbie wants tube recommendations

I have always had some form of a stereo since I was a kid. About 5 years ago I started a home theater system with an Onkyo HT receiver and some Polk book shelf speakers. I then bought some Axiom speakers. I then got a Parasound HT amp. The Parasound amp is rated at 220w at 8 ohms and 300w at 4 ohms. I am still using the Onkyo as a pre/pro.

Well about 2 weeks ago, I bought a pair of Legacy Audio Classics. The classics sound way better than the Axioms ever could. Now I kind of have the bug for trying some tubes. Never have and just wanted to see if I like the sound. I am looking for recommendations for something that doesn't break the bank, but gives me a feel for tubes. Any suggestions?
gssrjpc

Showing 3 responses by restock

restock
831 posts
 
The Jolida 302b is a great tube amp for a start...solid sound and inexpensive.

Enjoy!
restock
831 posts
 
Mapleleafs3, have you actually listened to one of those "China mid fi" products? They are surprisingly good. I agree that a used Rogue, Quicksilver, Cary, AES etc. might have been a better investment in the long term for not much more. Just categorizing the Jolida as mid-fi due to its heritage is not quite fair, though. I prefered my 302b to the Unison Unico, a Linn Wakonda/LK85 combo, and to an Audio Aero integrated. The Jolida has lots of potential; in particular, if tubes are upgraded to NOS or at least better current production tubes.

Jolida used to have reliability problems in the past. i.e. pre 2002, but I have not heard of any problems during the last couple of years.

Enjoy!

Rene
restock
831 posts
 
Mapleleafs3, glad to hear you are not prejudging equipment and I am sorry I assumed wrong. My guess is that at the dealer, where you listened, they were using the stock tubes which are much less than stellar. A very basic upgrade of the preamp and power tubes to just better current production tubes makes a world of difference. As for:

[qote]It (the Jolida) is an ok product and is very good to upper Mid-Fi. Its not in the same class as CJ,Rouge,Audio Aero, Unison.[/quote]

I owned the Jolida for 15 months (until I upgraded to SET) and owned the Unison Unico integrated for 3 months at the same time and compared both. Built wise the Jolida feels like midfi, but soundwise the Unico is not even close to the Jolida: The Unico sounded veiled, lifeless, with fatiguing highs. I rolled tubes in both and the Jolida (WITH UPGRADED TUBES) is way better. I really wanted to like the Unico (remote!) but it was not even close.

The Audio Aero Prima MK1 integrated was much better than the Unico and similar to the Jolida, better bass, but not quite the midrange of the Jolida.

I can't compare to Rogue, but the Cronos is three times the price new, so that I would expect much more of course. Also, the Rogue amps come with much better stock tubes right out of the factory.

Anyway, just some minor differences in opinion here, but as VINYLROW mentioned the Jolida is a great starter product, and much better than a Unico in my opinion.

Just my 2c (once more),

Rene
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