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Jolida Fusion DAC/transport: opinions or other DAC/transport alternatives?

Hi all,
I've been looking for a CD player with a little future proofing thrown in (in the way of digital inputs). I have many CDs that I'd like to keep for critical listening sessions, but would like to run a USB or toslink from my imac for access to my digital library for convenience sake.

The Jolida Fusion DAC/transport caught my interested but I can find nothing in the way of information or reviews (save for one). I like the tube idea, but it's not mandatory. I've used a couple of Shanling tubed CD players in the past with good success.

Other player/DACS I've researched but ruled out include the Cambridge Audio Azur 851C, (most seem to agree this is a very analytical sound, and not one I would enjoy), and the Rega Saturn R. The Marantz SA8005 looks good on paper, but again, I've heard it's sound can be a little analytical and sterile.

I'd welcome recommendations for other units in the $2k or less range that can handle optical or USB in.
Thanks!
yakbob
yakbob OP
466 posts
 
Thanks for the additional input runner. I think I would have been happy with the Jolida Fusion and did have some great coorespondance with one of their dealers. I will seek a demo of this unit in the near future to satisfy my "what if" curiosity.

For now, the Yamaha I purchased has landed and is singing along in my system. So far, I'm impressed, but cannot give a detailed review on the sound until my main amp comes back from repair. I'm getting by with a $150 craigslist "backup" amp which is muddy sounding and really bass heavy.

Operationally, the cd-s2100 is a beauty. Its nice to see a big name in the mid-fi/ home theater market get serious about audio again.


boband212's avatar
boband212
62 posts
 
The Jolida is a fine, well built, great sounding player. The Jolida FX DAC DSD is a great DAC. The discontinued CD player JD100A was great. And still sought after. But it was just a CD player. The digital inputs are great to have. 
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Once you use a CD player as a transport, the only thing that matters is jitter from it.  Like a previous poster said, any transport will do, including your current one.  This is true, PROVIDED that you use a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh. Here is the jitter from a typical transport before and after reclocking:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

runner
19 posts
 
I have had the Jolida Fusion for a couple of years now and have been very pleased. It has allowed me to ease into computer audio via using the Jolida as a DAC with my Apple laptop. I compared this unit with a $4000 cd player which will remain Naim (less) and the Joldia blew the other player away. This is in a system of Spectral electronics and Avalon Speakers.
boband212's avatar
boband212
62 posts
 
I am a dealer for Jolida / Black Ice Audio. For 12 years. Much of what is said here is not completely accurate. You would not want to use a high price DAC with a cheap CD player, or a DVD/CD player. I have sold several of these units. The customers were totally satisfied. The older JD100 CD player that was discontinued was extremely well received, and 10 year old players are now selling for nearly what those sold for new. Find Anderson Audio Gallery on FB. I will be happy to answer any questions about Jolida or Black Ice Audio gear. 
Bob Anderson
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