Upgrade Tube Integrated or Buy Separate Pre-amp?

Very fair point on the speakers question. I am using Triangle Comete XS speakers on sand filled stands. I've had them for years and love them. They are easy to drive, very fast, and believe should be able to do what I want when paired with the right electronics.

I was told by several sources that these speakers match very well with EL34 based tube amps (part of why I bought the Jolida). They are a good match I believe...just not getting the goods on complex music.

Meskandar if you know someone who does a little soldering the mods are not difficult. Here is a link that shows what needs to be done. It's for a 302, the mod would be virtually the same. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=17354.0

If not see what a local tech would charge. I think Dave wrote the article a few years ago it was less than $120 in parts. More stuff could be added but it would get you most of the way there. You would probably be very happy.

Don't think about the preamp now. Just my advice. If you can have someone change the parts for you, it would be worth it. But if you need to send it in to have it done? You can also look for one that's modded to come up for sale.

The 302/502 are the same amps with different bias resistors. I have not looked at the 202 but I believe it is the same with different/smaller transformers? Good luck and as other said you won't know until you try.

I would suggest a different (and easy) test - try a different set of speakers. I like Triangle Comete speakers, but I doubt that anyone will describe them as bass slamming or ass kicking. They excel at exactly what you say they excel at: female voices and small instumental music.

Depending on your musical tastes, your room, your front end (analog or digital) and most importantly your ears; it's hard for any of us to conclusively advise you on how to proceed.

A new integrated amp - maybe. New speakers - maybe. Mod your Jolida - I would vote no. Any conversions will likely equal or exceed the value of the unit, and will severely lower the resale value. Better to replace, IMHO.

A person asks for help with some restrictions, and in our eagerness to provide that help, in keeping with those restrictions, we sometimes dance around the truth.

"clarity, ability to handle complex music/speed and bass"

Those represent the nuts and bolts of what makes music sound like music to me. And so far, in my experience, real gains in those areas, and not just little finesse moves, have been achieved at significant expense. Again, just my experience.

Unfortunately my line of thinking falls along with what Phaelon said. I'm looking for a significant change, anything else to me just wouldn't be worth the expense/bother. I can roll tubes, upgrade my front end (Music Hall cdp and computer audio through Music Steeamer+), etc...but what I am really after might have to wait until I have more means.

I am thinking something along the lines of a Cary or Rogue integrated is sure to best the Jolida in all areas. This will be a large expense for me, but probably where I am heading.