Moving Up from a Jolida JD9

I definitely recommend going used, that can put you another level up.

I have a modded JD-9 as well.  ODAM V-Caps, Burr-Brown OPA’s.  Not sure I want to get into the vinyl rabbit hole with the streaming quality improvements.  🤔 Thanks Sam for this interesting thread.

You’re welcome. I’m retired and on a fixed income now so I have to spend wisely. I probably won’t get into streaming and just improve on what I have. I have hundreds of lps and hundreds of cds to keep me happy and occupied and don’t have much interest in getting into something new. I've bought most of my gear used here or on other sites to get more bang for the bucks and I've been lucky so far.
I’m not unhappy with the JD9, it sounds very good for what it is. The caps, nos tubes, and discrete op amps helped quite a bit but it still just sounds like its lacking something. Probably I’ve just got that itch that needs scratching. lol

Used Manley Chinook can be had with your budget 

I've never heard the Chinook. Are they as good as folks say they are?