2. digital
  3. 1230691326

Jolida JD100 Missing Bass

A little history, I was in the process of buying my father a 2 channel system. All my life he was very proud of his first hi fi system. Sansui receiver, Sansui Turntable, Acoustic Research AR3's. It has been gone for 25 years or more. I spent the better portion of this year buying a set of Usher V-604's, B&K Pro10-MC preamplifier, and a matching 2 channel amplifier. The next thing on the list was an entry level Denon Turntable. Unfortunately in October he got sick and was diagnosed with AML (Leukemia) on a Friday, and died the following Thursday. It was very sudden to say the least. I also never got to give him his Christmas present, so I am left with an aching desire to play with all of his old LP's.
This last Saturday I went to a local store and picked up a Denon DP-300F turntable. Right now I am using the cartridge it came with. I also wanted to see what all this vinyl chit chat was about. I only have one album that I own on both CD and on Vinyl. I decided to do my own quick A/B comparison between my Jolida JD100A and this Denon Turntable. I instantly noticed the treble on the turntable was very soft compared to the CD, but this might be a little to do with the way CD's are mastered, but I definitely see the need for a better cartridge. I am thinking about buying the Denon DL-160 for starters.
The next thing that I noticed was all the bass I get from the turntable. It was a bit shocking that I was missing that much from my CD Player. Since I have had this CD player I had gone out and bought a subwoofer to go with my Usher X-719 Monitors (which are known for their bottom end. Now, for the first time since I got this CD player, I turned the sub off. I didn't feel like I needed it anymore. I have read that the Jolida CD Player Mods can improve the bass a lot.

What's your opinion of Affordable Audio, Hot Rod, Underwood HiFi, and any others that do mods for these. Can you reccomend one of these from experience?

Will I see an improvement worth paying for?

Should I sell this CD Player and buy a Solid State Player?

Is their something else wrong with my CD Player (I think this is unlikely because it sounds so good otherwise)?

What do you think?
jdfelice
jay_w
7 posts
 
I know this post is a likely too late to help Jdfelice, but I couldn't help but notice that the question of raising the tonearm to adjust the base was not answered. It may be helpful to others to know what jig was referring to when he said raise the tonearm.
Jig was referring to the VTA or the vertical adjustment to the angle of the turntable tonearm. It is made by raising or lowering the hight of the tonearm at it's base. Most good arms have a way to make this adjustment so check your manual. VTA makes a huge difference. However, much of the adjustment is subjective. Starting with the arm level, you need to adjust till it sounds correct to your ears.
If you Google "tonearm VTA" or do a search right here on AudiogoN you will find plenty of articles on the subject.
So much for my two cents.
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
Pablo Honey is NOTORIOUS for crappy bass. Not engineered well. I have the CD and LP and have EXACLY the same impressions. I also have the same Jolida CDP. Though, my analogue rig is 20K plus in price...I have the same phenomenon occuring as YOU! Change tubes...I have been wanting to but just have never had the time yet. BUT, I enjoy the results as is from both systems.
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
Also, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sometimes I think that we really grow as "adults" when we ultimately experience the death of our parents. I think death is a must in order to appreciate what we have/had in our lives. Sometimes the experience comes too quick for some, to horrific for others. Being alive on this planet as a human being is a priviledge that comes with MANY stings attached. My best to your family.
More to discover