2. amps-preamps
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Need advice for my Jolida 302BRC


Hi all,

I want to get the most bang for my back with some modifications for my Jolida 302b. Should I:

(a) replace the stock tubes
or
(b) do one of the many upgrades available (factor, UnderwoodHiFi, etc)

I've been quite happy with the amp. What I would like to get out of the upgrade is more pronounced base, and I guess a little better defined soundstage.

Any ideas would be VERY, VERY appreciated.

Thanks -- Marty
martyw
jihley
74 posts
 
I had one of these and it sounded great. Here is what I did: I got more bang for my buck by upgrading the stock 12AX7's and the 12AT7 (I think)tubes with amperex or mullards first. Then I upgraded the stock power tubes (El34's) with Mullard reissues (bigger soundstage but the reissues had reliability issues so I was using the stock powertubes while looking for a deal or real Mullards when I was forced to sell the amp. I used this amp with Spendor small floorstanding speakers and I found it very enjoyable and non-fatiguing to listen to.
hanaleimike
125 posts
 
Hi Marty, I have the Jolida 502brc. Based on my experience, I would replace the tubes, and make sure you have adequate power, ie. decent power cord, no issues with electrical system. I just added four dedicated circuits, and while doing so we noticed that the neutral return going to the pole had frayed with only a few strands intact. I don't know if it was the neutral, the dedicated circuits or the whole panel update, but wow, what a difference. I am nervous about the mods myself. If you try new tubes and don't like them, you can always put the old ones back in.

Mike
martyw OP
68 posts
 

Thanks all for the advice. I decided just to upgrade the tubes for now. I bought
EH6CA7, RFT 12AT7, and RFT 12AT7. I am really looking forward to hearing how they sound compared to the stock tubes.

Re: upgrades -- the only thing I did so far was put in a better power cord. Power supply in the house is ok. Still need to rewire the house for three prong outlets so I am still using a dinky converter from Rite-aid for the plug.

One of these days I may do one of the more expensive mods but for now, figured I would rather swap tubes ($150) rather than a mod that would run up to $600. Maybe in a couple of years.
byegolly
140 posts
 
The latest JD302BRC comes stock from Jolida with the upgrades many owners of older 302's are paying extra for. If I were buying a 302 today, I'd get the JD302BRC. The word from Jolida is that the price of the JD302BRC will be rising soon. If you want to beat the price increase..(0:
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