why are jolidas so cheap?

For another $500+/- you could check into the Mesa Tigris listed here for 1.1K.

Low end tubes provide no where near the sound of even mid range solid state. Tube are inherently troubled with high distortion, and it takes good design topology and high quality components to combat this phenominon.

Anthem makes wonderful, high quality but very reasonable tube gear. Personally I would look here instead of Jolida.

You should compare any tube integrated in your price range to the Bryston or Audio refinement - you may be suprised. Densen and Primare also make good integrated amps.

Just my opinon.

I have been selling Jolida amps for about five years and have found them to be an excellent value. The main reason they are priced lower than other tube amps is that they are made in China. They can be upgraded easily by replacing the Chinese output tubes with premium types like Groove tube.

capaudio

I have a Jolida 302A and with the replacement of the Chinese tubes there is absolutely nothing wrong with it for the price. True it is not the best but for your price range you won't find much better. It doesn't match my 300B with a 2C22 or 26 preamp.

Don't let the SS crowd discourage you. Tube sound has depth and sound stage rather than the monodimensional nerve wracking irritation of odd order distortion. The Jolida uses common tubes which are available in a variety of qualities.

Subdoofus,

Previous suggestions are very good. The Audio Refinement gear is great. Tubes are lovely and they are all correct in replacing the cheap Chinese tubes with better whether they be new or New Old Stock (NOS).

I've listened extensively to Antique Sound at CES and a couple of stores and find them to be the ultimate entry level tube gear. Also easily upgraded. They have superior iron (power transformer) to the Jolidas and that makes all the difference, especially with tubes. Good luck.