I'm thinking about a Jolida system, and would like to know from those in the know!

My Jolida 502p amp was amazing. Sounded extremely well balanced tonally, and was a joy to roll tubes through, from NOS Mullards 12AT7s, Gold Lion 12AX7s, and various KT88s, KT120s (Lasted a very long time), KT150s, etc., and had a factory upgrade package that was relatively inexpensive at that time (5 or 6 years ago). When I researched tube amps at a certain price point really nothing compared…I only sold it as I now use a single ended amp with very efficient speakers. Note you can call the MD Jolida guys and ask about their stuff…highly recommended and beautifully made gear.

I owned a 302b integrated for a year or so back in 2002 powering Meadlowlark Kestrel 2s. It was my first journey into tube amps and I have since owned, enjoyed and sold Rogue Cronus and (2) CJ CAV50 amps. I now have Manley monoblocks and a Stingray integrated and am completely satisfied.

The 302b was very kind and gentle to my ears, and having been used to Bryston and Parasound electronics before owning this amp, I was used to much more dynamics and high frequency extension. I guess, in the end, I sold it only because I wanted more oomph for rock, though I have to say, for late night listening to jazz and classical, it was VERY sweet and forgiving to a tired mind and ears.

It’s good amp and was reliable while I had it. Just wish it had more jump factor that the Rogue and CJs certainly had.

eag618,

Good morning all from the Whaling capitol of the world!

I am on the verge of either the Rogue Cronus Magnum II or a Joilda 3502S and their phono pre.

Comments please, especially about the sound, stability, build quality, service and anything else you can tell me, taking the dive from SS into tubes!

Thanks.

I have their JD-801BRC Integrated Amp.  This was my first tube experience and I have been very happy with this amp for about 8 years already. I have never even replaced the tubes.

It has fixed & variable outputs to drive 2 subwoofers if you want more bass when using bookshelf speakers.  I don't even use them, I get enough bass already without the subwoofers. I got it for under $1.5K and that was very hard to beat about 8 years ago.  

Also one very important thing is to talk to the Jolida guys, they can upgrade your unit to tailor the sound to your own taste. Their recommendations make a lots of sense without expending thousands of dollars for nothing. 

I love dynamics and a more controlled bottom also from a SS amp, and I've been looking for a good SS amp but after I got used to listing to tubes it is very hard to find a SS amp that does not sound thin, sterile, edgy and harsh.  I already auditioned in my room the Rotel RB-1590 350 watts and the Parasound A21 250 watts and was not impressed at all. 

I may get the new Jolida Fusion 801 which looks good and has more options than my 801.

I just ordered the KT88 tubes and the rest of the tubes with the Preferred series to start the rolling of tubes. 

Early on they had a reputation for being unreliable, but that seems to have been remedied for some time now.

I've had my 502 P power amp for over four years now.  Completely trouble free powering my Magneplanar 1.7's.  I also have a very high power SS Conrad Johnson amp available but  I find I much prefer the Jolida (with KT 150 power tubes).  A nice solid 3D presentation I find myself listening for hours on end absolutely no fatigue factor. 

The Jolida folks were very accessible and answered questions promptly.  I ended up getting the power amp version with improved components but it was only a few bucks more than the regular one.  For the money hard to beat.  I did listen to a Rogue Cronus but I found it oddly to have a sort of SS sound.  The Jolida has the a more "classical" tube sound that I find I enjoy more.