jolida vs. ASL

I have both an integrated Jolida 801 (mid-high power 6550/kt-88 pp) and a pair of mono-block ASL 1006DT (high power 6550/kt-88 pp) amps. The quality is equal between them. The Jolida has weird and hard to reach bias points and the ASL has an incredibly funky manual (though Joseph Lau has always been immediately helpful when emailed).

Both units are made in China with the ASL imported through Canada and the Jolida directly through a distributor in the USA.

I am very impressed with both amps. Trouble free, clear highs, controlled bass, and non-tubby tube mids. I would expect to change-out the stock tubes on either unit with better tubes. While I am using Tung-Sol 6550s in the ASLs with Tung-Sol drivers; I like EH 6550s with 5751s in the ASL (a much cheaper set-up than the Tung-Sols but a good match in the 801)

I would recommend either brand highly at or near their price points.

I have owned the little 15 watt/5 watt ASL Integrated, and currently own a Jolida 302B. I would agree with Zorpman that the quality level seems about equal between the two, perhaps with a slight nod to Jolida. The Jolida (which uses EL 34's) is a "richer", more powerful sounding unit for sure, but those Triangle's are pretty efficient and should easily be driven by even the smallest of ASL rigs. I would suggest listening to both with your intended speakers. Personally, I like the rich tone of the Jolida, and it would make a good match with the lively sound of the Triangles. Count on replacing the tubes with EITHER unit, just consider it part of the cost of the unit as the tubes that come with either are, well, er, "economical". Good luck!

ASL is generally regarded by many (me included) to be better built, higher caliber designs, esp. where it counts (transformers.) Agreed chinese tubes are nothing special (their 845 is ok though). Some really interesting amps in the ASL lineup, incl. the Tulip - an IT-coupled choke loaded (?) 2A3 amp which sounds better than it should for $1000 or whatever it costs. I've seen/used one Jolida, an older one (not sure how old) and the build quality was pretty much crap - hopefully they are better now.(?). ASL has a more varied lineup with a lot of unique amps, Jolida seems to have a more narrowly focused product mix.

-Ed

I own both. I have a 202, 302 and 502 Jolida's in various secondary systems. These are the older models and the build quality is only good. However, I believe that these units offer some of the best sound for value.

A few weeks ago I got the ASL AQ 1006 845 based SET monoblocks to replace the Jolida in my office. The build quality is excellent and the sound is SET beautiful. However, the ASL is way more expensive than my older Jolidas.

In every case I replaced the Chinese tubes.