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Newbie question concerning connections

Hello All,

I am not very knowledgeable on the subject of audio gear and have a question concerning connection of my CD player to my receiver.

I have a Jolida JD-100 CD player which has a tube output stage.  I swapped the stock tubes for a pair of GE triple mica black plate tubes which I purchased used.  I think it was a slight but noticeable improvement.  I currently have it connected to my Anthem MRX-310 receiver via the analog output.  If I understand correctly, this way the D/A conversion is handled by the chip set in the Jolida and is passed through the receiver with little processing.  The Jolida also has the option of digital output. 

If I use the digital output, then the D/A conversion would be handled by the receiver, ( correct me if I am wrong here ) and any benefit if the tube upgrade would be lost.  The receiver is a newer unit compared the CD player so I am wondering which would do the better job of processing the signal from digital to analog. 

I know I can try the switch and let my ears decide but I also know there are a lot of very knowledgeable people on this forum.

Which do you think would be the better way to make the connection and why?  All opinions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance........John. 
johnmark101
bcowen
68 posts
 
@ johnmark101

You are correct about where the D/A conversion process takes place depending on the connection.  However, as it's unlikely anyone has the exact same components and system, any advice on which sounds better would be nothing more than conjecture and therefore unreliable.  Try it yourself and determine which sounds better to you.  You can use one of your analog interconnects for the digital connection if you don't have a digital cable.  Won't be optimum if it's not a 75-ohm impedance, but it will give you an idea if there is a difference worth exploring, at which point you can pick up an inexpensive digital cable to explore further (most cables labeled for video are 75 ohm or close, but always check).
mb1audio02
188 posts
 
I have to agree with johnmark101. Choosing between the 2 is a very personal choice. We all like different things. That said, I'll give you some info that may help.

People buy the Jolida because of the dac. There's not that many tube dacs/cd players on the market, and some audiophiles won't settle for anything that doesn't use tubes. With regards to the dac in your receiver, they have a reputation for being the lowest quality dac you can get.   
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
The analogue stage in a DAC or CDP is very important. The DAC chip is only part of the circuit.

"With regards to the dac in your receiver, they have a reputation for being the lowest quality dac you can get."

I agree unless you are at the high-end, high price.
Take advantage of the tube analogue stage in the Jolida. I owned a JD-100 and liked the sonics when using NOS tubes. As for not hearing much difference between stock and GE triple mica’s, it’s possible these tubes are not up to spec or your system is not revealing enough to hear the difference. IME, you should hear a difference over the stock Chinese tubes.
Only buy NOS tubes from a reliable dealer.
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