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Jolida Hybrid vs. NAD or Rotel

Hello all,
I recently posted a query with regards to Jolida tube integrateds and some very inefficient speakers. The general consensus was that if I want to use my old Smaller Advents (which I do - this being the whole reason I'm investing in a new integrated amp in the first place), I'd need something considerably more powerful than a Jolida 102b. The Jolida 1501a hybrid was recommended, and I'd been looking into it. There isn't a Jolida dealer in my area, however, and I'm a little nervous about trying something sight unseen (and unheard). I did visit a local audiophile shop over the weekend, and the owner, who was very knowledgable and friendly, recommended Rotel and NAD. I'd heard NAD products in the past and thought they was alright, but nothing earth-shattering; however, I think I'd be very happy with the unit he demo'd (C720BEE, I think). I was also impressed with the Rotel offerings I heard. He said that either would drive my Advents well. Anyone compared Jolida hybrids to comparably-prices SS, especially Rotel or NAD? Budget is $700-1000 or so.
matyas
richlane
167 posts
 
I've listened to all three of these companies offerings a few times each, however it was many years ago and in different systems.

It is my opinion that the Jolida Hybrid although not the most powerful was the most musical of the three that you're looking at. The vocals were sweet, and palpable with a you are there quality. They were driving a pair of Martin Logans SL3? and I walked away impressed.

I've listened to the Rotel with Sonus Faber Concerto Monitors and I thought they were a good match, I thought the Rotel was refined, dry, and polite, and never broke a sweat, the Sonus Faber was sweet and romantic, so another good match there.

I've listened to the NAD's with NHT and I wasn't a big fan. I thought they sounded a bit Hi-Fi'sh to me. Although it's been many years and perhaps they've improved.

Based on my listening experiences; I prefer the Jolida, then if more power is necessary the Rotel and my last choice would be NAD.

Sorry, I have no experience with Advent Speakers.

Rich
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jult52
155 posts
 
I just did a direct comparison of an NAD and Rotel integrated (a bit below your price range but not much) on low efficiency speakers and I think there is no question that the Rotel was significantly better. I believe the NAD's power was overrated with the Rotel (rated lower) delivering much more. I also think that the NAD sounds notably grainy with strings and voice. The Rotel's mid-range is several leaps ahead of the NAD (a C325 unit). Can't comment on the Jolida but I think the choice in SS is absolutely clear.
matyas OP
9 posts
 
Just as an update, I ended up buying the Rotel. After much consideration, I eventually decided against the Jolida because in the end, I preferred to buy from a local shop where I could hear the gear before buying. My first few ventures into local audiophile shops left a bad taste in my mouth - they pretty much assumed that anyone on a limited budget must be into home theater exclusively - but I did end up finding a local dealer I really liked, a very nice, knowledgeable guy who's been in business for a long time.
I brought my wife out to the shop today, and we listened to both the NAD C720BEE and the Rotel RA1520, using discs I brought. We both preferred the Rotel, so even though it was a little more of a stretch finanacially, we went for it. The NAD didn't sound bad, but the Rotel had better clarity, better detail - generally seemed to handle transients well. I'll post a review once I've had it awhile and broken it in a bit.
byegolly
140 posts
 
I owned a NAD 720BEE. I sold it last year. I now have a Jolida JD302 BRC (the latest model with factory upgrades and little gold logo on the faceplate) as well as a LFD Zero LE MkIII. Nice to have the option of SS or tube when the mood strikes you. My Jolida with a tube roll to RCA grayplates, Mullard's, and 6CA7's really sounds wonderful to my ears (and I've heard Prima Luna and Cary). Since you went with the Rotel may I suggest their RCD-1072 CDP as well? I have one. It's one of the genuine CDP bargains in HiFi at $425-$500. Rotel makes well-engineered, reliable gear that performs way beyond its price, and with Rotel reliability you can buy Rotel gear on the used market and save even more - something I would not do with many other brands (like my now-in-the-dumpster Sony ES CDP that stopped functioning in SACD mode just two months out of warranty.
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