I was in the same position trying to decide between the Jolida 302b or Cayin
TA30 with no chance to listen to either one. I got the JD302b based on its
upgradeability and based on other people's experience with it. In your case if
you go with the Jolida I might consider the 302 stock version from
Underwood Hifi instead of the 202 and maybe upgrade later if you like to.
That also leaves some room for upgraded tubes. Partsconnexion has really
good recommendaions for tubes besides doing modifications to the Jolida
amps. Also I was fairly happy with the built quality which was appropriate for
the price and the balance control was a plus for me. Furthermore since the
Jolida is my first tube preamp I am very impressed on how quiet it is.
Another option to consider is the Prima Luna clone of the TA30 from Upscale
Audio which has auto biasing. This one got lots of good reviews in Europe
and the upgrades in the Prima Luna vs a stock TA30 seemed worthwile too.
Good luck.
Rene
TA30 with no chance to listen to either one. I got the JD302b based on its
upgradeability and based on other people's experience with it. In your case if
you go with the Jolida I might consider the 302 stock version from
Underwood Hifi instead of the 202 and maybe upgrade later if you like to.
That also leaves some room for upgraded tubes. Partsconnexion has really
good recommendaions for tubes besides doing modifications to the Jolida
amps. Also I was fairly happy with the built quality which was appropriate for
the price and the balance control was a plus for me. Furthermore since the
Jolida is my first tube preamp I am very impressed on how quiet it is.
Another option to consider is the Prima Luna clone of the TA30 from Upscale
Audio which has auto biasing. This one got lots of good reviews in Europe
and the upgrades in the Prima Luna vs a stock TA30 seemed worthwile too.
Good luck.
Rene