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modified jolida 100, mh cd-25, or audio aero prima

I am in the process of researching a new cd player for my system and see to many choices. My system consists of marantx sr8000 as a pre, mca 50 amp, paradigm 80's front, 40's rear, and cc. I listen to music/Ht 50/50. I would like a good red book cd player for my system. I see some very good reviews for both the modified Jolida and MH. I am also interested in the audio aero prima. My budget is in the 1k to 2K range. The modified players seem very reasonable. My location does not permit me to audition these players. Your experience and expertise would be appreciated.
89lotus
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,370 posts
 
I haven't tried the Jolida or Mh players, but I do own the Prima and the Capitole mk 2, as well as having owned quite a few other highly regarded players over the years. I would take the Audio Aero Prima over the Wadia 860x, ML 39, Meridian 508.24,or Resolution Audio CD 50. I have owned or had fist hand experience with all these players and I think the Prima beats them all, in fact I feel that it's performance is very close to the highly regarded as one of the best players period, Capitole Mk 2. The price difference between the Capitole 2 and the Prima is hardly justified. I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better player under 2k
distortion
571 posts
 
As far as the Jolida is concerned.

Which tubes would improve the highs the most without much sacrifice elsewhere?
nealhood
199 posts
 
Get the Jolida and you will have money to spend elsewhere. It is an outstanding player for the money (modified or not).
lant5
23 posts
 
I moved from a Theta transport/DAC combo to a Jolida a few months ago. No comparison, the Jolida is much smoother in the mids and high, more harmonic structure, space, better sense of rhythm, dynamics, detail. This is in a unit with only a tube updgrade. Triple mica 5751's work nicely, as do Amperex 12AX7's. The only downside is that the Phillips transport used by Jolida is a cheap plastic thing, but I find most transports now days this way.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I am very close ($$) to deciding/sending my Music Hall to Dan Wright for the Tube output mod (RAM mod). His mod is very interesting, 0 feedback tube output with no op-amps used. Not just a parts upgrade.

I am very happy with my CD25 currently, but I think the mod will really make the player sing. Do some digging to read about Dan's Truth Mod's, this will give you an idea.

Regards,

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